Went to KC for the American Royal BBQ event 10/4/2014-took a judging class and hit some BBQ joints I wanted to check out-4 days of BBQ bliss!Yeah Baby! Gates has been on my list for a while....they have several locations. I wanted to go to their Brooklyn Ave restaurant...but my jerk friend went here on State st because he will only go to places on his GPS...he is such a moron....anyway... The place is nice...clean..a priority for me..really nice people....and they start out with a gurl screaming at me...at the top of her lungs...in a voice that could only belong to an air raid siren! I was new here. She was behind a high display case...and kept SCREAMING-"CAN I HELP YOU!!"CAN I HELP YOU"...my god!That VOICE!!!...I wanted to just run!But I was hungry! Really...you can NOT believe how bad this SCREAMING is!!! You order and have a cafeteria style ..plate?Tray?... you order...and they don't have it...maybe Tried to get ribs-OK.Tried to get some BBQ sausage-OK. Cole Slaw-OK.Potato salad-OK...peach pie-no.Apple pie-no.Cherry pie-no...they said they were sold out of ALL of their pies......wait with my plate for the food and then pay for it. We go to a table just at the end of the line....and start pigging out on some damn good BBQ! Ribs were an 8 out of 9...KCBS grading system of 2 to 9...and that is damn good for a Saturday afternoon...deserted restaurant...only one other customer in the place..... Sausage was not bad...7 out of 9 on the same grading system. Cole Slaw and potato salad were both great.... My guest had what they said was a "burnt ends" sandwich.And again it was like most BBQ places who advertise these "burnt ends"...it was not.It was a plain chopped BBQ sandwich that he was charged a premium for. And then while I am sitting there...6ft from the cash register...I hear people-ordering peach pie (my favorite)...and no problem.They don't say they are out of it like they told me. There were 3 large pies in the cooler that the gurl was yelling at me from behind when I got there?A Sunday?Only people in the place? The guy doing the busing of the tables seemed like a cool dude....I left him a nice tip. He REALLY seemed to be a nice guy...I liked his work...he deserved it. He just had this smile and attitude that ws cool.he came by and asked if we were cool....I liked that! Oh...I almost forgot...the beans werer GREAT too!...LOL
(4)
Mike S.
Rudest place I've ever been. People cutting in front of us. Yelling. First time I've ever walked out of a restaurant and tell them how rude they were.
(1)
Lou R.
I don't care what others say , I like Gates ... A lot. The burnt ends sandwich is terrific and the three sauces are all good. It's my go to place in KC for BBQ and well worth the price. Plus it's fun to watch people who have never been order get yelled at.
(4)
mike j.
I mean how can you not love Gates? Great tradition and awesome food! A top KC BBQ joint for sure.
(5)
Lexey J.
I'd heard so many good things about Gates and how it was one of the classic barbecue joints in KC. I ended up being totally unimpressed. The actual interior of the restaurant was so-so. It was very dark for the most part; the walls are dark wood paneling, which just made everything recede into shadow (there was not sufficient lighting to compensate). It seemed fairly clean; nothing to complain about there. It was a little confusing at first to figure out how the line was supposed to weave through the restaurant. We went just prior to the lunch rush, luckily for us, so while there was a bit of a line in front of us, it was nothing compared to the one that followed us in. Regardless of my take on the establishment, it is clearly very popular. The menu boards were not particularly easy to understand. I really didn't have any clue how to order my food, which was a shame because there were several side dishes I would have liked to have tried but didn't get the opportunity to order before I was shooed out of the way for the next customer. The employees were all very rude. They were definitely just trying to herd everyone along as quickly as they could, which I'm sure was necessary during their busiest times, but it wouldn't have killed them to do it with a smile. I spent my time as a fast food cashier; I know what it's like and I also know it isn't hard to pretend you take pride in your job. Instead, all the customers got was a standard greeting ("Hi, may I help you?") in the most disinterested voice with potentially the worst attitude I've ever seen in customer service. When my small group (three of us) got to the checkout with our order, they were waiting for it to get to the counter, so one of the girls with me tried to be helpful by gathering up some of the smaller items (presumably so there was less clutter on the counter/more room for the next customer's order), and the cashier scolds her with more attitude than I could even muster: "Ex-CUSE me, I haven't rung that up yet." I was actually stunned; I had no idea what to do as the girl slapped buttons on her register, all the while rolling her eyes and scoffing like a teenager. Absolutely couldn't believe this was real life. When we got our food, I would have given it a 6 out of 10. The meat was pretty solid; everything else was super mediocre. Not really bad, just not great. Finally, the barbecue sauce was not at all what I expect from KC barbecue. It was just a sludge of conflicting spices that came together in an unpleasant cacophony of flavors. Nope. I will never go here again. Not worth the time or the headache.
