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JG MELON RESTAURANT

Last Updated: 21 days ago

Phone: (212) 744-0585

Address: 1291 3 AVENUE 10021

TLDR

Iconic NYC pub w/ legendary burgers & classic American fare. Timeless vibe, cheerful staff, a true neighborhood gem since '72.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 99 Reddit comments)

65% Positive21% Neutral14% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 65pub fare 2burger 43burgers 25fries 8View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary
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Summary
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Summary

Details

JG Melon is a classic New York institution, revered for its timeless pub ambiance and consistently good American fare. Established in 1972, this Upper East Side gem offers a nostalgic experience with its signature green-and-white checkered tablecloths and cheerful staff. While the legendary cheeseburger is a major draw, other satisfying options like hearty chili and classic sandwiches also contribute to its enduring popularity.

Food Overview

JG Melon is celebrated for its classic American pub food, with a particular emphasis on its legendary cheeseburger, often described as a must-try. Other popular dishes include their hearty chili and turkey club sandwich. While most feedback is positive, a few reviewers have found the burger to be average or even dry, and some have had negative experiences with the fries.

Highlights / Recommended

"The classic cheeseburger is consistently recommended, often described as legendary. The cup of chili and cottage fries are also noted as satisfying options."

Mentioned Dishes:

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

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise JG Melon for its classic American pub atmosphere and reliably good food, particularly its burgers. While some note potential long wait times and the cash-only policy, the overall sentiment is highly positive, highlighting its nostalgic appeal and consistent quality.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread discusses JG Melon's burger in comparison to other NYC burger joints. While some users find it to be a very solid burger and praise the vibe, others argue it's overrated or even one of the worst burgers in NYC.
Multiple users confirm that JG Melon is a great option for late-night food, with its kitchen staying open until 2:30 AM. They are praised for having excellent burgers, making it a reliable choice for a late meal.
JG Melon is frequently recommended in this thread for its classic burger. One user compares it to Corner Bistro, noting its excellent vibe and decent burger.
JG Melon is recommended as a cash-only New York-style burger pub with a classic ambiance. The commenter specifically praises their cup of chili, cheeseburger with cottage fried potatoes, and slice of pie.
In a travelogue of NYC, JG Melon is mentioned as a great spot with a good vibe. Another commenter specifically highlighted the burger and fries as great.

Recent Mentions

From post: Best Fastcasual Burger With Lettuce Tomato And

"The commenter enjoyed JG Melon's burgers and misses a now-closed UWS location, noting the Third Ave location is still good but hasn't been visited recently."

Positive
Nov 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Fastcasual Burger With Lettuce Tomato And

"The commenter recalls JG Melon's burgers being very tasty, but notes they haven't been there in a while and confirms the price is over $20 with fries."

Positive
Nov 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Fastcasual Burger With Lettuce Tomato And

"The commenter suggests that JG Melon is worth the slight overage in price and that splitting a side can help stay within budget."

Positive
Nov 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Fastcasual Burger With Lettuce Tomato And

"JG Melon's cheeseburger with fries is noted as being over $20."

Negative
Nov 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Fastcasual Burger With Lettuce Tomato And

"JG Melon is recommended for its burgers, though it may exceed the $20 budget."

Positive
Nov 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: 1st Time In Usa And Nyc

"JG Melon was mentioned as a classic sit-down burger place, suitable for someone wanting a traditional American burger experience."

Positive
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

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 →