TCI Bar & Grill (Polk City, IA) Restaurant Review

4.4* (out of 5)

Yelp Review

Google Review

Food: 4*

Atmosphere: 5*

Value: 4*

Service: 4*

Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely)

Total check/person: $33

05/01/2026 TCI Bar & Grill +1 (515) 984-9440

We wanted to try a burger here as they were one of 10 finalists for Iowa Burger of the Year – and we got the opportunity last night with our son and daughter-in-law, along with our grandson.

Being on the golf course, it is a bit out of the way and admittedly was a little confusing to find the first time we drove over to see the location. That said, how can you rate the atmosphere as anything other but top-notch when you look out the large glass windows onto a well-maintained golf course and pond.

Our first order was the adult beverages – which admittedly started with disappointment and ended in delight. I’m as stickler for details and love Mezcal Palomas (see my recipe to make your own at home), so the first thing I noticed was that “Poloma” was spelled wrong on the menu.

We all thought the special on the board by the entry door looked good, so ordered a round of Gin Basil Smash drinks (see picture). While it tasted great, all of us commented about how small it was…so assured the next round included larger drinks (especially since they were all the same price). That was were my satisfaction turned to delight, as I asked our server if she could substitute Mezcal for the Tequila in the menu Paloma. She said that they could – and that drink (see picture) was fantastic!

For our meals, my wife ordered Shrimp Tacos with corn tortillas (see picture) and I went for a Burger of the Year candidate with The Fuego (see picture). As we always do, we shared portions of our food to try both plates. The Shrimp Tacos and chips were delicious and I found the included salsa to be quite bland. As to The Fuego, be aware that this does indeed live up to its name and it quite spicey – I found it delicious, but my wife thought it was too hot and was trying to remove jalapenos and sauce for her 2nd bite. While the burger was good, the real star of the show with The Fuego was the fries – at least in my opinion. They were browned perfectly, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and oh, so delicious!

If you go, I suggest you go during daylight to enjoy the view of the golf course…and make sure you try the french fries and a Mezcal Paloma!

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