We have a ton of soul food places in the DMV, none with the customer service as high as Mert's. Although it was a rainy day when we went, we were immediately seated and greeted upon our initial walk in. I heard about Mert's through one of those food network shows I typically watch which review various markets around the United States. I called in advanced and inquired about the wait time and the receptionist kindly said come on in....there is no wait at the current moment. According to the tv show and the reviews posted the soul rolls are a must try. I will not argue that point at all. As most have noted the food is really good but it's not big mamas house but if your craving down home cooking Mert's will do.....when the bill came it was $70 bucks for 4 people with appetizers and take home desserts. In DC this woulda ran me over $100 bucks so I gladly paid this with no complaint. Thanks Mert's for not charging for lemonade refills like some souls food places feel their entitled to do...the only suggestions and reason I could not give this place 5 stars is it did not have a changing table for my mini me which made for a rather interesting duper change lol...peep the pic, I will come again, hopefully my kids in pull-ups by then lol