Pizza and Beer: In No Particular Order
There’s no shortage of selection at the Myrtle Beach Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers. In addition to carrying more than 40 toppings for their surplus of hand-crafted pizzas, the restaurant also offers a smorgasbord of sandwiches, pastas, and salads. Most excitingly, however, the Atlanta-based franchise offers 101 types of beer with 41 on tap!
The 89th Mellow Mushroom restaurant opened its doors in Myrtle Beach in July 2008, to rave reviews from locals and visitors. From décor to architectural layout, owner Matt Duke had executive authority over the 5,200 square-foot restaurant, the largest in the Mellow Mushroom family.
Despite the size of the crowds at mealtime rush, the restaurant is able to maintain its laid-back atmosphere. Psychedelic murals and far-out mood lighting set the scene for ultimate relaxation. Soon after entering, I found myself uttering “man” after every sentence and wondering how my “Vee-Dub” would look with a tie-dyed paint job.
The pizzas themselves are works of art, each hand-crafted with fresh vegetables, specialty meats or meat substitutes, and whole wheat crusts diners can customize to their own definitions of perfection. I traveled to Nirvana with the Kosmic Karma, which comes topped with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese and pesto.
In addition to local standards such as Myrtle Beach’s own New South ales, bartenders at “the Shroom” proudly pour microbrews from across the globe, including the aptly named Abita Purple Haze from Los Angeles and Vermont’s Magic Hat #9. Locals line up for various Happy Hour specials like Margarita Mondays, which offer $2 Margaritas all night. Additionally, the restaurant hosts monthly events that often feature live bands and outdoor festivities.
While Matt Duke has aspirations to open a couple more franchises along the Grand Strand in the distant future, for the present he hopes this first restaurant can find a special place in the heart of the Myrtle Beach community.
Mellow Mushroom is located on 21st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, just off Highway 17 Bypass and across the street from Broadway at the Beach. They are open Mondays through Saturdays from 11-2 a.m. and Sundays from noon to midnight. For more information call (843) 444-1122 or visit their website at http://www.MellowMushroom.com.
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