label int64 0 4 | text stringlengths 10 5.07k | language stringclasses 1
value | word_count int64 3 1.02k | cleaned_text stringlengths 2 3.4k ⌀ | cleaned_word_count int64 0 483 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | We popped in here for lunch on a Saturday morning and were pleasantly surprised. We arrived after their official breakfast hours, but I was able to have a \"Southern-style\" breakfast of grits, eggs, and sausage on a biscuit slathered in gravy. The husband had the croissant club and the French onion soup. Mmmm-mmmm-... | en | 75 | popped lunch saturday morning pleasantly surprised arrived official breakfast hours able breakfast grits eggs sausage biscuit slathered gravy husband croissant club french onion soup really awesome got piping hot roll accompanied three kinds butter plain strawberry pesto | 37 |
3 | It has become one of my favorites when catching a show at the Blumenthal. The food is quite good. The service can be sketchy. Eat outside when the weather permits. | en | 30 | become one favorites catching show blumenthal food quite good service sketchy eat outside weather permits | 15 |
3 | The Monticello is a great place to have a civilized breakfast. They have fresh-squeezed orange juice, a nice Eggs Benedict, and even hearty yellow grits. It is located in a charming uptown Charlotte neighborhood, near a library and several museums. | en | 40 | monticello great place civilized breakfast orange juice nice eggs benedict even hearty yellow grits located charming uptown charlotte neighborhood near library several museums | 23 |
3 | My soon-to-be-Mother-in-law loves the Dunhill, so we had an awesome dinner at Monticello the night she arrived.\n\nTo tell the truth, I was expecting the worst (Pasta Primavera with Roasted Red Pepper, I hate you). I was more than pleasantly surprised to find several veg appetizers and an inventive vegetarian main on t... | en | 198 | loves dunhill awesome dinner monticello night tell truth expecting worst pasta primavera roasted red pepper hate pleasantly surprised find several veg appetizers inventive vegetarian main exclusive menu obnoxious ask chef put entree together something often restaurants price range immediately agreed asked questions dis... | 97 |
1 | My first meal as a Charlottean was had at this establishment. I had a taste for fish, and so was pleased to find more than a few appealing options on the dinner menu. I opted for the trout, preceded by the classic french onion soup. David X. had the special, a smoked salmon pasta.\n\nThe good: the trout was delightf... | en | 186 | first meal charlottean establishment taste fish pleased find appealing options dinner menu opted trout preceded classic french onion soup david special smoked salmon good trout delightful well complimented potatoes light tomatoey sauce portions perfect aka big basically dish saved experience ok bread warm hot salmon sp... | 88 |
1 | \"Every Christmas Story Ever Told\" was slow and not that funny. Spoiled by comedy and improv options in bigger cities, we expected something more fast paced. The first half DRAGGED. | en | 30 | every christmas story ever slow funny spoiled comedy improv options bigger cities expected something fast paced first half dragged | 19 |
3 | Plucky shows, affordable tickets, easy parking, well priced concessions - can I get a woot woot? \n\nI'm a big fan of this venue! I finally got a chance to hang out in this intimate theatre for the showing of Pageant - which was hi-larious. In addition to the great features listed above they have cult classic movie nig... | en | 138 | plucky shows affordable tickets easy parking well priced concessions get woot woot big fan venue finally got chance hang intimate theatre showing pageant addition great features listed cult classic movie nights last monday every month think gremlins drop dead gorgeous etc movies free plus also offer pay night melissa b... | 75 |
4 | I didn't know this theater existed until I went to see their run of the Rocky Horror Show. It's a great pace with an intimate feel and a good seating layout. There really isn't a bad seat in the house (unless you have vision/hearing problems). The beer and wine selection at their concession has much more variety tha... | en | 106 | know theater existed went see run rocky horror show great pace intimate feel good seating layout really bad seat house unless problems beer wine selection concession much variety expected box office breeze deal many times go see phantom avoid tired mainstream stuff check edgy shows atc putting together wo disappointed ... | 54 |
3 | I have been to the Actor's Theatre for several productions now, and I always forget to review them. From Chaps to the Evil Dead to Rocky Horror, some are packed, some are, well, less than packed, but they never disappoint.\n\nIf you should happen by on opening night, they typically have an extra special event where yo... | en | 186 | actor theatre several productions always forget review chaps evil dead rocky horror packed well less packed never happen opening night typically extra special event get tasty goodies sponsor seems like usually one may change show show also cult movie night many mondays free admission popcorn sure check looking somethin... | 78 |
4 | I went on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 to see the production of \"Cuttin Up.\" I really enjoy the quaint atmosphere, the people and the craft. The production was awesome, Mr. Randolph did a wonderful job. I hope to see more from him. I will definitely put this on my \"To Do List.\" ~ | en | 53 | went friday see production cuttin really enjoy quaint atmosphere people craft production awesome randolph wonderful job hope see definitely put | 20 |
2 | If not for the Yelp Elite event this past week, would never have thought to come here! I've always been a fan of theater, big or small, and was excited to attend the preview of Sister's Divine and check out the local theater crowd.\n\nThe theater itself is a cute, welcoming building with a fairly priced concession sta... | en | 217 | yelp elite event past week would never thought come always fan theater big small excited attend preview sister divine check local theater theater cute welcoming building fairly priced concession stand welcome area front parking situation little bit confusing sure pay took chance paying turned alright staff friendly the... | 102 |
3 | I'm glad that a YELP event brought me here. The theater is small and feels really comfortable.\n\nParking is bountiful and free! Yes, the signs may be confusing but the friendly staff is there to ease all concerns. \n\nThere are plenty of drink and snack options and a nice sitting area out front with cozy chairs and ta... | en | 116 | glad yelp event brought theater small feels really bountiful free yes signs may confusing friendly staff ease concerns plenty drink snack options nice sitting area front cozy chairs tables walk theater seats comfy matter chose good view stage appreciated much absolutely love supporting local venues events play entertai... | 55 |
