At the new Mellow Mushroom in Burlington, the slogan “happiness as expressed in pizza” is proven to be right.
Since its opening Monday, November 9, the Mellow Mushroom has been jam packed with hungry customers, Burlington residents and Elon students alike. Unlike most chain restaurants, the Mellow Mushroom is unique and rather groovy, especially for the small southern town of Burlington. Just in the past few days, the Mellow Mushroom has already proven to be exactly what Burlington needs with wait times up to two hours.
Psychedelic gnomes and hipster dwarfs cover the colorful walls of the redesigned restaurant, taking customers on a time-travel journey back to the 1970’s. This is nothing you will find in your local Cracker Barrel or Chili’s, that’s for sure.
Don’t be too distracted by the funky colorful murals or the waiters’ tie-dyed aprons, though. The Mellow Mushroom has much more to offer than its hippy style flare. Mellow Mushroom calls their Beer Club “something to talk about” with over fifty beers offered, many of which are available draft as well. This will keep the of age Elon students happy, for sure. And those who aren’t will be counting down the days.
How about some mouth-watering pretzels with that draft? These warm, doughy and delicious pretzels will leave you wanting more, and more, and more…until you can’t button bear to button your jeans. The Parmesan and butter pretzels are the perfect salty appetizers, while the cinnamon pretzels are for those who have a sweet tooth. Whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed. The dough melts in your mouth and hits the spot, especially if you’re a “carboholic”, like me.
Although my spinach side salad was nothing to call home about, all of the ingredients were fresh and well presented. The pizza though, is another story. It may not be off the streets of New York pizza, but it sure is delicious!
I had the Buffalo chicken pizza with grilled chicken, sweet sautéed onions, bacon, cheese, and hot sauce. It was TO DIE FOR. Perfectly spicy, yet not too hot, and the dough was just as good as the pretzels.
Although its been busy, the service has not suffered by any means. My waiter was a laid back young guy who was on the ball, and willing to recommend specialties if asked. Good food and good service? Heck yes!
As I walked through the restaurant, it seemed as if Mellow Mushroom has already become a popular hang out for Elon students, just as it was back in 1974 when three college students opened the first Mellow Mushroom at Georgia Tech University.
Probably the coolest thing about this pizza joint, that sets it apart from your typical California Pizza Kitchen, or Domino’s, is the fact that each Mellow Mushroom is locally owned and operated, allowing each location to be unique and eccentric in its own way. Throughout the years, it seems as though Mellow Mushroom has held itself to high standards in the restaurant business, providing its customers with a fun atmosphere, scrumptious food, and a bountiful bar. Despite its location off of Huffman Mill Road, Mellow Mushroom remains unique and fun, and does its best not to blend in with the monotonous chain restaurants that surround it.
Go, eat, and enjoy! As they may say at Mellow Mushroom, peace, love, and pizza.
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