The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot was founded in 2007, and is located at 88 W Colo Blvd Ste 101 in Pasadena.

Know Before You Go: Prime-time reservations often require several weeks' notice.

When to Go: Cooking on forks takes time--something to keep in mind if you've got after-dinner plans. It's a great place for people just getting to know each other or who truly enjoy each other's company.

My wife really loves this place. I wouldn't go on my own, but that's also because it's the kind of place where you have to order so much to share food, and it feels kind of like a place to bring a group of about 4 or 6. That being said, you're paying for the atmosphere. They have "Big Night Out" combos which include 3 fondue courses plus a salad. First one is cheese where you dip cold veggies and bread, second one is a soup base where you cook all sorts of meats, seafoods and veggies, and the last is chocolate, and you dip bananas, strawberries, marshmallows and rice crispy treats and cheesecake. Overall it's very filling and you pay about $80 for two people for the 3 courses plus salad.

I've always found the waiters to be friendly, helpful and the atmosphere is remarkably relaxing and elegant yet not too stuffy. The only thing to be aware of is the smells from the fondue will stick with you once you leave, so if you have some really expensive outfits you don't feel like airing out for a day later you might want to wear something else.

"If melting, gooey cheese is your passion" then look no further than this fondue trio where "happy campers" enjoy "slow, leisurely meals" or the "divine combination" of "wine and melted chocolate" in "quiet", contemporary settings; "helpful" service is another plus, although a few find it "overpriced" considering you have to "cook your own food."

An escalator ride above the busy Old Pasadena street scene lies this edition of a national fondue chain. A meandering space with lots of rich wood, a showy glass-encased wine cellar and high-backed booths holds granite tables with built-in burners, gently illuminated by Murano-style pendant lamps. It is potentially romantic, but also good for families or groups of friends. The menu can be...

In Short
Booths equipped with tabletop fondue pots are clustered together inside the intimate dining room. Start with a cheese fondue, including an assortment of breads, veggies and...

Award-winningrestaurant