0 | Bar Charlotte is a place where golddiggers go to listen to pop rap and find sugar daddies. There is a huge dancefloor in the center of the bar with sweaty eighteen year olds bumping and grinding on one another, and half naked girls dancing on bars and tabletops. I really would not recommend this joint to anyone who h... | en | 80 | bar charlotte place golddiggers go listen pop rap find sugar daddies huge dancefloor center bar sweaty eighteen year olds bumping grinding one another half naked girls dancing bars tabletops really would recommend joint anyone real taste music respect drinks overpriced girls underage save time | 44 |
0 | In the same (horrible) vein as the next door Have A Nice Day, this place is the definition of 'meat market'.\n\nA dark, dimly lit, sweaty joint where oversexed teenagers and college-age kids go to bump and grind to obnoxious rap and house music.\n\nFor some reason this place is often crowded, and the bathrooms are an e... | en | 121 | horrible vein next door nice day place definition dark dimly lit sweaty joint oversexed teenagers kids go bump grind obnoxious rap house reason place often crowded bathrooms exercise survival either get accosted drunk people line guy trying get buy tip way spend evening like good music care around people respect care m... | 54 |
1 | Came here twice this weekend. Is it worth the $15 cover on Fridays? Not really. I thought it was a bit too much. If you're into seeing old creepy men looking up your skirt, overpriced drinks, half naked bar girls spanking you with a paddle and acting like a drunk fool on the mechanical bull, well you found a lovely pla... | en | 74 | came twice weekend worth cover fridays really thought bit much seeing old creepy men looking skirt overpriced drinks half naked bar girls spanking paddle acting like drunk fool mechanical bull well found lovely place dj great though nice mix pop hip hop music | 43 |
1 | Wow, I've been here a total of 2 times and both times I've confirmed one thing. This really isn't somewhere I want to be. Very young crowd normally in here and I've equated bulls in bars to be something that just doesn't sit well with seeking a more mature crowd. But I highly doubt the owners of BAR really care beca... | en | 98 | wow total times times confirmed one thing really somewhere want young crowd normally equated bulls bars something sit well seeking mature crowd highly doubt owners bar really care place get packed youngin seem really love music play seems good mix go cycle typical club hits throwback | 46 |
0 | If you're a black male don't go to Bar Charlotte, they are racist. I was denied entry on 12/21/12. The door man, said I was denied entry because of my boots.On the website it says that the dress code was no construction boots, which I clearly had on Aldo boots. I am a successful, preppy looking black guy. This has neve... | en | 82 | black male go bar charlotte racist denied entry door man said denied entry website says dress code construction boots clearly aldo boots successful preppy looking black guy never happened club cant believe people still bigots cc | 36 |
1 | I'll try to be objective here. So disclaimer first, I would prefer a bar with a small dance floor over a large club with seizure inducing strobe lights any day. Yes guys, there are plenty of young girls here. It isn't difficult to find several packs of half-drunk girls to grind on, and if you lack confidence to approac... | en | 230 | try objective disclaimer first would prefer bar small dance floor large club seizure inducing strobe lights day yes guys plenty young girls difficult find several packs girls grind lack confidence approach least bartenders gorgeous perfect place find someone take home loud worry dumb things say truthfully though scene ... | 105 |
0 | I was banned for life from this bar in the Spring of 2006. | en | 13 | banned life bar spring | 4 |
3 | What a freak show! I walked into this place and I thought to my self WTF? All I saw were a bunch of little people and a swing. Lol. The music was great so we decided to go inside for a look. We were visiting from out of town and browsing the down town scene and what a scene this place was. There were a bunch of staff w... | en | 209 | freak show walked place thought self wtf saw bunch little people swing lol music great decided go inside look visiting town browsing town scene scene place bunch staff walking around animal masks someone monkey suit bunch bar tenders love could figure many short people place little people short people oh yeah swing bla... | 86 |
1 | The bar itself is good and the servers do a great job but man do the patrons suck! I went once and some guy decided to \"make it rain\" and started flipping out because dudes were picking up the money. If you're dumb enough to throw a pile of money in to the air you better bet your ass that us broke college kids are go... | en | 151 | bar good servers great job man patrons suck went guy decided make started flipping dudes picking money dumb enough throw pile money air better bet ass us broke college kids going pick also predominantly african american least went totally fine looked like gang members sure get called racist honest truth also saw lot pe... | 72 |
0 | My instinct always told me that I should skip this place. Should have listened. It was just gross; literally and figuratively. I was afraid to see what I was stepping on out on the dance floor. Music was good, drinks were surprisingly decent. But oh, the other club patrons...\nI appreciate a little adult fun time danci... | en | 67 | instinct always told skip place listened gross literally figuratively afraid see stepping dance floor music good drinks surprisingly decent oh club patrons appreciate little adult fun time dancing much next gal sleazy | 32 |
4 | Great food, great experience - as an out of town traveler who doesn't like to eat fast food every single day, finding Mert's was a pleasure. Keeping prices down and providing a great experience is hard at any restaurant but Mert's doesn't skimp when it comes to down home food. The tables are basic and the look and fe... | en | 120 | great food great experience town traveler like eat fast food every single day finding mert pleasure keeping prices providing great experience hard restaurant mert skimp comes home food tables basic look feel simple stop enjoying thoroughly beginning tasty fresh cornbread continuing barbeque whether ribs pulled pork alt... | 60 |
0 | This was my first time coming to this restaurant and I came because a lot people and media were talking about it. I took my Mom on Sunday for her birthday. \n\nThe only thing good about our meal was the water, orange juice and corn bread snack. Actually, the OJ was room temperature, so it was 'borderline good'.\n\nI or... | en | 204 | first time coming restaurant came lot people media talking took mom sunday birthday thing good meal water orange juice corn bread snack actually oj room temperature ordered smoked pork chops home fries green beans mom order salmon cakes collard greens pork chops good smoke flavor salty paper thin fries soft green beans... | 99 |
