Planning a meal at Melting Pot starts with checking their current fondue pricing across different menu tiers. Understanding melting pot restaurant menu prices helps you budget for a night of cheese, chocolate, and interactive dining.
This guide breaks down every cost you will encounter. From the classic four-course experience to a la carte options, you will know exactly what to expect before you book a table.
Prices vary by location, but the structure remains consistent nationwide. Let’s walk through each tier so you can plan your meal without surprises.
Melting Pot Restaurant Menu Prices Overview
The Melting Pot operates on a per-person pricing model for most dinner packages. You pay a set price that includes your choice of fondue courses. The final bill depends on the meal tier you select, plus any upgrades or add-ons.
Most locations offer three main dinner tiers: the Classic, the Big Night Out, and the Ultimate. Each tier includes a different number of courses and protein options. Lunch and happy hour menus offer lower price points.
Below is a general price range for each tier. Remember that urban locations and high-cost areas may charge 10–15% more than the averages shown here.
- Classic Dinner (4-course): $45–$55 per person
- Big Night Out (4-course with premium proteins): $60–$75 per person
- Ultimate (5-course with lobster and filet): $80–$100 per person
- Lunch Menu: $20–$35 per person
- Kids Menu (12 and under): $15–$25 per person
These prices do not include beverages, tax, or the mandatory 18% gratuity for parties of six or more. Always confirm the exact numbers at your specific location before ordering.
What Determines The Final Price
Several factors push the total cost up or down. Understanding these variables helps you control your spending.
- Location: Franchise owners set their own prices within a range. A Melting Pot in Manhattan costs more than one in suburban Ohio.
- Time of Day: Dinner prices are higher than lunch. Happy hour offers discounted appetizers and drinks.
- Day of Week: Some locations offer weekday specials or early bird discounts.
- Upgrades: Swapping standard cheese for a premium blend or adding extra dipping items increases the per-person cost.
- Beverages: Wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are not included in the dinner price.
Classic Dinner Package Pricing
The Classic Dinner is the most popular entry point. It includes four courses: cheese fondue, salad, entree fondue, and chocolate fondue. You choose one option from each course category.
Pricing for the Classic Dinner typically falls between $45 and $55 per person. This includes the full four-course experience. You do not pay extra for the standard cheese or chocolate options.
What You Get For The Price
- Course 1 – Cheese Fondue: Choose from Wisconsin Cheddar, Fiesta, or Spinach Artichoke. Served with bread, vegetables, and apples.
- Course 2 – Salad: Options include Caesar, House, or California. No extra charge for the salad course.
- Course 3 – Entree Fondue: You select a cooking style (Bourguignonne, Mojo, or Coq au Vin) and a protein selection. Standard proteins include chicken, sirloin, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Course 4 – Chocolate Fondue: Choose from Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, or White Chocolate. Served with fruit, marshmallows, and cake.
You can upgrade the cheese or chocolate for an additional $3–$6 per person. Premium options like the Flaming Turtle or Cookies ‘n Cream Marshmallow Dream cost extra.
Hidden Costs To Watch For
The Classic Dinner price seems straightforward, but a few add-ons can inflate the bill. The entree course includes a set amount of protein. If you want extra meat or seafood, you pay per item.
Extra dipping sauces cost $1–$2 each. Additional vegetables or bread for the cheese course are also charged separately. The base price covers one serving of each course, not unlimited portions.
Big Night Out Pricing
The Big Night Out package is the middle tier. It includes the same four-course structure but upgrades the protein options. You get premium cuts like filet mignon, lobster tail, and duck.
Prices for the Big Night Out range from $60 to $75 per person. The higher cost reflects the better quality meats and seafood. Some locations also include a glass of champagne or a small appetizer.
What Makes It Different From Classic
- Protein Upgrade: Instead of standard chicken and sirloin, you get filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, and teriyaki-marinated steak.
- Lobster Tail: Most Big Night Out menus include a half lobster tail per person.
- Dipping Sauces: A wider selection of sauces is included at no extra cost.
- Champagne Toast: Some locations include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
This tier is ideal for celebrations or date nights. The per-person cost is higher, but the quality difference is noticeable. You get better meat, fresher seafood, and a more upscale presentation.
