★ 5

Always great food.Friendly wait staff.Try a malt or shake, there's 22different flavors.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

Visiting from Texas. Great diner, amazing food

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★ 5

I had a very nice waitress with very colorful hair. She was very friendly and listened well and they got my eggs correct. Her fingernail polish was like the candy corn we had as kids

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★ 3

Great breakfast, service is awesome, great people!

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

One of the all-time greats. If you’re ever in the Manitowoc area, this is a must stop for an old school diner with amazing food. Great burgers, I love the perch sandwich, amazing fries, cheese curds, you name it! And, you have to sit at the counter. It’s the only way to do it.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great local gem. Great prices for a good burger.

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★ 5

Food was Amazing & washed it down with a Fabulous shake!! All the staff was wonderful! Definitely recommend this small Family owned restaurant!!

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★ 5

Highly recommend the perch!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

The hamburger is so thin jlits just laughable

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★ 5

Prices are good for the area, service is good, food is just great. One of the best burgers you'll get in Manitowoc. Their other food is good too, though I don't personally recommend the onion rings or cheese curds. The ring batter isn't real great and the cheese curds are drowning in grease every time I get them, it's a little overwhelming. But that's really my only gripes.

Also, cash only, but there is an ATM in the entryway.

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★ 5

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★ 4

Late’s is a great little spot tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere, but it’s still close to downtown. The food was really good and came out super fast, which I appreciated. The younger girl working the front seemed like she was doing most of the work and really kept things moving. The older lady didn’t seem as helpful and mostly stayed out of the way. Still, the burger was worth the stop, and I’d definitely come back next time I’m in town.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I had a really good cheeseburger with barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato and it was devoon! Crisp died Pepsi. :)

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★ 5

Everything here is delicious, the pulled pork sandwich is a personal favorite especially when you get it with the fries and a root beer. The cheese curds are unbelievable, the onion rings are equally as excellent and the ice cream selection is not to be skipped over.

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★ 5

Terrific food, delicious

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★ 5

Small diner experience with good food at a good price.

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★ 5

Great food, wonderful service!

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★ 5

This is a perfect little greasy spoon type of place. The food was good and the service was great! Burgers, fries, curds. Delicious! Also fairly inexpensive.

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★ 5

Very great restaurant. Amazing prices for great service and food! Old fashioned

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★ 3

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★ 1

Late’s: A Nostalgic Name, But Nothing Worth Coming Late For

Tried Late’s for lunch and left wondering why this place is still in business—besides sheer stubbornness and locals with low standards.

Let’s start with the Maple Bacon Malt. Or should I say, Maple Bacon Milk. Thin, lukewarm, and flavorless—it had the consistency of Lake Michigan in July and none of the richness or thickness you’d expect from a malt. Clearly the Midwest needs a refresher on what that word means. This was not worth the ATM fee we had to pay since Late’s is inexplicably stuck in the Stone Age and doesn’t accept cards.

I also ordered a double bacon cheeseburger with cheese curds, and sadly, it was all downhill from there. The burger was bland and forgettable, the curds were underwhelming, and the portion sizes felt like a joke—especially when there are far better restaurants nearby serving twice the food and quality.

The cherry on top? The young waitress with long brownish-red hair (wish I caught her name) who served up a snooty attitude with a side of judgment. After leaving a 20% tip despite the poor experience, we got a scuzzy look instead of a simple “thank you.”

Overall, Late’s feels less like a retro gem and more like a tired diner clinging to a reputation it no longer deserves. Save yourself the cash-only hassle and go literally anywhere else.

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★ 5

OUTSTANDING local restaurant! The malts were top notch, the stuffed pepper soup was...WOW. I had the brat and my husband and daughter had the grilled ham and cheese - MUST GET THESE! I had the warm German potato salad was DELICIOUS! Can you tell we loved Late's?!

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★ 5

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★ 3

Small place. Payment is only in cash or check- which is unusual

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★ 5

I am 65 and have been "raised" on Lates since I was 5 or 6 years old, when the first Lates was there.
The food is always good and I always get a chocolate ice cream cup. BUT within the last month or so, the ice cream has a gritty texture which I don't like, and I don't think its custard anymore. I have called them twice about this, but I guess they don't care? Sad. I hope the manager or owner reads this and fixed their ice cream!

