The Mac N Cheese Throwdown

2027 Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown

Saturday, March 6, 2027
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
TENK West Bank | Cleveland, OH

Cleveland's Original Mac 'n' Cheese Competition Returns.

Get ready for an afternoon of comfort food, friendly competition, and all things cheesy.

Join W.A.G.S. 4 Kids for the 2027 Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown, where Northeast Ohio's favorite chefs and restaurants battle for bragging rights by serving their most crave-worthy mac 'n' cheese creations. From timeless classics to bold, over-the-top flavor combinations, every dish is included with admission.

Bring your appetite—your ticket includes all-you-can-eat tastings from every participating chef. Sample them all, go back for your favorites, and cast your vote for the coveted People's Choice Award.

Returning Champions & Fan Favorites

The competition is already heating up! Returning restaurants include:

• Grumpy's Cafe

• Hi + Dry

• Hot Nachitas Taqueria

• Irie Jamaican Kitchen

• Ninja City

• Kearney's Public House

• Pink Piggy BBQ

• Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits

• The Southside

Additional chefs and restaurants will be announced as confirmations are received.

What to Expect

• 15+ Northeast Ohio chefs and restaurants

• All-you-can-eat tastings from every participating chef

• People's Choice voting

• Judge's Choice blind tastings

• Live music throughout the afternoon

• Local marketplace featuring makers, merchandisers, and edible art

• Family-friendly activities, including face painting, bracelet making, and edible art

• ADA-accessible venue

Can't-Miss Moments

Man v. Mac – 1:00 PM
Cheer on brave competitors as they battle through the ultimate mac 'n' cheese eating challenge.

Best Dressed Mac
Come dressed in your cheesiest attire for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights.

People's Choice & Judge's Choice Awards
Help crown Northeast Ohio's favorite mac while our panel of judges names the year's culinary champions.

Ticket Options

VIP Experience
Early entry, premium perks, and all-you-can-eat tastings from every participating chef.

General Admission
All-you-can-eat tastings from every participating chef and People's Choice voting.

Spectator Pass (No Tastings)
Enjoy the event, entertainment, marketplace, and community atmosphere without participating in the official tastings.

Little Mac (Ages 6–13)
All-you-can-eat tastings from every participating chef.

Kids 5 & Under
Free with a ticketed adult.

Why It Matters

The Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown is more than a food festival—it's a fundraiser.

Every ticket helps support W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, a Northeast Ohio nonprofit providing custom-trained service dogs to children with disabilities. Your attendance helps create greater independence, confidence, and possibility for local kids and their families.

Remaining food from the event is donated to The Ed Keating Center in support of individuals in recovery.

Know Before You Go

• Limited on-site event parking available. Additional nearby parking available.

• Rain or shine event

• No pets permitted (trained service animals always welcome)

Come hungry. Leave happy.
Every bite helps a child gain independence.