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JG MELON

Updated

Phone: (212) 744-0585

Address: 1291 3 AVENUE 10021

TLDR

Iconic NYC pub famous for its no-frills, classic American fare, especially its celebrated cheeseburger [2]. Known for its enduring appeal & returning cottage fries [1].

Reddit Sentiment for JG MELON(based on 169 Reddit opinions)

53% Positive29% Neutral18% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 55pub fare 2burger 106fries 20burgers 15View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Recent Articles

Details

J.G. Melon is an iconic New York City pub, renowned for its classic American fare. The post specifically highlights its highly-regarded cheeseburger, cementing its status as a local favorite [2]. Established in 1972, it's known for its no-frills approach and enduring appeal, even seeing the return of its signature cottage fries after a hiatus [1].

Food Overview

J.G. Melon is celebrated for its classic American pub fare, with a particular emphasis on its burgers and cottage fries. The cheeseburger is frequently mentioned as a highlight, described as iconic and a favorite by many [2]. The cottage fries have also been a significant draw, with their return being met with enthusiasm [1]. While most feedback is positive, some patrons have found the burgers to be average or disappointing, and one user reported a negative service experience.

Highlights / Recommended

"The star of the show is the iconic burger, often praised as a classic NYC burger. Don't miss the cottage fries, a signature side that has a dedicated following. For those looking for other options, the BLT and turkey club are also mentioned positively, as is the apple walnut pie for dessert."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • cottage fries(7)
  • sirloin steak(2)
  • key lime pie(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally praise J.G. Melon for its classic American pub fare, with many highlighting the iconic cheeseburger and cottage fries as must-tries. Some negative feedback exists, with a few users finding the burger average or even disappointing, and one instance of terrible service was reported.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JG MELON

This thread contains a wide range of opinions on J.G. Melon's burger, from strong recommendations as a personal favorite and the best classic burger in the city [76], to criticisms of it being overrated, dry, or overcooked [72, 73, 79]. It also highlights the popularity of their cottage fries [74, 75] and chili [77, 78].
This discussion delves into whether J.G. Melon is worth visiting, with many users recommending the burger, fries, chili, and martinis [94, 95, 96]. The old-school NYC vibe is frequently mentioned as a key draw [93, 97], though wait times can be a deterrent [93, 95]. Some users feel it's best for the burger and martinis specifically [95], while others had a negative experience with the burger [91, 98].
This comment highlights J.G. Melon as a classic NYC spot known for its no-frills burger and cottage fries, noting its old-school feel and cash-only policy [30].
J.G. Melon is frequently recommended as a place with a kitchen open late, specifically until 2:30 AM, and is praised for having one of the best burgers in the city, although it is cash only [35, 36, 37].
In this thread, J.G. Melon is recommended for its burgers, though it's noted that the price might exceed a $20 budget for a burger and fries [44, 45]. Some users suggest it's worth the slight price increase, and splitting sides can help manage the cost [46].

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user advises that non-beef options are not the primary draw, mentioning the BLT as good but not comparable to the burgers. They recommend the apple and walnut pie for dessert."

Neutral
May 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user states that the burger is the best item on the menu."

Positive
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user states that the burger at JG Melon is not good."

Negative
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user reports that their group, including the original poster's family, did not particularly enjoy the burger."

Negative
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user believes JG Melon is best experienced for its burger, fries, chili, and martinis, and finds it somewhat silly to go for other reasons. They also mention it can be hit or miss."

Negative
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user suggests that JG Melon is primarily about the old-school vibe, though the food is still good."

Positive
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user acknowledges the user's nostalgia but suggests that given the menu's focus on beef, other great options in the city might be preferable if one doesn't eat beef."

Neutral
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user describes the atmosphere as old-school NYC and suggests that while the price is reasonable, one should avoid peak hours to skip long wait times."

Positive
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user believes the worth of JG Melon is subjective; it's recommended if a seat is available, but not worth a long wait."

Neutral
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user suggests that while the ambiance is good for drinks and fries, the long wait times can be a deterrent."

Neutral
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user emphatically states that JG Melon is 'Soooo worth it'."

Positive
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user recommends the turkey club and pecan pie, also noting that the martinis are excellent. They also emphasize the iconic status and atmosphere of the restaurant."

Positive
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user advises against visiting JG Melon if the famous burger is not being ordered."

Negative
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Jg Melon On 3rd Ave In Ues A Worth It What

"This user questions the rationale of visiting JG Melon for someone who does not eat red meat."

Neutral
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Jg Melon Burger And Fries

"This user expresses that they have been wanting to try a 'Bloody Bull' for years and now know where to get one."

Neutral
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Jg Melon Burger And Fries

"A user emphatically states that the restaurant 'never. ever. misses.'"

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity

"JG Melon is recommended for its great burger and fries."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity

"The original poster agrees that JG Melon could be a perfect choice for their first beef experience."

Positive
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Jg Melon Burger And Fries

"This user suggests that the popularity of the original post indicates that the subreddit is influenced by restaurant marketing."

Neutral
May 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Jg Melon Burger And Fries

"This user finds the burger mid, the space overcrowded, and the wait long, suggesting the hype is unwarranted given the experience."

Negative
May 3, 2026View Comment →