I placed a catering order for New Year's Eve (NYE). The catering order process follows: - you physically wait in line to place a catering order. - catering orders must be placed and paid for at least 24 hours in advance. - when picking up, you don't stand in-line again. You go to the backdoor and ring the bell at your agreed to date and time. - I ordered the rib tips ($85) and ribs ($130). Pics attached. I separated each item into 2 separate pans to put half in the refrigerator. The pics give you an idea of how much it is. Great value and the food was amazing. P.S.: On NYE, The line was the longest I've ever seen it. This was the way to go and I froze some for later. Edited to add: catering items are ala carte (no fries). Also, I got both items with no sauce. They typically come drenched in sauce. Paid $9 for a quart of sauce on the side -- not everyone in my crew wanted sauce. read more

Lem's Bar-B-Q - Rib Tips from the catering menu ($85) - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Superlative Cue. The swine is honored. A burnt offering. Not in the sense of the old covenant, but to anyone able to shell out 20 dollars: no matter whether a gentleman or a schlub. The building is a mid-century/Googie that you'd associate more with hotdog or burger stand. Perhaps ideally you'd prefer your bbq served from something with clapboard siding. But it is what it is. If you want Lem's, you will have to deal with a lot of "it is what it is." Such as eye wateringly long wait times. But hey, that's bar-b-cue. While you wait you can listen to commentary on the Bears, about how QB Caleb Williams is just the addition the team needs, but he really needs to learn to get rid of the ball and stop taking sacks. Enough of the Bears; back to the pigs. They honor the swine with a bath of their slightly spicy, ultra tangy, barely sweet sauce. You'll want the ribs. Moreso even than the ribs, you'll want the rib tips. Tender and they seem to hold on to the smokiness in a way other pieces do not. As for everything else, you can leave the sausage to someone else. It's dry and mealy. Like too many uncles in the family had heart problems so they cut the fat from the sausages. Also, forget about the chicken wings. Why? They came from the fryer. Fried meats: go somewhere else for those. read more

We took 50 minutes to drive here only to find out they are closed until Dec 1. Nothing on their website and no msg on their voicemail. They don't answer the phone and no automated message. Must be nice to have a Michelin star and not care about your customer and lack the decency, courtesy and hospitality to do the simplest comms to let us know if you are open. read more

Overall good food especially the wings and tips BUT the sauce is not good at all. This spot gets 2 stars for the nasty attitude of the older lady working in this place. That attitude is unnecessary! I would never go back and stand in line where customers are so disrespected. Also what is this stupid rule about not standing to close to the windows to order, the workers were literally yelling at a customer because he was to close to the bullet proof glass! There are to many worthwhile spots in the area to stop here! read more

Lem's Bar-B-Q - 49.50 for ok food - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I finally tried Lems & I loved it. A short wait in line. I ordered JBL special. I told my Sister the BBQ was delicious. Tips were tender and flavorful. Hot links were perfect. I would have liked more mild sauce but I could have ordered extra. A week later my sister & niece decided to make a return trip. I joined them. I ordered a large tip & hot links. I must have gotten a bad batch. I've been sick for 2 days. My sister & niece are also sick. I really wanted to write a glowing review, but I have to be honest. I'm scared to leave home. I need to be near my toilet. read more

We come from Wisconsin, and this is always my very first stop coming home. I always order a large tip/link combo, fries, everything smothered in that tasty bbq sauce, the tips are always meaty and tender. Been eating from them since I was a child. read more

I stood in line today, I bought a large tip and a half shrimp. I'm so pissed because the rib tips tasted boiled & I have been coming to Lems for years!! The rib tips have never tasted boiled , I'm soooooo disappointed!!!! I will not be back !!! read more

First and last time to never ever be going back there to lem's the 2 JBL Specials was so horrible and nasty that my wife and I had to throw it away especially after waiting for over at least almost a hour and a half it's not worth the time we were very disappointed with our order $25.00 each for nothing but garbage I could have kept my money $55.13 I definitely want to going back there. Felix Bland felixbland24@yahoo.com (312)888-0824 read more

Instead of the woman on the register worrying about vape/cigs being smoked outside. She needs to be watching how her workers are giving out scraps!!! I drove 50min, brought a bucket of rib tips and 2 hot-links 68.00! Hot links very dry not hot at all! Sauce runny too much vinegar and look at these hard as dried out scraps of rib tips! Lady on register not friendly and was mad because I have a personality and she don't! 5 at a time! Not giving out scraps next time I will be checking my food before I leave! Tired of these black owned restaurants serving garbage! read more

