On my most recent journey to Charlotte, North Carolina, I dove headfirst into the city’s soul‑food scene. I will introduce you through five real soul‑food restaurants, each with signature dishes, price ranges, locations, booking tips, and my honest personal impressions. I’ll also offer useful advice on reservations, etiquette, and how to enjoy the spirit of Southern comfort food like a local.
1. Mert’s Heart & Soul – Uptown Gem
Location: 214 North College Street, Uptown Charlotte
Signature Dish: Soul Roll (collard‑green and black‑eyed‑pea egg roll) plus salmon cakes
Price Range: Entrées \$14–\$22; sides \$3–\$6; desserts (pound cake) ~ \$5
Website: mertscharlotte.com ([Sunset SoulFood][1])
I walked into Mert’s Heart & Soul one energetic afternoon after a museum visit Uptown. The décor was humble—bright yellow walls, long benches, and photos of past food‑celebrity appearances. I ordered their famous Soul Roll appetizer—an egg roll stuffed with rice, black‑eyed peas, diced chicken, and collard greens. Each bite offered a delightful crunch followed by a savory Southern flavor profile. The service came with a friendly Southern drawl and effortless hospitality; my drink glass was refilled before I realized it was empty.
For dinner entrée, I sampled their fresh salmon cakes, which were dense yet tender, with a crisp seared crust and a buttery lemon‑dill tartar sauce. As for sides, I chose candied yams and collard greens—both seasoned just right, not too sweet, not too bitter. The house cornbread loaf (mini loaf served warm) was crumbly, moist, and slightly sweet—a memorable addition. Dessert was a slice of pound cake drizzled with glaze: simple but soul‑satisfyingly nostalgic.
What I appreciated most: consistency and personality. Mert’s has earned acclaim by appearing on Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives, and I saw why. It felt like classic Charlotte soul food in a welcoming environment. Downsides: busy at dinnertime, so wait times can hit 20–30 minutes without a reservation. However, they offer limited seating upstairs and a call‑ahead wait list via phone. I ended up waiting 15 minutes, then joining a small shared table with friendly locals.
2. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food – Oak Lake Blvd
Location: 2908 Oak Lake Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208
Signature Dish: BBQ ribs plate with two sides (mac & cheese, collard greens)
Price Range: 1‑meat–2‑veg plate \$14.99; ribs slightly higher (~\$17–18) ([Southern Living][2])
On a weekday lunchtime, I ventured into Nana Morrison’s at Oak Lake Blvd after hearing high praise online. It’s family-owned, clean, and efficient. I ordered the BBQ ribs plate, served with generous portions of creamy macaroni & cheese and collard greens. The ribs were fall‑off‑the‑bone tender, with a subtle smoky glaze. The macaroni reminded me of home cooking—bechamel‑style cheese, baked with a crunchy top. Greens were cooked down with bits of onion and smoked pork, pleasantly earthy.
The interior design was simple but tidy—neutral walls, clean tile floor, large service window. Staff took orders at the counter and delivered food to my table quickly. I did feel the seasoning on the chicken plate I tried was “plain” as described by reviewers, but the ribs and sides were flavorful. Reviews note high praise from locals and good prices, and I’d describe the service as brisk and efficient. Perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch. If visiting evenings or weekends, especially at the Corning location, expect more of a line—plan accordingly.
3. Soul Central Restaurant – South Boulevard
Location: South Boulevard (exact address via website)
Signature Dish: Fried chicken platter or baked chicken with two sides
Price Range: Entrée plates around \$12–\$16; sides \$3–\$5 ([nanamorrisonssoulfood.com][3])
One evening, craving comfort after a long day, I came across Soul Central near South Boulevard. The menu promised “Southern home cooking,” and I wasn’t disappointed. I ordered the fried chicken platter with two sides (I chose lima beans and mashed potatoes). The chicken skin was crispy but not greasy; the meat underneath juicy, seasoned right. The mashed potatoes were buttery, smooth and felt like Grandma’s, and the lima beans had a touch of sweetness and bacon undertone.
I noticed the baked chicken meal was also popular among locals. Prices were reasonable, service friendly, and portions generous. The dining area felt homey—tables with checkered paper mats and jars of hot sauce and vinegar on each table. I didn’t need a reservation here; arriving around 6 pm, stopped in easily. Perfect for when you feel hungry and want legitimate soul food without fuss.
4. Ken Cooks SoulFood Restaurant – North Charlotte
Location: North Charlotte (TripAdvisor lists precise location)
Signature Dish: Fried turkey wings or smothered chicken with sides
Price Range: Entrees \$13–18; sides \$3–4 ([soulcentralfood.com][4])
A local suggestion led me to Ken Cooks, located in North Charlotte. The décor was no‑frills: modest booths, bright fluorescent lighting, handwritten menu on the board. I sat next to regulars hosting business casual lunch. I opted for smothered chicken (chicken breast smothered in gravy onions) served with mac & cheese and collard greens.
