Eating at J.G. Melon. NYC. Most OVERRATED Burger?

[@s_przybylowicz]

A better-than-expected meal and a whimsical dog sighting sounds like a fabulous afternoon!

[@Jamesnu]

It sure was! You usually see a lot of people walking dogs in Central Park, but to see someone walking six of the same breed was unique.

[@MebsTejpar-ty6ct]

I was seeing JG Melon on many lists as well. I really liked that you went back to give them a second chance and offered a fair review. Also, going back to the restaurant to tip extra after realizing the correct amount on the bill shows your a class act guy. and one of the reasons I enjoy your channel. 🥇Thanks for the review. James

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it! Yeah, I like JG Melon, but I just think it gets more praise than it deserves.

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

Yes, have returned to "binge watching" to understand & appreciate your "whole" story. I am so impressed as to who you are & wish to be via your offerings! While I promised myself that I would limited my response comments, I just had to acknowledge this upload because of your concern & fear of UNDER TIPPING the wait staff!!! How extremely special & caring! Yes, you are the "real deal" and I am so happy to witness your wonderful offerings! I, Peter, made these comments & out! Thank you for sharing!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you for your continued support, and I really appreciate the comments! Yes, I certainly believe in proper and respectful tips.

[@BruteChoi]

Appreciate your honesty. Also it was so great running into you a few weeks ago in Brooklyn

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, likewise!

[@alisachamoy225]

That was really nice that you went back and left a bigger tip once you realized. Sign of a genuinely nice person. (Also - emmy squared is very close and also has pretty good burgers).

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I was just glad I realized I made that mistake when I was still near the restaurant. Absolutely! I've had the burger at Emmy Squared and I really enjoyed it!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

So I lived on E83rd for years, and still have family on the UES. Must have passed here dozens upon dozens of times, yet never stopped in. Now, I'm gonna have to! Nothing like a good, classic pub burger!

[@Jamesnu]

I'm surprised you haven't, but it's definitely worth checking out! It's classic NYC! I also like how they have an open kitchen so throughout my lunch I got to listen to a great soundtrack of sizzling meat sounds. It was great!

[@tomahern8967]

Great video! There are so many great burger places in NYC. JG Melon is certainly up there! My favourite burger is Peter Luger, a simply classic!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, the Peter Luger burger is still one of my all-time favorites!

[@aaronday7677]

It’s honestly ok, but the price makes the burger seem not so great

[@OhSankYouDoktor]

Love the Geraldine Page look with the hat! JK - you are seriously my favorite new food KZbinr. Gotta get you to Vegas. Side note: a key scene from "Kramer vs. Kramer" was filmed here.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing! It's such a neat looking restaurant.

[@KFCJones]

Oh, I think it's one of the greats, and your description of it explains exactly why!

[@Jamesnu]

@KFCJones Fair enough. It's a satisfying burger for sure.

[@nolanohana]

Great video, really enjoy the reviews

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@bicgohill8756]

James took 2 bullets for us.

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! The burgers are good, but I just don't think they deserve the level of praise that so many people have bestowed upon them.

[@daniisrael____6326]

Love your videos give me some taste of Nyc lovin it keep them coming

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@philiplam2084]

I went to JG Melon for the first time a year ago. Had no specific expectations as I had never heard of the place before and was meeting a friend who lived nearby. Gotta say that two bites in, I was thinking that I was not expecting such an excellent burger.

[@Jamesnu]

Fair enough. I like their burgers too, but in terms of the best in NYC, I personally wouldn't put them in that category.

[@dragonboy718]

used to go there weekly for dinner in my 20's, was iconic back then and always had a great time and dinner

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! It's definitely a unique and classic restaurant!

[@TheGeekChef]

What’s not overrated is the Bloody Mary from JG melon

[@Jamesnu]

I've heard that. I would've tried it too, but I usually just stick with water when I eat out to save money. Next time though!

