How much food do you think you can eat in one sitting? These eating challenges at Iowa restaurants will put you to the test! Check out some of the insane food challenges you can attempt across the Hawkeye State:

The Emmenecker Challenge, Jethro's BBQ

  • Available at all 8 Jethro's locations in Iowa
  • Competitor has 15 minutes to finish a 4-pound cheddar cheeseburger topped with bacon, brisket, fried cheese, buffalo chicken tenders, a pork tenderloin, white cheddar cheese sauce, and a spicy pickle, plus 1-pound of waffle fries
  • Cost is $35.95
  • Winners receive their challenge for free, a t-shirt, and a spot on the Wall of Fame
Jethro's BBQ via Facebook
Jethro's BBQ via Facebook
Jethro's BBQ via Facebook

The Belly Buster Challenge, B-Bop's

  • Available ONLY at the B-Bop's location at 251 NE Cypress Dr in Grimes on Mondays & Tuesdays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
  • Competitor has 30 minutes to finish:
    • 4 double bacon cheeseburgers (with all the toppings)
    • 2 large fries
    • A large chocolate shake
    • A large soft drink
    • A 2-ounce shot of ranch dressing (must be done LAST)
  • Cost is $50
  • Winners receive their challenge for free, a t-shirt, a gift card, and a post on B-Bop's social media accounts
  • Must sign up at least 48 hours in advance HERE
B-Bop's via Facebook
B-Bop's via Facebook
B-Bop's via Facebook

Pulled Pork Nacho Challenge, Front Street Pub & Eatery

  • Available at Front Street Pub & Eatery - 208 E River Dr, Davenport
  • Competitor has 30 minutes to finish 1-pound of homemade tortilla chips topped with 2-pounds of pulled pork, nacho cheese, lime sour cream sauce, roasted corn, jalapenos, and pico de gallo
  • Cost is $38
  • Winners gets their challenge for free, a photo of the Wall of Fame, and a t-shirt - losers get a photo on the Wall of Shame
Front Street Pub & Eatery via Facebook
Front Street Pub & Eatery via Facebook
Front Street Pub & Eatery via Facebook

Jeff's 30" Pizza Challenge, Jeff's Pizza Shop

  • Available at Jeff's Pizza Shop - 2402 Lincoln Way, Ames
  • 2 competitors have 1 hour to finish a 30" pizza
  • Cost is $50
  • Winners get their challenge for free, $100, and a photo on the Wall of Champions
Jeff's Pizza Shop via Facebook
Jeff's Pizza Shop via Facebook
Jeff's Pizza Shop via Facebook

Boss Hog Challenge, Boss' Pizza and Chicken

  • Available at both Iowa Boss' Pizza and Chicken locations:
    • 1405 Hwy 71 N, Okoboji
    • 5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale
  • 2 competitors have 1 hour to finish a 28-inch pizza with 3 toppings (2 must be meat) - no vomiting, bathroom breaks, or leaving the table
  • Cost is around $75
  • Winners get their challenge for free, $200 in gift certificates, and a photo on the Wall of Fame
  • Requires 2 hours advance notice
Boss' Pizza and Chicken - Urbandale, IA via Facebook
Boss' Pizza and Chicken - Urbandale, IA via Facebook
Boss' Pizza and Chicken - Urbandale, IA via Facebook

Tootsie’s Takedown Challenge, Tootsie's Ice Cream & More

  • Available at both Tootsie's Ice Cream & More locations:
    • 210 North K Avenue, Vinton
    • 401 Commercial St, La Porte City
  • Competitors have 5 minutes to finish a Tootsie Burger (half-pound burger with 3 onion rings and American & swiss cheese) and a Tootsie Takedown (2 chocolate chip cookies, 32 oz of ice cream, caramel, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, sprinkles, and Tootsie Rolls)
  • Cost is around $15
  • Winners get their challenge for free, a photo on the Wall of Fame, and a t-shirt
Tootsies Ice Cream and More via Facebook
Tootsies Ice Cream and More via Facebook
Tootsies Ice Cream and More via Facebook
Tootsies Ice Cream and More via Facebook
Tootsies Ice Cream and More via Facebook
Tootsies Ice Cream and More via Facebook

