Canteen Lunch In the Alley - Famous Iowa Restaurant - And Iconic American Establishment
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.พ. 2024
- Visiting the town of Ottumwa, Iowa to try one of the most unique sandwich spots in America. This is Canteen Lunch in the Alley, a restaurant that has been serving loose meat sandwiches (similar to sloppy joes without the sauce) since 1936 during the Great Depression.
This restaurant is also the inspiration for the Lanford Lunch Box on the hit show Rosanne, the restaurant that Rosanne Barr's character worked at. During the production of the show, Rosanne Barr was married to actor Tom Arnold, who just so happens to be from Ottumwa, Iowa. So the couple would dine in at the Canteen Lunch in the Alley, which led to the themed Lunch Box Restaurant on the show.
Canteen Lunch in the Alley is a special place, feeding many in poverty during the hardships of the Great Depression, bringing small town families and travelers together throughout the mid 20th century, and marking its place in pop culture on a mainstream sitcom.
This historic restaurant continues to serve its phenomenal yet simple loose meat sandwiches to hungry patrons into the 21st century, the surrounding alley may have changed but the restaurant has not. This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the USA.
Oh! and their variety of freshly baked pies is some of the best on the planet as well.
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It's SEASONED ground beef. Not just ground beef. The seasonings are a guarded secret. Maid-Rite is the same way. Ketchup is a BIG no no, because it covers the flavors of the subtle seasonings. I managed a Maid-Rite years ago and ketchup was NOT offered. Try it plain next time, I think you'll taste a difference. The Canteen is the original. Maid-Rite was "invented" in Muscatine, Iowa 1926
The reason no ketchup on the tables is because way back when the hobos/bums would come in off the railroad tracks and steal it. Can't you get it if you ask for it?
MSG, not original, Is that the "$ecret?" It has been in the food industry for years, as the secret
They are made it order. You can get ketchup,mustard,onion pickle and if you want cheese. It has zero to do with it ruining the flavor. I'm from here and eat there regularly.
I remember when the local Maid-Rite used to offer *_5 Loose Meat Sandwiches for $1,_* but only to go. If you ate them in the cafe, sadly they were then 4 for a $1.
Been going to the Canteen since the late 50s! Rode my bike downtown from where I lived to get a Canteen and go to the movie. I stop by there every time I'm in town now. The builders of the parking garage wanted to tear down the Canteen building when they build the garage and the citizens put up such a fuss about it that they kept the Canteen building and built the parking structure around it! We love our Canteens!
Crazy to think such a unique restaurant was almost wiped out for a basic parking garage, thank God for the citizens of Ottumwa for saving this place. Thanks for sharing about your youth, that’s fun to hear.
that is AWESOME!!!
I have always loved the Canteen! Been going there for 50 years. As a kid it was a special day if we got to eat at the Canteen.
I am from Wichita, KS. We have Nu-ways here, since the 1930’s. They are made with mustard, pickle & onion. They side items are Royal malts chocolate soft serve and potato chips and their own made root beer in cold mugs! They are awesome!!!
I will keep that in mind next time I'm in Wichita - thanks for sharing!
Simpler times for sure. ❤🌻
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I’ve been eating Maid Rites in Quincy Illinois since the early 80’s. Mustard and pickles only no Ketchup ever
I first ate here probably 60 years ago. I remember sitting at the counter and my feet weren't even close to touching the floor. I must get back there soon. Thanks for this wonderful story, glad you enjoyed it
Love the nostalgia, thanks for sharing.
I hadn't heard of this cafe but as soon as you said they specialize in loose meat sandwiches, I immediately thought of Rosanne and the cafe she worked at. Then you went on to explain how Canteen Lunch inspired that detail of the show. The cafe on the show looks almost identical to the interior of the real Canteen Lunch. Amazing stuff.
It's the real-life inspiration, amazing place.
Thats what i thought
Only difference is Canteen is smaller and then don't have room for tables just the horseshoe counter
Man I miss Maid-Rite. I live in California now, so I can’t get it. I remember my grandfather taking me to Canteen Lunch. My grandparents lived in Ottumwa. When we’d visit them, he’d take me there for lunch. So good!
Lived many years in Ottumwa. Love Canteens!
That was really cool! What a great place!
