Wow, what a place. I hadn't been in years, as I don't live as close to Skip's as I used to, but I was traveling on that awful November 29th weekend and decided to stay nearby to the airport. While thinking about where to eat dinner, I had originally planned to head down to Johnny's Steak House, but when I saw the Skip's sign I immediately turned in to the parking lot. It was cold and starting to snow but the atmosphere inside the eatery was warm inviting and friendly! I was seated by the fireside and was soon joined by other travelers at nearby tables. The service was amazing, the food delicious (a lovely chicken dish, fresh salad, warm bread), and the camaraderie in the room was super fun. I will go back soon!
866TaylorB
According to TripAdvisor and the food critics at the Des Moines Register, there isn't a finer fine dining restaurant in Des Moines than Skip's. Located at 4000 Fleur Drive, it has been a popular gathering place since it opened in 1981. Open from 11 to 10 Tuesday through Saturday, Skip's offers everything from appetizers to steaks to pasta to chicken to seafood to delectable desserts. I started with bruschetta with focaccia, basil pesto, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes and provolone cheese and Caesar salad with lemon, Romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, grilled shrimp and raspberry vinaigrette. For my entree, I chose a 12-ounce New York strip steak, a baked potato with butter and sour cream and spinach. For dessert, I was delighted to consume a large slice of key lime pie with graham cracker crust and whipping topping.
Mary Anne Benton
7 in our party for lunch. Disappointed in food and service. The casseroles arrived cold and tasteless. The garlic bread was cold and toasted on one side. The sausage sandwich was cold. The chicken matches didn't have any chicken; or it was mystery meat. One if our ladies ordered soup and sandwich. She didn't receive her sandwich until rest of us were done with our meal. And no coffee refills were offered.
We will skip Skills in the future.
.
.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
478johnl478
I have eaten here a few times with average results. The food is good and usually hot but is average. The bar is a bit pricey. However the atmosphere is really where I feel there is a disconnect. I wish it was a bit more intimate, but it’s not. The areas are cramped and loud. Conversation struggles because of the sound. The staff is friendly but not very knowledgeable about the menu or the specials.
Robert Maudlin
Top notch everything!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gina Battani, MPA, BSN, RN
I love Skips, the food is always phenomenal and the service (most nights) is great. Unfortunately, my most recent visit on 10/15/25 was unprofessional and disappointing to say the least. After a long and stressful day, my date and I walked in and immediately sat at the bar for dinner. Our server, Alicia took our drink order fairly quickly considering she had two other couples at the bar eating. After some time passed we were ready to order, however she refused to take our order and demanded my date (who is a regular customer and big spender) “marinate” longer before she would take our order. This banter quickly escalated to name calling. In front of me and the other patrons sitting at the bar, she called my date a “ Misogynist.” When I attempted to order on our behalf, I was ignored. When my date tried to order again, he was ignored. When she was finally willing to take our order, we ordered our appetizers and entrees at the same time to avoid further delays. While we were eating, our server then began to whisper in my dates ear, gossiping about an employee who was recently terminated and the reason for her termination. I immediately advocated for this employee by calling her out, followed by explaining the legal repercussions her statements could potentially have to the restaurant owner. Her unprofessional behavior didn’t stop there. Alicia began speaking poorly about my date to the couple on the other end of the bar who just paid and were getting ready to leave. Then she grabs her phone and shows the couple a picture of her and my date taken at Skips last month during the time my date and his friends were there. She proceeded to share the selfie photo with me by putting her phone directly in my face while I was trying to eat. I respectfully responded by telling her to stop and allow me to enjoy my meal.The unprofessional service and odd behavior continued with her grilling me on where, when, and how long ago I had met my date. She continued to insult my date and express her love for the “F Word” in front of me AND the remaining couple seated at the bar. The situation was so gross and uncomfortable for both me and my date, so much so, I went outside to wait while he settled our bill.
Damian Caldwell
Arrival feels calm with genuine Midwestern charm
Randall WILLIAMS
How have I never been here? Wow!! I been missing out. And you have too if you haven't been here.
The mussels are heaven, literally! The rest was good too, but the mussels are life changing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Bodensteiner
Loved the food, the service was great, but we could not even have a normal conversation due to the loud table next to us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
J B
Love this place. We hit it every time we go to the airport. Not a bad thing on the menu.
