The Canteen is a staple of life in Ottumwa, and as someone who grew up coming to Ottumwa every weekend and ate this regularly I can say this is the best of the best and a must eat if you’re in Ottumwa. If you came and didn’t have it, turn around and go get yourself one! There’s something so special about this place that’s hard to put to words for me! What helps is to simply try the food and you’ll fall in love immediately! My go to is one with ketchup, cheese and onion but you can’t go wrong with any combo of their toppings! Oh and save some room for a big slice of pie!

Great pie selection, and sooo good! Great service too. Historic place on the alley, so don't get lost!

Loved it here! Food was fast. Service was great. I would recommend for anyone looking to have a old-time meal experience. Pecan pie was AMAZING! (Make sure it’s warmed.)

Food is great, very personal eating experience, while the loose ground beef doesn’t make the burger a wow food, it is still simply tasty.

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

So FUN!!!! Stumbled on this on a spontaneous trip through Ottumwa. What a treat. Seating for 16 all around a diner horseshoe shape bar. Food prepared in the middle. Loose meat sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, egg sandwiches, all served in a no fuss environment. Great food. I had a canteen with cheese and pickle- bf had egg sandwich with the works. Shared a piece of French silk pie and strawberry malt. Busy place! Lots of to go orders and people waiting for seats the whole time. Generous staff so service was prompt anyway. I think we paid around $20 before tip. Neat experience!!!

OMG! Canteen Everything w Cheese!!! i’ve never had a loose meat burger… But I will again! They chop everything in they make it so fast! I love the pickle in the bottom when you bite into it! Wrapped in paper serves super hot it was spectacular! And the pies! All homemade local baker.… Deb recommended the chocolate it was to die for! and it was Friday today and apparently on Fridays they have 17 different kinds of pie. All homemade! This place has been around for 102 years… And I’m pretty sure it’s going to be around for another 102 years just spectacular!

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!!