Skippy's

Located at 624 West Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem, Skippy’s offers hot dogs, sandwiches, and sides. The restaurant is open from 11 to 4, Tuesday through Saturday. Vegetarian hot dogs are available.

Hot dogs are a rare indulgence these days, but when the craving strikes, it is good to know that Skippy’s is there to satisfy it. At first glance, this place doesn’t look like much. It’s small, the menu is limited, and aside from some old-timey cans and articles on the history of the pretzel bun, it is sparsely appointed. However, what Skippy’s does, it does well. The dogs are all beef and nicely grilled – nothing transformative, but quite tasty. I had mine Reuben style, and the spiciness was a nice complement. The pretzel bun was soft yet strong enough to hold everything together, and an order of fries came out hot, well-crisped, and addictively delicious (though in need of seasoning).

While gas station hot dogs will undoubtedly run cheaper, prices here leave little complaint given how filling the food proved to be. The dogs were $3.50 and a shareable basket of fries cost about the same (side portions are less).  Add to that friendly service, and you’re left with food that is worth the wait.

This bears mentioning because there most likely will be a wait. As Skippy’s is both quite compact and popular locally, it fills quickly. Even if you should be able to snag a table, expect a delay before your food reaches you. We aren’t talking Chinese Democracy levels of postponement, but rather long enough to make you question (especially if you are hungry) how long it takes to grill a hot dog.

With a winning concept, reasonable prices, and competent execution, Skippy’s shows that simple can still satisfy. Enjoy it for what it is: a doggone good bite.

8/10