Iowa, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ottumwa

April 27, 2020 Toi Mattera

Find out what American restaurants to try in Ottumwa. Ottumwa (/əˈtʌmwə/ ə-TUM-wə) is a city in and the county seat of Wapello County, Iowa, United States. The population was 25,023 at the 2010 census. Located in southeastern Iowa, the city is split into northern and southern halves by the Des Moines River.
Things to do in Ottumwa

10. Applebee's

1303 Vaughn Dr, Ottumwa, IA 52501-8898 American, Bar, Grill Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available, Table Service +1 641-683-1711 http://www.applebees.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

3 based on 63 reviews

Applebee's

Reviewed By nathant8

We went as a family of 3 a table of 5 that ordered well after we did was served first. Waitress proceeded to tell us how much she had worked this week didn't tell us specials etc. Everyone had fries with their order and each plate had short stubby bits and a very small amount.

9. Arby's

1130 N Quincy Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501-3800 American Lunch, Dinner +1 641-682-2371 http://drmarbys.com

Arby's is a leading global quick-service restaurant company operating and franchising over 3,400 restaurants worldwide. Arby's was the first nationally franchised, coast-to-coast sandwich chain and has been serving fresh, craveable meals since it opened i

Reviewed By tbfairfield

A better menus with fresh sandwiches good salads although Romaine lettuce is the way to go. It's a fast food restaurant with drive up yet my choices of sandwiches and salad is always a nice simple fresh healthy lunch. Thank You Arby's

8. Morgan's Corner Bar & Grill

436 W 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2357 American +1 641-684-0851 https://www.facebook.com/Morgans-Corner-Bar-Grill-467235859964687/

Reviewed By James J

Good food and a great value for the price. The service is the best. My wife and I well return very soon.

7. Courtside Bar & Grill

Ottumwa, IA American, Bar, Grill, Pub Lunch, Dinner Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Table Service +1 641-226-5002 https://www.facebook.com/Courtside-Bar-Grill-394449723975994/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 29 reviews

Courtside Bar & Grill

Reviewed By jksKansas

Lunch specials were pork tenderloin sandwiches which were very good as the noon special. Service was excellent and many locals seemed to be here for lunch. This is a bar but it is a better than average sports bar as the food was quite tasty. My guests enjoyed their meal and were well pleased with the pork.

6. Second Street Cafe

107 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2926 American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Delivery, Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Full Bar, Wine and Bee [email protected] +1 641-684-5626 http://www.hotelottumwa.com/second-street-cafe.html
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 35 reviews

Second Street Cafe

The Second Street Cafe, located off the lobby on the main floor, offers a menu sure to satisfy every taste. TThe extensive menu, including breakfast, sandwiches, appetizers, pizza, dinners, and deserts allow everyone to order their personal favorite. Pric

Reviewed By jeanA5310

We ate here for lunch and took advantage of their buffet. It offered an ample selection – including juicy fried chicken! The salad was primarily iceberg lettuce (not as impressive), but there were plenty of other veggies to choose from. Our server was pleasant and efficient. It's a nice place for a warm and inviting diner experience.We are so glad you enjoyed our food. The fried chicken is definitely a favorite of locals and guests alike. Thank you so much for your review. Come back and join us anytime!

5. Recovery Room

1805 W 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-1508 American, Bar, Pub Dinner, Lunch Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +1 641-683-5714 http://www.recoverysportsgrill.com/menus
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 30 reviews

Recovery Room

Reviewed By BigPaulMn

What can I say about the pork tenderloin that hasn’t already been said! It’s a phenomenal sandwich! The tenderloin is almost as big as my shoe, and it was delicious! I can see why it’s so highly rated! The crinkle cut fries were a perfect compliment! I can’t remember her name, but the owner was very friendly and nice too!

4. Riverside Family Restaurant

1317 E Mary St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-5252 American, Diner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Highchairs Available, Table Service +1 641-682-2386 http://www.riversidefamilyrestaurant.net/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 58 reviews

Riverside Family Restaurant

Reviewed By 136bobl

My wife and I were passing through and stopped here for breakfast. We like to eat where locals eat. This is a typical hometown restaurant. Lots of comfort food on the menu. Our meals were good, served quickly and staff were friendly.The parking lot had holes large enough to swallow cars but that didn't keep the people away.

3. Appanoose Rapids

332 E Main St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-3041 American, Bar, Pub Dinner, Lunch Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Table Serv [email protected] +1 641-954-9818 http://www.appanooserapids.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 118 reviews

Appanoose Rapids

Reviewed By jeffsvarverud

Wow what a change from last Easter. This year $25 bought you a choice of Ham, that was all no roast beef or Turkey only ham at the carving station. Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, baked chicken or fish. The beef noodles were only warm. One vegetable dish, running scrambled eggs French toast and two salads. Utterly disappointing. The change of ownership is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. It is so sad to see a wonderful restaurant slip into a less than average establishment. I will have to locate a new establishment for next year.Jeff -- we are sorry to hear about your experience during our Easter brunch; we noticed that you and your wife posted one-star negative comments on both Facebook and TripAdvisor for everyone to see, but yet, during brunch none of you spoke to us, the owners, to tell us about your experience, we were there the entire time. We do believe you both and we see your observations and concerns as genuine; we wish we had done something to make it right while it was happening. We are sorry and we wish you well.Having said that, we respectfully reject your comment "It is so sad to see a wonderful restaurant slip into a less than average establishment". We had 120 guests on Easter brunch, our largest Sunday crowd since we started Sunday brunches, and we only received two negative comments, yours. Several of our guests talked to us as they were leaving and were very pleased with the buffet selections, drinks, service and ambiance. Furthermore, to comment on your 'change of ownership' observation, compared to last year, Appanoose Rapids had on Easter brunch: live piano music, fresh flowers on tables, flowers pots out front, new lounge furniture, new POS system, two new soda fountains, one additional servers' station, a handcrafted brunch cocktail list and yet the team of chefs that cooked the food fresh on that morning was virtually the same as last year. Change of ownership came with a new vision for Appanoose Rapids and we are investing and working very hard to make a difference in Ottumwa.

2. Bubba-Q's

1110 N Quincy Ave Quincy Place Mall, Ottumwa, IA 52501-3883 American, Barbecue Dinner, Lunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol [email protected] +1 641-682-0082 http://www.bubba-qs.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 121 reviews

Bubba-Q's

All the things you love about high quality local BBQ, now with grilled steaks, burgers, salads scratch made rubs,sauce,sides and desserts. Now taking reservations for our large group seating privacy in our "Barn" meeting/party room.

Reviewed By dawnfromseattle

Best pulled pork we've had. Best BBQ sausage we've ever had.We split a one pound plate of three meats and still couldn't finish.Their selection of sides was long and good.Service was very good. If we lived here, this would be our favorite place.

The 6 Best Things to Do in Ottumwa, United States

1. Canteen Lunch In The Alley

112 1/2 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2925 American, Diner Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible [email protected] +1 641-682-5320 http://canteenottumwa.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 184 reviews

Canteen Lunch In The Alley

Features loose meat sandwiches.

Reviewed By Dave_in_Tulsa

Took the wife and kids to the Canteen to taste an Ottumwa tradition, but couldn't get anyone to take my order. Stood in front of the cash register for about 15 minutes while they waited on just about everyone else but me. We were going to grab some lunch and take it to go, but no luck. The people sitting down, and some (but not all) of the people walking in all were waited on. We finally left and went elsewhere.

Most Popular Restaurants in Ottumwa

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