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JG MELON RESTAURANT

Last Updated: 21 days ago

Phone: (212) 744-0585

Address: 1291 3 AVENUE 10021

TLDR

Iconic UES pub known for legendary, no-frills burgers & cottage fries. A cash-only, classic NYC experience.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 84 Reddit comments)

63% Positive21% Neutral15% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 54pub fare 2burger 36burgers 23fries 5View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary

Details

A beloved Upper East Side institution since 1972, JG Melon offers a quintessential New York American pub experience. This cash-only spot is celebrated for its iconic, no-frills cheeseburgers and cottage fries, served in a classic, unpretentious atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. It's a go-to for a satisfying, traditional pub meal that has stood the test of time.

Food Overview

JG Melon is celebrated for its classic American pub fare, with the cheeseburger and cottage fries being standout items. While many rave about the burgers, calling them iconic and among the best in the city, a few find them average or even dry. The steak tartare and chili also receive positive mentions. The restaurant is cash-only.

Highlights / Recommended

"The cheeseburger and cottage fries are frequently recommended as must-try items. The steak tartare and a cup of chili are also noted positively."

Mentioned Dishes:

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

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise JG Melon for its classic New York pub vibe and consistently delicious burgers and fries. While some find it overrated or note long wait times, most agree it's a nostalgic and satisfying experience.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread discusses JG Melon's burger, with some users praising its classic style and vibe, while others find it overrated or even one of the worst. It offers a balanced perspective on the burger's quality relative to its popularity.
This post highlights JG Melon as a classic NYC spot known for its no-frills, iconic burger and cottage fries, emphasizing its old-school feel. It also notes the cash-only policy.
Multiple users recommend JG Melon for burgers in this thread about a burger tour. Comments highlight its classic nature and a rating of around 7/10, with one user calling it a 'go-to spot'.
This discussion confirms JG Melon's kitchen is open late (until 2:30 AM) and praises its burgers. However, some users find it overrated and suggest the burgers lack seasoning.
This post features positive mentions of JG Melon, with one user calling it 'such a vibe' and another noting its nostalgic appeal and great fries, despite differing opinions on the burger itself.

Recent Mentions

From post: Ive Got A Drs Appointment On The Upper East Side

"JG Melon is mentioned as a dining option."

Neutral
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Ive Got A Drs Appointment On The Upper East Side

"JG Melon is mentioned as a dining option."

Neutral
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Ive Got A Drs Appointment On The Upper East Side

"The original poster finds JG Melon appealing and notes they might need to withdraw cash."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Ive Got A Drs Appointment On The Upper East Side

"JG Melon is suggested as an option if the user is willing to wait until 11:30 AM and pay in cash."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There Any Bar In This City That Actually Has

"This commenter finds JG Melon overrated and suggests the burgers lack seasoning, attributing its popularity to an older demographic."

Negative
Sep 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There Any Bar In This City That Actually Has

"JG Melon is considered overrated by this user, with a critique of the burger's seasoning, suggesting it caters to a less discerning palate."

Negative
Sep 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There Any Bar In This City That Actually Has

"Multiple mentions of JG Melon suggest it's a reliable option for late-night food, particularly burgers."

Positive
Sep 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There Any Bar In This City That Actually Has

"JG Melon's kitchen stays open until 2:30 AM most nights and is praised for having one of the best burgers in the city, though it is cash only."

Positive
Sep 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There Any Bar In This City That Actually Has

"JG Melon is mentioned as a place with good burgers and a kitchen open late."

Positive
Sep 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Burger Steak Restaurant For My 18 Year Old

"JG Mellon's is listed among the commenter's favorite burger spots in NYC."

Positive
Sep 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Counter Service Classic Burger Not Smashed

"This user expressed a generally negative view of several popular burger spots, including JG Melon, stating they 'suckkkk'."

Negative
Sep 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Counter Service Classic Burger Not Smashed

"JG Melon was suggested as a burger option."

Positive
Aug 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Counter Service Classic Burger Not Smashed

"JG Melon was mentioned as a potential option, but it has waiter service at tables, which might not fit the user's counter-service preference."

Neutral
Aug 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Go To Repeat Restaurant

"This restaurant is listed."

Positive
Aug 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc For The First Time

"JG Melon is recommended for a burger, described as a top-tier, everyday burger that most New Yorkers love."

Positive
Aug 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc For The First Time

"JG Mellon is suggested for a sit-down burger experience if one doesn't mind spending a bit more."

Positive
Aug 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Bloody Mary In Nyc

"Echoing a previous recommendation, this user found the Bloody Mary at JG Melon to be exceptionally good, despite its simplicity."

Positive
Aug 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Bloody Mary In Nyc

"JG Melon is recommended for its Bloody Mary."

Positive
Aug 19, 2025View Comment →

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 →