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Iguana Reviews List

Iguana

New York’s premier Mexican restaurant and dance lounge. Our talented chef utilizes the culinary diversity of Mexico in the preparation of Iguana’s tasty fare. Iguana is the perfect setting for any occasion. Come and enjoy our 25 flavors of margaritas and mojitos. Try our weekend brunch with a wide array of dishes including fresh guacamole prepared tableside, crab quesadillas, sizzling fajitas, shrimp enchiladas, plus an assortment of mesquite grilled items including prime aged steak, tuna, and salmon. You will be pleasantly surprised to discover dishes you would not normally expect to find on a Mexican menu such as baby back ribs, Tex-Mex shrimp scampi, and vegetarian entrees, all prepared with a creative Latin twist. Complete your meal with a selection of our homemade desserts. We truly offer something for everyone.
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86 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
(86 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 86 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(30)
3 stars
(27)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 3
Energetic
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Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • good for groups(49)
  • vibrant bar scene(25)
  • hot spot(23)
  • late-night find(18)
  • neighborhood gem(18)
  • fit for foodies(16)
Iguana Reviews List
Review 1 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Second visit to Iguana

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"As always - the food was excellent. We had the guacamole, plus our entrees: shrimp enchiladas with crab; grilled salmon with flash-fried spinach. EXCELLENT!
Service was slow. Oddly, my phone rang with an obviously local number but I didn't answer as we were eating. As we were walking away from Iguana, I called the number back and Iguana answered. The woman on the other end asked if we were going to honor our Open Table reservation??? I had to remind her that we had just been there, had eaten, and that it took quite a bit of effort to get her to understand my name. Then she said, "Ohhhh - yeah! Now I remember you," and hung up the phone???"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 2 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Guacamole & Sangria!!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"One of the hidden Gems of Manhattan. Great food and drinks. Plus the night club."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice atmosphere

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The ambience was nice! The portions were small for the price! A chicken quesadilla cost 14 and could barely feed 1 person! The house margarita was awesome and wasn't watered down! The staff was very friendly and accommodating! Overall was a good experience!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 4 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Awesome Place

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I really enjoyed my experience at Iguana. I booked my reservation for four people for one of my best friend. The food was excellent and our waitress who was 7 months pregnant was so attentive and friendly to our group. After dinner the Mexican guys came around with ice cream and sang Happy birthday to her. They even gave her a sombrero. It was awesome. After dinner we went downstairs for drinks and dancing which was the highlight of the night. I and my friends will definitely go again."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was not the best

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was not the best of Tex-Mex vegetarian, but it was good enough to say that I'll come back, might choose a different plate though.
The 3rd floor for Latin Dance was nice, really worth to visit again for some energetic dancing."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2013
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Review 6 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best night ever!!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My boyfriend and I went there for his birthday. We were both very pleased with the service, the ambiance was great, romantic, the food was delicious and the mariachi guys were fun!! When I made the reservation at Opentable I asked via the webpage that a dessert be brought to our table after our dinner to sing my boyfriend happy birthday, honestly I didn't think that my request was going to be honored unless I personally said something to the waiter but to my surprise after we finished our dinner, the mariachi guys, the waiter and I believe the manager came out with a dessert and a candle singing happy birthday to my boyfriend! It was great! After dinner we went upstairs for some dancing and we also had a great time there! Amazing night!!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 7 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fun for Group

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is a fun place for a group. There are 3 levels - club scene, dining, and salsa dancing. The food was good but not extraordinary. The drinks were very good - not watered down and the service was impeccable."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 8 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great Food, great service,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great Food, great service, extremely LOUD. Dancing, upstairs (Latin) and downstairs, (freestyle), was fun and a little creepy, respectively."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 9 for Iguana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Good food and lousy service...

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Service was very untimely. It took twice as long to get the check, then it took to get our food and eat. This is no exaggeration. Then the gratuity was 20% for a table of 2. That is not the standard gratuity of 15%. What annoyed me was that they add it right into your bill. For such lousy service, it was under served."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find
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Review 10 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My husband and I have been

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I have been going here for years. We love Iguana. From service to food."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great skinny Margarita's that

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great skinny Margarita's that didn't even taste low cal. Perfect for an early dinner after a play, easy walk from theatre district. Decent Mexican food and unlimited tasty tortilla chips and salsa.
Our server was very attentive. Would go back.
"
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 12 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great place to go with friends

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great place to go with friends after work in a group setting, service could've been a little better but overall we were satisfied, will suggest to others and will go again."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 13 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Gourmet Mexican!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"From the Table-side-made-from-scratch-while-you-watch Guacamole to the Wonderful peach Sangria, this was an exceptional surprise. Loved the decor too. Specialty Margaritas as well. My only complaint was that the lights were a little low so my phone photos didn't come out!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Iguana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The food did not have flavor