(2)
Michael H.
My wife's family is from Kansas City and swears by this place. I also tried Joes BBQ which according to Yelp is probably the best BBQ in town, but I can tell you after trying both back to back, Gates is hands down the winner. Their ribs were succulent and their sauce tangy and sweet with a hint of spice. The beans and coleslaw were awesome. Gates is also rich with character-- the ordering process is a bit daunting for first-timers (but memorable) since they cater mostly to locals who can rattle off a million variations of their menu at a lightning fast speed. As an added plus, the decor remains untouched since the 1980s.. It was, for me, the perfect Kansas City BBQ experience.
(4)
Tim K.
Not bad but theres better in KC...
(3)
Scott T.
High time I wrote a review for Gates. It's the first Kansas BBQ that passed my lips around 1980 or so at the Paseo location. For a western Kansas kid new to KC, coming in and having three black ladies yelling "Hi may I help you" was... an experience, and one I still recall with a smile. I've visited every one of their restaurants over the years but keep gravitating back to the Kansas City, Kansas location and I've likely eaten here a dozen times. It's sort of off the radar for most of the town. Plenty of other Gates locations like midtown and out at State Line I-435 that are going to get most of the business I'd guess. This location can be a bit intimidating. It's not a great neighborhood. But I love this location and the people working it couldn't be nicer. Most recent visit was with an in-law to show him what Kansas City BBQ was all about. He'd just flown in and this was the best Q I could think of closest to the airport. We ordered a full on slab with fries and beans, and damn, if they weren't on that day. Their slab must be as big as any in town. One of the cooks came around checking on diners and I asked if he prepared and cooked our order. He had and was as happy to hear of our approval. We left stuffed beyond belief. Now, their meats are full of smoke and I love their tangy sauce. Their burnt ends are really the business, full of smoke, flavor, and lots of it. Gates fries, not my thing, but I understand they are for many. They're big, they're not so crisp, sort of almost like a tiny baked potato and they can overwhelm the dinner I think. A very few go a long way. Beware of loading up on too much of their sauce. I think they've apparently mastered loading it with salt and sugar. It's a stomach bomb but a good one. Gates is to be celebrated. It's an institution and the name falls off the tongue about as often as Bryant's. In a town full of great BBQ, Gates is right there, one of the original leaders of th epack. If you haven't dined here and you're a fan of KC BBQ, get yer butt down to one of them. You're missing out on part of what makes Kansas City a great town.
(4)
Mark W.
Ate here at Gates a couple of weeks ago in K.C. Kansas while visiting relatives. It is my all time favorite place in the K.C. area. The food (sliced pork) was great...tender, tasty, and great with the original Gates sauce. Excellent Fries (huge portion). The hostess was so nice as she came over to our table while we were eating and chatted with us. She then brought us sauce and boxes to take our leftovers home. Totally satisfied and the inside of the place was very clean. Of course I will be back on my next trip to K.C. Wish we could get BBQ this good in Virginia. Fortunately I was able to buy some Gates sauce and seasoning at the airport terminal before leaving K.C. Next time RIBS,,.,,
(5)
Michael H.
A local recommend this place and it didn't disappoint. Exceptional service, staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The food was on point. We had the wings and brisket sandwich. The flavor coming out of the meat, you can't stop eating.
(5)
Brett B.
joe's for dinner last night, q39 for lunch and then this place for dinner. man, this was one horrible meal. got the combo with ham, ribs, brisket. ribs inedible, ham and brisket very average, sauce very average. asked for sweet tea and it was some fountain drink tea. gross. never go there again. and the service is horrible, rude, slow
(1)
Bill K.
When I lived in KC Gates BBQ was this awesome place. It was a chain, but the food was great, it had some traditions, and the buildings were all pretty nicely maintained. This Gates location is in a part of KCK which wasn't in great shape before the recession, and things haven't improved since. The building shows a lot of wear and tear. It's in need of some maintenance and a coat of stain on the fading wood. My guess is this location has been scraping by. When the biggest draws on the surrounding blocks are a convenience store and several thrift shops, a BBQ place with $8.95 to $18.95 entrees will have a hard time finding customers. It doesn't seem like a bad neighborhood, just a poor one. I walked a couple miles and looked around - lots of empty buildings, but it's clean. Anyway, this review is about the food and service, not the neighborhood. I had the combo. Three great ribs, a little pile of ordinary brisket, and some thin sliced ham which could have come straight from an Oscar Meyer package. All very light on smoke flavor. I'd give the ribs five stars, the brisket three stars, and the lame, lifeless ham should be happy to get even one. Sauce was offered as an option. The combo also included some pre-fab frozen French fries and a couple pieces of Bunny Bread for fans of flavorless starch calories. Better fries cut from actual potatoes and some decent bread would be a huge improvement. And now, in the Quixote-esque way which is my custom, I will make a futile statement about something which will never, ever change... but I will go ahead and say it anyway. When I walked in, before the door was even closed behind me, the woman at the register yelled "May I help you?" This is Gates tradition. It may have made sense when there were crowds of customers, to help keep things moving along. In my case, it made no sense. The cashier was in the middle of a transaction with the previous customer, and there was nobody after me. As any gentleman would be, I was embarrassed to answer, as the previous customer would have been inconvenienced by me jumping in with an order while she was still finalizing hers. Also, "May I help you ?" yelled at you the instant you walk in the door is a little jarring. Why yell a question at a person who has only the slightest chance of being prepared to answer? If this were my restaurant, I'd axe the yelling, work on improving the food, and put a coat of paint on it. I'm not a certified barbeque judge or whatever, but KC is a great town for BBQ places. Following the fast-evolving Darwinism of the restaurant business, KC is certainly not the place to be mediocre at something so many others have mastered.
