Melting Pot — Restaurant in Littleton

2 stars couple of reasons actually…

We got in and we had made a reservation, we went in at new years so it was smart, but I definitely recommend a reservation for any outing, anyway, about a 15 minute wait to be situated, it’s a historic building and “haunted” so there were like documents on the wall to keep us company as we waited to be seated.

So we get seated right? But at the beginning ( we got 3 waiters?) we got the worst seat in the ENTIRE restaurant, it was one booth and there were starts right in front of it I don’t know how to explain, but it was crowded and the waiters were coming back and forth because it was one of the main “passages” and the lights are very low, like very low, and I wish we got seated next to a window because no natural sunlight came up, it was dark and depressing.

So our first waiter was not wanting to be there, he was the definition of a depressed teen, his voice was low, his hair was messed up and he just didn’t want to be there, he also only brought us our waters so that was confusing? (He pops up again in the review)

The next waiter is actually really nice, he kind of wants to be there and is enjoying his time, he is the one who brought us our cheese, but the cheese smelled bad and it wasn’t… cheesy? So I’m the only one that wanted to eat the cheese out of my party of 3. And it was very mediocre.

Now our salads were regular nothing special, but I asked for no pine nuts or whatever nuts on my Cesar salad but it still came with it but I didn’t want to complain so I just ate, once again, I was the only one who wanted to eat. Oh ya and it’s waiter #2 not the sad one happy one.

Still on waiter #2.So we wait some time and then our meat stuff comes, it’s like broth in the pot with raw meat all around you, and we had no room, we start to “cook” but this is the main reason why there’s a bad review. Smoke is going everywhere and like I said it’s crowded and dark where we are sitting, it’s starts to get humid and my father takes off his shirt it’s ok he had a t-shirt under it. And we had to keep putting the meat in because it wasn’t cooking there was still blood after the recommended time, and we didn’t really eat the chicken for obvious reasons. But he had to eat all the lobster tail because it was expensive. And this part of our meal was the worst part.

So now waiter #3 comes in!!! She takes away our broth pot and then comes back later with the chocolate. It’s mediocre but the stuff you put in it is just wrong. I agree with the fruits but not everything else. All the other stuff is either hard at soft, and they just don’t match like the rice crispy and the marshmallows, and they aren’t regular marshmallows they are like cored in some kind of powder.

Now waiter #1 comes back and takes it away, yes you read that right waiter #1. He brings us the check and it’s expensive around $200. Not pretty and not worth it I’ll go here again just not with my dad don’t ask not like you can but ya. I came here before and it was better, the lights were nicer and I was with… more “positive” people.

Oh ya and my younger brother spilled water on himself and they didn’t make a big deal they were really helpful.

Overall, mediocre would rather go to a steakhouse and have a chef cook it not me. Over,over, over, over, did I say over yet? but very overpriced for a restaurant where you have to cook. But ya that’s it. Oh yes and my dad described it as a hellhouse👍✌️😊.

Edit- Love how the company didn’t respond to the review!...

Date nights are always a good idea. Melting Pot has designated their Thursdays as 'Thursdates' & we had a memorable & romantic evening at the Littleton location.

We arrived at Melting Pot and headed inside the historic building (it used to be a library back in the day). We were brought to a table decorated in rose petals & candles. Talk about setting the mood! The aesthetic of the restaurant was moody and romantic with aged brick, low uplighting and cozy booth seating aptly named 'Lover's Lane'. I loved that each booth had its own curtains for privacy.

The service at Melting Pot was spot on. Our server Chelsea was bright, attentive and quick to meet our needs. Managers Mike & Crystal stopped by our table and several others to ensure meals were running smoothly.

The Thursdate menu consisted of four-courses including handcrafted cheese fondue, fresh salad, a large entrée course including several varieties of meat and seafood, and dessert - only $65/person. The option to add La Marca Prosecco for a sparkling toast for two is available for $10.

We started with the La Marca Prosecco. The prosecco opened with aromas of stone fruit and rushed onto the palate with a crisp green apple taste - a great pair for the cheese fondue.

We chose the Classic Alpine for our handcrafted cheese fondue. The Classic Alpine was made with Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina, White Wine, Garlic, and Nutmeg. Yum - the fondue had a nutty flavor & delicate aroma. The cheeses blended together in a thick, creamy consistency. Out of all the dipping accoutrements, I liked the green apples best. The crisp tartness of the apple complemented the creaminess of the cheese nicely.

For salad I had the Melting Pot House Salad made with Mixed Greens, Cheddar, Tomatoes, Croutons, Scallions, Egg, and choice of dressing. The tangy honey mustard paired well with the bed of greens.

For our entrees we had the Big Night Out Fondue Entrée that came with Premium Filet Mignon, Teriyaki-Marinated Steak, Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast, Shrimp, Atlantic Salmon, and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. (Gluten Free options available). We prepared our entrée with the Coq Au Vin broth made with Burgundy Wine, Mushrooms, Scallions, and Garlic. I enjoyed the Teriyaki-Marinated Steak which had a salty sweet mellow taste. The mushrooms were a stand out; they were nice and meaty with a mild earthy taste. The large variety of dipping sauces was a nice touch.

For dessert we had the Yin & Yang chocolate fondue made with milk and white chocolate artfully melted together. We added on the Sweet Additions: Cream Puffs, Macarons, and Cheesecake. Oh yes please - course four had our full undivided attention. The milk and white chocolate melted together like a dream. The hot chocolate fondue against the cool fruit, cream puff, and cheesecake made for lovely temperature contrast. My favorite dipping accoutrement were the graham and Oreo covered...

I really wanted to give this place a great review. However, my experience left me feeling like this establishment is ran by people who are either exceedingly greedy or terrible at managing their overhead.

First and foremost it is important to remember that you effectively have to cook your own food. Yes, this is part of the experience, but it is also a substantial savings in terms of business costs. Yet, as the customer, you get the privilege of paying a premium.

Second, one would think that with the excess profits, the staff would be very well compensated. However, in my case, the restaurant felt that they should add a 23% gratuity to a check that exceeded $500. Sure, my party had 7 people (most places it's 8 before gratuity is automatic), but we only had 5 adults. Also, according to other non-5-star reviews, it appears they charge this even for couples!

Finally, and this is the thing that pushed me to write this review, is their military discount. On the surface, it seems great 20% discount, but it doesn't apply to alcohol. Yet, the forced 23% gratuity certainly does.

The fact is, that most restaurants in the US now just opt to milk customers, rather than actually focusing on providing exceptional service, great food, and paying their staff a living wage.

Why do any of those things consistently, when you can pay once to create ambiance and say that this is what justifies your premium prices.

In reality, you're effectively paying to have someone do the dishes. Costco and virtually any grocery store sells premium, seasoned meats, wide varieties of cheeses, and all the fruits you can think of. In other words, you could have the same experience in the comfort of your home for 1/4 of the price. So, if having someone bring food from the fridge and wash your dishes is worth the 400% markup, then this is the place for you.

Yes, the staff is friendly. But find me a restaurant where you're paying at $100+ per person and the staff isn't friendly, and I'll show you a place that's going out of business.

For what you get, their "premium package for 2" should be $80-$90, including a drink. Then, maybe, I would understand the 23% forced gratuity, to help the staff.

Bottom line, you're the patron, you decide where to spend your dollars. If you want to pay through the nose for the privilege of cooking your food and being forced to tip, regardless of the experience, then host your party here. For the price, I would rather not have to stress over how many seconds ago I put the...