Canteen Lunch In the Alley, Ottumwa IA

Not sure what was colder. The greating and attitude of who took our order or the sandwich itself. Did not feel welcome and felt as me being there was an issue. Two stars because even cold it was still good. Everyone gets a second chance if I have the opportunity I will try again and update review.

Cute Little hole in the wall. You order by stating what toppings you want ie, "Cheese everything", "Cheese Ketchup". Essentially maidrites, but better. Feels like you are stepping back in time.

It’s a true “Maid Right” bldging with circle bar and all.it’s like stepping back into the 90’s. Great Food, great service, great experience.

We live in Illinois and every time we come to Ottumwa to watch our grandson at Indian Hills CC we eat at the Canteen! It’s the best!

We arrived at this restaurant for lunch.we heard about this spot from many people. Well, it was very successful. The crew welcomed us with a smile and we had an excellent feeling. The food was just great. We loved this place a lot and we shall absolutely come back again. Warmly recommended.

Nearly 2 decades since I've been there, but I returned today. Just as great as it was then. What makes it? The people.

Interesting place. Staff was friendly but clueless. Person serving us just stood there and watched us the whole time. I got a sandwich and a float and as I ate my ice cream, she came over and put her hand on my food and asked if I wanted another when I clearly was not done eating. She put my food down and acted as if I was still going to eat it after she put her fingers in my food. Then continued to watch me and my family’s every move. Personally had a over all bad experience.

Always a five-star always the same taste same quality and I've been going since the late 70s and every time I visit it brings back good memories my father would take lunch break from the post office and I would be on lunch from the high school and meet him there for cheese with everything you guys are so rich with history thank you guys for never moving and never closing

I came there with my aunt and uncle last week. My grandfather ate there quite often back in the late 1930s and early 40s. We ordered Canteens and generous slices of yummy pie. We spoke with one of the waitresses. She was very kind and shared history of the little place with us. The food was delicious. The homemade pies were heavenly. It's a great little spot to make time to grab a bite to eat.

Great Service, delicious food, truly amazing customer service. I would recommend this to anyone driving through to stop by and try this delicious cheap made with love meal. They have a simple menu with great choices for affordable meals.

This little place is a true gem. Their loose meat sandwhiches are awesome! Simple, yet tasty. If you have ever watched the show roseanne, than visiting the canteen will be just for you. Walk in, and you ARE in the "lanford lunchbox" as the canteen was the actual inspiration for the show, right down to thw curtains and even how they serve the food. If you are visiting town, this is a "must do"! You will NOT be disappointed!

Love this place the atmosphere is like no other. Grab a seat next to anyone. No one minds and enjoy a loose meat sandwich that's been around since 1938. It's a locals joy and any one traveling through I recommend you stop in. Get everything with cheese, peanut butter shake, and a a slice of pecan pie you will not regret it.

I do a lot of traveling and found this to be my favourite so far. Nothing fancy, all done right here, and is good. Prices are reasonable and fair. For less than $10 you can have a sandwich and some fresh made pie! Fresh!

Been in the same location since 1936 and when you go; you'll know why they're still there. Enjoy!

This place was awesome! The ladies here were super busy when I went in and still were able to take time to take care of me and mine. Very fast and great teamwork.

We have family come from all across USA for these one of a kind sandwiches. Illinois, Florida, California, Alabama, Missouri, they are an Icon.

Simple tasty loose meat sandwich (we use to have these growing up in upstate NY) the staff was truly pleasant and they make you feel so welcome. They take cash or cards. No need for plates here they are in a wrap and you simply dive in.you need to go and trust me start that conversation the entire place (staff and customers join in) it is a small place but a need to go

Awesome no frills spot for lunch. Options are a loose meat sandwich or a hot dog and chips for a side. They have shakes and malts too. If you eat at the counter, they bring your second sandwich to you after you finish your first so it's hot. The 17 kinds of pie they have are homemade by a local and SO DELICIOUS.

Moved here some years ago, (ottumwa) and eventually had this place now I take relatives to visit this place! Yes cheese, ketchup, pickles for me! 5 sandwiches 4 for now 1 maybe later (wont make it home)

From the moment I first arrived to Iowa on a work assignment the first week of April, 2019, many of my friends from Iowa or with family residing in Iowa advised me that I Just Had To go to Canteen Lunch in the Alley for a loose meat sandwich. Certainly worth the experience and the sandwich is pretty tasty too.

Brought a new friend in to experience The Canteen! She will now bring her family to enjoy their famous sandwiches and the PIE!