This place is the best thing Ottumwa has going for it.    [12 Jun 2003 13:14:15]

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     ­Anonymous, Cedar Rapids, Iowa   

canteens
It's the one sandwich where you can actually use all of your senses (and then some) to enjoy it. From the wax paper they place the sandwich in to the aroma in the room, it is very simple, yet quite complex. Every detail in the room makes it one of the most unique places to eat. Feel it, smell it, touch it, hear it (not the sandwich, but the people) and relish it. Don't forget the spoon to eat the spillage.    [01 Jul 2003 19:19:46]

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Recommended Dishes: canteen and either a coke or chocolate malt

     ­jeff carruthe5rs   jeffdcarruthers at hotmail dot com

Cedar Rapids sucks
This place has been around since Moby Dick was a guppy. I've been eating these sandwiches since I was a little tyke and they're as good now as they were 35 years ago. Caring less about the calories now than I used to, I like 'em moist with extra salt. This is a must stop for me when I get back home.    [20 May 2004 22:49:48]

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Recommended Dishes: Canteen, moist with x-tra salt and a piece of homemade pie. YUM.

     ­Chris Summers   c2squared2001 at yahoo dot com

Like going home
Just darn good.....and exactly like it was 50 years ago. The taste, the smells, the counter, the building, the pictures on the wall and maybe even the little old ladies serving up Canteens. Part of my youth and good memories.    [19 Jun 2005 23:06:06]

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     ­Colleen   

Canteen Forever
Grew up in Ottumwa, each time we are back in the big O we HAVE to stop and get a Canteen. Best sandwich EVER.    [27 Jul 2005 09:42:27]

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Recommended Dishes: Canteen w/ketchup

     ­Anonymous   

GREEEAT
My husband left Ottumwa over 45 years ago, this past summer we visited Ottumwa for a few days and each afternoon we could go to the canteen, he would have 2 and I would have 1..they were better than he remembered them and I told him we could eat them everyday.. so so good pie and ice cream hit the spot also.    [27 Oct 2005 17:12:14]

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     ­jerry williams   

1953 watercolor on west wall toward rear
Favorite place to eat jr.high school, and high school(mandatory after any and all activities,sports events etc.) After O.H.S. 1951 studied architecture at Iowa State Collegeand did a water color painting of the alley, including the "Canteen" sign, as class project. I gave the painting to Ruth Carter {owner} at the register one day in summer.. she said "you aren't going to ask for this back are you?--because I am going right down to Langdales and have it framed". It is still hanging there 53 years later, along with photos of F.D.R. and J.F.K. When it was sold by the Carter heir to current owner Ruth Carter's daughter took the painting home....and when the new owner saw it missing she asked where it was and wanted it back, so it could be put bak on the wall "where it belonged!" as the new owner wanted to keep all the traditions of the Canteen intact [founded 1936]. My favorite was "one with ketchup and onion--semi moist". At my 30 year reunion the lady at the register asked if the "girls" in back could shake my hand. Earlier I had aked about "Pansy" and they all teared up and said she had passed away 2 weeks previosly....part of the Canteen "Family". For more info look for a commentary by Stacy Ware, a neighbor from the W.Woodland "HOOD".    [14 Jan 2006 14:12:53]

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Recommended Dishes: 'one - with.....-moist, semimoist or regular

     ­vince van de venter, ohs,1951   v dot vandeventer at insightbb dot com

Canteen in Ottumwa
I cannot say enough good thinks about the Canteen. My Dad started going there in the 1930s. I always stop here whenever I visit. Down home atmosphere and very friendly staff.    [28 Jun 2006 10:57:47]

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     ­Chuck Davis   w6md at adelphia dot net

The Best Sandwich Ever
I ate my first Canteen in 1950 and the first place I go when I visit Ottumwa is the Canteen. The sandwich itself
seems so simple and yet the flavor and texture are absolutely perfect and totally unforgettable. The restaurant opened in 1936 and has never changed.
An excellent example of genuine Americana.    [01 Aug 2006 13:55:54]

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Recommended Dishes: Canteen with mustard, pickle, and onion

     ­John   

Too many memories for such a small place!
My grandparents dated at the Canteen lunch in the alley (both sets), my parents dated in the Canteen Lunch, I brought my new husband to the canteen lunch, and now every time we are in Ottumwa, I take my children. This is the best place! When ordering, you have to have a canteen (a loose ground beef hamburger - the best in the world), a chocolate malt, and a piece of home made pie. I eat a canteen for every meal whenever we are there, and crave one when we are not. You have to eat there!    [14 Sep 2006 16:03:01]

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     ­Jackie McLaughlin Monroe