It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Costcash-only
- Address1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
- From my guide, updated January 2024.
JG Melon has been around since 1972 and has become not only one of the best restaurants near Central Park, but one of the most iconic restaurants in New York City. Think perfectly juicy and flavorful patties sandwiched between buttery buns, it simply doesn’t get better than this. The fries are worth an order and the decor alone warrants a visit.
It’s a cash-only establishment frequented by prominent New Yorkers, like former mayor Michael Bloomberg who calls these the best hamburgers in the world. But apparently he’s not the only one, Gigi Hadid and Bobby Flay have also shared similar sentiments. With all the (well deserved) fanfare it’s safe to call JG Melon one of the most famous restaurants near Central Park.
