J.G. Melon
The Dark Knife
UES – 3rd Ave and 74th Street
American
Walking into JG Melon is like going up to the hottest girl at the bar right off the bat. You don’t really expect her to have the slightest bit of interest in you, or in this case you know you’re not about to just prance in with your Polo and Sperry’s on and sit right down at a table; but what the hell, worth a shot right?
Enter the Burger Nazi. Yes, JG Melon is a comfortable old fashion burger bar once you’re seated, but the owners didn’t exactly read Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People. From my experience, it seems like Mien Kampf may be more in line with their summer reading list growing up.
No room for a hostess stand here. Melon’s occupies a small space on the NE corner of the street and does a good job getting people seated considering the limited space. The owner walks around with a clipboard, taking names and dishing out waits. Once you put your name down, say thank you, take two penguin wattles to the left and get out of the way.
When it comes to the food, Melon’s slaps together one of the best burgers in NYC. I recommend starting off with the chili cup, followed by a juicy bacon cheeseburger (medium rare) and a side of cafeteria-style fries. The perfect trifecta.
Just remember, cash only, or no burger for you.