2 | Nothing will ever be like Grandma Rachel's, but Mert's comes close. I'm a pescetarian (veggies and seafood only), and I can eat here. Service is usually pretty good, though it gets crowded on weekdays at lunchtime. To avoid that, try to arrive before 11:30 a.m. or after 1 p.m. Outside seating is extra bonus if the ... | en | 68 | nothing ever like grandma rachel mert comes close pescetarian veggies seafood eat service usually pretty good though gets crowded weekdays lunchtime avoid try arrive outside seating extra bonus weather nice endure nearby construction noise | 34 |
3 | Oooh I loves me some Mert's! When I worked downtown this place was a regular on my list of favorite lunch spots. You can smell it a block away! Amidst all the new fine dining places Charlotte has to offer is this little gem of home cooked greasy goodness.\n\nIt's hard to recommend any one thing in particular, because I... | en | 188 | oooh loves mert worked downtown place regular list favorite lunch spots smell block away amidst new fine dining places charlotte offer little gem home cooked greasy hard recommend one thing particular almost entire menu guess favorite meal blackened pork chops yams charleston red rice sauteed squash side kind lick lips... | 97 |
4 | I visited Charlotte last week and I ate here three times. I couldn't help it. \n\nSoul Food is right. Eating here is like having a spiritual revival meeting in your mouth. You feel like a better person after having eaten here. A better person who will die of a massive heart attack in 5 minutes. | en | 55 | visited charlotte last week ate three times could help food right eating like spiritual revival meeting mouth feel like better person eaten better person die massive heart attack minutes | 29 |
1 | It's OK. It's soul food. The fried chicken was straight forward. Not likely to go back for just that, as Price's is much better in my opinion. \n\nI was also able to sample the BBQ pork... It was a tad weird. My girlfriend accurately pointed out it tasted like curry. I would steer clear of that. \n\nThe mac and ... | en | 94 | soul food fried chicken straight forward likely go back price much better opinion also able sample bbq pork tad weird girlfriend accurately pointed tasted like curry would steer clear mac cheese good let honest cheese cheese good collards authentic would get server nice attentive rating ok | 46 |
2 | Want some authentic Southern soul food without having to drive out of the city into the lands of banjos, buck teeth, and other shockingly accurate stereotypes? Then Mert's is the place for you!\n\nI would aim to come here for breakfast or brunch, but be forewarned, the wait can be quite long.\n\nAlso, don't eat Mert's... | en | 147 | want authentic southern soul food without drive city lands banjos buck teeth shockingly accurate stereotypes mert place would aim come breakfast brunch forewarned wait quite eat mert day outdoor activities extensive traveling heavy nature food makes conducive sedentary timeframe overall lifestyle myriad items oj countr... | 72 |
1 | I had high expectations considering that I was in the South. I love the food in the South! However the experience here was not very good! \n\nI grew up eating most of the food on the menu, and I tend to make strong comparisons against that home cooking. In addition, I love food, and I have a wide taste bud ranging ... | en | 222 | high expectations considering south love food south however experience good grew eating food menu tend make strong comparisons home cooking addition love food wide taste bud ranging various regions food delivered table hot unable comfortably eat approx minutes ordered fried chicken greens yams catfish banana pudding pr... | 102 |
3 | Let's say someone has been traveling for work a lot. Let's say they end up in Charlotte, NC. Then let's say that they LOVE food especially anything that can be described as \"Southern\" and they happen to stay next to Mert's. Then we'd say...heaven.\n\nDELICIOUS corn bread. (Seriously, the stuff melts in your mouth...a... | en | 144 | let say someone traveling work lot let say end charlotte nc let say love food especially anything described happen stay next mert say corn bread seriously stuff melts mouth amazing got blackened salmon okra tomatoes collard greens sides sweet tea way tea imo blue moon also got plate soul table peas collard greens rice ... | 75 |
4 | Amazing every time. Service can be a little slow, and some of the servers are spacey, but they are nice every time. And my girl Paris ALWAYS is outstanding.\n\nThe cornbread is like cake; that's a good thing. Fried chicken is always tasty.\n\nIt's what you expect. Soul food. Better/worse than yo momma's, depending... | en | 85 | amazing every time service little slow servers spacey nice every time girl paris always cornbread like cake good thing fried chicken always expect soul food yo momma depending kinda skillz yo momma best soul food charlotte white black asian whoever soul food knows boundaries everybody able appreciate fried fatty butter... | 52 |
3 | Go to Mert's if you want good southern comfort food! their cornbread is great and they always have lots of cakes and pies for dessert options. This place is a Charlotte tradition and if you are visiting town - plan a have at least 1 meal here. | en | 47 | go mert want good southern comfort food cornbread great always lots cakes pies dessert options place charlotte tradition visiting town plan least meal | 23 |
4 | FFFFANNNNNTAASSSTICCC!!! Wow, are all of the restaurants in Charlotte like this? Very, very busy, but we were able to get seated within 30 minutes or so. Waitress was great. I ordered the shrimp and grits. Came in a bowl with two delicious pieces of bread. Ate every last piece. Delicious!! Shared the chocolate ... | en | 84 | ffffannnnntaasssticcc wow restaurants charlotte like busy able get seated within minutes waitress great ordered shrimp grits came bowl two delicious pieces bread ate every last piece delicious shared chocolate cake dessert find woman flight atlanta charlotte say thank ca wait come back charlotte vacation | 44 |
2 | Traveling on business I was feeling antsy in the hotel room and decided to get out and explore downtown Charlotte last night. I read on a Chowhound article that Mert's was a good place for a solo diner to get some good local food without feeling weird for eating alone, plus it was Southern Soul Food. The experience sta... | en | 339 | traveling business feeling antsy hotel room decided get explore downtown charlotte last night read chowhound article mert good place solo diner get good local food without feeling weird eating alone plus southern soul food experience started high note quick friendly service producing carolina blonde beer local btw pa p... | 168 |
3 | Excellent BBQ, I don't know much about \"soul food\" but the beef BBQ ribs were awesome and served with Mac and cheese plus red beans. service was very fast and friendly. I love the EAT sign in front. | en | 38 | excellent bbq know much soul beef bbq ribs awesome served mac cheese plus red beans service fast friendly love eat sign front | 22 |