Wow, what a place. I hadn't been in years, as I don't live as close to Skip's as I used to, but I was traveling on that awful November 29th weekend and decided to stay nearby to the airport. While thinking about where to eat dinner, I had originally planned to head down to Johnny's Steak House, but when I saw the Skip's sign I immediately turned in to the parking lot. It was cold and starting to snow but the atmosphere inside the eatery was warm inviting and friendly! I was seated by the fireside and was soon joined by other travelers at nearby tables. The service was amazing, the food delicious (a lovely chicken dish, fresh salad, warm bread), and the camaraderie in the room was super fun. I will go back soon!
According to TripAdvisor and the food critics at the Des Moines Register, there isn't a finer fine dining restaurant in Des Moines than Skip's. Located at 4000 Fleur Drive, it has been a popular gathering place since it opened in 1981. Open from 11 to 10 Tuesday through Saturday, Skip's offers everything from appetizers to steaks to pasta to chicken to seafood to delectable desserts. I started with bruschetta with focaccia, basil pesto, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes and provolone cheese and Caesar salad with lemon, Romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, grilled shrimp and raspberry vinaigrette. For my entree, I chose a 12-ounce New York strip steak, a baked potato with butter and sour cream and spinach. For dessert, I was delighted to consume a large slice of key lime pie with graham cracker crust and whipping topping.
7 in our party for lunch. Disappointed in food and service. The casseroles arrived cold and tasteless. The garlic bread was cold and toasted on one side. The sausage sandwich was cold. The chicken matches didn't have any chicken; or it was mystery meat. One if our ladies ordered soup and sandwich. She didn't receive her sandwich until rest of us were done with our meal. And no coffee refills were offered. We will skip Skills in the future. . .
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
I have eaten here a few times with average results. The food is good and usually hot but is average. The bar is a bit pricey. However the atmosphere is really where I feel there is a disconnect. I wish it was a bit more intimate, but it’s not. The areas are cramped and loud. Conversation struggles because of the sound. The staff is friendly but not very knowledgeable about the menu or the specials.
Top notch everything!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love Skips, the food is always phenomenal and the service (most nights) is great. Unfortunately, my most recent visit on 10/15/25 was unprofessional and disappointing to say the least. After a long and stressful day, my date and I walked in and immediately sat at the bar for dinner. Our server, Alicia took our drink order fairly quickly considering she had two other couples at the bar eating. After some time passed we were ready to order, however she refused to take our order and demanded my date (who is a regular customer and big spender) “marinate” longer before she would take our order. This banter quickly escalated to name calling. In front of me and the other patrons sitting at the bar, she called my date a “ Misogynist.” When I attempted to order on our behalf, I was ignored. When my date tried to order again, he was ignored. When she was finally willing to take our order, we ordered our appetizers and entrees at the same time to avoid further delays. While we were eating, our server then began to whisper in my dates ear, gossiping about an employee who was recently terminated and the reason for her termination. I immediately advocated for this employee by calling her out, followed by explaining the legal repercussions her statements could potentially have to the restaurant owner. Her unprofessional behavior didn’t stop there. Alicia began speaking poorly about my date to the couple on the other end of the bar who just paid and were getting ready to leave. Then she grabs her phone and shows the couple a picture of her and my date taken at Skips last month during the time my date and his friends were there. She proceeded to share the selfie photo with me by putting her phone directly in my face while I was trying to eat. I respectfully responded by telling her to stop and allow me to enjoy my meal.The unprofessional service and odd behavior continued with her grilling me on where, when, and how long ago I had met my date. She continued to insult my date and express her love for the “F Word” in front of me AND the remaining couple seated at the bar. The situation was so gross and uncomfortable for both me and my date, so much so, I went outside to wait while he settled our bill.
Arrival feels calm with genuine Midwestern charm
How have I never been here? Wow!! I been missing out. And you have too if you haven't been here.
The mussels are heaven, literally!
The rest was good too, but the mussels are life changing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved the food, the service was great, but we could not even have a normal conversation due to the loud table next to us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place. We hit it every time we go to the airport. Not a bad thing on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent dining experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chicken marsala was delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Food was outstanding. Too loud to carry on a normal conversation.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is really amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Never a bad discesion...Chicken Marsala, Steak Deburgo, Chinese Chicken Salad 🥗 Jalapeno Shrimp🍤...just to name a few of my faves..it's all good!!😋😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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