Spare yourself the abuse of an aggressive and rude staff. Waiter literally shoved a customer without apology and continued to berate the customer for standing in the bar area too close to the waiter station. This place is Horrible! There’s plenty great places in the neighborhood. Stay away from this one!
Service: 1
Port Lini
Really good burger and fries, there are crazy line sometimes but worth it!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrés Berl
This bar and grill serves amazing burgers and tasty fries. They also highlight the old-school vibe and friendly service. Some reviews mention there can be a long wait.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger, Chili Bowl, Burger, Fried Potatoes
Manuel de Jesús Corrales
Best burger in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Evan Reinstein
Expensive, but amazing burgers. Legendary burgers. Tell them to heat up the chili if you order it, I love the chili. Good atmosphere, feels as NYC as you can get. Cash only. Usually a wait at peak hours, and you have to wait outside. So wear a jacket.
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger, Chili Bowl, Burger, Chili
Jo Parker
Walked right back out because the man at the front was rude. I didn’t know if it was seat yourself or wait to be seated. A man walked by and said “can I help you?” Really monotone and seemed kind of annoyed even though we just got there? I said “is it seat yourself or do we wait to be seated?” And he replied “that’s why I’m talking to you?” Just really snarky and rude. Disappointed cause the food looked good.
Service: 1
Nancyyx Losasha
Old-school NYC institution since 1972—wood-paneled walls, sawdust floors, cash only, no reservations . The burger is simple perfection: thin patty, charred edges, served on a toasted English muffin with a pile of crinkle-cut fries . Bloody Marys are stiff, bartenders are crusty in the best way. Gets packed at lunch, expect a wait. This is what New York used to taste like.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ariana Pimentel
I got a cheeseburger. It was okay! The meat lacked flavor and was small. The bun was fine but broke apart easily. This place is overrated. Only go if there's no line! It's not worth waiting. Good fries!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Ignacio Ledesma
TL;DR: Avoid JG Melon. Between the hostile service, hour-long wait, and a cramped layout where you’re constantly stepped on, a mediocre burger isn’t worth the frustration. It’s definitely not worth the hype—find a better spot in NYC.
I went with 5 other people for Sunday lunch. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a guy who couldn’t be better suited for his job: putting people on a waitlist and scratching them off if they don’t show up within 10 seconds of being called. I say he’s perfect for the role because he has a major Regina George complex, which clearly makes his job of not having a single ounce of warmth much easier. That being said, and after waiting over 30 minutes for a table (30 minutes during which all 6 of us couldn’t leave, because if even one person was missing when the table was ready, the 'reservation' was canceled), they sat us at a table that couldn’t possibly be more uncomfortable. They don’t have the space for that many people, but since greed knows no bounds, they cram in tables and chairs however they can. Both waiters and other diners stepped on us several times because our table was right in the middle of the room, sandwiched between everyone else.
Once we ordered, the food took 30 to 40 minutes to arrive. If the total wait had been 20 minutes max instead of over an hour, I might say it was worth it; but the uncomfortable atmosphere, the service, and the wait make coming to JG Melon definitely not worth the hassle (and the burger isn't even that good anyway). I definitely won’t be back and I don’t recommend it—there are plenty of much better places in NYC in every single aspect.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Rajeevkumar Selvakumar
Very busy bar. Didn't wait kings, solo and sat at bar. Had their bacon cheese burger, was delicious, must order it medium rare. Their cottage fried potatoes was amazing taste. Plus 2 cocktails came to $59 USD ($49+ $10 USD tip.) nice vibes
Apart from the food which was nice, I have never in my life felt so uncomfortable with waiting staff at a restaurant. First the waiter is rushing us to order when the restaurant is half empty, never comes back to our table to refill our drinks or generally ask us if we need anything and the only person that came over was the bus boy who cleared our table and asked about our meal. Here’s where they lost me: One of the waiters (male, tall and blonde) was causing a scene asking a paying customer why he didn’t get a bigger tip. Even if you don’t get a tip, ask if there was something wrong with your service, don’t demand more money. And what is even worse is that he called out to these customers and told them to not bother coming back to the establishment. Rude and definitely not behavior fit for one of New York’s classic restaurants. Reading the responses to other complaints in the reviews I understand that the management has no intention of assuming responsibility for their poorly mannered and poorly trained staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger
Mani Pap
The burger was very good but the waiter was in a rush. He came to our table twice within 5 minutes while we were clearly not ready to order. He didn't refill our water glasses and his bus boy was the one that asked us if everything was ok and picked up our plates. But the real reason for the one star review is this: While we were leaving he had the audacity to ask what the reason was that his tip was that little. Just for reference the bill was 77 dollars and we paid 100. If I am not wrong that's almost 30%!! On top of that he said not to come back to the establishment as we were walking out. He was so rude and he caused a scene and made everyone feel uncomfortable. We visited 2/24/26 around 15:00.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger
Jada Blassingame
This place is cute if you’re looking for an old school ny burger grill/ pub. Solid burger, but nothing special simple and to the point. I would come back but the service was mid and very rude to a customer. There was a server arguing with a customer regarding the amount left for tip in the middle of the restaurant and it just seemed hostile and unprofessional. Ruined the experience for me and my friends that were excited to try the place in NY for the first time. I’ve grown up here my whole life and have never seen a server get this upset with a customer very disappointed will not be back.
