Mellow Mushroom

Finally got around to ordering a pizza from here last Friday. The white sauce was garlicky and awesome. It was a bit expensive but we really enjoyed the pie.

I have mixed feelings about Mellow Mushroom. It’s very good for a chain, and its beer selection is unparalleled in that regard. However, it’s expensive — prices are equivalent to Apizza Scholls! Is it the greatest pizza I’ve ever had? Not at all, but it’s still good pizza. I’ve had many worse pies. Kind of sad that this location is closing, but happy about 10 Barrels coming in. The funky atmosphere and huge beer list were only going to carry MM so far in this foodie town… especially at the prices they were charging. I will say that vegans claim that they had some of the better vegan pizzas… to me, fake cheese is inferior cheese, so I can’t be an impartial judge. Farewell, Mellow Mushroom.

I’m not a huge pizza connoisseur, probably because I’m not a huge pizza fan, but Mellow Mushroom is my favorite pizza joint in Portland so far. The crust isn’t too thick and has a nice chew to it. Been here a couple times and always leave full and happy. My favorite is definitely the red skin potato! Lots of places add bacon to their pizzas, but here it’s a thicker cut and comes out crispy. Their soups are pretty good, too. I’ve had their broccoli cheddar, tomato bisque and creamy mushroom. Broccoli had big chunks of broccoli and the creamy mushroom had tons of sautéed mushrooms on top. I don’t crave it often, but when I’m in the mood for pizza, this is my first choice.
Only reason for the missing fifth star is the service sometimes. The whole hipster Portland service has got to stop. It’s getting old. You don’t have to be chippy or even smile! Just acknowledge me and stop acting like I’m bothering you. If your job is so miserable, maybe you should get out of the «service» industry.

Ok, I said I’d go back and I did. It will be the last time I go back. Ordered a spiked sausage hoagie and a house pizza. The spiked sausage hoagie wasn’t bad, it was a little expensive, but all in all not bad, but not good enough to make me go back.
The first thing I noticed was the size, it seems much smaller than a normal large. They also seemed to skimp on toppings, and combine that with the taste being pretty bland, it’s not worth the money. I did notice a bad aftertaste with the crust as well, something I don’t remember from before. I hope that Mellow Mushroom changes back to the old menu/​recipes, until then, I have to say goodbye.

This is a review by a vegetarian
1.5 stars
Flabby chain pizza that depends on whacky topping combinations to distract you from it’s underlying awfulness. Way WAY too much cornmeal on the bottom. It crunches; that’s a tip-​off that you’ve used too much.
Fine service to give you your pile of blah in a timely friendly manner.

I really am a big fan of Mellow Mushroom. I know they are sort of a chain, but the pizza is so fricken delicious. I don’t know what they do to the crust, but I find myself eating everyone else’s leftover crust at the end of each meal! They all say «the crust is nothing but carbs» and I say «We need as many carbs as we can get».
Not to mention the fantastic beer selection at Mellow Mushroom. They have a whole wall of beer taps and a great selection of bottles as well.
See, it’s that simple. Get me a variety of good beer and good pizza, I’ll give you a good review. Thanks Mellow Mushroom for being awesome.

It was Valentines Day at work, so my co-​workers and I decided to drown our collective sorrow in copious amounts of pizza. We wanted to branch out from our regular delivery options and pick out a new place to order from. Mellow Mushroom had always caught my eye with it’s funky paint job and suggestive name. So we ordered three large pies from their Portland website:
1. Philosopher’s Pie Olive Oil and Garlic base pizza with grilled Steak, Portobello Mushrooms, Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Provolone, Feta, and Mozzarella Cheese (25.50)
2. Mighty Meaty Red Sauce base pizza with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Sausage, Ground Beef, Ham, and Applewood Smoked Bacon. (24.50)
3. Holy Shiitake Pie A blend of Shiitake, Button and Portobello mushrooms with Caramelized Onions on an Olive oil and Garlic base with Mozzarella and Italian Montamore cheese drizzled with Garlic Aioli and a spritz of Black Truffle Oil. Garnished with fresh chives and shaved Parmesan. (24.50)
Even though we ordered off the local menu on their website, our first choice, the Buffalo Chicken, was not available at this location. When I went to pick up the pizzas, the Mellow Mushroom staff was fast and courteous. I was given ample parmesan, red pepper, napkins, and plates. The restaurant was quite vast with several large tables, each of which looked like they could accommodate a youth sports team. There was also a massive tap selection. I briefly looked it over while I was leaving and there were some real nice choices, but I’m not sure what the prices are like.
When I got back to the office and looked at the pizzas, I was to say the least, a bit disappointed in their size. I didn’t notice that a large pizza is 16″. $ 25 for a 16″ pizza is a bit ridiculous. Even at fancy pizza places here in Portland that are dedicated to sustainability, etc they charge that for an 18″ pizza. Now 2″ may not sound like a lot, but after some googling and elementary math, I discovered that’s 25% more pie! To add insult to injury, several of the pies had crusts that protruded 3″ inches into the pie. I’m not exaggerating, I measured the crust. It fluctuated from 1.5″ to 3″, but overall there was just too much crust and this was not particularly good crust. I don’t know if it’s the whole wheat or if they just under cooked it, but it was chewy and extra doughy like bad homemade pizza. Was their oven not hot enough? Was their pizza stone not working? Why make your crust whole wheat? Pizza is not a health food.
The toppings were good and for the Mighty Meaty, they were plentiful, at least on the part of the pizza that wasn’t dominated by crust. The Holy Shiitake was the most disappointing of the bunch. Just not enough mushrooms and since the crust was chewy; I felt like I was just eating soggy cheese bread.
I might go back here to grab some beers or maybe even a slice if I’m in the area and want pizza, but I won’t be getting whole pies from Mellow Mushroom again. There are just too many better pizza places in Portland.

