


A comfy atmosphere attracts a laid-back neighborhood crowd to this cash-only pub famed for burgers.
Hours
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–1 AM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–3 AM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–3 AM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–3 AM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–4 AM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–4 AM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–4 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 744-0585
Website: http://jgmelon-nyc.com/
Menu Photos
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J.G. Melon – New York – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Reviews
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.”
Unfortunately, this was a very disappointing experience.
The only positive thing I can say is about the hostess, who was very kind, welcoming, and genuinely tried to help.
Aside from that, the service was very poor. The staff showed no friendliness, no smiles, and no sense of care or attention.
We waited outside for about 40–50 minutes to be seated. After placing our order, we waited almost another 40 minutes for the food to arrive.
When the burger finally came, it was overcooked and burnt. We ordered the burger medium well, but it arrived well done and dry.
Overall, the long wait times, lack of service, and incorrect food preparation made this a frustrating experience. Very disappointing, especially given the restaurant’s reputation.
For dinner, I ordered a cheeseburger at medium rare and their cottage fries, which are a separate order here. The burger was $13.50 without cheese or $1 more with it, and I got it with cheddar. After a while, it arrived with a good amount of pickles on the side. The burger had a good crisp and was moderately juicy, but it was a bit small for the price and had only a tiny bit of cheese. The fact that it doesn’t come with fries or anything else doesn’t really help, and if I were really hungry, I probably would have needed to order a second or something else. The cottage fries, or “Cottage Fried Potatoes” as listed on the menu, were good. They were slightly crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and mostly worth it for $8.
The food was overall perfectly fine, but it’s hard to justify the price given the size and the fact that the fries aren’t included. For instance, you can get a juicier burger that is a good three times larger, with a better patty and higher quality cheese, plus waffle fries, at Wollensky’s Grill for only an extra $2.50. Not including that place, there are plenty of other places for a similarly priced or cheaper burger that are just as good, if not better (even the pricey P.J. Clarke’s fits this narrative, and that’s not that common.) The fact that it’s cash-only and a hassle to get into doesn’t really help either. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, go here for the nostalgia, as it is still tasty.
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!