Shirley Mae’s Café
802 S Clay St, Louisville, KY, 40203
Shirley Mae’s Café Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
802 S Clay St
Louisville, KY, 40203 - Phone (502) 589-5295
- Website https://shirleymaescafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Spalding H.
Wow, that was delicious! Went here on Mother's Day after a day at the track. Had a large group of a very hungry family. The wait staff what extremely nice. The food was incredible. Lots of delicious southern options to choose from. Because it was Mothers Day they gave all the Mothers in our party a rose and a candle! I have never had a nicer dining experience. Will come back often.
(5)Tony L.
This is the place I have been looking for ever since I came home to Kentucky. This is the food your grandmother cooked if you were lucky enough to have a country grandmother like mine. Everything is so good! This is the food I grew up on and there is nothing here that isn't wonderful. I simply refuse to eat meatloaf when I am out because no one makes it as well as I do, but the meatloaf here is really good. This is food that is good for the soul!
(5)Ria C.
Soooooooooo good!!! I'm still full from Sunday!!!
(5)Thao T.
This is by far the best Soul Food restaurant I've been to in Louisville. I take back all my 5 stars at other soul food places! :) Shirley Mae's is located at the corner of Clay and Lampton, the entrance on the side of an old building that looks abandoned, right in the heart of Smoketown. It might seem intimidating as the area is known for crimes, violence and poverty but step inside its intimate setting and you'll find warm, friendly and welcoming people. Order right at the open kitchen counter to go or sit down and order with the friendly waiter. It's a family run business, Shirley Mae and her older daughter cook, her son waits, and Dee, another daughter, DJs. The menu offers authentic soul food dishes like chitterlings, ham hocks, pig feet as well as other traditional fried chicken, ribs, fish dishes etc. Everything is made to order so be patient, it's worth it. Our fried chicken came out pipping hot and huge, the fried fish crunchy and delicious. Whatever you do make sure you order the hot water cornbread, it'll make you a lifelong fan. I was never a fan of corn bread but hers made me a believer. The place is humble so don't expect any fancy restaurant amenities. Bring cash and use common sense, don't leave valuables in your car in plain site (as with any neighborhood). Dee made us feel so welcome, it was like coming over to visit a friend. It might be rough around the edges but everything inside shines.
(5)Andrew H.
Overview: Shirley Mae's Cafe is a very low-key, traditional soul-food restaurant that serves favorites such as Fried Chicken, Pig Feet, and fried Pork Chops. It's a family business with Shirley Mae and her children running the place. located a mile or two south of the Louisville downtown in a "shady" area of town. It's seriously not a place you should bring a date, or even bring a nice car, but it is a very accurate example of traditional Southern soul food. Bring cash. Come for lunch for a small discount. Expect to pay about $12-14 for a dinner entree (which include two sides each). The Food: I tried several items here including the grilled chicken with dressing, the fried pork chops, turnip greens, macaroni with cheese, mashed sweet potato, fried corn bread and cole slaw... and I unfortunately disliked about half the items I ordered. I felt that the grilled chicken portion was very low, the pork chop was overly salted, the cole slaw had a bitter off-flavor, the mashed sweet potato were overly sugared, and everything seemed to be unnecessarily slathered with butter. The only item that I was very impressed with was the fried corn bread which had both a wonderful crunchy exterior, a delicious, moist, soft interior. The Establishment: With several men sitting in front doing nothing, a poorly lit/oddly shaped interior, and its location in a very dilapidated part of town, it's hard for me to recommend this location to most people. The Service: Warren and his sister are quite friendly and very amicable hosts. I very much enjoyed talking with both of them, and is likely the reason why this place is so beloved by the Yelp community. It's hard to give an honest review of the restaurant when you like the owners and patrons so much. Conclusions: Shirley Mae's Cafe is a very authentic soul food restaurant run by wonderful people, but is unfortunately serves ridiculous unhealthy chicken and pork dishes and is located in an awful establishment. If you are a tourist, and have never experienced soul food, I would highly recommend Shirley Mae's to you. On the other hand, if you have already have experienced Southern food at its finest, there is not a good reason to drive into this part of town.
