Canteen Lunch in the Alley

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!

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!!

It's better than our Maid-rite. We love their loose meat sandwiches. The shakes are very thick and their pie selection is excellent. We stop whenever we go to Ottumwa. My husband is there at least once a week.

I ate here almost daily 25 years ago when going to college. I was able to make it back to The Canteen today for lunch. Absolutely great food!

We stopped here, before returning to NW Iowa, from a recent trip to MO. Have read about this place for years in ALL of Iowa's travel magazines. Tiny, original canteen (has outside dining area in the good weather months) with it's single minded menu!!! We chose to eat inside, around the counter. Since it was our first visit, the staff was EXTREMELY HELPFUL!! We dined on their "famous maid rites", bottled Fanta orange soda & a piece of homemade lemon meringue pie!!! It was everything we had invisioned!!! It was like stepping into yesteryear & the overall experience did not disappoint!!! WE LOVED IT!!!!

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

Childhood memories. I took my daughter here while my husband had business in Ottumwa. While the town has changed since the last time I visited (1982) the flavor of these sandwiches have not. The friendliness of the people haven’t changed much either. If you have an opportunity to drop in for a bite you should treat yourself. It’s worth it.

Definitely an experience you can’t miss while in Ottumwa. Get a shake, they’re delicious.

If you don't know it's there you might miss it. We came in from out of town and wanted something local and we found it. This adorable and small spot is a quick bite to eat. Simple menu and good food. Lose meat sandwiches and a pie hit the spot. Made to order immediately and served in seconds. We loved it.

My go to place when I'm in Ottumwa. I grew up in Ottumwa until I was 17, then moved to California. When I go back to visit, this is my first stop, not counting the times I go when I'm there, it's my last stop before leaving. Maybe it's because I grew up eating them, but I know I absolutely love them. I like setting at the counter just like I did when I was in high school. Most people that try it for the first time, say it's just a loose meat sandwich no big deal. WRONG! I guess maybe for me it's a tradition, but no Maid-Rite can match the canteen.

Quite the experience like stepping back in time ! The staff was engaging and took care of us quickly. The counter was full with plenty of walk in customers as well during a Saturday lunch time. Amazed at how fast the ladies churned out the orders. The bowl option is great if you want low carb the rest of my group loved the buns. All malts were delicious and consumed happily. The crew all looked like they were having fun and were fueled by good old fashioned Cokes. The pies ordered by a couple next to me were awesome and in their words delicious. Highly recommend going with an appetite & savor as much as you can. Only wish I had pictures to post.

This is a part of my childhood. Every July or August we would go to Yonkers dept store in Ottumwa to shop for school clothes. This activity was always followed up by lunch at The Canteen. I was delighted when my adult daughter asked if we could go to Ottumwa for a loose meat sandwich. YES that's what they are if not at a Maidrite stand. The food as always GREAT... they've been doing loose meat and pies since 1834 so their on lock! You MUST go eat here it's a Midwest legend!!!!

I was in the mood for a salad but it wasn't on the menu. So, the owner made me one.. it was perfect! We come from Minnesota on our way to New Orleans. The stop here was well worth it. Friendly people. We will definitely stop here on our way through again. One of their ducks came to visit me. The waitress gave me a mate to keep her company on our travels. I'll post a pic, they're so cute.

Perfect adaptation of "loose meat" or "Maid-Rite" sandwiches. If you're not familiar, it's crumbled ground beef, mixed with secret spices and/or condiments and cooked on a steam table. Along with eating your meat packed sandwich on a bun, you might need a spoon to finish up the plate. And don't kid yourself, you'll order a second one, sho just go for two from the get-go. Like most similar establishments, the Canteen Lunch serves several varieties of home-made pie. Iowa delish!

This small diner is perpetually crowded at lunchtime but we went with a group of nine anyway, expecting to get seated at the counter one or two at a time as other patrons left. We were delighted when they offered to take our order while we were still in line and pointed out the picnic tables outside where we could all eat together. The food was just like I remembered. Great experience!