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★ 5

It was the first time my son and I ate here. My son goes to MLHS, and football training has started. I goggle mapped restaurants to find a place we haven't been before. I'm glad we found this place. This place has been around since 1948. They offer homemade soup and desserts. The prices are very reasonable. If you're looking for a good old-fashioned greasy spoon, this place is it! I noticed an old malt machine on the back counter. They have a sit-up bar to eat at. They don't take cards, yet there is an ATM available. I definitely suggest that if you are looking for an old-fashioned greasy spoon, this is one to try. I'm glad we made a stop here, and we will be back again. Oh, we brought home a torte and piece of chocolate cake. Can't wait to eat them. 😋

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★ 5

Burgers were fantastic. The staff was friendly and the place was clean. Nice old school feeling. The malts were great as well. I'm definitely going back if i get the chance

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★ 3

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★ 4

I grew up in Manitowoc; Lates was the place most of us in Highschool frequented when we were hungry. Always great food. Except for no more car hops, different faces, (higher prices) it is the same great food from the 70's

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★ 2

Bean soup very very salty. That is all I tasted... salt. Last month tried cream cauliflower...no creamy...warm milk with raw cauliflower. Sorry

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★ 5

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★ 5

Still love this place, good place to meet friends and remember when...

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★ 5

Always good eats!!!!

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★ 5

Very good food! Reasonably priced. Great service!

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★ 5

Love to go there for there soft serve ice cream 🍦 😋

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★ 5

This is an iconic spot to visit in Manitowoc always been one of my favorites!

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★ 3

Its ok.

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★ 5

These are some special burgers

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★ 4

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★ 5

This place is awesome..
Food was great, service great... just like i remembered.

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★ 5

This place has gone downhill.The burgers are paper thin. Gotta get a double in order to get any meat.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 4

Nice diner ,chili is awesome !

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

One of the best hamburgers I've had in years fresh toasted bun, steamed onions pickles and brown mustard

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★ 1

Called for delivery and they took the order and said 45 minutes. 1.5 hours later no delivery and when I called to ask they were closing and not taking orders. Never ordering from here again and will spread the word

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★ 5

A cozy diner with great food.

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★ 5

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★ 4

I used to go to this restaurant when I was in high school. This place has been around since 1948.
The other day I went here on a whim. Two islands of bar stools and a few tables.
A friendly waitress took my order and my food came quickly.
I had a perch sandwich, onion rings and a chocolate malted.
All my food was delicious. The onion rings were hand made and really good
The place is famous for its hamburgers and cheese curds.
There were several tempting desserts, but I was stuffed from my enjoyable meal.
Worthy of a repeat.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This is a wholesome, old school place. I felt as if I was visiting an old friend.
Clean, very inviting and busy. At least on Sunday mornings.
They have free parking.
I appreciate that.
The location might not look like much, there's no sign on the building,I passed it twice. But once you get inside that's another story.
Very lively.
I recommend it.
Good price (cash only)
Good food
Good service
Clean
👍🏻👍🏻

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★ 5

Hamburger and cheese curds were excellent. This is a home staple.

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★ 4

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★ 2

A little homey place, good menu. Unfortunately, my food choices were less than impressive. All of the soups were heavily onion seasoned but lacked flavor in general.

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★ 5

Always a great trip. Cute little diner. The malts are heavenly and the flavor choices are plenty. Does not take cards though, has ATM in entry.

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★ 5

Best service and food in the world!

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★ 5

We decided to try Late's when we got into town. It was a cute little diner with tables and counter seating which was kind of cool since you don't see that very often anymore!
The lady was super sweet and nice, she gave my service dog ice cream along with great perch fillets.
Ohh DON'T FORGET the CHEESE CURDS they are the best curds ever! They are so fresh and they literally melt in your mouth😀

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★ 5

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★ 5

Enjoyed this place as a kid. Great memories. Quaint atmosphere, friendly staff and customers. Pricing and food is great. Always bring new and out of town friends here and it's always a hit.

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★ 5

Late’s is our go to place on our way to and from Door County, their Breakfast is the best around, the staff and service are always friendly and welcoming, a must stop on your travels thru Manitowoc.

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★ 5

The maple bacon shake and cheese curds omelet are life changers.

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★ 5

Always great food with good people. You want a great burger go here 😋

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★ 5

Delicious.

