Shemwell's Barbecue

You must eat here if you think yourself a connoisseur of regional BBQ.  Unique sauce that you won't find any other place.  Yes it could be remodeled, but the condition of the premises are part of what makes it authentic.

About the only restaurant left in Cairo. Decent BBQ, but the place reflects how run down the city has become. I wouldn't detour off the Interstate (or US 51-60-62) to eat here again, which is sad because Cairo needs all the visitors it can get. However, if you do find yourself exploring this once-proud town, you may as well stop by and eat at the last local institution.

You are almost out of luck when you visit Cairo for restaurant choices except if you like barbeque and chicken, you will do fine at Shemwells. This isn't shredded or minced pulled pork in this part of the country. They do a brisket style pork that calls it pulled pork. It had a very mild smoky flavor and was very good. Sweet tea was on the strong side and surprisingly good considering the river water in the past has been awful to drink in other parts of the Ohio River valley. Sides (or fixin's) were good as well. Lastly, you must try their BBQ sauce which is vinegary but a taste you've never had and could never figure out. Really tasty and it's a family secret recipe. Shemwells is worth it to divert off I-55 and traveling between KY and MO on the river bridges.