Shirley Mae's Café

A Smoketown institution since New Year's Eve 1988, where founder Shirley Mae Beard still cooks in the open kitchen on her Rollator walker. Everything is made to order—hot water cornbread, smoked ribs from sidewalk grills, fried chicken wings, and smothered pork chops. The walls display photos honoring the history of Black jockeys in Kentucky horse racing. Cash only. Come hungry and patient—the cooking takes time because 'it's a waste of time if you don't do it right.'