Mert’s Heart & Soul

When James Bazzelle opened Mert’s in 1998, it took him time to readily call the heart of the city uptown instead of downtown. Fast forward a couple of decades and not only has the Queen City become a destination – so has Mert’s.

Popularity of Mert’s includes some pretty famous faces: comedian and actor Kevin Hart, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, pop diva Mariah Carey, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hilary Clinton, rock band Foo Fighters and Charlotte’s own Grammy-winning R&B singer, Anthony Hamilton just to name a few.
Mert’s distinguishes itself from traditional soul food restaurants by offering Low Country and Gullah-inspired dishes such as shrimp and grits, Charleston red rice, and award-winning macaroni and cheese.

Comfort food at its best is how you can define Mert’s. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this Uptown staple features dishes like fried chicken and Shrimp & Grits in a colorful space full of Heart & Soul.