Larry & Rita’s Menu & Prices (Lake City, MI)
[Larry & Rita’s + heroic spread of the signature double-patty Rita Burger, a classic thick chocolate malt, and a side of golden crinkle-cut fries + professional food photography style + commercial quality, appetizing presentation, bright summer outdoor lighting, 8k resolution]
Welcome to the ultimate guide for the Larry and Rita’s menu. Located right on S Lake City Rd, this classic seasonal American walk-up window is a beloved staple for boaters, locals, and summer travelers visiting Missaukee County. Whether you are craving the legendary “Rita Burger” after a long day on the lake or looking for a thick, hand-blended malt to cool down, this local favorite delivers every time.
Finding accurate information online can be tough when relying on outdated social media photos. That is why we have created this comprehensive guide. Here, you will find the most up-to-date Larry and Rita’s prices (including 2025/2026 seasonal projections), full hours of operation, and a complete list of all menu items so you can plan your perfect summer meal. From fresh, never-frozen beef burgers to regional Great Lakes perch, we cover everything you need to know before you walk up to the window.
Complete Larry & Rita’s Menu with Prices
Below is the full menu for the current season. Please note that as an independent seasonal establishment, official nutrition information (like exact calorie counts) is not publicly disclosed, but we have included dietary notes where applicable.
🍔 Burgers and Sandwiches
All burgers at Larry & Rita’s are made with fresh, never-frozen ground beef, grilled to order.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| The “Rita Burger” ⭐ | $10.50 | The signature double patty burger with melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and secret “Rita Sauce” on a toasted bun. | N/A |
| Olive Burger | $8.75 | A Michigan regional classic: Single patty topped with a generous portion of chopped green olives and mayo. | N/A |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | $9.25 | Single beef patty, thick-cut bacon, American cheese, and your choice of fresh toppings. | N/A |
| Perch Sandwich | $11.25 | Lightly breaded Lake Perch fillets with crisp lettuce and creamy tartar sauce on a hoppy roll. | N/A |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $9.50 | Marinated grilled chicken breast served with fresh lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. | N/A |
Customizations: Add bacon for $1.50, or add jalapeños for $0.75.
🍤 Seafood and Chicken Baskets
If you are looking for a filling meal, the baskets are the best value on the menu. These hearty combo meals come with a generous portion of crinkle-cut French fries and a side of creamy coleslaw (4oz).
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cod Basket ⭐ | $15.25 | Three pieces of battered Atlantic Cod served with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce. | N/A |
| Shrimp Basket | $14.50 | Approximately 7 to 8 pieces of butterfly breaded shrimp served with tangy cocktail sauce. | N/A |
| Chicken Strip Basket | $13.75 | Four large, crispy breaded chicken tenders served with your choice of BBQ, Honey Mustard, or Ranch dipping sauce. | N/A |
If you love classic American walk-up stands and basket meals, you might also want to check out the Bantam Chef Menu, Prices & Hours for more retro diner vibes.
🍟 Appetizers and Sides
Perfect for sharing at the picnic tables, these sides are classic comfort food.
Deep Fried Mushrooms – $7.50
Whole button mushrooms coated in savory breading and fried until golden brown. Served with a side of creamy ranch dressing.
🌱 (V) Vegetarian | ⭐ Customer Favorite
Mozzarella Sticks (6pc) – $8.25
Classic breaded mozzarella cheese sticks, fried to perfection and served with rich marinara dipping sauce.
🌱 (V) Vegetarian
Onion Rings – $6.50
Thick-cut, pub-style beer-battered onion rings with a satisfying crunch.
⭐ Staff Pick
Deep Fried Pickles – $7.75
Breaded dill pickle slices fried to a crisp, offering a zesty and tangy kick.
🌱 (V) Vegetarian
French Fries – $3.75 (Small) / $5.50 (Large)
Classic crinkle-cut fries, lightly salted.
Cheese Fries – $6.25
Crinkle-cut fries smothered in warm, melted cheddar cheese sauce.
🍦 Ice Cream and Desserts (The Window)
No trip to Lake City is complete without a stop at the ice cream window. Larry & Rita’s offers a wide variety of sweet treats to beat the summer heat.
| Menu Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Serve Cone/Dish | $3.50 (S) / $4.50 (M) / $5.50 (L) | Creamy soft serve ice cream available in Vanilla, Chocolate, or a classic Twist. |
| Flurries ⭐ | $6.75 (S) / $8.25 (L) | Thick soft serve blended with your choice of toppings: Oreo, Reese’s Cup, M&M, Heath, or Cookie Dough. |
| Old Fashioned Shakes | $6.50 | Classic diner shakes. Flavors include Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peanut Butter, and Butterscotch. |
| Thick Malts | $7.00 | Rich shakes blended with real, old-fashioned malt powder for a classic diner taste. |
| Banana Split | $9.50 | The ultimate summer dessert: Three scoops of soft serve, three sweet toppings, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry on top. |
🌭 Kids Menu
All kids’ meals are perfectly portioned for younger guests and include a small order of crinkle-cut fries and a small fountain drink.
- Hot Dog Meal: $7.50
- Grilled Cheese Meal: $7.25
- Chicken Nugget Meal (5pc): $8.00
Most Popular Larry & Rita’s Items
If it is your first time visiting, you might wonder what the popular dishes are. Here is a closer look at the customer favorites that keep people coming back season after season.