[@joeb-vu4ds]

Have you checked out Burger Joint? Great spot hidden inside a luxury hotel; has really cool decor too. Definitely worth a try! Great value for the quality. I preferred their cheeseburger over JG Melon’s.

[@Jamesnu]

I have and I really enjoyed it! It's been awhile since I've been there though. Yeah, I agree, their burger is definitely better than J.G. Melon's.

[@brodypilcher3643]

Hey looks like u settled the deal…good food but maybe not best in the city…that chili looked real good…good job buddy

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, it's a good restaurant, but I just don't believe it's as good as people say. And yeah, that chili hit the spot!

[@johniii8147]

They end up on lists because they are paid for. Yeah it's bar food/dinner and nothing wrong with that. And great for you to go back to tip. We share that.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I was just glad that I realized that I under-tipped while I was still near the restaurant. It really bothered me, but I'm happy that I was at least able to take care of it.

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

Most NYC burgers focus on being gourmet. I noticed LA focuses on simply being good. I always visit a few burger places in LA whenever I go because I rarely find an amazing burger in NYC.

[@Jamesnu]

I know what you mean, but I do feel like there are still some amazing burgers in NYC.

[@hoppysport2872]

Love this review! Have been to JG Melon about 6 times. It used to be better. Last time there was 2019 and it was mediocre at best. Reminded me of the Joe Jr. burger, on 16th & Third, but a mediocre version of that. Never liked the Melon cottage fries. That Bill for what you ordered was crazy. Good man for correcting the tip. I won't go back to JG Melon. Too many good burger places. Plus I can make a much better one at home for $5.00 using a Pat LaFreida blend.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I know what you mean. With so many great places for burgers in NYC, why settle for mediocrity? I liked the feel of the restaurant, but first and foremost, I'm there for the food. It was good to try once, it's not bad, but I'm in no rush to go back.

[@hoppysport2872]

@@Jamesnu James, I'm partial to a good, comfortable diner with comfy booths...and of course an excellent burger. The Waverly Diner on Sixth Avenue & Waverly Place is terrific. Their Angus Cheeseburger Deluxe is $16.55 and comes with fries and extras. And it's always cooked perfectly to order. And the booths are comfy.

[@Jamesnu]

@@hoppysport2872 I haven't been there yet, but it sounds really nice! Thanks for the recommendation! I appreciate it!

[@hoppysport2872]

@@Jamesnu The Waverly Diner is good. It's just a diner, albeit consistent. Their Turkey Club is the best in Manhattan. You can always tell a great diner if their Turkey Club is superlative. Like most places, their prices are really inching up.

[@Jamesnu]

@@hoppysport2872 I know what you mean! Everything seems to be getting more expensive, but it still sounds like a good place!

[@borispeper6981]

I love the athmosphere in this spot. One day I will eat my way through NY☺

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! It was the atmosphere and charm of the restaurant that I really enjoyed!

[@tommoore4128]

I was last in NYC in 2012 and while there I looked up best burger in New York City. JG Mellon is what was the general consensus so we went there for dinner one night. I have to agree that the burger was a little underwhelming, but the cottage fries were good as I recall, and I also remember having a good bowl of chili there. I was certain there must be a better burger in New York City.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I know what you mean. It's a good burger, but when it appears on so many of these "best burger" lists you expect a bit more.

[@nikip9161]

That's proper of you to do that, regarding the tip.. 👍❤️

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! It was the right thing to do!

[@alexworm1707]

Seems like my place in hell is waiting for me lmao.

[@Jamesnu]

Haha!

[@rhys1264]

Looks pretty good but I really like it when the bun is toasted, so it looks a bit disappointing there. :(

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I like toasted buns too. It makes a difference.

[@No85Limits]

if you judge it on its own - it's a great burger - it's a classic burger... nothing fancy like the new school nyc burgers that are awesome in their own right... but JG Melon stood the test of time. Whenever I'm in the area and don't have other plans... I'll go there for lunch if it isn't too packed. As for your comment on tipping = 100% AGREE.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Absolutely, it's a classic burger in a classic restaurant. Plus, it's sold at a nice price for NYC.

