Downtown St. Petersburg is vibrant and bustling, and exciting news for foodies and locals alike: The Melting Pot is officially reopening its doors in downtown St. Pete on April 7th! After closing its previous location in 2020, the popular fondue restaurant is making a highly anticipated return, signaling the continued dynamism and growth of downtown St. Pete’s culinary scene. This reopening is not just about a restaurant; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of downtown St. Pete as a premier destination for dining, entertainment, and vibrant city life. So, to answer the question directly, downtown St. Pete is not only open but thriving, with new businesses and returning favorites enriching its landscape.
The Melting Pot Finds a New Home in Downtown St. Pete
Located at 699 Central Avenue, at the corner of 7th Street and Central Avenue, the new Melting Pot boasts a spacious 4,900-square-foot restaurant. This prime location in the heart of downtown St. Pete underscores the area’s attractiveness for established brands seeking to connect with a lively customer base. Bob Johnston, CEO of Melting Pot, expressed his enthusiasm about returning to St. Petersburg, especially during the brand’s 50th anniversary. He highlighted the strong guest demand as a key factor in their return, emphasizing the long-standing connection with the community over three decades. The new Central Avenue location promises a modern and refreshed fondue experience, ready to welcome both loyal patrons and newcomers.
The journey to this reopening involved significant renovations to the 695 Central Avenue building, owned by Paradise Ventures. These upgrades, announced in July 2021 and reported by St. Pete Rising, included striking impact-resistant fold-up windows on the ground floor and elegant New Orleans-style balconies gracing the second floor along Central Avenue. St. Pete Rising further broke the news in January 2023 about The Melting Pot’s move to this revitalized space. After a two-year build-out, the restaurant is now poised to become a central dining destination in downtown St. Pete. The design features an open seating plan, incorporating both booths and tables, along with a bar that seamlessly opens onto the bustling Central Avenue, perfect for enjoying the downtown atmosphere.
A Fondue Experience Awaits in Downtown St. Pete
For those unfamiliar with The Melting Pot, it offers a distinctive and interactive dining experience centered around fondue. Guests can indulge in a four-course meal or à la carte options, starting with a selection of gourmet cheese fondues. Imagine dipping artisan bread and fresh fruit into delectable options like Wisconsin Cheddar, Spinach Artichoke, or French Onion Gruyere. The experience continues with salads, followed by a choice of entrées featuring premium proteins such as shrimp, lobster, and filet mignon. These are accompanied by a variety of cooking styles and flavorful sauces, including unique blends like Mojo, a Caribbean-inspired citrus-garlic-cilantro mix, and Coq Au Vin, a rich Burgundy wine reduction with mushrooms and garlic.
Entrée sauces further enhance the flavors, with choices ranging from Teriyaki Glaze to Gorgonzola Port, and even Yogurt Curry or Ginger Plum for the more adventurous palate. To conclude the culinary journey on a sweet note, the decadent chocolate fondue awaits. Beyond the classic milk, dark, or white chocolate, guests can explore specialty options like the Flaming Turtle, a flambéed milk chocolate and caramel delight with candied pecans, or the Crème Brûlée fondue, a white chocolate and crème caramel creation finished with caramelized sugar.
To complement the dining experience, The Melting Pot offers an extensive beverage menu. Wine enthusiasts, craft beer aficionados, and cocktail lovers will find something to enjoy, from sangrias and hard seltzers to classic cocktails and house specialties like the Pineapple Upside Down Cake cocktail. Coffee-based cocktails, including their take on the Espresso Martini, and alcohol-free options like the Lemon-Berry Sage Squeeze and Bee’s Tea ensure there’s a refreshing drink for every preference. While it’s worth checking if the St. Pete location will offer a Happy Hour like some other Melting Pot restaurants, the regular hours are quite accommodating, open daily with extended hours on weekends.
Downtown St. Pete: A Hub of Activity
The reopening of The Melting Pot is just one piece of the exciting puzzle that makes up downtown St. Pete. This area is a dynamic mix of dining, retail, arts, and entertainment, constantly evolving and offering something new to discover. From the vibrant Central Avenue to the waterfront views, downtown St. Pete is a destination that attracts both residents and visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring art galleries, enjoying live music, shopping at unique boutiques, or simply soaking in the sunshine, downtown St. Pete has it all. The return of The Melting Pot adds another layer to this already rich tapestry, providing a unique dining option perfect for special occasions or a fun night out.
In conclusion, is downtown St. Pete open? Absolutely! And it’s more vibrant and exciting than ever, with the reopening of The Melting Pot adding to its already impressive array of attractions and dining experiences. Make sure to mark April 7th on your calendar and get ready to rediscover fondue in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. For the latest updates and announcements, follow The Melting Pot St. Petersburg’s Facebook page. Downtown St. Pete welcomes you!
