Melting Pot menu and prices invite you to enjoy a fondue experience perfect for sharing. This popular restaurant chain has built its reputation on interactive dining where you cook your own food at the table. The concept is simple: you choose from a variety of cheese fondues, entrees, and chocolate desserts, all served in a warm, social setting. Whether you are planning a date night, a family gathering, or a celebration with friends, understanding the menu and pricing helps you prepare for a memorable meal.
The Melting Pot operates over 100 locations across the United States and Canada. Each restaurant offers a similar menu structure, but prices can vary slightly by location due to local costs and market conditions. This guide breaks down the typical menu items, price ranges, and tips for getting the best value. You will learn what to expect before you arrive, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Melting Pot Menu And Prices: A Complete Overview
The Melting Pot menu is organized into courses, much like a traditional multi-course dinner. You start with a cheese fondue, then move to a salad, followed by the main entree of meats and vegetables cooked in broth, and finish with a chocolate fondue for dessert. This structure makes it easy to plan your meal based on your appetite and budget.
Prices generally fall into these ranges for a full four-course meal per person:
- Cheese Fondue (shared): $12–$18 per person
- Salad: $8–$12 per person
- Entree (with cooking style): $25–$40 per person
- Chocolate Fondue (shared): $12–$18 per person
Many locations offer a “Big Night Out” package that includes all four courses for a set price, usually between $45 and $65 per person. This is often the most cost-effective option if you want the full experience. Some restaurants also have a “Fondue for Two” special that includes cheese, salad, entree, and chocolate for around $100–$130 total.
Cheese Fondue Options And Pricing
The cheese course is where the meal begins. You choose a cheese blend that is melted tableside with wine, beer, or broth. The standard options include:
- Classic Alpine: Gruyère, raclette, fontina, white wine, garlic, nutmeg – $14 per person
- Wisconsin Cheddar: Sharp cheddar, beer, garlic, mustard – $13 per person
- Bacon & Brie: Brie, bacon, white wine, chives – $16 per person
- Spinach Artichoke: Cream cheese, spinach, artichoke, parmesan – $15 per person
Each cheese fondue comes with a platter of dippers: bread cubes, apple slices, vegetables, and sometimes pretzel bread. You can add extra dippers for a small fee, usually $3–$5 per person. The cheese course is shared by the whole table, so the price is per person for the portion.
Salad Course Choices
After the cheese, you select a salad. The salads are fresh and designed to cleanse your palate before the main course. Common options include:
- California Salad: Mixed greens, mandarin oranges, almonds, gorgonzola, raspberry vinaigrette – $9
- House Salad: Romaine, tomatoes, croutons, parmesan, ranch or balsamic – $8
- Caesar Salad: Romaine, parmesan, croutons, classic Caesar dressing – $9
- Strawberry Fields Salad: Spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, poppy seed dressing – $10
Salads are individual servings, so each person orders their own. If you are on a budget, you can skip the salad course and go straight from cheese to entree, saving about $8–$10 per person.
Entree Selection And Cooking Styles
The main course is the most substantial part of the meal. You choose a selection of raw meats, seafood, and vegetables that you cook yourself in a simmering broth at your table. The entree options are typically grouped into sets:
- The Classic: Filet mignon, chicken breast, shrimp, pork tenderloin, and vegetables – $32 per person
- The Land & Sea: Filet mignon, lobster tail, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables – $39 per person
- The Vegetarian: Tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, ravioli, and dipping sauces – $25 per person
- The Seafood Trio: Salmon, shrimp, scallops, and vegetables – $35 per person
You also choose a cooking style, which is the broth used for cooking. The standard options are:
- Mojo: Caribbean-inspired with citrus and garlic – no extra charge
- Coq au Vin: Burgundy wine, mushrooms, shallots – no extra charge
- Bourguignonne: Canola oil – no extra charge (but less flavorful)
- Vegetable Broth: Light and herb-infused – no extra charge
Some locations offer a “Fondue Feast” that includes all four courses plus a premium entree like lobster or wagyu beef, priced around $70–$85 per person. This is the most expensive option but offers the widest variety.
Chocolate Fondue Desserts
The meal ends with a chocolate fondue, which is the highlight for many guests. You choose a chocolate blend that is melted at the table and served with dippers like strawberries, marshmallows, brownies, and pound cake. Popular choices include:
- Dark Chocolate: Rich and bittersweet – $14 per person
- Milk Chocolate: Classic and creamy – $13 per person
- White Chocolate: Sweet and vanilla-flavored – $14 per person
- Yin & Yang: Milk and white chocolate swirled together – $15 per person
- Flaming Turtle: Milk chocolate, caramel, pecans, flambéed – $16 per person
Like the cheese course, the chocolate fondue is shared, so the price is per person. You can add extra dippers for $3–$5 per person if you want more variety.
Drinks And Add-Ons
The Melting Pot also offers a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer. Specialty cocktails range from $10 to $15 each. Wine by the glass is typically $8–$14, and bottles start around $30. Beer options include domestic and craft selections, usually $5–$8 per bottle.