[@gardnmi]

It's a burger of its time. Smash burgers are now the king.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed. There are definitely a lot of great smash burger places in NYC.

[@kennethfaught8754]

Loved the music in this - title?

[@Jamesnu]

I'm glad to hear it! It's called Welcome by Anno Domini Beats.

[@FunnyasLComedy]

Deluca’s Pizza in Hot Springs, AK. The Steak Burger is the greatest burger you’ll ever have.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@nychris2258]

I like JG Melon.. its more of an old fashioned style burger. No frills.

[@Jamesnu]

Me too! It's a nice restaurant and I definitely enjoyed it a lot more during my second visit, but I still don't think that the burger is one of the best in NYC, but it's still a good burger!

[@RR-fg2rl]

Love JG Melon right priced burger fries and chili I get no cheese. I'm heading to La Amistad on 106&2 ave it's a pizza place with Italian americas and Spanish food They do a salmon grilled with Dijon sauce and potatoes and veggies for $14 "it's amazing one of best I ever tasted everyone I bring there to try salmon Dijon sauce is blown away. Try it and you'll be puzzled why this place makes it so good like at a French restaurant

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for the recommendation! I appreciate it!

[@alebroker7587]

J.G. Melon is a good deal for its price.

[@Jamesnu]

It's not bad.

[@1bush053]

I hear this is Gigi Hadid's favorite place for burgers. You are so perfect for going back there to up your tip!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, knowing that I undertipped really bothered me, so going back was the only solution. I've heard that it's her favorite burger too. A lot of people love it! I think it's definitely a good burger, but at the same time, I think there are better options in NYC.

[@nicholasdomitraschuk1689]

NICE LOOKING Burger and Fries. Love a Good Burger.

[@Jamesnu]

Same here! Burgers are one of my favorite things to eat!

[@OctopusGlove]

I love the review, but those are not JG's "classic" cottage fries. They've had a hard time getting their actual cottage fries since the pandemic. The confidence with which you say "classic cottage fries" makes me doubt the whole review, but I still love you. Enjoy your next burger!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, "classic" was the wrong word. Although, I actually enjoyed those fries more than the ones I had at the restaurant before the pandemic.

[@johnrosen7856]

The cottage fries are back!

[@Jamesnu]

@@johnrosen7856 That's good to know!

[@WarChortle]

Wonder if restaurants go "oh shit we've been slacking" when a negative review comes out (that is fair, not just negative to be negative)

[@Jamesnu]

I feel like it depends on the restaurant. Some places definitely try harder than others.

[@bb57365]

Still a very solid choice.🍔

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, it's definitely not a bad burger, that's for sure.

[@ImaPeach]

James - with all this eating how do you stay so slim? Please spill your secret.

[@Jamesnu]

Besides eating, I really love running and I'm always active.

[@WarChortle]

Best lists are just lists of already published lists. No one is actually going there (lukewarm take).

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I feel like a lot of people just copy and paste what has been written before when it comes to those lists.

[@0530evan]

should have gotten it REAL DONE.....and needed to add the onions and pickle......and then it is fine.......still think MCDONALDS burger is better....with the fries....though

[@Jamesnu]

There's nothing wrong with a well done burger, but I'll always have mine medium rare.

[@Amphibax]

Looks like a totaly fine burger but nothing special really just don't see how it ends up on the best Burgers of city list

[@Jamesnu]

I feel the same way.

[@joshuanewburger]

helpful

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@TheVileOne]

That cheese doesn’t look all too impressive. Looks a bit mid.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, it was nothing special.

[@0530evan]

well done

[@Jamesnu]

Got it.

[@hioxd]

for 13 bucks its better than most burgers that youre paying 20-30 dollars for

[@Jamesnu]

The price is definitely not bad.

[@arturocostantino623]

Melon is very overrated

[@Jamesnu]

Definitely! It's not a bad restaurant, I just think it gets more praise than it deserves.