As Mill Ave continues to struggle with empty storefronts and unfinished condo towers, we just heard about a bit of good news for East Valley food hounds. Looks like no less than three new restaurants are riding into town to satisfy college students’ drunk munchies and hungry hangovers the demanding palates of Tempe natives and visitors alike. One such establishment that has drawn our particular attention is Mellow Mushroom (no, it’s not what you think).

Started by a trio of Georgia Tech college students, the original Mellow Mushroom has been satisfying college students’ pizza and beer requirements for the past 26 years. Now featuring 100 restaurants across 15 states, Mellow Mushroom is actually already here in AZ. (Road trip to far NW Phoenix, anyone?) And for its first Tempe location, Mellow Mushroom is eyeing the former Z Gallerie space inside the Centerpoint on Mill project, with plans to open in early 2011.

So what’s on the menu? This pizza palace will be ASU student friendly beer connoisseur friendly as it will feature 48 different thirst-quenching beers on tap and more than 100 combined bottle and draft varieties behind the bar. Try them ALL and receive a free T-shirt, engraved mug and your name immortalized an a wall plaque. Disclaimer: Mellow Mushroom’s attorneys would like you to know this does not have to be completed in one sitting.

Even better, Mellow Mushroom will stay open later than any other food or liquor venue on Mill; ’til 3 am Sunday through Thursday, and 4 am on Friday and Saturdays.

As for the other eateries, look for Dog Town Chili Dogs and Poppa Maize gourmet popcorn shop to debut at Centerpoint on Mill in mid October and early November, respectively.

Contributor: Lacee Wentworth

Images via Mellow Mushroom

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