Ottumwa is a city with quite a history, it is the county seat of Wapello County, Iowa, United States. Located in the state’s southeastern section, the city is split into northern and southern halves by the Des Moines River.
Ottumwa serves as a major economic, commercial, and cultural hub for the Southeastern Iowa region. The city has a total area of 16.73 sq mi (43.32 km2), and its population was 25,529 at the time of the 2020 U.S Census.
The city boasts over fifty-plus top-quality restaurants with spectacular individual signature dishes and exceptional catering services. With every restaurant bringing its best to you, restaurants in Ottumwa, IA, leave you with the best dining experience and loving memories.
Ottumwa restaurants have not just the best meals but also fantastic catering services. Some of these restaurants include; Canteen lunch in the alley, Bubba-Q’s, and many more.
Are you planning a trip to Ottumwa, IA? Here are the best restaurants in Ottumwa, IA.
Best Restaurants in Ottumwa
1. Canteen Lunch In The Alley
Canteen Lunch In The Alley sure qualifies to be the first on this list of top restaurants in Ottumwa, IA with its unique service worth experiencing.
The restaurant opened Canteen Lunch In The Alley doors to the public in 1927 and has been passed over to many, till it got to the present owner, Jan Pierce in 2015.
in 1927 the restaurant had started with just 5 stools, but considering its present state now, it has developed so tremendously but has still kept the tradition of the canteen going for the future generation.
So far, till the restaurant’s recent 95th anniversary, Canteen Lunch In The Alley has been of great importance to its neighborhood.
The canteen has brought the people of Ottumwa together with its, fantabulous dishes, drinks, cozy atmosphere, and wonderful catering services.
Visit Canteen Lunch In The Alley for a spectacular dining experience. The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Address: 112 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2925. Phone: +1 641-682-5320.
2. Bubba-Q’s
Ottumwa restaurants are so amazing and many too, making the competition high, therefore, increasing the quality of food, catering services, and even more.
One of these amazing restaurants that keep you coming for more is Bubba-Q’s. Bubba-Q’s brings you the best barbecues with quality as its name implies
Right in the cozy city of Ottumwa, Bubba-Q’s radiates charm. it’s known for its cozy yet sophisticated dining experience, welcoming employees, and beautiful decor.
Brimming with amazing ideas, Bubba-Q’s is sure to get your tongue longing in anticipation. The restaurant offers the best Barbecues and even amazing sandwiches.
Sit down to the excellence of an authentic barbecue, where the chatter of friends and family welcomes you in, and the warmth of hospitality invites you to stay and indulge.
Visit Bubba-Q’s restaurant with family, friends, and colleagues for your favorite barbecue dining experience.
The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 am.
Address: 1110 N Quincy Ave Quincy Place Mall, Ottumwa, IA 52501-3883. Phone: +1 641-682-0082.
3. Appanoose Rapids
Still, on a this list of best restaurants in Ottumwa, IA, Appanoose Rapids takes its place as one typical restaurant that gives you endless satisfaction.
Appanoose sets out to create a new standard in Midwestern hospitality, with a belief that every great community deserves a great dining experience
Every decision to make your visit not only memorable, but something to celebrate is guided by hand-crafted cocktails, fresh ingredients, and music
Our chefs feature a variety of creations or adaptations each week for lunch and dinner
The restaurant also offers daily features and specials, where its chefs feature a variety of creations or adaptations each week for lunch and dinner.
Fresh ingredients are the key to any great dish. Try our Seafood Bisque, the Whole Farm Salad, or a Grilled Iowa Chop, for a light and flavorful meal
Truly, fresh ingredients are the key to any great dish. Try its Seafood Bisque, whole farm salad, or a grilled Iowa chop, for a light and flavorful meal.
Visit Appanoose Rapids Visit for a fantastic dining experience with colleagues, family, and friends, and make beautiful memories
The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Address: 332 E Main St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-3041. Phone: +1 641-954-9818.
4. Tequila grill
With excellent Ambiance and excellent food, Tequila grill stands out among other top restaurants in Ottumwa, IA.
Make your special day beautiful and enjoyable with exquisite creativity, highly professional staff, and friendly service, all available for your satisfaction.
Since the restaurant opened its doors to the people of its community and even visiting customers, it has been a spot of attraction and has served excellently.
Of course, every good restaurant has a fantastic menu waiting to be selected from, and The Clinkscale has one of the best sorted-out menus.
Tequila Grill serves Nachos in six different ways, five different salads to pick from, ten different ways to enjoy a burrito, and lots more.
Visit downtown Ottumwa for your next date night, family event, or business lunch. The restaurant is open to guests weekly.
Address: 158 N Market St, Ottumwa, IA.
5. Second Street Cafe
With excellent service, exceptional food, and no long wait times, Second Street Cafe stands out among the other best Ottumwa restaurants.
Located in the excellence of Ottumwa, is The Second Street Café, one of your favorites that offers a menu sure to satisfy your expectations.
The restaurant features a Saturday morning breakfast buffet and serves homestyle food as a buffet for lunch, and dinner on occasion.
