The downtown Melting Pot is essentially one big fondue party that turns dinner into an event with several courses, big martinis and a dessert menu that involves melted chocolate and cheesecakes bites. The upscale chain restaurant is dimly lit and moody, with dark décor and splashes of bold coloring spattered throughout the halls. The average dinnertime for a party of two can run about two hours, mainly because courses are paced and people are essentially cooking their own food. Try the Big Night Out, which ranges from $75 to $91 for two and it includes the lobster indulgence (twin lobster tails, citrus pork, vegetables) Fondue Feast (filet mignon, garlic and herb chicken, mushroom ravioli) and Signature Selection (breast chicken, pot stickers, filet mignon.) If you come by just for a cheese fondue snack, you won’t be disappointed with the Wisconsin trio. Cindy Arora

Insider tip: Eating here takes time, so if you have tickets for the theater, give yourself a two-hour cushion.

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $15

Hours: Monday–Thursday: 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
Friday—Saturday: 4:30 p.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: 3:30 p.m.–10 p.m.