Spare yourself the abuse of an aggressive and rude staff. Waiter literally shoved a customer without apology and continued to berate the customer for standing in the bar area too close to the waiter station. This place is Horrible! There’s plenty great places in the neighborhood. Stay away from this one!
Service: 1
Really good burger and fries, there are crazy line sometimes but worth it!
Food: 5
Service: 5
This bar and grill serves amazing burgers and tasty fries. They also highlight the old-school vibe and friendly service.
Some reviews mention there can be a long wait.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger, Chili Bowl, Burger, Fried Potatoes
Best burger in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Expensive, but amazing burgers. Legendary burgers. Tell them to heat up the chili if you order it, I love the chili. Good atmosphere, feels as NYC as you can get. Cash only. Usually a wait at peak hours, and you have to wait outside. So wear a jacket.
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger, Chili Bowl, Burger, Chili
Walked right back out because the man at the front was rude. I didn’t know if it was seat yourself or wait to be seated. A man walked by and said “can I help you?” Really monotone and seemed kind of annoyed even though we just got there? I said “is it seat yourself or do we wait to be seated?” And he replied “that’s why I’m talking to you?” Just really snarky and rude. Disappointed cause the food looked good.
Service: 1
Old-school NYC institution since 1972—wood-paneled walls, sawdust floors, cash only, no reservations . The burger is simple perfection: thin patty, charred edges, served on a toasted English muffin with a pile of crinkle-cut fries . Bloody Marys are stiff, bartenders are crusty in the best way. Gets packed at lunch, expect a wait. This is what New York used to taste like.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I got a cheeseburger. It was okay! The meat lacked flavor and was small. The bun was fine but broke apart easily. This place is overrated. Only go if there's no line! It's not worth waiting. Good fries!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
TL;DR: Avoid JG Melon. Between the hostile service, hour-long wait, and a cramped layout where you’re constantly stepped on, a mediocre burger isn’t worth the frustration. It’s definitely not worth the hype—find a better spot in NYC.
I went with 5 other people for Sunday lunch. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a guy who couldn’t be better suited for his job: putting people on a waitlist and scratching them off if they don’t show up within 10 seconds of being called. I say he’s perfect for the role because he has a major Regina George complex, which clearly makes his job of not having a single ounce of warmth much easier.
That being said, and after waiting over 30 minutes for a table (30 minutes during which all 6 of us couldn’t leave, because if even one person was missing when the table was ready, the 'reservation' was canceled), they sat us at a table that couldn’t possibly be more uncomfortable. They don’t have the space for that many people, but since greed knows no bounds, they cram in tables and chairs however they can. Both waiters and other diners stepped on us several times because our table was right in the middle of the room, sandwiched between everyone else.
Once we ordered, the food took 30 to 40 minutes to arrive. If the total wait had been 20 minutes max instead of over an hour, I might say it was worth it; but the uncomfortable atmosphere, the service, and the wait make coming to JG Melon definitely not worth the hassle (and the burger isn't even that good anyway). I definitely won’t be back and I don’t recommend it—there are plenty of much better places in NYC in every single aspect.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Very busy bar.
Didn't wait kings, solo and sat at bar.
Had their bacon cheese burger, was delicious, must order it medium rare.
Their cottage fried potatoes was amazing taste. Plus 2 cocktails came to $59 USD ($49+ $10 USD tip.) nice vibes
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent burgers and chips/fries.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Apart from the food which was nice, I have never in my life felt so uncomfortable with waiting staff at a restaurant. First the waiter is rushing us to order when the restaurant is half empty, never comes back to our table to refill our drinks or generally ask us if we need anything and the only person that came over was the bus boy who cleared our table and asked about our meal.
Here’s where they lost me:
One of the waiters (male, tall and blonde) was causing a scene asking a paying customer why he didn’t get a bigger tip. Even if you don’t get a tip, ask if there was something wrong with your service, don’t demand more money. And what is even worse is that he called out to these customers and told them to not bother coming back to the establishment. Rude and definitely not behavior fit for one of New York’s classic restaurants.
Reading the responses to other complaints in the reviews I understand that the management has no intention of assuming responsibility for their poorly mannered and poorly trained staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger
The burger was very good but the waiter was in a rush. He came to our table twice within 5 minutes while we were clearly not ready to order. He didn't refill our water glasses and his bus boy was the one that asked us if everything was ok and picked up our plates. But the real reason for the one star review is this:
While we were leaving he had the audacity to ask what the reason was that his tip was that little. Just for reference the bill was 77 dollars and we paid 100. If I am not wrong that's almost 30%!!
On top of that he said not to come back to the establishment as we were walking out. He was so rude and he caused a scene and made everyone feel uncomfortable.
We visited 2/24/26 around 15:00.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger
This place is cute if you’re looking for an old school ny burger grill/ pub. Solid burger, but nothing special simple and to the point. I would come back but the service was mid and very rude to a customer. There was a server arguing with a customer regarding the amount left for tip in the middle of the restaurant and it just seemed hostile and unprofessional. Ruined the experience for me and my friends that were excited to try the place in NY for the first time. I’ve grown up here my whole life and have never seen a server get this upset with a customer very disappointed will not be back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Best burger in the City!;
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
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