(3)
Layla W.
Second best bbq in KC & best bbq wings I've ever had! If you're going to get gates try this location or the original location the rest of them are not that good & mostly just there for tourists.
(4)
Vanessa W.
Mmmmmm. So delicious. The burnt end sandwiches and the brisket are soooo good. And the beans? I literally can't get enough. Best baked beans EVER. I could drink them, every day. Everyone in KC is super opinionated about BBQ obviously, so I think the best bet is to just try them all and make your own opinion. For me, Gates never disappoints, and I always leave full and happy.
(5)
Mark F.
It is Kansas City so mediocre bbq in kc is really good bbq anywhere else. Gates is not what it was 20 years ago when we lived here especially compared to LCs, Oklahoma Joes and RJs. The burnt ends looked like chopped beef and was cold. The beans were runny. The ribs were really good as always and I do love Gates sauce.
(3)
Tucker H.
As some of the other reviews have mentioned, this is a cafeteria-style restaurant. When you walk in the door there are two cashiers, one to the left and one to the right. If you are getting take-out either is fine, but if you want to eat in I would stick to the left oterwise you will have to fight through the crowd to get into the seating area. The cashier will be (politely) shouting to take your order when you are still several people from them, so be ready to place your order as soon as you get into line. On my trip I had the burnt-ends on a bun with fries and a soda, which came to about $11. The burnt-ends were excellent, very smoky and flavorful. They were not too wet or dry, and while I prefer more sauce on mine then they came with, there is a big dispenser of various sauces just around the corner from the cashier with the silverware and napkins.
(4)
David V.
Great food. Interesting experience but will eat here again and everytime I am in KC
(4)
Thomas A.
When I get that hankering, the one for pork, smoked and slathered with a rich Kansas City-style sauce, my limbs begin to act on their own and I find myself in the truck tooling over to Gates' at 10th and State Avenue. I already know what I want when I walk in and after the ladies yodel at me for my order, I step right up and frimly state, "Burnt end sandwich with fries" OH MY GAWD! One of the best inventions of all times...burnt ends...I can no longer live without them...so, once every couple of months, I slink down to the Gates at 10th and State and get my fix. Like a starving animal, I greedily protect my prey and deliver it to the safety and privacy of my home where I don't have to be careful of other predators trying to snatch my booty (that would be the prize not my derrier.). Oh how I love to savor the assertive but delectible flavors of the unique KC-Style barbcue sauces, the tenderness and smokiness of the meat stuffed into sandwich form. And those fries! I love 'em crispy and with plenty of sauce or catsup in which to dip them. I have not had a better burnt ends sandwich. The location on Main is good also. Gates' ribs and other sandwiches are also superb. The onion rings are A-Number One!
(4)
Tim R.
Mmm..I want to eat it again.
(4)
Alex T.
Ordered ribs and pulled pork...pretttty good...juicy, flavorful, and great smokey taste
(4)
Greg T.
I've been to every Gates there is, even when they had one out in Las Vegas NV and I'm here to tell ya that this one is the absolute best of all (10th & State). I've been going here for over 45 years and am constantly suggesting it to friends. Their ribs are the absolute best !!! as is the Lamb, the Beef Brisket, sliced Ham and about their Hot Links? OOOoooowweeeEEE !!! The smoked Turkey is pretty good too !!! I don't know who their supplier is but they have the best damn strawberry soda on the planet !!! I go there some times with friends or by myself be it day time or night time and NO they don't need a security guard !!!
(5)
Renee P.
Mmmm...... The one thing I asked to do before leaving KS was get some BBQ. Between asking friends and family for suggestions and comparing it to yelp I believe we made a good decision. What I got: Beef Sandwich with Fries My favorite sauce: Sweet and Mild I like that the sandwich had sauce on it, but it wasn't a huge mess. If your like me and like a lot of sauce, Gate's has their sauce out and available for people to use as they please.
