Best Fondue Restaurants in Denver: The Melting Pot Restaurant Review

Nestled deep in a historic neighborhood in Southwest Denver, The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant, offers a one of a kind dining experience that can meet any need. Traditionally, my wife and I dine at The Melting Pot for our anniversary, and we have yet to leave hungry or disappointed. Located at 2707 W. Main Street in the Littleton Historic District in Southwest Denver, the Melting Pot is physically located in an old library that has been converted into a luxurious, upscale restaurant. stylistically, it is a fusion of old and new. There are beautiful walls of water and modern, elegant lighting fixtures combined with rich wood paneling, and classic architecture. The stone building is seeping with history and ambiance. The classic four-story building serves all dining needs; it can host a warm and inviting family get-together or a romantic dinner for two.

What to Expect

When you visit the Melting Pot in Denver, be prepared to enjoy yourself over several hours. Fondue restaurants typically serve meals in courses, and the dining experience at The Melting Pot is no exception. Dinner usually takes the shape of a four-course meal with a cheese fondue, salad, entree, and finally dessert. There are options for individual entrees as well as the opportunity for specials and my personal favorite, "The Big Night Out," which is a pre-planned menu designed around a theme.

Your Four Courses

Dinner begins with a cheese fondue course. There are several to choose from including Classic Cheddar, Fiesta Cheddar, and my personal favorite, the Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue. The cheese courses are served with apples, vegetables, and a selection of breads. When you order the cheese course, it is created fresh at your table with a table-top burner and fondue pot. This table-side service allows you to customize your flavor with different amounts of spices and herbs. One of the best parts about this course is that the vegetables are endless, but you won't want to eat too much of them, you still have three courses to go.

For your second course, you will be invited to choose from a variety of fresh salads. My wife enjoys the Spinach Mushroom Salad while I prefer the California Salad. The salad and salad dressings are made daily at The Melting Pot and are filled with fresh and tasty ingredients. The salad always serves as the perfect transition course to prepare your pallet for the main dish - your entree.

Your entree will be prepared by you at your table and will include a variety of seasoned chicken, beef, seafood and vegetables. As with other fondue restaurants, since you prepare your own food, you have control over the dinner and can enjoy it cooked to your tastes. You will prepare your entree in one of four cooking styles. These include the Coq au Vin, Court Bouillon, Mojo Style, or Bourguignonne. I prefer the Court Bouillon, but the Coq au Vin is also quite nice. What makes the entree complete is not the cooking broth or even your entree, it is the sauces. Each entree comes with a selection of gourmet, fresh-made sauces that compliment every item on your plate. For a special treat, try the fondued mushrooms filled with the gorgonzola port sauce; it is delicious. If the meat entrees are not your style, they do have a vegetarian plate. Every entree includes bottomless vegetables for dipping and eating.

Nothing can prepare you for the dessert at The Melting Pot. I have been to other fondue restaurants, but the quality and selection at Denver's Melting Pot blows them all away. Trust me, you have not lived until you have had a rice crispy treat that has been dipped into a dark chocolate flaming turtle (dark chocolate, caramel, and nuts) fondue. Other dessert options include, White Chocolate, Yin & Yang (white and milk chocolate mix), Cookies 'n Cream fondue, and simple and pure chocolate. Every desert course is served with cheesecake, fruit, marshmallows, and brownies for dipping. You will want to save room for dessert; you might even be tempted to lick the fondue pot.

The Melting Pot Dining Tips

Dinner at Denver's Melting Pot is moderately priced. A "Big Night Out", The Melting Pot's pre-planned menu for two will cost approximately $80 without drinks or tip. Entree's cost approximately $20 per plate, and cheeses and desserts are in the $15 range. Keep in mind however, that I have never spent less than two hours there. The cost of a romantic dinner for two at The Melting Pot will be about the same cost as a movie and a dinner at a traditional neighborhood grill. You are buying an experience, not just dinner. You will want reservations, and for special events or days, you should call in at least one week in advance.

If you are looking for a dining event that you will never forget, consider The Melting Pot in southwest Denver. Make sure to call ahead and make time to relax and enjoy the dining experience. While there are many fondue restaurants, none can compare to The Melting Pot. Enjoy!