Is the “Monster Burrito” the Most Intimidating Food Challenge in Arkansas?

Are you a foodie who enjoys participating in or watching eating competitions? I am! I hate to admit it, but one of my guilty pleasures is seeing people shove tons of food into their mouths. It’s my way of living vicariously through them, so don't judge me. Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stop by Las Fresas Mexican Grill in Van Buren to check out what could be the most intimidating food challenge in Arkansas. Has anyone actually beaten this challenge? Do you have what it takes? Let’s find out!

Get to Know Las Fresas Mexican Grill

Coming from Irapuato, a major city in Guanajuato, Mexico, the Ledesma family brought bold flavors to Arkansas. In 2010, their family-owned restaurant, Las Fresas Mexican Grill, began serving authentic Mexican cuisine to the folks in historic Van Buren, Arkansas. If you’re wondering about the name Las Fresas, it means strawberry, a major staple in the town the family is from. 

On the menu, you can find favorites like street tacos, sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, chicken platters, and more. Standout items include the quesabirria tacos and the Mexican torta (sandwich) served with golden crispy fries on the side. And don’t skip the flan or the Fresas con Crema (strawberry with cream) desserts. Since opening, the family-friendly restaurant has made its mark and has become a hot spot for one of the most epic food challenges in Arkansas. 

What Makes This Food Challenge So Intimidating?

Like any eating challenge, you can expect the participants to chow down on large amounts of food. Many of you reading might be familiar with the Famous Ed Walker’s burger challenge, but the Monster Burrito at Las Fresas might have taken things to a whole new level. This competition is the true definition of “go BIG or go home.”

At 32 inches long and eight pounds heavy, the monster burrito earned its name; it's almost six times the size of an average burrito - it's HUGE! It starts with three large 14-inch burrito shells. It’s then loaded with chicken, steak, chorizo, rice, refried beans, French fries, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and veggies, then topped with juicy grilled shrimp. But that’s not all. As part of the challenge, you’re required to eat a bowl of queso, green salsa verde, and Chile Colorado - all in 45 minutes, yikes! 

I love that Las Fresas makes the challenge fun by playing battle-style music like "Eye of the Tiger" as they walk the monster to the table. This means the entire restaurant becomes part of the eating competition and cheer on the fearless patrons as they attempt to face the massive burrito. If you can conquer this food baby, your meal will be free, you’ll get a T-shirt, and your name on Las Fresas' Wall of Fame. Sounds doable? Only the brave will try to beat Arkansas's biggest burrito.

Has Anyone Actually Beaten This Challenge?

The short answer is yes! Fun Fact: The Monster Burrito became an eating contest by accident. Initially, the burrito began as a family bundle meal to feed multiple people. In March of 2025, when it was introduced on the menu, it morphed into a challenge, and the rest was history. 

Since then, people have crossed state lines from Tennessee, Missouri, and Oklahoma, just to take on this beast of a meal. Over 250 folks have tried, but the majority have failed. But when professional eaters and famous YouTubers Randy Santel and Katina DeJarnett from Katina Eats Kilos sat down to feast, they were victorious! 

Katina mastered the challenge in 29 minutes and one second. Wow! Would you be surprised if I told you she’s only five feet two inches tall? That burrito was half her size (literally), but she killed it! Randy Santel also proved he had what it took and completed this foodie feast in 28 minutes and 34 seconds, 27 seconds faster than Katina. Together, they share the ultimate bragging rights as the only two people to climb to the top of this massive burrito mountain. 

Tips for Anyone Brave Enough to Try It

Manager Julio Ledesma shared a fond memory with me about a teenage boy from Oklahoma City who almost finished the challenge. The kid had heart and believed he could do it…and he came close. Ledesma’s tips for the brave foodies are: 1) to be confident and 2) to have fun along the way. I couldn’t agree more. If you’re going to take on a challenge like this, it’s important to approach it with a lighthearted spirit and self-assurance. After all, the eight-pound Monster Burrito food challenge has proven that it’s not for the faint of heart.

Could this be the most intimidating food challenge in Arkansas? I can safely say yes! It took two competitive eaters to make it to the Wall of Fame. Plus, hundreds have tried, but the burrito beast won almost all the time. In the words of Adam Richman from the famous Food Network show, Man v. Food… “sadly, today, food won!” (If you know, you know!) Are you brave enough to try it? Las Fresas challenges you to prove it!

Be sure to follow Las Fresas Mexican Grill on Facebook for a full menu, specials, and upcoming events.

Have you tried the 32-inch Monster Burrito challenge at Las Fresas? If so, do you agree that it’s one of the most intense food challenges in Arkansas? Sound off on our nomination page, and while you’re there, tell us about your favorite restaurant that you would like featured. 

And if hearing about this delicious food made your mouth water, plan a trip to our picks for the best restaurants in Arkansas. Or use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more small-town restaurants to love.

Shout out to the Ledesma family, especially Julio, Manager of Las Fresas. Thank you for making this happen!

Address: 613 N Plaza Ct, Van Buren, AR 72956