1 | Well--after I was done, and I didn't finish half my plate I decided not to take home the rest and wished I didn't eat the calories I ate the catfish wasn't worth it. I decided to give them one last try on a slice of pound cake to take home with me. It was wrapped up in Saran wrap and put in a box when i opened it, the ... | en | 93 | well done finish half plate decided take home rest wished eat calories ate catfish worth decided give one last try slice pound cake take home wrapped saran wrap put box opened texture dry hard big enough charge almost flies everywhere wo back anytime soon | 44 |
4 | Oh wow. I came for brunch and made the mistake of not ordering one of their signature soul food dishes. The chicken n dumplings looked amazing, and the fried chicken was outstanding. Now don't get me wrong, my meat lover omelet was a perfect balance of very pronounced flavors, but there are unique offerings that shoul... | en | 114 | oh wow came brunch made mistake ordering one signature soul food dishes chicken n dumplings looked amazing fried chicken outstanding get wrong meat lover omelet perfect balance pronounced flavors unique offerings tried never cornbread wow biscuits yum tea even get started multitude fresh cobblers cakes available slice ... | 60 |
2 | Cornbread here is best I've had. BBQ is decent but the fried chicken was soggy and lacked flavor. I've had better in California. Not the best soul food representation for the south. | en | 32 | cornbread best bbq decent fried chicken soggy lacked flavor better california best soul food representation south | 16 |
4 | We were visiting from San Diego and only in town for one day. Someone recommended Mert's for some good soul food. Exactly what we were looking for! The fried green tomatoes and the corn bread were absolutely amazing, I'm still craving them. Our servers name was Jeremy and he made our experience even better. We aske... | en | 86 | visiting san diego town one day someone recommended mert good soul food exactly looking fried green tomatoes corn bread absolutely amazing still craving servers name jeremy made experience even better asked pick us favorites soul food heaven ever make back charlotte mert first stop | 44 |
0 | I am so sorry to rate Mert's so poorly but after the treatment received today I must admit to extreme disappointment in one of my previously favorite Charlotte establishments. After being invited repeatedly via automated email marketing, I decided to go with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday with lunch at Me... | en | 129 | sorry rate mert poorly treatment received today must admit extreme disappointment one previously favorite charlotte establishments invited repeatedly via automated email marketing decided go group friends celebrate birthday lunch mert interesting discussion manager discovered necessary rate birthday spite valid nc driv... | 65 |
0 | Would never go back! I was in a party of 3 that was seated at a table for 4, and was then asked if we could move to accommodate another group. Okay, not a big deal. However, it all went down hill from there. Our waitress was nice and polite, but we waited for close to an hour and still nothing showed up at our tabl... | en | 151 | would never go back party seated table asked could move accommodate another group okay big deal however went hill waitress nice polite waited close hour still nothing showed table people sitting original table served already left asked waitress number times getting food kept apologizing saying never came like ordered a... | 68 |
3 | Went here yesterday for dinner. Had the pork chops, red beans, mac n cheese, and corn bread. \n\nCorn bread was soft and delicious. \nPork chop was thin and had enough seasoning on it for me. \n\nOverall I was pretty happy with my selection. The waitress was friendly and I'd go here again. | en | 52 | went yesterday dinner pork chops red beans mac n cheese corn bread bread soft delicious chop thin enough seasoning pretty happy selection waitress friendly go | 25 |
4 | Always friendly, the staff here will usually go out of their way to make sure you have a great meal. Everything I've tried is great, but special note goes to the cornbread and the catfish. The collard greens are also great, slightly tangy and with a good feel, not overcooked. This is soul food without going overboard o... | en | 80 | always friendly staff usually go way make sure great meal everything tried great special note goes cornbread catfish collard greens also great slightly tangy good feel overcooked soul food without going overboard salt fat course much soul food places wish pie | 41 |
2 | Food is decent. But, the people are super nice. | en | 9 | food decent people super nice | 5 |
1 | Wanted to like this place. Staff very friendly. Reasonable prices. Quick service. \nBut plates were dirty. Table dirty. Food just OK. | en | 21 | wanted like place staff friendly reasonable prices quick service plates dirty table dirty food ok | 15 |
3 | Great comfort food! Really cool find downtown near the train, museums, etc. Love it! | en | 14 | great comfort food really cool find downtown near train museums etc love | 12 |
2 | I love Mert's. They have the BEST cornbread I've ever had, ever. \nThe fried chicken is crispy and juicy. The mac and cheese is perfect, the mashed potatoes are creamy. The service is great.\n\nBut it's cursed. Both times I've taken a boyfriend there, he's broken up with me within 2 weeks. WHY?! I'm afraid to go... | en | 127 | love mert best cornbread ever ever fried chicken crispy juicy mac cheese perfect mashed potatoes creamy service cursed times taken boyfriend broken within weeks afraid go back unless friends first time went server accidentally broke heat lamp right food stared know picked pieces glass greens ended greens eat mouth wate... | 53 |
3 | No doubt am I fan. Whether this LBD is craving mac and cheese or collard greens, I know where to go.\n\nI usually order online on \"uptown2go\", so I know to give it about 20 minutes before collecting my meal. Lately, I have been a huge fan of their bbq sandwich. It comes on top of a buttered roll. Now if that doesn't ... | en | 182 | doubt fan whether lbd craving mac cheese collard greens know usually order online know give minutes collecting meal lately huge fan bbq sandwich comes top buttered roll get poppin northern boy never really opportunity munch soul food let tell place gotten addicted collard greens also good beans cornbread want beans cor... | 79 |
3 | What I Ate:\n\nFried Chicken, BBQ Beef Rib, Sweet Potatoes, Greens, Corn Bread, Homemade Lemonade\n\nAwesome Southern food for downtown. The food was incredibly tasty and the interior is a old style diner. The servers were helpful in picking the right foods. | en | 40 | ate chicken bbq beef rib sweet potatoes greens corn bread homemade southern food downtown food incredibly tasty interior old style diner servers helpful picking right foods | 26 |
