JG Melon

Si lo que buscas es una hamburguesa es que tenga mucha carne y rica este es el lugar! pan promedio y papas regulares, pero la CARNE ES TODO!!! bien gorda, bien jugosa, muy gustosa!

Really great burger just like mom used to make.
Also, very old school casual restaurant with old school services (and lack of) which is charming but also not convenient (no delivery, no cards, and per Unilocal page «No»… not good for kids.)
The positive: that burger.
Soon as I saw and bit into the burger, I thought «mom’s burgers». The way she made them, by hand, etc. I saw the bacon cheeseburger touted on Unilocal,so tried that and it was great.
— my son however had the plain burger and did not like it, at all, saying it was cold, hard and the bun was soggy… I checked and it really was — nasty soggy. My son is very healthy so a burger /​meat has to be really good for him to want to eat it … JG’s burger did not pass the test for him as his uneaten burger is still in the container. I asked how many stars he would give the burger and he said 1, 2 because he’s having a good day… Ouch!
— this may have been due in part to the fact that since they do not deliver, by the time I picked up our order and walked it home — it was cold… However since it was a plain burger nothing on it I still am not sure how the bottom part or the bun was sloppy soggy (mine was not).
My son did however like the chili and he had a few bites. (I was not a big fan; it had too much salt or chili seasoning for my tastes and there wasn’t any broth like my mom would make– it was solid with plenty of ground beef but I do like a little broth — this chili reminded me of what my mom would call a sloppy joe to put on hamburger buns.
The negatives:
— no credit cards
— no delivery
— their Unilocal page lists «No» not good for kids… the bartender says that’s not true but reading that (a put off to me for a burger place to say not kid friendly) was a reason I passed this place up several times.
Definitely recommend for a fabulous burger, but take cash and eat there so it’s fresh and warm.

Excelente las hamburguesas por el sabor y grosor de la carne además del pan y las papas que son espectaculares. Normalmente hay mucha gente por lo que nos toco esperar aproximadamente 40 mins por una mesa. No hay mesas para más de 4 personas por lo que no es recomendable para ir con más de 4 personas.

I have been coming here for years but I think I have hit my limit.
Last week I ordered a burger and a beer at the bar and was very disappointed. The small $ 6.25 beer was warm, the frozen cottage fries were under cooked and the meat was full of gristle. I I felt like I was chewing bone fragments…
The burger (not that I would ever order one again) is served on a tiny plate so your food falls all over the bar.
Just obnoxious!
If you don’t evolve and keep up with the times and but expect loyal customers to keep paying ever increasing prices for diminishing quality then you start to lose customers…

One of the city’s best burgers, hands down. It’s a very simple quarter ounce patty with American cheese on a white bun, served with pickles and onions. The meat is dense and juicy. The fry chips are also very good. Love the old-​school feel of this place. Note: cash only!

I’ve been meaning to try this place ever since the great Bobby Flay raved about it being his favorite burger on Food Network’s the Best Thing I’ve Ever Had. I remember watching the episode and thinking that this looks like a typical backyard burger. Having finally tried it, I can say that yup it’s like a kicked up a notch backyard burger. Although the meat is fresh and juicy, the complete burger is as no frills as you can get (standard white bun, lettuce, tomato, pickles onion)
It was good but not worth the hype IMO. The cottage fries that other Unilocalers rave about are average at best.
The dining room was small… really small… like smaller than my living room. Tables were tight but service was great and food came out fast. This place is worth a try if you’re really old school and want to check out a classic hamburger… just don’t expect to be blown away

I was brought here by a friend around the time I first came to New York. This was before I become more and more interested in the different cuisines New York had to offder and before I had been to the other big burger places (umami burger, burger joint, spotted pig etc).
Even then however I found the burger to be quite plain as in not bad but just «its a decent burger». The fries were also average however one order is enough to satisfy two people so it has that going for it.
If you’re in the area and want a no frills burger go for it, otherwise its nowhere near worth the journey, and definently shouldnt be in a list of «best NYC burgers». Also its cash only which is kind of a bitch.
This review was somewhat short but honestly not too much to say about place.