Old time food that hits the spot In a different kind of spot too Small and comfy Give it a try

Fast friendly and the best loose meat sandwiches ever/ anywhere! I've never had a better chocolate malt, or milkshake at any other establishment close to here.

late in the day visit after a hard day. i needed a good meal.. they were not too busy just 2 at the counter. well $15.52 out the door for 2) catsup, mustard, pickle, extra onion. and a small wedge of tired cherry pie. prices are up just like every were else. it was dry on the meat and a bit crunchy. not the same as prime time noonish. i should to have asked for wet. that is where they take the meat from the bottom of the cooker well with plenty of grease. ok pie... yea they used to have real good pie. this small wedge was not it. must to have been an off day here.

Very unique, historic loose meet sandwich place. All Employees are tenured and knowledgeable on the business. Hard to find, you have to want to go there if you are from out of town like we were. Highly recommend finding this place!

Awesome loose meat sandwiches! They are really big! Had a fountain Coke & a bag of Sterzings chips. Hubby had the same & we loved it. Cozy! They cook the meat right in front of you. Ladies are friendly & attentive. There are only stools to sit on & that adds to the timeless vibe. It's a must stop if you're near Ottumwa, Iowa.

Any native of Ottumwa knows the Canteen. Every visitor to the city needs to find it! Tucked in the alley between Main Street and 2nd, this is a gem. The place hasn't changed in decades and that's part of the charm, although an outside seating area is now available. Inside, one large u-shaped counter with stools seats customers. It's limited seating, and the huge carry out business will crowd the space too. What to order? Loose meat "canteens" (burgers) which are generous in size, malts or shakes which are served with the metal cup to refill your serving cup, and a large selection of fresh pies. Not a lengthy menu, but wow is it all good! Service, just like your loving mom was behind the counter. And it is an operation to watch. A classmate (last stop there was at a class reunion) worked for John Deere and said managers would take clients there to watch the precision assembly process! In Ottumwa for the first time? Get in there! It is well worth the trip! 10 stars in my book!

The steamed loose meat sandwiches affectionately called "Canteens" almost take a backseat to the concrete block building itself. But the stars of this revered restaurant are the ladies dishing out the freshly made pies for desert. Order your sandwich "wet" and eat it a spoon or add cheese.

The meat is tasteless! Disappointed Back in early 2000's I couldn't get enough! Decades later, I was very disappointed and sad honestly.

This place is an institution and continues to buck the trend of fast food establishments. Shakes are the best.

The is place is a classic for a reason. The menu is pretty small and the seating is limited but the "canteen" burgers are so tasty and the staff is friendly and helpful. We always eat here at least twice when we are in Ottumwa.

If you're not a regular, you may not be overly impressed with the sandwich, but go for the experience of a classic diner from the past. And be sure to get a slice of pie! Excellent service, and the best loose-meat burger you'll get anywhere. I've been here on two separate occasions while on business trips. I'll make this a stop ever time I'm nearby. The coconut pie is wonderful! Save room!

TLDR: loose meat sandwich and atmosphere would fit right into an episode of diners, dives and drive ins. Being an Ottumwa visitor I'm told this place is an institution. It's got a simple interior with circular seating around the central meat cooking contraption. Barstool style seating with classic red cushions, this place definitely has a dive feel to it. I had the Rhubarb strawberry pie ala mode which was an excellent capper to the meal.

A must stop for anyone visiting from out of town, and a great place to eat every week for locals. Prepared and served the same way for over 85 years, because they're deliciously perfect. Order one at a time, and just specify how you want it. I like mine, "everything, no cheese", my son orders his, "ketchup, mustard, onion, and cheese". You can get it with a water, a soda pop, or a milkshake. And they a variety of delicious pie to choose from, if you don't have room for dessert, just get your slice to go!

It doesn't look like much, and inside hasn't change much since it open over 80 years ago. But still serving the best loose meat sandwich you can find. The staff are great, some of them look like they started working there when it first opened. Try it! You'll love it!

