(J)ust (G)ood Burgers

March 30th, 2007 JP Reardon

J.G. Melon
1291 3rd Avenue (@74th St.)
New York, NY 10021
(212) 650-1310

[map] [subway directions]

Rating: 4/5

Notes:

- Burger: J.G. Melon serves plump, juicy, burgers that are fried (rather than grilled) and cooked just as ordered. The patty lacks the delicious charred flavor of the grill and also could benefit from a healthy dose of seasoning.

- Bun: A plain, fresh, white, seedless bun. It did a fine job of holding this juicy burger together, but didn’t add much in the way of flavor.

- Garnish: The burgers are accompanied by a thick slice of ripe red tomato slice, thin rings of red onions, plenty of dill pickles, and nice, crunchy iceberg lettuce. We topped our burgers with a plentiful layer of crunchy bacon and melted American cheese.

- Mess factor: Although plenty of napkins are provided, this burger was surprisingly not that messy.

- Fries: Cottage style, round cut fries that were cooked perfectly but lacking in any seasoning.

- Price: $8 (with bacon and cheese, $9.25)

- Bordeaux: J.G. Melon is well known for burgers, not wine. We opted for Sam Adams drafts, served in nice 10 oz glasses for four bucks a pop.

- Atmosphere: You could take a girl there, maybe.

- Overall: This Upper East Side tavern is known far and wide for its burgers and came highly recommended. This is a good burger, but based purely on the notes above, it’s hard to rate this burger above a “3.” However, there is something about the way everything comes together at J.G. Melon’s that warrants another point. Their checkered table cloths, no-nonsense service and straight-forward menu scream “classic”. That is just what this burger is, a classic. Upon entering, one can’t help but notice the closet-sized kitchen next to the jukebox and across from the bar. In fact, any sort of crowd at the bar will push you so close to the grill, you’ll feel like you should be wearing an apron. The only complaint here is the kitchen’s apparent aversion to seasoning. Both the burger and the fries could use a dash of flavor.

Entry Filed under: 4, Upper East Side