I believe JG Melon serves the best and most consistent burger in NYC. The burger is juicy and always cooked exactly as ordered. The bun is thin and underwhelming, allowing the burger itself to be the main focus. The restaurant is very small and always incredibly busy so expect to be seated very close to your neighbor. Cash only is a bit of a pain but the ATM next door is convenient.
I have had burgers at many notable restaurants and burger joints in NYC but I’ve yet to have a burger as simple and tasty as this one. Currently my favorite burger.

Cool place with a decent bar menu. It must be very popular with people in the neighborhood because the place was slammed on Saturday night around 10:30. Doesn’t accept credit cards, a concept I can’t appreciate at all, especially in the city but otherwise it’s cool. Good portion sizes.

Gigi Hadid has it right: «Eat clean to stay fit. Eat a burger to stay sane.» and just like Gigi I too agree that JG Melon is the best burger in Manhattan. No card, cash only, and good company is what you will get. That and a simple yet SO tasty burger made to your liking. Share a side of the cottage fries with a friend and enjoy a glass of wine (Merlot or Cab are my suggestions).
If you go and Bobby is the one seating you tell him Kelly the Nutritionist sent you– he is one of the nicest guys you will meet.
Enjoy!

Tremenda hamburguesa en la ciudad. Si me apuras un poco creo que es la mejor de todas. Porque no es 5 estrellas? Porq la atencion es muy muy mala, te atienden como si te estuvieran haciendo un favor, el viejo de la puerta se comio el papel… Los salva la bacon cheeseburger que es realmente espectacular!

I had a yummy lunch here on Saturday! My friend and I arrived at around 1:30 pm and there was a 30 minute wait. There were a few groups of people waiting outside and the inside area was totally packed. There really isn’t space to wait inside without being in everyone’s way, so we went across the street, got coffee, and then just waited outside – thankfully it wasn’t cold that day! The host called my name after basically exactly 30 minutes, which was great! We sat at the table right by the door, so we saw that the restaurant continued to be super crowded up until the time that we left at around 3. There was also a good amount of tourists.
Our order was taken quickly and service was great throughout our meal. We each ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries. When they arrived, I thought the burger looked a bit small, but I was stuffed by the time I finished everything. The fries needed more salt, but that was okay because there is salt on the table. Is JG Melon overpriced? A bit, yes. Is it delicious and satisfying? Yes. I’m a sucker for these «classic NYC» places, so it’s worth it to me! I had a fun experience here and the burger was great! The servers were friendly too, and gladly gave me a business card at the end (I collect them!)
We passed by again at around 5:30 just during our walk back to the train from the Frick, and the restaurant seemed totally different! It was quiet and seemed so much more spacious. I would recommend going for an early dinner!
Cash only.

Wife and I went into the city for an appointment on the Upper East Side and decided on burgers after we were done. The Unilocal reviews brought us to JG’s.
The inside was really packed in a very tight spot but it had a cool vibe to it with the bar and atmosphere. We were lucky enough to be seated right away. Ordered two cheeseburgers, cottage fries and a cup of chili. Both burgers were cooked perfectly. Big chunk of beef served on what looked like a slider roll. Chili cup ($ 7.95) and the cottage fries were really good… so we married the two together and used the chips to dip the chili out. Food total was around $ 44 for the two of us. Skipped the drinks and got two seltzers which came to $ 6 and change. Waitress was rushed but friendly and attentive. Food was out within minutes of ordering. CASH only.
On a side note, my back teeth were floating like two buoys in the Barnegat Inlet during a Nor’easter after drinking a lot of water earlier. I had to use the facility and took the stall as it was open… the walls were freaking hugging me it was so tiny in there. I have to say that one has never been in such a confined space without rescues workers trying free them. I nearly stepped in the damn toilet trying to turn around to get out.
I would definitely go back if within the area again.

Had the bacon burger ($ 11.95!) and cup of decent chili. Very good freshly made burger. Absolutely a pub burger classic. Atmosphere could not be beat. Like others, I wish all New York taverns had this feel. Sort of a «dressed down» version of P J Clarke’s. This is a MUST destination for everyone in New York. Nice that the proprietor shook my hand on the way out. Classy.
And they forgot to charge Manhattan prices!

