The Melting Pot

The dining experience here was fun. I always enjoy eating variety of food. The cheese course was spectacular. Our server was very nice and helpful with how to cook certain food. I almost bought their salad dressing.

The food was okay, but nothing to write home about; small portions of mediocre meats, not enough fruit in the chocolate dessert OR the cheese fondue, only one batter instead of the two that were mentioned, etc. There was apparently a pre-​set menu for Father’s Day, but our server didn’t know what it included at first, and there were no printed menus to rely on. Really, it would have cost too much to run off a handful of paper «special-​event» menus?
There were only four of us, and the place was largely empty, but the service was slow and sloppy. Since we’d never been there before, we didn’t know which things were «for the table» (apparently, the cheese, the method of cooking the entrees, and the dessert) and which things were individual (the salads and the entrée choices). The server didn’t explain or tell us, either; we guessed as we went along. Water glasses were typically not refilled until we asked. One of the beers on the menu was «not in the refrigerator yet» when it was ordered, so it was apparently too warm to serve. (Why wouldn’t they keep some in the refrigerator in the first place? Our reservation was early in the evening, so I have no idea.) The bill itself was a comedy of errors. Although I made a point of telling the owner at the beginning of the evening that it was a birthday and that I was paying for everything, the server still tried to give the bill to the wrong person. Then the beverages that were reportedly «included» in the Father’s Day menu were added on to the bill; when I asked about it, the night manager came over to tell me that he’d corrected it — and then announced the total amount to the entire table. Smooth move.
If the dinner for four had cost $ 50, I’d’ve thought we got about the right value for the money — a roadside fish & chips place, maybe, or a cheap burger stand. Instead, it was over $ 200 in a nice sit-​down restaurant for a wasted birthday experience. Never ever again.

I’ve been twice; I’ve been disappointed with their staff on both occasions. I’ve found their greeters extremely rude and unprofessional. I kept coming back because I liked the waiters and the cheese fondue. However, the final straw was today. We received a call to confirm our Father’s Day dinner. The receptionist told us there was a special menu (which we didn’t know when we made the reservation). When we called to confirm and go over the menu, we realized their special menu wouldn’t work because of food allergies. Their staff and manager refused to let us order off the regular menu, and threatened to charge our credit card when we said that the reservation wouldn’t work out (even though we were cancelling greater than 24 hours in advance).

We have been coming here for the past six years and unfortunately after tonight, will not be returning anytime soon.
The good: They saved our table after being 15 minutes late to our reservation. Traffic was horrible coming from SJ as it took us an hour and 15 minutes to get there. And then we couldn’t find parking within two blocks of the restaurant.
The bad: Server was half asleep, literally eyes half closed. If he wasn’t mumbling, he was talking very fast like he was annoyed with his job. Ordered a vodka tonic with two limes. He came back to ask «You wanted two olives? No, two limes». Bartender brings our drinks over, there are two lemons in it! Really? The kicker, as he is putting my martini down, he spills some of it onto the bread, when I comment that the bread is wet he dismisses me with, «Oh it’s fine.» Uh, no actually it’s not!
The ugly: Ordered our bacon bourbon cheese fondue. He made it and it was gross, way too much liquid! We asked for more cheese to help with the taste. He brings out the cheese in a PLASTIC BAG, maybe adds ¼ cup if that. When we ask for a bit more cheese, he said. «No, I’ve already given you cheese for 3» and huffs away. We were done, told him to cancel our entrée order, paid for our drinks, crappy cheese and left.
Definitely on the top five list for worst dinning experiences I’ve ever had.

If I could give negative stars I would. We sat down at 7:30 pm. We finished just the cheese course by 9 pm. It’s fondue. What took so long to prepare broth and cuts of meat? It’s fondue. It’s not like you can give the excuse it took skill to cook. We asked for the manager and he arrived as fast as the food did. We were paying the bill and leaving before the manager showed up. We will never be back and will be warning everyone we know to avoid this restaurant.

