J.G. Melon: A New York Burger Staple Known for Its Iconic Flavors

I love this place. The hamburger is one of the best, and their chili is incredible. It’s a must-try spot in New York. What truly stood out was the service. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better.

I love the checkered green and white table clothes and grey poupon mustard on every table. This place is known for their delicious burgers and I ordered a bacon cheeseburger that lived up to the hype with its size and taste. It's a bit crowded with tables close together but definitely worth the visit. It's cash only, so bring cash with you.

Came here during the blizzard for a burger and a hot toddy. Hot toddy was insane and unlike anything I’ve ever had. Burger was cooked to perfection, their “chips” are delicious, and my wife and I ended up spending over 3 hours sitting at the bar talking to everyone. We waited over 30 minutes to get a spot but we look at that as a sign of a good restaurant. By the time we left we felt like a local and even tried their bloody bull. Definitely worth the trip.

Been wanting to try the burger at JG Melon for a long time. It was smaller than I realized, with a very thick patty, not greasy, and delicious. Fries were great too! Great burger in your typical bar setting. Did not have to wait more than 10 mins on a summer Friday for a table during lunch. Don’t forget cash!

If you’re looking for a classic New York burger experience, JG Melon is a solid choice. The food is decent and consistent, and it’s even mentioned in the Michelin Guide, which says a lot about its reputation. The burgers are simple, juicy, and done right — no fuss, just quality. And the cottage fries are a must-try — crispy, golden, and the perfect side to their classic cheeseburger. The cozy, old-school atmosphere makes the whole experience feel very “New York.”

Would have got 5 stars but horrible ipa selection. I only drink good ipa and they only had Laganitas brewed by anheiser bush. Garbage ipa like a Budweiser! Burgers are legendary with good round fries. Prices are fantastic especially forvthe burgers on the upper east side like $16 with bacon and cheese. Waitress very attentive and kind. I used to live 3 blocks away in the 80s and 90s. The charm of the place still remains. They just need a better beer selection should support a local brewery and have a NY brewing company ipa! Go for the burgers.

Today I finally visited J.G. Melon, one of New York City’s most famous institutions when it comes to burgers, and I can confidently say the legend holds true. I kept it simple with a classic cheeseburger to really see if it lived up to the hype and it absolutely did. The bun was well-buttered and perfectly toasted, the patty cooked to perfection and exactly to my medium rare request. The burger comes plated with pickles and red onions, letting you assemble it to your taste. Just the essentials done right. From the first bite, it was pure love! Juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable taste. It’s about a four-inch bun it packs an immense punch of flavor that stays with you hours later. The atmosphere adds to the charm: cozy, pub-like, bustling with happy energy and dynamic. I went around 4 p.m., and even then the place was packed, which says it all. J.G. Melon is not just a burger spot, it’s truly a New York institution and for a reason! The staff is super fast, constantly moving and monitoring their customers and gives off friendly vibes. This burger easily ranks among the best I’ve had in the city (and trust me, I’ve had many!). I can’t wait to go back and next time, I might add bacon, but today’s classic cheeseburger was perfection. A flavor so iconic it stayed with me for hours afterwards and honestly I keep thinking about it!

While visiting my favorite butcher last week two sanitation employees were talking about Skinflints. Being the busybody I am, I joined their conversation & was told if I liked Skinflints then I would love JG Melon. I figured since we liked two of the same businesses I’d give JG a try. I’m glad to say they were correct. It’s 1st come 1st served at JG. Even though it was pretty busy I was able to get a seat at the bar easily enough. (Though I was told it gets much much busier than it was during my visit) Tommy the bartender was a down to earth people person which is always a plus in my book. The bacon cheeseburger I ordered was cooked just the way I like it & cottage fries happen to be one of my three favorite types of fries (four if I count sweet potato). The restaurant is small but the food food & service were amazing. I had two glasses of Jameson neat with my meal & lunch still ended up just under $50. So I’d say it’s reasonably priced. If you’re in the area & you enjoy a great burger definitely check it out. It’s a short walk from Bloomingdales if you enjoy walking on nice days.