A Chicago institution has just been recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q, the longstanding barbecue joint in Greater Grand Crossing, is one of the recipients of the foundation’s 2025 America’s Classics Award. Introduced in 1998, the honor is given to “locally owned restaurants with timeless appeal that serve quality food and are beloved by their communities.”
Opened in 1954 by brothers Myles and Bruce Lemons, Lem’s is known for its Chicago-style rib tips and links, and signature secret sauce. Unlike most barbecue spots, the restaurant uses an aquarium-style smoker, fueled by hickory wood and charcoal, to cook its meats. The process is labor-intensive but it—along with the scents of meat coming from the tall smokestack atop the building—has kept customers coming back for seven decades. Lem’s location on 75th Street, which is also one of Time Out’s most iconic restaurants in Chicago, was established in 1968 by James B. Lemons and is currently run by his daughter Carmen.
This isn’t the first time a Chicago restaurant has been declared an American Classic. Past winners have included the Berghoff, Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, Calumet Fisheries and Sun Wah.
The other recipients of this year’s America’s Classics Award are the Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum, ID; Sullivan’s Castle Island in Boston, MA; Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage, AK; Dooky Chase in New Orleans, LA; and Gaido’s in Galveston, TX.
All six winners will be celebrated during the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Chicago has 22 semifinalists up for awards in categories like Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant. Click here to see the full list of nominees.