Sunday, January 2nd, 2011—Bar 357

Day 357—Saturday, January 1st, 2011
Mel's Burger Bar
Live from New York, it’s Cheeseburger Saturday Night! Starring Mel’s Burger Bar, with a special guest appearance from my friend and downstairs neighbor, Deloy. And featuring the Ready for Prime Beef Player, Marty. Ladies and gentlemen, Mel’s Burger Bar!

Here we are at my friend and downstair's neighbor Deloy's door. Hey Deloy, Christmas is over, you might want to pack up the trees till next year.

And here she is, my lovely and beautiful neighbor, Deloy. A woman who once helped me pick up chicken wings off the stairwell after I tripped head over heels and about broke my neck. It's a long story and yes, I had been drinking.

Through the miracle of the internet you're spared us getting on the wrong train (my fault, of course), and then ending up in midtown in a throng of tourists where it's impossible to get a cab. Deloy saved the day and miraculously hailed a cab for us.

Hooray for Deloy!

And here we are, uptown at Mel's Burger Bar.

There's plenty of seats at the bar. Don't worry there fellow, we're not here to bother you, you just keep talking on your cell phone.

Justin was our friendly bartender and he quickly served up a couple pre-dinner beers.

Cheers from Deloy and I!

The back of Justin's shirt is adorned with a quote from Hunter S. Thompson. I'd have preferred this HST quote, "The only thing that really worried me was the ether. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge, and I knew we'd get into that rotten stuff pretty soon." But I guess it wouldn't be fitting for a family restaurant in this day and age. Too bad.

There's tables and red leather banquettes opposite the bar.

Just in case you forget where you are, there's a subtle reminder on the back wall.

In addition to a fantastic burger selection, Mel's has a great beer menu.

Here's the informal back dining room.

Brooke's the friendly and pretty manager. She suggested I try the Broadway burger and I told her I would. It's a done deal.

And for the record, this guy is still talking on his cell phone.

Okay, it's Cheeseburger Saturday Night, time to order some food!

We started out with an appetizer of friend pickles. Neither Deloy or I had ever had one, so it was time to try them out.

Deloy liked them and so did I. Both of us agreed that anything fried can't be too bad.

And before we had a chance to get too pickled, dinner is served!

Deloy got the Kobe Sliders...

I got the Broadway burger that Brooke had suggested. We also got fries and onion strings and everything was delicious! If you're a cheeseburger lover, you have to check this place out.

Okay, dinner's over and he's still talking on his cell phone. Sheesh! Goodnight, everybody!

Review
If you’re looking for a place to unleash your inner Wimpy, Mel’s Burger Bar is the spot to do it in. There’s over a half dozen original variations on the burger to be had here. If eating at the bar is your thing, there’s a large semi-circular bar to dine and enjoy a drink or two. There’s tables and chairs opposite the bar and a dining room in the back. The bartenders and waitstaff are friendly and more than willing to assist you in choosing a burger of your choice.

There’s a full bar including a large selection of draft, canned and bottled beers. They also have four specialty house drinks, homemade punch cocktails and a Bastard Series including a Suffering Bastard, the Dying Bastard and the Dead Bastard which is Jack Daniels, Brandy, Beefeater, Bacardi, Lime Juice, Bitters and Ginger Ale. If you’re going to be a dead bastard, might as well go out with a smile on your face.

There’s plenty of burgers to choose from here including: The Original, a burger served on white toast with lettuce, pickles and tomatoes; The Cadillac Burger which is a bacon cheeseburger served on a potato roll; The Nurse Betty is a veggie burger with Monterey Jack Cheese and it comes with an onion focaccia roll and The Broadway which is served on sourdough rye bread and topped with melted Swiss cheese, bacon and jalapeno’s. In addition to burgers, Mel’s also offers Rotisserie Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti and a French Dip sandwich. Brunch is also available Saturday and Sunday from 11pm to 3pm.

Mel's Burger Bar
2850 Broadway (Between 110th and 111th Street)
212-865-7100

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Bonus “Thought Glasses” Photos!
My friend Joe Freedman sent me a New Year’s gift. The gift is a pair of “Thought Glasses” he made from his production and design studio, Leafpdx in Portland, Oregon. The Thought Glasses subtly add subtext to your conversation and let’s people know what you’re really thinking about. Check them out below. Thanks, Joe and Happy New Year to you!

California dreaming on such a winter's day.

Hey, that reminds me, I need to check my Mega-Millions ticket!