Great breakfast, friendly staff. Just the kind of small town diner that knows how to make good home cooking. Loved every bite!

Found this great little place by search the map for breakfast. It is kind of hidden, out of the way. But definitely worth the turn around to find. It is almost a throw back to the diner from the 40' & 50's. Food was amazing. Ordered the make my own omelette. It was huge, and the eggs were fluffy and amazing. Also, had a side of the bratwurst hash. That was really good. Highly recommend. Bacon!!! The bacon was real bacon. Not that paper thin stuff other restaurants serve. Definitely stop in. Cash only business. So be sure to have paper to pay. We will definitely return if in the area. read more

Classic American diner. Good solid, simple diner fare. Friendly waitresses.?Great ice cream. Great deals if you pay with a 1964 silver dollar. read more

Great little cafe but with no real sign outside saying who they are. Cash only and no breakfast after 11 am was a bummer as well as no fresh brewed ice tea. Also lacked a salad option for those wanting to eat a little healthier. That is all it didn't have. What it did have is plenty of charm, great attentive service and excellent food. My wife had a maple bacon malt and it was delicious. She also had the German potato salad which is quite the odd combination. She had the perch and they where nicely sized and crunchy. I had the tenderloin sandwich which was perfectly cooked and super tender. read more

Overpriced greasy spoon in my opinion. Don't get me wrong the burgers and cheese curds were ok but not worth the $40 they charged us.

Greasy burgers. Greasy Fries. Greasy curds. Hot. Wonderful. So many memories brought back by a bite of burger. Mmmm.

I am really disappointed waited 40 minutes for cheese curds and a perch sandwhich . Because some JA who ordered a hamburger and French fries was given my order by the waitress. He doused the perch sandwhich with something and then ate half of it and the cheese curds, then told the waitress it wasn't his order. I watched perch sandwhich after perch sandwich and cheese curd baskets go by, 40 minutes later. Mine arrives, if it were not for the BF with me who was sharing the meal I would have walked out after 30 minutes, I could have made dinner in that time. Why not give the next order of cheese curds to us or a cup of soup, something instead we were put to the back of the line. Why is it our fault that the dude ate our food and didn't tell you because your waitress gave him our order... Should have gone to Culver's... read more

Cool place, Great prices from the 60's....and I'm not kidding....Good food. If you're in Manitowac, WI, you need to go here for a meal. Good, clean and a local icon. read more

This place makes me so nostalgic! My grandmother used to come here when she was a teenager for "car-hops", so I especially love visiting Late's with her when I'm in town. Whenever I am back in Manitowoc, I like to come back here to load up on some greasy cheese curds and deep-fried mushrooms. If you are a vegetarian, your options are going to be grilled cheese or grilled cheese, so be prepared for that. However, you can definitely find many wonderful sides and have some ice cream and you will leave 100% happy. read more

Nice little place across from Red Arrow Park on the lake. Fast and friendly service. Food was good. I didn't like the cheese curds. They were okay but the breading could've been better and they were pretty greasy. But, we did eat them all! read more

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Best cheese curds ever. Where is my first stop when I arrive in Manitowoc. Sure New York might be the food capital of the world, but there are no cheese curds in the five boroughs. They are one fine reminder of summers spent visiting Wisconsin. Can't they have a truck in NYC? read more

Late's - The delicious cheese curds at Late's. Worth the trip - from New York. - Diners Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

New bill policy change for groups is disappointing. Service just received for our group was sub par. Our server was fine but the other staff not involved with us was rude. We will not be back. read more

OMG! Ok, this one will be short. CHEESE BURGER, CHEESE CURDS AND VANILLA MALT. If anyone can write more than that without having to leave to go get some, there must be something wrong with you. A Manitowoc must eat. No really... Be back later... read more

ON THE CHEESE TRAIL: REVIEW #1 This was, without question, the best "hot" food we tried on our Cheese Tour of Wisconsin. The best cheese curds I've eaten in my entire life, squeaky and fresh, lightly battered--and the place had vintage 50's/60's charm and great prices to boot. Onion rings were also quite good. I can't comment on any of the entrees, but if their cheese curds are any indication, Late's is every bit worth a detour or a special trip. read more