Definitely delicious food! We had the mauie wouwi pizza and it was superb! The server was super sweet and their prices were great. I just wish they had more of the authentic mellow mushroom atmoaphere, rather than the generic downtown restaurant interior. But definitely a good experience!

HOLY SHIITAKE, BATMAN! That’s a heck of a pie!
With Brother N and a friend visiting from L.A. and staying with us for the Holidays, we took the opportunity to hit a bunch of different restaurants and show them the Portland city life, at least from the culinary perspective.
On this Thursday night, six of us (four adults, two kids) hopped in to the Mellow Mushroom for some pizza and beer (well, beer for the adults anyway…). I’d been there once before, but (with a nod to my ever-​expanding tummy) on that visit I opted for a sandwich, which was «decent». This time, being the Holidays, I decided weight-​be-​damned and I’m «all in.»
We went for three different pizzas. Pepperoni and sausage-​loving kids got the «Mighty Meaty», with pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham and bacon. I, at least attempting to shave a couple calories off my pie, ordered the Holy Shiitake (mushroom pizza). And, just because our eyes were bigger than our stomachs (tough for me to pull off) we topped it off with The Thai Dye, a Thai-​inspired pizza.
All six of us agreed these were excellent pizzas. The kids (and a couple adults) loved the Mighty Meaty, though I didn’t try that one. The Holy Shiitake — -this one’s a mushroom-lover’s dream pizza. A three-​mushroom blend of Portabello’s, Shiitake and Buttons, garlic and truffle-​infused oil, along with a swirl of mayo-​y Aioli made for the best mushroom pizza I’ve ever had.
The Thai Dye was fantastic as well. Curried chicken, sweet pickled cucumber bits, and a nice Mae Ploy (sweet chili) sauce embodied all of Thai food in each delicious bite. This one takes home the award for «most unusual» flavor I’ve had from a pizza, in a good way.
They have a LOT of beers on tap. Brother N and I both wanted to get a «paddle» (four 4-​oz beer tastes each). But after perusing the list, and striking out (our first several choices were out) we just told them to «surprise us» with whatever their eight best sellers were. They weren’t bad. Mellow Mushroom isn’t a brewery, so these were all brewed by various other breweries both in-​state and out.
The meal was excellent. Our server was excellent, attentive, coming back to check on how the food was and to keep waters full. We had zero service issues.
We went on a Groupon, but honestly, the food is good enough that we’ll return even if we’re not using one. I came away thinking «wow, this is really a Portland-​esque one-​off Pizza place” — until I checked their web site and found they’re actually quite the franchised chain (though there is only one here on the west coast – there are many others in the Southeast). Nonetheless, if «cool and interesting pizza» rings the dinner bell with you, Mellow Mushroom is definitely a place you’ll want to swing through.

This is where I think 3.5 stars would be perfect, but they get bumped up instead of down because the employees are always so incredibly nice and they are very consistent with their food.
I can’t even talk about this place without getting hungry for their cheesy bread. It’s crisp, it’s soft, it’s cheesy and gooey, basically they do everything right with this bread. I ask for a side of their spicy ranch (also really good) to make it even better.
The pizza is pretty tasty. I like the crust and they have a good array of toppings. I should probably mention I like pizza but not in the way most people love pizza. That being said I’ve always enjoyed the pizza here, some more than others depending on toppings. I do feel the prices are a bit high for their product, but not so high that I won’t pay it again. However, if the pizzas were just a couple dollars less I’d probably be there a lot more often.
I realize this is a chain but it’s never felt corporate or impersonal to me. I think that’s because of the really friendly staff. Whatever it is they’re doing it right. My daughter and I often pick this spot for our weekly lunch out.

