Mellow Mushroom
Published: Feb 24, 2009
New York and Chicago may have reputations as big pizza towns. But anyone who has ever tasted Mellow Mushroom pizza should be thinking, Atlanta.
Mellow Mushroom has been a far-out, hometown tradition since 1974 when two Georgia Institute of Technology roommates opened a small pizza place on Spring Street in Midtown. The business grew when they were joined by a friend from the University of Georgia, who opened a new store in Sandy Springs.
Known for its psychedelic restaurant decor, Mellow Mushroom has turned 1970s culture into an amusing theme characterized by a laidback, carefree vibe. The Roswell, Ga., location (just outside of Atlanta) even has a booth built inside of a large tree to recall a hippie or "shroom" environment.
But if the titillating conversation pieces have placed Mellow Mushroom (pick up a "BAKED" T-shirt if you're so inclined) on the map, it's definitely the food that has kept faithful customers coming back again and again.
While the restaurant is famous for its spring-water dough, the pizza and calzones are also heavily doused in Parmesan cheese — which means you won't want to let a single bite go to waste. Even the crust is deliciously similar to a breadstick.
The oversized salads are filled with fresh ingredients and overwhelmed with toppings, such as the ham, sprouts and cheese on the Chef's salad. And if you're not in the mood for pizza or salad try a deli or grilled hoagie. All items are available for dining in or carry-out.
Because of their success in Atlanta, the company has branched out to other locations throughout the South, but a hometown slice is still the best.
- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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