The story
South of Denver, in the historic town of Littleton, The Melting Pot has built a reputation as one of Colorado's most romantic dining destinations. The setting earns that distinction honestly: a multi-level historic building with cozy, private tables inside and a patio strung with twinkling lights outside. The wine program here earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a recognition that speaks to the care taken in pairing the right bottles with a leisurely, convivial meal.
The format is the draw. Rather than a conventional progression of plates, dinner unfolds as a four-course fondue experience designed to slow things down — giving guests what the restaurant itself calls "the gift of time." It begins with a cheese fondue prepared tableside, served with artisan bread, fresh fruit, and vegetables. From there, a fresh salad leads into the main event: an entrée course where guests cook their own selections — petite filets, lobster tail, Atlantic salmon, herb chicken, and more — in one of four cooking styles, from the robust red-wine Coq Au Vin broth to a zesty Caribbean-inspired Mojo. The meal closes with a chocolate fondue, with options ranging from The Original (milk chocolate and crunchy peanut butter) to the tableside-flambéed Flaming Turtle with caramel and candied pecans.
The Melting Pot of Littleton accommodates a wide range of occasions and dietary needs. Gluten-free options are available across all four courses, a vegan menu is offered, and the kitchen can work around most food allergies. Private rooms and banqueting spaces make it a practical choice for rehearsal dinners, milestone celebrations, and corporate gatherings alike. A bar with weekday happy hour rounds out the experience for those who want something more casual.
The combination of an award-recognized wine list, a genuinely interactive fondue format, and a setting that encourages conversation makes this Littleton address worth the trip from Denver.
Recognition
Ambience
Location