Well here it is. Friday night, and we decide to leave the depths of Mandarin and venture out to the Southside and try out The Melting Pot. We made reservations and off we went. When we arrived we were greeted by a few hostesses with a warm welcome. The restaurant had an inviting atmosphere. The hostess proceeded to bring us to our table. We waited for our server. About 10 minutes later he shows up and asks us for our drink order. Our wives ordered wine while the men had beer. After another good 10 min we received our drinks. He then he proceeded to ask what we would like to order for dinner. We had expressed that we had never been to this melting pot and a suggestion would be great, quickly he replied with The Big Night Out. So we said sounds great, let’s do it. And he asked what kind of appetizer we would like. We ordered the appetizer and he quickly scurried away. The women both had wine neither of which was poured from their crafts into their wine glasses. Our beers were left on the table as well, no glasses for us. (A bit tacky for a supposed upscale restaurant and it gets better!) After about another good 10 min our beers sitting on the table getting warm we finally decided to get up and get our own glasses from the bar. Now that we can enjoy our drinks we are not so worried about time. A little while later our waiter comes out and brings the appetizer. Looks excellent and it truly was. It was the spinach and artichoke cheese dip, absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed our food for a while and as we finished our salads were brought out. What appeared to be the manager then came out and personally thanked Erin, who made the reservations and our table for coming out. We thought that was a nice touch and he later returned to ask how the meal was as well. Next to our delight came the main course, we ordered The Feast. It was right on with the rest of the meal, just outstanding flavor! But again, where’s our waiter, drinks empty! Not only were our drinks empty, but we never were offered water either. Not that we really needed it at this point, but it would have been nice! We proceeded to eat and finish our meals. Next was the part I had been waiting for! Dessert…mmmm. We ordered the yin and yang. Our desert plates came out and to finish off our meal deliciously. When we received our dessert we were never offered a dessert beverage. After a few bites of dessert, we were in need of water or something to wash it down with. The chocolate was so rich and beer wasn’t adding to the experience at all. We waited and waited to no avail, we grabbed another waitress and asked for water from her. Quickly she returned with our request! Wow, we actually had some jiffy service. We thanked her, and off she went. We finished our dessert and the next time we saw our waiter was to deliver our bill. He now quickly returned to pick it up, amazing. Both couples put out their cards and off he went. When he returned he set the 2 cards on the table, and his comment was I don’t knows whose card is whose! I think this topped it off for me. We just spent $300 for 4 people and you can’t take the time to look at the card and give it to the right person and say thank you. I was extremely bothered by this. And just so everybody understands, I normally tip 20% regardless. This waiter didn’t deserve the 10% that we left him. As we were walking out we asked for the manager and told him the food was great and the service was horrible. His response was I am sorry. It just didn’t seem very sincere. Needless to say I don’t think we will be returning to The Melting Pot very soon. To many restaurants in Mandarin that really appreciate our business!

First Visit – James was an exceptional server. He was very friendly and knowledgable. Since it was our first visit, he made great suggestions. We felt like we received an extra special touch. We will definitely be back!

Second Visit – Hope was our server and she was great. She was attentive and answered our questions, she even went to the manager to ask about a special request. Although it could not be filled we appreciated her willingness to ask. Thanks Hope for a great job!

Third Visit – the owners came around and checked on us to make sure all was well Hope was our server and she did an outstanding job! and we can’t forget about Sergio who is a wonderful bartender and very helpful in suggesting menu selections and drinls

Forth Visit – Our server, Amanda Lawrence, was an exceptional server!!! I honestly have to say that she is the best, friendliest, most cheerful waitress that I have EVER had. The food and all was great, but the overall experience was made “exceptional” by Amanda’s service. When I recommend the Melting Pot to any of my friends and family, I will highly recommend that they request Amanda as their server. She was delightful!!

We are regulars and this place will always be on the top of our list!!!

Upon entering I was immediatley struck with a sense of sophistication. The whole place was classy.

The food is pricey for something you are expected to cook yourself,: however, it is amazing. Its a great date experience because there is something more to do than just eat and talk. Their wine list is extensive and the service has never been anything short of satisfying. my experience was good and I will continue to go back every time I get the chance!

I had just gotten some awful news…… I just found out that early that morning that a good friend of mine died in a car accident. My boyfriend and I had already had plans to go and were walking in when I found out. We decided to stick it out and eat anyway. Everyone seemed to be able to tell something was wrong so it seemed as though everyone at the host stand started smiling even bigger than before. Our server came up to the table promptly and got the ball rolling. He helped us with the menu and got us exactly what we wanted without being pushy or questioning, that meant a lot as I did not want to have to speak the words that were lingering in the back of my head. By the time our entree came he had me smiling and laughing just on jokes and whit alone. By the time chocolate came around I felt like i was in an alternate reality. I can’t tell you what a blessing that was. I had an amazing time and will spend my memorable moments with them!

My family and I ate at the Jacksonville Melting Pot over the weekend and were highly empressed! With the economy being what it is we are very careful as to how we spend our money. Fondue isn’t your day to day food so we decided to give it a try! I am so glad that we did! Everything from the food to the atmosphere and expecially the service was on point. Our server Rachel greeted us promptly and gave a very detailed run through of the menu. She even took the time to include our young children which is important to us. She made sure that we as a family had all the information we needed before each course. From the explaination of how she makes the cheese to the fine detail of the main course presentaiton. She help out children again here by telling the precautions that they can unstand on a child’s level. The chocolate fondue was the best though. You can’t go wring with chocolate though. Throughout the meal the manager Dan made sure that we also felt welcome! He was so helpful to give us little extra tidbits of information. We will be back and we absolutely will be requesting Rachel again!!
Thanks Melting Pot Team!