I would just like preface by saying that I am reviewing as a longtime server and someone who has worked in the service industry for almost a decade now. I am a fan of this restaurant, and am irritated by other customers' bad reviews. When I dine here I know that being in the heart of downtown, it is a restaurant that you should plan on spending more money than somewhere in the suburbs, that sales and alcohol tax is higher, and that it will be harder to get reservations than it is at your local Olive Garden. Knowing this, I make reservations at least a two weeks in advance, and I would NEVER expect to just walk-in. The nature of the restaurant is not one in which you just sit and order your food and then leave. Fondue is a dining experience, and you should expect to spend the time and money it takes to have that experience created for you. The food may be overpriced, but the price is definitely worth the amount of work and attention that the staff provides to you. This is not a restaurant where your server just drops off your entree and brings you your drinks. My servers have actually been the ones making the food at the table, not to mention spending 10 plus minutes explaining how fondue works for guests that I've brought along who have never done fondue before. Not to mention an excellent wine list at great, great prices. I will admit that it is dissappointing to have to wait for a reservation when I show up on time, but knowing how the industry works, and the fact that fondue is a long meal, I know that people sit for 3 plus hours, which must cut into other reservation times. I in no way would blame the restaurant for a long wait, but I instead blame inexperienced diners who have no common courtesy for other guests at the restaurant. I have been a guest here since it opened in 2003 and will continue to dine here. However, I do reserve it for special occasions and I never just drop in for a quick bite to eat.
Pros: Good service, great experience
Cons: Hard to get reservations
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