Upgrade Options Within Big Night Out
Even within this tier, you can add extras. Double the lobster tail for an additional $12–$18 per person. Add a second protein like filet mignon to the standard selection for $8–$12.
If you want a different cooking style, you can request the Mojo or Coq au Vin without extra charge. The Bourguignonne style (oil-based) is also included. No hidden fees for cooking method changes.
Ultimate Dinner Pricing
The Ultimate Dinner is the top-tier experience. It includes five courses: an appetizer, cheese fondue, salad, entree fondue, and chocolate fondue. The appetizer course sets it apart from the other tiers.
Prices for the Ultimate Dinner range from $80 to $100 per person. This is the most expensive option, but it includes the highest quality ingredients and the largest portions.
What The Ultimate Includes
- Course 1 – Appetizer: Usually a small plate like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, or a charcuterie board.
- Course 2 – Cheese Fondue: Same choices as other tiers, but you can upgrade for free to a premium option at some locations.
- Course 3 – Salad: Same salad choices as Classic and Big Night Out.
- Course 4 – Entree Fondue: Premium proteins including filet mignon, lobster tail, shrimp, chicken, and duck. You get larger portions of each.
- Course 5 – Chocolate Fondue: Choose any chocolate option, including premium flavors, at no extra cost.
The Ultimate Dinner is designed for special occasions. The portion sizes are generous enough that most people cannot finish all five courses. You can ask for a box for leftover chocolate or cheese.
Is The Ultimate Worth The Price
If you want the full Melting Pot experience with no compromises, the Ultimate is the way to go. The appetizer course alone adds $15–$20 of value. The premium chocolate upgrade would cost $6 elsewhere.
However, if you are not interested in the appetizer or prefer standard proteins, the Big Night Out offers better value. The Ultimate is best for anniversaries, birthdays, or when you want to impress someone.
Lunch And Happy Hour Pricing
Lunch at Melting Pot is significantly cheaper than dinner. Most locations offer a two-course or three-course lunch menu. Prices range from $20 to $35 per person.
The lunch menu typically includes a cheese fondue and an entree fondue. Chocolate fondue is available as an add-on for $5–$8 extra. The protein options are similar to the Classic Dinner but with smaller portions.
Happy Hour Specials
Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 6 PM at most locations. During this time, you can get discounted appetizers and drinks. Fondue pots are not usually discounted, but the bar menu offers good value.
- Appetizer Discounts: Cheese fondue pots for two are often $10–$15 off.
- Drink Specials: House wines, beer, and select cocktails are $5–$8 each.
- Small Plates: Items like spinach artichoke dip or bruschetta are $6–$10.
Happy hour is a great way to try Melting Pot without committing to a full dinner. You can share a cheese fondue and a couple of drinks for under $30 per person.
Kids Menu Pricing
Children aged 12 and under can order from the kids menu. The price ranges from $15 to $25 per child. The kids menu includes a smaller cheese fondue, a kid-sized entree, and a chocolate fondue.
The entree options are simpler: chicken, beef, or cheese ravioli. Kids can choose their cooking style, but most locations recommend the Coq au Vin for safety. The chocolate fondue is a smaller portion with fruit and marshmallows.
Some locations offer a kids eat free promotion on certain nights. Check with your local Melting Pot for specific deals. The kids menu is not available during dinner hours at all locations, so call ahead.
Beverage Costs
Drinks are not included in any dinner package. A glass of house wine costs $8–$12. Craft cocktails range from $12 to $18. Beer is $6–$10 per bottle or pint.
Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, iced tea, or lemonade are $3–$5 each. Coffee and tea are $4–$6. Some locations offer a wine pairing option for an additional $25–$35 per person.
The Melting Pot also has a signature cocktail menu. Drinks like the Berry Basil Lemonade or the Chocolate Martini are popular but pricey at $14–$18 each. If you want to keep costs down, stick with water or a single glass of wine.
Additional Fees And Tips
Several fees can increase your final bill beyond the menu prices. Understanding these helps you avoid sticker shock.
- Mandatory Gratuity: For parties of six or more, an 18% gratuity is automatically added. Some locations apply this to smaller parties during holidays.
