People Drive From All Over For The Pies At This Charming Iowa Cafe

Iowa is full of tiny, hole in the wall restaurants that serve up out-of-this world food in the most random places. There's one road trip worthy restaurant down in Ottumwa where you can grab a great sandwich and a slice of the best pie in the entire state.

Canteen Lunch opened in 1927 when Dusty Rhoades started making his famous loose meat sandwiches. In 1936, the restaurant moved to the Alley where it sits today.

This tiny spot has one horseshoe shaped bar that seats just 17 people - so if you go when its busy, expect to wait for your seat.

The menu is simple and hasnt changed in decades. You can order a Canteen sandwich, a burger, hot dog, malt, shake, or a slice of pie.

Of course, their namesake Canteen sandwiches are what draws many people to the Alley.

These loose meat sandwiches are the heart of the restaurant, and theyre made using a secret family recipe.

However, the real reason people return again and again to Canteen Lunch in the Alley is for a slice of their famous homemade pie.

Just look at this strawberry rhubard pie a la mode! Canteen Lunch in the Alley sells over 50 pies per week.

So whether you love butterscotch, lemon merengue, peanut butter pie or something totally off the wall, youll find the best pie in Iowa right here at Canteen Lunch in the Alley.

You can find Canteen Lunch in the Alley at 112 2nd St. E., Ottumwa, IA 52501. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m..

If you travel all the way to Ottumwa for loose meat sandwiches more than pie, you might want to check out our list of The 8 Best Loose Meat Sandwiches In All Of Iowa.