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“The only place you should eat in Ottumwa.... Its wonderfully ....strange...like "Radar" O'Reilly”

Canteen Lunch In The Alley
Ranked #1 of 85 Restaurants in Ottumwa
Description: Features loose meat sandwiches.
Restaurant details
Description: Features loose meat sandwiches.
Reviewed 18 November 2016

Its a VERY odd place, stuck in an alley. It looks like a biker bar...but its a friendly family restaurant where local farmers pop in for..."a loose meat sandwich"... Its all they really serve. A semi-circular counter wraps around a mysterious alter-like pedestal on which sits the mysterious "holy meat cooker". They bring offerings in the form of 10 pound cubes of ground...meat...and dump it in. Its gas fired...the process is part religious ritual and part culinary alchemy. A semi-grump waitress then scoops out a portion of "loose meat" and puts it on a cheap, white bread bun..and applies mustard or ketchup as you request then serves it to you on a paper plate. It is... Delicious in a strange way...kinda like makin out with your cousin... The coffee I had was outstanding. If your traveling by train - its close to the station. I really enjoyed it - you will too...provided youre not an up-tight yuppie or a wimpy hipster.

Date of visit: March 2016
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3  Thank Enviro G
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (198)
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77 - 81 of 198 reviews

Reviewed 5 November 2016

If you want a friendly atmosphere with outstanding loose meat sandwiches and awesome pie the Canteen is the place to go. Get there early as it is stools up to a counter and they fill up fast. Waiting is no problem as the friendly chatter makes it go fast. It is a must place to eat in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Carryout is great also.

Date of visit: November 2016
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Thank mabel s
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 November 2016

This is an old building. There are no booths - everyone has to sit on a bar stool. If you go during the noon hour you will usually have to wait for a seat to become available - but it is worth the short wait! Their steamed hamburgers are to die for - and people have come from all over the world to visit this tiny place.

Date of visit: October 2016
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Thank Debra J
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 October 2016

We eat at Canteen at least once a week, it is always delicious with excellent fast service. The pie is exceptional!

Date of visit: October 2016
Thank 316conniep
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 16 October 2016 via mobile

I couldn't mark it back to when I was there by the date, just didn't have the option. Regardless, it was an amazing traditional maid rite sandwich, prepared impeccably. Famous place and the good reflects that. Definitely a must place to eat if you're in ottumwa. 5 stars

Date of visit: October 2016
Thank shauns265
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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