User Reviews for Canteen Lunch In The Alley

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Aug 25, 2009 by June from Ottumwa
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Everything.
• I could only eat two. And no room for pie either.

“I've still been going to the Canteen after moving from Ottumwa in 1960. I've made many trips from my 2nd home town, Chicago. It's still the best. I was there last month and should have bought a bag full to go. Next time!”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Jul 22, 2009 by Brenda from Melrose/Mt. Pleasant
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Quaint place.
• Nothing.

“My father took us to the Canteen as a treat. Loved it then, love it now. Hope the next generation enjoys it as much as we do! Quaint!”

May 13, 2009 by Blaine from Ottumwa
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• None.

“My twin brother drive down from Cedar Rapids every once in awhile to have two or three of the best loose meat hamburgers around.”

Mar 17, 2009 by Greg Herrick from Jackson Hole
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] •

• Nothing like it anywhere else that I know of. Don't miss a Canteen.
• Absolutely nothing.

“The Canteen is a wonderful piece of Americana offering a delicious one-of-a-kind sandwich. I grew up in Ottumwa and not trip home is complete without a Canteen. I like mine dry with everything, and I almost always do a reorder. If you're within 100 miles or so, I suggest you try one!”

May 3, 2008 by Ginny from Denver
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Love the old-fashioned diner atmosphere!
• Can't think of a thing!

“I grew up in the Ottawa area and always considered it a treat to go to the Canteen. I still make it a point to go there when I'm in town. You just can't find anything like it anywhere else! Please don't ever change.”

Feb 24, 2008 by Jake from Mt. Pleasant
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Food and service.
• Under a parking ramp.

“This is one of the best places Ive ever eaten at. The service and food was wonderful.”

Sep 30, 2007 by jwdcreations from Cedar Rapids
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Great food, great service, awesome atmosphere!
• Too far away from home!

“This Is the best place anywhere for a good old-fashioned diner experience. The loose-meat sandwiches are fabulous and the pies homemade! The shakes are terrific, made as you order. I can never eat less than 2 sandwiches on any visit. My husband usually grabs 3! The whole experience from the horseshoe bar & stools, fast service, the steamer right In front of you, to the occasionally grumpy staff Is all part of the fun. Where else can you watch the meat being cooked and the sandwich made right In front of you as you order? No warmers used here folks!”

Jul 5, 2007 by Momo from Thailand
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• I love the food and they have great milkshakes and pie.
• The only negative thing is that if you ever say anything about it tasting like the made-rites you are in for a lecture from the owners!

“The sweet soft taste of the O-so-famous canteen is described as more than letters put together. So you ask why not a chain if so wonderfully great, well great things come in small sizes, Quality not Quantity. If anyone has any doubts I would highly recommend the canteen. It is especially great for families or if you want to take a wholesome family-loving business partner then this is the place for you!”

Apr 26, 2007 by Roger from Bloomfield
Overall Rating: 5
Food:[3] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[8]

• Speed and accuracy. Still a great staff of employees.
• Food quality and value. Owner or mgr is not customer friendly.

“ About 30 years ago I considered the food to be a great value. Since the current owner took over some years ago, the food has been downgraded to a poor value. The buns were once larger, with some texture and "heft" to them. Now they are the old, off the store shelf a person buys to make burgers at home. When the loose meat is put in these things, they turn to mush, which I suppose is the reason a spoon is needed to eat them. What happened to the individual containers of pop that was once served? The tumblers it comes in now are more like shot glasses. And forget the pie! I ordered a piece of cherry and it tasted like it had bypassed the oven. The bottom "crust" was plain old pie dough. It could be a nostalgic event to eat there, except the food value is a woeful departure from the past. Count me out for going back there again. I'm noising it around, too.”

Mar 25, 2006 by Dustin from Boone
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[10] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Atmosphere, fun to witness.
• Cramped and crowded, limited seating.

“Loose meat sandwiches only, but they are piled high. Also the best chocolate malts in town along with some of the best pies you will eat. Full meal for under $10. That's hard to beat these days.”

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.