Shirley Mae's Café

I feel as though I had set my expectations too high. I had gotten smothered pork chops, mac and cheese, the soup of the day, and cherry Kool aid. I'm sad to say the Kool aid was the most memorable part, that and the corn bread. The mac and cheese had thick noodles which i enjoyed, but was just fine. The porkchop was really tender and felt nice to eat, but had its dry spots. Overall it was just Mediocre, but I didn't have a bad time. The service was a tad slow, but I didn't really notice due to striking up conversation with another man waiting too. However, the woman who took my order was very kind, and I always appreciate that more than quick service.I went on a nice cool day, and ate outside. It was a nice place to eat, if it weren't for the multitudes of flies swarming me. I figure it's a risk of eating outside, and there was a cute cat that came over to investigate, so that made up for it in my eyes.

Oooh, buddy! I'm so happy I finally made it to Shirley Mae's. When we walked up after parking on the screen, a friendly man, who was sitting out, greeted us and we gave him our orders and paid. We went early on Thursday, and because it was basically their Monday, not everything was made or ready just yet (namely, the desserts), so perhaps if you're dead set on something, don't come first thing on Thursday.There are a few tables outside, so we found a seat at a picnic table. There was a bit of wait for our food, but it wasn't too long. When our food was ready, the man brought it back out to us. After unboxing... Woooo!! I ordered the fried tilapia, greens, and sweet potatoes. It came with the hot water cornbread (which sort of reminded me of the hush puppy, in that it had a crispier exterior with soft insides). Everything was soooo tasty. What a wonderful meal with great service. This really is a Louisville gem, and I will be back for everything (especially dessert)!

Very unique! Cash only and TO GO business only. My colleagues and I stopped here for lunch today based off of a Food Network craveable Cornbread article. Service was great. Very friendly. Theres only 3 tables to sit outside on the street. We ordered the fried chicken wings , mashed potatoes, collard greens, green beans and- of course -the award winning cornbread. We enjoyed our lunch and the little fried cornbread coins were delicious.

Food was delicious! Great portions, well seasoned, made with lots of love. Warren gave us amazing service and was such a pleasure to hang back and talk to after we were done. I love our collective neighborhood (though im a little closer to Shelby park) so the outdoor seating provided a nice ambiance of beautiful trees and city sounds. 10/10 will be back and highly recommend.

Good food, friendly staff, To go only and very slow service. This small family own and run business can earn a solid 4 or plus if the rating was solely based on the food. While it could earn a 1 if the review was based on quickness of service. Does the good food worth the wait? Not if you are on the go but if you are ordering from here for work, family or yourself, give it an hour or so before you plan to eat, including if you call an order a minute after they open. Good wings, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, Chicken N Dumpling, okay tilapia Bon appetit

We didn't know that since the pandemic they were not serving inside and were 100% a pick up option. I suppose you can eat sitting on the curb but since we visited during a tornado warning we didn't. I can attest to Warren and his dog Java were very welcoming, as were the rest of the locals. The food was delicious, I really loved the cabbage, the greens, sweet potato, Mac n cheese n corn, hahaha that's most of em. We also tried the ribs, fried chicken, meatloaf and porkchop. The wings were the winner but all were very good. We also ordered the soup of the day, a ham and white bean. It was also quite good. Oh n the cornbread was a whole new world for us northerners. I recommend taking some home, toasting them in the morning and making a breakfast sandwich (egg, bacon, cheese n hot sauce)

Rest in peace to Mrs. Shirley Mae what a wonderful soul and legendary woman who didn't play in the kitchen, may you rest in heaven peacefully I'm praying for you family

Food is delicious, service is spectacular! The kids took over after their momma passed recently. They're really sweet people. Support local!

So my family and I happened across Shirley Mae's as we searched for soul food. It was July and super hot so we sat in the car and waited...and waited. We also parked up at the next block and ate in the car as our next stop was the airport. My smothered pork chops were tender and so good. My sides could have definitely used a little more seasoning but I prefer adding my own salt &stuff anyway. The star of the show for me was the cornbread as it took me back to my youth at my grandmother's and great-grandmother's house. I was mad I didn't purchase extra. The Kool-Aid was phenomenal as well. I will definitely be back when in Louisville!

Amazing food!!! Run and go get you a plate!! Never will let you down! Great conversation and great customer service!