Restaurant Review: Celebrate Juneteenth at Chatham’s James Beard Foundation winner Lem’s BBQ
“With no seating inside, people still line up around the bare-bones store for rib tips and hot links, chatting with fellow guests as they wait to order. Plenty eat their food right there on the hood of their car, sopping up the sauce from the ribs with the piece of white bread always placed underneath.”
WTTW, on Lem’s BBQ
Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene has been richly rewarded with Michelin Stars and James Beard (the ‘Oscars of the Restaurant World’) Foundation winners.
At Monday’s Beard Foundation Awards, Chatham’s Lem’s BBQ was recognized as tops in the ‘American Classics’ category, honoring “locally owned restaurants with timeless appeal that serve quality food and are beloved by their communities,” according to a press release from the Awards.
The storefront, takeout-only South Side staple is revered for its Barbecued Ribs, Rib Tips, and Hot Links, with tantalizing, tangy smells permeating the air for miles around.
As Axios noted, the honor may finally elevate Chicago on a national barbecue map that has long been dominated by Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, St. Louis and North Carolina.
Dean’s Team Chicago recommends it for a fitting Juneteenth celebration!
History
According to Wikipedia sources, Lem’s Bar-B-Q was founded in 1954 by Myles Lemons in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood in Chicago. Lemons operated the restaurant with his brothers, Bruce and James. In 1968, they opened a second restaurant in a former ice cream shop in the South Side’s Chatham neighborhood. It was at the second location where they first served their Rib Tips. The Greater Grand Crossing location eventually closed, while the Chatham location has thrived.
So iconic were Lem’s offerings that the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, used to have her assistant bring her Lem’s food when she was in Chicago.
The restaurant has also been visited by musical acts The Delfonics, The Whispers, The Dells, and Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, among many others.
‘The Secret’
As WTTW notes, the original Lem’s featured their version of their mother Anna’s tangy sauce for their ribs. A third brother, James, opened the current location with its iconic 1950’s-style sign on 75th Street in 1968. James died in 2015, but his daughter Carmen now runs the restaurant along with her friend Lynn and nephews Billy and Kameron. The sauce is prepared fresh daily.
Another ‘secret’ to their success making their meats in an aquarium smoker with “real charcoal, hickory wood and fire,” via WTTW.com.
While there’s an emphasis on their ribs and hot links, the menu also features Fried Chicken, Fried Shrimp, andsides such as French Fries, Potato Salad and Cole Slaw. All meals are accompanied by a slice of Wonder Bread.
While many Google reviewers noted the long wait times, many said the food was worth the wait.
“When I arrived, there was a slight delay, but the food made it worthwhile,” said one. “The rib tips had the perfect flavor and texture, clearly crafted by a skilled pit master. While some BBQ joints are a trending novelty, Lems offers authentic cuisine. It’s made with dedication. This isn’t a fast-service spot; great BBQ requires patience, but it’s definitely worth the wait.”
“Delicious!!! Worth the wait!!!” said another. “Congratulations on being named the 2025 James Beard American Classic – Great Lakes!!! Those rib tips are 🔥🔥🔥!!!”
Lem’s BBQ is located at 311 E. 75 Street. Their hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon-10pm. Friday and Saturday, they are open from noon-11pm. They are closed on Tuesday. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
