Canteen Lunch in the Alley

Canteen Lunch in the Alley Famous since 1927: Canteens, homemade pie, milkshakes & Midwestern charm at a horseshoe counter.

Canteen Lunch in the Alley will be CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.We hope everyone has a safe, re...
09/04/2026

Canteen Lunch in the Alley will be CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing holiday weekend!

We’ll see you Tuesday for your favorite shakes, Canteens, and pie!

09/03/2026

This old-school sandwich shop features the iconic loose-meat cheese sandwich, a true comfort food classic. Link in comments to find out more. ⬇️

We are honored to be named  #1 Southern Iowa’s Best Sandwich Shop AND  #1 Southern Iowa’s Best Hamburger/Cheeseburger! 🍔...
09/01/2026

We are honored to be named #1 Southern Iowa’s Best Sandwich Shop AND #1 Southern Iowa’s Best Hamburger/Cheeseburger! 🍔

To everyone who took the time to vote for us — THANK YOU!

For nearly 100 years, this little spot has been serving up good food, good memories, and a whole lot of community. Being recognized by the people who walk through our doors, bring their families in, grab lunch with friends, and keep coming back means more to us than we can say.

We’re proud to be part of this community, and we’re even prouder to serve you.

So here’s to our amazing customers and the history that brought us here. Thank you for voting. Thank you for supporting us. And most of all, thank you for making us part of your day.

We couldn’t do it without you!

Quite the claim!! "One of America's best!" We are honored! We will continue to be a staple in Ottumwa, IA!
08/08/2026

Quite the claim!! "One of America's best!" We are honored! We will continue to be a staple in Ottumwa, IA!

In Ottumwa, Canteen Lunch in the Alley is famous for its no-frills, old-school sandwiches.

🥊 Giving Back to the People Who Give So Much to Our CommunityFrom May through July, a portion of every Canteen sold went...
08/08/2026

🥊 Giving Back to the People Who Give So Much to Our Community

From May through July, a portion of every Canteen sold went toward supporting the Ottumwa Boxing Club — an organization doing important work with the youth of our community.

This one is especially meaningful to our owner, Jerred. He spent a lot of time at the Boxing Club as a kid, and he knows firsthand the impact a place like this can have. It’s more than boxing. It’s mentorship, discipline, confidence, belonging, and giving kids a place where they can learn, grow, and be surrounded by people who believe in them.

We’re proud to present the Ottumwa Boxing Club with our donation and to play a small part in supporting the work they’re doing. ❤️

And here’s something worth remembering: local organizations like this don’t run on good intentions alone. They need regular support from the people who live here.

You don’t have to own a business or make a huge donation to make a difference. Maybe it’s buying a meal that supports a fundraiser. Maybe it’s volunteering an afternoon. Maybe it’s donating $10 when you can. Maybe it’s simply showing up and encouraging the people doing good work in our community.

There is a lot of good happening right here in Ottumwa. Look for it. Support it. Be part of it.

Because when we all do a little, it adds up to something pretty incredible. 🥊❤️

Radim Dvořáček  a world renowned competitive eater successfully completed our eating challenge.  Finishing 20 Canteens i...
07/13/2026

Radim Dvořáček a world renowned competitive eater successfully completed our eating challenge. Finishing 20 Canteens in 52 min. Great Job Radim! Appreciate you coming to see us and was happy to send you home with a $500 prize!

Had the pleasure of the Iowa City high school baseball team joining us for lunch!
07/13/2026

Had the pleasure of the Iowa City high school baseball team joining us for lunch!

I want to personally thank all of our loyal customers and visitors for helping us have a record day and a huge thank you...
07/04/2026

I want to personally thank all of our loyal customers and visitors for helping us have a record day and a huge thank you to the staff at the Canteen for being rockstars today none of this would be possible without you. We all want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July weekend! Stay safe have fun and we will see you next week!

Jerred.

Address

112 East Second Street
Ottumwa, IA
52501

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 11am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 11am - 6:30pm
Thursday 11am - 6:30pm
Friday 11am - 6:30pm
Saturday 11am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+16416825320

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