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Bud Willman's

4.4 (40 reviews)
InexpensiveBurgers, Sandwiches
Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Cheeseburger and fries
Hillary T.

We have been wanting to try Bud's since we moved to Manitowoc over a year ago. So glad we did. The building is small. There are several tables and breakfast bar seating. We stopped in for lunch, it was busy the tables were full so we sat at the bar. After reviewing the menu, I decided on the cheeseburger boat. It included a cheeseburger and fries. They have an open concept, so you can see the cook, making the deliciousness right there. They use fresh ground beef and the buns are from a local bakery. My burger was cooked perfectly and was delicious! The fries were crispy and golden. We can see why this is a local favorite and will eb hack when a burger craving strikes! FYI-They are cash only so be prepares if you visit.

Yummy homemade chicken and dumpling soup. - A close-up of a bowl of homemade chicken and dumpling soup with visible shredded chicken, carrots, and herbs in a clear broth. The soup appears to contain vegetables like carrots and onions, garnished with herbs, and is served with a black spoon. The bowl is placed on a white plate, with some paper money visible in the background.
Debbie G.

Cute, very clean diner with great service. The homemade soups are always yummy. The burgers are not fancy but very tasty! The side of cheese curds is kind of small. If you are craving a real homemade shake, go here. So good! I think the prices are reasonable and some of the best burgers in the area.

60 Years!
John F.

Good old Bud Williams . Been around forever, and nothing really changes! I can actually remember the original tiny restaurant before they mover to this location. My mom used to take me there for a cheeseburger and a shake. (Actually I think my mom went to HS with the original Bud Willman). The cheeseburgers and shakes were great back then and that hasn't changed over the many years. This is a true diner in all aspects,right down to the old guys that sit at the counter and drink coffee all day long! Lots of great soups each day, along with a number of specials. As for my recommendation, try the French Fries with Gravy. Definitely not good for you, but tastes pretty great! For a diner, this place is a blast from the past and a great option for any customer that doesn't want chain restaurant meals or bar food. It's very clean, inexpensive and certainly good. Bring cash.... no credit

Bacon, eggs, American fries and toast - A breakfast meal featuring several strips of crispy bacon, a fried egg with a runny yolk, and a serving of potato chips on a white plate. There is also a side of toasted bread cut into triangles on a separate plate, and a cup of coffee partially visible in the corner. The setting appears to be a casual diner or restaurant.
Tony F.

Bud Willmans has been cooking burgers for over 60 years now, and there is a good reason for that... They have amazing food. I went here again for what I consider the best breakfast you can get in the city of Manitowoc. Everything you order is made absolutely perfect to your liking. I went there this morning with my parents and they continued to put out awesome food. There is nothing on the menu that is bad! Oh, and the price CAN NOT be beat! It might not be a massive establishment, but for what they lack in size they gain in quality, freshness, and great service. It's almost an insult NOT to go here. Pictured below is the plate my mother ordered (since I started eating mine right away and forgot to take a picture, sorry not sorry). She ordered American fries, bacon , toast and an egg cooked perfectly to her liking. Can't wait to come back!

Double cheese burger and fries with gravy on top - A cheeseburger with lettuce, beef patty, and bun is served on a small white plate, with the top bun slightly tilted. Next to it, a small bowl contains crinkle-cut fries topped with brown gravy. The setting appears to be a retro diner with red cushioned seating and wooden paneling in the background.

Service was good, food was good too. Price was ok. The burger was piping hot. With good flavor. That hard roll for the burger is a nice touch it's a small place and only takes cash.

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3 months ago

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13 days ago

Wow! Bacon cheeseburger for breakfast. Followed by a chocolate malt! What a way to start the day at Bud Willman's. Spectacular.

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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5 months ago

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3 years ago

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5 months ago

best smash burger around , bring cash as they do not take credit cards !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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11 months ago

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Love the burgers! Cheese curds are good too. Prices are fantastic and service is super friendly.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Like walking into a diner of the past. Great, friendly service, very clean restaurant, excellent prices and fantastic food!

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4 years ago

Lovethe burgers and breakfast at this place! The burgers haven't changed in over fifty years. The Willmans family are terrific!

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9 years ago

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5 years ago

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8 years ago

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5 years ago

Fresh delicious hamburgers! The cheese curds and fries are trash. Staff is frisky most of the time.

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

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10 years ago

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8 years ago

Small diner run by some nice girls trying to make a living. Food is good, malts are good food is Inexpensive

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7 years ago

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11 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

Love this place. Food always good and hot. And staff so friendly. It's like having a meal with family

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

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8 years ago

Love the variety of delicious homemade soups, desserts and specials! Great prices, service and food.

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11 years ago

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15 years ago

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10 years ago

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11 years ago

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9 years ago

awesome hash browns, burgers, and the place is super clean. the staff is exceptionally friendly, as well

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The Fat Seagull

The Fat Seagull

(73 reviews)

$

A last minute trip to Manitowoc around dinner time had me needing to pick up something before…read moreheading back home. The Fat Seagull ended up being my choice because of interesting sounding items on the menu. The to go order consisted of a perch sandwich, a double cheeseburger, mozzarella sticks, and taco egg rolls. The mozzarella sticks are the same kind you can get from Arby's or the hot deli area of Walmart. Yes they are mozzarella sticks and can maybe satisfy a craving if needed, but they're not as good as Italian breaded for wonton wrapped mozzarella sticks. I'm not usually a big fan of charbroiled burgers and I could tell the meat was out of a frozen box of patties, but it was a solid tasting burger. It didn't come with a side, which for the price I assumed was the case ($7.50 as of 2/3/2025). That might be the most I would pay for it, but would consider getting it again. Like the burger, the perch sandwich did not come with a side, so $10 for a single butterfly of perch on a roll was close to my wallet's limit, but that was a tasty piece of fish. I don't find myself in Manitowoc often, but if I did I'd be intrigued by their double perch plate on Fridays given the quality of the the perch in this sandwich. The star of the meal was the taco egg rolls. The size of a typical veggie spring roll and in the same crispy wrapper, these egg rolls come in an order of three or six and I wish I had ordered six instead of three. The taco meat had an amazing kick to it and there was enough cheese inside to be noticeable yet not take away from the meat. I didn't end up using the sour cream or nacho cheese they provided because I wanted to savor the flavor of the egg roll itself, but I appreciate having both options to dip them in.

For a small town Wisconsin bar you'd think they'd be able to make an old fashioned. Stick to beer…read moreas that was the only beverage they got correct. The place got busy after the local football team arrived but otherwise it was a fairly typical bar scene.

Bud Willman's - burgers - Updated May 2026

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