Mellow Mushroom - Florence

Came here early evening since I did not eat lunch and it was near my hotel. Typical chain vibe. About 50 beers on tap, a few macro but everything else was craft with a vast majority being sc locals. Plenty of new ticks avail for me. Service was decent and friendly, but it should be... Place was basically empty. Seemed like prices where average. Would I come back? Probably since there is not much else in the Florence area unless I just wanted to drink gas station malt liquor and pass out in my hotel room... But where is the fun in that?

I had actually never been to a Mellow Mushroom before. Basic chain restaurant ambiance. The day we went, they were not on their game. Someone came and took our order and then left us there for like 20 minutes. A second person delivered our food and noticed that we didn’t have plates, but still didn’t bring any plates. We were almost done eating when a third person asked if we needed anything else- again, no plates, I think there was parm on the table but no peppers. Anyway, the beer selection seemed decent- especially for a chain restaurant. Pizza was way overpriced for what it was- not great pizza. I’m sure they probably aren’t usually this dismal, but on our visit, they really weren’t impressive.

Being from Florence, I can say the following comments, it’s a tough town for someone to step outside the box retail or restaurant wise. Whether anyone says its just another Mellow mushroom or not, hey it’s a Mellow Mushroom in Florence, SC. Back in 2005, I opened the largest bottled beer location in the area, if not the state @ 249 different beers called Bambino’s. That was long before the state had popped the cap, and people had never heard of an IPA. SC is already behind the times, but Florence, is way back there and a Bud friendly town. So, thank you Mellow Mushroom and to the owner, Matt Duke, for bringing it here. (Same owner as the Myrtle Beach location.) 48 taps. Bells, lauganitas, bear republic, stone, victory, coast, new south, Westbrook smutty nose, Thomas creek. All good, thank you, MM!

Located only a minute or two off I-95 awash in a sea of stores, restaurants and hotels. Seems typical of many MM’s, where the atmosphere is primarily sports bar while also trying to be family-friendly. Never thought we would find such an extensive tap selection (48) in this section of the state, but I guess thats the reason for this forum. Beers from Georgia, SC, NC and VA in addition to palate pleasers from other areas of the country. Service at the bar was fast and friendly. Did not eat, but the menu focused on pizza, calzones, and sandwiches. Great spot for a beer or two when in the area.