3 | By far one of the best soul food restaurants in Charlotte! Try the red beans/rice and turkey sausage, shrimp/grits or ribs and u won't be upset. Diabetic onset sweet-tea and lemonade are sooo refreshing to wash down this soul-food. Prices are very reasonable and you will nvr leave there hungry. Service is great and... | en | 64 | far one best soul food restaurants charlotte try red turkey sausage ribs u wo upset diabetic onset lemonade sooo refreshing wash prices reasonable nvr leave hungry service great alwayz park parking deck around corner | 34 |
1 | SUMMARY: This was about the 6th time I've dined at Mert's. First time since joining Yelp. I was disappointed by the exceptionally long time it took for dinner to be brought to our table and by the terrible version of BBQ they offer. \n\nDETAILS:\nWe were promptly seated and had our drink order taken. The drinks ca... | en | 165 | summary time dined mert first time since joining yelp disappointed exceptionally long time took dinner brought table terrible version bbq offer promptly seated drink order taken drinks came right appetizer soul sampler came reasonable time took least another minutes maybe even get entrees bbq sides blackened pork chops... | 81 |
4 | Love this place!! Food was great!! \n\nFried whiting-Meaty, seasoned well and ooooo so delectable \nMac and cheese-cheesy, tasty and just plain ol good \nGreens-good but didn't really care for the chopped onion and tomatoes a bit tart, next time I will try their string beans \nCornbread-SOOOOO tasty, moist and sweet! \... | en | 105 | love place food great seasoned well ooooo delectable tasty plain ol good really care chopped onion tomatoes bit tart next time try string beans tasty moist sweet boyfriend got fried chicken salmon cakes mac cheese yams almost bit fingers loved meal great owner nice friendly gripe location maryland def back next time ch... | 53 |
4 | Mert's deserves all of the love it is getting and more. I visit every few months for their awesome beef ribs, mac and cheese, and collard greens (I'm a collard fanatic, and these may be my favorite anywhere - and they are veg!). Lots of other good stuff on the menu as well - Soul Rolls, Chicken Tenders, Salmon Cakes, t... | en | 132 | mert deserves love getting visit every months awesome beef ribs mac cheese collard greens collard fanatic may favorite anywhere veg lots good stuff menu well soul rolls chicken tenders salmon cakes name ribs hard pass really puts love mert top though ownership consistently good night visited although mother day jcsu gr... | 64 |
3 | This place serves excellent Low Country/Country Cooking dishes at reasonable prices - at least the prices are reasonable at lunch, $7 - $9 for a entree which comes with 2 sides and corn bread.\n\nThe Fried Chicken is excellent, The Ribs are as well, and I love the Salmon Cakes. The Fried Catfish is good, any of the Po'... | en | 136 | place serves excellent low cooking dishes reasonable prices least prices reasonable lunch entree comes sides corn fried chicken excellent ribs well love salmon cakes fried catfish good po boys worth trying fried green tomato app nice tart still good collards liking tried shrimp grits nice rich creamy disappointed shrim... | 65 |
2 | Food was good, came out fast, and good service. Some of the dishes stood out more than others, but if ever in the neighborhood again, would come back to try out some other dishes. The location was right in downtown, but there was no problem finding on-street parking on a week night around dinner time. \n\nWe ordered... | en | 238 | food good came fast good service dishes stood others ever neighborhood would come back try dishes location right downtown problem finding parking week night around dinner time ordered soul sampler southern sampler side collard greens sweet tea liked sweet tea perfect amount sweetness corn bread lives hype nice crusty o... | 116 |
4 | Soul Food gone Gourmet!!!\n\nWalking by Mert's on my way to the Epicenter, then on my way out of the Epicenter I decided to eat here and am very glad I did! It was a hot day and I asked for a lot of water - She brought me TWO!!! I drank almost three! They were real busy and I sat at a table with two ladies I had nev... | en | 162 | soul food gone gourmet mert way epicenter way epicenter decided eat glad hot day asked lot water brought two drank almost three real busy sat table two ladies never met cool bold waitress instead making wait though place packed service faster speeding great everyone friendly seemed happy lunch today corn bread like cak... | 75 |
3 | This place is great! I'm always 95% satisfied with the food here. Service is very friendly and fast. And you can't beat the prices! Daily specials are very good! I think everyone should give Mert's a try. | en | 37 | place great always satisfied food service friendly fast ca beat prices daily specials good think everyone give mert try | 19 |
4 | Oh Mert's what a great place for me to checkout on my trip to Charlotte. I wanted some hardcore authentic bbq and Mert's was my destination of choice.\n\nI ordered their legendary ribs, a side of pulled pork, collared greens and a slice of cornbread.\n\nThe ribs were great, hearty, fresh and tasty all around cooked to ... | en | 108 | oh mert great place checkout trip charlotte wanted hardcore authentic bbq mert destination ordered legendary ribs side pulled pork collared greens slice ribs great hearty fresh tasty around cooked perfection also big fan collared greens best ever awesome spot located right downtown charlotte really ca go wrong choosing... | 57 |
0 | To sum up my recent trip to Mert's...pretty delicious food yet poor customer service. The only fast service was for the drinks and cornbread. Our waiter was very inconsistent and neglecting us. There were at least four tables with more than three customers which received their entrees before my girlfriend and I did. It... | en | 66 | sum recent trip mert pretty delicious food yet poor customer service fast service drinks cornbread waiter inconsistent neglecting us least four tables three customers received entrees girlfriend long time go merts | 31 |
3 | GOOD food! I recommend the salmon cakes, greens, mac n cheese. Their cornbread is amazing, as well!\nThe ambiance is something out of an old soul's home...amazing pictures of celebrities who've been in town & the soul music overhead is so good!\nThe staff is friendly & attentive.\nKeep in mind, they stay pretty busy fo... | en | 73 | good food recommend salmon cakes greens mac n cheese cornbread amazing well ambiance something old soul home amazing pictures celebrities town soul music overhead good staff friendly mind stay pretty busy lunches really good new year brunch every eat buffet | 40 |
3 | This is one of those places you can go at lunch time and run into everyone from your local car detailer to power-brokers like the former CEO of NationsBank (now Bank of America). The food is absolutely delish, but be warned - your clothes and hair will smell of southern-fried goodness when you leave. If you are cravin... | en | 72 | one places go lunch time run everyone local car detailer like former ceo nationsbank bank america food absolutely delish warned clothes hair smell goodness leave craving good ole soul food aka southern comfort place | 34 |
