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JG MELON RESTAURANT

Last Updated: 11 days ago

Phone: (212) 744-0585

Address: 1291 3 AVENUE 10021

TLDR

Iconic NYC burger joint with a classic vibe, serving up nostalgic American pub fare and a legendary cheeseburger.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 65 Reddit comments)

62% Positive23% Neutral15% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 49burger 34burgers 14fries 5View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary

Details

JG Melon is an iconic and legendary Upper East Side establishment, celebrated for its classic American pub ambiance and highly-regarded burgers. Since opening in 1972, it has maintained a timeless appeal with its charming, old-school setting and no-frills approach to comfort food. While the burgers are the main draw for many, other dishes like steak tartare and chili also receive positive mentions, making it a beloved neighborhood spot.

Food Overview

JG Melon is primarily known for its classic American pub fare, with a strong emphasis on its burgers, which are frequently recommended. While many find the burgers to be excellent and nostalgic, a few reviews suggest they are average or even dry. Other dishes like steak tartare, chili, and cottage fries also receive positive mentions.

Highlights / Recommended

"The cheeseburger is the most frequently recommended dish, often paired with cottage fries. Steak tartare and chili are also noted as positive menu items."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • burger(8)
  • fries(2)
  • sirloin steak(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards JG Melon, often praising its classic New York vibe and highly recommending its burgers. Some, however, find the burgers to be average and note long wait times.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread discusses the merits of JG Melon's burgers, with some users strongly defending them as iconic and having a great vibe, while others find them overrated or even among the worst in NYC. One commenter notes its popularity is driven by the vibe.
JG Melon is recommended by multiple users for its burgers, with one commenter enthusiastically endorsing it and another comparing its burger quality favorably to other establishments. Another user feels its vibe is "off the charts."
This discussion features mixed opinions on JG Melon. While some find its burger to be very good and a great neighborhood spot, others consider the burger average and criticize long waits and cramped conditions.
JG Melon is mentioned as a great spot with a 'vibe,' and one user finds their burger nostalgic and their fries great. Another commenter simply states everything they ate was amazing.
JG Melon is suggested as a worthwhile option, though it's noted that there will likely be a wait.
While not a diner, JG Melon is recommended as a cash-only New York-style burger pub with a classic ambiance. Specific dishes like the cup of chili, cheeseburger with cottage fried potatoes, and slice of pie are highlighted as satisfying.
JG Melon is mentioned as serving sirloin steaks, with one commenter finding it a surprisingly good option and a 'sleeper hit.'
In this thread, JG Melon is criticized for long wait times and for having average food by some users, who consider it not a 'drama-free' option.

Recent Mentions

From post: Onenight Nyc Dinner Recs Classic Ny Vibes Bar

"JG Melon is recommended."

Positive
Aug 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Near 68 And 1st

"JG Melon, a cash-only establishment, is recommended and located at E 74th and 3rd."

Positive
Aug 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Its Your Last Day In The City No Matter The

"This commenter simply stated JG Melons as their choice for a final meal."

Positive
Jul 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Its Your Last Day In The City No Matter The

"The commenter would have the cured sardine roast, lamb steak with fennel salad, and sheep's cheese agnolotti from Lilia, but also cited JG Melon for its burgers, fries, and apple pie due to nostalgia and personal significance."

Positive
Jul 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"This comment suggests J.G. Melon's popularity is driven by social media hype rather than the burger itself."

Neutral
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"This user enjoys the vibe at J.G. Melon, mentioning that the hamburger and martini combination is a great experience."

Positive
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"Responding to a negative comment, this user found J.G. Melon's burger to be very solid, attributing its popularity to the vibe."

Positive
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"This user did not enjoy their experience at J.G. Melon."

Negative
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"The user praises J.G. Melon's burger for its simplicity and smaller size, stating it's a satisfying ideal burger."

Positive
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"J.G. Melon used to be a good spot for a classic burger but is now considered overrated due to constant lines."

Negative
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"This user strongly dislikes J.G. Melon and questions its popularity."

Negative
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"This user likes the vibe at J.G. Melon but considers Shake Shack to be fast food, preferring 7th Street."

Neutral
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"This user believes J.G. Melon might serve the worst burger in NYC and does not understand its appeal."

Negative
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Really Has The Best Burger Shake Shack Jg

"J.G. Melon is described as fine, with Shake Shack being a better quality fast food option."

Neutral
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch For Foodies

"JG Melon is a classic NYC spot known for its no-frills, iconic burger and cottage fries, maintaining an old-school feel. It's important to note that the restaurant is cash only and does not accept reservations."

Positive
Jul 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Places To Drink Long Islands Iced Teas

"The commenter suggested that the bartenders at JG Melon might find the request for a Long Island Iced Tea amusing."

Neutral
Jul 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Would You Dowhere Would You Eat If You Moved

"The commenter finds dining solo at Jg Melon to be a highly satisfying experience."

Positive
Jul 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"JG Melon is a cash-only establishment."

Neutral
Jul 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"JG Melon is a personal favorite."

Positive
Jul 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: 4th Of July In New York Where To Get A Good Hot

"JG Melon is considered one of the top NYC burgers and doesn't receive enough appreciation."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →