Mellow Mushroom451

Most Atlantans have a soft spot in their hearts for Mellow Mushroom, where the chewy pizza crust is made from spring water dough, the famed esperanza dressing comes with the signature (mushroom-laden) salads, and trippy artwork makes terrific eye candy for the kids. Locations are spread throughout the metro area, so chances are there is one nearby.

Pizza is the main attraction here, but the calzones, hoagies, and salads offer plenty of variety aside from the typical cheese and tomato sauce pie. Vegetarian options include avocado and tempeh sandwiches, as well as salads, and the cooks can top a pizza with anything from bacon to broccoli.

Dessert consists of several choices of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, but families rarely make it. Service can be slow, and if you order a calzone, expect it to be slower. The staff can easily cut a child's slice in kiddie bites, and highchairs are available. Nobody thinks twice about kids making noise here, as the clientele tend to be casual and talkative, and music and/or TVs drown out excess buzz.