From someone who don’t care for pizza, the pizza at Mellow Mushroom is very good. The shitaki/​mushroom combo is one of my favorite. They do not skimp on the toppings. As somewhat a vegetarian, I love the meat-​lovers pizza. Every combination of meat is topped on the pizza.
With that said, the service at this place is consistently awful. Even on a quiet night when no one is waiting, it takes awhile before someone acknowledges that you are waiting for a table? What is that all about?! The chairs are not wiped off and full of pizza crumbs. And the servers are barely civil, more like borderline rude. They just don’t want to be bothered. It’s apparent that management is lacking.
Recommendation is to order the pizza to go!

The pizza crust is way too thick and chewy for me. Dry really.
I love the red potato pizza topping. Just wish the crust was better.
The Cesar salad was pretty good, but for a place that is so busy I can’t believe some of the lettuce was brown. And they could save some money by not dousing the salad in so much dressing.
Our server was great. And the beers were cold and the selection huge,

Came in midweek with the fiancé and shared an order of Muffuletta Cheese Bread and the House Special pizza. 4 stars for:
— menu choice, quality ingredients & flavor
–lots of seating and service
–cleanliness and décor
–daily specials besides HH
Perhaps it’s because i’m pizza-​biased and spoiled by all the options PDX has to offer… bottom line: the pizza here is good, just not the best. They have a good menu for the gluten-​free, veggie-​lovers and those just stopping in for a drink. The Muffuletta Cheese with marinara sauce was delicious! While we didn’t have any issues with service (as expressed by other Unilocalers), this place does not have speedy service.

Myself and two friends came to the Mellow Mushroom yesterday after a long day of thrifting. We were on what we like to call a «thrift shop high», which happens when you get lots of goodies for dirt cheap. We stumbled in giggling, and immediately feel in love with the ambiance. Spun Lucite spaghetti lamps, copper-​tone sconces, Eames style chairs — we were in heaven. The place feels modern and hip, but has wonderful doses of mid-​century here and there.
Upon being seated, our eyes flew to the bread basket on the appetizer menu and began a heated debate as to if we should get the cheese bread or the garlic bread. Our poor waiter, Lake, had to listen to our silly rambles, questions and arguments over which was better, and when none of us could find a coin to flip for, he pulled one out of his pocket for us, where we then ordered the garlic
I’m a fan of thicker crust pizza, and loved the classic 10 inch pepperoni I ordered for myself. It was cheesy and doughy and wonderful. Our waiter was prompt, courteous, and above all, extremely nice and had a wonderful wit. Thanks again for putting up with us.
Overall, really happy with my time spent here. Good pizza, great service and a swell abiance.

Gluten free menu is nice option and tasted good.
1 star was taken since vegetables and cheese didn’t seem to be fresh.

I was kind of surprised to find out this place is a chain, but I won’t fault it for that.
The Mellow Mushroom has a huge tap selection, and there are always beers there that I haven’t seen on tap anywhere else. The prices are decent, and if you hit the Happy Hour days or specials right, you can get away with a decently priced buzz.
I’ve had the pizza a couple of times, and I really like it. They have some creative options, and everything I’ve had has been really good.
On a warmer day, they’ll put tables around the building so you can sit outside and grab drinks, which is also great.
If you’re down in the Pearl, the Mellow has great beer section with good pizza.

Great Taps of craft beer.
A little pricey… family friendly. $ 2 craft pints all day Monday. I haven’t been for this, but naturally it gets busy.
Had a sandwich to go after a delicious Stone IPA. Good feel ! Staff friendly.

I’m from georgia and ate at Mellow every week in college was a regular with the family. They had many locations, one near every family member. Pizza is great. I wish they had the whimsical décor typical of this place at the Pearl location. It looks more like the 70’s. If i lived in the pearl i would eat here more often. This is a different style of pizza. It’s not NY style. The crust has something like butter/​parmesan mixture brushed on.

Awesome

I’m a fan!
Went for the first time tonight because of the groupon, but I think I will come again. They have 51 beers on tap (!!) and most of them are $ 2/​pint on Mondays. Yes, the pizza is overpriced, but they are better than I expected (after reading the reviews here). Wheat-​based pizza, the crust is surprisingly good, more surprising, coming from this non-​crust-​lover. But, I do agree with Bryan I. They could’ve make the crust smaller. It’s a good inch on the large pizza, hopefully it’s small for the personal pizza. It’s about right to a tad big on the large pizza.
But you _​really_​can’t beat the $ 2/​pint drafts on Mondays with such a HUGE selection (they don’t allow it on beer higher than 8% alc. beers, those are $ 4).
Decent size, so we had no problems getting seat and pretty good acoustics too, so we can actually hear our conversations.
Did I mention the $ 2 pints on Mondays? :)