Feature: Canteen Lunch in the Alley (Ottumwa, Iowa)

Best. Hamburger. Ever.  I’ve had good hamburgers over the years, but nothing beats the delicious loose meat sandwiches they serve at Canteen Lunch in the Alley, located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa.

Situated under a parking ramp, the one-room yellow brick building features about a dozen stools around the U-shaped counter.  Once seated, one of the ladies from behind the counter will bring a glass of water and take your order.  Regulars will reel off their order in a few seconds – a ‘cheese everything’ sandwich features cheese, ketcup, mustard, onion, and pickles.

If you’re going through (or traveling anywhere near) Ottumwa, the Canteen is a stop you won’t want to miss.  Make the most of your meal by ordering a milkshake and trying a slice of pie to top things off.

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Published August 19th, 2007 | Features | Wapello County | Map