The Second Street Café and restaurant’s broad menu allows everyone to order their personal favorite from its variety of spectacular dishes
Second Street Café is a local favorite that brings the best menu which includes breakfast all day, sandwiches, appetizers, dinners, desserts, and lots more.
Visit Second Street Cafe with family friends and colleagues, for a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, on Saturday from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 107 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2926. Phone: +1 641-684-5626.
6. Courtside Bar & Grill
Rated 4star plus is one of Ottumwa best, Courtside Bar & Grill, a restaurant with outstanding service you won’t want to miss for anything.
Courtside Bar & Grill is pretty amazing, it brings to the table a great mix of delicious and fantabulous meals, a fun atmosphere, and wonderful service.
This fantastic Ottumwa restaurant has a lot just for your satisfaction, one of which is; 13 TVs, making it the perfect place to catch your team in action.
Courtside Bar & Grill, where the grill is always on, is your best bet for lunch or dinner with friends, grabbing a bite to eat with the family, and a place to meet up with friends for some drinks
Nothing beats your favorite drinks, with a spectacular grill and your best team giving you the added satisfaction you deserve.
Visit Courtside Bar & Grill with family friends and colleagues, for a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant is open to visiting guests and customers from Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Address: 2511 N Court St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-1158. Phone: +1 641-226-5002.
7. Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten Free Options, one of Ottumwa fantastic restaurants is Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse.
Bringing the best to the table, Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse has placed customers’ and guests’ health as a high priority since it opened its doors
Warehouse B&B offers outstanding cuisine to satisfy your palette at amazing prices. It brings to the table an excellent meal in a relaxing dining experience.
Warehouse B&B has been more like a family to the people of its neighborhood. It has kept the area alive and lively, bringing diverse people together
Some meals present on the restaurant menu include; Piggy Poppers, Onion Rings, Fried Cheese, House Chips, Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs, and lots more.
Visit Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse and get your long-awaited satisfaction. The restaurant is open to guests from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 2818 N Court Rd. Ottumwa, IA 52501. Phone: (641) 575-2283.
8. Mike’s Pizza & Steakhouse
Bringing you the best service and menus, one of the best Restaurants in Ottumwa, IA is Mike’s Pizza & Steakhouse
So far, it has been proven that Ottumwa has some of the bests restaurants and Mike’s Pizza & Steakhouse is not an exception.
Mike’s Pizza & Steakhouse is just the place for the most quality and delicious Pizza/steaks. The restaurant has well-sorted meals on its fabulous Menu.
Each bite out of every meal served in Mike’s leaves a moment and memory because good knows good, a taste of its meal assures you leave no crumb behind.
At Mike’s Pizza & Steakhouse, there is a special and delicious meal for everyone. The restaurant has friendly and courteous staff for your convenience.
Visit Mike’s Pizza & Steakhouse with family, friends, and colleagues for a pleasant Pizza and Steak experience that leaves you with amazing memories.
Address: 1111 N Quincy Ave Suite 111, Ottumwa, IA 52501-3864.
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9. Tom Tom Tap
Also on this lists of top Ottumwa restaurants, we won’t fail to mention Tom Tom Tap, recognized for its Quality meals and excellent service
Tom-Tom Tap never stops making pizza. The restaurant is a traditional 1950’s style lounge, its decor is mind-blowing and amazing.
The restaurant’s decor takes you back in time to sit at the horseshoe design bar and enjoy a variety of domestic, imported, and craft beer and cocktail.
Tom-Tom tap features fantastic interior features, one of which is an authentic mural painted in 1951 by Daniel MacMorris celebrating Ottumwa’s Native heritage titled Ceremonial Fire.
The restaurant is a great place for a quick lunch. Sit around the Ceremonial Fire for an evening of genuine enjoyment in the glow of local color.
Visit Tom Tom Tap for a fantabulous dinner treat. The restaurant’s menu is available to visiting guests and customers all day till 10:00 pm.
Address: 107 E 2nd St Inside Hotel Ottumwa, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2926. Phone: +1 641-682-8051.
10. Sonic Drive-In
Still on this list of best Ottumwa restaurants, Sonic Drive-in is one with services worth experiencing. It’s a place to take a break from all your worries.
By prioritizing not just great service but also its experience, Sonic Drive-In stands as one of the best places to eat in Ottumwa, IA for its uniqueness.
Sonic Drive-In is a great place for a Team outing after a big win, the drive-in makes burgers with 100% pure beef patties, prepares hand-dipped onion rings, and lots more.
The restaurant has a variety of fantabulous meals on its Menus, some of which are; Summer Snacking, Combos, Burgers, Drinks, Chicken, Hotdogs, Sandwiches, and lots more.
Visit Sonic Drive-In for the best catering services ever. The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Saturday 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sundays 8:00 and 10:00 pm.
Address: 222 N Wapello, Ottumwa, IA 52501. Phone: +1 641-684-6863.
11. Garnacheria Y Taqueria Ebenezer
fantabulous joint offering remarkable soul food, Garnacheria Y Taqueria Ebenezer is one of the most recognized and best places to eat in Ottumwa, IA.