I couldn’t help it. I just kept comparing this place to La Fondue. I was seeking a new place to try (La Fondue is our annual special occasion place but we haven’t been there since the ownership recently changed) and had heard so much about The Melting Pot chain over the years that at last, I thought I’d give it a try.
We made it to downtown San Mateo without a problem but got a little lost as we got closer to The Melting Pot. It seems to be a part of the train station (hence the, «1 Transit Center Way» address) and trains zoom by just next to the restaurant. But we also passed various transients and unsavory sorts and my friend said, «This kind of seems like a sketchy location.»
We spotted The Melting Pot sign and as we headed toward it, we couldn’t quite figure out which door was the entrance. We passed door after door, none of which was the entrance; the actual entrance was unwelcoming, as if it lead to a parking garage or convenience store. The heavy velvet drapery over all the doors and windows was faded by the sun. It almost looked like the place had been shuttered and closed.
Once inside, I just hated the smell. I couldn’t at first even say what it was but it definitely wasn’t the aroma of good cooking and I’m not particularly sensitive to smell.
Our server was friendly enough, I guess. He steered us to the mojo broth. I was surprised the broths were $ 5.95. I had been expecting the broth to be included with the price of the meat and veggies. Turns out, it was the mojo broth that had tainted the air. I just didn’t care for the aroma and neither did my tablemates.
Cheese fondue was served a little sloppy, as if I were doing it myself at home for the first time. Water was not refilled often enough. The server disappeared for long periods of time. Dishes were never cleared until the end. Our table just looked messy. We felt abandoned down an empty hall. After we’d finished our food and the dishes had been cleared, the leftover broth continued to boil. The server should have turned it off.
Portions were on the small side, especially when I compare to the similarly priced La Fondue in Saratoga. We were given one tiny bowl of mushrooms and potatoes, a portion more suited to one person and the server never came back to refill it. We had to ask another staff member but by then it was too late.
We were there for two and a half hours, with long pauses in between.
I feel like The Melting Pot in San Mateo is the kind of place I’d expect to find at the shopping mall food court. I’m just used to the exemplery experience of La Fondue with its attentive staff, generous portions, fresher ingredients, thoughtful interiors and clean tables. The Melting Pot was just falling apart all over. What a mess.

Dinner at this place last night was just weird, service was terrible, dinner was almost 3 hours because our waiter (who seemed high) couldn’t get his act together.
There was a bug in the first pot they placed on our table.
This place is NOT worth the price.

Love this place! The first time I came here was with my boyfriend 2 years ago for my birthday. We were seated upstairs in a secluded corner where it was extremely quiet and romantic.
I decided to buy a Groupon and we came on a quiet Monday. Only the bar and a couple of tables were open. We were seated next to the glass door that opens out to the train station so it was a little loud. The Groupon comes with 2 salads and 2 pre-​set meals. But of course, I wanted cheese and dessert so we added that to our meal.
We ordered the Garlic & Herb Quartet and requested the base to be the bouillon instead of the white wine. Our server originally had white wine boiling but caught his mistake and replaced it with bouillon before anything was added. I am going to always request cheeses be without the alcohol base because it tastes so much better. The California salad is my absolute favorite. The pine nuts it comes with are super crunchy and sweet. My boyfriend had the House salad and he loved the dressing. The Groupon entrée came with 6 pieces of chicken, 6 pieces of shrimp, and 6 pieces of beef. (For 2 people) I added a lobster extra (always request lemon butter! It goes amazing with seafood)
When desert rolled around, we selected the S’more. I noticed they added an option for a fancy dippers plate. I ordered that too. It came with cheesecake, cream puffs, and more fruit. It was okay, but the cheesecake is way too heavy. (they used to serve a small piece of cheesecake but they charge extra for it now)
Service was great. Food was a bit slow to come out but we never felt rushed with our meal.
We went back the same Friday and did a regular 4 course meal instead and got to choose our entrees. I chose the Fondue fusion, which came with a lobster tail without the extra price while my boyfriend got the classic. We got much more food and our bill was a lot lower.
Had a different server. She was very efficient and food came a lot faster, but it was harder to flag someone down to get things because of where we were seated.
If you’re going to want cheese and dessert with your meal, the Groupon was extremely meh for its value.
Also, sign up for the fondue club! They send you coupons for free Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

The good: nice environment, taste of food is good, different experience. Desserts are good
The bad: portions are small, like really small. Our server was too serious, expensive for what you get in return. Im leaving hungry not happy!

We went here just for desserts without any reservations but service was amazing.
Their chocolate fondues are amazing but the best one is the Flaming Turtle. And all the dippers that come with it like brownies, blondes, strawberry etc.
The staff was super friendly and the service they provided was awesome…

We came here twice, as we did not read the fine print on our GROUPO and they don’t honor them on Fridays, they only honor it Sunday-​Thursday.
We ordered the Land & Sea the first time. The chicken was herb crusted, GREAT flavors. The filet mignon was premium and the shrimp was large. The serving size was plentiful. We each
Our second return with the GROUPON was a disappointment. We could only have one type of entrée selection… chicken, beef and small shrimp oh and two little ravioli’s. We received one plate for two people. It was a little deceiving as we had expected the fine dining experience, but in the end it was a GROUPON. Even after reading the fine print, you have to ask questions regarding what the GROUPON includes before you make a reservation.
Had I known what I know now, I would have regifted the GROUPON and not come back.
If you like cooking your own meal when you go out for dinner, go for the experience. I think this place is overrated and expensive.
The servers are nice.