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★ 5

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★ 1

My wife and I stopped at Late’s for lunch around 4PM or so earlier today. When we arrived, we were the only customers inside. Neither of the women behind the counter area acknowledged us in any way. We sat down at a table and the younger of the two women came over a few minutes later. I ordered a soda and my wife went with water. When the server came back with our drinks, my wife ordered a plain hamburger and fries, along with an order of cheese curds for us to split. I ordered the Two Piece Lunch, which was broasted chicken along with fries and coleslaw. We were warned that the chicken could take 15-20 minutes. I told her that wasn’t a problem.

About 10 minutes later, I could see one of the cooks put two small baskets on the back counter. The server milled about the area for quite a while before she finally grabbed one of them and brought it to our table. It was a basket of fries that apparently went with my wife’s burger, which arrived several minutes later. She also brought my plate and the cheese curds at that point.

My wife’s burger was thin and tasteless. The fries were undercooked. The cheese curds were meh. My chicken consisted of the smallest leg and thigh I’ve ever seen.

The server never checked in with us until I finally flagged her down to get to-go containers after we’d finished eating. No receipt, she just rattled off a total that I’m hoping was at least somewhat accurate. Now to be fair, they had a few takeout customers show up while we were eating, as well as a couple of guys at the counter. But between two servers and at least three guys in the kitchen, I’d hardly call it any sort of rush.

I’m honestly baffled at all of the positive reviews. They’re the reason we decided to stop at Late’s in the first place. Maybe they were just having a bad day, but we won’t be back. Quite honestly, it was one of the worst restaurant experiences we’ve had in years.

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★ 5

Special Thanks to a great staff this is our third year coming the Thursday of 141 speedway’s special and we come in as a larger group for a small diner also with two young kids great job fast service amazing food we’ll be back

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★ 3

Food was great waitress..not so much

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★ 4

Friendly staff. Fair prices. Food was ok. Not a fan of the onion ring batter or the cheese curds. A lot of nostalgia here.

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★ 5

The best burger and cheese curds.. I’ve traveled the world and had some amazing food but nothing will ever satisfy me like a lates burger and cheese curds. LOIL TO THE SOIL

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★ 4

A bit dated but who cares if you want a good soup .decent burgers and a nice coffee . Get a double burger if you want somethi g with subtance .patties are very thin but still ok . Fries are ok also but i have yet to find great fries in manitowoc everything around here that ive tried taste like they are frozen fries sadly . But for a good diner with decent food ,this place has it ! I will be going again to try other things on the menu . Did i mention good prices also.

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 2

I never had a problem with late s but today The young waitress who was working there today was pretty rude snatching my money just out of my hand and I don't think she deserved the tip. Maybe you need to see and who you're hiring

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★ 5

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★ 5

Most often choose Lates for breakfast...always good food and served quickly

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★ 5

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★ 5

This was my first time here as the ice cream machine was down the other three times I attempted to go ... but after they fixed it, I enjoyed everything food was delicious and my Shake was a dream

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★ 5

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★ 5

Delicious food. You can't find better prices in manitowoc. They will even deliver with orders over only $10!!! Wowzaaa

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★ 5

Excellent food, service, and prices. Drove 46 miles to have lunch at Late’s. Was highly recommend to me by a few people. I was very happy I tried it out, and would go back again.

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★ 5

This is a great classic little diner! It is definitely worth a visit. Hard working staff had our order for 9 out in no time. For seating there are a few booths, tables and chairs, and then your classic U shaped counter surrounded by swivel stools. There are a few tables outside, too. It is right across the street from Red Arrow Park, so a great place to get a bite to eat after playing at the park or on the beach with the family. The walls are lined with historic photos of Manitowoc. The restrooms were decent.
The food was simple, fresh, and hot and not overly salty. The perch sandwich is simply two fresh fried perch fillets on a bun with mayo and pickles. So good! The cheese curds are cheddar. The onion rings have a light and flaky breading, wonderful! The fries are simple, straight cut, unseasoned, and maybe not even salted, or barely. Just classic! Other favorites were cheeseburgers and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. We can't wait to come back and try one of their malts!

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★ 4

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★ 5

Onion rings yum

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★ 5

Always good food and good service

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★ 5

Great food!

