Meltwich Food Co. Waterloo — Restaurant in Waterloo

We visited Meltwich Waterloo on a Friday night, just after 7:00pm. The menu boasts a variety of melted cheese / grilled cheese offerings,including poutine, Mac and Cheese, tater tots, soups, a few 'spiked shakes' and tap (drink) offerings. There is a vegan menu section and some gluten free accommodations are available.

Visibility at the Waterloo location, after dark, in the winter is an issue. Nestled in, among a strip of other restaurants and retailers on King St. the location is visible as you are driving by, but takes some calculation to determine when you arrive as you are walking through the concrete passageway to access the front door. There is minimal signage on the door, and the interior was dark, on the night that we rolled up, so we had to back up and check the overhead neon signs to know which unit, among the strip of eateries we were entering. The interior was dark / lit like a bar. It was bright enough to see, once inside, but somewhat uninviting from the exterior.

The majority of the layout of the restaurant is kitchen and prep area with a lean strip of tables along one wall and a modest seating area in the front, at the window. The set up felt congested when we walked in, and it seems that persons with mobility devices, scooters or strollers might have to disturb other diners just to access the order/pay area of the main prep station. Once at the cash they would definitely have to go near to the washroom entrances in the back, in order to turn around to head back into the restaurant to find seating - which, if the place is busy, would be hard to come by.

The variety of age groups, inside Meltwich (on a Friday night at 7:15pm) demonstrated that a variety of people (of varying age groups) want the Meltwich experience, but the music that was playing indicated that Meltwich is geared towards a younger - perhaps university aged crowd (yes, they are in Waterloo). I raise the issue of the music because it was uncomfortable. It was so uninviting that I was counting down the moments until I could leave, and it was so unsettling that I purposely looked around to try and find anyone who was enjoying the incessant beats and incoherent lyrics.I saw no one bopping along to the music, or singing along. No one was tapping a finger or air conducting with their hands. There was, in fact a table of two, that I spoke to, that indicated that the music also made them feel too old to be there, and that they would be rushing out as soon as they were done. The music ruined my experience.

My partner ordered a 'Guac n Roll' ($6.50) and I asked for a poutine. Friday happened to be Classic Poutine night, so what would have been an order for a small vegan poutine got upgraded to a larger size and was $5.00. We placed our order at 7:14 and it arrived at our table by 7:27. The wait time would not have been an issue if the music hadn't been grating on my nerves and making me desperate to leave. My partner thought his order was ok. The ingredients were of a good quality and the food arrived very hot. My poutine was a good ratio of gravy to fries. No fry remained uncovered and it was not so much gravy that the fries turned soggy - it was actually a good ratio but I was rushing through my poutine so I could escape the noise and couldn't thoroughly enjoy it.

Our server was a patient and friendly young man who worked diligently to help us navigate the menu. He was happy to check ingredient listings and resolve our questions and even brought us a glass of tap water, in between clearing tables and delivering orders to people.

The whole experience should have been a good one. The ambiance was confusing, and the music did not make me feel welcome or inclined to stay and absolutely tainted...

A quirky and different spin on an classic grilled cheese that will have you coming back for more.

Stumbled upon this place around 1am looking for a quick bit to eat in Waterloo. Decided to try this place as I've seen some locations in Toronto.

I was surprised to find that the interior was intimate and had plenty of seating for a small layout.

I am going to say this first and get it out of the way. But the staff here are one of the friendliest and funniest staff members I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only did they give great recommendations but we're pleasant to talk to and really took the time to engage with each customer.

It's really hard to screw up a grilled cheese sandwich but it's also hard to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich. Meltwich succeeds in giving you a different take on a grilled cheese while still satisfying that craving for the childhood classic. I was thoroughly impressed with the Mac Attack which is a grilled cheese with Mac and cheese on the inside. A comfort food within comfort food you can't go wrong. But the inclusion of a siracha ketchup added a bit of heat to the cheesiness.

I would also recommend getting the Reese milkshake which is a milkshake that tastes exactly like the Reese peanut butter cup. If your a big fan of the chocolate then you will love it.

If you ever found yourself craving some comfort food then come to Meltwich and get some comfort food mixed in with another comfort food and top it off with a milkshake because it's probably a cheat day for you and you should...

Please don't support this business

This review is really hard to write, but it's important. I used to work at this Meltwich location under the owner, Vamsi, and what I went through was awful - and sadly, I wasn't the only one.

We were regularly told to clock out and keep working, completely unpaid. Tips from customers were taken by the owner and never given to staff. Paycheques were constantly late - sometimes weeks late - and we had to keep asking and begging just to be paid.

On top of that, we were made to do renovation work in the store for free - no pay at all. I was even sent to another store he owned in St. Thomas and worked full shifts, but instead of putting me on payroll like he promised, I was paid $80 cash for the entire day. No record. No proof. No security. Nothing.

The worst part? Some of the pay stubs didn't even have income tax taken off. I didn't realize this until tax time. When I asked about it, I was told to speak to his accountant - who then threatened me, saying I could get in trouble or be reported. And threatened me saying that he'll send me back to my home country. I was scared. I recorded that whole conversation.

None of this is okay. No one should be treated like this at work - it's not just stressful, it's humiliating.

If you care about workers' rights, fair pay, and basic decency - please don't support this business. People behind the counter are...