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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. read more

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Cashier is very very rude! She is in there eating things with her hands and putting it in her mouth. Eating things out of sauce, very unsanitary! read more

I am a believer! Come get this barbecue and stop being scared! Now I haven't been gatekeeping this place for too long, but I was for a while. You can see this place from a mile away from all the smoke. They are doing in-house and sometimes there's a line that is well worth the weight. These juicy never dry rib Tips were something made out of dreams. Perfectly smoke perfectly chard meaty goodness, topped that off with some bread and your set. I loved every moment of this car meal because it never made it home lol. Pricing is pretty decent and they are keeping things simple . But they don't just serve rib tips, they got it all, they got ribs on the bone, center cut, small end, hot links, wings of all kind, fried chicken dark or white, potato salad...galore! This isn't a dine in place, order your food and go. This place is five stars for me every single time. read more

I love the rib tips and the sauce is incredible. I give this restaurant a thumbs .I've tried the ribs but i didn't njoy them as much as the tips. But I do njoy eating the combo meal that u have. I would like if ur side dishes were a little larger like cold slaw or spaghetti the small amount that u all sell is just a teaser. read more

This place is awesome Note there are negative reviews but when you have 40-50 people line up everyday for BBQ, are the negative reviews accurate or one offs? Overall (A) This place has awesome food and is a community staple. I can see why they won a James Beard award. My kids loved the bbq. I have a daughter who is picky about eating meat and loved it. The other is a meat connoisseur and loved it. Value (A) The prices seem expensive but you get a ton of food. We paid $110 and will probably get 8 maybe 10 meals out of it. 3 people ate twice yesterday and we have a ton of leftovers for today. Service (A-) The service takes a while. Just plan to wait 1-hour to 90 minutes when you get in line. I got there at 11:23 for a noon opening and food around 12:35. They are super busy so they don't have time to be patient. Plus you have plenty of time to make a selection and ask people in line on what to do when you enter. They are not rude or disrespectful they are just super swamped and busy and trying to keep things moving. While there they accommodated someone who "cut in line" to get a bottle of sauce she forgot. The one polity accommodated her request and asked that she ask all of us waiting for permission to cut in line Food (A+) We got Rib Tips, Ribs, Chicken wing,sausage, fries and coleslaw. All items were excellent. Get the coleslaw as a side - well worth it. I don't know how else to explain things - everything was excellent and we couldn't stop eating. Tips - When you go get a lot of food. Like for days so you don't have to wait in line again - The JBL special is a great value and well worth it - Line starts around an hour prior to open - Basically pick out what you want, five people allowed inside at once. They will call on you and you place your order. When your food is ready you pay by cash or cc. They need to keep things orderly since there are so many people and the food is always fresh - there is no seating so you have to go home and eat or eat in your car. - the sauce is excellent and I should have gotten an extra bottle - they keep things simple and old school here. No call ahead orders or any of that nonsense. Come and stand in line like everyone else and get your food. - the plain white bread is magic when soaked in some sauce - great compliment I like this place a lot and will pick up from here a few times a year. We live in the burbs but will have to make a special trip for it. I don't have that many pics of the food since we ate in our car. read more

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Staff was super disrespectful, and the food was horrible...it taste like somebody accidentally dropped the salt shaker in my food, it was over salty and the ribs was so chewy and the sauce was horrible. read more

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 read more

Lem's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The bbq here is just ok have to be really hungry tip/links are not the most tender and sauce is so so. The fried chicken wings with no sauce are good though. read more

Soooo... I have never in my life (truly) experienced the level of "customer abuse" as with Lems. I call it "abuse" because it's deliberate. Rude, abrasive staff. No delivery or phone ahead options. Sometimes I think they enjoy watching their customers stand in ridiculously long lines in the cold, snow, heat, rain. And the staff always seems angry... what have they got to be angry about... they're inside and making money hand over fist. Yet, I (like millions of others through the years) continue to patronize them because the BBQ is just that delicious. But they should really be ashamed of how they treat their loyal customers read more

I've been patronizing Lem,s since my high school year during the 70s,it was wonderful back then,service was Great,and the food was amazing, But now,someone has the big head,im so happy that Lems has been prosperous ,the owner is very disrespectful, one costumer in line brought up a small complaint, she was told not to come back if she didn't like it,the cook had tossed the ribs across the room nothing that Benihana doesn't do the lady just spoke on and darn near was thrown out.now we stand in line outside in freezing weather for 30 to 40 min to get in and place your order, most of these customers are over 50 30% come on Walkers and crutches there's plenty of room around the outside of her store to just put benches so we can sit down I bought it up once and I was told the same thing if you don't like it don't come here I don't think she deserves the communities of money anymore you put nothing back into the business and I mean nothing at all the kitchen has looked the same and had the same appliances since I was 17 I'm 70 now.im not patronizing Lems anymore, im going to miss it,because the food is still the same today,amazing!but it comes with a whole bunch of bad attitudes . read more

