Super popular spot so it’s gonna be a wait; wear comfortable shoes. I don’t know what the carry out process is like in the wintertime, but there’s only space for 5 at a time inside so you’re gonna be waiting outside. The staff is efficient and hardworking. If you’ve ever manned a grill you know what time it is. This is a large rib tip and it’s worth the wait.
I'm from the far west Chicago suburbs. Drove 1 hour one way. Make the trip 2-3 times a year.... cause it's worth it.
Had no problem doing "here" (daytime & a decent neighborhood) to get best ribs in Chicago with a friend. He lost a Bears bet and owed me dinner. Bucket of tips (worth every penny of the $33) & a slab of fall apart tender juicy ribs. Ate like the true pigs we are ..... with a bath towel on my lap in the car.... brought the rest home and had enough leftovers for 2 more meals. Luv the vinegar based sauce, the smokey bark....
Then, walked across the street to the famous brown sugar bakery across the street for a slice of omg caramel cake.
My fingers smelled like succulent bbq smoke until the next morning when I took my shower.
Good ol Lems,bbq was tender I would've liked a bit more sauce but overall not bad. If u like vinegar based sauce this is definitely the spot. 5 people in at a time hence why they always have a long line but they move pretty fast.
Best place in Chicago to get ribs. I moved out of Chicago 5 years ago but every time I come to visit Lem’s is my first stop. Always good, always hot, and the ribs are always fall off the bone tender.
Saw this place on a food show, so decided to give it a try when we were in town. Sure, it's not in the best area of town and there is always a line, but it was worth it. There's a reason Lem's is known for rib tips - so delicious! And the ribs and hot links were great too. Note that this is take out only, there is no seating.
I drove past this place for two years because the line is literally on the coner. I finally drove past and the line was half a block so I decided today was the day. MAN!!! Food was great. I got the jbl special. Wings, fries, tips, and a link. I had no problem at all. This is the only bbq spot I’ve been to in Chicago and I wasn’t upset with by getting more gristle then tip. Just perfect and the vinegar taste was icing on the cake👏
This place is fantastic. The rib tips are tender and juicy. I got the large tips and links combo and they gave me a huge amount of food. It was about $25, but it's easily 3 meals worth of food. Great value. I had to wait a bit for them to cook the tips, but I didn't mind. I went on a Monday evening and the line was short. My only complaint was that the sausage was a bit overcooked and dry, but honestly all the flavors were so good that I'm willing to overlook that. Hopefully just a fluke. I'll be back!
An old family favorite of mine for over 50 years. I grew up on the hot link. I still buy the sauce in bulk. There's something special about fried shrimp in their sauce. The rib tips are very meaty and slide off the bone.
I hated waiting in the cold but barbecue was delicious and worth the wait! I got rib tips, a small end, hot links and my sauce on the side. If you can eat barbecue without sauce and it's good you know you got some good barbecue. The sauce takes it to the next level! Will be back on a day when it's not so cold and rainy🥶
The best bbq in the area I’ve had, hands down. Absolutely must have the rib tips which just ooze with smoky flavor and have a wonderfully meaty texture. Pretty reasonably priced and good sized portions. One thing is the wait is always quite long and the setup is a bit strange so you are always waiting outside (something to consider in the winter). Definitely an institution that is worth a trip. Only thing I will say is potato salad needs some work, come on guys.
Best we got in Chicago; in line (outside) & out food in hand in 10min. expansion would be nice for our best, I know its so tight line outside is good advertisement Lol but c'mon baby
Got 2 of the JBL Specials. It was excellent. I ate one and gave one to some friends to try. They loved it also.
Place is fantastic. The smell the location the hot link, ribs. Tips. Feels like ur in Memphis. Only 35 mins from my house. I thought the sauce was Great. The ribs where my favorite. Nice flavor. Not too overpowering of smoke. I will Be back. Thank you very much for making my lunch great. Love the history and people where super nice.
It's always a bit of a wait but it's so worth it!! The ribs are seasoned so well and you can tell they ARE NOT boiled but cooked on the grill as they should be. I will definitely be back again. Just an FYI, they do move quick as they can but with a line around the building you must bring your patience with you. Other than that..Happy Eating!!
I will start off by saying the food is Amazing!!! Every time I’m in Chicago this is my first stop! But the Owner the older Lady in there working is a Problem! Very disrespectful! Very rude! Very unfriendly which I don’t understand how are you being Rude to customers that are spending their money on your food! Not no little money either. Every time I been she’s been Nasty to Customers! She definitely need to do better!
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