The Melting Pot and I have had a long love story. Most of the time it seems like a Lifetime story. \n\nI have been a fan of fondue for several years. While it tends to be more of a special occasion rather than casual occurrence, we have gone twice in the past 3 months. The first time was in April. I had been to several Melting Pots before. I have never been overly impressed by this one in Madison but my husband and I decided to go last April. Terrible decision. Apparently, it was THE night to go! We had 6 o'clock reservations. We arrived a couple of minutes early. We waited nearly ten minutes to get seated, all the while walk-in groups and couples were being seated. \n\nI had to make a point to remind them that we had reservations. When they finally got around to seating, we were once again seated in an area with \"couple\" types seats. They are small, awkward and we specifically requested not to be seated there. However, that was all that available (though we had a reservation). It is so weird to sit next a person. This was not our first date. I was not hear to kiss and cuddle. I am there to have dinner. \n\nThe service took so long. They were clearly understaffed. However, it got to the point where we were waiting twenty minutes between each course. I was so turned off by this experience. On this occasion we went because we had a Groupon so we decided to make a special trip. We were applied automatic gratuity. Now, I am a good tipper and if I want to tip 18% for terrible service, I would. However, I did not want to do this and was extremely upset by this.\n\nUpon returning home, I immediately contacted this location. I received no response and two weeks later sent another email. FINALLY, I received a call from a manager. I did not want anything free, I just wanted acknowledgement. They were attentive but at the same time really could not care. Without asking, they sent us a dip certificate. \n\nSo my husband and I decided to go again. Just give them the benefit of the doubt. This time the service was a complete 180! The hostess was talkative and friendly. The waiter was prompt and on-time. We were stuck, again, in those terrible booths. However, the service was so much better. I am not sure if I will go again. Honestly, the service is just not as good as other locations that I have experienced. I feel better about this experience but it does not have the same class level as other locations. \n\nThe manager on duty did give us a complimentary box of strawberries for our anniversary. This visit got a 5, the first got a 1. Therefore, let's average it out at a 3.
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