Leon's Bar-B-Que

1158 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL - (773) 778-7828

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Posted By Michael Stern on August 29, 2005 3:52 AM

Don’t expect to sit down for a wonderful meal at Leon’s. In fact, don’t expect to sit down at all. Leon's has no tables and chairs; all business is take-out. Pay the server behind the bulletproof glass and receive a bag filled with some of Chicago’s most delicious soul food. Many customers are locals, but Chicagoans come from distant neighborhoods to take home orders of whole slabs of ribs or rib tips, hot links, and chicken as well as heaping portions of gizzards and luscious fried perch; and occasionally, you’ll see people like us chowing down in our cars.

We went to the Leon's on East 75th Street, and we should note that the parking lot is not exactly the most pleasant place in Chicago to dine. The neighborhood is more than a little rough; and while the restaurant is open long, long after dark (until 5am or 6am most nights!), we feel safer coming during daylight hours. But we do come, for these ribs are superb: crusty, juicy, infused with hot sauce that has a way of dripping all over one’s lap and front seat upholstery. Heaped upon the meat come good French fries and white bread, both of which serve high purpose as soaks and conduits for Leon’s good sauce.

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Rib Tips

Hot Link

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Posted By Mike Bruno on September 14, 2008 11:08 AM

Well, the explosion hasn't happened yet so that made today's meal even better! I found myself on the south side of Chicago and finally made it over to the fabulous Leon's. I didn't know what to expect but it was truly a memorable experience. Michael Stern's review sums it up pretty well. No frills, just greasy, delicious, and well-priced soul food.

I went with the perch and wings combo with hot sauce. I had to wait for the perch to fry and a few minutes later a big box was swirled around the bulletproof window. I opened it and inside were two big pieces of perch and four wings on a big bed of fries and it was all topped with about liter of hot sauce, no joke! It may have been a bit excessive but it did not lack in taste.

The hot sauce was perfect, hot enough to cause a sweat, but I was still able to taste the food. The breading on the perch and wings was hands down the best I have ever had, not too thick and with a great peppery kick. It was definitely worth the trip to this side of Chicago!

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