Tailgating is a key part of the college football experience and food is often at the center of a tailgate. But typical fare is standard stadium foods, like hamburgers and hot dogs. "The Grill Iron" aims to elevate the items consumed at the pre-game bashes. The show heads to college towns across the country and invites local chefs to come up with new tailgate meals that are inspired by the food culture in each city. Dishes prepared during the episodes include stuffed quail in Tennessee, po'boys at Ohio State, and breakfast polenta in Los Angeles.