J.G. Melon
Burger Joint, Bar, and American Restaurant$$$$
New York
The experts at Time Out New York and Bon Appetit Magazine recommend this place
"Besides the obvious tip of "best burger in NYC", get a Bloody Bull."(18 Tips)
"Bacon Cheeseburger, Cottage Fries, and Chili was amazing!"(35 Tips)
"Bloody bull, beer and a burger is the way to go."(9 Tips)
"Bacon cheeseburger, cottage fried & cheesecake!!"(38 Tips)
441 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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MicheleFebruary 3, 2017One of the best cheeseburgers I've had. Grab a seat at the bar and chat with the most friendly bartenders you will ever meet.
- drew tarvinMay 25, 2015My favorite restaurant burger in NYC. It gets crowded so go early or be ready to kill time with a few drinks at the bar.
Nichole RhodesMarch 11, 2012J.G. Melon is a NYC landmark restaurant. I love sitting at the bar and finding my favorite bartender Kitty. Great service, fantastic food and a little piece of New York history.
Courtney R.February 21, 2013The burgers are DELICIOUS but on the smaller side- if you're hungry order 2. MUST HAVE the Mozzarella In Carrozza: essentially it's grilled cheese made with French toast. SOOOO GOOD!
Kunaal AryaApril 26, 2015I've tried lots and lots of burgers and many cities and JG melon's is my favorite. The restaurant has a great vibe too
SaeedSeptember 12, 2017watery medium cook bacon cheeseburger and turkey burger were really good, don't forget the fries👍🏻👌🏻
Serious EatsApril 19, 2013Bobby Flay loves the griddle-cooked burger patty here for the nice crust it gets.
Russell HirschornJanuary 4, 2015Bacon cheeseburgers and cottage fries as everyone says but have to also rec the spinach, shroom, feta salad.
New York HabitatDecember 7, 2011In a world of trendy, fancy, gourmet burgers, JG Melon has maintained its old school mentality to create some of the best burgers in the city. Try the bacon cheeseburger.
Nick TurbideMay 7, 2017The burger is legitimately great, not a fan of the cottage fries. It's like the ugly stepsister of the waffle fry. The vibe is "upper crust slums it on second ave." Lots of ivy leaguers
AlyssaNovember 15, 2015Bacon cheese burger, cottage chips and a beer make the perfect meal at this UES institution. Remember though, cash only.
Erik CintronSeptember 19, 2011Love the old school feel cash only outdoor and indoor seating and good prices. Have beer if u like simple good food there burgers are juicy and potato chips fries are yummy
William StudartMay 17, 2016Had a great bacon cheeseburger with fries. Very tasty with reasonable prices. Small place, has a pub vibe to it!
BenFebruary 9, 2015Get a burger with cottage fries. All the toppings. Sit back, zero pretension, just simple, delicious food.- Michael JaccarinoDecember 20, 2013A must if you are in New York, go in order shake burger and fries...sit down and prepare yourself for the best burger you have ever tasted!
Nad MilanEvaFebruary 28, 2014Bartenders provide great service. If you're looking for a quick bite, come before 4 and not between 1130 and 1..the wait is long, but is definitely worth it.
Jake SiegalNovember 4, 2012Best classic burger around. Hands-down. Cottage fries on the side is a good call. I like to add pepper. Worth the trek uptown.
Andrea BarrezuetaSeptember 9, 2015Burgers and burgers and more classic burgers (with crispy bacon and a Bloody Mary!)
Ali ColangeloMarch 5, 2016Always jammed. Burgers are small, but good. For those coming extremely hungry - suggest getting two - plus fries of course.
Brian McGDecember 4, 2014Great burgers & cottage fries. Cash only. Often is a wait for a table, but the food is made very quickly- Serious EatsAugust 25, 2011
The bar has a nice feel to it. Both burgers came initially WELL undercooked but were replaced upon request. Second burger was delicious!
One of the best no thrills burgers in the city. Good quality meet and american cheese on a simple bun.
cj fitzgeraldApril 15, 2018A New York institution. Quick, delicious burgers and dollar fries. Cash only.
Harumi UAugust 3, 2014Old fashioned burger. If that's your thing, this place is for you. For cheeseburger, if you don't specify what cheese you want, they give you American so if that's not what you want, ask.
Constantino Diaz-DuranFebruary 21, 2011I say keep it simple, and just enjoy the deliciousness that is this masterpiece of a burger, sans cheese or bacon. Maybe add grilled onions. Maybe. And share the fries--one order is plenty for two.
Trevor HillMarch 17, 2018Cash only. Super cramped. Servers with an attitude. But you can't beat the thick juicy patty on this home style burger
Ray LopesAugust 24, 2016Delicious fat patty. Burger is small and not accepting credit/ debit card are the downs. Plan ahead and arrive early, the place is small and crowded.
Christopher BJanuary 22, 2017Everyone says it but the burgers are great. Attentive service. No credit cards! No atm in restaurant either
Kinjil MathurDecember 16, 2014Vegetarian option: grilled cheese with tomato is good but not filling. Will def need to add fries to leave full.
Aycan AydoganOctober 17, 2015The best cheeseburger that I have ever tried in Ny. Atmosphere is also nice.
Jan SpoorenbergSeptember 20, 2014my favourite burger place of all time, the potato wedges are to die for and the decor is great
Alexandra H.January 6, 2012Best burgers on the Upper East Side. Whenever I go here, I always run into someone I know from prep school or who went to Buckley or Hewitt. Small world :)
Selom AApril 13, 2016THE place for a solid burger. Follow the advice of your bartender or server on how to get your burger or fries -- they will not steer you wrong.
EMC◾️September 13, 2022No thanks. On top of subpar food, bad service and rude employees they have outdoor seating that is NOT dog friendly. Overcook my burger. Give me cold fries. Fine. No dogs? Now we have an issue.
FoodspottingDecember 11, 2010The cheeseburger here is my favorite in New York City. Ask for tomato, lettuce, and pickles if you want them. They don’t come with the order automatically. - Amy, head of social media at Foodspotting
Best kept secret - their omelettes are the best I've ever had! Of course their famous burgers are not to be missed, but don't overlook this spot for a great brunch too!
JCAugust 13, 2017A delicious hamburger, tasty meat and well cooked but it is pricy, fries are not included. Not the best one.
Kevin LAugust 5, 2015The patty was super thick and juicy. Buns were ok. Overall still worth trying. Cash only.
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Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
A comfy atmosphere attracts a laid-back neighborhood crowd to this cash-only pub famed for burgers
Closed until 11:30 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Wed
- 11:30 AM–3:00 AM
- Thu–Sat
- 11:30 AM–3:59 AM
- Sun
- 11:30 AM–1:00 AM
(212) 744-0585
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
Yes
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 6.6
"The burger was on the better half of decent. The appetizers were amazing. Don't miss out on the Mac and cheese balls. If you want to enjoy your visit you need to choose the right combination."
Santino Cozza - 9.0
"Another standout element of the burger was the sauce. It was the perfect balance of tangy and creamy, adding an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious burger."
bill andreas
- 8.4
"Get the bistro burger! This place lives up to the hype! Delicious!"
Josh Warfield
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