The Melting Pot, Austin

Today, hundreds of people gather at The Melting Pot’s more than 140 North American locations to cast romantic spells over one another as they dip breads and vegetables into melted cheese and share meats and seafood prepared in oil. They all wield double-pronged spears—or fondue forks—to suspend the tasty morsels of their choice in the ambrosial selections before them, which are cleverly heated by stovetops built into each and every table in The Melting Pot's restaurants. The chefs prepare most platters in sizes best shared by two, making the venue ideal for date nights or reunions with twins who left 10 years ago to study the art of fondue.

At The Melting Pot, staffers use the restaurant to invest in their community as well. They host charity events, school fundraisers, and even run a program to reward straight-A students with a free fondue dinner.