J.G. Melon

A comfy atmosphere attracts a laid-back neighborhood crowd to this cash-only pub famed for burgers

9 / 10
1846
ratings
  • Phone

    (212) 744-0585

  • Website

    jgmelon-nyc.com

  • Instagram

    No Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

    No X (Twitter)

  • Facebook

    395122127207881

  • Type

    Burger Joint

Address

1291 3rd Ave (at E 74th St) New York , NY 10021 United States

Reservations No
Credit Cards No
Outdoor Seating Yes
Wheelchair Accessible Yes
Music Yes
Restroom Yes
Menus Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 442


Keywords:

burgers cheeseburgers french fries authentic casual bloody bull chili desserts good for a quick meal fried potatoes cheesecake cute pies good for singles waffles crowded city melon omelettes chicken salad
Andrew Choi

Among the BEST burgers in Manhattan. Dine in with a loved one or grab it to-go with friends and find a nearby stoop. These juicy burgers were never meant to be eaten with utensils, folks.

Ras Malice

I REFUSE to eat anything else today for fear it will ruin the aftertaste! Simply amazing burger & fries , delivered fast and hot. Nothing fancy , handmade , juicy beef burger done RIGHT! I'll be back!

Eater

Pubs don't come more oldschool, and some peg Mellon's burger as the best in the city . It's not, but along with Mellon's crispy waffle-cut fries and cold beer , it is a damn good show. [Eater 38 Member] Read more

Eric Friedman

Yes it's the best cheeseburger in the world! The question is; will you order a #bftt (burger for the table)? If you are with a group, do the right thing and get an extra making you the table hero!

Village Voice

When dining solo, sit at J.G. Melon’s wooden bar and enjoy an outstanding hamburger and blood mary. J.G. is cozy and casual , and no one here will bother you. Read more

AmateurConcierge

Legendary nyc spot famous for the burgers . Great og staff and all but it’s kinda jus ok tbh. Super basic menu. Fries hit surprisingly. Burger 1-2 stages overdone. Salads v basic

AlAnoud A AlGhunaim

Wasn’t ranked the #1 burger joint in the UES for nothing! Amazing bacon cheeseburger , cooked to perfection! Turkey club sandwich , sliced chicken salad and their sirloin steak ! A must in NYC

Eater

A rare burger , recommended, came out in 2 minutes during a recent visit, boasting a charred exterior and a silky, crimson interior. Add bacon and American cheese , then season with a lot of salt. Read more

Leo Sumulong

Of the places in the city that do a great classic burger (high on quality basics, low on pretentiousness and distracting novelty), this has got to be among the top few. Meaty, cheesy, good.

Julie Gavell

One of the best burger places on the east side. I always bring out of towners here. So yummy their burgers .. It just prepared simply and that's some time the best way to do it.

Jen Star

Serving burgers in its narrow space since '74. A perfect bar burger and highly recommended cottage fries & bowl of chili . Think of it as a living relic, a throwback to cheap eats meets preppy ideals.

James Marshall

Very similar to Corner Bistro in terms of overall aesthetic. Very similar burger too. Loved it. Cottage fries are a unique twist. I like the bacon at Corner Bistro more. But other than that, A+.

Jackson Harris

This place is a neighborhood staple. Don't forget to order a side of their French fries and be sure to bring cash because they don't accept credit cards. Sit at the bar and eat if you're in a hurry!

Time Out New York

Since 1972, this kitschy Upper East Side burger joint has been sating meatheads. The cheeseburger is a bite of a bygone era, simple griddled on a flattop and medium-rare juicy. (Critics' Pick) Read more

The Corcoran Group

The best nights are Sunday and Thursday nights. Get there at 6:30pm and have a bloody Bull while you wait. Bobby is the gate keeper for seating, make him your best friend and he will take care of you.

Caroline Le

the juiciest and most traditional and perfectly cooked burger in NYC . bacon cheeseburger was great. service was quick. you can wait for a while to get a seat, but the wait is worth it!

Bokyung Park

Classic old-style burger . They didn’t put lettuce and tomatoes but after a few bites, it gets along with onions and pickled cucumbers.Cottage fries are also good. But it’s a cash-only restaurant .

EMC◾️

Decent burger . Definitely not amazing. It’s loud & the staff scream and laugh at the regulars. Depends what you want. If it’s an amazing burger - not the place. If it’s a local place with history ????????

Natalie V

Much better than the west village location (this one in UES is the original). Get the cheeseburger and fries - also sit at the bar and meet Bobby, the bartender , he is the best!

Patrick Scoble

A must try NYC burger . A classic no frills burger done right. Try the crispy and airy cottage fries and a slice of apple pie .

