JG Melon
I am completely out of my element on the Upper East side. Where to eat? I did research, of course. My mother moved to town to dip her toes in the water. The neighborhood she is living in isn’t her first choice but someone she knew was going to be out of town for 3 months, so she took them up on the offer of renting their place. So, where should we eat?
After striking out on a few places that we weren’t sure about, Jessica said she knew of a great burger place somewhere around 76th and Lex. She wasn’t so far off. It was JG Melon on 74th and 3rd. JG Melon has been around since 1972. That is pretty impressive.
Cash only. Their menu is small but the key order here is burgers. We all decided when in Rome, do as the Romans. We all ordered burgers. Great call. When I have a burger, which isn’t that often, I really want a great burger. JG Melon has a helluva a burger. Rates high up there.
The place is packed. They turn the tables quite quickly. There is obviously a local bar crowd too. A true upper East side establishment. I believe the last time I was there was about 20 years ago. Glad to know they still make a fine burger.
Comments (Archived):
Best burgers on the UES are at Dorrians, which has been around since the mid-60s, I believe.
84th & 2nd.
AKA the preppy murder bar.
Another very good burger place that your friend may have been talking about is “Burger Heaven on 78th and Lexington (or it my be 79th). Part of the restaurant is on the street level and there is a lot more seating upstairs. It is a great lunch place – very busy when we were in the city about a month ago and ate there. I would recommend it – good sandwiches, salads, and burgers. REasonably priced too. Your kids would probably like it too.