Skippy's Burger Bar: A Historic Gem on Thiensville's Main Street

Inside a building dating to 1855, Skippy’s Burger Bar combines creative burgers, casual Wisconsin tavern fare and the welcoming atmosphere of a longtime neighborhood gathering place.

Located at 113 Green Bay Road in Thiensville, Skippy’s works equally well for a relaxed family dinner, Friday fish fry or burger stop after exploring the Milwaukee River and nearby trails.

From neighborhood sports pub to burger destination

Skippy’s has been locally and family owned since 1997, when Thiensville residents Ken and Jan Kucharski opened Skippy’s Sports Pub.

In 2017, the Kucharski family began transforming the longtime sports bar into a more food-focused restaurant. The business officially relaunched as Skippy’s Burger Bar in February 2018, placing its burgers and family dining experience at the center of the concept.

The change worked. In a 2018 interview with the Ozaukee Press, the family said food sales had more than doubled following the relaunch. Their son Brett managed restaurant operations, while his wife, Katie, handled promotions and marketing.

Today, the restaurant continues to describe itself as a family-owned establishment run by Ken, Jan and Brett Kucharski.

A burger bar inside an 1855 building

Part of Skippy’s appeal comes from its unusually historic setting. The building at 113 Green Bay Road was constructed in 1855, more than half a century before Thiensville incorporated in 1910.

The restaurant sits near Thiensville’s historic center, where businesses once served travelers moving through the Milwaukee River community. The Kucharski family has acknowledged that caring for a building this old requires continual attention, but that history gives Skippy’s a character no newly constructed restaurant could reproduce.

Skippy’s is also part of a village with deep roots. According to the Village of Thiensville’s history, Jochim Heinrich Thien settled in the area in 1842, purchased 148 acres and built the mill around which the community developed.

What to order at Skippy’s

Burgers remain the main attraction. Skippy’s is known for creative combinations, toasted buns and its signature Skippy Sauce.

Popular choices have included:

• The Skippy Burger, finished with the restaurant’s signature sauce

• The Better Mac, Skippy’s take on a familiar double-decker combination of cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and sauce

• The Farmhouse, topped with a fried egg, bacon and grilled onions

• The CPR Platter, an oversized option stacked with multiple cheeses, egg, bacon, onions and Skippy Sauce

• The Veg Out, a meat-free burger with cheese, guacamole and chipotle mayonnaise

Menus and prices can change, so review the current Skippy’s menu before making a special trip.

The broader menu typically includes appetizers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese and other casual pub favorites. Skippy’s also serves a traditional Friday fish fry, with selections that have included beer-battered cod, perch, bluegill, catfish and shrimp.

You can find Skippy’s and dozens of other noteworthy restaurants in our guide to unique burgers throughout Greater Milwaukee.

Is Skippy’s good for families?

Although Skippy’s retains the personality of a neighborhood tavern, its burger-bar relaunch was specifically intended to make the restaurant more inviting to couples and families.

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, making it an easy place to bring children without worrying about a formal dining experience. Families can order familiar favorites while adults still get an interesting burger, fish fry or local beer.

For the most relaxed family experience, consider arriving for an early dinner before the later bar crowd develops. Larger groups should call ahead because seating arrangements and reservation availability can vary.

Patio dining and the neighborhood atmosphere

Skippy’s has an outdoor patio that adds to the small-town experience during pleasant weather. Because patio availability and pet policies can change, call before visiting if outdoor seating is important or if you plan to bring a dog.

If your family enjoys combining restaurant stops with pet-friendly adventures, explore our dog-friendly guide to Milwaukee’s North Shore.

Planning your visit

Address: 113 Green Bay Road, Thiensville, Wisconsin 53092

Phone: (262) 512-1240

Website: Skippy’s Burger Bar

Opening times: Skippy’s currently opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed Monday.

Kitchen hours: The kitchen serves food from opening until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Takeout: Call the restaurant to place a pickup order. Skippy’s does not accept carryout orders during its busiest periods, including Friday and Saturday lunch and Friday dinner.

Reservations: Reservations cannot be made online or by email. Call the restaurant directly to ask about seating and reservations, especially for parties of six or more.

Hours, menu offerings and carryout availability can change. Confirm current details with the restaurant before visiting.

Make a day of it in Thiensville

Known as the “Mile of Smiles,” Thiensville is a compact village surrounded by Mequon. Its downtown, riverfront park and access