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★ 1

All around the worst experience I've ever had. First time here and our last. We started with malts and soup, waitress brought the rest of our food and wouldn't even clear the empty dishes that took up half the table. My husband and my son got coleslaw with their meal and they didn't receive a fork or a spoon to eat it with. We finally left after watching one of the cooks grab food out of someone's dish and eat it right before the waitress grabbed it to take it out. Never again smh.

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★ 5

We were on vacation, and found this place. Great food and serve. Loved this place!

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★ 5

I've been going to Lates since I was a toddler! And now I got to bring my toddler to try for the first time. She's picky but loooved the burgers 🥰 this place will forever have a place in my heart!

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

We’ve used Lates to cater several family events over the years. Most recently for our son’s graduation party. They never disappoint. The delivery driver was very friendly and accommodating. Everyone enjoyed the food and many inquired about where it came from. Their chicken is delicious, as expected. Personally, I often pass on baked beans, slaw, etc offered at events because they’re treated as plate fillers and nothing to write home about. However, Carl’s beans, kale slaw and cucumber salad are something to look forward to at their catering events.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 3

Neat little restaurant with friendly staff and reasonable prices. I got a burger, pulled pork and a malt to go. I drove about 5 blocks to my destination and by the time i arrived both sandwiches had completely soaked through the buns and were pretty much falling apart. The taste was okay at best. Overall a bit of a letdown

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★ 1

Don't stop. Not a good place and service was bad and wasn't worth the time or money. I will never go back and I would go anywhere else to get a meal. Don't go to this place not worth it.

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★ 1

I'm really conflicted with this review. This used to be my favorite spot in Manitowoc. However, this place isn't what it used to be unfortunately.

There was a time when service was good, food was excellent and the price was absolutely reasonable.

Thats all gone. It's like the place is just going through the motions. The chicken is inconsistent. Pieces constantly stuck together. The breading and seasoning always inconsitent.
Curds always smashed and just overly flooded with grease. Fries barely cooked. What happened?

Then the perch. The perch is awful. Bland breading. No flavor. Not cooked properly. The coleslaw is good, when its fresh. Good luck with all that though. Nothing is fresh and everything is just not worth it anymore.

This place used to be something. Now it's just meh with only your money in mind. Unfortunate

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★ 1

I got the chicken dinner and it was fried beyond being edible would never eat that again

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Excellent first time Experience at Late’s. They have the best burgers, boosted Chicken and Cheese Curds. Our service was great.

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★ 5

Been coming here for 20yrs and never been disappointed in the food! Cheesecurds are the best ever!!!

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★ 1

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★ 1

Why are scrambled eggs flat?

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 3

They keep melting the Styrofoam on our breasted chicken and we ask repeatedly for them to do change this practice but never do. Paper would be cool. That seems like it would be super toxic and not be passable for health standards idk

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★ 5

When I lived in Manitowoc as a kid, we’d eat here all the time. In my opinion, they have the best cheese curds in North America!

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★ 5

Absolutely amazing. Reminds me of the old school late diner. Cannot believe I grew up in the area and never knew this place existed!

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★ 5

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★ 5

I miss the feeling of Zesty's in Allouez, WI but this place helps bring the feeling of what that place used to be... food is great and atmosphere is amazing! Grateful to have a place like this closer than GB!

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★ 1

Can't honestly rate it because I doesn't accept credit cards

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★ 5

Oh my!! The burgers! The cheese curds! The Malts! The customer service! 5 🌟 across the board! Such a great spot to take your family. Would def recommend it again and again.

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★ 5

Still one of the most popular restaurants in Manitowoc. I would recommend a Perch Sandwich. Since I',m older and wiser, I would learn how to Spell! Late's and Manitowoc for example .... But Wait! Perhaps Google cannot spell those words!

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 2

My friend loved her pizza burger. As for me I was not impressed as my fried food items were overcooked and bland. I did eat one of them because I used my friends pizza sauce dip. And my grilled cheese was alright and cooked nice.
Latte's is highly recommended for any ice cream treat according to my granddaughter and her friends.

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★ 5

Great food excellent service.

