The Melting Pot - Seattle, Seattle

My husband and I went to this place for his birthday Feburary 17th. We had the full meal deal and I can't begin to tell you how much fun we had. From the beginning course to the end it was by far one of the greatest times we have had. We were seated promptly on time and our waitress, what can I say. Kara was the best, very attentive to us and our needs. Managers checked in on us also. It was truly delightful. I can't wait to go back.

We went in knowing this was going to be a time consuming dinner, but the service we encountered was beyond anything we had ever seen in a restaurant. Strike one = We had a confirmed reservation and checked in at the front counter. Was told we would be seated on time, yet our reserved time passed and we saw several walk-in parties get seated before us with no questions asked. The waiting area was literally empty and they left us waiting for no reason, (It was very obvious that tables were indeed available for our party size) 15 minutes later, we were finally called up by the hostesses who looked like they really didnt want to be working that day (Mother's day!! ..go figure)?? Strike two = Drink orders were taken, yet 30 minutes later, our table was still empty with no drinks in sight. Later, said drinks arrived and before we could mutter a word, the waitress dashed off not to be seen for another 30 minutes. We were really disappointed with the speed of our drink order and wanted to quickly order the food. From the time we were seated to the time we actually ordered our food was 1 HOUR! Strike three = Our multi course meal started, but yet again, we were kept waiting for anywhere between 30 minutes to 45 minutes between courses EVEN though the waitress clearly saw that we were done eating and basically dozing off contemplating leaving without paying (We were SURE nobody would notice after the way service was done up to now). We just sat there with our arms crossed for like 45 minutes! The part that bothered us the most was that we saw nearby tables with a certain male waiter who was without a doubt 300% faster than our waitress. Those tables were enjoying great service (which seems to be the norm, not the exception here). Strike four = The bussing crew came in and cleaned our table for the next party before our waitress even came back to ask for dessert options! Overall, it seems that service is usually pretty decent here (from past reports). My family unfortunately encountered a very bad experience and will not be personally coming back. We went in on Mother's day expecting a good meal with good service but left on a really sour note. Even for the unique fondue experience, the price is not really worth it as most people will tell you. My family basically got billed $250 to waste 3 hours of Mothers day waiting......waiting......waiting........ and then wait even more, for food.

I've had the awful experience of eating at the Melting Pot on two different occassions. Once in their Bellevue location, the second time in Seattle. To begin with, everything on the menu is over-priced for what they're serving. They have no chef in the kitchen, just a few prep cooks cutting meat and vegetables into bite size servings. Their overhead is very low but they charge their customers a premium price. The second problem is the food itself. It's simply awful. I will admit that I've never been a fan of fondue; but this goes beyond my dislike for this particular type of food. The sauces are terrible. They smell fishy. The raw meats that go into the fondue are of questionable age and quality. The service is fine. The waiters will fawn all over you (and EXPECT a 30% tip for their efforts) The only brite spot to any meal served there are the deserts. Fresh fruits and cakes to be dipped in melted chocolate. It's very good. Of course, it's hard to screw up melting chocolate in a pan. Overall-this is a particularly bad place to eat. But if you still plan to go, take my advice and bring along some Rolaids.

We really liked this restaurant because of the atmosphere, the location, and of course the food. Anyone that loves fondue should definitely come to the Melting Pot.

The experience was fabulous. Make reservations in an advance and you get right in. The atmosphere is great and as well as the service. It is a tad pricey compared to fast food, however the experience is priceless!

Getting your own pot of melted chocolate and a dazzling aray of desserts to dip. Nuff' said.

we had so much fun at the one in Seattle we now live in Portland and want to try this one too....

I loved the food and atmosphere. the services was great and you definitely don't mind paying that little extra because it is the best quality out there.