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All Reader Reviews of...

JG Melon

1291 Third Ave., New York, NY, 10021
at 74th St.
212-744-0585

Avg. Rating

7
Food: 7
Service: 5
Décor: 6
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

60% would go back.

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Burgers for Brunch or Midnight Snack

By SocialistaNYC on 12/24/2007

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

The JG Melon burger is neither too big or too small, juicy, flavorful, and tastes like a classic! Pair with an expertly mixed Bloody Mary. This combination is perfect for brunch or for a sinful midnight snack. They also make a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs bowl of chili, topped with chopped red onions and chopped American cheese. Always order their addictive cottage fries (tastes good with a side of blue cheese dressing.) There is a kitschyness to the place but that makes it all the more endearing. Beware of waits during peak hours. Expect the jukebox to play "Hotel California" at least once during your meal.

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211 out of 429 people found this review helpful.

Utter mediocrity

By Icarus on 7/2/2007

  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Food: 6
  • Service: 3
  • Décor: 4
  • No, I would not go back!

Don't come here looking for life-changing burgers. It's an above-average patty (though not outstanding), but it comes unseasoned on a store-bought bun, served only with the obligitory translucent tomato ring and store-bought pickles. Seriously. Oh, and if you want to pay extra, you can add college-snack-bar-quality fries. Yipee. Burger lovers, stick to Rare.

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204 out of 514 people found this review helpful.

don't listen to the "1-out-of-10" reviews

By jhl37 on 5/27/2007

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

the people who hated this place are idiots for going during normal dinner hours. clearly it is best late at night, when there are no lines and the place has cleared out. but the burgers are PHENOMENAL. best on the upper east side. just dont go till 11pm or later.

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277 out of 585 people found this review helpful.

One of the Best Burgers in Manhattan

By meatie501 on 1/3/2007

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 6
  • Yes, I would go back!

I had to write a review given the ridiculous comments of the others on this website. I have eaten many a burger in this city and JG Melon's is in the top 3 if not the best. The burgers (both beef and turkey) are among the best I have ever eaten. The chili also serves as an excellent appetizer. Yes the servers can sometimes be short and space is cramped but your eating at a burger joint in New York!!! You're not at a 5-star restaurant and you should not expect the same kind of service. Plus, if you are not an annoying, whiny customer, the staff is actually very friendly. If you want a great burger and not afraid to wait or feel cramped, its definitely worth your while. However, if you expect to be treated like royalty then you'll probably receive some good old new york attitude and you should stay clear.

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324 out of 630 people found this review helpful.

Give me burger medium rare!

By teamco on 7/29/2005

  • Overall Rating: 6
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 5
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

This place is primarily about one thing, burgers. They got 'em, they're great. The scene is a neighborhood bar as gathering place. People come to be part of the mix, space is at a premium. Service takes a minamalist approach. If you are looking for a high-end experience go else where. If you are looking for a good gritty casual dinner out, and are dying for a hot, tasty, juciy burger with all the accoutrements, this IS the place! Be prepared to wait though, they take no reservations and everyone knows about the place. Put your name on the list, hang at the bar or outside, chat with your friends, and the twenty minutes or half hour (when busy) is well worth the wait. Go and enjoy.

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305 out of 641 people found this review helpful.

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