The chicken was tender, the gravy savory and comforting. Mac & cheese was rich and baked, collards expertly seasoned. I also tried their fried turkey wing, which delivered crisp skin and tender, flavorful meat—not too dry, with a bit of peppered kick. Service was friendly but busy, with turnover high. Plates come packed—this is no small portions territory. Downsides: bathrooms felt dated, décor underwhelming, but food quality made up for modest ambiance.
5. Dish Restaurant in Plaza Midwood (Modern twist on soul food)
Location: 1220 Thomas Avenue, Plaza Midwood, Charlotte 28205 ([eatatdish.com][5])
Signature Dish: Special rotating chef’s lunch—often chicken thigh special with sides
Price Range: Entrées \$15–25
Though not a traditional soul-food joint, Dish in Plaza Midwood offers Southern comfort classics with a modern flair, and I consider it soul food adjacent. I went for lunch on a weekend. Their chicken thigh special came with very juicy, well-seasoned thigh meat, black-eyed peas, and a biscuit. The staff were incredibly friendly; servers explained daily specials in detail, recommended cocktails, and checked back for refills.
The atmosphere was lively: local art framed on walls, indie music, communal tables. Dish is famed for their cocktails, and I paired my meal with a bourbon‑sweet tea hybrid. The chicken thigh was some of the best I’ve had—crispy skin, moist interior, flavorful rub. I left feeling full, satisfied, but not weighed down. Reservations recommended—especially evenings or brunch weekends.
🍽️ Booking & Reservation Tips
- Mert’s Heart & Soul: Reservations are possible via phone and by joining the waitlist. For dinner weekends or events nearby, call ahead or arrive early.
- Nana Morrison’s: Walk‑in friendly, especially at Oak Lake location. Corning location may have stronger evening lines.
- Soul Central / Ken Cooks: Rarely take reservations—these are counter‑service or cafeteria style; expect short waits around meal times.
- Dish: Highly recommended to book via their online reservation system for brunch or dinner, especially on weekends.
🍴 Etiquette & What to Expect
- Dining at soul‑food restaurants usually means casual, comfortable atmosphere—no dress code beyond “come as you are.”
- Most chains or counter-service places accept cards, but bring some cash for tipping (15‑20%).
- Portions are generous—sharing entrees or ordering lighter sides can work if you’re solo or small appetite.
- Ask for sauces or seasoning on the side if you’re sensitive to spice or salt.
- At places like Mert’s or Dish, tipping is standard; at counter-service (Nana’s, Soul Central), tipping is optional but appreciated.
🧠 Personal Reflections on My Tour
After four meals over two days, I felt nourished and inspired. Mert’s Soul Roll and salmon cakes anchored the tradition and authenticity. Nana Morrison’s ribs and macaroni captured that neighborhood home‑cooked vibe. Soul Central’s fried chicken and mashed potatoes was down‑home simplicity executed well. Ken Cooks’ smothered chicken and fried turkey wings delivered hearty punch and bold flavors. And Dish’s modern chicken thigh special showed me how soul‑food influences continue to evolve in Charlotte’s indie restaurant scene.
What struck me most was how each place felt distinctly Charlotte: welcoming servers, bold seasoning without overdoing spice, generous portions, and a balance of home-cooking tradition with polished presentation at modern joints. Prices were fair—usually \$15–\$20 for a filling plate with sides—making it easy to indulge without guilt.
🍗 Must-try Signature Dishes & Prices Recap
- Mert’s Heart & Soul: Soul Roll appetizer (
\$6–7), salmon cakes entrée (\$18), sides ~\$4–5, pound cake dessert ~\$5. - Nana Morrison’s: 1‑meat/2‑veg plate (
\$15); ribs plate (\$17–18); sides ~ \$3–5. - Soul Central: Fried chicken platter (
\$14), baked chicken plate (\$12–13), sides ~\$3–4. - Ken Cooks: Smothered chicken plate (
\$16), fried turkey wing (\$15), sides ~\$3. - Dish Restaurant: Chicken thigh special (~\$18–20), sides included; cocktails ~\$10–14.
✅ Final Tips for Soul Food Lovers in Charlotte
- Go hungry and with an open mind—portion sizes are generous and flavors bold.
- Arrive early for busy dinner spots like Mert’s or Fl Midwood’s Dish.
- Use public transit or ride-share—easy Uptown parking is limited, and some restaurants are in walkable neighborhoods.
- Ask locals—many Charlotte residents recommended places like Ken Cooks or Soul Central as weekend staples.
- Try a mix—from traditional classics to modern takes—you’ll see how Southern comfort evolves.
- Leave room for dessert—banana pudding, pound cake, sweet potato pie appear often; check Nana Morrison’s rotating dessert list.
Charlotte’s soul‑food scene blends tradition with innovation—but at every stop I visited, what remained consistent was genuine hospitality and comforting flavor. I particularly loved Mert’s Heart & Soul for its Uptown presence and flair, Nana Morrison’s for quick, hearty family‑style servings, and Soul Central or Ken Cooks if you’re after affordable, honest everyday cooking. Dish rounded out the tour with personality and elevated taste.
If you’re visiting Charlotte and want a true taste of Southern comfort, make time for at least a few of these spots. Bring friends, order extra sides, savor each bite—and after your meal, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit back to the Queen City’s soul‑food table.
