Second Street Cafe — Restaurant in Ottumwa

It’s so unusual and uncomfortable leaving such a negative review for a local business... but today was the last visit I’ll make to Second Street Cafe. Today’s experience (much like other times... but I’ve stayed quiet) was completely disgusting.

I called and preordered my food. It was pretty simple. Two standard menu items (no additions, no substitutions). When I arrived I was thrilled there was parking (leading me to believe that the food would be fantastic! They weren’t swamped and it should be done!) Upon arrival I quickly found out that my meal (2 traditionals) had been given to the gentleman right before me. Unfortunately for him, he was missing a TON of items on his order... so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s dual feedback on this. I was very patient, understanding, and willing to wait. I know that the following order was not incredibly difficult or time consuming to make. Especially when that’s what you’re in the business for:

*Traditional-overhard eggs, crispy bacon, white toast *Traditional-over medium eggs, crispy bacon, white toast

After about 7 minutes of waiting (and still very calm waiting) I was brought my food. I paid, and left a tip for the waitress who was very apologetic and made the mistake.

When I arrived home I had: *traditional-scrambled eggs, and (the most disgusting) sausage patty *traditional-overeasy eggs-sausage patty *some really poorly made miniature pancakes and MORE of this... “sausage”

Today was it. It wasn’t my first poor experience, but it was my last. I tried and continue to try to support local business... especially during the pandemic. Other restaurants rose to the occasion and made carry out a seamless “norm” in their processes. Second Street should follow suit. 1) start taking names on to go orders 2) there is a wait staff member working the carry out calls. Have them perform a quality check on all orders. They are on the phone with the customers and know what was ordered. That shouldn’t have to be said. Most restaurants already do this FYI. 3) find ways to make the customer experience better. Consider identifying ways to offer online ordering. Streamline how you handle the influx in busy times.

At the end of the day, I just want people to not set expectations high when it feels as though no one is trying to meet those requests. I must also mention that if the quality of food was anywhere near decent... I would’ve just ate it and carried on about my day. I can get better quality food at a nursing home...that’s why I finally caved and...

The Second Street Cafe is inside of the Hotel Ottumwa, but has its own entrance off of the street. There are booths and tables inside of the restaurant. The tables were spaced somewhat far apart due to COVID-19, which made it look strangely sparse. You could tell that they have attempted to make the place look elegant, but it kind of came across to me as that “fake elegance” look that you will often see at a Chinese buffet restaurant. But things were clean (with little signs that said “sanitized” on each table), and things were in good repair.

They had old photos on the walls of the buildings in town. Since the restaurant is located within the Hotel Ottumwa, I’m sure there is a lot of interest in the history of this Iowa town.

My server, Nick, seemed to be the one in charge of the dining room, and he was quick and attentive. I was amazed that the Reuben only took 7 minutes after my order to arrive at my table. So in fewer than 10 minutes after I walked into the restaurant, I was eating my Reuben.

The Reuben itself mostly tasted of corned beef and bread. The deli style corned beef slices that they used were pretty tasty. The Thousand Island and the sauerkraut were blended and added a hint of tang to the meat. Perhaps a little more of the sauerkraut and dressing would help to balance the flavors a little more.

The marbled rye was supposedly grilled, although it seemed to taste to me as though it had been toasted rather than grilled because the firmness to the bread seemed to be throughout each slice instead of just on the outside of the sandwich.

The sandwich was not very messy at all, other than a little Thousand Island dripping out here and there because it was a little runny and not thick enough to adhere to the ingredients within the sandwich.

I ordered the potato chips and they appeared to be the homemade variety, and were very good. They were nice and crispy around the edges with an occasional softer part in the middle of each chip, which I kind of enjoy.

Overall this was a good place to stop for a quick dinner. I was on the road, so I appreciated being able to spend fewer than 30 minutes in the restaurant from the time I walked in until I was walking out, having settled my bill at the cash register. It’s not an amazing sandwich in any way, but it shouldn't disappoint if you are passing through Ottumwa and...

First of all , we made a Special Trip there just to see what it was like; if it was a New Go To Place Since Stockade Closed . The Wait Staff wasn't Friendly At All. We were there an Hour & A Half, waiter would come & get our plates but NEVER EVEN Asked us if we needed more Iced Tea, We ran out a bit Before we were done eating, but by then we were So Discusted that we decided if they couldn't offer to refill it; we weren't going to ask. It Was Their Job To Ask Us. Needless to say, NO TIP GIVEN HERE !!! The Buffet Didn't have alot on it as Most Buffets Do. Not a Great Choice for desserts either. Our Bill was Almost $27.00 an we used to spend less than that at Sirloin Stockade and have ALOT More Variety to pick from an BETTER Tasting Food. The place is Run Down too, could be Cosy If They'd Fix It Up A Bit !!! We Probably Won't...