I went to college in Iowa City but I never heard of this restaurant. I did know about Maidrite. Shout out to the Cohen sisters from Ottumwa, Susan and Ellen.
I went to college at University of Iowa too (class of ‘10) and never knew about Canteen in the Alley either until years later.
You need to try out Loosies in Cedar Rapids. Exact same concept but they shove their pies into shakes and they have AMAZING potato salad. Thanks for showing off our home state 💪🏻
I wish I would have known that a few weeks ago. I was in Cedar Rapids for work. Next time for sure.🤓👍
I wonder if Radar O.Riley drank some grape soda there 😅
I'm only 29 but I grew up watching M.A.S.H with my grandpa, even now I will rewatch that amazing show. I think my favorite character in that show is Corporal Klinger he was a complete riot 😂😂
@@ToxicAlien95 And Klinger was Trans before it was cool and fashionable to be Trans.
@@adambaum9732 LOL....what a DOOFUS....Klinger was not Trans....he was a SCAMMER.....trying to get out of the army on a Section 8.....similar to today's trans I guess who sure have YOU scammed thinking they can determine their sex by force of will
Grape Knee-high, wasn’t it. I was in junior high when people were excited about the finale.
@@willenhollyGrape Nehi.
One of my favorite spots in SEIA. Dropping by for a Canteen then heading over to Graham's Dairy Freez for a cheesecake milkshake. Ideal.
I can’t even imagine what that tastes like. It’s so much less saucy than a sloppy Joe. I’ll have to find a reason to be in southeast Iowa to give it a try!
The inside looks like a smaller version of the Lanford Lunch Box on Roseanne! You can definitely tell she drew inspiration from the Canteen Lunch!
What a great place and Im sure the food is awesome. Thanks for sharing!
What a delicious and historic spot for a bite into time. I would definitely get mine with everything!!! Time sure flies. Don't blink, enjoy every meal while you can. 😊
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This is a special place. Was there a few times & enjoyed it every time.
Excellent. Thanks for enlightening us about this canteen. Hope to get by there sometime. Very cool you're out with your brother. I try to do things with my bro too. Kudos!
I'm always fascinated by the way you American show pride on your local poor food.
Pride in affordable local food that helped provide nourishment to people struggling during the depression and has lasted for 100 years. Damn right I’m proud of it.
@@GetmeouttahereErik I've been traveling across America and I've found out that food is not that affordable in respect of the poor quality. You've been deceived by the food industry there and you still believe what you eat is real food. Said that there are million places who prepare food with honesty and pride. Sorry but depression was ages ago as well as shortage during the WW2, let's talk about nowadays. Hugs from Italy.
@@marcomorosino6081Probably the cheapest meat possibly with MSG?
Isn't it just a little hypocritical to knock local American food when your own cuisine is so heavily influenced by local American food? You do realize tomatoes originated in the Americas, do you not? Canteens are steamed hamburger on a bun. They're the best quality fast food burger you'll find, and they taste as good as the beef that is used. If you make them at home and use crappy hamburger, they'll taste like crappy hamburger. If you buy good beef, they'll taste good. There's some tasty beef produced in southeast Iowa. If you've never tasted local beef, you don't know what you're missing.
I love been stopping there for decades on my way through
Maid rite started in 1926 in Muscatine and was franchised in 1927. Canteen has probably not changed. Maid rite has a corporation now.
Another classic loose meat sandwich spot, one of my first videos on this channel was about an old Maid Rite located in Springfield, IL.
Yeah, but it's hit or miss. Mostly franchises. The company I work for cleans the hoods and grease traps at several of what's left in Des Moines.
Let's not forget about Tender-Maid! Still one in Austin, MN
I live many states away, but if I ever get out that way, I am definitely paying that establishment a visit. The sandwiches look great and the cool little building just oozes local character.
Well worth it!
In case you couldn't tell from the video, the big box the meat is cooked in is a steamer. So, it's slightly different from regular loose meat hamburgers you may fry up at home. 🤓👍
These are awesome. Been there. Need to add to your travels- the Miles Inn….Sioux City. KB
AMAZING VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!! i need to check that place out!
Everytime I go back home to Wichita Ks, I stop for a Nu-Way. I grew up near the Nu-Way at Ridge and Central, great sandwich...sorry for going on a tangent hahahahha
@@biowerks I need to try this place
Only thing that would make that sandwich better is to add some Sterzing's chips on the side🥰
Absolutely!!!!
