Skip's pairs crowd-pleasing American fare with a cozy bar feel

What the ratings suggest

Skip's carries a 4.7 Google rating from 1,466 reviews, a notably strong result for a moderately priced American restaurant and bar. The available public feedback supports that score with recurring praise for the food, welcoming service and cozy atmosphere. Diners describe it as the sort of dependable local recommendation that works for lunch, a casual date or dinner with friends.

The praise is not limited to one type of order. Reviewers mention sandwiches, burgers, fish, nachos and pasta, suggesting a broad American bar-and-grill menu rather than a narrowly focused kitchen. Drinks also receive positive notice. Taken together, the rating volume and comments point to consistency as the main attraction.

Food and portions

Named dishes include chicken nachos, bowtie Creole, a BBQ chicken sandwich, a cheeseburger and pan-fried walleye. The strongest enthusiasm in the supplied reviews goes to the chicken nachos and bowtie Creole, both described as flavorful and substantial. One hungry traveler ordered both and could not finish even half of either, so smaller groups may want to consider portion size before ordering several dishes at once.

The cheeseburger and pan-fried walleye also earned straightforward approval from a conference visitor. The BBQ chicken sandwich received a more qualified response: its flavor was solid, but the reviewer thought the balance of meat to bun could have been better. That does not amount to a broad menu concern, though it is useful context for diners deciding between the sandwich and one of the more enthusiastically reviewed plates.

Atmosphere and service

Public comments characterize Skip's as clean, cozy and somewhat dark. Some diners may appreciate that mood in a bar-and-grill setting, while anyone seeking a bright dining room should set expectations accordingly. Service is generally praised, and one review specifically highlights the owners in warm terms.

The larger issue is timing. A Saturday visit coinciding with conventions and an art fair encountered a busy restaurant, while a separate lunch stretched close to two hours without an obvious explanation. Both reviewers still came away positive, which suggests delays can be manageable when the food and company are the priority. Skip's does not take reservations, according to the group-of-eight review, so larger parties and weekend diners should plan for uncertainty.

Editorial verdict

Based on public ratings and the supplied diner reports, Skip's looks like a strong next choice for generous American comfort food in a relaxed, bar-oriented room. The menu appears varied enough for groups, and the 4.7 rating across more than 1,400 reviews provides substantial reassurance. Its main tradeoff is pace: the restaurant can be busy, waits may run long and reservations may not be available. Diners who arrive with flexibility are the best match.