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J.G. Melon Opens Third Location on Upper West Side

By Jackson Chen | September 19, 2017 11:14am
 J.G. Melon opens on the Upper West Side.
J.G. Melon
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UPPER WEST SIDE — The popular burger restaurant J.G. Melon is rolling out on Amsterdam Avenue.

As first reported by the West Side Rag, the old-school eatery opened its third location at 480 Amsterdam Avenue, at the corner of West 83rd Street, on Sunday. 

The J.G. Melon name—from the initials of the founders John "Jack" O'Neill and George Morgues—has been dishing out burgers since 1972 with its first spot at 1291 Third Ave. on the Upper East Side. Franchiser and brother duo Danny and Steve Abrams teamed up with the general manager Shaun Young to open a second location in Greenwich Village at 89 MacDougal St. in 2015.

The third location on Amsterdam Avenue is also being undertaken by Young and the Abrams brothers, who have lived on the Upper West Side for more than 30 years.

Steve Abrams said the restaurant was operational since July 17, but had to pursue a series of city permits before its official opening. He noted that the new location served more than 200 tables and had a line of roughly 25 people out the door on its first day in business.

"We know the neighborhood well, we understand it," Abrams said. "The dynamics of it are perfect for our brand, it's a family-friendly venue and there's a good single scene also, and I think J.G. Melon captures both."

The Amsterdam Avenue location matches its two sister locations with the notable watermelon motif and old-fashioned decor, and also offers the same menu as its MacDougal Street location.

J.G. Melon is famous for their classic cheeseburger with pickles and raw red onions with a side of cottage fried potatoes, but also serves up entrees like sirloin steak and desserts from Magnolia Bakery.

"We're not into gimmicks or specialties like that," Steve said of the simple menu and restaurant design. "The burger stands on its own and the vibe of that place is old-school."

J.G Melon's Upper West Side location is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Steve said they are expecting to offer delivery and weekend brunch beginning Oct. 2.