- Service Charge: A few locations add a 3–5% service charge for credit card processing. This is not always disclosed upfront.
- Tax: Local sales tax applies to the entire bill, including the gratuity in some states.
- Split Plate Fee: If two people share a single dinner package, some locations charge a $5–$10 split plate fee.
Always ask about these fees when you make a reservation. The host or server can give you a breakdown of what to expect. This prevents confusion when the check arrives.
How To Save Money On Melting Pot
Melting Pot is not a cheap restaurant, but there are ways to reduce the cost. Use these strategies to enjoy the experience without overspending.
- Go For Lunch: Lunch prices are 40–50% lower than dinner. You get a similar experience for half the cost.
- Visit During Happy Hour: Discounted appetizers and drinks make happy hour the most affordable time to visit.
- Share A Dinner Package: Two people can share a single Classic Dinner and add an extra salad or protein. This cuts the per-person cost significantly.
- Skip The Alcohol: Wine and cocktails add $20–$40 per person. Stick with water or a soft drink.
- Use Coupons: Check the Melting Pot website or sign up for their email list. They often send $10–$20 off coupons for birthdays or anniversaries.
- Order A La Carte: Instead of a full dinner package, order a cheese fondue and a chocolate fondue. Skip the entree course to save $20–$30 per person.
These strategies work best when you plan ahead. Decide which courses matter most to you and skip the rest. The Melting Pot experience is about the fondue, not the full meal.
Price Variations By Location
Melting Pot is a franchise, so prices vary by location. A dinner in New York City or San Francisco will cost more than one in Kansas City or Phoenix. The difference can be as much as 20%.
Below is a general comparison of price ranges by region. These are estimates based on customer reports and menu scans.
- Northeast (NYC, Boston, DC): Classic Dinner $50–$60, Big Night Out $70–$85, Ultimate $90–$110.
- West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle): Classic Dinner $48–$58, Big Night Out $65–$80, Ultimate $85–$105.
- Midwest (Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis): Classic Dinner $42–$50, Big Night Out $58–$70, Ultimate $75–$90.
- South (Atlanta, Dallas, Orlando): Classic Dinner $44–$52, Big Night Out $60–$72, Ultimate $78–$95.
These are rough averages. Always check the menu for your specific location before making reservations. The Melting Pot website has a location finder with links to each franchise’s menu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melting Pot Restaurant Menu Prices
Does The Melting Pot Have A Minimum Spend Per Person?
Most locations require each person to order a dinner package during dinner hours. Lunch and happy hour do not have a minimum. Some locations enforce a $25–$30 per person minimum for large parties.
Can I Get A Refund If I Cancel A Reservation?
Melting Pot does not charge for cancellations, but they may require a credit card to hold a reservation. If you cancel within 24 hours, some locations charge a $25–$50 no-show fee. Always confirm the cancellation policy when you book.
Are The Prices The Same For Takeout?
Takeout menus are slightly cheaper because you do not pay for the table service. However, the experience is different since you cook the fondue at home. Takeout prices are typically 10–15% lower than dine-in.
Does The Melting Pot Offer Any Discounts For Large Groups?
Groups of 10 or more can request a private dining package. These packages are priced per person and often include a set menu. The per-person cost is usually higher than the standard dinner, but it includes all beverages and gratuity.
How Much Should I Tip At The Melting Pot?
Standard tipping is 18–20% of the pre-tax bill. For parties of six or more, the gratuity is automatically added. If you receive exceptional service, you can add extra on top of the automatic gratuity.
Final Thoughts On Melting Pot Restaurant Menu Prices
Understanding melting pot restaurant menu prices is the first step to a successful night out. The cost per person ranges from $45 for a basic dinner to over $100 for the Ultimate experience. Add drinks, upgrades, and tips, and you could spend $150 per person or more.
The key is to choose the tier that matches your budget and appetite. The Classic Dinner offers good value for a full fondue experience. The Big Night Out is worth the upgrade if you want better protein. The Ultimate is for special occasions only.
Always check your local Melting Pot’s menu online before you go. Prices change seasonally, and promotions vary by location. With a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable fondue meal without breaking the bank.