I come from Harlem so my take on what southern/soul food should be is probably a bit skewed but one thing I can differentiate between is f'n bad food and f'n good food.
Mert's is definitely good.
The service was kind, warm and attentive even though it was a bit busy in there. I ordered the Shrimp Creole dish and by no means was I disappointed. It was saucy plus spicy (those traits can't be wrong in women nor food), small shrimp goodness ladled on top of rice. The cornbread comes before your meal and good thing I don't judge on the free food. Just sayin'.
One thing to write home about is the COLLARD GREENS! I could eat a lasagna dish full of just their greens. It's slightly bitter, balanced out with butter and a slight citrus taste and perfectly cooked. You must try it!
My only complaint is the cleanliness, the place needs a little TLC especially in the corners that people (unlike me) don't typically look, or don't want to anyway. Give it a rub down.
All and all, 2 contently hard nipples for Mert's.