10 Louisiana Food Challenges That Only The Brave Attempt
Louisiana is famous for its bold flavors and hearty portions, but some Cajun eateries take things to extreme levels. Across the Bayou State, restaurants have created monstrous food challenges that test both appetite and courage.
From mountains of seafood to fiery spice levels that might make you cry, these gut-busting challenges separate the casual diners from the competitive eaters.
1. Swallowing Shells at Acme Oyster House
Raw oyster enthusiasts, listen up! The legendary “15 Dozen Club” awaits those brave enough to slurp down 180 raw oysters in just 60 minutes.
No sauce or crackers will save you from this slippery marathon. While the meal isn’t typically comped, winners earn serious bragging rights, some swag, and their name immortalized in oyster history.
My cousin Jimmy attempted this after three beers and couldn’t look at seafood for months afterward.
2. Conquering the Datzilla at Dat Dog
Imagine a hot dog creation that requires its own zip code. The Datzilla challenge features multiple sausages (hot, crawfish, and alligator) buried under an avalanche of fries and toppings, plus two pints of beer.
Participants have just 20 minutes to demolish this 5-pound monster and keep it down. Winners walk away with a free meal, a t-shirt, and the distinctive waddle of someone who just ate their body weight in processed meat.
3. Facing the Flames at Bayou Hot Wings
The Bayou Beast challenge isn’t about quantity – it’s pure pain in wing form. Contestants must devour 10 wings coated in a sauce that should probably require a hazmat warning in just 5 minutes.
These wings are so hot they’ve made grown adults weep openly. The restaurant proudly displays its “Wall of Flame,” featuring the few champions who conquered the beast.
I watched my brother-in-law attempt this last summer. His face turned the color of a fire truck, and he didn’t stop hiccupping for three hours.
4. Barbecue Mountain at TJ Ribs
The “Legend” BBQ Platter isn’t just a meal but a meat monument. This 7-pound feast includes a full rack of St. Louis ribs, Fulton Street ribs, half a BBQ chicken, brisket, sausage links, wings, and sides.
With no formal time limit beyond finishing in one sitting, this challenge tests endurance rather than speed. If you finish it, it’s free; otherwise, it’s $119.95.
5. Burning Through Pluckers’ Wall of Flame
Pluckers Wing Bar doesn’t mess around with their spice challenge. The “Wall of Flame” requires brave souls to consume 15 “Fire in the Hole” wings in just 15 minutes.
These wings aren’t just hot – they’re diabolical. Your lips will tingle, your eyes will water, and your dignity might vanish entirely.
Last year, during football season, I watched a table of frat boys attempt this challenge together. Only one finished, and he spent the rest of the game with his head under the bathroom faucet.
6. Tackling the Tower at Bobby Hebert’s
The Cannon Burger Challenge is a towering testament to excess. Seven 7-ounce patties stacked with cheese, toppings, and fried shrimp create a burger that’s taller than some toddlers.
Contestants have 30 minutes to defeat this beefy behemoth. The $50 entry fee seems steep until you realize you’re basically eating an entire cow.
Winners earn their money back and a spot in the restaurant’s Hall of Fame.
7. Hellish Heat in Izumi’s Devil Bowl
Forget chicken soup for the soul because the Devil Bowl at Izumi Ramen might just send your soul packing. This extra-spicy ramen contains multiple pepper varieties that create a broth so fiery you’ll need to sign a waiver.
The massive bowl combines traditional Japanese techniques with heat levels that would make Satan sweat. Successful challengers earn a free meal, a t-shirt, and temporary numbness in their mouth region.
8. Battling the Goliath at Dodson Roadside
In the tiny town of Dodson sits a burger of biblical proportions. The Goliath Burger features a 3-pound patty crowned with 2 pounds of toppings, accompanied by large fries and a milkshake.
Contestants have 60 minutes to slay this beast. Winners don’t get a free meal, but they do earn a t-shirt and placement on the “Wall of David” – named for those who conquered their Goliath.
9. Pizza-Burger Paradox at Dean-O’s
Can’t decide between pizza and burgers? At Dean-O’s, you don’t have to choose; you just have to survive. Their Pizza Burger Challenge combines two comfort foods into one monstrous creation that defies both logic and jaw capacity.
Lafayette locals speak of this challenge in hushed tones. The exact specifications change occasionally, but the difficulty remains constant. Winners receive their meal free plus swag for their troubles.
10. Lunacy on a Bun at Locals Bar & Kitchen
The “Lunatic Burger Challenge” lives up to its name with a multi-patty creation that requires unhinged dedication to complete. This Denham Springs monster doesn’t just test your stomach capacity – it questions your sanity.
The restaurant keeps specific details mysterious, adding to the challenge’s mystique. Successful lunatics earn wall-of-fame recognition and restaurant swag.
My uncle swears he completed this challenge back in 2022, but family members who were present tell a different story involving a doggie bag and midnight snacking.