Lem's BBQ
311 E. 75th Street
Chicago, IL. 60619
Sun•Mon•Wed•Thur 12noon-10pm
Fri•Sat 12noon-11pm
Closed on Tuesday
MENU
All natural
BBQ as God meant it to be. And you can't beat the vintage drive-in decor (if that matters, which it doesn't). Lem's can beat anything the Carolinas care to offer, or Georgia, or KC. And TX isn't even on the map.
Zagat's Review
ABOUT
Lem's, the famous Bar-B-Q House, is known for its rib tips and hot links. In 1954, two brothers, Bruce and Myles Lemons had a dream. A dream for their future, a dream of hope, a dream of destiny... It was a dream of entrepreneurship. With this dream, they opened their first store on the south side of Chicago. Myles, a formal chef created Lem's original Bar-B-Q sauce and its magical spices. Once people had a taste of the secret sauce, they kept coming back for that unique flavor. And as a result, Lem's Bar-B-Q House was a success! After fourteen successful years the company decided to open another location. Myles and Bruce idea of having a second location;included their brother James, also a formal chef. In 1968, the second Lem's Bar-B-Q House opened in the historic Chatham Neighborhood.
I have been to this pure south side rib joint. It is by far the best I have tried the patio, Georges, The old Red Barrell,and many others all over chicago and the suburbs hands down Lem's is the best no question.
Citysearch Review
Real no frills barbecue. The rib tips are amazing but the hot links are absolutely divine. Everything comes with wonder bread and fries soaked in sauce perfect for dipping. I always go with at least one other person so I can always get both tips and hot links. Now this is a real family barbecue place so don't expect the same meal every time, sometimes the links are especially on point, sometimes the tips, but it's always very good, sometimes truly excellent.
Yelp Review
Known as Chicago's barbecue king, James led Lem's Bar-B-Q in achieving exceptional success from 1968 until his passing in 2015. He spent his life in service to his family and his community. Survived by his daughters and son, James B. Lemons passed the mantle of leadership of the Lem's corporation to his youngest daughter, Carmen. Thus, the circle of Lem's life began with the oldest son of the first generation, and continues with the youngest daughter of the second generation. Having worked by his side for decades, Carmen and Lynn have built on the phenomenal success of James and taken Lem's Bar-B-Q to the next level with improvements, expansions, and growth. Carmen's philosophy of life was taught to her by her family and has sustained her throughout this business journey. It is to lead with love, integrity, and character - a philosophy that has served her well. That is the secret of the success of Lem's, how it has not only survived but thrived.
TIPS - RIBS - HOT LINKS - CHICKEN - SHRIMP
CONTACT
Sun•Mon•Wed•Thur 12noon-10pm. Fri•Sat 12noon-11pm. Closed on Tuesday
311 E 75th St Chicago, IL 60619