(5)
Sean A.
First let me reply to you non-readers out there who entered in the wrong address for this dump. The correct address is 1026 State Ave, Kansas City, KS. After gorging myself at Jack's Stack I had a new par for bbq to which this place fell woefully short. Upon entering the former meat rendering factory known as Gate's BBQ my senses were assaulted with smoke, sweat and fear. I say fear, because as each customer approaches the counter to place their order they are subjected to a battery of cursing, racial slurs and fat jokes. I decided the food must be outstanding for people to put up with this kind of abuse so sensing a serendipitous event I took my place in line for my tongue lashing. As it turns out, the food is mediocre at best. They serve your standard bbq fanfare here and the meat is very fatty and obviously produced from low quality cuts. I ordered the beef brisket, short ribs and pulled pork. Apparently, regardless of what kind of gristly meat you order it will be served on a stale and soggy piece of white wonder bread. The sides I had were decent but preparing a decent dish of baked beans and potato salad is nothing too difficult. The only thing that really stands out about this place was the sass of the wait staff and the Gates Bar B.Q. sauce. In fact, slathering my meal in that sauce is what saved the dish. All in all, you would make a wise investment by buying some of that sauce and using at home or at another bbq restaurant. All in all, this place isn't bad for the price or the wait and interacting with the staff can be entertaining.
(3)
Alicia H.
This place is excellent! I was so impressed with the service and the food. The ribs were sooo yummy it fell right off the bones. Will definitely be going back there the next time I'm in Kansas.
(5)
Turf B.
No pork at this location. I didn't see many Hasids in the area, so wtf? Disappointing, but the beef on bun I had was spot on. Great fries, good beans, friendly people. Got a few bottles of rub to bring back to PHX. I will be back on my next visit to KC. Good stuff.
(4)
Mike P.
Full disclosure: I have eaten bbq in every state where it matters, and some where it doesn't, so I consider myself to be somewhat of an "expert." Although this wasn't the original location, it looked old and legit enough. There was a long line of business folk and locals alike, from blue shirted techies with cells holstered to their sides, to locals from the hood, and even a couple cops. I knew this was the real deal. Unfortunately, I had a flight to catch and time was ticking away in the long line. I was second guessing my decision to have stopped, and was about to duck out when the lady behind the counter shouted, "next in line." I glanced up and just ordered a "mixed plate." A couple minutes later I regretted my decision as a foot round plate was slid in front of me with a 1/2 pound of ham, 8 ribs, and about a pound of brisket, accompanied with a fistful of pickles and two fists of fries. I ordered a peach iced tea and as I was about to walk away, a counter worker threw a half dozen slices of white bread onto my tray. I found a seat and dug in, wishing I had time to pace myself. I was able to eat all the ribs, most of the brisket and a little of the ham (I didn't care too much for the thin-sliced ham with Q sauce. I had both the spicy sauce, which was good, and the original which was phenomenal. I was going to get a jug to bring home, but the line was too long and I realized that I had overstayed my already brief time limit. So with fingers still sauced, I headed out the door and hot-footed it to the airport. I nearly missed my flight but decided that it would have been worth it if I had. The brisket was tender and the beef ribs were probably the best I have ever had. Even the fries were excellent dipped in that awesome sauce.
(5)
Tony J.
I can not come into town and not have some Gates its still some of the best BBQ in town
(4)
Stephanie P.
This location is in a rough part of town. Service was great both ordereing and at our table. Drinks were huge! Rating 3 stars due to my sandwich. I got burnt ends which was mostly fat with tiny chunks of meat. Bread was basic hot dog bun. My baked beans were pretty tasty. Wouldn't recommend going at night or by yourself as they need a security card on the premise
(3)
Joe W.
I've only had Gates at a KC Royals Game. Is the quality different in the restaurant? There was hardly any meat on my $7 sandwich.
(3)
L. D.
My tour of KS and MO BBQ continues. Jack Stack still holds the number one spot on my list !! I tried the Sausage and Short End Entrees with BBQ Beans at Gates. I liked the Beans the best. The Meat was nothing to write home about and I really didn't care for the BBQ Sauce at all. I found the Yammer Pie a little on the sweet side. This will be my 1st and last visit to Gates BBQ.
(2)
ROCKSTAR S.
delicious! please refer to other reviews. I ate the ribs, they were great. The baked beans were awesome!
(5)
Rob J.
Best BBQ I have ever had and I hit a lot of BBQ joints in my travels. The burnt end beef sandwich is unbelievable.
(5)
Big Baby Jesus C.
