#melon's

Beneath the chock-a-block decor, which features watermelon motifs of every size and variety, European tourists, yuppified locals, and celebrities wait for tables and scarf down juicy, old-school style hamburgers. Since opening their doors for business in 1972, Melon’s has never given anyone special treatment, and it’s no wonder why wait times can be as long as a couple hours. Ralph Lauren once declared Melon’s to be a favorite of his (it certainly doesn’t hurt that the restaurant looks like the perfect setting for a Polo photo shoot, complete with rakish retirees), Kramer vs. Kramer was filmed in the space, and Melon’s burgers constantly make “best of” lists. You won’t find any truffle toppings or brand name beef here, just a greasy bun, a crunchy burger, and some crisp cottage fries. It’s a simple formula that’s packed Melon for four decades, and with any luck it’ll keep them crammed for decades to come. After all, good things come to those who wait.