j.g. melon downtown: review

I have some vintage memories of the burger at the Upper East Side J. G. Melon outpost. There was a timeless quality about the place.

So I was curious to see if they could replicate the atmosphere of a venerable UES burger joint downtown.

The space is on a corner, a block down from Minetta Tavern. There is plenty of light, lots of windows, and many images of melons on the wall. There is a well stocked bar and some booths in the back.

The burger emerges on a truly tiny plate. It's a loosely packed patty, cooked on a flat-top with a soft bun. The fries are wavy disks the size of red gummy dollars.

Wine choices are limited, true to Wasp custom. Beer might be a better option.

Pleasant enough, but nothing to get excited about. Have the lesser burger at Minetta if it's open.

Grade: B

J. G. Melon

89 MacDougal St

212-460-0900

jgmelonnyc.com