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    J.G. Melon

    3.5 (1.7k reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Bars, Salad
    Open 11:30 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    J.G. Melon American Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    J.G. MELON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - J.G. Melon

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    Cheeseburger
    Gordon Y.

    Cuisine: 7 Service: 7 Decor: 7 Value: 7 Overall: 7 Established 1972 in the Upper East Side, this old school restaurant is an institution for burger lovers. I haven't been in a while, but made a pitstop recently. Nothing has changed except for the prices. Same decor since my first visit during college. Same down to earth servers doing their thing. And the same pub style burger that made them famous is still a joy. I hope this place never change.

    Cheeseburger
    ED D.

    This place has amazing atmosphere and charm. The food is superb and they quickly get you your food. The only problem is the service. I know, I know, they are busy BUT by not having water for 15 min and not asking if you need another drink, or not bringing the check makes the turnover slow and then you have people waiting outside. It's not a rush of people wanting in... it's slow service where you have people sitting.

    Cheeseburger ($13.50.) Decent though small. Alright
    Glenn C.

    I had passed by this old cash-only relic of a restaurant a handful of times, usually after going into Central Park or something similar. It's always crowded, and I was finally able to get in without waiting much a couple of months ago. They only had bar seating, which I was perfectly fine with. The bartender was my waitress, and she was overwhelmed but friendly, making a whole lot of cocktails. I eventually got an Allagash White from their tap selection for $8, which was tasty as always. For dinner, I ordered a cheeseburger at medium rare and their cottage fries, which are a separate order here. The burger was $13.50 without cheese or $1 more with it, and I got it with cheddar. After a while, it arrived with a good amount of pickles on the side. The burger had a good crisp and was moderately juicy, but it was a bit small for the price and had only a tiny bit of cheese. The fact that it doesn't come with fries or anything else doesn't really help, and if I were really hungry, I probably would have needed to order a second or something else. The cottage fries, or "Cottage Fried Potatoes" as listed on the menu, were good. They were slightly crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and mostly worth it for $8. The food was overall perfectly fine, but it's hard to justify the price given the size and the fact that the fries aren't included. For instance, you can get a juicier burger that is a good three times larger, with a better patty and higher quality cheese, plus waffle fries, at Wollensky's Grill for only an extra $2.50. Not including that place, there are plenty of other places for a similarly priced or cheaper burger that are just as good, if not better (even the pricey P.J. Clarke's fits this narrative, and that's not that common.) The fact that it's cash-only and a hassle to get into doesn't really help either. If you don't mind paying a bit more, go here for the nostalgia, as it is still tasty.

    Outside
    Christy K.

    This one lives up to the hype. It is one of those classic New York spots that feels completely untouched in the best way. Cozy booths, a packed bar, and that kind of energy where you know people have been coming here forever. The cheeseburger is exactly what you want it to be. My bestie had the turkey cheese burger. No gimmicks, no overthinking, just perfectly cooked, juicy, and served the way it should be. And those cottage fries. . . Wow! But honestly, what struck me just as much was the service. Warm, fast, and genuinely welcoming even when the place is buzzing. Bobby is super friendly and seems to know all the regulars by name. He took care of us as if we were regulars, though. It's cash only, it's crowded, and you might wait a bit . . . but it's absolutely worth it. Some places are trendy. This place is permanent.

    Bacon burger with fries.
    Anne F.

    Here's the thing about old New York restaurants - they're too over-hyped. Often the food is just ok, but its reputation is bolstered by the mere fact that it's been around for decades. I'm here to tell you the truth -- the food here is decent, but not mind-blowing. I can get the same quality and taste from a cheaper establishment. Hell, I can satisfy the same cravings at Shake Shack! I came here on a Friday evening and had to wait in an hour line. That's the last hour-line I'll ever stand in. I could have spent that time dining, paying, and heading back home if I chose a place elsewhere. And as I said, the burgers were decent, but not worth the wait. The potato chips were fantastic, but again, it doesn't compete against the many other establishments with great fried potatoes. Was the bustling, tightly-spaced bar vibe charming? Yes. Did I think the green gingham tablecloth was a nice touch? Absolutely. Was the overall experience, from the wait to the food to the ambience, worth standing in an hour line? No. If you want to try this just to say you've tried it, be my guest. But be warned -- you're coming for the name, not the food.

    Steven Z.

    Just an all round, really good burger. It's got the retro vibes and the interior feels cozy and classic. Would I wait an hour for it? Probably not, but if you can get in without a wait it's a solid meal. One burger left me a bit hungry, but if you supplement with fries or split a second with a friend, it's a good amount of food.