Scott S

Free up your drinking hand since you don't need to look at the menu. Cheeseburger (medium) cottage fries , and a Bloody Mary . This is the most repeatable burger in New York. A proud institution.

Ben K.

This place is classic. Nothing like a griddled burger , and theirs is perfectly crispy with a juicy center. Order the bacon cheeseburger and a side of cottage potatoes .

Mel Dog

The best cheeseburger in New York City . You get pickes and onions on the side, ask for tomatoes and lettuce as well . Get cottage fries and a Sam Adams on tap for $5. Can't get any better than that!

Nongmorn C.yong

The one of dish in NYC burger joint that I can ate all. Not too big. All fried side exclude.Good for health.Thanks for break me ha ha.

Lanre Adedokun

Wow....definitely so far hands down best burger I have had in as long as I can remember. I went back twice in one day and regretted not getting two burgers the first time ????????????????????????

Camilo Angel

Best burger joint in town . Do not miss the chilly cup. Just as fantastic. Drown it down with an Amstel Light followed by a Bloody Mary and you’re all set

raul gutierrez

In a sea of thick unappealing uptown burgers , JG Melon is a standout. They've been serving the same solid burger since I started coming here in college many years ago. Also, pie !

hello_emily

The bacon cheeseburger with cottage fries and a couple pints of lagunitas IPA ???????? Great service and a really cool old school vibe.

Dan Gerson

An upper east side staple. Old school, no attitude spot. Great drinks and a kick ass burger done right. Cooked perfect, with a crunch on the outside, definitely in the top 3.

Burgerspotting .se

This burger is pure perfection. The meat is perfectly minced , juicy and has a unique flavor, with a crispy bacon that dream. Love the cheese and bread . Rating: 10 out of 10

Fotini????

Really nice burger and we didn't have to wait long. On the downside, the place is quite packed and it's a matter of luck where you will be seated.

PureWow

Bacon Cheeseburger : Grab a stool at this divey bar and order your no-frills burger with a side of cottage fries . You’ll thank us later. Read more

Jessica Stark

This place is always packed-if going on a weekend go early (noon) for lunch & you'll be fine. Burger was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside w/just a little pink (ordered Medium). Will be back!

Brownstone Living NYC

One of the best burgers on the island of Manhattan . Great key lime pie . Super authentic , classic NYC experience. I feel like I'm in an episode of Seinfeld.

Victoria Goulart

The bacon burguers are amazing! Don’t forget to order the fries and the lemonade . Also, it’s cash only

Julie Gavell

One of the best burger places in the city . Just good simple burgers . Soo freaking good. I like this place more than shake shack. It does get crowded but its worth the wait.

Paige C

Delicious, authentic burgers made just the way I like it: with pickles & onions ! Get the cottage fries , trust me!

Wejdan ✨

Yup, still the best burger in the city . Try the apple pie once you'll be back again and again for it.

Pierre

Do like the locals and get the burger . Cheeseburger is a classic. And get their weird beef broth Bloody Mary variant too. Nice little buzz for the weekend afternoon

J Fiz

Bacon Cheeseburger , Cottage Fries , and Chili was amazing! On the top of the list of best burgers I’ve eaten in New York City , a must have.

Food Network

Grill master, Bobby Flay, thinks the best burger can be found at JG Melon in New York, NY on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Find more tips at FN Local. Read more

Madeleine Houston

Debatably one of the best burgers in manhattan. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

Village Voice

This neighborhood hangout grills the perfect everyday burger , has an extensive beer list , and the genuinely local feeling we all look for in a go-to bar .

Corey Berigan

Get a bowl of chili with cheese and onions , bacon cheeseburger , and a some cottage fries . Best in NYC.

Christine Shepherd

Seriously one of the best, no-frills burger I've ever had. This old school pub does it right. Sit at the bar when Mr David Parine is working and buy him a mind-eraser.

First We Feast

Nothing satisfies a yearning for "old New York" like a trip uptown to J.G. Melon, where you can find the platonic ideal of a bar burger : thick & beefy, with a toasted bun & blanket of American cheese . Read more

Steve Poland

Burger , cottage fries , chili , and apple or key lime pie . Get that pie . Key lime fab apparently. Expect a wait of an hour. Colleen & Paul agree on this.

Steve Soleimani

great burgers ! i suggest fries and chili as a starter or even to complement your burger . scoop the chili with the fries . heck even put some chili on your hamburger .

Carl-Adam Scheele

One of the best cheese bacon burgers had - beat DBGB by far!

Stan Bashmashnikov

The reputation holds true: you must get a Cheeseburger . Don't overdo it with unnecessary toppings. You'll find it to be one of the tastiest bites you'll find around.

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