Great sandwiches which are loose meat. Highly recommend the milkshakes and pie. Great place

Unique Retro diner in a city parking garage. Simple menu featuring steamed meat sandwiches with topping of your choice. Friendly, fast service. Definitely go!

I went to college in Ottumwa back in 1976 to 1978. Many times we would head down to the Canteen for lunch. I remember it so well. After graduating I would get to Ottumwa as often as I could to eat at the Canteen. I have been living in Kansas for a few years but I am going to move back to Iowa maybe next year. I will then be back to getting to Ottumwa again because I miss the Canteen so much. I am moving to Coralville and that is not to far to go for a cheese with every thing. My mouth is watering now for one. You use to be able to, in the winter, order a box with the meat and buns in it. I have not seen that yet so maybe they stopped doing that. If so that is sad cause I would like to order a box. If you have never been there it is worth the drive. I remember when the city wanted to take the place I suppose by public domain so they could build the parking garage. But the people of Ottumwa put a stop to that so they had to incorporate the Canteen into the garage. I am glad the people put a stop to the city tearing down the Canteen. Thanks to all the ladies that work so hard to make the Canteen a great place to eat.

Iconic loose meat sandwich! Have eaten there since I was a child! It's as good now as it was then......if not better!

It's a no frills loose meat sandwich place with a small menu, limited seats, and in a unique location. They've been in business for a while here and have some tradition and nostalgia that comes with visiting. They cook the food in a metal contraption I've never seen before in the middle of the counter seating. It's definitely a different type of place for sure. The loose meat sandwich itself is pretty good, you can get it customized to a certain degree. I got everything on mine, I was satisfied overall with the product and would stop by to get another one. If you're looking for something different I would suggest trying them out. It was packed when I went and my takeout order took maybe 2 minutes tops, it's quick and cheap.

A hidden gem hidden in a back alley and under a parking garage of Ottumwa, IA. At first glance, the place may make you question, "really? This place is trendy?" And as you walk in you can see that a lot of the people there are older than you if you're from my generation. The place is considered one of Ottumwas landmark founded in 1936. I decided to give it a shot and ordered 2 of their canteen burgers. As I watched other people eat their canteen burgers I realized that it looked like a regular Sloppy Joe. As I received mine, I sat outside and took my first bite into it. Even if it tasted and looked like a Sloppy Joe there was something to it that I have never tasted before. It was delicious and I couldn't stop eating it, I had to go back in for another bite, and another, and another. Before I knew it I finished both of my burgers and I felt full and content. I am not from around here and would definitely recommend this place for people who are driving through or want to experience something from way back then. They are still around for a reason and after looking at their photos and tasting their food I can confidently say that this place will exist for many more generations to come.

This is a gem of an old-time restaurant. The loose meat sandwich was very good, and there were 17 fresh-baked pies to choose from on my visit. Raisin cream or strawberry rhubarb? I'll have the strawberry rhubarb next time. Nostalgic atmosphere? You almost expect Jimmy Cagney to come in and sit next to you. The Canteen has always been on my retro dining bucket list, but I never had a reason to go to southeast Iowa until last week. This is well worth some extra miles if you're anywhere neat Ottumwa.

Canteen Burgers Homemade Pies all great! Classic ottumwa establishment. Always happy with the food& service!

Great food and great service. I love visiting this hidden gem. Can call orders in for pickup as well.

Like a Maid-rite, only better. So said the lady at the register. And she was correct. The fried egg sandwich was excellent, too. Only thing a didn't try was their fresh pie.

This place is amazing. Noma news. Service is great. Sandwiches are unbelievable! I will eat every lunch here until I die. Also I didn't mention the milkshake to our great!

You can never eat at the Canteen too often. Every time I return to my hometown, we eat there as often as we can. Too good to miss! Nothing comes close to a Canteen!

Truly a MUST lunch if you're in town. A longtime staple in Ottumwa that will always be. It's an experience, a small dive you usually only see on TV. Order the classic Canteen with everything on it and a chocolate milkshake. Their homemade pies are recommended, too by local and loyal customers. It's delicious, simply put. The women who run the business are sweet and make you feel at home. Tiny on the outside, but huge with flavor you'll want to come back for.

