Located on the corner of Peace and Glenwood, Mellow Mushroom is part of the old-guard. A long-time Raleigh institution that friends and family flock to for fresh salads and flavorful pizza. It’s hard to miss the place, given its very visible location and milling, bustling crowds. But over the past several years, you’ve seen a resurgence of good pizza in the area ranging from Trophy to Tazza Kitchen and more. So the question is, does Mellow Mushroom still hold up? Read on, my friend!
While Mellow Mushroom may be part of a chain, the feel is really not corporate at all. Young staff in groovy, psychedelic tees, a dark muted interior along with a short menu of salads and pizzas with cool names. In reality, Mellow Mushroom just feels like a larger version of Lilly’s Pizza which is a nearby competitor. Mellow Mushroom specializes in pies that come in some unusual taste combos. Their Funky Q Chicken with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar and of course, chicken, is a favorite of mine. Or how about their Mighty Meaty topped with pepperoni, beef, sausage and bacon. With names like the Philosopher, Magical Mystery Tour and Mellowterranean, there’s always a 70’s tie-dyed feel to the Mushroom. The crust here tends be a bit sweet, dusten with parmesan and cornmeal at a medium thickness. But everything I’ve tried here is quite good. Just be aware that their 10″ individual pies run about $11.
Beyond the pizzas, Mellow Mushroom dishes out toasted hoagies, cheese bread and more. The menu is basic and tasty which makes it popular for families and large groups. And while the inside can be a bit dark and dusty, the action is really out on the large wood patio flanking both streets. With a pair of pop-art mushrooms in one corner, the Mellow Mushroom patio is a great place to grab a beer or margarita in one of their plastic shakers. Service at Mellow Mushroom is typically friendly and solid even though they have a young staff.
So even with all the pizza competition out there, Mellow Mushroom can still hold its own. Lilly’s is a bit more funky and local. Moonlight is more hipster and quieter but the Mushroom is in the same ballpark as either of those choices. It’s still worth a visit if you’re in the hood and need a quick, high-quality pie. Unless you’re willing to head further out and hit up Trophy Brewing or Tazza Kitchen. But the Mellow Mushroom will not disappoint. Great location, solid pizza and quick service is the motto here! And don’t forget, you can park across the street at Peace Street Inspection during off-hours. So thanks Mellow Mushroom pizza! And keep on truckin’ those delicious pizzas…
601 W. Peace Street
Raleigh, NC 27605
919.832.3499
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