    Cheeseburger
    Joseph S.

    I'd never been to J.G. Melon, it never hit my radar screen - living downtown, I'm not in the neighborhood. Until I recently saw Bobby Flay say he'd been going for decades, and it was his favorite burger in the city. Ironically, 2 weeks after I heard his 'testimonial', I had a doctor's appointment on.......74th St., a few blocks down from J.G. I made plans to have lunch there after the appointment. I ordered the cheeseburger and cottage fries. The burger came with red onions and pickles; however, I like my cheeseburgers with ketchup only - I want to taste the meat. I'll admit to having a few pickles in between bites! The first bite was eye opening! The cheese had blanketed the dark, seared, slightly crisp crust that I rarely find on my hamburgers; I didn't know it was there! It was a perfect combination for the juicy, flavorful and savory interior of the burger! I ordered it medium, and it was cooked perfectly. I could taste the 'quality of the meat' - I'm not sure what cuts they're using, and what the fat content is, but they've mastered the recipe! Next up, the cottage fries. There's a story behind the 'cottage fries' at J.G. - it has something to do with either running low on potatoes...or keeping them in the fryer a little longer, I can't remember which. But when it happened, customers clamored for more. They're crispier and thinner than your typical cottage fries; a few were almost like a thick potato chip. While I found them very tasty, my preference is for a thicker, fluffier fry. I'm glad I saw Bobby's 'Flaylist' - it opened the door to a truly delicious cheeseburger in the city! I'll definitely be back!

    Bacon cheeseburger and fries
    Jillian B.

    Pretty much exactly what I expected!! As others have noted, it's cash only so make sure to bring cash. Burger was decent but I do wish it came with more bacon. Fries were just okay. Given the location, not sure I'm rushing back since there are other burger spots I prefer, but I was glad to have tried it!

    Outside
    Tim H.

    Is it worth you wait? Yes, if you haven't experienced this iconic spot. Pass if you're expecting a delicious top tier burger Wait time = 25mins-1hr+ Food 3/5 Cheese burger was nice and charred in some areas but inconsistent inside. The biggest issue was the dryness overall A bit embarrassing that the fries were the highlight of the entire meal - uniquely cut into potato chips Chili wasn't too bad, nice and chunky Service 4/5 Decent NY attitude throughout the experience. No issues despite the amount of tables and foot traffic. Ambience 3/5 definitely an old school vibe inside and out The bathroom was tiny and pretty dirty imo

    Perfectly crisp and delicious cottage fries, served with great cheeseburger.
    Amy G.

    J. G. Melon is an iconic Upper East Side burger institution. It also most definitely has the nostalgia factor. Located on Third Ave, there sometimes can be long waits. Even when there is a wait, it's worth while. For me, dining at J. G. Melon holds many memories. Since I was a teenager have eaten many burgers here with my family over the years. Eating here, feels like coming home again The decor is old school and, holds onto its charm. Service is friendly and welcoming. Don't forget it's cash only. The cheese burger, turkey burger and their cottage fries are delicious. The quality of food has not changed over the years. If you are in the mood for desert, my favorite is the apple sour cream walnut pie. A sweet way to end a true New York burger experience.

    Kyle A.

    For the reputation, wait and logistics of the restaurant, it was unfortunately very underwhelming. I went late on a Friday night after 11pm and there was no wait though was still pretty crowded inside. When I passed the restaurant earlier around 7pm in past, the line would be down the block! It's cash only with no exceptions - I really don't understand the point of establishments, especially more known places, keeping that policy in this day and age and why they wouldn't accommodate credit cards. There is a bar seating then a dining area in the back - the tables are quite close together and can get really cramped and loud. I get old school diners vibes with ?handwritten menu on the wall. I went with the classic cheeseburger - it was fairly dry and thin, I didn't find it that juicy at all. The cottage fries were also very dry and didn't seem to have any salt at all, also were quite thin and were like eating potato chips. Overall not terrible but more convenient and just as good, if not better options available.

    Cottage Fried Potatoes
    Lauren L.

    So excited to finally try the infamous JG Melon burger! Lived up to the hype and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the cottage fries

    Hamburger
    Ellie H.

    Burger was great and we loved our waiter. The burger also comes with some extra lettuce on the side, which I really liked. Would recommend getting their seasonal fruit pie with a side of cream. Also recommend going late in the night so you can get a booth inside. I recommend!

