What's better than a late night burger? Umm... pretty much nothing! After a soused heavy night of clubbing in the Big Apple, the venture to the land of the Upper East Side is worth it. Before this whole "gastropub" craze hit the city,
JG Melon had been doing it from the start - serving up burgers, chili, and other pub grub since 1972.
Perched on the corner of 74th Street and 3rd Avenue,
JG Melon is a tight, cramped, old style watering hole that oozes personality - but not necessarily from the staff. You enter greeted by somewhat distant and almost always grumpy employees that have been there since the beginning - but alas, you'll immediately see people! This place is never quiet - not even at 3AM. Preppies, twenty-somethings and the elderly are all mixed in and are chomping on burgers at all hours of the night, and they are worthy!
The burgers here are legendary which excuse the staff's behavior - tenfold. A blend of hand picked beef and other secret cuts are seared on a hot grill in the small open kitchen that is opposite the bar. The scents here are heavenly.
Pictures, trinkets and quirky art of melons litter the walls along with Hollywood stars and other prominent society members.
JG Melon does everything right - the burgers are perfect! The only criticism is you'll want another and another. A juicy plump patty is served on a lightly toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion. One bite and you'll realize why this place is so popular. Pair it up with crispy cottage fries - little coins of potatoes with ridges to trap the salt and ketchup.
People flock for the chili too, a traditional recipe done to perfection - hearty and good. The menu is basic, but everything is done well, scribed on the wall overlooking a small rear dining room with green checkered tablecloths and ample table condiments - it's no frills, full flavor. Other than the burger, get the grilled cheese with bacon and tomato or the roast beef sandwich - really good! There's a grilled chicken breast sandwich too, which sounds boring but it's cooked delightfully with either salsa or barbecue sauce.
If you're hankering for
late nite pub grub, especially burgers, head uptown to this institution of burger-dom! You may get attitude, but you'll leave satisfied.