2 | Highly, highly overrated! I'm from Louisiana, so I'm a tough critic. I ordered Blackened Pork Chops and it was just okay. Also, we smelled like a grease kitchen for the rest of the day. Best advice is to dine outside! Best piece of lunch was the cornbread. | en | 47 | highly highly overrated louisiana tough critic ordered blackened pork chops okay also smelled like grease kitchen rest day best advice dine outside best piece lunch cornbread | 26 |
2 | Great place for lunch when you're craving soul food in the Queen City.\n\nI came here with a coworker for lunch, and had the fried shrimp po boy and macaroni and cheese. Runs for about $7ish dollars. The mac and cheese was okay, nothing special, and the po boy was exactly what you would expect it to be. The cornbrea... | en | 86 | great place lunch craving soul food queen came coworker lunch fried shrimp po boy macaroni cheese runs dollars mac cheese okay nothing special po boy exactly would expect cornbread good reason still prefer boston market satisfying lunch nothing would go crazy | 41 |
3 | We went here while in downtown Charlotte. It was pretty good soul food. I had fried chicken, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes, however the cornbread they brought the whole table was the best thing I had. Our waitress was very nice and accommodating. Eating outside was nice as well. It was very affordable for a ... | en | 76 | went downtown charlotte pretty good soul food fried chicken mac cheese mashed potatoes however cornbread brought whole table best thing waitress nice accommodating eating outside nice well affordable downtown spot looking good home cooking city check mert | 37 |
2 | This pIace earns points for (if nothing else) being open past 8pm on Sunday. I just moved uptown and was in the process of doing some unpacking when hunger struck. As I was unprepared to cook and uptown seems to become a ghost town embarrassingly early on Sunday nights I started walking, not even wanting pizza, towards... | en | 177 | piace earns points nothing else open past sunday moved uptown process unpacking hunger struck unprepared cook uptown seems become ghost town embarrassingly early sunday nights started walking even wanting pizza towards fuel thinking place certain open imagine surprise saw across street mert still open little experience... | 86 |
4 | Cool, casual service and the home of probably the best cornbread I have ever had in my LIFE. In my view, you can't go wrong with Mert's. Happy eating! | en | 29 | cool casual service home probably best cornbread ever life view ca go wrong mert happy eating | 16 |
2 | I didn't grow up eating southern cooking but I love fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and banana pudding just as well. So needless to say I had high hopes for Mert's. \n\nI went with the buttermilk and herb chicken fingers which sounded incredible. They were about $11 and came with two sides. Overall they felt flat an... | en | 325 | grow eating southern cooking love fried chicken biscuits gravy banana pudding well needless say high hopes mert went buttermilk herb chicken fingers sounded incredible came two sides overall felt flat overwhelming garlic taste became much one two love garlic think could eat mac n cheese side saving grace deliciousness ... | 160 |
2 | Loved the ambience and the staff. The food was alright. I grew up on southern cooking so I'm tough to please. The one thing I will tell you is that their braised cabbage is THE BEST I've ever had. Get three orders of it and make it your meal. | en | 49 | loved ambience staff food alright grew southern cooking tough please one thing tell braised cabbage best ever get three orders make meal | 22 |
3 | You get a lot of food - for a very good price. Meal starts of with giant steaming mini cornbreads. Order an entree and get choice of two sides (mac and cheese, potatoes, fries etc). \n\nFried chicken was great. Sides were somewhat disappointing. Cornbread was amazing! | en | 46 | get lot food good price meal starts giant steaming mini cornbreads order entree get choice two sides mac cheese potatoes fries etc chicken great sides somewhat disappointing cornbread amazing | 29 |
0 | In my opinion EPIC FAIL ...... I'm from Charlotte and my first time going there was last week and boy was i not impressed. I guess when soul food come to my mind i think of greatness because I'm from the south, it could be a lot better. | en | 48 | opinion epic fail charlotte first time going last week boy impressed guess soul food come mind think greatness south could lot better | 22 |
2 | My first review was 5 stars, but upon our second visit seven months later, I'm taking away two stars for one main reason -- gnats, or perhaps they are fruit flies. Seeing them reminded me they were a bit of an issue during our first visit as well. As soon as our food came out, they started floating around our plates.... | en | 151 | first review stars upon second visit seven months later taking away two stars one main reason gnats perhaps fruit flies seeing reminded bit issue first visit well soon food came started floating around plates put bones plate table next us effort divert food still really good appreciate friendly service bit slow others ... | 77 |
0 | I rarely give bad reviews, but this was a pretty horrible food experience. My cousin was in town today from Seattle and requested \"good soul food.\" I've heard good things about Mert's, but have not had an opportunity to try. I figured it would be a good opportunity to show my cousin some good souther food. HUGE DISAP... | en | 122 | rarely give bad reviews pretty horrible food experience cousin town today seattle requested good soul heard good things mert opportunity try figured would good opportunity show cousin good souther food huge disappointment fried chicken pretty bland seemed like left long collard greens insanely salty instant high blood ... | 64 |
1 | When we first moved to Charlotte, NC from Savannah, I was really looking forward to trying Southern food here. A lot of people suggested Mert's. One word-YUCK! We ordered simple items. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and collards. The chicken was tasteless and the mac was bland. The service wasn't great either. She ... | en | 118 | first moved charlotte nc savannah really looking forward trying southern food lot people suggested mert one ordered simple items fried chicken macaroni cheese collards chicken tasteless mac bland service great either leaned table butt patrons face entire time impressed went second time case bad day ordered catfish okra... | 61 |
