The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday named the recipients of its America’s Classics Awards, meant to recognize “locally and independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal.” Among the six honorees from across the country is the oldest Black-owned barbecue restaurant in Chicago, Lem’s Bar-B-Q. The South Side family-owned staple opened in 1954 when brothers Bruce and Myles Lemons opened shop on 59th and State streets. In 1968, they added the now-iconic location in the Chatham neighborhood, which was run by their younger brother, James Lemons. His daughter, Carmen Lemons, is now the owner of Lem’s Bar-B-Q and has continued the tradition with help from longtime friends and her nephews. “Lem’s Bar-B-Q is truly honored and grateful,” Carmen said, celebrating the restaurant’s win in the Great Lakes category for the America’s Classics award. For the award, the James Beard Foundation looks for restaurants that are beloved in their region for “food that reflects the character and cultural traditions of its community.” Lem’s Bar-B-Q is the fifth Chicago restaurant to win the award. Previous winners were Sun Wah in 2018, Calumet Fisheries in 2010, Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap in 2008 and The Berghoff in 1999. Tap on our bio link to read more.⁠ ——⁠ Photo 1: Lem’s Bar-B-Q, in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood. Photo 2: Rib tips at Lem’s Bar-B-Q. Photo 3: The aquarium smoker at Lem’s Bar-B-Q. ? Zareen Syed / Chicago Tribune ?️ E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday named the recipients of its America’s Classics Awards, meant to recognize “locally and independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal.” Among the six honorees from across the country is the oldest Black-owned barbecue restaurant in Chicago, Lem’s Bar-B-Q.

The South Side family-owned staple opened in 1954 when brothers Bruce and Myles Lemons opened shop on 59th and State streets. In 1968, they added the now-iconic location in the Chatham neighborhood, which was run by their younger brother, James Lemons. His daughter, Carmen Lemons, is now the owner of Lem’s Bar-B-Q and has continued the tradition with help from longtime friends and her nephews.

“Lem’s Bar-B-Q is truly honored and grateful,” Carmen said, celebrating the restaurant’s win in the Great Lakes category for the America’s Classics award.

For the award, the James Beard Foundation looks for restaurants that are beloved in their region for “food that reflects the character and cultural traditions of its community.” Lem’s Bar-B-Q is the fifth Chicago restaurant to win the award. Previous winners were Sun Wah in 2018, Calumet Fisheries in 2010, Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap in 2008 and The Berghoff in 1999.

Tap on our bio link to read more.⁠

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Photo 1: Lem’s Bar-B-Q, in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood.
Photo 2: Rib tips at Lem’s Bar-B-Q.
Photo 3: The aquarium smoker at Lem’s Bar-B-Q.

? Zareen Syed / Chicago Tribune
?️ E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune