Melt Revival — Restaurant in Cincinnati

What kind of restaurant doesn't serve bread with their $13 salad entrees?

The restaurant business is hard. It's the little things that can really tank a place. Unfortunately tonight at Melt I experienced too many of those things.

First, it was the kitchen being out of basic ingredients. That, I can look past. The second, however, was more egregious. I politely asked if there was any bread to go with my salad and the manager smugly tells me "uhh no, we have oyster crackers tho."

Dude, if I wanted oyster crackers I'd be at Frische's Big Boy. This is supposed to be a place serving fresh local ingredients w/ hand-crafted salads, dressings, soups and SANDWICHES etc.

Idk, maybe they ration the bread at Melt, but I've never had a restaurant deny someone bread w/ an over-priced salad. I would have gladly paid extra for a piece, but I wasn't given option or explanation because apparently, it was unheard of.

The entire experience screamed amateur hour, especially having come to know this style of dining from many flawless experiences at places like Northstar in Liberty Towne Center/Columbus or the countless "healthy, casual" restaurants found all over California.

Then there is the food. It's just not great. It's not that it's bad, it's actually okay, but definitely nothing to go out of your way for. Especially for dinner. That's why this bread situation really got on my nerves. The food isn't good enough for me to look past something so trivial.

We spent $40 dollars between the two of us for a salad and some macaroni. Gimme a break guys.

Lastly, there is the placement of the bathrooms. Three nondescript doors painted as if they came from the set of Blossom sit in the middle of the place and face the entire dining room. Not a single indication that there's a toilet behind them. Frankly, it's bizarre.

It's sad how Melt used to offer a humble, real experience at great prices. Now it just seems like a silly, soulless place recouping investment money.

They're lucky Cincinnati is at least 5 years behind contemporary...

I ordered the redskin potatoes and vegetarian cheesesteak. The redskin potatoes were DELICIOUS! Very well seasoned and tender. The only complaint is the ketchup/sauce does not have much flavor and is quite thin. You have to pack it on to taste anything. Other than that, amazing potatoes! The vegetarian cheesesteak was also pretty good but I felt it was missing something. It needed more zing or seasoning of some sort but I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe onion powder? Italian seasoning? Not too sure, but regardless I had never tried the vegetarian meat option on this cheesesteak and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I also loved the amount of peppers on there. Additionally, my husband ordered the nachos so I got to take some (a lot) of bites. They were also very tasty. My only complaint is the toppings aren't layered on the chips. This means you eat the top layer and are left with naked chips on the bottom. I give the food overall a 4/5!

The pricing was nice for the portions. No complaint there, especially considering the allergy friendly options that we ordered due to my mom's gluten allergy.

The atmosphere was chill. There were a decent amount of people there but for a group of 3 it was hard to find seating. We only had one option: put 2 small tables together, and there were only 2 small tables left.

The staff was very friendly and happy to answer any questions we had. I'm pregnant and was worried I couldn't try my husband's nachos (queso is usually a watchout for pregnant women), but the staff reassured us that the queso was vegetarian/vegan (can't remember which one). Very nice and friendly people for sure.

Would I come back to this establishment? Yes! It's not my typical food style but my mom has been wanting to try it and I was pleasantly surprised as well. I recommend...

Melt Revival is a true gem for vegans and food enthusiasts alike in Cincinnati. From the moment you step in, the cozy and welcoming ambiance sets the stage for a delightful dining experience.

The menu is impressively diverse, offering a creative mix of vegan and vegetarian options that cater to all taste preferences. I was particularly impressed by their signature sandwiches—each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. tangy slaw and fresh bread. The side of sweet potato fries was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the perfect accompaniment.

What really sets Melt Revival apart is the quality of ingredients. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The portions are generous, making it a great value for the price. The staff is also very knowledgeable about vegan options and are more than happy to accommodate dietary preferences.

For dessert, the vegan Carmelita is a must-try. Rich, moist, and just the right amount of sweetness—it was the perfect way to end the meal.

Overall, Melt Revival is a must-visit for anyone in Cincinnati, whether you're vegan or simply looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of excellent food, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere makes it a standout spot in the city. I’ll definitely be returning to try more...