As a rural Ottumwan.
Ill have 2 please. Dry, with cheese mustard pickles onions. Pie ala mode coke & a bag of Sterzings chips.
And I'll say. I've got to stop & have them twice a month. Just gotta!
Used to deliver to the John Deere in attumwa but never got to Walk around the town and check out places like this
Next time I'm on I-80 going through Iowa, I will make the turn to hit this Icon. All the iconic and historic stuff isn't just on the east coast. Ottumwa is an American Indian word. There are 88 indigenous people living in Ottumwa which makes up 1/3rd of 1% of the people who live there. I hope they're doing well.
peace
Brilliant, im starving now , thankyou 😂
Ha anytime
Have ate there many times it is the best !
a well made video! i'll check out some more
i hope to find a flannel shirt like yours !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for posting videos!!!!!!!!
Okoboji, Iowa we stay at Lee resort in the 80s.I sure wish it was still there.
My mom would make strawberry Rhubarb crisp, so the pie was probably amazing too. Bonafide. Glad you liked the crumble burgers as well :)
This place looks spinal! Love it!
What do you mean by, "spinal"?
Spinal is like 'awesome' or 'rad' @@knotNyourHead
Never been but please never go away.
I live 25 miles away, so each visit in a special occasion. Because it is a “given” that you are there for the Canteen sandwich, order by toppings only. My standard order is “ketchup mustard only, Sterzings, and vanilla malt”. When a second sandwich is needed, say “reorder, please”.
Amazing radio voice. First video seen
Thanks
WOW, when you said the name of the city and state, I flashed back to the TV show MASH. That is where the character RADAR O'Rielly was from.
There's still a Tender-Maid shop in Austin, MN too. It wasnt the first loose meat shops but it was an early creation that has survived until today. They do a food challenge there... you should check it out.
Definitely will, I want to see the Spam Museum there as well.
@@GetmeouttahereErik They are literally a block or two apart from each other. lol Sounds like a good afternoon. If you get a chance while there... check out Grinders. It's a local sub shop that's been operated out of a house near the highschool for years. That is... if it's still open. I haven't been back to Austin since 2020
In the series Mash radar is from this part of Iowa
Put some mustard on that and it would be Awesome!!! 😀👍
I died inside when I saw the ketchup on there.
Loose meat sandwiches, Maid Rite sandwiches! Yummy
I grew up in Estherville and went to cap one summer at Okaboji and often my family went to Arnold's Park. My dad swore by Maid Rite. But I think he was mistaken.
I know Estherville very well, I went to Spirit Lake High School so we used to compete. Love Arnold’s Park, I’ll have a new Arnold’s Park Amusement Park video soon.
Council Bluff, Iowa beautiful city
Years ago ….. as usual I did research on where there was the best restaurant I remember the place because I couldn’t find a place to park plus it was kind of spooky I remember because it was getting dark as well. I ended up going someplace else, I must’ve had a less than edible meal because I don’t remember it … i remember could’ve had a great meal if I just walked aways back to the restaurant.
(It was in the late 80’s, I have a strange memory.)
It's looks sketchy but I live here you would have been fine.
Looks exactly like The Lunch Box.
Looked like a classic spot hole in wall
Well in Kansas we call it nun way in and I think they were the first loose meat sandwich
Nope, 1926 Muscatine Iowa
Made rights. Best bar sandwich anywhere. Iowa rocks! And I'm a husker.
Not a Maid Rite though similar but different. They do taste different.
Yumm
Did you see radar O’Reilly while you were there it’s his hometown you know!
Ill take a whole strawberry/ rhubarb pie to go
The pie is the true gem here
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I believe that was Roseanne Arnold's restaurant
you should do a video on randys doughnuts..i think its in la cali?..i have seen it in movies and music videos and have always wondered what it is like.
That’s a great idea, yes Randy’s is in LA. I ate there years ago but never filmed it. Will definitely add this to my Film List next time I’m in Los Angeles! Always open to new ideas - thanks for sharing!
@@GetmeouttahereErik cool, thanks.
Sterzings!!!
Owned and operated by the family of Radar O’Reiley.
I can't stand sloppy Joes but these are great!
I hate slopy joes because of the ketchup sauce but plane wit some muster id try it
Radar O'Reilly!
