After moving out of Charlotte, Merts is one of the things I've found that I miss the most. The owners and staff are true examples of southern hospitality, and the food is to die for. Their fried chicken is amazing, collard greens are heavenly (only second-best to my mother's), and without-a-doubt the best cornbread you'll ever eat. The only thing you don't want is their barbecue (its really not at all like traditional NC barbecue). Prices are reasonable and there's rarely a wait. Ambiance is kind of like a dive, but everything is clean. If you've never been you must go!