Delicious burger and cottage fries!
JG Melon does not take reservations nor credit cards. Make sure you bring CASH. Make sure everyone is present or you will have to stand.
You can sit indoors or outdoors. The service was decent.
I had a cheeseburger and cottage fries. In case you were wondering what cottage fries were, they are deep fried slices of potatoes. And they are delicious. The burger was amazing, so juicy and delicious. Top it with lots of ketchup… YUM.
JG Melon, I’ll be back for more.

What kitchen in an old-​school Pub is open til past 2 am in NYC? I don’t know and I’m not sure, but if you know– tell me! My friends and I were starving and had the munchies. As we drove up 3^rd, I noticed this place. It was poppin., and parked in the quickness.
The air was thick in JG Melon. As soon as you went in, burgers and bacon dominated– none which I eat. But we were hungry and decided to stay in. JG is super cute. A few things that come to mind for me are: 1. JG is a place where I would like to be stuck in under a rain or snowstorm. 2. JG strikes me as the pub in the 1981 movie, «American Werewolf in London», (where after walking endlessly, they finally find a pub to seek directions) and its full of charm and warmth.
The lighting was soft nothing fluorescent-​thank God! And the interior was full of watermelon art of all sorts. Tables were draped with green and white checkered table cloth– Not plastic ! Which just added an extra touch of sazziness to me. Floors are natural aged hardwood– throughout. All the features of JG Melon gave off as intimate, warm with a country energy. Don’t get me wrong, nothing in here says 1970s.
JG Melon is rather tight– all you have to say is excuse me and keep it moving!

I just wasn’t impressed. First of all, the service was terrible. When I asked what sides I could get the waitress said, «everything we have is on our menu.» This was one of a few snippy comments, like we were inconveniencing her by being there. I asked for no bun but she put it on there anyways. I get it. Sometimes that’s the vibe of a place. Great food. Bad service. Get over it. BUT the burgers are not good enough to pull off that vibe.
The burger was dry and overcooked. I could’ve done better on my own stove. I don’t know where the hype comes from for this place. I’ve had plenty of better burgers in NYC… And certainly much better service!

Classic burger places that seems unchanged since the 1970s. It’s an Upper East Side and NYC establishment. A pretty cheap and quick meal — my cheeseburger came out in like, 10 minutes and was $ 12. Not a fan of the fries they serve here but the budger is done very well in a classic way. Not flashy. Simple.
Old school city vibes, good meat, quick preparation, attentive bartender. All around solid place to come for a great burger — if you’re in the area.

This is an old school burger joint. It is rather divey. This really is one of the best burger joints I have been to in New York City. No frills, just simple burgers, and really good burgers at that. There are a lot of regulars who come here and are familiar with the staff, so the staff do pay extra attention to them. Loyal customers who have been eating here for 20+ years really say something about the place.
They have a very simple menu, which is great for those who hate being stumped on what to order. And for a burger, I usually hate having too many ingredients. I just love a simple patty, cheese, lettuce, and pickles sandwiched in between two soft buns (I don’t like tomatoes). I have tried the cheeseburger and cottage fries. Both tasted amazing! I cannot get over how delicious the cottage fries are! And they’re in the shape of perfectly sliced pickles (their pickles are also yummy too)! I’m drooling just thinking about the fries right now! It’s a shame that it’s a little inconvenient for me to swing by.
Bring cash! They do not accept credit cards.

What I’ve tried: Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Chili with cheese and onions, Cottage Fried Potatoes
Tip: Bring cash! No credit cards accepted.
I just really love the old school feel of this place. It’s a no muss no fuss type place and sometimes that’s just what ya need! The regulars who know the host sometimes get preferred treatment, but somehow that just adds to the charm of the place. My friend LOVES burgers and this is his favorite spot; he always insists that we split the chili to start (not that I’m complaining about that). I usually get the cheeseburger which tastes just like the best juicy burger you’d grill on your own outdoors. My friend loves the bacon cheeseburger which definitely seems to be a crowd favorite. I’ll definitely be back– gotta work my way up to being friendly with the host!

