Canteen Lunch In the Alley

The first time I remember being there I was probably 3 or 4 years old, my parents ordered 3 canteens and please cut one in half -- mom ate one, I ate a half and my dad got the other one and a half. When I was in Junior High the canteens were 25 cents each. I remember going there after I was out of high school on dates and the canteens were 50 cents and they were good, I've taken my children and grandchildren there and the last time I was there the canteens were either $3.25 or $3.50 they are big and taste far better than Maid-rites and the pieces of pie are fabulous.

I did tell my husband that back in the late 80's I went to school in ottumwa, Ia an I remember a place in the alley called the canteen. They served the best loose meat sandwiches.. I was shocked to find they are still in business. Next time we are in the vicinity I will stop by.. Dated : 6/05/2011. Thanks..

You have to eat here if you ever go to Ottumwa. It is a little harder to find now that they had to put a parking ramp over it. It is an experience straight out of the 40's with awesome loose meat hamburgers. I always have the cheese rite. They are wonderful!