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Recovery Room

Nestled at 1805 W 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA, Recovery Room is a cozy, divey restaurant that’s become a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike. Known for its great food, inviting atmosphere, and solid service, this spot has quickly earned a reputation for serving up hearty meals and delivering value. Whether you're looking for a satisfying bite or a quick meal to-go, Recovery Room provides an experience that goes beyond just food.

A Menu That Delivers Comfort and Flavor

The menu at Recovery Room offers an array of classic comfort foods with a particular focus on generous portions and delicious flavors. Signature dishes include tender, juicy tenderloins served with crispy fries, and burgers that have earned rave reviews. The blue plate specials stand out, with offerings like the open-faced tenderloin with mashed potatoes and country gravy—a favorite among regulars. Many visitors love the tenderloins, often noting their hearty and satisfying nature, paired perfectly with classic sides like green beans and potatoes.

For those craving a taste of home-cooked comfort, Recovery Room is the perfect place to indulge in a wholesome meal. While some have remarked that the size of the tenderloins has shrunk over time, the quality and flavor remain top-notch. It's a spot where you'll feel full and satisfied without breaking the bank, with meals often coming in at a great value, especially the daily specials.

Services Designed for Convenience and Comfort

What sets Recovery Room apart is its commitment to providing a hassle-free dining experience. The restaurant offers takeout, making it easy for you to enjoy your favorite dishes at home. You can also make reservations ahead of time, ensuring you never have to wait for a seat, especially during peak hours.

Parking is never an issue here, as Recovery Room boasts a private lot, providing ample space for customers. The full bar is a standout feature for those looking to unwind with a drink while enjoying the food. Whether you're hanging out with friends or enjoying a meal solo, the TV in the restaurant adds to the casual, laid-back atmosphere.

For those who enjoy dining outdoors, Recovery Room offers outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal in the fresh air when the weather permits. The restaurant is also known to be good for groups, with enough space to accommodate friends or family gatherings. The added convenience of bike parking is a nice touch for those who prefer to cycle to their meal.

What Customers Are Saying About Recovery Room

The reviews from customers highlight the charm and quality of Recovery Room, with many praising the value and overall experience. Paul K., a regular, describes his experience with the open-faced tenderloin as “so special,” noting the meal's great taste and solid value. He appreciated the quick service for his takeout order and emphasized that Recovery Room remains one of his favorite places for a blue plate special in 2025.

Nicole W., another customer, had a similar positive experience, enjoying not just the burgers and tenderloins, but also the clean, cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. She was particularly impressed by the friendly staff and patrons, which added to the welcoming vibe of the space. It's clear that Recovery Room doesn't just offer great food, but a warm and inviting environment that keeps customers coming back.

Despite some small criticisms, such as the shrinking portion sizes, customers like Yishy B. are still loyal to the restaurant, especially for the fries, which they consider among the best around. This shows that while there may be occasional adjustments, the core offerings of the restaurant continue to satisfy and delight regulars.

In summary, Recovery Room stands out as a top choice in Ottumwa for those seeking comfort food, great service, and an inviting atmosphere. With generous portions, a range of services, and a reputation for quality, it’s no wonder this local favorite remains a go-to spot for both residents and visitors.

Reviews

Paul K.
Restaurantji Rating

New Year's Day 2025 Wed 2 pm So special was the open faced tenderloin With mashed potatoes and country gravy And green beans 11.11 all in with tax Good solid value meal! Not too busy I phoned in the order to go Fast in and out And yes it is still one of my favorite Blue plate specials in 2025!

Yishy B.
Restaurantji Rating

Pretty good tenderloins sadly the size has shrunk. The fries are really great, however wish we could've gotten refills on tea other than that great place.

Nicole W.
Restaurantji Rating

I've only been there once but have had carryout a few times. It is a clean, cozy atmosphere and the staff and patrons were friendly. The burgers and tenderloins are fantastic and you get a lot for your money.

Bobby D.
Restaurantji Rating

Doing to go orders during the coronavirus closure time period, up to date menu attached

Kathy B.
Restaurantji Rating

My husband and I were traveling home to Missouri on Sunday and were ready for a stop in Ottumwa. I saw the Recovery Room listed on Yelp and liked the reviews I read - and it was open mid-day on a Sunday so we stopped. And we were glad we did. The place had a good local vibe. Rich had the Recovery Room Special breakfast, which was huge and delicious. I had a pork tenderloin sandwich-one of the best I've ever had. Staff were attentive and service was good. We will definitely stop there again.

Location & Contact

1805 W 2nd St Ottumwa, IA 52501

Opening times

Monday Closed
Tuesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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