Bringing you delicious menus influenced by foods prepared by well-experienced chefs and loved by many and excellent service delivered by well-cultured staff.
With these fantastic menus, Garnacheria Y Taqueria Ebenezer stands out in excellence among other places to not just eat out but also be happy.
Some of these menus include your very bests; Tacos: Carne Asada, Beef or Chicken fried roll, Burritos: Surf and Turf Burritos, Rice, Beans and Cheese, and lots more.
While for a fantastic Totas menu: Chorizo, AI Pastor, A La Cart, Surf and Turf Quesadilla, Platter: Polio Adobado plate, Chili Relleno, and lots more.
Visit Garnacheria Y Taqueria Ebenezer for a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant is open to guests every day of the week.
Address: 233 N Sheridan Ave Corner of Sheridan And Vine, Ottumwa, IA 52501-4655. Phone: +1 641-682-1223.
12. The Vine
There are a lot of pretty remarkable, memorable, and quite exciting to experience restaurants present in Ottumwa, and one of these restaurants includes The Vine.
The Vine Coffee & Eatery is a great place to meet with your friends after an event, or catch up on your studies. . The Vine Coffee & Eatery is your shop for great taste and a great atmosphere.
Are you in search of a place to meet up with friends after an event, or catch up on your studies? If yes, the Vine Coffee & Eatery is just the right place for you.
Enjoy a relaxing environment while enjoying a warm or cold drink and any one of our delicious sandwiches or soups. it is a one-stop shop for great taste and atmosphere.
Still, on The Vine, the restaurant has fantastic menus including Sandwich, Wraps, or Bagel, Sandwich on Croissant or Salads, and lots more.
Visit The Vine with family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones for a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Thursday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Fridays From 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Address: 1207 N Jefferson St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2021. Phone: +1 641-814-4885.
13. Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream
Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream is a unique place to fill your day with happiness and unending satisfaction and is one of the bests in Ottumwa.
Since opening its doors to the public in 1972, Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream has since given nothing but the very best services to Ottumwa.
Happy Joe’s is famous for its recipe and although Pizza competitors have tried to mimic Joe’s recipe, absolutely no one can hold a candle to Joe’s original Taco Joe Pizza!
The restaurant was the first company in the world to create a taco pizza, serving guests and the community with from their famous Taco Joe Pizza to their Ice Cream Sundaes. There is something for the whole family to love.
The restaurant has in stock for you signature pizzas, creative sandwiches, delicious pasta, creamy ice cream, and its famous taco every day.
Visit Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream for a spectacular Pizza and ice cream treat. The restaurant is open to guests weekly from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: 315 Church St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-4212. Phone: +1 641-682-4565.
14. Rock N Roll Dairy Bar & Raceway
Rock N Roll Dairy Bar & Raceway is rated 4star plus for its wonderful and amazing services. It is one of the best restaurants in Ottumwa, IA.
Rock N Roll Diary is a modern restaurant with delicious food, superb service, and wonderful decor. The restaurant offers you the best signature dishes.
Cleanliness, Quality, and service are the three major ingredients for the success of the restaurant. In addition to this, a strong desire to serve the public has developed trust with guests.
Right in the cozy town of Ottumwa, Rock N Roll Diary radiates charm. it’s known for its cozy yet sophisticated dining experience, welcoming employees, and beautiful decor.
Striving to make every visit a memorable dining experience Rock N Roll Diary’s commitment to exceeding your expectations starts with high quality and friendly, personalized service.
Visit Rock N Roll Bar & Raceway for a fantastic and memorable experience. The restaurant is open to guests weekly from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 1110 S Madison Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501-5440. Phone: +1 641-682-0124.
15. Coal Palace Café and Books
Ottumwa has fantastic and quite impressive restaurants, which have been proven so far but let us not fail to mention Cool Palace Café also as one of the top Ottumwa restaurants.
Located at 226 West Main Street in Ottumwa, the Coal Palace offers a typical cafe breakfast and lunch menu, as well as organic coffee and freshly made desserts.
The Coal Palace Cafe and Books is the first of Optimae’s micro businesses to be opened outside of the Central Iowa region.
The restaurant has a growing selection of used books for sale and offers an inviting atmosphere in the heart of the Ottumwa community.
Visit Coal Palace Café and Books for an ecstatic dining experience. The restaurant is open to guests from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Address: 226 West Main Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501. Phone: +1 641-814-8700.
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Plan a Trip to Ottumwa
Ottumwa holds lots of history, making it a good place to visit. One of the significant histories it holds is; as the home of Twin Galaxies; Ottumwa has been proclaimed the “Video Game Capital of the World” by Ottumwa Mayor, Jerry Parker and recognized by U.S. Senator Charles Grassley.
At every step you take, the city Ottumwa has beautiful restaurants around the corner waiting to fill you with the beauty of its elegance, fantastic signature dishes, beautiful decor, cozy environment, and best services to make your visit memorable.
Start planning a trip to Ottumwa today to have a first-hand experience of all it has to offer.