This small diner is perpetually crowded at lunchtime but we went with a group of nine anyway, expecting to get seated at the counter one or two at a time as other patrons left. We were delighted when they offered to take our order while we were still in line and pointed out the picnic tables outside where we could all eat together. The food was just like I remembered. Great experience!

My go to place when I'm in Ottumwa. I grew up in Ottumwa until I was 17, then moved to California. When I go back to visit, this is my first stop, not counting the times I go when I'm there, it's my last stop before leaving. Maybe it's because I grew up eating them, but I know I absolutely love them. I like setting at the counter just like I did when I was in high school. Most people that try it for the first time, say it's just a loose meat sandwich no big deal. WRONG! I guess maybe for me it's a tradition, but no Maid-Rite can match the canteen.

Fast friendly and the best loose meat sandwiches ever/ anywhere! I've never had a better chocolate malt, or milkshake at any other establishment close to here.

Very unique, historic loose meet sandwich place. All Employees are tenured and knowledgeable on the business. Hard to find, you have to want to go there if you are from out of town like we were. Highly recommend finding this place!

I was in the mood for a salad but it wasn't on the menu. So, the owner made me one.. it was perfect! We come from Minnesota on our way to New Orleans. The stop here was well worth it. Friendly people. We will definitely stop here on our way through again. One of their ducks came to visit me. The waitress gave me a mate to keep her company on our travels. I'll post a pic, they're so cute.

Quite the experience like stepping back in time ! The staff was engaging and took care of us quickly. The counter was full with plenty of walk in customers as well during a Saturday lunch time. Amazed at how fast the ladies churned out the orders. The bowl option is great if you want low carb the rest of my group loved the buns. All malts were delicious and consumed happily. The crew all looked like they were having fun and were fueled by good old fashioned Cokes. The pies ordered by a couple next to me were awesome and in their words delicious. Highly recommend going with an appetite & savor as much as you can. Only wish I had pictures to post.

Old time food that hits the spot In a different kind of spot too Small and comfy Give it a try

late in the day visit after a hard day. i needed a good meal.. they were not too busy just 2 at the counter. well $15.52 out the door for 2) catsup, mustard, pickle, extra onion. and a small wedge of tired cherry pie. prices are up just like every were else. it was dry on the meat and a bit crunchy. not the same as prime time noonish. i should to have asked for wet. that is where they take the meat from the bottom of the cooker well with plenty of grease. ok pie... yea they used to have real good pie. this small wedge was not it. must to have been an off day here.

This is a part of my childhood. Every July or August we would go to Yonkers dept store in Ottumwa to shop for school clothes. This activity was always followed up by lunch at The Canteen. I was delighted when my adult daughter asked if we could go to Ottumwa for a loose meat sandwich. YES that's what they are if not at a Maidrite stand. The food as always GREAT... they've been doing loose meat and pies since 1834 so their on lock! You MUST go eat here it's a Midwest legend!!!!

Perfect adaptation of "loose meat" or "Maid-Rite" sandwiches. If you're not familiar, it's crumbled ground beef, mixed with secret spices and/or condiments and cooked on a steam table. Along with eating your meat packed sandwich on a bun, you might need a spoon to finish up the plate. And don't kid yourself, you'll order a second one, sho just go for two from the get-go. Like most similar establishments, the Canteen Lunch serves several varieties of home-made pie. Iowa delish!