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food did not have flavor for "Mexican Cuisine". I asked for well done steak and it was medium rare. I frequently had to look and signal for the server. The dance floor was nice. I would go back for the dance floors not to eat."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
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Review 15 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Hidden Gem

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"What a treat! The incredibly unique decor was beautiful and fun. The service was as close to perfection as you could get. Oh, and by the way, the food was off-the-charts delicious. I can't wait to go back"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 16 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We were very disappointed

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were very disappointed in the Salsa club. When we went upstairs, there was only one couple dancing. There was no energy to the place at all. The night club downstairs was an eye opener as we watched people grinding on each other. Not our kind of place at all!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 17 for Iguana
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Bad service and only average food

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The service was so bad that we asked to have our food packed up and we left. We were ignored in preference to a noisy group of six on a table next to us. I believe that this restaurant is going down hill...it had many empty tables...between 7:00 and 8:30 on a Friday night!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2007
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Review 18 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Had a great time. The dancing

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had a great time. The dancing would've been better had we been in a larger group, but overall great time!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, romantic
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Review 19 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I would love to come back

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I would love to come back here! Food was excellent!! Drinks were so good!! Service was on point! It was my bday dinner and i diff enjoyed myself!! Will be coming back!!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, romantic, scenic view
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Review 20 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delicious but inexpensive

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Inexpensive but very good Mexican food near the theater district. I had the corn chowder and it was delicious. They make your guacamole at the table, too, which is fun. After paying New York prices all weekend, it was nice to find good food at a reasonable cost."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2007
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 21 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Just OK

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"While the food was good, the menu was somewhat limited. We had to ask for chips when we they served our guacamole. We were never asked if we would like a second cocktail."
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2011
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Review 22 for Iguana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I have been to Iguana's a

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I have been to Iguana's a few times over the past 7 years - and i am never disappointed -
the food is excellent - I took a good of mine for her birthday- and enjoyed the food, drinks and the kahlua chocolate mousse dessert! OUr waiter Gus was fantastic and so were the other gentlemen that served us -
"
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Mexican Restaurant in mid-tow

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is a fantastic restaurant! The ambience is warm and inviting, the staff is friendly and welcoming and the food is excellent! Have a Marguerita! They are made very well and the guacamole is outstanding!
Great place for lunch or dinner!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 24 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Everything was just ok. We

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was just ok. We had better food before. But service was quick. Didn’t like the fact that they added 20% tip for party of 4."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2011
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Review 25 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

So So

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I had relatives in town, spanning several generations. There were 8 of us. I thought Iguana would be the perfect destination for such a large and varied party. They accommodated all of us easily and the baby was not a problem, even with his occasional crying. But with reservations at 6pm I didn't think the restaurant would be so noisy. We could barely converse, because it was so loud. The food was also quite pedestrian. I'd been to Iguana in the past and remembered the food being quite good, so I don't know what happened this time. Even the guacamole seemed off - very salty and NO heat even though we requested "medium." I still like this place for its nice wait staff, great decor & the strolling musicians -- it's fun."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 26 for Iguana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Don't bother

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Tings have gone downhill at Iguana. First, it took forever to be acknowledged by our server after we sat down. She took a drink & appetizer order, which then took forever to come. We had to ask 3 times for water. Our food also took forever to come. There were large parties seated near us which made it impossible to hear anything. The check included items we never ordered, so it took forever to sort out. Overall, it wasn't a very good experience. Priority seemed to be the larger parties and turning over the tables as fast as possible. We felt like the service went at a snail's pace, and then when we were done, we were rushed out. Also, the restaurant added a tip to our party of 5. Not cool."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2009
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Review 27 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Even though the restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Even though the restaurant was not vet crowded, we waited our waiters were slow with taking our orders and even forgot to bring me a 2nd drink. They were courteous, when they did come around."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2010
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Review 28 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

¡Olé!

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The mariachi players going around we're lovely and something fun when dining with friends. A good, fun birthday spot or place for dinner with friends. The avocado fries were delicious, as was pretty much everything else we ordered (shrimp empanadas, fish tacos, guacamole, caipirinha, and spicy sangria). We will definitely return. Tip: don't leave at the time the theaters around there let out or it will be really difficult to get a cab!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 29 for Iguana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great upscale mexican restaurant.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great upscale mexican restaurant. Food was great. Nice big round tables make it particularily nice for large groups. The marguritas were very tasty, but beware! Service was very attentive but to be fair, we had a 5:30 dinner and it was not very busy."
Dined on 01/21/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Iguana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The restaurant was set in

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The restaurant was set in a very casual tone. It would be nice to see some update in their decor, but it is what it is. I enjoyed the food and the staff were helpful and quite pleasant. I would eat here again for any casual lunch or dinner with friends."
Dined on 01/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Iguana
Based on the average of (56) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
8 out of 8 recommend this product
Food 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic