When asking yourself about something to do near me in Sunnyvale with a group of friends or family, consider
The Melt
Why The Melt is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Melt, located at 925 Market Street in San Francisco's Theater District, is a popular fast-casual restaurant that specializes in high-quality grilled cheese sandwiches and seasonally fresh soups. Founded in 2011 in San Francisco, The Melt has built a reputation for using all-natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup, ensuring great-tasting and wholesome food. The menu has expanded from just grilled cheese and soups to include burgers, chicken, fries, mac and cheese, and handspun milkshakes, making it a versatile spot for a casual meet-up. The restaurant combines comfort food with technology, offering mobile and touch-screen ordering for a faster and more convenient dining experience. Open late until 3:00 AM, The Melt provides a cozy, simple, and eco-friendly environment, welcoming friends for lunch, dinner, or late-night bites. With free Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessibility, and highchairs available, it is an inviting place for groups of all ages. Its reputation for quality food and friendly service makes it a great destination to enjoy delicious melty comfort food while catching up with friends in the heart of San Francisco.
Here's what people think of The Melt
As of recent, The Melt holds a 4.6-star rating based on 261 reviews.
Reviews of The Melt highlight a strong overall satisfaction with an average rating of 4.6 from 261 users, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. Patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, flavorful soups, and standout MeltBurgers made with an angus-wagyu blend. The melty mac 'n' cheese and handspun milkshakes are also frequently mentioned as favorites. Positive reviewers often note the friendly service, the efficient and innovative ordering system, and the welcoming ambiance as reasons they keep coming back. The late-night hours make it especially popular among those seeking comfort food after typical dinner times. However, some less favorable reviews indicate occasional issues with wait times during busy periods and inconsistencies in food preparation or order accuracy. A few customers have mentioned that certain menu items can be a bit pricey given the fast-casual setting. Despite these criticisms, the consensus remains strongly favorable, with many guests recommending The Melt for its tasty offerings and reliable quality. Overall, the reviews paint The Melt as a beloved local destination for comfort food lovers, balancing freshness, flavor, and accessibility in a friendly and modern dining environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joey Spendlove
We came for lunch and the service was great. 1st time here and we got some great recommendations and everything was really good. The spicy chicken sandwich was really spicy for me, but I got the sauce on the side, as recommended, so I was able to add the amount I wanted to each bite. Fries were fantastic. The steak and cheese was one of the best I’ve had at any place. That too was spicy though with the fresh jalapeños, so be warned.
Druthi U
We visited The Melt with a group of friends and had a pretty good experience overall. The place has limited seating and is self-serve only, so be prepared for a casual, no-frills dining setup. The Three Cheese Grilled Sandwich and Tomato Soup were definitely the highlights—rich, flavorful, and exactly what you’d want from a classic comfort food combo. The Garlic Parmesan Fries were decent but didn’t stand out, and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich was okay but not particularly memorable. If you’re craving a solid grilled cheese and soup, this spot is worth a visit.
Anderson Klein
The food is above average for the price, and the ambient was surpsingly quiet and chill. The burgers are simple but balanced. The meat is very good and cooked to a perfect medium-well, though you can order a well done optionally. This place is generous on the cheese and lean on the sauce, which means their bread doesn't get very soggy. The ingredients overall are good. The soda is a local craft alternative that is very good, and on its own a huge plus. Overall, it is not necessarily special or fancy, and it is priced as an intermediate fast food place at what should be a bit over 15-20$ per person. But it is far preferable compared to The Habit, Five Guys, or Inn N Out.
Alex Wong
My friends and I like to visit this place almost every week, and the food, staff, and place are overall amazing! Food-wise, the price is pretty good for the quality taste and large portions you're getting. 1-2 orders of fries was enough for a group of 4 people. The crispy onions are a MUST if you're ordering burgers. The service is always fast and efficient while providing great work when our group swings by. Super polite as well!
Thai Bui
High end burgers stacked like towers. A little more costly than other gourmet burger places like Red Robin, but well worth it. Double Stacked Shroom Burger w/ Pepper Jack Cheese ($16): Juicy, drizzling and meaty burger complimented with seasoned mushrooms. The meat was cooked medium rare perfectly and the sweet bun accompanied the meat well (but got soggy a bit quickly due to all the meat juice dripping.) Very big portion size with two thick patties of meat. Patty Melt w/ Tomato Soup: The light tomato soup accompanied the grilled cheese with patty meat really well. It wasn’t too acidic and had a creamy and light tomato flavor. Double Melt Burger: basically a double cheese burger but with extremely thick patties and melted cheese. Service: Staff worked efficiently to get meals prepped and within minutes after ordering and were very kind.
How to reach The Melt
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Website: None
Why The Melt may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Melt with your friends?
When looking for the perfect spot to gather with friends or family, The Melt stands out as a compelling choice. With an impressive rating of 4.6 from over 260 reviews, it combines the appeal of delicious comfort food with a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere ideal for socializing. The heart of The Melt’s appeal lies in its focus on grilled cheese sandwiches, melt-in-your-mouth burgers, and comforting sides, all made from high-quality ingredients that can please a wide variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether your group includes vegetarians, meat lovers, or individuals with dietary restrictions like gluten allergies, The Melt offers options to satisfy everyone, making it an inclusive choice for any gathering. Furthermore, the casual vibe ensures that you and your group can enjoy good food without the fuss, focusing on conversation and connection in a friendly environment. The quick service also makes it a great place for groups that want to maximize their time together without long waits. Choosing The Melt means choosing a place where great food and great company blend perfectly for memorable get-togethers.
What activities and experiences does The Melt offer for group meetups?
Beyond just being a restaurant, The Melt provides an environment that fosters social interaction and shared enjoyment. When you bring a group, the spacious seating arrangements make it easy to find room for everyone, ensuring that your meetup flows smoothly without cramped quarters. The menu itself supports group dynamics, with shareable sides like crispy fries and rich, creamy mac and cheese that encourage communal eating. This shared experience of passing around plates and trying different items adds a fun, casual dimension to your gathering. For those interested in food experience, The Melt’s artful use of melted cheese—the star ingredient—provides something novel and nostalgic at once, sparking conversations and food discovery. For families, accommodating kids with flavorful yet simple options like the classic three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich creates a relaxed, welcoming experience for all ages. The Melt’s fast and friendly service means your group won’t have to wait long to dig in, allowing more time to enjoy each other’s company rather than focusing on the meal logistics.
How does The Melt accommodate different dietary needs and preferences?
A great group meetup requires attentiveness to everyone’s dietary needs—something The Melt excels at. The restaurant offers a variety of choices for vegetarians, such as the popular three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich, and even gluten-free bread options for those with wheat allergies. This inclusive menu ensures no one feels left out, allowing friends or family members with different eating preferences to dine comfortably together. The Melt uses high-quality ingredients, from all-natural meats to fresh artisan bread, which appeals especially to health-conscious diners looking for better fast-casual options. Additionally, the ability to customize orders means groups can tailor meals to individual tastes, enhancing satisfaction. This attention to diversity in dietary options paired with quick service makes The Melt not just a place to eat but a venue that respects the needs of every guest in your party.
Why is the food at The Melt perfect for sharing and social gatherings?
Food is often the centerpiece of social gatherings, and The Melt’s menu turns up the volume on flavor and comfort. Their grilled cheese sandwiches and MeltBurgers are crafted to be both delicious and substantial, with gooey melted cheese playing the starring role. The crunchy exterior and soft, melty centers create a satisfying taste and texture contrast that keeps people coming back for more. This kind of comfort food naturally encourages a relaxed atmosphere where people feel at home, fostering genuine connections. What makes it even better is the option to order multiple varieties for a group to sample, turning the meal into a shared tasting experience. Pair these with classic sides like fries and tomato soup, and you have a menu made for bonding — everyone can find a favorite, and passing dishes around creates a convivial, festive mood. Desserts like soft serve vanilla cones add a sweet ending that can be enjoyed collectively, rounding out the meal in a way that’s enjoyable for all ages.
How does The Melt’s atmosphere contribute to a successful group meetup?
The ambiance of a venue can make or break a group event, and The Melt offers a casual, upbeat environment that welcomes gatherings of all sizes. The décor is modern yet cozy, creating a relaxed setting that encourages conversation without noise distractions common in larger restaurants or noisy bar scenes. The staff is known for being friendly and efficient, which adds to the positive social experience by reducing wait times and ensuring everyone’s needs are promptly met. Located in popular shopping centers or bustling urban areas, The Melt allows meetups to be combined with other activities like shopping or walking around, making the outing more versatile. The ease of ordering—either at the counter or online—also suits groups who want a streamlined experience without complicated menus or long waits. Although some locations note having limited restroom facilities, proper planning can easily mitigate this minor issue. Overall, The Melt delivers an environment that balances comfort, convenience, and community, making it ideal for friends and family to reconnect and enjoy time together.
What makes The Melt a memorable spot for family gatherings?
Family gatherings at The Melt are special because of their family-friendly service and menu that appeals across generations. Kids and adults alike find something to enjoy, from kid-friendly grilled cheese sandwiches to hearty burgers and customizable sides. The staff takes care to provide quick service even when busy, which is crucial when dining with children who prefer not to wait. The space itself is accommodating, and the relaxed atmosphere helps families feel at ease, turning meals into occasions full of laughter and bonding rather than stress. Moreover, the option of healthier choices and allergen-conscious items means parents can feel confident about what their children are eating. The comfort-food concept resonates with family members seeking a nostalgic yet trendy spot, making The Melt a place that brings generations together over shared tastes and new memories.
How does The Melt handle large groups and what should you know before organizing a meetup?
When organizing a meetup at The Melt, it’s helpful to know how the location handles groups to ensure a smooth experience. While The Melt is well-suited for groups due to its spacious seating, some reviews mention that certain locations have only one restroom, which can pose minor logistical challenges for large parties. Planning the timing of your visit can alleviate waiting issues, such as avoiding peak rush hours or splitting up restroom visits. The fast service mitigates long food wait times, keeping group energy positive and focused on socializing rather than waiting. Since The Melt offers online ordering, you can also organize orders ahead of time for faster pickup, which is a great advantage for groups looking to minimize any hold-up. The staff's friendly approach means they are typically accommodating to special requests or seating preferences, so don’t hesitate to notify them in advance about your group size or needs. This combination of thoughtful service and informal atmosphere makes The Melt a dependable choice for any group occasion.
What sets The Melt apart from other casual dining spots?
The Melt’s distinguishing feature is its singular focus on perfecting the melt—both in grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers—bringing an elevated twist to beloved comfort food classics. Unlike generic fast food or standard sandwich shops, The Melt emphasizes quality ingredients, careful preparation, and bold flavors, making every bite memorable. Its appeal extends beyond just taste: the welcoming vibe, accommodating menu, and efficient service all complement the food to create an outstanding dining experience. This focus on the craft of melting has evolved into a unique brand identity that resonates strongly with comfort food lovers and groups looking for a reliable, tasty, and fun place to gather. The ability to satisfy diverse diets and preferences with artisan breads, gluten-free options, and vegetarian-friendly choices further elevates The Melt above other casual dining options. With multiple locations and growing popularity, The Melt represents a modern, social, and delicious choice for eating out with friends or family.
Why do reviews recommend The Melt for quick but satisfying meals?
Many reviewers praise The Melt for its ability to deliver quick service without sacrificing quality or flavor, making it an ideal spot for groups or individuals on tight schedules. Even during busy times, customers find that orders are prepared promptly, allowing them to eat and socialize without long waits. The fast yet attentive customer service ensures that your group’s needs are met efficiently, whether ordering at the counter or using online ordering options. The food itself is described as consistently delicious, with standout items like the three-cheese grilled cheese and MeltBurgers delighting both first-timers and regulars. This rare combination of speed and satisfaction makes The Melt a preferred destination for anyone seeking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without the typical extended wait associated with sit-down restaurants. For busy friends or families wanting to grab a quick bite and still savor their time together, The Melt hits the mark perfectly.