We challenge you to tackle the city’s greatest culinary trials this month—though participating is not for the faint of heart. From impressive piles of wings to endless scoops of ice cream, each challenge promises a taste of victory for those bold enough to take them on. In no particular order, here are six of Omaha’s favorite food challenges—see if you can claim your spot on the Wall of Fame. Good luck!
Stella’s Bar & Grill’s “Stellanator” Burger Challenge
106 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, NE 68005 | stellasbarandgrill.com
Stella’s Bar & Grill has reigned as a burger haven since 1936, and their formidable “Stellanator” challenge is no joke. Within 45 minutes, participants must face a towering monstrosity of six patties, six fried eggs, six slices of cheese, 12 strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, pickles, jalapeños, and even peanut butter, all crammed between buns with a side of fries. Winners earn a coveted “I Crushed the Stellanator” shirt, a spot on the Wall of Fame, and their Stellanator is free. Failure incurs a $35 fee and a place on the adjacent Wall of Shame—and probably a stomachache.
Frank’s Pizzeria 30-inch “Big Joe” Team Pizza Challenge
711 N 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154 | frankspizzeriaomaha.com
Frank’s Pizzeria beckons pizza enthusiasts to take on the “Big Joe” Challenge. With a choice of meat, supreme, or veggie toppings, this 12-pound, 30-inch behemoth tests the mettle of you and a friend within a one-hour time limit. Victorious duos get their meal on the house, a T-shirt or hoodie, a spot on the Wall of Fame, and social media bragging rights. However, defeated contenders pay full price and endure the ignominy of their failure, immortalized on social media for all to see.
eCreamery’s “Dundee Dozen” Ice Cream Challenge
5001 Underwood Ave, Omaha, NE 68132| ecreamery.com
Take on the ultimate ice cream challenge at eCreamery with the “Dundee Dozen:” 12 scoops, 12 toppings, 20 minutes—and it must be conquered solo. Finish within the time limit for a spot on the Wall of Fame and a victory tee. With warm or cold water to aid, your toppings are your choice. While the wall features 112 photos, several are honorary wins by children who have taken on the challenge through team effort. Approximately one in six triumphs in this cold, sweet feat.
Vietnamese Restaurant La Vista’s “XXL Pho King Challenge”
8013 S 83rd Ave, La Vista, NE 68128 | vietnameserestaurantlavista.com
Indulge in the ultimate pho conquest at Vietnamese Restaurant La Vista with the XXL Pho King Challenge. Devour a massive bowl of pho with your choice of protein, weighing almost seven pounds including broth and noodles. Finish the entire bowl within 45 minutes to claim victory in this challenge meal priced at $24.95. Winners earn a $20 gift certificate, a “What the Pho” t-shirt, and a coveted spot on the Pho King Wall of Fame.
Starsky’s Bar and Grill’s “Pig Wing Challenge”
7812 F St, Omaha, NE 68127 | starskysgrill.us
Take on the legendary “Pig Wing Challenge” at Starsky’s Bar and Grill: five pounds of smoked pork “pig wings,” made of smoked pork on a mini bone, and three pounds of corn nuggets, all within one hour. It’s an epic feat of eight pounds of food. Winners receive a Starsky’s tee, their picture on the Wall of Fame, and a complimentary meal. Few conquer this challenge, but those who accomplish it enjoy a free feast worth $72.95—if they can handle it.
Bailey’s Breakfast & Lunch’s “Porkasaurus Challenge”
1259 S 120th St, Omaha, NE 68144 | baileysbreakfast.com
Bailey’s Breakfast & Lunch presents the colossal “Porkasaurus,” a breakfast behemoth featured on the Food Network’s “Man Vs. Food” in 2019. It’s piled high with various pork delicacies—bacon, sausage patties, links, country sausage, Canadian bacon, ham steak, and Andouille sausage—all nestled atop red potatoes and cheese. Crowned with three eggs, biscuits, toast, and sausage gravy, this feast can be tackled solo for $22 or shared for $31. Winners score a free “I Tamed the Porkasaurus” tee and Wall of Fame recognition.
This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
