J.G. Melon
Burger Joint, Bar, and American Restaurant$$$$
Upper East Side, New York
The folks at Village Voice and Food Network like this place. Would you agree?
"Besides the obvious tip of "best burger in NYC", get a Bloody Bull."(18 Tips)
"Bacon Cheeseburger, Cottage Fries, and Chili was amazing!"(36 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:
- burgers
- cheeseburgers
- french fries
- authentic
- casual
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Andrew ChoiMarch 18, 2014Among the BEST burgers in Manhattan. Dine in with a loved one or grab it to-go with friends and find a nearby stoop. These juicy burgers were never meant to be eaten with utensils, folks.
Upvoted Feb 8
Ras MaliceOctober 11, 2013I REFUSE to eat anything else today for fear it will ruin the aftertaste! Simply amazing burger & fries, delivered fast and hot. Nothing fancy, handmade, juicy beef burger done RIGHT! I'll be back!
Yes it's the best cheeseburger in the world! The question is; will you order a #bftt (burger for the table)? If you are with a group, do the right thing and get an extra making you the table hero!
Village VoiceApril 3, 2015When dining solo, sit at J.G. Melon’s wooden bar and enjoy an outstanding hamburger and blood mary. J.G. is cozy and casual, and no one here will bother you. Read more
AlAnoud A AlGhunaimNovember 1, 2021Wasn’t ranked the #1 burger joint in the UES for nothing! Amazing bacon cheeseburger, cooked to perfection! Turkey club sandwich, sliced chicken salad and their sirloin steak! A must in NYC
Leo SumulongAugust 17, 2014Of the places in the city that do a great classic burger (high on quality basics, low on pretentiousness and distracting novelty), this has got to be among the top few. Meaty, cheesy, good.
Julie GavellJuly 26, 2013One of the best burger places on the east side. I always bring out of towners here. So yummy their burgers.. It just prepared simply and that's some time the best way to do it.
Jen StarAugust 16, 2017Serving burgers in its narrow space since '74. A perfect bar burger and highly recommended cottage fries & bowl of chili. Think of it as a living relic, a throwback to cheap eats meets preppy ideals.
Time Out New YorkAugust 7, 2013Since 1972, this kitschy Upper East Side burger joint has been sating meatheads. The cheeseburger is a bite of a bygone era, simple griddled on a flattop and medium-rare juicy. (Critics' Pick) Read more
Jackson HarrisNovember 17, 2015This place is a neighborhood staple. Don't forget to order a side of their French fries and be sure to bring cash because they don't accept credit cards. Sit at the bar and eat if you're in a hurry!
James MarshallJuly 30, 2015Very similar to Corner Bistro in terms of overall aesthetic. Very similar burger too. Loved it. Cottage fries are a unique twist. I like the bacon at Corner Bistro more. But other than that, A+.
The Corcoran GroupApril 16, 2010The best nights are Sunday and Thursday nights. Get there at 6:30pm and have a bloody Bull while you wait. Bobby is the gate keeper for seating, make him your best friend and he will take care of you.
AmateurConciergeJuly 17, 2022Legendary nyc spot famous for the burgers. Great og staff and all but it’s kinda jus ok tbh. Super basic menu. Fries hit surprisingly. Burger 1-2 stages overdone. Salads v basic
raul gutierrezAugust 19, 2011In a sea of thick unappealing uptown burgers, JG Melon is a standout. They've been serving the same solid burger since I started coming here in college many years ago. Also, pie!
Bokyung ParkJune 21, 2021Classic old-style burger. They didn’t put lettuce and tomatoes but after a few bites, it gets along with onions and pickled cucumbers.Cottage fries are also good. But it’s a cash-only restaurant.
The best cheeseburger in New York City. You get pickes and onions on the side, ask for tomatoes and lettuce as well. Get cottage fries and a Sam Adams on tap for $5. Can't get any better than that!
EMC◾️February 14, 2020Decent burger. Definitely not amazing. It’s loud & the staff scream and laugh at the regulars. Depends what you want. If it’s an amazing burger - not the place. If it’s a local place with history 👍🏼
Caroline LeSeptember 19, 2015the juiciest and most traditional and perfectly cooked burger in NYC. bacon cheeseburger was great. service was quick. you can wait for a while to get a seat, but the wait is worth it!
A must try NYC burger. A classic no frills burger done right. Try the crispy and airy cottage fries and a slice of apple pie.