Long time chicagoan first time at Lems. I heard about the hype and I think they delivered. The chicken wings were hot, crispy but lacked flavor. The hot link was solid 4/5. But the ribs and the tips, with the sauce and fries. Meaty, smoky, good without sauce. Next time I'm asking for extra sauce. Will definitely go back. The line and wait wasn't that bad, maybe 30 min on a Thursday at 11:15. You can even grab some dessert from across the street at Brown Sugar Bakery. read more

Food was ok. Prices were reasonable. Service was not the best. The lady with the short hair and the little cross on her neck could use a little more Jesus. She's rude, snappy and talks to people like she doesn't have a clue. She's obviously the boss because she the only one who touches the cash. Her nephew needs some active listening skills. (He kept calling her auntie) They hygiene of the men working to prepare our food was questionable. They didn't wear gloves, hairnets nor anything covering their mouths. We know saliva was everywhere. We ordered way too much food. A slab of ribs, bbq chicken, fried shrimp, potato salad and everything comes with French fries. I liked the sauce but she could not get jiggy with it. I didn't like how they drenched our fried shrimp in BBQ sauce. The shrimp were not fresh but frozen cheap more bread than shrimp. We have our food away to an unhoused individual downtown. He literally was laid back enjoying his meal. Glad to see someone really enjoyed it. read more

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Had not eaten here in over a year; the last time the food was great. Ordered A large tip/link combo yesterday, Monday, 30 Mar 2026, about 3:00 pm. When I got home and began to eat, the meat and sauce had a mild vinegary taste/smell sauce was watery and not sticking to the meat. While waiting for my order, the manager/owner displayed no people skills in her communication and interaction with some of the customers and employees, and upon checking, there was no receipt in the bag for me to get a phone number to call and complain, I live on the north side and was not about to take that long ride back to the south side to complain and ask for a refund without a receipt. I'll have to check this order off as a loss, but I will never purchase food from this establishment again. read more

Jan.8 2026 appx. 1:30 pm. I ordered a large R.tip and hot link... both were dry and Chewy... " LEFTOVERS". When holding food for the next day, it must be sealed with a very small amount of water to maintain juiciness. Due to the acidic nature of tomatoes and some species, Aluminum foil with out a proper liner, leeches out a metallic tast into the food. My previous experiences Were much better. The J B award must be earned on a continuous and and ongoing basis. PLEASE EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS... IT'S TIME!!! I've lived in Chatham since 1955... IT'S TIME!!! read more

Good: seasoned nice freshly served had a tasty crispy edge that no one else does. bad: waited 2hrs in a line 1/4 of the small tip was tough ;not tender. God Bless the legacy of Mr. Lemons . Amen read more

I am first of all a 50 plus year customer, I been going to Lem's when they were on 59th and State st. I Saw all these children and grand children and great grand children of Mr. Lemon grow up in the business. I always purchased a minimum of 3 orders when I come to Lems. I am Loyal customer that travel a long distance from the south suburbs and pass many bbq places along the way. My experience at Lems last night at 9pm on July 20th 2025 was not good! I waited in line for 30 minutes and then they tell me through the window that they cannot serve anymore, If they know that they could not serve anymore customers why let the line continously increase for 30 more minutes to make elders wait in line, they should have informed the customers sooner that they would not be serving. read more

Lem's has excellent bbq, but the attitude of the woman with the short hair and glasses is absolutely horrible. She's mean, evil, and disgustingly unprofessional and disrespectful. If this was not a family business I'm sure she would've have been terminated. She argued with multiple patrons and literally followed a lady out after she refused to patronize the restaurant because of her nasty attitude. If multiple people are saying the same thing she needs to look at the woman in the mirror. Maybe she needs prayer, therapy, or both. It's definitely something going on with her. Lem's would receive 5 stars, but will receive 3 because of her NASTY attitude. She needs lessons in customer service or people need to hit them in the pockets and stop patronizing them because of the lack of customer service. read more

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. read more

Lem's Bar-B-Q - Rib tips and links combo and fried shrimp - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is great. Be prepared to stand in a line for a moment, but the line moves. Rib tips were tender and full of flavor. Love how my fries are wet under the meat and thank you for the loft bread. I'll be back!! read more