I came here maybe 4 years ago and wondered what was so special about this burger. I didn’t notice anything special about it to be honest. But I came back because a friend wanted to try and am now realizing why it’s so highly rated. Maybe my palette has gotten better or my appreciation of food has increased but I realized that the JG Melon Burger is a very good simple burger. No frills or crazy, over-​abundant toppings. It was just a good hamburger and I respect that.
I also got the cottage fries which are unique compared to other places. I would have liked it a bit more crispy but it was good for fries.

Kira said this burger was amazing, and she wasn’t lying whatsoever.
Outside glances are not the prettiest, but the best food is typically found in the old school places, so I try my best not to judge a book by its cover.
To quote Marshall Eriksen (How I Met Your Mother), from the episode where they are looking for the «best burger in New York»:
Just a Burger? Just a burger. Robin, it’s so much more than «just a burger.» I mean… that first bite – oh, what heaven that first bite is. The bun, like a sesame freckled breast of an angel, resting gently on the ketchup and mustard below, flavors mingling in a seductive pas de deux. And then… a pickle! The most playful little pickle! Then a slice of tomato, a leaf of lettuce and a… a patty of ground beef so exquisite, swirling in your mouth, breaking apart, and combining again in a fugue of sweets and savor so delightful. This is no mere sandwich of grilled meat and toasted bread, Robin. This is God, speaking to us in food.
^ yea, that was a JG Melon Burger.
–1 star for cash only. Sorry guys. I never have cash. I hate ATM fees. It’s tedious at this point in my life.

Burgers! Top notch, just great standard, American style burgers. Bread was absorbent enough that it didn’t become mushy with how great and juicy the patty was. Patty was thick, perfectly cooked and not too strongly seasoned. That slice of American cheese, slather on some pickles and a dash of ketchup really just screams the most solid American Burger around.
Don’t come here expecting your black truffle oil, inventive mushrooms, umami powder whatever. Its just solid American cheese with a great burger patty. The mound of perfectly cooked bacon (not too crunchy, not mushy) definitely didn’t hurt.
Chilli was good too. No chunks, nice and smooth in the places you want it. Not too salty. Potato cuts/​fries/​whatever were just kind of standard.
Since I tend to grade places based on how the food is I would have to say the interior left me a little grossed out. If this place wasn’t raved about I probably wouldn’t of stopped by (thanks internet!).
We stopped by on an afternoon and the inside had a weird musty smell. We sat inside but close to the outside windows. There is outside seating when the weather is good though. People were complaining about the service but honestly I had no problem whatsoever, maybe because I came during a weekday lunch and not during super packed hours.
I’ll definitely return! Food is too good to not, cash only!

Me encantan las hamburguesas y he de decir que esta es una de las mejores que me he comido, en su punto, las patatas fritas están buenísimas, cortadas en rodajas… El sitio es auténtico, manteles de cuadros, mesas pequeñas, no dejen de ir: yo volveré.

We had one more friend join us after our first round of burgers. We told the waiter that we wanted to order another round (with our friend who just arrived). He took us from out table and seated us at the bar where we didn’t even have enough to place a glass in front of us, just because he didn’t like that our group grew.

On a filé vers ce restaurant du fait des avis dithyrambique dans les guides.
Problème: trop gros succès de ce minuscule restaurant: si le chef vous dit 40 minutes d’attente, il y aura 40 minutes d’attente sans même forcément réussir à accéder au bar.
Une fois à table le service a été efficace, rapide et le cheese bacon burger et le cheesecake était vraiment bons.
Astuce: grignoter un truc avant pour né pas mourir d’hypoglycémie, écrasé par les autres convives .
Autre astuce: si vous êtes seul faufilez vous vers le bar, et commandez à manger au bar.
Si on avait pu s’attabler rapidement, ça valait 4 étoiles.

Neighborhood institution, immer voll nach Feierabend. Reizendes älteres Thekenpersonal, gute Drinks, Pilsner Urquell vom Fass und gute Burger. Herz, was willst Du mehr? Nur etwas Geduld (in NYC ja eher Mangelware) sollte man schon mitbringen