The Heater Challenge, 5th Quarter Bar & Grill

  • Available at 5th Quarter Bar & Grill - 420 Mill St, Van Meter
  • Competitor has 30 minutes to finish a sandwich served on Texas toast and topped with 2 burger patties, 2 fried pork tenderloins, grilled onions, jalapenos, mango habanero sauce, hot sauce, and pepper jack cheese, as well as 1-pound of fries
  • Cost is $39.95
  • Winners gets their challenge for free, a t-shirt, and a photo of the Wall of Fame - loser gets a photo on the Wall of Shame
5th Quarter Bar & Grill via Facebook
5th Quarter Bar & Grill via Facebook
5th Quarter Bar & Grill via Facebook

Belly Buster Top Sirloin Challenge, Rube's Steakhouse

  • Available at both Rube's Steakhouse locations - Montour and Waukee
  • Competitor must finish a 3-pound USDA Prime Top Sirloin in one sitting (no time limit)
  • Cost is $79
  • Winners receive a t-shirt, one free drink a month for a year, and a photo on the Belly Buster Club Wall of Fame
Rube's Steakhouse Montour via Facebook
Rube's Steakhouse Montour via Facebook
Rube's Steakhouse Montour via Facebook

Chicago Dog Challenge, Brick & Ivy Rooftop

  • Available at Brick & Ivy Rooftop - 400 34th Ave, Altoona
  • Competitor must finish 8 Chicago Dogs in one sitting
  • Cost is $30
  • Winners gets their challenge for free and a t-shirt - break one of the top 3 time records and you'll be added to the Wall of Fame


Heart Attack Challenge, Dr. Getwell's

  • Available at Dr. Getwell's - 1100 Main St, Keokuk
  • Competitors have 20 minutes to finish 2-pounds of ground beef, 1-pound of BBQ pulled pork, 4 slices of cheese, 4 buns, and 1-pound of fries
  • Cost is $39.95
  • Winners get their challenge for free and a t-shirt
Dr. Getwell's via Facebook
Dr. Getwell's via Facebook
Dr. Getwell's via Facebook

Belly Buster Challenge, Bud's Cafe

  • Available at Bud's Cafe - 123 North 6th street, Estherville
  • Competitors have 1 hour to finish a 12-egg omelette filled with 1-pound of sausage, 1-pound of bacon, 1-pound of ham, and 1-pound of cheese, plus 3 slices of Texas toast and 1-pound of hashbrowns
  • Cost is $59.99
  • Winners get a t-shirt and a photo on the Wall of Fame

Big John Challenge, J&A Tap

  • Available at J&A Tap - 440 N Dubuque St, North Liberty
  • Competitor has 30 minutes to finish 4 half-pound burger patties stacked with buns and a piece of Texas toast in the middle, topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, plus 1.5-pounds of Hot Tots with a side of ranch - you must also keep the food down for an additional half-hour
  • Cost is $35
  • Winners get their challenge for free and a t-shirt
JA Tap via Facebook
JA Tap via Facebook
JA Tap via Facebook

Amanda's Big Breakfast Challenge, J&A Tap

  • Available at J&A Tap - 440 N Dubuque St, North Liberty
  • Competitor has 30 minutes to finish a large Meatlovers Omelette, smothered hashbrowns, a full stack of pancakes, a half-order of biscuits & gravy, and a side of toast - you must also keep the food down for an additional half-hour
  • Cost is $30
  • Winners get their challenge for free and a free meal card for a future visit
JA Tap via Facebook
JA Tap via Facebook
JA Tap via Facebook
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READ MORE: A South Dakota Woman Just Completed Iowa’s ‘Emmenecker Challenge’ — Can You?

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