Lem's Bar-B-Q

“ Great Food and great good service and really taste good never wrong here and located on South Side Neighborhood ”

“ A Chicago taste of James Beard Award-winning food. Be prepared to wait in line for a while, as only five people are allowed in at a time. The fried chicken was crispy and perfectly cooked, the ribs were very tender with just the right amount of smokiness and packed with flavor, and the food came in big portions. I must say I wasn't a fan of the sauce, which was very watered down and probably needs a good shake before serving. It is a busy place with a hectic atmosphere, and take-out is the only option since this establishment doesn't have any benches or tables for dining in ”

“ Great food, service has improved but the ambiance of the outdoors is what it is! This barbecue is second to none . ”

“ Everything......reasonable prices...kind and courteous staff The lines are always long though.. ”

“ Lem's has been a true South Side staple in the community for years. I am proud they earned the highly coveted James Beard Award. From the look of the line, I am not the only one. It was really nice to stand in line for an hour and five minutes said no one ever! But, it was nice talking to the police officers in front of me and the city workers behind me. The conversation made the cold a little more bearable. When you made it around the corner, there was a nice heat lamp waiting to warm you. I knew exactly what I was ordering, one large rib tip combo that came with a hot link and fries. One JBL Special, includes two rib bones, rib tips, one hot link, two wings and fries. One order of six wings with fries. Everything came with bread and was drenched in a cajun barbecue sauce. The hot links were dry and some of the tips were dry. But, overall the food had a nice flavor. ”

“ CONGRATULATIONS to Lem's Barbecue!!!!! The culinary industry recognition is well deserved. Lem's recently received a coveted James Beard Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes some of the best restaurants and chefs in the country, in the category "America's Classic Award." The America's Classics Award is given to locally and independently owned restaurants that have "timeless appeal" and reflect "the characters and cultural traditions" of their community based on the James Beard stated criteria and only 6 were awarded nationally. Folks there is a reason this "hole in the wall" has a line around the building most days: GREAT BARBECUE!!!!! Kudos. ”

“ I've been wanting to come here for years, and apparentlt, it's the first Black-owned barbecue spot in Chicago. I'm happy to report that I was well pleased with my visit. The vibes were immaculate (customers and workers were both lovely and fun to chat with while we waited), and lots of regulars coming in. The food was delicious - we got the rib tips and links combo as well as an order of fried shrimp. The prices are great, and I do wish I'd tried their fried chicken too (just to sample), since other people seemed to really like it. I especially enjoyed the tips and the fried shrimp was wonderful (I admit I love a fried item and fried shrimp in general might be one of my perfect foods). But definitely get the rib tips and links because that's what they're known for. As an FYI, My friend and I came here on a spring night and unsurprisingly, there was a bit of a line. I'd read reviews talking about lines in winter, so I was ready to wait. I would definitely factor that in if you're a newbie like me, so don't come too hungry because it's also takeout only, so you'll have to factor in transporting it home. ”

“ Some of the best bbq I've had in chicago. The wait time was 45 minutes in the cold but it was worth it. The smokey smell of cooked chicken pork and beef was in the air increasing our appetite as we waited. I was not a fan of the fries or potato salad so don't get your hopes up like I did. The potato salad was heavy on the mayonnaise and didn't taste homemade. Fried chicken was well flavored but would have appreciated them separating it from the rest. Ribs were out of this world flavor and texture falling of the bone. Highly recommend. First time and everyone in line was super kind and fun to talk to -- a bunch of older folks which was a sign the place was good! ”