BBJ approved. They chop the burnt ends very fine which I didn't care as much for. I like the bark, why I like burnt ends, and chopping them finely mangles the bark. Good flavor though, friendly service, and they were only good place open late enough to feed me. If you watch a lot of Fox News you might think the area is too scary because it's predominantly black people.
(4)
Mykie D.
i am only reviewing the customer service: HORRIBLE. also, they need to revise their business strategies because it's quite chaotic to hear "Hi May I Help You" 15 times while you wait on your order. They take like 20 orders before your order is complete
(2)
IJudge Q.
I am fortunate to not only be a certified BBQ judge, but to live in the best part of the country for any BBQ aficionado. Having said that let me preface my reviews with this comment: "the worst BBQ in the Kansas City area is usually better than the best BBQ found in the rest of the country". Also bear in mind that when one judges competition BBQ, we are trained to "Judge the meat - not the sauce". This will help explain why my reviews are so critical of the places who want to mask some deficiency in tenderness or taste by the over use of sauce. For the past few months, I have been visiting some of the most recommended BBQ joints in the Kansas City area. I am listing my 'overall' ratings at the beginning of the review for each of the establishments visited. ***** Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ ***** Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ **** Gates **** Arthur Bryant's *** Rosedale *** Woodyard *** Smokin Joes - Olathe ** Oklahoma Joes ** Johnny's Gates is an institution around the Kansas City area. I have enjoyed great Q there some times and the next visit I have wondered why they changed so much since my last visit. During one of my early visits, I enjoyed a great "Beef on Bun" with hot steak fries. The brisket was perfect and Gates allows you to place your order 'dry', or without sauce. I sampled their mild sauce, even though the item did not need any, and found it to be one of the top two sauces in the area. On my latest visit, I tasted the burnt end sandwich and baked beans. Gates chops their burnt ends a bit finer that other places, but the flavor and texture were both excellent. Again, no sauce needed.
(4)
Michael G.
So good! Very nice, very quick once you figure out what you want. I highly reccomend it.
(5)
George R.
Good BBQ. Had the burnt end sandwich. Burnt ends and sauce good...plain white bread fell apart. Peach tea is good. Have tried all the big BBQ places in KC. Oklahoma Joe's by far the best ... By a long shot... But Gates is worth a visit.
(3)
Jim S.
Got the burnt end sandwich and it was almost all fat and hardly any meat. Long end ribs had good flavor but were tough. Sauce was the best part of the meal. Won't be going back to this location.
(2)
M H.
Been to the this location recently. Got the Beef plate with a side of fries. Really good, as usual.
(5)
Matt M.
Week 10 of "The Kansas City BBQ Tour." The sandwich had great, what I would call, Kansas City flavor. They only offered sliced pork and it lacked the tenderness you would expect. But the sauces offered great support to the meat. The fries looked great, but really lacked flavor. There was no ranch available for dipping. Overall they received a 76%.
(3)
Jeremy C.
I will never claim to be a BBQ expert, but I don't think you have to be to share what you like. I had my first Gates BBQ experience about maybe 10 years ago at the original location. It was so amazing and flavorful and the smoke flavor was so full bodied and deep into the meat. This location is no different and I think was a little better of a building maybe newer or more seating, not sure. This visit came out of a "I feel cheated every time we go to KC and don't get BBQ" argument with the wife. Brought the twins and the 4 year old and they ate it up. And the wife thought it was in exact words "Melted in my mouth and was amazing, but not overly wow'ed by it". I on the other hand love this BBQ and the sauce is amazing. It is so earthy and full of flavor. I had the "beef on bun" yeah that's what it's called and I was silly and was stumbling through trying to say I want the beef sandwich and was quickly corrected with, "you want the beef on bun?" I was like yes, yes I do. The employees are really on top of their game and have so much going on. But I will warn you, you almost need to know what you are ordering before you get there. It seems like they are in a hurry by asking you like once you make it through the door "how may I help you." It is a little off putting at first but once you understand the background it all makes since and is a really great experience. I was surprised this time that the lady that took my order asked me to print my name on the back of my receipt. I was like sure why not, and then she handed me a $5 bill. I was like totally confused at first and then she said its a random thing that if your receipt has red stars on it you get $5. That is awesome! I think for me this is the best KC BBQ. I hope you like it too.
(5)
Jason H.
Usually really good, but are often out of burnt ends. They don't seem to care about side orders until you get to the register. The food is awesome, though the service is an acquired taste. But most of the time, this is one of the best BBQ places in the Kanses City Metro.
(4)
Drake S.
I had a ribs once and I'm not going again. It is not like what I was expected. There are much better BBQ places in Kansas City.
(1)
Justine L.
I was looking for some good, authentic BBQ in K.C while on a recent business trip. I trusted the concierge of our hotel and our taxi driver when they recommended this place for the best BBQ in KC. Overall, it wasn't what I was expecting - sort of a fast food type of BBQ place. The ambiance was lacking (there is a dining area where you can eat), but it was a bit dark and dirty. The staff were a bit indifferent towards their job, and kept on confusing orders. Overall the baby back ribs were good but not the best I've had. I didn't want the BBQ sauce smeared all over (prefer a dry rub). Overall, 1 thumb up. Decent BBQ, but I don't need to go back.
Worst food we had during a recent BBQ road trip. We stopped at this place for dinner a few weeks ago, and we should have known from the chaos at the register that it wasn't going to be a good meal. Upon entering the front door, there were 20 people crowding the entry. Two registers, each with two employees doing their best to ignore everyone that's waiting. After 20 minutes we finally worked our way in front of one of the registers and got the attention of one of the girls. My wife and I split the Mixed Plate, with ribs, ham and brisket. During the wait the customer who ordered in front of us was asked at least 10 times what she had ordered. It was like a bad reproduction of "Who's on First". About 30 minutes after walking in the door, we finally had our food and drinks. We sat down at one of their filthy tables and tried to eat. The brisket was nothing special, not tender but not too tough either. The ham was dry despite being drenched in their awful sauce. The ribs seemed to have been sitting out for too long. They were overcooked, dry and inedible.
(1)
Austen O.
Got the burnt ends, felt like i was going to throw up for 5 hours afterwards. Didn't taste that good either, low quality meat.
(1)
Scott R.
Gates is an old KC Classic Barbecue Place that is still a top and required destination for a true BBQ aficionado. I've been coming here for over 30 years and still love it, although newer, more consistently good places like Joe's has siphoned off the majority of my BBQ restaurant visits. But the history and classic BBQ that Gates produces is still top notch. The sauce is still the best around in my opinion. I've learned over time that the line and ordering process can be looked at two ways: a frustratingly inefficient mess that should have been reworked years ago, or a classic throwback to the past, accentuated by some of the most interesting people you'll see in one place, both in the line and behind the counters. The employees are very friendly and helpful, even though they yell at you for your order when you walk in the door. Its amazing how they can remember the orders of people 10-15 deep in line. Some of the regular people in line make special off the menu requests that can be helpful to know (e.g. fries extra crispy or ask to see the slab of ribs you ordered). If you relax and enjoy your wait in line, its not so bad. Maybe you'll get the receipt with the red star on it and win 5 bucks cash. The beef (brisket) and fries sandwich is a good deal. Both are always very good, especially with the sauce. The rib experience can vary based on the cut you get, how they were cooked that day, etc, but when you hit them right, they are top notch. Maybe not the leanest you can find, but very good and lots of flavor. The Burnt End Sandwich is excellent and another good value for the money. The Turkey is the best I've had anywhere - its my wife's favorite bbq item from anywhere. A Turkey and a half sandwich is a great sandwich to order take out and split with your spouse. In short - its great food and a great experience. Just don't expect it to be the most efficient place you've ever been to.
(4)
Dave M.
Disappointed KC BBQ experience So we all know when you visit KC they are know for their BBQ. We asked around and got several suggestions on which spot to head to. We opted for Gates due to location and rep from the people we asked. When we walked in the door we saw a small line and then someone yelled "here or GO" Obiv we wanted to dine in so we yelled " HERE" Then we had to shout our order from the back Ordeed the burnt ends and a sample platter No bueno I have had burnt ends better than this, they were very fatty and did not have much flavor. Save your time and disappointment and dont go here... Go to Oklahoma Joe's and wait in the hour long line
(2)
Donna Y.
Business Lunch Done Right We each ordered the burnt end sandwich and fries. The meat was tender and the hoagie bun was fresh. Enough food to take home for dinner which was good considering the price. I would like to see the meat served a little leaner with fewer fatty pieces. The best part of Gate's is the SAUCE! Some of the best bbq sauce ever. It has a nice spicy kick and tasted amazing on the fries. Fries were thick steak fries...excellent with the sandwiches. I will try Gate's again...the cashier was pleasant and social as we waited for the food. Good BBQ...not necessarily the best...but the sauce makes the trip worthwhile.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Rick M.
