The Ultimate List Of Nebraska Food Challenges

Hope you’re wearing your stretchy pants. Nebraska is home to several gut-busting food challenges. Here are a few of the remarkable dishes you can order at Nebraska restaurants and attempt to finish for fame and glory (and maybe a T-shirt).

Before you try a food challenge

It’s a good idea to check with the restaurant before you plan your challenge. Some restaurants, like Frank’s Pizzeria in Omaha, won’t do the challenge on their busiest days (Friday and Saturday nights) because the Big Joe takes up the most of the oven.

Other places only do the challenge on select days. Javi’s Taco in Omaha sets a food challenge on one day and asks food warriors to register in advance so there’s enough food.

Nebraska food challenges

1. Big Joe

Where: Frank’s Pizzeria, 711 N. 132nd St., Omaha, Neb.

The Challenge: If you love New York-style pizza, you’ll love Frank’s Pizzeria. And if you want to put your love to the test, try the Big Joe. It’s a 30-inch pizza with your choice of meat, supreme or veggie.

No matter the topping choice, it always weighs in at 12 pounds.

The challenge is for two people and the time limit is one hour. Because the Big Joe takes up almost the entire oven, the pizzeria doesn’t allow Big Joe Challenges on Friday or Saturday evenings.

Successful contestants receive their Big Joe Pizza ($79.99 value) and drinks for free, T-shirt or hoodie, a spot on the Hall of Fame, and bragging rights with their photo on our social media.

Losers have to pay full price for their meal and must accept the shame of failure. according to Frank’s Pizzeria, and they’ll post it social media.

2. Burrito Challenge

Where: Javi’s Tacos, 17676 Welch Plaza, suite 9, Omaha, Neb.

The Challenge: Javi’s Tacos has been known to issue a challenge or two. The first one they did was a 10-pound burrito challenge in January 2021. No one was able to finish it in the 30-minute time limit.

The other challenge they’ve done so far was 38 for 38, so 38 tacos in 38 minutes to celebrate Javi’s 38th birthday.

These challenges aren’t a daily offering, so follow them on social media to see when the next one is.

3. Dundee Dozen

Where: eCreamery, 5001 Underwood Ave., Omaha, Neb.

The Challenge: This is one cold, sweet challenge. To tackle eCreamery’s Dundee Dozen, you need to eat 12 scoops of ice cream with 12 toppings in under 20 minutes.

It can be done. There’s a Wall of Fame with photos to prove it.

4. Pierce Pounder

Where: J’s Place, 323 E. Main St., Pierce, Neb.

The Challenge: The Pierce Pounder is 2 1/2 pounds of ice cream sundae with four brownies/cookies, over a quart of ice cream, at least three toppings, sprinkles, and a cherry.

5. Pizza Primo

Where: Piezano’s, 2740 S. St., Lincoln, Neb.

The Challenge: Piezano’s has been serving pizza to Lincoln residents since 1982. They have a gigantic challenge for you, if you’re up for it. The Pizza Primo has 22 toppings, making it weigh in at 12 pounds.

6. Porkasaurus

Where: Bailey’s Breakfast and Lunch, 1259 S. 120th St., Omaha, Neb.

The Challenge: This breakfast at Bailey’s is so massive, it was featured on the Food Network’s “Man Vs. Food.”

The Porkasaurus is loaded with pork, obviously: Bacon, sausage patties, sausage links, country sausage, Canadian bacon, ham steak and Andouille sausage. All of sits on top of red potatoes with jack and cheddar cheeses. And on top of all that, there are three eggs (any style), biscuits, and your choice of toast. Plus gravy.

You can attempt to tackle it yourself for $19.99, or share it with others for $28.99.

7. Round The Bend Cut

Where: Round the Bend Steakhouse, 30801 E. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.

The Challenge: The Round The Bend Steakhouse is well-known for its quirky festival, the Testicle Festival. Luckily, their challenge is not related to said festival.

Instead, their challenge is the Round The Bend Cut, a 32-oz prime rib. The two-pounder also comes with your choice of two sides (so choose wisely).

If you’re feeling up for the challenge, know that prime rib is only available at the steakhouse on Fridays after 4 p.m. and all day Saturday.

8. Stellanator

Where: Stella’s Bar & Grill, 106 Galvin Road S, Bellevue, Neb.

The Challenge: Stella’s has been serving burgers since 1926, and this particular burger of theirs is no joke.

You have 45 minutes to eat the Stellanator, consisting of six burger patties, six fried eggs, six slices of cheese, 12 strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, pickles, jalapeños, peanut butter, bun, and an order of fries. Of course.

If you win, you’ll get a T-shirt and a photo on the Wall of Fame. Plus, your Stellantor is free. If you fail, you pay $35 for that big boy and your picture is added to the Wall of Shame.

9. Super Kong

Where: King Kong’s, three locations in Omaha (4409 Dodge St., 5250 S. 72nd St., and 3362 S. 13th St.) and one in Lincoln (6800 Wildcat Drive)

The Challenge: There is no fan fare if you order the Super Kong. But no doubt about it, this two-pound burger is massive. All King Kong burgers come topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles on a sesame seed bun. 

10. Wing Challenge

Where: Starsky’s Bar & Grill, 7812 F St., Omaha, Neb.

The Challenge: The Wing Challenge at Starsky’s consists of 8 pounds of food: You have to eat 5 pounds of pig wings with a 3-pound side of corn nuggets.