OMG! Seriously so good! My bf took me here for our anniversary and I could not not have asked for a better dinner! I have been daydreaming about the food all day today it was that good! I like this place better than la fondue and it’s cheaper with more options for customizing different courses.
Ambiance is romantic and intimate. We sat upstairs where they call it «lovers lane» and it’s really close intimate seating with your loved one over some amazing fondue! Lighting is perfect, loved the music, I mean there’s noting I can say that was bad about this place. Jonathan was our server and he was attentive and recommended some great choices.
If you love cheese, chocolate, high quality meats and wine, come to the melting pot because it will not disappoint!

One-​eyed bandit, blonde Kevin is the BESTEST server ever! He helped us to celebrate a special holiday that we made up. Genuine and authentic… Very relatable. He had an enthusiasm about him that was warm and welcoming. He upsold us on dessert that was fantastic!
And Jesse was…
J — Jovial
E — Exemplary
S — SUPER
S — Suave
E — Energetic

Let me start by saying: I don’t like boiled meats. I didn’t realize that until I came here.
I should say it’s a 3-​star or above restaurant. I think 75−80% of American’s would really like this place. In the sort of way that 75−80% of American’s really like Cheesecake Factory.
I’m not in that category. So I don’t like this place and I won’t be back. Sorry not sorry.
I prefer Gyu-​Kaku. In fact, I freaking love that place. But I also like grilled meat, not soggy meat that gets overcooked in broth. (insert grossed out face here).
I’ll just stop this review now before I deter any more customers. LOL.

TL;DR Disappointed at my first fondue experience. Advertised as this «wonderful experience» but was not delivered. Won’t waste money on this place again.
I had such high expectations for this establishment after reviewing their website, but what a shame…
A family member gave my boyfriend’s family a groupon deal: $ 89 for a three-​course meal with after-​dinner drinks for two and a bottle of wine (up to a $ 136 value).
As stated in the groupon:
Each three-​course meal includes:
— Cheese fondue such as the spinach artichoke or traditional swiss with artisan bread, fresh vegetables, and apples
— Salad
— Entrée fondue, which pits teriyaki sirloin, shrimp, and chicken breast cooked tableside in a vegetable broth, paired with five flavorful dipping sauces
Now let’s move on to my actual experience. If you’re not familiar with where this establishment is located, it’s right across from the CalTrain station. That means parking is limited depending on when you come.
Our host sat us down and spoke so softly and quickly that we had no idea what she was saying… she just placed the menus and walked away. Our waiter, who mentioned he was new, asked if this was our first time and even though we said yes, it wasn’t properly explained to us how this fondue thing works. If their website states that it is such an «experience» and it’s customers’ first time, shouldn’t a business explain what kind of experience they can expect and get them excited about it? Throughout the night we had to keep asking and clarifying how the process works.
For our cheese fondue we got the Classic Alpine. It was made right in front of us, but the waiter was quite messy and sloppy while preparing it. I thought it had too much white wine which gave the fondue a very bitter taste. Our waiter didn’t offer to prepare a second fondue set for us and so there we were, 5 people all trying to eat out of this ridiculously small cheese pot. We were given a small bowl of bread and a tiny portion of broccoli, green apple slices, carrots, and bell peppers. The portions were upsetting.
For salads we got the California (the raspberry vinaigrette and candied pecans were the highlight), Cesar (standard), and The Melting Pot House Salad with their tangy House Dressing (dressing was amazing, salad was subpar). Interestingly I liked the plates they were served on — quite unique.
Entrée was two small plates of shrimp, chicken, and sirloin. The chicken was cut in such huge chunks, they wouldn’t cook all the way through. We had to cut them into small pieces ourselves in order to make sure it was cooked properly. As far as the teriyaki sirloin, once you cook it in the broth, everything tasted bland.
For cooking style we chose the Seasoned Court Bouillon. It was fine I suppose, but I was hoping they had more options than just broth cooking.
My boyfriend’s mom was interested in having a glass of wine that would pair nicely with the food we were having. Unfortunately when we asked a recommendation, our waiter blatantly stated that he had no knowledge in wines and the best he could do is randomly suggest one. You would think that waiters would have training and knowledge of wines to recommend to guests for their meals…
Overall I didn’t find anything to be that great, maybe not even good. Definitely not my idea of «hot new business».

