5 Best: Man v. Food - The Bend Magazine

5 Best: Man v. Food

From tacos to steak to burgers, we’ve rounded up the 5 best food challenges in the Coastal Bend that can earn you some serious bragging rights.

Words by: Alexa Alley  Photos by: Rachel Benavides

J. P. Bombers “Son of a Burger” challenge – This whopping three-pound burger contains six patties stacked with cheese, bacon and all the fixings. As if that was not enough of a challenge, the sandwich comes with two sides, tater tots Stuffed Jalo-Peno Bombers (the restaurant’s very own version of fried jalapeños).  If finished in less than 40 minutes, the meal is free. 

J. P. Bombers

6109 McArdle Rd. 

Corpus Christi, TX 78412

All Mighty Chacho’s Taco Challenge – Gaining recognition not only in Corpus Christi but also throughout Texas, this taco challenge has only had a few victors in its nearly 20 years of business.  The taco, stuffed with carne guisada, eggs, beans, cheese, bacon, and potatoes and wrapped in a soft, fluffy, homemade tortilla, is 14 inches in diameter. Patrons earn a free t-shirt and a spot on the wall of fame if the meal is finished in under 10 minutes.

Chacho’s Tacos

3700 Ayers St.

Corpus Christi, TX 78415

Astor Top Sirloin Challenge – Perhaps one of the most daunting challenges, the 82-ounce top sirloin challenge at Astor Steakhouse puts your appetite to the test. If completed in less than 45 minutes, the $120.00 value steak is free of charge. The Astor, a family owned restaurant in business since 1957, specializes Mesquite grilled steak. This challenge not only gives you a hefty serving of steak but also a quality one at that.   

Astor Steak House

5533 Leopard St. 

Corpus Christi, TX 78408 

Wallbangers “Big Banger” Challenge – This three-pound burger topped with cheese, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion on a homemade bun with a side of curly fries must be finished in 45 minutes for the challenge to be complete. They say the burger is enough for six to eight people, so if you aren’t feeling up to facing the challenge solo, grab a few friends and share! 

Wallbangers 

4100 S. Staples St.

Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Recio’s Taco Challenge – At Recio’s Smokehouse, barbecue and Mexican food are their specialties, and this food challenge perfectly embodies both. Not your average taco, this 4.5 pound breakfast taco is made on a giant homemade flour tortilla packed with chorizo, potato, sausage, bacon, refried beans, eggs, and their award-winning brisket. In order to finish the challenge, you must eat the taco in under 11 minutes or else you pay.  

Recio’s Smokehouse Restaurant & Catering

5526 Old Brownsville Rd.

Corpus Christi, TX 78415