Great sandwich! Exactly what I would expect. I would leave the ketchup off next time. It added sweetness that didn't quite vibe with the meat. Also tried the pie. Apple was a little cinnamon heavy. My husband had the raisin cream pie, was a custard pie and delish!!!!!! Loved the place, all the people and the experience.

In town for work, looking for some local flavor. This is definitely it in terms of local but not necessarily flavor. I had the Canteen with everything on it and a slice of blueberry pie with Ice cream. The sandwich was ok to good but not bad. The staff were the most unfriendly I've encountered in quite sometime. You'd think with such an intimate setting with sitting at the bar and all, the conversation would have been better. No one talked. No one engaged in conversation and when I asked a question, they just looked at me like the out of towner I was. Maybe that's the culture here in Ottumwa. The food would probably taste better if the atmosphere wasn't so cold. Anyway, I'd say if you are not from Ottumwa, you're not missing anything. I will not be back and won't suggest it. The food was a bland as the conversation and friendliness at this place. Sorry Canteen, maybe my expectations were too high.

"Grease out! Everything! Ketchup, onion, wet! Reorder!" I don't remember my first visit to the Canteen - but I do know that it was decades ago when I was able to balance myself on the shiny bar stools. Then, as now, the Canteen has always been the "must go to" place while visiting my relations in the Ottumwa area. It feels like home - the atmosphere, smell, voices, phenomenal friendly staff, and the taste of the loose meat sandwich - yum. I shall return again and again and again!

Great place to step back in time! Always friendly service. Just don't ask for a maid rite.

The sandwich was really good. Unlike anything I've had before, it was like a hamburger-flavored sloppy joe. It was very satisfying. I also had a chocolate shake and a piece of pie. The food is by no means gourmet, but very hearty and filling and I left happy. The service was extremely fast and friendly. I can see why people keep coming back here. Should I find myself in Ottumwa in the future, I will come here again.

Yummers... Known for their loose meat sandwich and been around over 80 yrs - written up in national papers - USA Today , the Times ... An institution - they even built a new parking garage around it!

This place is a classic. You just need to go there!! Something quite different. The service is quick and awesome sandwich.

We were on a road trip to St. Louis from Minneapolis and looking for a non-chain place to have lunch in Iowa when we stumbled on this little place tucked into the alley in Ottumwa Iowa with the help of Yelp. Even at 1 p.m. on a Saturday, the little place was packed with people. Although, to put things in perspective, there are only about 17 seats at the little horseshoe shaped counter and room for maybe another 15 standing behind them. The food is totally unique and like nothing I've found in all my travels. There are basically 3 main menu items; the Canteen "burger" - with and without cheese and a hotdog. The canteen burger is browned ground beef (loose like if you were making tacos at home) served on a bun and adorned with all the fixings pickles, ketchup, mustard as you request. They've got this interesting contraption in the center of the room tended by 1-2 sturdy farm ladies that cooks the meat - you will see them stirring it with what looks like a cement trowel. There are 2 other ladies acting as servers and one sort of the boss calling out orders to the person dishing up the sandwiches. Since everything is ready, it only take a couple of minutes to get your food. You wait a little bit longer for a milk shake which comes with the big cannister and is poured into those little pointed paper cups in a metal holder that I remember from the dentist office of long ago. They've also got about 10 kinds of pie although they are not baked on site. I had the pecan, and it was pretty good. When you are done you don't get a check or anything, just make your way to the front of the counter by the door and tell the lady at the cash register what you had and she will ring you up. I think it is cash only. A solid (and fast) lunch in a small town. Definitely an experience and something different in the heartland.

Visites the town this past week and the number one thing I was looking forward to was the loose meat sandwiches. Boy it didn't disappoint. The staff is super great and friendly. The sandwiches are inexpensive and so good. They also have the best milkshakes I've ever had. I didn't get to try their pies but my girlfriend said the pecan was delicious. Before we left Ottumwa we stopped in one more time to get some sandwiches for the road. This is worth a trip to the town alone.

