Lems BBQ House

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are used to ribs that are boiled until they almost fall off the bone. Thrown in an oven, smoker or over charcoal to get sort kinda like great ribs. Then Lems isn't the place for you. They can be hit or miss. But their miss is better than 90% of the rib joints in Chicago. The neighborhood can be a little intimidating, the waiting area is small and the service can be abrupt. Clues: If you don't bother the neighborhood, it won't bother you. Try and go to Lem's at an off peak time or wait in your car until the line goes down. They are fast! When you go in, make eye contact to get the fastest service. And since they are fast...know what you want and don't stand there and sing the Ahhhhh song!

I must throw in a disclaimer to my fist statement. I discovered for the past 3 years now, Lem's has quietly started boiling their ribs. Since I've been eating them since the 80's I can tell the difference. Does it take away from the taste? When you have all the other elements going for you like the wood and sauce. An old shoe would taste good! Now if someone could explain to me why haven't they franchised? Give me a Lem's franchise, put a live band in there, place it near a college. And then hire one of the ladies from 75th street to smack the college kids around a little bit! What an atmosphere!

Comment on Review

Y! Updates An Update about your review will be shared via Yahoo! Updates Manage who sees your Updates

Post CommentCancel

User Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I've only been to Lem's three times since I've lived here in Chicago the first visit reminded me of down south bbq the smell the small shack was placing me back home. The ribs were off the chain I was crying it reminded me of Memphis.
The second time it was the worst I ever had in my life, the sauce smelled of vomit( that happens when you add oil to your sauce to make it last.) and the meat was tougher then leather. I called back to complain the lady told me to come back and she would personally correct the problem, I did, she didn't.
The third time was about a year and a half ago it was ok nothing like the first time but better then the second. Like the person said before hit or miss.

Comment on Review

Y! Updates An Update about your review will be shared via Yahoo! Updates Manage who sees your Updates

Post CommentCancel

User Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Good food, but dont dare go in there with a cell phone because the guy behind the counter goes crazy. He will start screaming so if you need your cell at lunchtime dont go there.

Comment on Review

Y! Updates An Update about your review will be shared via Yahoo! Updates Manage who sees your Updates

Post CommentCancel