(2)Jenny J.
So disappointed. Cornbread was average at best. The meatloaf was so unseasoned. Brought it home and added lawrys seasoning. The fish and potato salad was fine. The pecan pie was superb.
(2)Charles L.
Visited Louisville for four days and picked Shirley Mae's for a soul food fix. Dark Dingy and it's not obvious who's working until you've been there a while. We ordered Fried Chicken, Hocks, Chitlins and ribs with Greens, Mac & Cheese Sweet Potatoes, and Beans. The hot water corn bread is standard. It was all good home cookin. Highly recommended for adventurous types who are in need of some real southern food and a classic dive bar.
(4)Mike M.
Soul food is more than a type of food; there's love on that plate too, along with hard work, tradition, and dedication. Shirley Mae can teach the soul food master class. It's a small place with bar and table seating. The first thing we noticed was the "good food ahead" aroma as we walked in. Warren (Shirley Mae's son) met us at the door, showed us to a table, and described the menu. We ordered a lot of stuff because we wanted to taste as much as possible: Southern Fried Chicken Wings (they are huge) Barbecued Ribs (the racks were finishing on the bbq when we sat down) Chitterlings (sooo tender) Ham Hocks (fall off the bone goodness) Meatloaf Baked Chicken & Cornbread Dressing (Sunday only) Smothered Pork Chops (Sunday only) Our sides were: Turnip Greens Green Beans Pinto Beans Fried Corn Off-the-Cob Mashed Potatoes Cole Slaw Everything came with Hot Water Cornbread. We had enough food to feed 8 and brought all the left-overs home for tomorrow. For me at least, today's late lunch will also be dinner because I'm still full 4 hours later. It was like being invited into this family's home. Warren and Dee (Shirley Mae's daughter) spent time with us telling us about Shirley Mae and Smoketown. After we ate, Shirley Mae and Theresa (Shirley Mae's daughter) sat outside with us winding down a great meal. Bring an appetite and time to relax when you visit!
(5)Julie M.
If you are a staunch "judge a book by it's cover" person - this place is not for you If you are the type of restaurant patron who will require a tofu and baby bok choy stir fry with quinoa and some herbal tea - this place is not for you If you are the type of person who goes to Europe and only eats McDonalds, or thinks the Olive Garden is the grandest form of haute cuisine ever - this place is not for you Who this place IS for are people who go to a place and are received warmly by the owner and her family. A place that is more like going to someones house to eat rather than a standard restaurant. A place that makes the most amazing soul food - mouth watering ribs, turnip greens that are so good I forgot to add the vinegar, mac and cheese that is velvety smooth and deliciously cheesy, and chicken wings that are so big they could be turkey wings. But let me tell you, if you go for no other reason than this - there is an item called Hot Water Cornbread. They are fried little cakes that look a lot like flattened hush puppies. And they are TO DIE FOR. Hands down the best cornbread I have ever eaten in my life. Yeah, you should go. And don't say I didn't warn you about the cornbread. You will be hooked and addicted same as me!
(4)Kirk H.
The good: All the sides, blackberry cobbler The meh: fried chicken, meat loaf, ribs, banana pudding, cornbread. Its okay. Just not really good. If I go back, I will get a vegetable plate. Good service, cool place, reasonable prices.
(3)Stephanie S.
My boyfriend and I went to Shirley Mae's during the UofL basketball game and it was the perfect choice. They had the game on behond the bar on large screens and it wasn't packed. Don't let the outside scare you. Walk on in and you will be greeted by the most friendly server. I ordered the ribs and my boyfriend go the meatloaf. The ribs were nothing super fancy or special, but what stole the show were the turnip greens. WOW! I've only recently in my life began ordering greens and smothering it with apple cider vinegar, yet I could say this is the best I had. They top it with onion and tomato (I opted out of the tomato as I am not a huge fan). As the other reviews stated, the cornbread was really good. I dipped it in the juice/sauce leftover from my ribs. Heaven. As for the meatloaf, I was only able to steal a bite before my boyfriend devoured it. I thought it was really juicy and flavorful.