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    3 months ago

    A classic institution with surprisingly decent burgers. I always make sure to stop by here when I'm in the UES

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    13 days ago

    great burger. service is old school you might have to wait but its worth it! give it a try

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    J.G. Melon Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - J.G. Melon

    How much is a Bloody Mary?

    $10

    Where would be the best place to park on a sunday to get to this restaurant?

    On a Sunday street parking is free. Plenty of spots on the avenue where you should get parking in front or within walking distance.

    View All 5 Questions

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    4.5(32 reviews)
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    I work not 10 minutes from here but sometimes I forget that I have such a delightful place a short…read morewalk from the office. I like this location for many reasons: it's convenient to a lot of transit, the beer is good, the space is nice (although it can get crowded) and the service is great. Please don't be like me....keep this place at top of mind. With craft beer places disappearing from our streets, we need to support those who are still carrying the torch for delicious local beer!

    First thing is I didn't even know their was another brewery near life I only thought that focol…read moreand fifth hammer but I was so glad I found this location. So me and my friend and my partner were bar hopping and we stumbled upon finback the prices were pretty good the beer options were definitely alot more then I thought. I liked the environment as well but the place it self is definitely hard to find or maybe it was just me but it was great experience. I had two beers two different IPA I definitely don't remember their names but it's definitely a brewery I will definitely go back to finn back. The service was fast the location was clean the bartender was cool so honestly I have to go back and try every other beer I definitely feel like I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to only cause this was my forth bar. But next time I go it will definitely be the best I go to and enjoy more cause I would've definitely enjoyed it more if it wasn't a location while I was bar Hopping if you are near queens plaza or long island city and you wanted to visit the bar / brewery please go it's a good experience and a good brewery.

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    THE HUNTRESS whiskey n' wings - Wings

    THE HUNTRESS whiskey n' wings

    3.8(264 reviews)
    1.6 miLong Island City
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    This place is a gem for sure. It sits in an old prewar building on the 1st floor. I had no idea…read morethis place existed to be honest. I don't know why I thought it was closer to astoria. As soon as you walk in you get that speak easy vibe with hip hop, real hip hop. The lights are so fun with hanging candles. It was giving Harry potter vibes. :::bathroom alert::: Look as soon as I went into the elden ring bathroom I lost my mind. If you're a gamer you know what I am talking about. Fans of game of thrones, boy oh boy do they have a treat for you! A throne toliet, geeze I wish I had to poop at that point, lol. I went to the second bano to see what it was, I was not disappointed. For the wings, I wasnt too impressed to he honest. Very bready with white sauce, I've had better. The service was really fast, very pleased with that. My friends indulged the whiskey flight, it looked really fun. I wanted to partake but thats too much whiskey for me. The peach and cream sour was delicious! I could see myself coming back. Had a great time and loved the space.

    I was staying at the Dutch Hotel and saw this place nearby so we decided to check it out. We went a…read morelittle early so it was kind of empty but later on people started coming in due to the Knicks game. We decided to go with wings, burger and fries being that it's a bar and they kind of had limited food options. I love the fries, wings were okay I feel like they could have used a bit more sauce, drinks were good. The decor was pretty cool, going with the name.

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    THE HUNTRESS whiskey n' wings - Purple Rain, Purple Rain!

    Purple Rain, Purple Rain!

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    W XYZ Bar

    W XYZ Bar

    4.4(8 reviews)
    1.9 miLong Island City

    I had a pretty good time here. At 10:30pm they were packing up. Then stopped serving hard liquor at…read more10:45pm. The tap didn't wanna work. We had no choice but to use the bottles. Love the bar stools at this place tho, they have backs and the chair is cushioned! I appreciate a good back to a barstool. I ended up coming a few days later and the vibe was much better. The bartenders must have just been tired from their previous shift that one Thursday. They were really great on a Saturday. The happy hour is pretty nice $5 for shot and $10 for a marg. ::bathroom alert::: Very inconvenient when you're at the bar. It's like a maze getting down there. The bathroom is clear tho, I'll give them that. They were playing live music for like 90 minutes. There was literally no one at this bar on a Thursday night, so much for thirsty Thursday. Theres a section off to the left that has a pool table and connect four. On a Saturday night they are playing Spanish music, most people know Spanish music and drinking is super fun!! I can totally see why this place doesn't have a lot of pictures. I don't see how a lot of people wouldn't it is cozy. At the end of the day this places prices are reasonable for this area. They get the five stars because the music was good and the prices were good. $7 for an ipa isn't so bad.

    Small bar inside aloft hotel. Friendly servers. Convenient after a day of exploring NYC.read more

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    J.G. Melon - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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