Best cheese curds in Wisconsin - hands down. Best coleslaw in Wisconsin - hands down. Best everything. Literally everything. It's a very old-style Mom & Pop restaurant, with a horseshoe bar. The prices are beyond fair and there's so much history pumped into one little place. I'd rate 6 stars if possible. read more

Late's is a must stop when we are in Manitowoc - tasty burgers served on a hard roll, cheese curds, and just to top it off get the chocolate shake. Their onion rings are nothing to turn down either. If you feel like eating outdoors there isn't any outdoor seating - but it is right across the street from Red Arrow Park with a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan. read more

Burgers were about the thickness of a coaster. My daughter literally asked me how come there wasn't any meat in the burger. Burger Flavor was okay. Fries, nothing special if you like soggy and salt less. The cheese curds were absolutely dripping with grease. Blotted one dry and choked it down. My son asked why they were all full of butter. (He's 8), I had to explain what grease was. He pushed them away. The malts were the best part of our meal. Won't make the trip again. Will post pics too. read more

Late's - a basket of fried food - Diners Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

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This was my favorite place to eat in Manitowoc. The fried cheese curds. Are so good. Like how are they so good? I have no idea, but they are so good. Chocolate malt is a must. The bacon cheeseburger has really thick bacon on it, awesome. The bratwurst comes split on a sandwich bun, amazing. The BBQ pork is soft and sweet, yum. The fried mushrooms are zesty and also worth a try. I've heard the pizza burger is the best, but they were sold out on the day we came! The inside is so cute and had all the vintage charm, including the bar seating and historical photos on the walls. My dad used to work here in the 70s, so it was pretty cool to come check it out. I wanted to bring him a souvenir, so I asked if I could buy one of their coffee cups with the logo on it. They said yes and sold me one off the shelf for $8! My dad was so excited and I'm very thankful that they did that for him. :) read more

Always a sign of a good restaurant when you pull up and see all the local contractors eating there. Wasn't disappointed. My wife was blown away by the cole slaw. Definitely will go back if we are ever in the area. read more

Late's has been around forever...my unlces worked here in the 60's. Sadly I only discovered it later in life as my family was a devoted Penquin family (we miss the Big Penny!) Late's I'm sorry I missed you for so long! Your delicious burgers on Sheboygan hard rolls, your thick milkshakes and you always seem to have Poppy Seed Torte! I've always had good service here. One time I was waiting for a to-go order and what seemed like the entire Manitowoc Fire Dept rolled up and got cones. I guess that alone speaks to the quality. The bottom line: My first stop in Manitowoc is Late's for a cheeseburger, my mom gets the fish and we are always satisfied. read more

What a great little diner! It's so "local" that there's not even a name on the building. It's cash-only, but very inexpensive. Interesting menu options; I had the cheese curds omelette, which was fabulous. Everything is very old-school...a rare find these days. Great food, great prices, and great service - a must-try if you're in the area. read more

For two hungry travelers on the road, this place hit the spot! Orders a few burgers and curds and they both hit the spot! Everything was fresh cooked and delicious! Not only is the food here great, but the prices are too. Two of us got out of the door for less than one would spend at McDonald's. If you're ever traveling through town and want an extremely tasty burgers and the best curds around, this is the place! read more

Ive got to knock this place down a few pegs... Im not sure how it has such high reviews. It was decent, and seemed to be a favorite with a local crowd but it is cash only (didnt see any signs stating this) the waitress didnt know if the "lake" fish was from lake michigan or not, they only had spicy mustard, no yellow even though listed as 'american' fare, they charged extra for some floppy lettuce AND extra for floppy tomato on a burger AND charged extra for cheese...in WISCONSIN. All those extras only totalled to under $1 i think, but its still a strange practice... we sat at the table outside which was clearly an afterthought and covered in spiderwebs. The fish was just ok, the turkey burger was also ok. If you dont mind paying cash for basic food you could do worse. The staff was friendly enough. Maybe the malts are amazing? In reality its a 3 star joint. read more

We had burgers, cheese curds, perch sandwich, chocolate shake and onion rings and it was all excellent! Definitely worth the stop!