3 | Yummy true soul food! I always get the vegetable plate when I go because I can't choose between the many (all amazing) sides. The collared greens are the best I've ever had! Everything is salty, but that's expected at soul food restaurants. Mert's is always crowded, but you're usually seated quickly. Quickness of servi... | en | 93 | yummy true soul food always get vegetable plate go ca choose many amazing sides collared greens best ever everything salty expected soul food restaurants mert always crowded usually seated quickly quickness service always depends server seating pretty close tables biggie biggest downtown parking park parking garage wal... | 51 |
2 | We came to Mert's after a couple hours of play at the Discovery Place science museum just a few blocks away.\n\nThe place was pretty much empty at 5:30, two tables inside and one outside. I think it may have been a shift change because everything was just a little slow. It took a few minutes to get us seated, took a ... | en | 404 | came mert couple hours play discovery place science museum blocks place pretty much empty two tables inside one outside think may shift change everything little slow took minutes get us seated took minutes come get drink order took minutes bring us drinks time walked get order ordered soul sampler buttermilk chicken te... | 207 |
0 | The service here sucks. We went there and they got us the main meal before the appetizer and bread. When I requested to have my appetizer first, the waitress replied that they are expecting lots of people from the convention and they are trying to get us out as fast as possible. I immediately left. \n\nNever going to ... | en | 61 | service sucks went got us main meal appetizer bread requested appetizer first waitress replied expecting lots people convention trying get us fast possible immediately left going go back | 28 |
4 | I'm somewhat embarrassed about this review as I work in Uptown, love this kind of cooking, have known Mert's existed but have never gone! Remedied that on Wednesday morning and seriously had perhaps the best breakfast I've ever had.\n\nI got just the basics - scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries, biscuit and a buttermi... | en | 201 | somewhat embarrassed review work uptown love kind cooking known mert existed never gone remedied wednesday morning seriously perhaps best breakfast ever got basics scrambled eggs sausage home fries biscuit buttermilk pancake side omfg perfectly cooked eggs two huge sausage patties seared outside inside yes cooked every... | 105 |
4 | O man, this place is amazing!\n\nOk ok, I'm not an expert in soul food or southern food, but if this is even close to what it is...uhhhh I AM A FANATIC. \n\nGotta try the beef ribs and fried catfish combo. The collard greens, okra, rice sides are not to be missed. Fried chicken was great! Cornbread that comes with the ... | en | 85 | man place amazing ok expert soul food southern food even close uhhhh fanatic try beef ribs fried catfish combo collard greens okra rice sides missed fried chicken great cornbread comes meals sweet buttery thing would say ehh salmon cake bit dry | 41 |
2 | For me, Mert's is just \"OK\". Maybe I am biased, but I feel this is the kind of food you must be in the mood for. Southern soul/comfort food just isn't something that can be eaten 24/7. \n\nI had a sampler platter for entree which includes beef ribs, chicken tenders, and Mert's spring rolls. The beef ribs are actually... | en | 132 | mert maybe biased feel kind food must mood southern food something eaten sampler platter entree includes beef ribs chicken tenders mert spring rolls beef ribs actually good beef quite tender easily come bones fact beef rather typical port ribs made huge difference spring rolls chicken tenders little salty fatty guess e... | 61 |
1 | This place was just OK for me. I was pretty disappointed with the fried chicken because I felt it could have been more flavorful and more fried. I was surprised because I would have expected more. The catfish my dad and sister ordered was way more fried than the chicken my mom and me had ordered. Also, don't expect t... | en | 149 | place ok pretty disappointed fried chicken felt could flavorful fried surprised would expected catfish dad sister ordered way fried chicken mom ordered also expect fish fillet whole though server friendly also disappointed rare came check us also forgotten give us corn bread check us resorted asking different waitress ... | 61 |
3 | Cool restaurant - I went here on a Monday afternoon with the wife, dad, and grandpa, while paying a little visit to Charlotte. My dad and grandpa live in Charlotte and told us we had to try Mert's. Cornbread was excellent - we all got our own little loaf as a starter. Entrees come with two sides and I got the pulled... | en | 237 | cool restaurant went monday afternoon wife dad grandpa paying little visit charlotte dad grandpa live charlotte told us try mert cornbread excellent got little loaf starter entrees come two sides got pulled pork main dish okra green beans pulled pork little stringy vinegary unique got salmon cakes really care told orde... | 118 |
4 | Mert's Heart & Soul? Thank you Charlotte for introducing me to this place! The food is fantastic! The fried chicken was a lot better the second time I went. I'm not sure what changed. The collard greens were so good. Now I'm not a cornbread eater but you really have to try theirs. Also, the service great! | en | 57 | mert heart soul thank charlotte introducing place food fantastic fried chicken lot better second time went sure changed collard greens good cornbread eater really try also service great | 28 |
4 | I love this place. This is my favorite restaurant in all of Charlotte. The food is great, the service is exceptional and friendly, and the atmosphere is unpretentious. I highly recommend Mert's. | en | 32 | love place favorite restaurant charlotte food great service exceptional friendly atmosphere unpretentious highly recommend mert | 15 |
4 | While visiting Charlotte from Birmingham, AL, we stopped by Mert's for lunch. We absolutley LOVED it. Our waitress was amazing and the food was even better. By far the best cornbread I have ever had in my life. When ever I come to Charlotte I'll always eat here. I had the Salmon cakes which are made with fresh salmon a... | en | 75 | visiting charlotte birmingham al stopped mert lunch absolutley loved waitress amazing food even better far best cornbread ever life ever come charlotte always eat salmon cakes made fresh salmon loved spicy collard greens thanks wonderful dining experience | 37 |
3 | This is a great place to eat! The people there are so nice and the food is fantastic. They have some of the best cornbread I've had and the catfish and chicken are fried to golden perfection but deliciously moist. | en | 40 | great place eat people nice food fantastic best cornbread catfish chicken fried golden perfection deliciously moist | 16 |
1 | Had the Shrimp Po Boo. I wish I know that it would be spicy I would have asked them to hold the spice. Even the Home Fries where spicy. I understand that it's southern home cooking, however other items on the menu warn that it's spicy. I understand it's not a four star restaurant, however the batter on the popcorn ... | en | 156 | shrimp po boo wish know would spicy would asked hold spice even home fries spicy understand southern home cooking however items menu warn spicy understand four star restaurant however batter popcorn shrimp could crispy perhaps fryer temperature sunk despite spiciness potatoes fresh cooked long although personally like ... | 83 |
