Big Texan Steak Ranch Hosts 72oz Steak Challenge

As of this writing, almost 95,200 people have taken on the challenge. This has been since its inception in 1962. However, only 10,433 (or a low 11%) have successfully accomplished it.

It’s the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. This meal truly puts the “challenge” in “food challenge.” Competitive eaters strive to finish it.

Free-food enthusiasts are also drawn to this time-honored establishment. It includes three cocktail shrimp, a loaded baked potato, a salad, and a dinner roll with butter included and required. The centerpiece is an absolute mammoth of a sirloin steak that weighs in at 72 ounces.

For those confident enough, this must-try dining experience is in the North Texas Panhandle. The oversized steakhouse has been a popular Route 66 pit stop since it opened in 1960. Some of that is because there isn’t much else around. It’s never easy to make Amarillo by morning (it’s nearly an eight hour drive from San Antonio), and you don’t want to pass it because there isn’t another city with a population of more than 150,000 in a two-hour radius.

72-ounce Steak Challenge Rules

Entire meal must be completed in one hour. If any of the meal is not consumed (swallowed)…YOU LOSE!
Before the time starts, you will be allowed to cut into the steak, and take one bite. If the steak tastes good and is cooked to your satisfaction, we will start the time upon your acceptable approval. The time will not stop, and the contest is on, so make SURE before you say “yes.”
Once you have started you are not allowed to stand up, leave your table, or have anyone else TOUCH the meal.
You will be disqualified if anyone assists you in cutting, preparing or eating of your meal. This is YOUR contest.
You don’t have to eat the fat, but we will judge this.
Should you become ill, the contest is over… YOU LOSE! (Please use the container provided as necessary.)
You are required to pay the full amount up front; if you win we will refund 100%.
You must sit at a table that we assign.
If you do not win the steak challenge, you are welcome to take the leftovers with you.
No consumption or sharing of the leftovers is allowed in the restaurant once the contest is over.
If you fail to complete the challenge, you must pay the full $72 dollars.
The Official 72oz Steak Challenge is conducted exclusively on-site at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and must be supervised by an authorized Big Texan representative.

Not only must you consume every bite (sans fat and gristle) to win the challenge and get out of the $72 bill, but you must do it all in under an hour. There are other rules that daredevil customers must follow, like not leaving the table, not accepting help with cutting or eating, and absolutely no puking.

The famous food challenge has been accepted by adept eaters like Adam Richman, who chose the Big Texan for his first “Man v. Food” challenge. He made it look easy, putting away the whole meal with just over 29 minutes left on the clock. Most folks, however, don’t fare quite as well.