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Has a stamp of approval from Time Out Chicago and Serious Eats
"Good rib tips and even better hot links at this Chicago staple."(11 Tips)
"Also, they don't take debit or credit cards."(2 Tips)
"Fries are on the bottom and soak up the Carolina-style sauce."(2 Tips)
"Their hot links are good."(3 Tips)
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44 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- rib tips
- french fries
- good for a late night
- good for a quick meal
- casual
- (11 more)
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Serious EatsMay 21, 2013The rib tips are crispy, crunchy, smoke-laden, and decadent. Missing some of the juiciness of the best versions, but still utterly fantastic, especially when paired with thickly ground hot links.Upvote11Downvote
You can't go wrong with Lem's. The ribs tips are seasoned to perfection. The mild sauce is not my favorite but I've grown to like.
Upvote3Downvote
*Elle Aye*October 28, 2014I come for the chicken wings and fries, but really I just come for the sauce and just about any vehicle will do. Best BBQ sauce, I could drink it by the gallon. Don't judge me 😍Upvote3Downvote- MikeApril 7, 2017Good rib tips and even better hot links at this Chicago staple. The sauce is divisive though: it's very different and has an almost numbing effect. Be prepared for lines out the door on the weekends.UpvoteDownvote
Time Out ChicagoFebruary 28, 2012As the best South Side barbecues do, Lem’s has you order through bulletproof glass and then take your ribs. But it would take much more to scare away devotees of these vinegary, charred rib tips. Read moreUpvote15Downvote
Lj DavisJune 5, 2015Everything here is good me and my family has been coming for years great BBQUpvote1Downvote- Penny SMarch 7, 2014Rib tips. Fries are on the bottom and soak up the Carolina-style sauce. Best BBQ of my life.Upvote1Downvote
Jordan DAugust 25, 2016Amazing tips, huge large order. Got the RC vending machine for $1 too... GO HERE!!!! But bring cash...UpvoteDownvote- Shari NealAugust 20, 2013A few things: There are no seats, this is a strictly carry out place. Also, they don't take debit or credit cards. Cash only!!! Don't come in here on your phone, they won't serve you until you're off.
Upvote5Downvote 
Brandon ComptonJune 14, 2013This place has the best rib tips around. The area is a bit rough...but the food is amazing.Upvote1Downvote
ToryBurchApril 18, 2011Barbecue aficionados have been trying to figure out Lem's incredible sauce recipe for years. Be prepared to stand in line and ask for extra napkins.Upvote2Downvote
Camilla HudsonMarch 9, 2012Lem's sauce is pretty much just like my mother's - when she didn't feel like making her own, Lem's was the substitute - she would buy it by the gallon!Upvote2Downvote
Best BBQ in the city..ask them to chop your tips small.Upvote5Downvote- Christopher ParkerMay 10, 2014Chicken is not seasoned you must use the BBQ sauce. The links was not good. Uhm, Barbara Ann's was great! Down the street!UpvoteDownvote
Chefs FeedAugust 22, 2014Mindy Segal, chef of Hot Chocolate Restaurant and Dessert Bar, eats here on her nights off. She loves the Rib tips. Read moreUpvoteDownvote
Ginger ScottApril 4, 2016No longer cash only. Can now use credit/debit. Best tips ever.UpvoteDownvote
Mj MjMarch 16, 2012Agree with other tips Customer Service sucks, bulletproof glass a bit much and sauce is satisfying...UpvoteDownvote
NeffieMay 8, 2012Some of the worst Bar B Q I ever tasted..they have no combo's, and the sauce used for the food is just nasty.UpvoteDownvote
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Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Open until 1:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon, Wed–Thu, Sun
- 1:00 PM–1:00 AM
- Fri–Sat
- 1:00 PM–3:00 AM
(773) 994-2428
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Visa & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner
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