If you want to enhance your meal, consider these add-ons:
- Extra dipping sauces: $2–$4 each
- Additional dippers for cheese or chocolate: $3–$5 per person
- Premium protein upgrades (like lobster or wagyu): $10–$20 extra per person
- Dessert cocktails or coffee: $6–$10 each
Many locations have a happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, offering discounted drinks and appetizers. This is a great way to sample the menu without committing to a full meal.
Tips For Saving Money
Dining at The Melting Pot can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down:
- Share a cheese fondue and chocolate fondue with the whole table instead of ordering per person.
- Skip the salad course if you are not very hungry.
- Choose a simpler entree like The Classic instead of The Land & Sea.
- Order water or iced tea instead of alcoholic drinks.
- Look for coupons or special offers on the restaurant’s website or email list.
- Visit during happy hour for discounted appetizers and drinks.
- Consider the “Fondue for Two” package if you are dining with a partner, as it often includes a discount compared to ordering separately.
Another tip is to check if your location offers a “Date Night” special on certain nights, which may include a three-course meal for a lower price. These promotions vary by location, so call ahead or check the website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melting Pot Menu And Prices
How Much Does A Typical Meal Cost At The Melting Pot?
A full four-course meal at The Melting Pot typically costs between $45 and $65 per person, depending on the entree and chocolate choices. Drinks and add-ons can increase the total to $60–$80 per person. The “Big Night Out” package is usually the best value for a complete experience.
Can I Order Just One Course Instead Of The Full Meal?
Yes, you can order individual courses. Many guests come just for the cheese fondue and a salad, or just for the chocolate fondue. However, the restaurant encourages the full experience, and some items like the entree are only available as part of a multi-course meal. Check with your server for options.
Are There Vegetarian Or Vegan Options On The Melting Pot Menu?
Yes, there is a vegetarian entree that includes tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, and ravioli. The cheese fondues contain dairy, but the chocolate fondues are often dairy-free depending on the type. Vegan guests can ask for a vegetable broth cooking style and skip the cheese course. The restaurant is accommodating to dietary restrictions, so inform your server ahead of time.
Do Prices Vary By Location?
Yes, prices can vary by location due to local costs, taxes, and market conditions. For example, a Melting Pot in New York City or San Francisco may charge 10–20% more than one in a smaller city. Always check the menu online for your specific location before visiting.
Is There A Kids’ Menu Or Discount For Children?
Many Melting Pot locations offer a kids’ menu for children under 12, with smaller portions and lower prices. The kids’ menu typically includes a cheese fondue, a simple entree like chicken or pasta, and a chocolate fondue, priced around $15–$25 per child. Some locations also offer a discount for children under 5. Check with your local restaurant for details.
What To Expect When You Dine At The Melting Pot
The dining experience at The Melting Pot is slow and social. Plan for at least two hours for a full four-course meal. The fondue pots are heated at the table, and your server will guide you through each course. You will be given long forks for dipping and cooking, and the table is set with a burner in the center.
For the cheese course, the server brings the melted cheese in a pot and lights the burner. You dip bread, apples, and vegetables into the cheese using the long forks. For the entree, the server brings a pot of hot broth and a platter of raw meats and vegetables. You cook each piece in the broth for about 1–2 minutes, depending on the protein. The chocolate course is similar to the cheese, with melted chocolate and dippers.
Because the meal is interactive, it is ideal for groups. The fondue pots are designed for sharing, so everyone at the table eats from the same pot. This creates a convivial atmosphere, but it also means you need to be patient and take turns dipping.
Reservations And Wait Times
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. The Melting Pot is popular for celebrations, so tables can book up weeks in advance. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, but you may face a wait of 30 minutes to an hour. Call ahead or use the restaurant’s online reservation system to secure your spot.
If you are planning a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, mention it when you make the reservation. The restaurant often offers a complimentary dessert or a special presentation for celebrations.
Final Thoughts On Melting Pot Menu And Prices
The Melting Pot offers a unique dining experience that combines cooking, sharing, and socializing. The menu is structured around fondue courses, and prices reflect the quality of ingredients and the interactive nature of the meal. While it is not an inexpensive night out, the experience is memorable and suitable for special occasions.
By understanding the menu and pricing structure, you can plan your meal to fit your budget and preferences. Whether you choose a full four-course dinner or just a cheese and chocolate fondue, you will leave with a full stomach and a happy memory. The key is to go with an open mind and a willingness to share, because that is what fondue is all about.
Remember to check your local Melting Pot’s website for current menu items and prices, as they can change seasonally. Some locations offer limited-time specials or holiday menus that are worth exploring. And if you are a first-time visitor, do not hesitate to ask your server for recommendations—they are trained to help you navigate the menu and make the most of your meal.
Enjoy your fondue adventure. The Melting Pot menu and prices are designed to make your evening special, so take your time, savor each bite, and share the experience with the people you care about.