My first time...the cheese curds and cheese burger are by far the best I have had. I plan to make this place a must stop every time I'm in Manitowoc!!! read more

First time here tonight. It was my Dad's idea and we drove from Green Bay. We both got burgers but they had lots of choices for sandwiches on the menu. Excellent burger, fries, onion rings and chocolate malt. I only wish they were closer. read more

Late's - Quarter pound burger, Half Fry, Onion Rings and Chocolate Malt - Diners Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Love their burgers and perch sandwiches on the Sheboygan hard rolls. Hand made shakes in the metal cups are still the best! We had excellent service even on a busy Friday night. read more

The memories that came flooding back! Still the best burgers and curds in town. And of course, as my 10 year old son is a new afficionado of all things Wisconsin, the perch fry got two thumbs up too. This is exactly what I want when I am in Manitowoc--for many reasons--but can't wait to visit again! read more

Late's - Perch fry, fries, curds.. - Diners Near Me - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Good food but the last few times have been very very greasy. Its a very historic part of our little town so giving a 3 star review may be met with some negativity but I do not believe it is as good as it used to be. Ill still stop there but I do not think it's what it once was and the food, to me, is about the same as most standard diners. On the up side, the food is done very fast and the people are always very nice. Building is very dated but that is part of the charm. Regardless of being dated, its always clean from what I have seen. Ill definitely stop again! read more

Best Perch and Cheese curds in Manty. Burgers are pretty good too. Only gripe is that they don't take credit cards. I know that's their thing but it's a major inconvenience and the only reason I can't give them five stars. read more

Stopped here for lunch on our way home from Door County and it was worth the 3 mile drive off the highway! Everything we ordered was delicious, especially the broasted chicken. Handmade onion rings and shakes we also very yummy! Servers were prompt and friendly. Will stop again!! read more

Perch sandwich and fried cheese curds were delish!!!'

We love to go here! Their soups are the best around! All home made and they always have at least 3-4 to pick from! sometimes more! Atmosphere is nice and casual 50's - 60;s style diner. THey have a wall with a bunch of old pictures that I love to look at every time we go there. I expect to see it one day on DDD! Their food can be a little greasy at times, but always tastes great! I love the garlic chicken sandwich and the steak sandwich. Desserts also home made and tasty! Service there is fast. They are across the street from Red Arrow Park, so it is fun in warm weather months to take our food over to the park and enjoy the park and Lake Michigan while eating. read more

Just OK, not like it once was. Their buns for their burgers and steak sands are not like they once were. They have changed not for the better. They have slipped. read more

Definitely a must for a diner experience in Manitowoc The cheese curds (grease bombs) are a local favorite of many. The food here is not for the health nuts but for the occasional "bad day". If you're looking for a place to sit and chat about how to plan your visit to Manitowoc, this place is perfect. Great food and atmosphere read more

The prices here are from 1972 and the actual decor is from 1952 but who cares - it's what makes Lates a special place. The fried cheese curds might sound frightening to outsiders but are de rigueur for this area - and delicious. I might steer you away from the pizza burger but kudos to Lates for offering such a thing. The buns are great, the food straight up tasty, cheap and no frills. Great shakes, perch lunches, and homemade deserts. Locals know what's up. Eat here then walk across the street to the park by lake Michigan, play on a real WW2 cannon and let the beauty of the Midwest wash over you... read more

Great food. Family from out of town always makes this a priority stop. Great memories of sharing milkshakes with my grandfather, now with grandkids. Amazing desserts, worth the calories!!! Fish fry is great too. read more

Best fresh, deep fried cheese curds, Real cheese curds! Best pizza burger and it's served on a crusty, buttery roll, tasty perch and chicken, real malteds too! I would consider this restaurant the birth place of the deep fried cheese curd! Excellent prices, excellent food, try it, you won't be disappointed! Just remember, this restaurant serves FRESH, homemade food, but it's not for dieters! So don't judge them unfairly, you want a big salad? It's not here. read more

This is an all time favorite here in Manitowoc and for good reasons. The burgers are great and the cheese curds are always done to perfection. Never had a bad meal here. The shakes and malts are also top notch. Could go on and on about the food, but best just for you to go and have a meal there. And then stroll over to the lake, a quick walk, and enjoy the beauty. read more

My hometown burger joint and they've been in business since the 60's I think. Must have a perch sandwich or cheeseburger. Both served on their signature hard roll. Cheesecurds are fresh and hand breaded before a dip in the fryer. Have to eat these with mayonaise! Great homeade desserts like poppyseed torte, pies and lemon creme pie. Last visit they had music(not live but coming out of speakers :0)-woohoo). Don't remember music in the past. read more