To begin with, I am adding one star for the local diner atmosphere. Friends from the area told us about the mother ship of loose-meat sandwiches located in a tiny diner in Ottumwa, facing an alley, under a parking garage. We took a different route to central Iowa to visit the parental T units and timed it perfectly to be here for lunch on a Friday. The diner is small with a horseshoe bar and very little room behind the stools. We got lucky. When we arrived several people got up to leave and we were able to be seated immediately. We were there maybe 30 minutes total and the place was packed the entire time, with people standing waiting for a stool at the bar or a take-out order. There were a half-dozen ladies scurrying around preparing and serving food. There was an odd odor in the building, not grease, more like dead fish. I'm just reporting, I can't explain it. We each had a loose-meat sandwich. Ms T had mustard, I had pickle and mustard. This is the way we would order a Maid-Rite. The buns are soft and white and are pretty large, to hold the meat, but they border on being a little too much bread. My only real complaint was that the bun was cold. They at least need to be room temperature. The meat is simple and good, with little if any seasoning except salt. It is not as finely ground as a Maid-Rite and was not as uniformly broken up. There were some lumps of meat and in fact I had some crunchy browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which were not necessarily bad. It was definitely not greasy. Ms T had the obligatory chocolate malt which was big, real, quite malty and good. I had a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie. The pie was OK, with definite strawberry flavor complimenting the rhubarb, but lacked enough sweetness. I know a lot of rhubarb pie lovers like it tart. The crust was pretty commercial. I'm sure this place has its local adherents who claim superiority over Maid-Rite. Both were started in the 1920's and I'm not sure which was first. This one just did not turn into a franchised chain. I have eaten many, many Maid-Rites in a number of their restaurants. They can be fabulous and they can be poor. The loose-meat sandwich at Canteen Lunch was no better than an above average Maid-Rite. It was better than some, not as good as the best. Our service was very quick and friendly. I would not drive a great distance out of my way to go here, but would certainly not avoid it next time I am passing through Ottumwa. The place is, again, one of those old diners that I love and the food is fine. It was certainly worth the trip for lovers of old diners and local flavors.

Great food Little Pricey for a loose meat sandwich but they are delicious. Limited space so not for a big group. Love the homemade pies! Wish they had fries too.

Easily the best lunch ever (IMO)!! If you are ever in Ottumwa Iowa, do yourself a huge favor and seek out the Canteen. You will not be disappointed. I was able to visit again this last weekend and put away three of the things. It's a good thing I don't live in Ottumwa anymore. CKO! CFFC!

This is the cutest little spot hidden under a parking garage. All the locals come here. The seating inside is limited but you can sit outside. The employees are all so friendly. I've been here twice now while in Iowa visiting family. I will definitely go back.

Amazing food!! And one of Ottumwa's most iconic spots! The ladies there are so sweet and I love going there!

I grew up in Ottumwa so the Canteen has been in our family for years. Small little building that is now covered by a parking ramp across the street from Hotel Ottumwa. U shaped bar seating otherwise most people get theirs to go. Little old ladies working there that have for many many years. The meat is cooked right in front of you so they make the sandwiches in front of you as well. Its the best loose meat sandwich you will ever have. Pricey in my opinion around $4 some thing a piece. No fries or drinks included. Everything is separate. They have great homemade pies and on a hot day there is nothing better then a Canteen shake. If you are a native you know how to order them. Wet or dry. Mine I prefer wet with ketchup, mustard, onion and pickle. If I am feeling different its dry, mustard and onion. Tons of different ways to order. They have cheese sauce as well. Lunch time gets very busy. Lots of to go orders so its nice to call in and place your order. Otherwise it is nice to sit/stand around and watch everything happen while waiting for your order. Everyone is really nice. They have a map customers can mark where they are from on too. It's located on the wall. Its cool to look at. Great place and shows the history of Ottumwa. The one restaurant that has stood the test of time.