Dottie's Landmark Bar & Grill - Polk City

Up for a short road trip? I put this post under 'Road Trip' because technically Polk City is not included in the Des Moines metro area, but really, it's not much of a drive. Nestled between Big Creek Lake and Saylorville Lake, Polk City is a bustling little town in the summer months, and still a pretty nice place in the winter. And, there's Dottie's Landmark Bar & Grill.

Dottie and Tim Tracy bought the Landmark in June of 2009 from longtime owners, Ray and Sharon Mikulan. From early spring to late fall, it's a popular spot for bicyclists, boaters, and bikers. We've been 'regulars' at The Landmark for years now, and we stop in there at least a couple of times a week to have a beer and visit with our buddies. Located at 217 W. Broadway Street in Polk City, you'll find Dottie's Landmark right at the 4 way stop on the town square.

It's a great little bar, not big on space, but full of friendly people and a nicely poured drink at a great price. They have a couple of flat screens to catch the game, the usual ticket machines, and a nice little deck off the side for some al fresco drinks during the warmer months.

And they serve food - really good food - every evening. Most days the menu features the usual bar & grill type items - they have a killer Italian Sausage Sandwich, tasty grilled tenderloins, burgers, and a nice selection of appetizers. Everything is made to order and available to eat in or take out. They also feature a Cavatelli special on Wednesday nights.

But on Friday nights, they take it up a notch and serve some excellent dinners. Choices include a Bacon-wrapped Filet, Ribeye, Iowa Chop, Smoked Iowa Chop, and Grilled Shrimp. I'm always amazed at the quality food Tim puts out of that tiny kitchen!

Every Friday night dinner comes with a fresh lettuce salad ....

.... and a nice basket of warm bread and rolls ...

And the meals are expertly prepared. I enjoyed the Steak Sandwich - a big, juicy ribeye served on toast with a basket of crispy, hot fries. Perfect.

Grant had the Iowa Chop - grilled on a charbroiler, the flavor is outstanding.

All of the Friday night entrees are very reasonably priced and worth the short drive from Des Moines. The kitchen closes at 9pm and the place fills up fast, but you won't be disappointed with your meal at Dottie's Landmark Bar & Grill. For us, it's one of those great local watering holes close to home where we know we can always get some great food, good drinks, and fun conversation. We hope to see you there - say hi if you stop in! And tell Tim and Dottie you saw The Landmark on Iowa Foodie!

Dottie's Landmark Bar & Grill 

217 W. Broadway Street
Polk City, IA  50226

515.984.9388

Winters Hours through April 15

Tuesday - Friday  3pm - close
Saturday  12pm - close
Sunday - Monday  CLOSED

**Kitchen closes at 9pm each day**