While they say that everything is bigger in Texas, all it takes is a few times dining out in New Mexico to realize that our restaurants and cafes serve up some of the country’s largest, most epic meals. If you think you’ve got a big appetite, why not try one of our state’s famous food challenges? If you’ve watched shows like “Man vs. Food” and thought it looked easy, then you could be on your way to scoring a free meal. Sure, these eating challenges in New Mexico are a gamble, but if you succeed you’ll likely be full for days. If you fail, well, you can add yourself to a wall of shame and say that at least you tried. You’ll enjoy every bite of these delicious dishes, either way!

1. K and I Diner, Albuquerque
Yelp/Andre R.
Contestants have 60 minutes to plow through the Travis on a Silver Platter, a 14-pound (!)burrito. You know it’s hardcore when your dining utensils are tongs and a spatula! The portions here are ridiculously large, even if you don't want to tackle the Travis.

Read more about it right here.
2. Sadie’s, Albuquerque
Yelp/Chris E.
Yelp/Sophia R.
In a nutshell, you have to chow down on seven pounds of stuffed sopaipillas... in one hour. If you manage it, Sadie’s refunds the cost of your meal and hands out some swag. But before you attempt this feat, make sure you understand the rules! Call Sadie's to give them a heads up, too, because this isn't something that they whip up every day.

Read more about Sadie's right here.

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3. The Game Sports Bar and Grill, Las Cruces
Yelp/Takuya S.
For those who love bar food… if you can inhale a three-pound burger, packed with cheese and strips of bacon and served with a huge pile of fries, then it’s yours for free. The Challenge Burger may be the single largest burger I've ever laid eyes on!

Read more about The Game Sports Bar and Grill right here.
4. Old Tymers Café, Red River
Yelp/Daniel Z.
If you can polish off three of these massive pancakes in under an hour, then they are free. You also earn yourself some swag. The current record is 25 minutes. Be warned that if you fail, then staff will take photos of you washing your dishes and post them on Facebook! The shame!

Read more about the cafe right here.
5. Cecilia’s Café, Albuquerque
Cecilia’s Café/Facebook
There are burritos, and then there are BURRITOS. The "Fireman’s Burrito" at Cecilia’s weighs in at a whopping 10 pounds. To win, you must finish it in an hour. If you're successful, then it’s free and you receive a jacket. Take the challenge… if you really think you can win!

Read more about it right here.

If you’re seriously considering any of these challenges, check out a video to see what you’ll be facing at Sadie’s.

Have you ever attempted any eating challenges in New Mexico? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

eating challenges in new mexico

Kim Magaraci | March 01, 2021

What are the most iconic restaurants in New Mexico?

Charlie's Spic and Span is a greasy spoon that gets great press from all over the country. Stop in for a delicious burrito or treat yourself to a sweet cream puff. In Santa Fe, The Pantry has been around since 1948, serving up legendary breakfast potatoes. The Owl Bar, in San Antonio, is a spot that used to draw in so many prospectors who drank the night away, that the owner was almost forced to start serving food.

What are the most popular foods in New Mexico?

What do you prefer - red, or green? In New Mexico, we hear that question a lot when it comes to chiles! They're the most iconic of foods here in the state. From green chile stew to carne adovada, we'll take any excuse to incorporate our favorite spice into a dish. We're also really into breakfast burritos and sopaipilla, too, along with fry bread, blue corn (so much better!) and posole. If you spend any time around a kitchen here in New Mexico, you'll also see a whole lot of piñon being used.

What food trails can I take in New Mexico?

Heading out for a foodie road trip is easy in New Mexico - all you need to bring is an appetite, and one of our interactive food trail maps! Sure, every state has a noteworthy taco trail (and New Mexico's taco trail may be the best in the country), but how many places offer a Mouthwatering Enchilada Trail? If you're looking for a little spice, Las Cruces is home to a Green Chile Food Trail that's pretty unique. Need to find a way to beat the heat? Try the This Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In New Mexico That's All You've Ever Dreamed Of And More.

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Featured Addresses
Grandma's K & I Diner, 2500 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
15 Hotel Cir NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123, USA
4131 Northrise Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
210 E Main St, Red River, NM 87558, USA
230 6th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA