These Legendary Illinois BBQ Restaurants Just Made a National “Must-Visit” List

These two BBQ places are so good that they were just named a "must-visit" during Memorial Day weekend.

Two Illinois BBQ Joints Just Named Must-Visits for Memorial Day Weekend

I mean, most of us have a three-day weekend coming up, so the thought of traveling to eat this stuff sounds like something we can actually accomplish.

17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro: A Legendary Stop for Ribs and Sauce

The first one on the list of "Beloved BBQ Joints" from 24/7 Tempo is 17th Street BBQ.

24/7 Tempo says 17th Street BBQ, located downstate in Murphysboro, is "'the barbecue capital of Illinois.' Pitmaster Mike Mills launched this original version of 17th Street BBQ in 1985, and his daughter, Amy Mills, has carried on his legacy. Baby back ribs are the 17th Street signature, and the sauces are highly regarded.

• 3.9 out of 5 on Yelp 
• 32 N. 17th Street in Murphysboro

Yelp reviews say:

It's always worth the trek.

Fun decor, an old building, and a courtyard with picnic tables.

The place is incredible! Highly recommend.

Read More: Guy in Illinois, Here's Every Illinois Triple-D Spot He's Visited

Leon’s Barbeque in Chicago: Rib Tips and History on the South Side

I've never been to Murphysboro before but this BBQ looks worth the drive. Leon's is the other place on the 24/7 Tempo list that is in the Land of Lincoln. The history behind Leon's Barbeque is fascinating, according to 24/7 Tempo:

Mississippian Leon Finney Sr. launched this place in 1940. His enterprise grew to four locations, before closing in 2011, four years after his death. His son Leon Jr. reopened one of the restaurants in 2017. Ribs and above all rib tips — the house specialty — are the only barbecue on the menu. They're cooked in a so-called aquarium smoker, a device (indigenous to Chicago) that looks like an elongated fish tank, and the tips are drenched in BBQ sauce and spooned over fries.

• Also a 3.9 out of 5 on Yelp
• 4550 South Archer Avenue in Chicago

Food is very tasty

Fast friendly service

Be brave go hot

Spice Things Up This Memorial Day with a BBQ Road Trip

Reviewers seem to agree that "go hot" is the best option when asking for the "heat" they should ask for when ordering from Leon's. This might be the place if you like a little bit of spice with your BBQ.

Read More: Legendary Illinois BBQ Joint Makes America's 'Absolute Best Ribs'

Is there another go-to BBQ joint you recommend checking out this Memorial Day weekend? Let us know.