Went to KC for the American Royal BBQ event 10/4/2014-took a judging class and hit some BBQ joints I wanted to check out-4 days of BBQ bliss!Yeah Baby! Gates has been on my list for a while....they have several locations. I wanted to go to their Brooklyn Ave restaurant...but my jerk friend went here on State st because he will only go to places on his GPS...he is such a moron....anyway... The place is nice...clean..a priority for me..really nice people....and they start out with a gurl screaming at me...at the top of her lungs...in a voice that could only belong to an air raid siren! I was new here. She was behind a high display case...and kept SCREAMING-"CAN I HELP YOU!!"CAN I HELP YOU"...my god!That VOICE!!!...I wanted to just run!But I was hungry! Really...you can NOT believe how bad this SCREAMING is!!! You order and have a cafeteria style ..plate?Tray?... you order...and they don't have it...maybe Tried to get ribs-OK.Tried to get some BBQ sausage-OK. Cole Slaw-OK.Potato salad-OK...peach pie-no.Apple pie-no.Cherry pie-no...they said they were sold out of ALL of their pies......wait with my plate for the food and then pay for it. We go to a table just at the end of the line....and start pigging out on some damn good BBQ! Ribs were an 8 out of 9...KCBS grading system of 2 to 9...and that is damn good for a Saturday afternoon...deserted restaurant...only one other customer in the place..... Sausage was not bad...7 out of 9 on the same grading system. Cole Slaw and potato salad were both great.... My guest had what they said was a "burnt ends" sandwich.And again it was like most BBQ places who advertise these "burnt ends"...it was not.It was a plain chopped BBQ sandwich that he was charged a premium for. And then while I am sitting there...6ft from the cash register...I hear people-ordering peach pie (my favorite)...and no problem.They don't say they are out of it like they told me. There were 3 large pies in the cooler that the gurl was yelling at me from behind when I got there?A Sunday?Only people in the place? The guy doing the busing of the tables seemed like a cool dude....I left him a nice tip. He REALLY seemed to be a nice guy...I liked his work...he deserved it. He just had this smile and attitude that ws cool.he came by and asked if we were cool....I liked that! Oh...I almost forgot...the beans werer GREAT too!...LOL
(4)Mike S.
Rudest place I've ever been. People cutting in front of us. Yelling. First time I've ever walked out of a restaurant and tell them how rude they were.
(1)Lou R.
I don't care what others say , I like Gates ... A lot. The burnt ends sandwich is terrific and the three sauces are all good. It's my go to place in KC for BBQ and well worth the price. Plus it's fun to watch people who have never been order get yelled at.
(4)mike j.
I mean how can you not love Gates? Great tradition and awesome food! A top KC BBQ joint for sure.
(5)Lexey J.
I'd heard so many good things about Gates and how it was one of the classic barbecue joints in KC. I ended up being totally unimpressed. The actual interior of the restaurant was so-so. It was very dark for the most part; the walls are dark wood paneling, which just made everything recede into shadow (there was not sufficient lighting to compensate). It seemed fairly clean; nothing to complain about there. It was a little confusing at first to figure out how the line was supposed to weave through the restaurant. We went just prior to the lunch rush, luckily for us, so while there was a bit of a line in front of us, it was nothing compared to the one that followed us in. Regardless of my take on the establishment, it is clearly very popular. The menu boards were not particularly easy to understand. I really didn't have any clue how to order my food, which was a shame because there were several side dishes I would have liked to have tried but didn't get the opportunity to order before I was shooed out of the way for the next customer. The employees were all very rude. They were definitely just trying to herd everyone along as quickly as they could, which I'm sure was necessary during their busiest times, but it wouldn't have killed them to do it with a smile. I spent my time as a fast food cashier; I know what it's like and I also know it isn't hard to pretend you take pride in your job. Instead, all the customers got was a standard greeting ("Hi, may I help you?") in the most disinterested voice with potentially the worst attitude I've ever seen in customer service. When my small group (three of us) got to the checkout with our order, they were waiting for it to get to the counter, so one of the girls with me tried to be helpful by gathering up some of the smaller items (presumably so there was less clutter on the counter/more room for the next customer's order), and the cashier scolds her with more attitude than I could even muster: "Ex-CUSE me, I haven't rung that up yet." I was actually stunned; I had no idea what to do as the girl slapped buttons on her register, all the while rolling her eyes and scoffing like a teenager. Absolutely couldn't believe this was real life. When we got our food, I would have given it a 6 out of 10. The meat was pretty solid; everything else was super mediocre. Not really bad, just not great. Finally, the barbecue sauce was not at all what I expect from KC barbecue. It was just a sludge of conflicting spices that came together in an unpleasant cacophony of flavors. Nope. I will never go here again. Not worth the time or the headache.
(2)Michael H.
My wife's family is from Kansas City and swears by this place. I also tried Joes BBQ which according to Yelp is probably the best BBQ in town, but I can tell you after trying both back to back, Gates is hands down the winner. Their ribs were succulent and their sauce tangy and sweet with a hint of spice. The beans and coleslaw were awesome. Gates is also rich with character-- the ordering process is a bit daunting for first-timers (but memorable) since they cater mostly to locals who can rattle off a million variations of their menu at a lightning fast speed. As an added plus, the decor remains untouched since the 1980s.. It was, for me, the perfect Kansas City BBQ experience.
(4)Tim K.
Not bad but theres better in KC...
(3)Scott T.