This dude is markwiensmaxxing hard😂
Roseanne owned it, not just worked there.
Roseanne and Tom never owned the Canteen just one similar maybe in Eldon Iowa.
Roseanne and Tom never owned the Canteen just one similar maybe in Eldon Iowa.
Roseanne and Tom never owned the Canteen just one similar maybe in Eldon Iowa.
Well how much did your lunch cost?
It's fairly affordable I want to say they right at 5 for one without cheese and with cheese costs maybe a quarter more. You won't walk away hungry. Staff is great too!
Where is Radar?
Did you run into Radar?
Did you happen to run into Radar O'Reilly there.
Haha I wish, would have bought him pie!
You sound very close the Adam The Woo/ The Daily Woo TH-cam channel
Thanks, I’m a fan but have been doing this since before I knew of his channel.
Somebody gave me that shirt at some point and I threw it in a fire.
It's closest rival in Iowa would be Maidrite.
Ottumwa used to have Maidrite too.
@@modelcars2978 Used to be one in Altoona as well. That's the one that was closest to my home town. Best i know there's only the one at Merle Hay Mall and another one near the Walmart in Ankeny, locally speaking. I'm sure there's others.
In Ottumwa it's not close. Proof we had two Maid Rites in addition to the Canteen and they both closed.
@@kimquigley5107 There used to be a lot more, back in the day. When I was a kid there was a Maidrite in Altoona. In Des Moines, there were three, but the one at Valley West mall closed. Leaves one in Ankeny and one at Merle Hay Mall.
hey look they made the widwest into a person
Prices please
I lived in Ottumwa for 2 years back in the early 90's. It was a shit hole. Maybe things have changed. Probably not.
Where's Radar?
The city tried to get the actor that played Radar to come and he would not.
@@modelcars2978 sorry, I meant the comment facetiously.
Ketchup on a loose meat sandwich is a crime. Made-Rite didn't even stock ketchup until they added french fries to the menu sometime in the early 2000's. An "everything" sandwich came with pickle, onion, and mustard.
Sloppy Joe 🎶
Lol I hope that’s an Adam Sandler reference “Slop-Sloppy joe”
No beer?
No fry's with that?
I went with pie.
My dad, who incidentally was born in Atlantic, Iowa, in 1924, would have chosen pie as well.
They don't sell fries. You can get potato chips though. The building is super small no room for a deep fryer big enough.
thx for the video.. too bad focus was very off... oh well!
Looks good, but the Bun will Killya.
You keep saying Sloppy Joe and that might turn people off. It looks like the meat is sauceless and you add what you want. Ketchup would give a Sloppy Joe vibe.
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if it wasn't for M*A*S*H I would have never heard of Ottumwa Iowa. You should see if Hawkeye's favorite rib place in Chicago is still around. Adam's Ribs I think it was called.
I lived in Chicago for almost a decade and never heard of Adam’s Ribs. Love the name I’ll have to go
@@GetmeouttahereErik I'm sure it's a fabricated name from the writers of MASH. But if you find it, I'll keep an eye on your channel.
@@bcmfin haha ahh I see what you’re saying, well no wonder I’ve never heard of it then. Would be an epic name for a bbq joint!
You left out Radar O Reily.
Mash was a little before my time but yes - the character Radar was from Ottumwa, Iowa!
NuWay is the original O.G. wichita, ks
Lived here most my life. Fuck this town
Needs Bbq sauce!
He turns a 5 min video into a 15 min video by just repeating himself over and over. Genius.
What’s up with that haircut??
So many better choices in Iowa.
Good grief. He repeats himself constantly, saying the same things over and over again. I can't count how many times throughout the video I said out loud "Yeah, we get it!"
, not a big fan huh?😂😂
@@jimmywong683 🤭
Very annoying, take a shot each time he says “canteen”.
Less is more for his comments. Need to curtail buddy. Everyone is saying the same thing. Don't take it as negative criticism. Just constructive feedback. Just like most proper resturants... As a chef you grow on feedback like that and make it better !
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You go on and on get to the damn point
Food good. Eat here.
i like you announcer but you talk way to much1!!
Bro...no hate here...time to shave that dome. Coming from a bald guy, you will look better my fellow balding brotha.
Yuk. I'll pass on this
Why? You some vegan queer Biden supporter?