Challenge Accepted: Rhody’s Games of Gastronomic Gusto

Put your tummy to the test this summer by checking off each of these foodie feats! Every bucket list should include at least one of these epic challenges, but if you really want to go for the gold, try all four! After all, it was Theodore Roosevelt who said that one who strives “at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and… at the worst, if he fails, at least fails by daring greatly…” We aren’t sure if he was referring to food challenges specifically, but we imagine he was. 

Wally’s Wieners

The new kid on the block in Newport, named for owners Brad and Morgan Head’s adorbs goldendoodle pup, may have the craziest challenge on Aquidneck Island! To take on the Wally Challenge, you must (without the help of your friends) nom an order of Thames Street Fries, a Quadruple Wynter Burger with a Grilled Cheese Bun, two Wally Wieners, one Nashville Hot Barkin’ Bun, AND one Chocolate Milkshake – all in fifteen minutes or less. Not in the mood to pig out? Their Wedge Salad is a surprisingly fresh take on the classic steakhouse app with crisp iceberg lettuce and juicy bacon bits, and Wally’s is also home to THE BEST ONION RINGS I HAVE EVER HAD. No joke. Run, don’t walk!

464 Thames Street, Newport

Nacho Mamma’s

Give your tastebuds a south of the border vacay and head to Nacho Mamma’s in Bristol to take on the epic Burrito Challenge. Featuring five pounds (!!!) of your choice of flavorful marinated pork, juicy grilled chicken or spice-rubbed beef, plus rice, beans, veggies, lettuce and cheese wrapped in three tortilla shells, it is truly a sight to behold. This challenge is not easily conquered, but if you are victorious, you get your name on the “winner’s wall,” a trophy and bragging rights for years to come!

76 State Street, Bristol

The Hungry Monkey

Brunch is not immune to feats of culinary insanity, and to start your day right, head to The Hungry Monkey in Newport’s funky Broadway neighborhood. Sure, the menu is chock-full of morning faves like Insta-perfect avocado toast and stacks of fresh off the griddle chocolate chip pancakes, but if you really want to test your stomach’s strength, take on the King Kong Challenge – Hungry Monkey’s massive 15-egg omelet stuffed to the gills with cheeses, meats, veggies and more, devoured in one hour or less. If you win (and it’s highly unlikely, as 521 have tried and only 9 – including “Man vs. Food”’s Adam Richman – have succeeded), you get the omelet for free, shoutouts on their social media Winner’s Circle and yes… a t-shirt.

124 Broadway, Newport

Newport Creamery

We saved the granddaddy of RI eating challenges for last, and nothing is more iconic than the Awful Awful Milkshake Challenge at the Newport Creamery. Since the 1950’s, this Rhody rite of passage has consisted of consuming three 24-ounce Awful Awful shakes in one sitting. Even though the prize is the fourth shake for free, you do get to choose the flavor, and if we’re going for true RI vintage vibes, the coffee milk is a must.

Various Locations, RI & Southeastern MA