Lem's Bar-B-Q

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.

My aunt stopped by Lem's a little after 11am, to place an order for my cousin's funeral repast. The hours posted outside the business and online stated they opened at 11am. The door was unlocked, so she stepped inside. The female behind the counter said: "We're not open." My aunt stated the door was unlocked, and she wanted to place an order for catering. The female screamed at her: "I said we're not open! Now get out! Get out!" Now...after this they've updated their online hours.Well. Way to go. We've noticed the lines have become longer, and a basic order seems to take forever. Now, you can add horrible customer service to the list. Do you think it is good business to yell and scream at paying customers? Be arrogant all you want. Just know that Chicago is full of rib spots, and at any point, you could lose good customers to them..permanently.

Sometimes I work in the area where this restaurant is located I've been trying to eat food at this place for over a year. There's always a line around the corner August 13 70th anniversary. The line wasn't that long. I waited in line almost 30 minutes. I was not disappointed. I was able to grab the combo special. There's enough for three person. It was great. Best barbecue I've had in a long time. Did not disappoint. I was very lucky to get there when it was a shortline, highly recommend this I also stopped across the street at the bakery brown sugar, and I got me a slice of caramel cheesecake. Taste like New York cheesecake

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!

The staff was kind during our visit. Very hospitable and looked out for their customers. Can't say enough good things about the service. The ribs are the best thing on the menu, in my opinion. The ambiance: customers wait in line outside the building. When you get to the entry door, about 5 people can wait in line inside the building. Most of the interior of the building is the kitchen. There is a hallway where you order food at the counter.

Was one of the first cars in the lot on a Wednesday right before opening. If it wasn't for a worker waving me to get in line I would have ended up waiting for more than an hour. This is a grab and go establishment and you WILL most likely have to wait for your food. Decided to get the JBL special to try a mix and match of what the hype is about. The rib tips and chicken wings stood out to me in terms of flavor and meat quality. I can see how this is one of the better BBQ spots in the greater Chicago area but if you're looking for a place to compete with Texas or Kansas City BBQ you will probably be disappointed. I would recommend getting the sauce on the side otherwise the thickness and strength of the sauce will easily overpower the meats. Overall, I'd say this is one of the best BBQ places in the city if you are willing to wait at least 30 minutes and drive to the south side for a meal you will most likely have to eat back at home.

You know when the lines are down the street to order food to go in the takeout only Barbecue shack the food must be good. When you are one of three establishments that Wikipedia says established "Chicagos Styled Barbecue" (known for the invention of the aquarium smoker and the prominence of rib tips and hot links) the food is good! When I buy a gallon of their sauce for use at my home -- YOU KNOW THE FOOD IS GOOD! Enough said! (Original Leon's and Uncle John's round out the trilogy of MUST TRY barbecue houses on the south side of Chicago).

1 of the best ever ribs I've had tbh, had to go back the next day to have some on my 10 hour drive- it's that GREAT!

Lem's never disappoints! I was there tonight and got a slab. I always have my slab dipped and I get extra white bread. No wheat bread when you're eating barbecue. The barbecue was tender and flavorful as usual. As as soon as I got home, I tore off a piece of the small in, which was a little burnt, just like I like it and had a little fat. It was so good! Yes, there was a short line and we waited about 20 minutes. As soon as we got inside, we were told there would be another 15 minute wait on barbecue, but we did not mind. If you're coming for Lem's barbecue, be prepared to wait. There's always a line, because this joint has the best barbecue in the Chi.

Great Bbq fries and rib tips.when you get there to order speak up and don't be shy when it your turn.