If you’ve ever found yourself wandering down Plankinton Avenue in Milwaukee, specifically near the Deer District, you’ve probably seen the green awning. It’s a staple. But honestly, when people search for the Who’s on Third menu, they aren’t just looking for a list of burgers. They’re looking for that specific Milwaukee vibe—the kind where the floor might be a little sticky from a Bucks win the night before, and the smell of fried cheese is basically a local perfume.
The menu here isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s pub food. But it’s pub food done with a weirdly specific attention to detail that you don't always find in sports bars.
Let's be real. Most "bar food" is frozen bagged stuff dropped into a fryer by a teenager who’d rather be literally anywhere else. Who’s on Third hits different because they actually put effort into the sourcing. They lean into the "World Famous" tag for their wings, and while that’s a bold claim in a city that takes its poultry seriously, they actually back it up.
The Absolute Heavy Hitters of the Who’s on Third Menu
You’re here for the wings. Everyone is.
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The wings on the Who’s on Third menu are traditional—none of that breaded nonsense that hides a tiny, dry wing underneath. They are jumbo-sized. They get fried until the skin is actually crispy, then tossed in sauces that range from "I can still taste my tongue" to "why did I do this to myself?" The Buffalo is the standard-bearer. It’s vinegary, bright, and has just enough butter to make it silky. But if you want to eat like a local, you go for the Spicy Garlic or the Honey BBQ.
The wings aren't the only thing keeping the lights on, though.
Milwaukee runs on cheese curds. It is the literal fuel of the city. On this menu, the cheese curds are white cheddar, lightly breaded, and served with ranch. If you’re from out of town, don't ask for ketchup. Just don't. The curds here have that necessary "squeak"—that's how you know they're fresh. If a curd doesn't squeak, it's basically just a fried cube of sadness. These don't disappoint.
The Burger Situation
The burgers are a whole other conversation. They use a custom blend of beef that feels substantial. You aren't getting a thin, sad puck.
The "Who's Burger" is the flagship. It’s got American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and their "Third Base" sauce. It’s messy. You will need roughly fourteen napkins. That’s the sign of a good burger. They also do a Mushroom Swiss that is surprisingly earthy for a sports bar, and a "Brew City" burger that leans into the local flavors with cheddar and applewood smoked bacon.
If you’re trying to be "healthy"—and I use that term very loosely in a place that sells deep-fried cheese—the menu has salads. The Southwest Chicken Salad is actually decent. It’s huge. It has black beans, corn, avocado, and a chipotle ranch that actually has a kick. You’ll feel better about yourself until you see your friend’s plate of loaded fries.
Why the Who's on Third Menu Works for Game Days
Timing is everything. If the Bucks are playing at Fiserv Forum, this place is a madhouse.
The menu is built for speed during these rushes. You’ll notice the "Shareables" section is prominent. This is intentional. When you have ten people at a high-top table trying to watch Giannis drop 50 points, nobody wants a three-course meal. They want the Loaded Totchos.
Yes, Totchos. Tater tot nachos.
They take crispy tots and bury them under queso, pico de gallo, jalapenos, and sour cream. It’s a mountain of calories. It’s also exactly what you want when you’re three beers deep into a Saturday afternoon. The kitchen at Who's on Third has this down to a science; even when the bar is shoulder-to-shoulder, the food comes out hot. That’s a feat of engineering most people don't appreciate.
The Sandwiches Nobody Talks About (But Should)
Everyone looks at the burgers, but the sandwiches on the Who’s on Third menu are the sleeper hits.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is marinated long enough that it doesn't turn into leather on the grill. That’s a rarity. Usually, bar chicken is an afterthought. Here, it’s juicy. Then there’s the Steak Sandwich. It’s sliced thin, topped with provolone and grilled onions, served on a hoagie roll that actually holds up to the juice.
- The Buffalo Chicken Wrap: This is for when you want the wing flavor but don't want to deal with bones or messy fingers while checking your parlay.
- The BLT: Simple. Heavy on the bacon. Exactly what it sounds like.
- The Fish Fry: Since it’s Milwaukee, the Friday Fish Fry is a religious experience. Cod, rye bread, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. It’s non-negotiable on a Friday night.
