South Side icon Lem's Bar-B-Q wins a James Beard America's Classics award
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 in an Instagram post, 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.
Lem's Bar-B-Q, in its 71st year, still serves countless rib tips and hot links to customers crossing generations, who have stayed loyal to the Lemons' family tradition of imbuing generous cuts of meat with the flavors of hickory wood, charcoal and fire. The rip tips are the ultimate draw, but the no-frills menu has fried chicken, fried shrimp and classic American sides such as potato salad, coleslaw and fries. And the slice of white bread served with each order is the quintessential vehicle for scooping every last bit of the house-made barbeque sauce.
This year's America's Classics winners join the ranks of over 100 restaurants across the country that have received the award since the category was introduced in 1998. They'll be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
In a statement, Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said independent restaurants play a crucial role in the local economy.
'Through the America's Classics Award, we get to celebrate the remarkable establishments that have served as cherished pillars of culture, community and good food for decades,' said Reichenbach. 'It is an honor to recognize this year's winners, who reflect the rich depth and breadth of American food culture, and who will surely continue to have a positive impact for years to come.'
The James Beard Foundation notes: Each year, the Restaurant and Chef Awards voting body and the public are invited to recommend restaurants for the America's Classics Award during the open call for recommendations from October through November. The subcommittee considers all recommendations and selects the America's Classics winners. Six of the 12 Restaurant and Chef regions are included within each awards cycle, and rotated the following cycle, meaning each region is represented every other year. To be eligible for this award, establishments must have been in existence for at least 10 years.
The 2025 James Beard Award America's Classics winners are:
America's Classics: Great Lakes
Lem's Bar-B-Q in Chicago
Current Owner: Carmen Lemons
America's Classics: Mountain
The Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum, Idaho
Current Owners: Sheila Witmer and Duffy Witmer
America's Classics: Northeast
Sullivan's Castle Island in Boston
Current Owner: Brendan Sullivan
America's Classics: Northwest and Pacific
Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage, Alaska
Current Owners: Patricia Brown-Heller, Heidi Heinrich-Lervaag and Carolina Stacey
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