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

Inside a building that has served travelers since 1855, Skippy's Burger Bar delivers what families crave: exceptional burgers, genuine hospitality, and the kind of neighborhood warmth that makes kids and parents feel equally at home. This family-owned establishment in the heart of Thiensville combines nearly 170 years of history with a modern menu that earned recognition as one of Wisconsin's top eight burger destinations in the 2024 Wisconsin Beef Council competition.

From sports pub to burger destination

Ken and Jan Kucharski, longtime Thiensville residents, purchased the establishment in 1997 and operated it as Skippy's Sports Pub for two decades. In 2017-2018, they rebranded as Skippy's Burger Bar, shifting focus from drinks to their increasingly popular food menu—particularly their creative burgers. Today, their son Brett manages daily operations, maintaining the family legacy.

The building itself tells a remarkable story. Constructed in 1855 by Ernst Van Alten—55 years before Thiensville even incorporated—it originally served as the Thiensville Hotel, welcoming travelers along the Milwaukee River. The Queen Anne-style structure has housed various taverns over the decades, including Kieker Tavern in the 1890s, Harmony Bar in the 1970s, and Curve Inn in the 1990s. The Kucharskis have been its longest-serving stewards.

Ken Kucharski's impact extended well beyond the restaurant. He served as a Thiensville Village Trustee and Plan Commission member, and was an active member of the Mequon-Thiensville Lions Club. The village officially recognized his contributions to "preserving the unique charm and historical integrity of Thiensville."

17 burgers and the secret Skippy Sauce

The menu features 17 distinct burger creations, each served on a toasted sesame seed bun with homemade chips and a pickle. Prices range from $7.50 to $13.50—remarkably affordable for the quality.

The signature Skippy burger ($8) showcases the restaurant's secret weapon: Skippy Sauce, a proprietary blend that regulars describe as addictive. The Better Mac ($8) draws consistent praise as a "high-quality Big Mac" with American cheese, lettuce, Thousand Island, grilled onions, and pickles. The Farmhouse ($9.50) piles a fried egg, bacon, and grilled onions onto cheese—reviewers call it "one of the best burgers I've had in a long, long time."

For adventurous eaters, the CPR Platter ($13.50) delivers a double burger loaded with four cheeses, fried egg, bacon, grilled onions, and Skippy sauce on a brioche bun. Vegetarians have the Veg Out ($10), featuring a veggie patty with Havarti, guacamole, and chipotle mayo.

Beyond burgers, the menu includes:

• Appetizers ($4.50-$8.50): Homemade wonton jalapeño poppers, battered white cheddar curds, fried pickle chips, and pulled pork totchos

• Sandwiches and wraps ($5-$9): The Boss Hogg pulled pork, Filly Cheesesteak, and Cluck Norris chicken

• Mac and cheese ($6-$9): Plain, with bacon and chicken, or topped with pulled pork

• Friday Fish Fry ($8-$15): A Wisconsin tradition featuring beer-battered cod, grilled fish, perch, bluegill, and jumbo shrimp

The homemade chips deserve special mention—reviewers consistently describe them as "light and airy" and exceptional. You can upgrade to fries, cheese fries, onion rings, or tater tots for a small upcharge.

Why families keep coming back

Skippy's earns its family-friendly reputation through thoughtful details. Highchairs are available, and games keep kids entertained during waits. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance: casual enough that children won't feel out of place, yet interesting enough that parents genuinely enjoy the experience.

The outdoor patio offers river views and welcomes well-behaved dogs—a bonus for families who've spent the day exploring nearby trails. Inside, the U-shaped bar creates a convivial atmosphere, while separate dining areas provide space for family meals away from the bar crowd.

Reviews consistently mention the staff's warmth. "We walked in as strangers and left as friends and family," one visitor wrote. Another described it as "literally felt like we were hanging at Cheers with some great burgers and beer." Multiple families note that prices drew them in, but the food and service keep them returning.

The dedicated kids menu (updated for 2025) ensures younger diners have appropriately sized options. Combined with the relaxed atmosphere and games, Skippy's works particularly well for families who want a real restaurant experience without the formality that makes dining with children stressful.

Planning your visit

Address: 113 Green Bay Road, Thiensville, WI 53092

Phone: (262) 512-1240

Website: skippysburgerbar.com

Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday 5pm-midnight (dinner only). Wednesday-Saturday 11:30am-midnight. Sunday 11:30am-8pm. Kitchen closes at 9pm (8pm Sundays)—a crucial detail for families planning evening visits.

Ordering: Takeout available by calling ahead, though not accepted during Friday/Saturday lunch or Friday dinner due to high volume. No third-party delivery. Reservations recommended for weekend visits—call to arrange.

Parking: Available on-site and on the street

Ratings: 4.4/5 on Google (434 reviews), 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor with Travelers' Choice Award, ranked #4 of 10 Thiensville restaurants

Family tip: Visit during weekday lunch or early weekend dinner before the evening bar crowd arrives. The atmosphere transforms after kitchen hours, becoming more adult-oriented.

Making a day of it in Thiensville

Thiensville—nicknamed "The Mile of Smiles"—packs surprising charm into its 1.1 square miles. This tiny village of 3,290 residents sits entirely surrounded by Mequon, creating a distinct community character with deep German immigrant roots dating to the 1840s.

Thiensville Village Park (16.3 acres) sits adjacent to downtown with playgrounds, tennis courts, the Rotary River Walk, and a boat launch on the Milwaukee River. The Thiensville Farmers Market runs Tuesdays from May through October, featuring live music and considered one of the Milwaukee area's best.

The Ozaukee Interurban Trail passes through town—a 30-mile paved path connecting Mequon to Belgium that's free to use and perfect for family biking. The Mequon Nature Preserve offers 510 acres with six miles of trails, a 40-foot observation tower, and free family adventure backpacks for self-guided exploration.

Historic Cedarburg lies just five miles north, with its covered bridge, Cedar Creek Settlement shops, and family festivals throughout the year. The combination creates an ideal family day trip: morning on the trail, lunch at Skippy's, afternoon exploring Cedarburg or the nature preserve.

What makes Skippy's worth it

In an era of chain restaurants and predictable menus, Skippy's represents something increasingly rare: a family-owned establishment in a genuinely historic building, serving thoughtfully crafted food at reasonable prices, where the owners' decades of community investment translates into authentic hospitality.

The 2024 Wisconsin Beef Council recognition validated what locals have known for years—these burgers compete with anywhere in the state. But the real appeal lies in the combination: exceptional food, fascinating history, river-town atmosphere, and a staff that treats every family like regulars. For North Shore families seeking a memorable burger experience with character, Skippy's delivers on every count.