First Look: Lemmons in South City

Lemmons in South City has been known for many things over the years, from fried chicken to pizza to live music. Today, May 24, the space reopens as Lemmons by Grbic, soon to be known for Balkan-American cuisine and cold beer.

As The Scoop reported in August 2014, Grbic family, known for Grbic Restaurant, bought the building at 5800 Gravois Ave., nearly three years ago. Chef Senada Grbic said her father, Sulejman Grbic, initially had plans to reinvent Lemmons as a sports bar, but soon changed course.

The result was a complete gut rehab of the building. “There’s not an original electrical wire left,” Senada Grbic said, adding that the only appointment former Lemmons patrons will likely recognize are the exposed brick walls.

The interior is eclectic, owing to the different tastes of the three Grbic siblings, who were let loose to handle the decor: Erna, who employs a modern sensibility; Ermin, who favors a more industrial vibe; and Senada, who tends toward farmhouse chic. Appointments range from old school graffiti to light fixtures hanging from knotted ropes to an eclectic array of collectible salt-and-pepper shakers on the tables.

The menu features what Grbic describes as Balkan-American fusion. Some dishes are more traditionally American, like the smoked chicken wings, while others include a distinctive Balkan influence, like Babo’s flatbread, which features grilled chicken and an ajvar spread made with roasted peppers and eggplant.

Grbic said Lemmons aims to maintain its reputation as a neighborhood place where everyone is welcome. “It’s about giving something to everyone,” she said.

Lemmons opens tonight at 4 p.m. Regular business hours will Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Matt Sorrell is a staff writer for Sauce Magazine.