Canteen Lunch In the Alley

We bring you this unique summary of what online reviewers across the web are saying about this business.

• Nostalgia
• Always enjoy a Canteen when we are back in Ottumwa. The other Loose Meat Hamburger doesnamp;#039;t even compare. Always a g (, 04-13-2009)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• When I was a sailor on my way home from 2 years shore duty in Rota, Spain to visit the folks. I had taken a morning train from Chicago and got off at the Ottumwa train station which was about a block or so from The Canteen. I was carrying a case of Sherry (wine), an overstuffed 2-suiter suitcase, a heavy camera outfit, and a tube with bullfight posters and souvenir bullfight sword. I could hardly walk but I made it to The Canteen, threw my stuff in the corner, pulled up a stool and inhaled 3 Eve
• When I was a sailor on my way home from 2 years shore duty in Rota, Spain to visit the folks. I had taken a morning train fro (, 01-22-2009)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• The city wanted to tear down the Canteen Lunch in the Alley and build a parking ramp there. Well the Good people of Ottumwa saidamp;quot;NO WAYamp;quot; so they built the ramp around and above it. This place is a land mark!!I first went there in the late 1940s and I still like to go to Big O and get a CANTEEN! I plan on it for my birthday as a treat.These are the best loose meat burgers in the USA.I used to order one with everything. That meant I wanted ketsup,now it is with everything.
• The city wanted to tear down the Canteen Lunch in the Alley and build a parking ramp there. Well the Good people of Ottumwa s (, 01-19-2009)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• Best sandwich in the world!Never had one? Eat just one you will want it forever! I was born and lived in the O until I was 10. We lived in Ilinois before moving to Ottumwa in August. My kids cannot believe anything tastes this good and the alley location had them saying where are you taking us. Best place to eat in the USA.
• Best sandwich in the world!Never had one? Eat just one you will want it forever! I was born and lived in the O until I was 10 (, 11-15-2008)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• Often Tried, Rarely Duplicated
• I used to relish going downtown on Thursday nights with my Mother when the shops stayed open late. When I was old enough she (, 06-17-2008)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• Always Good.
• Canteens are always good. Everything including the food is great. (, 06-04-2008)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• The Best.
• Every time my fiance and I are in his hometown of Ottumwa, heamp;#039;ll say amp;quot;Where did you want to eat lunch?amp;quo (, 12-16-2007)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• Miss The Way It Was!
• I grew up on the Alley Canteen and when it was owned by The Carteramp;#039;s it was addictive. The buns were huge and fresh (, 10-09-2007)
• Read More Reviews from Judy's Book

• Best place in Iowa, next to Grandma's place.
• This place has not changed since the 40's (as is evident from the picture of FDR & JFK on the wall). Every time that I visit (imcamccoy, 06/17/08)
• Read More Reviews From Restaurantica.com