(4)Paige B.
We are a lucky bunch of Louisvillians. If you haven't eaten at Shirley Mae's, you MUST! Shirley is there, always Praise Jesus, and cooks up whatever southern soul food you desire. I became addicted to her sweet potatas, her Love is in 'em y'all! And you get the pleasure of meeting her Sweet and Beautiful Son and Daughter. Nothin' but nice in Shirley's Cafe! Do yourself a favor and go to Clay Street to Eat and meet the best of Louisville. Thank you Shirley!
(5)Albert M.
Without a doubt, the best southern comfort food restaurant I've had the pleasure of finding. My friend and I wandered in one Friday afternoon and were greeted by the friendliest people and most delicious food we could have begun to hope for. We loved the place so much that we came back three times during our weekend trip. I had the ribs, which were fantastic and literally fell off of the bones. If you go, you have to order a side combination of sweet potatoes and pinto beans. Be sure to mix them together well and you will never have them any other way. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough, and think it's a requirement to eat here when visiting Louisville.
(5)Matt G.
I'm from the old school Soul Food era of Louisville...Jay's (18th ST side, not the AlI side), Gill's Fish Market, Mister Thompson's, Finley's, Big Hops, and Big Mama's....so when I say Shirley Mae's is legit, you can believe that. I'm gluten free so there's not much I can eat on the Entrée menu but when you've already cheated once today....a lil meatloaf n cornbread splurge can't hurt right? (Ohhhh but it will). Good prices, nice service, the decor needs an uplift but if you're in this area lookin for a 5 star restaurant then you really must be lost. Soul food has humble roots, and it's made with love and tradition. If you don't like the area well that's your personal issue, but I felt completely comfortable and welcome, and I would never say anything to deter anyone from coming. I had the meatloaf w/sweet potatoes & cabbage...all delicious. Meatloaf had great flavor, perfectly seasoned. Cabbage could've spent less time on the stove, but I like mine a lil firmer than tradition allows lol. Sweet potatoes...umm yes please! Wish there was more. Then there are these precious jewels of cornbread...oh my, it's almost worth coming here just to eat it! I work close to here on occasion so I will be back to make myself sick again. Shirley Mae's has entered into conversation on Louisville Soul Food.
(4)Shawnte W.
Lord Jesus the cornbread is the best in the city!! The best food always comes from a hole in the wall like this. Don't be scared, everyone is really nice there. I can't wait to get back. I had the fried tilapia with cabbage and mac and cheese. Mac and cheese nothing to write home about but everything else was delish!!
(5)Tom S.
I had no idea that people this nice, food this good, or an atmosphere this authentic was even possible. This meal was historic. We were literally waving goodbye to the staff and the other customers when we left.
(5)Aliza W.
Great soul food and really sweet staff. We came just before closing one night so they were already out of ribs but the fried chicken was a tasty substitute. The corn bread is SO good!
(5)Nicole D.
Great folks, great music, great food. This was the best meal we had in Louisville! None of the new "foodie" restaurants in town can hold a candle to the care and dedication that goes in to the cooking here and the staff apparently love their jobs, as they were kind and caring. The Sunday chicken dinner was perfect with sides of mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Everything was made from scratch, nothing canned here, and you can taste it. The smothered pork chop was perfectly cooked, full of flavor and generously sized. Call ahead if you're in a hurry. Good food takes time and you don't want to rush an experience like this one.
(5)James K.
Great food and nice staff! They really make you feel like part of the family. I checked this place out with a couple friends, and we were all very impressed. The food was made to order and fantastic. Between us we had the ribs, wings, meatloaf, and chittlins and all had great meals (the sides were also great). Make sure to bring cash so you don't have to make an ATM run like we did.
(5)Paul P.