Natalie VOctober 31, 2016Much better than the west village location (this one in UES is the original). Get the cheeseburger and fries - also sit at the bar and meet Bobby, the bartender, he is the best!
Free up your drinking hand since you don't need to look at the menu. Cheeseburger (medium) cottage fries, and a Bloody Mary. This is the most repeatable burger in New York. A proud institution.
hello_emilyApril 25, 2016The bacon cheeseburger with cottage fries and a couple pints of lagunitas IPA 👍🏻 Great service and a really cool old school vibe.
Fotini🍭December 22, 2016Really nice burger and we didn't have to wait long. On the downside, the place is quite packed and it's a matter of luck where you will be seated.
Jessica StarkFebruary 2, 2013This place is always packed-if going on a weekend go early (noon) for lunch & you'll be fine. Burger was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside w/just a little pink (ordered Medium). Will be back!
Ben K.July 28, 2012This place is classic. Nothing like a griddled burger, and theirs is perfectly crispy with a juicy center. Order the bacon cheeseburger and a side of cottage potatoes.
Best burger joint in town. Do not miss the chilly cup. Just as fantastic. Drown it down with an Amstel Light followed by a Bloody Mary and you’re all set- Burgerspotting .seNovember 11, 2014This burger is pure perfection. The meat is perfectly minced, juicy and has a unique flavor, with a crispy bacon that dream. Love the cheese and bread. Rating: 10 out of 10
Paige CMay 10, 2016Delicious, authentic burgers made just the way I like it: with pickles & onions! Get the cottage fries, trust me!
Lanre AdedokunMarch 3, 2015Wow....definitely so far hands down best burger I have had in as long as I can remember. I went back twice in one day and regretted not getting two burgers the first time 👌👍👌👍👌👍
Nongmorn C.yongJune 14, 2016The one of dish in NYC burger joint that I can ate all. Not too big. All fried side exclude.Good for health.Thanks for break me ha ha.
Do like the locals and get the burger. Cheeseburger is a classic. And get their weird beef broth Bloody Mary variant too. Nice little buzz for the weekend afternoon
Brownstone Living NYCJune 14, 2016One of the best burgers on the island of Manhattan. Great key lime pie. Super authentic, classic NYC experience. I feel like I'm in an episode of Seinfeld.
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
Steve PolandMay 24, 2016Burger, cottage fries, chili, and apple or key lime pie. Get that pie. Key lime fab apparently. Expect a wait of an hour. Colleen & Paul agree on this.- Corey BeriganNovember 25, 2016Get a bowl of chili with cheese and onions, bacon cheeseburger, and a some cottage fries. Best in NYC.
Yup, still the best burger in the city. Try the apple pie once you'll be back again and again for it.
Victoria GoulartNovember 11, 2021The bacon burguers are amazing! Don’t forget to order the fries and the lemonade. Also, it’s cash only
Seriously one of the best, no-frills burger I've ever had. This old school pub does it right. Sit at the bar when Mr David Parine is working and buy him a mind-eraser.
Dan GersonMarch 23, 2013An upper east side staple. Old school, no attitude spot. Great drinks and a kick ass burger done right. Cooked perfect, with a crunch on the outside, definitely in the top 3.- Julie GavellMay 7, 2013One of the best burger places in the city. Just good simple burgers. Soo freaking good. I like this place more than shake shack. It does get crowded but its worth the wait.
Stan BashmashnikovNovember 14, 2014The reputation holds true: you must get a Cheeseburger. Don't overdo it with unnecessary toppings. You'll find it to be one of the tastiest bites you'll find around.- J FizJune 23, 2020Bacon Cheeseburger, Cottage Fries, and Chili was amazing! On the top of the list of best burgers I’ve eaten in New York City, a must have.
- Village VoiceJanuary 18, 2013This neighborhood hangout grills the perfect everyday burger, has an extensive beer list, and the genuinely local feeling we all look for in a go-to bar.
great burgers! i suggest fries and chili as a starter or even to complement your burger. scoop the chili with the fries. heck even put some chili on your hamburger.
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!
Russell HirschornJanuary 4, 2015Bacon cheeseburgers and cottage fries as everyone says but have to also rec the spinach, shroom, feta salad.
775 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
A comfy atmosphere attracts a laid-back neighborhood crowd to this cash-only pub famed for burgers
Open until 3:59 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, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
You might also like
Appears on 3,088 lists
Created by Foursquare City Guide
45 items • 720 followers
Created by Real Cheap Eats
199 items • 2,343 followersCreated by Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
127 items • 1,864 followers
