Melon's building dates back to the 1920s, when a tavern was built by a local brewery to dispense its own products following Prohibition.

Melon was established in 1972 by original owners Jack O'Neill and George Mourges, the "J" and "G" of J.G.

In July 2015 another satellite location was opened by Magnolia Bakery owner Steve Abrams, brother Danny, and 30-year Melon alum Shaun Young.

Except for dessert, the menu is almost identical, including the guarded formula and source for the iconic hamburger.

[8] In September 2017, a third location was opened at 480 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side, but has since closed.