Garance Franke-Ruta

"Legendary loosemeat burger joint. So popular that when the City Council decided to build a parking lot on its lot, the entire town protested. Nobody orders the fries."

Only In Your State

"The Canteen is a tiny restaurant tucked away in an alley, and it serves the most delectable loose-meat sandwich that you have to try. The regular Canteen comes with Ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion. Get the Cheese Canteen for even extra flavor."

Kathy Smith Morales

"My memories of loose meat sandwich are most associated with the Canteen Lunch in the Alley, a little diner in Ottumwa, Iowa. What a treat!"