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Established in 1927 and nestled in an alley beneath a downtown parking ramp, Canteen Lunch in the Alley is Ottumwa’s legendary home for loose-meat sandwiches—fondly known as “Canteens.” Enjoy the theatrical charm of watching your meal come together behind a horseshoe-shaped counter, where locals and visitors alike gather for friendly, prompt service. Stick around for a slice of homemade pie or an old-fashioned malt shake to complement your comfort-food feast. Serving lunch Monday through Saturday (11 AM–6:30 PM), this cozy, nostalgic spot delivers generous portions and affordable prices. A must-experience slice of Midwestern tradition!
Long-running grill serving homey fare like burgers & loose-meat sandwiches in old-school digs.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 112 2nd St E, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: (641) 682-5320
Website: http://www.canteeninthealley.com/
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Canteen Lunch in the Alley | Loose Meat Sandwiches | Ottumwa, IA …
Canteen Lunch in the Alley serves loose meat sandwiches, homemade pies and hand spun milkshakes under the parking ramp since 1936.
Canteen Lunch in the Alley – Wikipedia
In 1936, the business relocated to its present location under the second street parking ramp in Ottumwa, Iowa. It has since been a local institution known for …
Canteen Lunch in the Alley | Ottumwa IA – Facebook
Their work helps ensure that no one has to face hunger alone. When you stop in for a Canteen Monday through Saturday 11:00am-6:30pm, you’re helping support that …
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Reviews
Russ Clarke
A friend of mine told me I had to check this place out. Glad I did. He said it’s more about the experience than it is the food. He was correct. It is a very interesting experience though the food is not bad. It’s not what I expected they don’t serve you a hamburger they basically serve ground beef on a rollwith cheese, whiz mustard, ketchup, onions, pickles, and it’s not that bad. I would say definitely check it out when you’re in Ottawa just for the experience.
… moreK VW (Katylinvw)
Had a wonderful lunch at the Canteen today! My husband grew up in the area, and remembers fondly visiting with his grandparents. He said it hasn’t changed in 30 years! Sweet waitresses, quick service, delicious food, and a nostalgic atmosphere that can’t be beat!
… moreMarie Lindo
This is the best place to eat in ottumwa Iowa!
My grandfather Bert Heckart used to eat their alot and so does my uncle Bruce! My mom and dad would take my brother sisters and I to eat there when we would visit coming from cedar rapids Iowa! You have to go there and it has a lot of interesting history behind it! Highly recommend!
… moreMy grandfather Bert Heckart used to eat their alot and so does my uncle Bruce! My mom and dad would take my brother sisters and I to eat there when we would visit coming from cedar rapids Iowa! You have to go there and it has a lot of interesting history behind it! Highly recommend!
Jeff Smalla
You have got to adore this small slice of historical Americana! Food was great. Prices were great. Service was great. But none of those is why you go to the Canteen. Step back into small town 1920’s where everybody knew everybody, people could count on each other, life was simple and happiness was not impossible to find. THAT is why you should visit the Canteen! There are 12-15 stools around a horseshoe-shaped bar. Everyone interacts with everyone else including the waitresses. A big percentage of the customers have nicknames bestowed upon them by the staff. Once you get in (and it could take a bit, depending on the crowd) you might want to just stay and hang out with your new best friends. Of course you’ll eat one or two Canteens but do your best not to miss the strawberry rhubarb pie. If you follow your waitress’s recommendations, you’ll have it warmed up and ala mode. Meet me back in the 1920’s and enjoy your time at the Canteen!!
… moreshawn maloney
An absolutely delicious place to stop. Parking is limited but alot of street parking. When we walked in we where greeted by the most friendly and delightful women. They explained the menu and invited us to take a seat. We watched as they crafted the most perfect loose hamburger meat sandwiches. Similar to a Maidrite in design. The comparison to Maidrite was over once I tool the first bite. The meat with the pickles and just right amount of ketchup and mustard was so delicious. I finished my first sandwich and wanted a second one so bad but had my eye in a piece of peach pie… if the pie is as good as the burger is would be in heaven.. the ladies asked if I wanted it warm, yes! Asked if I wanted ice cream? Of course! And oh my god…. the slice was big with 2 scoopes of real ice cream…. you owe it to yourself to stop and meet the incredible ladies at the Canteen and you will not be disappointed
… moredeependablereviews
This place is definitely worth the experience. The menu is small but they really deliver on the loose meat sandwiches. The coke machine has a nice mix. The place gets pretty busy during lunch and seating is limited but you can order really quickly if you want it to go or want to eat at the benches outside. The apple pie was also really good. Give this place a try if you are in the area!
… moreEllen Paullin
So FUN!!!!
Stumbled on this on a spontaneous trip through Ottumwa. What a treat.
Seating for 16 all around a diner horseshoe shape bar. Food prepared in the middle.
Loose meat sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, egg sandwiches, all served in a no fuss environment.
Great food. I had a canteen with cheese and pickle- bf had egg sandwich with the works. Shared a piece of French silk pie and strawberry malt.
Busy place! Lots of to go orders and people waiting for seats the whole time. Generous staff so service was prompt anyway.
I think we paid around $20 before tip.
Neat experience!!!
… moreStumbled on this on a spontaneous trip through Ottumwa. What a treat.
Seating for 16 all around a diner horseshoe shape bar. Food prepared in the middle.
Loose meat sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, egg sandwiches, all served in a no fuss environment.
Great food. I had a canteen with cheese and pickle- bf had egg sandwich with the works. Shared a piece of French silk pie and strawberry malt.
Busy place! Lots of to go orders and people waiting for seats the whole time. Generous staff so service was prompt anyway.
I think we paid around $20 before tip.
Neat experience!!!
Kelly Carver
First time to the Canteen even though I’ve lived in the Mount Pleasant area for 57 years! Was not disappointed. Hands down the best loose meat sandwich I’ve ever had. Well definitely be back.
… moreOjas Gokhale
A very authentic canteen, serving mostly loose meat sandwiches. The seating is very traditional and classic. Staff was very friendly.. makes you feel like you are visiting your relatives and friends and not a restaurant.
Prices are very fair.
Highly recommend this place if you are nearby or even driving to ottumwa just for this.. and check out the pelicans nearby in spring and summer.
… morePrices are very fair.
Highly recommend this place if you are nearby or even driving to ottumwa just for this.. and check out the pelicans nearby in spring and summer.
Aj Sue
OMG! Canteen Everything w Cheese!!! i’ve never had a loose meat burger… But I will again! They chop everything in they make it so fast! I love the pickle in the bottom when you bite into it! Wrapped in paper serves super hot it was spectacular! And the pies! All homemade local baker.… Deb recommended the chocolate it was to die for! and it was Friday today and apparently on Fridays they have 17 different kinds of pie. All homemade! This place has been around for 102 years… And I’m pretty sure it’s going to be around for another 102 years just spectacular!
… more