Just visited this place for my wife’s birthday last night.
First off, we did make a reservation and were seated fairly promptly upon arrival, even though we arrive 30 minutes early. The staff were friendly and our waiter explained how everything worked, since we were new to the restaurant. We were seated at a one burner booth on the second floor and it was quite a bit darker than I care for in the whole restaurant. Looked like there were large lights hanging from the ceiling and I was tempted to go find the switch to them on and brighten up our visit, but common sense prevailed.
We started with the cheddar cheese fondue and were supplied various dipping items such as bread and apples. Right off the bat this place seemed more of a novelty than anything else. I mean, you can dip almost anything in melted cheese I suppose, and it’s going to taste good.
Next our cheese fondue was replaced with the broth pot used to cook our food (Seasoned Court Bouillon — Fresh, seasoned vegetable broth. which is their complimentary pot broth). I ordered the steak lovers 4 course meal (Premium filet mignon, teriyaki-​marinated sirloin and
Certified Angus Beef® sirloin 47.95). The 4 course meal includes the cheese fondue, salad, entrée and chocolate fondue for desert.
My Caesar salad was great BTW, and the girls loved their «Melting Pot House Salad» as well.
Now I’m a meat eater by heart, but I just wasn’t digging boiling all this fine seasoned raw meat I was served in boiling broth. There’s a reason why steak is usually grilled, because its the preferred way to prepare it. I had to stop mid way through and just save the rest until I could get it home and throw it on a fryer or grill.
My wife had ordered The classic (Certified Angus Beef sirloin, Memphis-​style BBQ pork medallion, Pacific white shrimp, herb-​crusted all-​natural breast of chicken and teriyaki-​marinated sirloin. 44.95). She seemed to enjoy the novelty of the experience, so I played along as well as I could as not to ruin the experience. I did try some of the chicken she had and it was the one thing that seemed to pair well with the pot cooling and was quite tasty.
My daughter had the spinach and artichoke ravioli, which was pretty average at best.
Our bill came out to about $ 150, minus tip, for the three of us, which seemed pricey for a place that has you do all the cooking (I’m just not into the novelty I suppose).
Also, although we mentioned to the waiter about the birthday we were celebrating, we didn’t get the same treatment as a couple of other tables in our section to a song sung by the staff. Instead, our server brought out a plate with «Happy Birthday» on it, written in chocolate. I“m not big into that type of attention, but I think my better half was a bit disappointed.
Desert was pretty tasty, rice krispy treats, marshmallows, small cake squares and brownies to dip in chocolate. Nothing terribly fancy or exotic really though.
All in all, we probably wont be returning since I believe we can get a better meal for the same price or less at any number of other restaurants. Once again, you’re paying for the novelty of cooking at your table. Just not my bag unfortunately.

We went for date night and I have to say 3.5 stars probably would be closer to the truth.
The Cheese and Chocolate Fondue was terrific — but the main course was not spectacular.
I would probably come back for either Cheese and Wine or Chocolate and Port.
Great wine list, great cocktails. GREAT service.

Awesome 1^st time tonight. Junior our server walked us through the process. He knows what the best in the house are. It was unexpected on our part but we felt right at home. It was awkward when we first arrived, but Junior helped us relax. Definitely an A+ experienced. Thank you Junior!
Also wanted to thank the Host for accommodating us without a reservation. Awe expected to wait but we were seated accordingly. But I would keep in mind the reservation to make it smoother.
I definitely recommend an intimate dinner nit just for couple but family. Come dine out here!

If I could give this place a 0 I would! We got a Groupon that says $ 132 value (paid 76) for four people. Cheese in NOT included! All you get is 4 salads (if you want ceasar is extra) and two small plates of meat for four people to share. (Oil to cook it is extra) In what restaurant is that worth $ 132?!! Even $ 76?! Plus we got put in a 1 burner table even though we had a reservation and asked for two burner. Since gratuity is included, they felt neglect was OK?! So after the Groupon was deducted, we ended up paying an extra $ 120 with no alcohol consumed. We are being fooled by this false advertisement. If you want to spend $ 200 for four with no drinks go to a Michelin star restaurant in SF (Al’s place) and you will get double the food, and a much better experience!

I came in here with my groupon.
I really wanted to take my friend here because she’s been dying to check this place out.
The service was excellent.
I really wish I remember the servers name because he was really good but then again everyone was so great and helpful.
Man I didn’t expect to get soo filled up here. The wine flight was really good too.
They have great wines here.
I got all fondued up with chicken, shrimp, beef, bread, broccoli, carrots, uh. so good.
They have an upstairs and downstairs.
Its best to call ahead because they can get pretty busy.