Skip to main content

The Original Leon’s Bar-B-Que (106th St)
$$$ · BBQ

3309 E 106th St, Chicago, IL 60617
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best BBQ Ribs in South Chicago

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The Original Leon’s Bar-B-Que (106th St) 7.6
Near West Side
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A drive-thru-style BBQ stop that’s best treated as a rib-tip-and-ribs mission: smoky meat, classic sauce, and a straightforward pickup rhythm. Order one main rib item, keep extras minimal, and plan to eat soon so the smoke and tenderness show through.
Must-Try Dishes: Rib Tips, Spare Ribs, BBQ Chicken with Mild Sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 6.8 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Classic Chicago-style rib tips and ribs built for fast pickup.
Who should go: Rib tip regulars who want a simple, sauce-forward order.
When to visit: Midday for smoother flow and hotter food.
What to order: Rib tips, spare ribs, BBQ chicken with mild sauce.
Insider tip: Order one BBQ main per person—big mixed orders cool down fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly easy street parking nearby; pull-up/drive-thru style pickup means quick in-and-out, but it can tighten up during peak dinner rush.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodie-and-jeans friendly. Dress for a fast pickup, not a sit-down night out.
Noise level: Low (pickup-focused) — not a dine-in conversation spot; you’ll mostly be ordering and heading out.
Weekend wait: 15–30 min typical, longer if you hit the peak rush or place a large order.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 min typical; usually smoother and faster.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—this is a meat-first BBQ stop. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll mostly be looking at sides only.
Vegan options: Not ideal—vegan-friendly options are extremely limited and may be side-only depending on preparation.
Gluten-free options: Mixed—BBQ meats can be workable, but sauce and cross-contact are common. Best move is ordering meat simply and asking for sauce guidance if you’re sensitive.
Best For
Better for: Chicago-style rib tips and ribs with a classic sauce profile, fast pickup energy, and a straightforward “get in, get out” BBQ run that scratches the comfort-food itch.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full sit-down BBQ experience, lots of non-meat options, or a cleaner first-date environment—choose a more dine-in-friendly spot if you need ambiance, variety, or lighter eating.