1. City guides
  2. Charlotte
  3. Soul food
  4. Mert's Heart and Soul
Soul food Uptown Top pick

Mert's Heart and Soul

Uptown soul food restaurant opened in 1998 and owned by James Bazzelle, serving Southern and Gullah/Low Country dishes. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Must tryShrimp and grits, cornbread and Soul Rolls

Named as a Black-owned business by a trusted local source (see source). Hours change, so call or check the website before you go. Know something we should update? Tell us.

More soul food in Charlotte

See the full list
  • Soul food

    Fourth Ward (N Graham St)

    Freshwaters

    Must tryCatfish etouffee and crab cakes

    Small Southern and New Orleans-style soul food restaurant owned by Clifton and Sharon Freshwater. Hours are limited, generally Thursday through Sunday.

    516 N Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202

  • Soul food

    Uptown (Queen City Quarter)

    Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley

    Must tryFried catfish, shrimp and grits, jerk lamb chops

    Two-story Southern comfort-food restaurant from the Dallas-based Kevin Kelley brand, opened in June 2024 in the former EpiCentre. It also has locations in DC, Chicago and...

    210 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

  • Soul food Top pick

    Uptown / Dalton Village area

    Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish

    Must tryFried chicken and fried fish

    Long-running local chain for fried chicken, fish and Southern sides. The Dalton Avenue location near Uptown opened in 2023 and added cocktails and live entertainment.

    413 Dalton Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206

  • Soul food

    West Charlotte (Oak Lake Blvd)

    Nana Morrison's Soul Food

    Must tryFried chicken and daily specials

    Cafeteria-style soul food restaurant owned by Shawn and Kiana Morrison, with a menu that rotates daily. A second location opened at Riverbend Shopping Center.

    2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Suite 106, Charlotte, NC 28208