The Secret Sauce: The Third Base Sauce
What is it?
It’s a secret, obviously. But if you have a palate that’s been around the block, you can taste the mayo base, the hit of paprika, maybe some garlic powder, and a hint of pickle brine or relish. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly orange. It goes on the burgers, it’s great for dipping fries, and honestly, if they sold it by the bottle, people would buy it. It ties the Who’s on Third menu together.
It’s that "umami" factor that keeps you reaching back for one more fry even when you’re full.
Drink Pairings (The Unspoken Menu)
You can't talk about the food without the drinks. The beer list is heavily tilted toward Wisconsin.
- Lakefront IPA: The citrus notes cut through the grease of the cheese curds perfectly.
- Miller High Life: The "Champagne of Beers." It’s a Milwaukee classic and it’s the only proper way to wash down a burger here.
- Spottted Cow: If you aren't from Wisconsin, you have to order this. It’s a law. It’s an easy-drinking farmhouse ale that goes with literally everything on the menu.
They also do a mean Bloody Mary. In Milwaukee, a Bloody Mary isn't just a drink; it’s a meal replacement. The ones here come garnished with the essentials—pickle, lemon, olive, and usually a cheese curd or a hunk of meat. And yes, it comes with a "chaser" (a small beer on the side). If a place doesn't give you a chaser, leave.
Dietary Restrictions? (Yes, Really)
Surprisingly, the Who’s on Third menu isn't a complete wasteland for vegetarians.
The Beyond Burger is an option for those who want the burger experience without the cow. They also have a "Veggie Wrap" that isn't just sad lettuce; it’s packed with actual grilled vegetables and feta. However, if you’re vegan, things get a bit trickier. Most of the "fun" stuff involves cheese or butter. You can get the fries or a plain salad, but you’re mostly there for the atmosphere at that point.
For the gluten-sensitive folks, you can get burgers without the bun. The wings are technically fried in a shared fryer, so if you have Celiac, be careful. But for a general sensitivity, the wings are a safe bet since they aren't breaded.
Pricing and Value
In an era where a burger and fries can somehow cost $25 at a "gastropub," Who’s on Third stays pretty grounded.
You’re looking at mid-teens for most entrees. The portions are "Midwest sized," meaning you’re probably taking a box home or sharing. They also run specials. The wing nights are legendary for a reason—you get a mountain of food for a price that feels like 2015.
Navigating the Crowd
If you want a quiet, intimate dinner, don't go here during a Bucks game. Or a Brewers away game. Or a Saturday night.
But if you want to understand why this menu works, go when the energy is high. The food is designed for that environment. It’s salty, it’s savory, and it’s meant to be eaten while cheering.
The staff is efficient. You’ll see servers carrying four plates of wings at once, weaving through crowds like they’re running an obstacle course. It’s impressive. The menu is streamlined so the kitchen can hammer out orders at light speed. This is "high-volume excellence."
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down there, don't just wing it.
- Check the schedule: If there's a home game at Fiserv, arrive at least two hours early if you want a table. Otherwise, you’re standing at the bar.
- Order the wings "extra crispy": The standard wing is great, but asking for that extra minute in the fryer makes the skin shatter in the best way possible.
- Ask about the seasonal tap: They often have local Milwaukee brews that aren't on the printed menu.
- Don't skip the curds: Even if you think you aren't hungry enough for an appetizer, you are hungry enough for these.
- Parking is a nightmare: Just Uber or use a nearby parking garage. Don't try to find a spot on the street during peak hours; you'll spend forty minutes circling the block and get hangry.
The Who’s on Third menu represents a specific slice of Milwaukee culture. It’s unpretentious. It’s reliable. It’s the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting, and what you’re getting is a damn good meal. Whether you’re a local regular or a tourist trying to figure out what the "Deer District" hype is about, starting with a basket of wings and a cold beer here is never the wrong move.
Stay for the vibe, eat the fried stuff, and make sure you try that Third Base sauce. It’s the closest thing to a culinary hug you’ll find on Plankinton Avenue.