Mellow Mushroom

A Magical Mystery Tour.
by: Gabriella Allen

Are you one of those people who don’t eat the crust of your pizza? – be prepared to be changed. I have been holding off on this review just because it’s hard to explain such greatness. I would imagine that when I get to heaven the pizza may be pretty close to the pizza at Mellow Mushroom. With two locations, one in Winter Park and the other by UCF, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers have graced our presence in the greater Orlando for 6 years. I’ve probably tried about 90% of the pizza restaurants in Orlando. Although we have some other great pizza places, this groovy joint takes the cake.

With a name like Mellow Mushroom, you’ve probably have already noticed the 70′s influence. Swirls of color clothe the restaurant in paraphernalia of the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. It’s a Magical Mystery Tour!

Speaking of the Magical Mystery Tour, that just happens to be one of the many delicious pizzas that fill the creative menu. Starting with a pesto sauce base, topped with spinach, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, and jalapeños- it’s truly an amazing experience. How about a Philosopher pie? It’s an olive oil and fresh garlic based pizza with mozzarella and provolone cheese, feta cheese, artichokes, portobello mushrooms and STEAK! My husbands two favorites are the Buffalo Chicken and the Funky Q (BBQ chicken) pizza. Yes they are funky! But even if your not so inventive with your taste buds, you can still enjoy some classic pizzas such as: a House Special (the works), hawaiian, veggie, Mighty Meaty, or just plain cheese. It’s not just the amazing toppings that cause this place to stand out. The cheese is a low fat mozzarella imported from italy. The high-gluten dough is made with spring water. After perfectly stone baked, the crust is brushed with garlic butter and imported parmesan cheese. You can’t eat gluten? No problem because they also have other options such as a gluten-free dough. If you’re not in the mood for pizza they also make amazing and creative hoagies that star items like jerk chicken, steak, shrimp, avocado, portobello, tofu, and tempeh. You wont run out of delicious options no matter what your diet is. Last but not least……. they serve over 21 MICRO-BREWED BEERS on tap. ( and a full liquor bar too.)

If you haven’t tried Mellow Mushroom yet, crawl out of your cave and head on over to one of the two Orlando locations. It’s a delicious and unforgettable experience. A helpful tip: be sure to head in early, they do get busy. If you don’t, at least it will be well worth your wait.

Prices range from about $4-$14 per person.
Check out http://www.mellowmushroom.com/orlando or
http://www.mellowmushroom.com/winterpark for more information.