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★ 5

I seem to think the food is always better during the day or when certain cooks are there. Less greasy during the day. Otherwise, I've been going to Lates for years and always loved the food. I feel it's a little to cold in there, I freeze unless I wear a jacket while I eat, but that's my opinion. Always seems to be clean also.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Late's has the best malts in town. They also have really good cheese curds too. The only downfall is they only accept cash. They do have an ATM stationed outside in the vestibule but we do not go there as often because its an inconvenience.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Classic diner offering a nice selection of burgers and other sandwiches plus a variety of shakes and malts. Be sure to try a maple bacon malt!

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Malts are amazing and service was great!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love it. Always will.

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★ 1

Terrible food. Ordered a double cheeseburger, onions rings, and cheese curds. First off the patty’s on that burger were very thin! omg i wouldn’t even call it a hamburger patty! What a rip off! 2nd the onion ring. the batter was terrible. Had no taste to them! The cheese curds were stuck together covered in grease. Service was terrible the young girl who took our order never checked on us once we got our food. I’ve worked in the service industry so i know how you should be with your guests. Checking on them though out the visit, refilling drinks etc. This is the first time going to this restaurant. I will not be back.

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★ 4

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★ 4

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★ 5

Great place, close to home . Inexpensive, nice place near the lake.

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★ 5

Very good fun and most everything is cheap

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★ 2

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★ 5

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★ 4

Old restaurant from the 1960s...older decor

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★ 3

A ok place for a quick bite to eat across from Lake Michigan. Not much seating & food is ala cart. Every item is packaged to go.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Came with a group. Tried the beef veggie soup. Wasn't what I expected but not bad.

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★ 5

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★ 5

This is one of my go to restaurants,. When I am having a bad day and need comfort food, I call Lates

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

Always a stop when we're in Manitowoc

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★ 5

Best Coleslaw ever! Great chicken and fries, and fried mushrooms with two sodas for under twenty dollars!

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★ 5

I always make time to stop there for a meal when I'm in Manitowoc. Delicious burgers in a Diner atmosphere. They were busy today with 2 waitresses. The cook brought our meals out to us. Top notch.

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★ 5

Just an old dinner but great milk shakes fries burgers and soup

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★ 4

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★ 5

Great little dinner with even better food.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 5

Got introduced and treated to a delicious dinner at Late's by good friends from the area. The diner atmosphere is fantastic, the menu is amazing, and there's baked goods to drool over while you're settling your bill (and to take home). The staff was definitely busy, but had time for every group at the booths or the winding countertop. This will definitely be a regular stop whenever we're back in the area.

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★ 5

Great burgers and superior service

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★ 2

Late's gives off a modern exterior with a classic milkshake bar interior. The service was pretty quick even when busy but is a CASH ONLY restaurant. As for food everything lacked flavor. Even my chicken parm sandwich left me wondering if it was fish or chicken. I can only assume it was frozen.

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★ 5

Delicious burgers cheese curds and malts!

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★ 2

We got cheese curds from them, and they were so greasy that we couldn't taste the cheese at all. The double cheeseburger was also greasy and messy. The burger patties were very thin, you can hardly call it a double burger. I wish I had a reason to write a better review.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great chocolate malts, deep fried cheese curds and killer chili!

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★ 5

Great historic diner. I've been there probably 20 times and never had a thing to complain about. When I read bad reviews I always think they may have been at a different place.

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Only accepts cash. Does delivery without a high minimum order. One day I should try the breakfast but I usually get delivery which starts at lunch.

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★ 5

Lover everything there

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★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome food since 1948

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★ 5

Cheese curds are the answer.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Food was fantastic and everything is priced great! Make sure you bring cash or at least a debit card (they have an ATM there) they do not accept card payments. cash only. Service was a little on the slow side but everyone was friendly and they were just understaffed, so its understandable. the cheese curds were absolutely amazing!

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★ 5

I've been going to lates since 1959 I was 6 years old and got cheeseburgers to take home for lunch! Been going there on and off ever since! Try the perch lunch or traditional perch sandwich and an order of French fries and don't forget to get a nickel mayonnaise! P.S. the strawberry malts are good to!

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★ 5

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★ 5

What a wonderful little place! Myself and a group of college students went up to Manitowoc for the Hamilton Wood Type Museum and hit up Late's on the way home. Fantastic diner food for a great price! The malt selection was fantastic as well!!

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★ 1

Hamburger had no taste, cheese curds were greasy, coffee tasted old. A very bad experience. The good charcoal taste of the hamberger that Lates is known for was completely non exestant.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

Delicious food

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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