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Meh. Not worth the wait in line in the cold, or in the summer either really. Ribs were okay, not as tender as I expected.....Logan's and Texas Roadhouse are both much better, as are most of the other ribs in the Chicago area. The sauce was pretty good, but on meat that isn't fall off the bone tender, it's meaningless. Cole slaw was terrible, too finely shredded, so it was not crunchy and it had a weird taste-ate 3 bites and threw the rest away it was so bad. They give you fries, but they are so brain-damaged they put the ribs on top, which makes the fries soggy with bbq sauce, so you just throw those away too. They also give you a slice of bread, which is the really super cheap white bread, so just throw it away. Boggles my mind that they can't make super tender ribs with sauce and just not give you the other crappy food that goes right in the garbage can. Someone they respect needs to tell them the blunt truth so they can stop ruining their food, then lose all their customers. read more

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! read more

Lem's Bar-B-Q - Lem's combo for $21 - Barbeque Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food .Meat was burnt and chewy, thought I was going to break a tooth. Asked for extra sauce so you get charged for it and none was on the meat read more

The food was terrible, and the service was unprofessional. The staff was rude, even throwing food across the room and complaining about customers arriving close to closing time. One worker got snippy when I asked how the food came prepared, which was unnecessary. I spent over $40, and I will never return to this place again. read more

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. read more

I fell for the hype and pulled up to the famous Lem's BBQ. It was really good! I ordered the JBL special, which allowed me to sample everything. The portions are worth the coins. I arrived at 5 pm on Sunday. I made it inside the door at 5:30. I walked away from the restaurant at 5:45. Perfect timing! After I ordered, everyone behind me had to wait 20 minutes for the new links to finish cooking. Its a small establishment and can only hold 5 people inside. The line was casual flowing, and they were playing some good 90s R&B while we waited in line. The customer service was decent, while inside, 2 of the employees were arguing and using strong profanity. The crew ignored them, so I'm assuming this is common. Either way, that wasn't very professional, and someone should have nipped it in the butt. Nonetheless, I would recommend this spot and would pull up the next time I'm in the Chi. read more

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I visited Lem's yesterday and the ribs were nothing but fat and the sauce was not on the meat but soaked in the bottom of the tray in the fries. The price was reasonable and the customer service was good. read more

My first time eating Lem's BBQ and let me tell you... it was fire!!! First of all, when we pulled up, I could smell the aroma of the bbq from the parking lot. Reminded me of a down home backyard bbq. I ordered the JBL special and for $27 I got a hot link, 2 ribs (they actually gave me 3) 2 chicken wings, a whole bunch of tips and fries. Perfect for me to get a taste of everything. There was a nice char on the tender ribs & tips with just the right amount of smokiness. The wings were crispy and juicy, and the hot link was cooked just right with a good flavor. But the sauce though... I could say it was great, but that wouldn't do it justice. I got the mild sauce so I could appreciate the meat without the heat, and let me tell you... it was amazing! Lots of flavor. A nice combination of tangy, bold and slight sweetness with a nice heat to enhance the smokiness of the meat. It was worth the 40 min wait in line. Unfortunately, there is no inside seating and you can't call-in your order. If you want to experience this smoky, tender, bold, tangy goodness, you'll have to put on your comfy shoes and wait in line like everyone else. It is definitely worth the wait. You will NOT be disappointed. read more

Best barbecue in Chicago hands-down. They know what they're doing. They're quick and efficient and you can taste the love they put in their barbecue. read more

Ordered rib tip and hot links. I was very disappointed with the tips. They were very tough, the entire order. I'll put them in the oven tomorrow but I shouldn't have to. My husband said the links were good. We ordered on a Saturday evening. I feel that it was a waste of money. Very disappointed. read more

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. read more

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I just received some bad news about a health issue. I said WTH I'm exercising doing everything right and I've got cancer. I decided to eat all my favorite things. Top of the list is BBQ. I grew up eating Lem's tips since I had teeth. I ordered my usual wings and small tips. WELL sauced. Wings fine. Tips dry as a bone. A packet of hot sauce. I always order mild sauce. This is second time this happened. A person in front of me orders sauce on the side. The counter lady sees no sauce on the side calls back for correction. I believe sauce went in my order and I got her dry order I was very disappointed. Tips were overcooked too My surgery is in three weeks and I have other appointments I have to complete. I'm not coming back to stand in a line again. This was not a busy day. So why order confusion I don't know. This was a treat to cheer me up. Oh h as pot day!!! read more