Grace Meat Plus 3 — Review by Randy Santel

The Dishes

The challenge centers around the iconic Blues Brothers order: four whole fried chickens consisting of eight breasts, eight thighs, eight legs, and eight wings, along with eight slices of white bread, twelve pickle slices, and a diet soda. Randy noted that the chicken breasts were not the largest he has encountered in the United States, making the challenge more manageable. The chicken itself was consistently delicious throughout the entire meal, featuring their homemade special breading that Rick has perfected over eight years of operation. Randy strategically ate the larger pieces first (breasts and thighs), saving the legs and wings for later in the challenge. He also enjoyed Crystal Hot Sauce with the chicken, which paired excellently with the meat. The homemade gravy provided by the restaurant was a game-changer, particularly when used to dip the bread, making what could have been a tedious finishing requirement more palatable. The restaurant also offered their signature Mississippi Mud milkshake, which Randy finished at the end of the challenge.

The Experience

The Grove location was bustling with activity and spectators who came to watch Randy attempt the challenge. Rick, the owner, was very hospitable and accommodating, even making an exception to typically do the challenge at the bar by allowing Randy to kneel during filming since he was recording a video. The atmosphere was lively and supportive, with staff checking in on Randy's progress regarding proper bone consumption. Rick explained the restaurant's concept: Grace Meat Plus 3 gets its name from coming with a meat and three sides. The owner appeared confident in the challenge's difficulty, having ordered an excessive number of t-shirts expecting few winners, though they ended up selling most of them. By the end of the challenge, Rick personally inspected the bones to ensure they were clean enough, maintaining high standards for the completion requirements.

Value & Pricing

The challenge carries a $120 penalty for failure but provides the entire chicken meal free if completed, along with a t-shirt and a photo on the wall of fame. Randy noted that 120 dollars for all this food in St. Louis, Missouri is not that bad and represents a good deal. The restaurant also has regular menu items available at reasonable prices, with the ability to get meat and three sides combinations.

Notable Moments

This chicken is delicious, but I really want to come back for their catfish because that looks awesome, too.

If anybody comments about me leaving some meat on the bones, I'm going to be pissed because I'm eating a lot of bones along the way, trying to leave no doubt.

Before you do come here to try the challenge, come here for some normal food on the menu because everything I've seen looks awesome.

A special moment occurred when a long-time viewer named Leonitis, who shares Randy's birthday of June 24th, came to meet him during the challenge.

The Verdict

Randy successfully completed the Jake and Elmwood challenge in 54 minutes and 41 seconds, becoming only the second person to win at this location (the first being Brandon). He highly recommends visiting Grace Meat Plus 3 not just for the challenge but for their regular menu offerings, particularly highlighting their award-winning fried chicken and fried catfish. The restaurant is ideal for challenge enthusiasts looking for a significant eating test, but equally great for anyone wanting quality fried chicken and seafood in the St. Louis area. Randy's enthusiasm for the food quality and the restaurant's overall operation makes it clear this is a destination worth visiting.