Canteen in the Alley Review

Since 1927. Can hardly beat that for a recommendation, can you? The Canteen in the Alley serves “loose meat” sandwiches, known elsewhere in Iowa as “Maid Rites.” What’s a “loose meat” sandwich? Crumbled ground beef cooked on a steam table with diced onions and 17 herbs and spices. (Well, some, anyway – shall remain a mystery!).

The counter seating only diner is literally in an alley. Enter through there or through the adjacent parking garage.

Your consumption choices other than the sandwiches include menu items like chips, soda, coffee, ice cream shakes or a variety of pies. There is a bevy of pie choices, depending on the day of the week.

We polished off one and a half sandwiches each, tried for the large milkshake, couldn’t finish it. All of it delicious. Will try harder next time.

Canteen in the Alley Review