Atomic Kitchen — Review by Randy Santel
Bowling Green, United States — American Burgers
Randy Santel successfully completed Atomic Kitchen's 32-patty Daddy Bear Burger Challenge (now renamed Missouri State Bears Burger) in 39 minutes and 51 seconds, setting both a patty count record and a time record. The smash burgers were juicy and flavorful, complemented by excellent Atomic Sauce and a delicious ET milkshake, in a fun 80s-themed atmosphere with an enthusiastic crowd.
What was great: High quality smash burger patties that are juicy and flavorful despite being cooked well done, excellent Atomic Sauce (Comeback Sauce style), delicious ET milkshake with chocolate, peanut butter and Reese's Pieces, generous portions, 80s themed atmosphere with arcade games, supportive crowd and welcoming owner Eric
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Challenge
Atomic Kitchen presents a burger patty record challenge that has evolved into a serious competitive eating event. The current challenge requires participants to consume 32 beef patties stacked with 30 slices of cheese, approximately 100 ounces of beef, and all the fixings. The burger is composed of 3.2 ounce 80/20 Black Angus beef smash patties, cooked well done but remarkably juicy. The challenge also includes optional fries, milkshake, and various sauces.
The Dishes
The main event is the massive tower of smash burger patties layered with cheese throughout. Randy described the beef as awesome and credited the smash cooking method for keeping the patties juicy despite being well done. The burgers are seasoned with Atomic Sauce on top, which Randy compared to a Comeback Sauce. He paired the burger with an ET milkshake featuring chocolate and peanut butter flavors topped with Reese's Pieces and whipped cream. He also finished all the fries and tried a jalapeno ranch sauce during the challenge. The quality of the beef and cheese combination kept him engaged through most of the eating experience, though he noted that consuming the same beef and cheese over and over eventually gets monotonous.
The Experience
The restaurant had a packed house with numerous spectators cheering Randy on throughout the challenge. The 80s themed atmosphere with arcade games in the background created an energetic, supportive environment. The staff was attentive and responsive, even offering Diet Coke and ketchup as requested. Owner Eric, who has apparently been watching Randy's videos for years since his Missouri State University days, was enthusiastic and gracious about having Randy attempt the challenge. The crowd's energy remained high throughout the nearly 40-minute eating session, providing constant motivation.
Value and Pricing
If Randy had failed the challenge, the cost would have been $99.50. Upon winning, he received the entire meal free, a commemorative t-shirt, and the honor of naming rights for the challenge. This represents significant value for the portion size and quality of food provided, and winning eliminates the cost entirely while providing memorable recognition on the restaurant's Wall of Fame.
Notable Moments
This beef is awesome!
I'm wearing a Missouri State Dietetics shirt, while eating a 32-patty burger. I have a Construction Management one too, from my first degree, but it makes my boobs look very big.
Not only is it the record for number of patties, but it is the time record, too. 39 minutes and 51 seconds.
Randy successfully beat the previous record of 30 patties set by A Guy Named Eli, consuming 32 patties in 39 minutes and 51 seconds. He even managed to give away one patty to a spectator and still achieve the record. His naming decision to call it the Missouri State Bears Burger Challenge added playful rivalry humor, given WKU's football competition with Missouri State.
The Verdict
Atomic Kitchen delivers excellent quality smash burgers with flavorful beef and generous cheese portions, backed by welcoming service and an enthusiastic community atmosphere. While the challenge is undoubtedly extreme, the normal-sized burger offerings and diverse menu make it an excellent destination for anyone seeking quality burgers and milkshakes. The 80s themed environment and arcade games create a fun, casual dining experience suitable for families and groups. Highly recommended for burger enthusiasts and competitive eating enthusiasts alike.