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| - On a short layover in Charlotte, we wanted to have a taste of the town since we'd never been here before.
My better half was really craving fried chicken, and we wanted something well-rated, non-chain, and definitely local. Enter Mert's.
It's located among the Queen City's tallest downtown skyscrapers, which really impressed the kids as we walked a couple blocks from affordable parking. Yup, you read right - no on-site parking, short of what's available on the street, when it's allowed.
The place is jam-stuffed with character by way of miscellaneous framed pictures, signs, old Americana, and even hanging bicycles. The wall even has an interesting blended/faded paint job on it - really nice!
We were promptly ushered to a table, provided menus and drinks, and kindly assisted with a tour of the menu and food options after we introduced ourselves as Charlotte and Mert's first-timers.
I ordered a fried chicken leg quarter with sides of collard greens and yams. My bride went with salmon cakes, and sides of mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. Kid #1 had chicken fingers, and #2 had grilled cheese.
Before dinner arrived, we were served two plates with two large servings of cornbread each. The bread was steaming hot, and hit the bullseye on very straight-forward cornbread. Tasty!
Dinner arrived and, as we always do, wifey and I partook family-style, trading bites of everything between us. Overall, everything was good at worst, and a couple items were amazing!
Unfortunately, in our opinion, the fried chicken fell into the former category. Don't get me wrong - it was tasty, the meat was moist, the skin crispy. It's just that it seemed to lack seasoning - even basic salt and/or pepper. And, admittedly, my expectation for chicken joints is that the chicken be outstanding and a bit different. Not just well-executed plain fried chicken.
However, the salmon cakes and all the sides were fantastic. This was only the second time I've had collard greens, and Mert's were the better of the two I've had. Not only that, but I'd say it was the best thing I tasted on this occasion! Also really, really good were the yams and the salmon cakes.
Service was better than average, and very friendly. Also, all four of us left stuffed like turkeys on the big day, and for a very reasonable cost. Great value.
Charlotte did right by us for our first taste of her riches! We hope to return again soon!
Food = 4/5
Facility = 3/5
Service = 4/5
Ambiance = 4/5
Value = 4/5
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