Hot & Spicy Grill

has potential. I feel like there's potential here. My first couple visits were disappointing. They somehow managed to make a lousy mango lassi. And every kind of bread I've had here has been far too greasy. Yet recently I tried a couple of their chicken entrees, and found that they do the flavors really, really well. Perfectly cooked, and some of the tastiest chicken I've had in a long time.

Yet the prices recently went up, and the portions are still very small. The chicken boti, for which I paid $10, was literally just a plate with about eight chunks of chicken on it. Not even any rice. It tasted great, but was somewhere between an appetizer and an entree.

Also, among the staff, only the cook tends to show any particular warmth to customers.

I know it's nice for any kind of culture to be available in small-town Iowa... but all in all, this place hovers between "so-so" and "decent."

FYI, it's BYO alcohol.…

College Students Loving Indian Food!. After eating at the Hot & Spicy Grill twice now, I have to say that I was more than impressed both times. Now, I must say that I am not a big fan of spicy food, however, their option to go mild, medium, spicy made my food perfect for my tastes!

Both times dining there I had above average service. They were friendly, incredibly helpful, and attentive to the needs of the table. I understand it can be intimidating to look at a menu that has foreign names of dishes, but the descriptions and pictures help you understand what you are getting. Also, they are more than willing to make suggestions based on what you say you like!

The prices are very reasonable, and as a college student that is a must! It is also in a great location. I took my friend here for her birthday lunch, normally we eat at school, and we made it back to class on time. She loved the surprise!

I ate the (mild) Mutton Korma the second time (I can't remember the name of the first dish I ate), and I was very happy with my choice. I even had some leftovers to take home for another meal.

The food hits taste buds I never knew I had! The spices and seasonings they use are quite unique for what Dubuque has to offer. I recommend trying this restaurant because it is fast becoming my favorite!

Support Dubuque's Local Businesses!…

Excellent Indian Food, a great boon to Dubuque!. Really excellent food served with authentic Dubquue ambiance. That is... the ambiance is not why you want to go there. I understand that the, uh, interesting Egyptian pieces are no longer there, but the overall impression is : We'd rather concentrate on your palette than on the decor.

The Mysore Masala Dosa is mind-blowing, as are just about any of the vegetable curries, with the Kadai Bhandi (Okra, onion, tomato and spices) a real eye-opener. Both Naan and chapati were excellent as well.

Service is leisurely, to be sure, but then, you should make a point of spending at least a couple of hours to really enjoy the full richness of the meal.

Bring your own beer/wine.

I do hope that "Disappointed" (below) will come back and give the place another try. Obviously there were some issues to work out, but we've been really pleased every time, to the point of now have a standing bi-weekly dinner with friends!…

YUMMY YUMMY INDIAN FOOD!!. I haven't always been one for Indian food, but this is such a delightful and tasteful restaurant. They have an array of options on the menu--catering to everyone's needs. And they use Italian saffron--the best this world has to offer! (I suggest the Hyderabadi mutton biryani or the chicken boti)

HOT AND SPICY can mean mild, medium, or spicy :) I had everything mild and I LOVED IT!

I think a little culture is good for Dubuque! You MUST GO!…