J.G. Melon earns its esteemed reputation as one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in New York City. The aged American style and juicy hamburger characterize the decor stuck in the 1970’s. I would rate J.G. Melon a 9.5/10, holding history to its name and never disappointing customers with its timeless atmosphere and delicious, yet no-frills, cuisine.
Established in 1972, the institution resides on the Upper East Side. Its name comes from the original owners Jack O’Neill and George Mourges, “J” and “G” in J.G. Melon, respectively. The welcoming neighborhood feel, not to mention its top-rated burger, draws clientele from all over the city and the world. Celebrities from Michael Bloomberg to Gigi Hadid praise J.G. Melon and its famous menu items.
When entering Melon’s, a mahogany bar greets you, along with a large wooden menu pinned to the wall, green and white gingham tablecloths and a “cash only” sign. These characteristics make J.G. Melon unique. The dimly lit restaurant features close-together tables with a casual vibe and people sit elbow-to-elbow at the bar. Patrons are lucky if they only have to wait a mere 45 minutes for a table on a weekend afternoon. Visiting J.G. Melon for the first time will make you want to become a regular, where the old-school waiters and bartenders could know you by name. The photos of watermelons, vintage posters covering the walls and the recognizable nostalgic music add to the ambiance.
The restaurant attracts a variety of customers such as young students from high schools like Fieldston, preppy after-workers and lifelong Upper East Siders, all of whom revere Melon’s. Many of them come for the food, but they also love the character and the laid-back atmosphere. Serving casual cuisine for lunch and dinner into late-night hours is an added bonus.
The burger definitely takes center stage on the menu. I ordered a juicy cheeseburger with a soft bun, which came with tasty pickles and red onion. Slightly on the small side, the classic burger fits perfectly in your hands. The table beside me added bacon and caramelized onions, which surely enhanced the flavorful bite. Without a doubt, this burger stands out as the finest in the city.
Not far behind, a cup of chili with shreds of cheese melting on top complimented the meal. The chunks of beef and the red beans with a hint of spice added a nice touch. I wouldn’t dare diminish the taste of the chili with the crackers served on the side. The cottage fried potatoes were another integral part of the experience. Crispy, but not too crispy, dipped in ketchup, these enticing bite-sized fries add the ideal counterweight to the burger. Finally, the grilled cheese with bacon and tomato looked too good to pass up. So, why not? The sandwich is served on toasted white bread with American cheese, a slice or two of tomato and a pile of crispy bacon inside. We enjoyed the unbelievably decadent grilled cheese as a quintessential way to end our feast.
Finally, having a sweet tooth like I do, how could I leave without ordering the chocolate chip cake with a side of whipped cream? A bit on the rich side, the chocolate chips and the addition of chocolate sprinkles tempted me and I devoured the whole plate.
In my opinion, J.G. Melon represents the ultimate spot for an afternoon burger; however, it may not cater to everyone’s taste. The restaurant’s lack of adaptation to the 2020s and old-school ways make it feel much like a visit to a time capsule. The inability to use a credit card and the challenging no-reservation policy make planning ahead difficult. It can also get extremely crowded, both at the bar and outside on the corner, where patrons often wait for their tables. Lastly, the menu misses a variety of options for finicky eaters; for instance, a veggie burger does not appear on the menu.
Members of the Fieldston community could easily gather for a meal together at J.G. Melon. Students who live in the neighborhood can simply walk there, while others can explore a new area of the city as a fun adventure. I believe the restaurant ranks as a superb place whether you want to go with a small group and each enjoy your own burger, or go with a bigger group and sample many items on the menu (like I did). J.G. Melon hits the mark by combining its long-standing tradition as an old institution with a vibrant clientele, fair and affordable prices and timely service. Based on my first-hand experience, I can confidently vouch for this restaurant and strongly recommend it!