A diamond in the rough! We went for soul food. We got much more. Eating at Shirley Mae's was an experience. It felt like I was walking into the movie "life" with Martin Lawrence, and Eddie Murphy. The classics they were playing in there, The history around you, the way you felt just sitting there, and then you get your food! I don't think anyone will ever serve me sweet potatoes like that again. You better go on Sunday, because you get two additional menu items that can't be ignored. The smothered pork chop was one of them, and I'm telling you, it just melts in your mouth. The turnip greens, and the hot water cornbread were delicious. Everything was perfect, even the sweet tea. Nothing was over seasoned, or greasy. Before this I had only experienced soul food in the deep south. I'm afraid they're gonna have to step their game up to compete with Louisville's best.
(5)Britt N.
Soooo good, and the service is so friendly. We absolutely loved everything about this place, especially the hot water cornbread.
(5)Mike P.
I want to be this place's baby's momma. I'd never been here and the menu looked promising. We ordered a carry-out for Snowpocalypse 2015; a series of homestyle sides, like green beans, mashed potatoes n' gravy, collared greens, etc. along with a smothered pork chop and hot water cornbread. For dessert, we topped it off with a slice of pecan pie. When we arrived to pick it up, not only was the order not ready but half of it was wrong. Thank Zeus. Because the wait afforded us time to sit at the bar and soak up the decor, oozing with character. As you walk in, the place runs like a long rectangle, north-to-south, with you facing the bar. To your left is the kitchen and a small area with classic eatery-style tables and chairs that might fit a handful of people (watched over by a poster of Hillary Clinton and a menu board). To the right, the bar (lit by globed sconces along the rear wall, that covered in family and celebrity photos, Louisville Cardinal sports memorabilia) stretches toward a shadowed front of the building where the ceiling slants toward the floor and has posters stapled to it. Running parallel and opposite the bar on the east side is a row of dimly-lit, semi-circle booths, like something out of a gangster flick. A couple sat in one of these booths and watched a basketball game on the television. It seemed like a fine spot to grab a lonely drink, watch a game with some pals or snag a hearty meal in relative comfort all at once. The owner (I presume due to being the only staff with a Cosby sweater pulled over a button-up, face adorned with reading glasses) corrected our order and made a nice sleight of hand by suggesting he'd fire the person who messed it up if only it weren't a family business. Touche'. I assume the long wait for the food was because they were making it fresh because it tasted straight out of a home kitchen (i.e. amazing). While the pork chop was absurd when combined with some potatoes and greens, the real highlight was the freshly baked, mini pecan pie (oh, that's why it's $6), fit for two or three. If you're in the mood for homestyle, American food, this place is amazing. Just go when you aren't in a rush, like a lazy, snowy Saturday.
(5)Eat O.
Yum! Generous portions and made to order. Love her home cooking. TH-SUN 11am to Midnight. 2 days in a row now! Can't wait to try their Sunday pork chops and Chicken n Stuffin'
(5)Todd M.
good food. good service. dont be afraid to try it. . i had the ribs. they were good oven ribs. wife had smothered pork chops. tender and juicy. had pintos greens mac n cheese and corn. all were great. the hot water corn bread was very unique. truly ethnic. ask them about its origins. if you like soul food give this spot a try. cash only no credit.
(4)Don S.
Amazing food and people, I would definitely eat here again. It might look iffy from the outside, but just go on in and you'll have some of the next food of your life. Very laid back and relaxing atmosphere
(5)Kevin M.
I really was hoping this place was as good as the reviews, it wasn't. I'm being very generous with four stars because I'm hoping I caught them on an off day. Called in a carry out order and was told it would be ready in 10 minutes. It took almost 45 minutes and they weren't busy. The chicken was undercooked, the macaroni was overcooked and mushy. Mashed potatoes were runny and not good. Greens and cornbread were both very good. Ribs were good, portions were large. Banana pudding was also very good. The man who took my order was very nice but unconcerned about my wait time. Very disorganized.
(4)