3 | While visiting Charlotte for the DNC, I must say that Merts made me feel as if I never left home. I dined there for breakfast and two dinners.\n\nFor breakfast I had two eggs, bacon, biscuits and home fries. Everything was very enjoyable but where Merts really shines is at night.\n\nFor dinner, I had the salmon cakes... | en | 154 | visiting charlotte dnc must say merts made feel never left home dined breakfast two breakfast two eggs bacon biscuits home fries everything enjoyable merts really shines dinner salmon cakes one occasion fried catfish side yams greens sweet tea wash managed save enough room dessert enjoyed slice sweet potato cake cake m... | 75 |
2 | Go for the cornbread, stay for the mac and cheese and bbq pork.\n\nThe salmon cake has an interesting flavor, but the texture reminded me of crab cakes. I will stick with crab cakes in the future, but glad I tried something new. \n\nIf I ever make it back to Charlotte, I'd swing by again for the cornbread. | en | 57 | go cornbread stay mac cheese bbq salmon cake interesting flavor texture reminded crab cakes stick crab cakes future glad tried something new ever make back charlotte swing cornbread | 28 |
4 | UMM, UMM GOOD! I had to say that in capital letters just to get my point across how good Mert's is! I've been to a few soul food restaurants, where they claim \"everything is homemade\" but when it comes to Mert's that's exactly what you get! Homemade biscuits and even ..are you ready for this? Homemade butter!! The be... | en | 136 | umm umm good say capital letters get point across good mert soul food restaurants claim everything comes mert exactly get homemade biscuits even ready homemade butter beef ribs fall bone mac n cheese real deal boxed stuff desserts choose choice german chocolate red velvet sweet potato coconut cake pound cake banana pud... | 71 |
2 | This place has some good and some bad, so let's start with the good: Lunch and Dinner. The fried chicken is excellent and I don't think I would ever order anything different here. I've had the salmon cakes and the pulled pork BBQ, both were just OK. Just get the chicken and thank me later! The corn bread they bring... | en | 240 | place good bad let start good lunch dinner fried chicken excellent think would ever order anything different salmon cakes pulled pork bbq get chicken thank later corn bread bring lunch dinner amazing always piping hot serves nice base meal sides pretty good nothing mind blowing enjoy every time mac cheese mashed potato... | 123 |
4 | We were in town for the Belk Bowl and went to Mert's for lunch. It was excellent, staff was very friendly. FYI, try the macaroni & cheese and cornbread with tHe honey butter, YUM!!!! | en | 34 | town belk bowl went mert lunch excellent staff friendly fyi try macaroni cheese cornbread honey butter yum | 17 |
4 | I'm writing this review as a pat on the back for the service at Mert's. The food there is awesome as reflected in other reviews & we've certainly never been disappointed. What's even better than their food though, is the wonderful service. From the time you walk in the door, you feel as if you are a guest at someone's ... | en | 96 | writing review pat back service mert food awesome reflected reviews certainly never disappointed even better food though wonderful service time walk door feel guest someone house opposed customer bend backwards bring whatever need sometimes even anticipate may needing get chance ask highly recommend mert | 44 |
4 | Really, its as good as it gets. The food is hot and fresh. The cornbread is awesome and the service is good...I love this place. | en | 25 | really good gets food hot fresh cornbread awesome service good love place | 12 |
3 | Food is good, service started out slow, but got better. The salmon cakes are the BOMB, and it's real fish (Not can). Nice portions of food... Nice outside sitting if it's a nice day. | en | 34 | food good service started slow got better salmon cakes bomb real fish nice portions food nice outside sitting nice day | 20 |
4 | Definitely a must go to! I had the locals recommend this place to me. It was so good i ate two dinners her the same night. I had Sharon serve me and she really knew her stuff. She first suggested the salmon cakes which were amazing with the side sauce. This is a MUST get if your trying something out there for the firs... | en | 177 | definitely must go locals recommend place good ate two dinners night sharon serve really knew stuff first suggested salmon cakes amazing side sauce must get trying something first sweet tea well go wrong suggested sweet potato pie amazing fluffy tasty nice portion well went back later second dinner got shrimp grits sou... | 75 |
0 | My husband & I went here based on the reviews from here. We were in Charlotte for our anniversary and I was eager to try the local cuisine. I like trying small businesses and supporting them. With that said...Mert's was disappointing and overpriced. The fried chicken was bland, you should not have to put salt on fried ... | en | 203 | husband went based reviews charlotte anniversary eager try local cuisine like trying small businesses supporting said mert disappointing overpriced fried chicken bland put salt fried chicken mac n cheese pound cake ok best fish bones one got caught back hubby throat greens yams worst red beans tasted like cooked caldro... | 104 |
2 | Based on the previous reviews i was super excited to eat here. However i was a bit disapointed. Fried chicken was kind of bland but nice and juicy and the fried catfish was kind of soggy. Mac and cheese and greens were very good. Service was slow. | en | 47 | based previous reviews super excited eat however bit disapointed fried chicken kind bland nice juicy fried catfish kind soggy mac cheese greens good service slow | 25 |
1 | Sunday morning the cornbread hits the spot. The rest of the meal, food and service, was mediocre at best. To tell the truth, the service ran along the lines of pretty poor. We sat outside and the tables around us were annoyed with the bad service too. Actually the woman at the table of three directly across from us ke... | en | 305 | sunday morning cornbread hits spot rest meal food service mediocre best tell truth service ran along lines pretty poor sat outside tables around us annoyed bad service actually woman table three directly across us kept telling customers go came dine also served wrong meal one ever came back check started meal fried gre... | 158 |
3 | Melt in your mouth cornbread. Soul rolls that make you want to testify. Down home friendly service. Shrimp and Grits that make you smile. Great food close to downtown. | en | 29 | melt mouth cornbread soul rolls make want testify home friendly service shrimp grits make smile great food close downtown | 19 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.