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JG MELON RESTAURANT

Last Updated: 11 days ago

Phone: (212) 744-0585

Address: 1291 3 AVENUE 10021

TLDR

Iconic UES pub serving legendary burgers & classic American fare in a timeless, cozy setting. A true NYC institution.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 93 Reddit comments)

63% Positive23% Neutral14% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 59pub fare 2burger 38burgers 24fries 5View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary

Details

This Upper East Side institution, operating since 1972, is a quintessential New York pub known for its classic American fare. With a timeless atmosphere and friendly service, it's a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. While the iconic cheeseburger is a must-try, don't overlook other satisfying options like their hearty chili or classic turkey club sandwich.

Food Overview

This restaurant is celebrated for its classic American pub fare, with the cheeseburger being its most iconic dish, often described as juicy and perfectly cooked. Other popular items include steak tartare, chili, and turkey club sandwiches. While most feedback is positive, some reviewers find the burger to be average or dry, and the fries have received mixed reviews.

Highlights / Recommended

"The iconic cheeseburger is a must-try, often described as a perfect classic New York burger. Other highly recommended items include the steak tartare, chili, and cottage fries."

Mentioned Dishes:

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

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the classic American pub atmosphere and the quality of the food, especially the burgers. While some note long wait times, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many considering it a nostalgic and beloved New York staple.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Several users recommend JG Melon as a top contender for burgers in NYC. It's mentioned alongside other highly-regarded burger spots and praised for its classic appeal.
This thread features a lively debate about JG Melon's burger. While some find it to be a simple, satisfying classic, others consider it overrated or even one of the worst.
JG Melon is frequently recommended as a reliable spot for late-night food, particularly its burgers, with its kitchen staying open very late. Some users note it's cash-only.
This discussion includes a mix of opinions on JG Melon. Some users highly praise its burger and classic neighborhood vibe, while others find it underwhelming or too crowded.
JG Melon is recommended by multiple users as a top choice for a burger on the Upper East Side, highlighting its popularity in the neighborhood.
While primarily known for burgers, JG Melon is also mentioned as serving surprisingly good sirloin steaks, making it a versatile option.
JG Melon is recommended for its Bloody Mary, with one user highlighting it as exceptionally good despite its simplicity.
J.G. Melon is recommended as a cash-only New York-style burger pub with a classic ambiance. Specific dishes like the cup of chili, cheeseburger, and slice of pie are highlighted.

Recent Mentions

From post: In Search Of A Great Bowl Of Chili

"JG Melon was mentioned by this user as another recommendation."

Positive
Nov 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: In Search Of A Great Bowl Of Chili

"Jg Melon was recommended as a place to get chili."

Positive
Nov 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Have A Great Sandwich On A Sunday Night

"JG Melons was suggested, noted as a cash-only NYC institution. While known for burgers, they also offer great sandwiches and other dishes. The location is on the Upper East Side."

Positive
Nov 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Want To Try 100 New Dishes In 2026 Help Me Make

"JG Melon is recommended as a classic NYC spot for burgers."

Positive
Oct 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Want To Try 100 New Dishes In 2026 Help Me Make

"JG Melon is recommended as a classic NYC spot for burgers."

Positive
Oct 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There A Restaurant With A Similar Vibe To Polo

"Suggests Melon's as an option."

Neutral
Oct 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Teen Friendly

"Suggested as a place for classic burgers that teens might enjoy."

Neutral
Oct 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Late Night Halal Spots In Manhattan

"The Halal option at JG Melon is described as 'going hard,' indicating a very positive experience."

Positive
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Late Night Halal Spots In Manhattan

"JG Melon is listed as a recommendation."

Neutral
Oct 10, 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

"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 →