1. The Rita Burger
This is the undisputed king of the menu. Featuring two fresh beef patties, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and onion, it is all brought together by the signature “Rita Sauce.” It is a filling, messy, and absolutely delicious take on the classic drive-in burger.
2. Lake Perch Sandwich
A true taste of Michigan. The perch is lightly breaded so the delicate flavor of the fish shines through. Served on a soft hoppy roll with crisp lettuce and tangy tartar sauce, it is the perfect lunch after a morning of fishing or boating.
3. Hand-Blended Malts
While many fast-food chains have abandoned real malt powder, Larry & Rita’s keeps the tradition alive. These malts are incredibly thick, requiring a strong straw and a bit of patience, but the rich, toasted flavor of the malt makes it worth the effort.
4. Deep Fried Mushrooms
A surprise hit among the side dishes. These whole button mushrooms remain juicy on the inside while the breading provides a perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior. Paired with house ranch, they are highly addictive.
Looking to explore completely different flavor profiles for your next meal out? Check out the Hangang Korean BBQ Menu & Prices for interactive tabletop dining, or start your morning right with the Crimson Cup Menu & Prices Guide.
Larry & Rita’s Prices & Value Analysis
Larry & Rita’s is known for offering generous portions at reasonable price points. Most individual meals and sandwiches fall comfortably under the $15 mark.
If you are looking to stretch your dollar, the Seafood and Chicken Baskets are highly recommended. Because they include a large portion of the main protein, a hearty serving of French fries, and a side of coleslaw, they easily serve as a complete meal and are sometimes big enough for lighter eaters to share.
Note on Pricing: As an independent business, prices can fluctuate based on the market-especially for seafood items like the Lake Perch and Atlantic Cod. The prices listed in this guide include a standard inflation buffer to ensure they reflect the most accurate expectations for the 2025/2026 summer seasons.
Seasonal Hours and Location Info
Because this is a warm-weather destination, Larry and Rita’s hours are strictly seasonal. The restaurant typically opens its windows in early May and closes for the season in late September, perfectly aligning with Michigan’s peak tourist and boating season.
Contact & Location Details
There is only one of these iconic stands, so there are no other Larry and Rita’s locations to confuse it with.
- Address: 825 S Lake City Rd, Lake City, MI 49651
- Phone Number: (231) 839-4980
- Restaurant Type: Independent, family-owned walk-up seasonal diner.
Weekly Operating Hours (May – September)
| Day of the Week | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Note: Hours may vary slightly during holidays like the 4th of July or due to severe summer weather.
How to Order from Larry & Rita’s
Getting your food at Larry & Rita’s is a nostalgic experience. Here is what you need to know about their ordering process:
Walk-Up Window Service:
The primary way to order is by walking right up to the front window. You will place your order, receive a number, and wait for your food to be cooked fresh.
Phone Orders:
During the busy lunch rush (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) or on weekends, lines can get long. Locals highly recommend calling your order in ahead of time at (231) 839-4980 to skip the wait.
Dining Options:
While it is primarily a takeout style establishment, there is a small indoor booth seating area to escape the heat, alongside plenty of outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas for an al fresco summer dining experience.
Delivery & Digital Ordering:
Currently, there is no official Larry and Rita’s delivery service. Because it is located in a rural, seasonal area, third-party apps like DoorDash or UberEats are not active. Furthermore, online ordering via a website or app is not currently supported, so you will need to rely on walk-up or phone orders.
Payment Methods:
The restaurant accepts Cash, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. They also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay at the main register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Larry & Rita’s offer delivery?
No, there is no Larry and Rita’s delivery available. They do not partner with third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats. All food must be picked up in person via their walk-up window or phone-ahead carryout.
Does Larry & Rita’s have online ordering?
Currently, online ordering is not available. The best way to place an order ahead of time is to call the restaurant directly at (231) 839-4980.
When does Larry & Rita’s open for the season?
Larry & Rita’s is a seasonal business that typically opens its doors in early May and operates through late September. They are closed during the fall and winter months.
Are there vegetarian options on the menu?
Yes! While known for their burgers, vegetarians can enjoy the Deep Fried Mushrooms, Mozzarella Sticks, Deep Fried Pickles, Onion Rings, French Fries, and the Grilled Cheese from the Kids Menu.
Does Larry & Rita’s accept Apple Pay?
Yes, they accept Apple Pay at the main ordering window, along with major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) and cash.
Are there any gluten-free options?
The restaurant does not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, and cross-contamination is possible in the fryers. However, you can order any of their fresh beef burgers or the Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun to accommodate mild gluten sensitivities.
Do they offer any discounts or specials?
Yes, they often feature a “Burger of the Day” on their outdoor chalkboard. They also traditionally offer a 10% discount for seniors on Tuesdays.
What is the best value item on the menu?
The Seafood and Chicken Baskets offer the best value. For one set price, you receive a large portion of your chosen protein, a hearty serving of French fries, and coleslaw, making it a complete, filling meal.
Disclaimer: Prices and menu items subject to change. Prices may vary based on seasonal food costs and market inflation. Information verified for the 2025/2026 season.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest Larry & Rita’s menu updates, and be sure to grab a Rita Burger before the summer season ends!