High time I wrote a review for Gates. It's the first Kansas BBQ that passed my lips around 1980 or so at the Paseo location. For a western Kansas kid new to KC, coming in and having three black ladies yelling "Hi may I help you" was... an experience, and one I still recall with a smile. I've visited every one of their restaurants over the years but keep gravitating back to the Kansas City, Kansas location and I've likely eaten here a dozen times. It's sort of off the radar for most of the town. Plenty of other Gates locations like midtown and out at State Line I-435 that are going to get most of the business I'd guess. This location can be a bit intimidating. It's not a great neighborhood. But I love this location and the people working it couldn't be nicer. Most recent visit was with an in-law to show him what Kansas City BBQ was all about. He'd just flown in and this was the best Q I could think of closest to the airport. We ordered a full on slab with fries and beans, and damn, if they weren't on that day. Their slab must be as big as any in town. One of the cooks came around checking on diners and I asked if he prepared and cooked our order. He had and was as happy to hear of our approval. We left stuffed beyond belief. Now, their meats are full of smoke and I love their tangy sauce. Their burnt ends are really the business, full of smoke, flavor, and lots of it. Gates fries, not my thing, but I understand they are for many. They're big, they're not so crisp, sort of almost like a tiny baked potato and they can overwhelm the dinner I think. A very few go a long way. Beware of loading up on too much of their sauce. I think they've apparently mastered loading it with salt and sugar. It's a stomach bomb but a good one. Gates is to be celebrated. It's an institution and the name falls off the tongue about as often as Bryant's. In a town full of great BBQ, Gates is right there, one of the original leaders of th epack. If you haven't dined here and you're a fan of KC BBQ, get yer butt down to one of them. You're missing out on part of what makes Kansas City a great town.
(4)Mark W.
Ate here at Gates a couple of weeks ago in K.C. Kansas while visiting relatives. It is my all time favorite place in the K.C. area. The food (sliced pork) was great...tender, tasty, and great with the original Gates sauce. Excellent Fries (huge portion). The hostess was so nice as she came over to our table while we were eating and chatted with us. She then brought us sauce and boxes to take our leftovers home. Totally satisfied and the inside of the place was very clean. Of course I will be back on my next trip to K.C. Wish we could get BBQ this good in Virginia. Fortunately I was able to buy some Gates sauce and seasoning at the airport terminal before leaving K.C. Next time RIBS,,.,,
(5)Michael H.
A local recommend this place and it didn't disappoint. Exceptional service, staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The food was on point. We had the wings and brisket sandwich. The flavor coming out of the meat, you can't stop eating.
(5)Brett B.
joe's for dinner last night, q39 for lunch and then this place for dinner. man, this was one horrible meal. got the combo with ham, ribs, brisket. ribs inedible, ham and brisket very average, sauce very average. asked for sweet tea and it was some fountain drink tea. gross. never go there again. and the service is horrible, rude, slow
(1)Bill K.
When I lived in KC Gates BBQ was this awesome place. It was a chain, but the food was great, it had some traditions, and the buildings were all pretty nicely maintained. This Gates location is in a part of KCK which wasn't in great shape before the recession, and things haven't improved since. The building shows a lot of wear and tear. It's in need of some maintenance and a coat of stain on the fading wood. My guess is this location has been scraping by. When the biggest draws on the surrounding blocks are a convenience store and several thrift shops, a BBQ place with $8.95 to $18.95 entrees will have a hard time finding customers. It doesn't seem like a bad neighborhood, just a poor one. I walked a couple miles and looked around - lots of empty buildings, but it's clean. Anyway, this review is about the food and service, not the neighborhood. I had the combo. Three great ribs, a little pile of ordinary brisket, and some thin sliced ham which could have come straight from an Oscar Meyer package. All very light on smoke flavor. I'd give the ribs five stars, the brisket three stars, and the lame, lifeless ham should be happy to get even one. Sauce was offered as an option. The combo also included some pre-fab frozen French fries and a couple pieces of Bunny Bread for fans of flavorless starch calories. Better fries cut from actual potatoes and some decent bread would be a huge improvement. And now, in the Quixote-esque way which is my custom, I will make a futile statement about something which will never, ever change... but I will go ahead and say it anyway. When I walked in, before the door was even closed behind me, the woman at the register yelled "May I help you?" This is Gates tradition. It may have made sense when there were crowds of customers, to help keep things moving along. In my case, it made no sense. The cashier was in the middle of a transaction with the previous customer, and there was nobody after me. As any gentleman would be, I was embarrassed to answer, as the previous customer would have been inconvenienced by me jumping in with an order while she was still finalizing hers. Also, "May I help you ?" yelled at you the instant you walk in the door is a little jarring. Why yell a question at a person who has only the slightest chance of being prepared to answer? If this were my restaurant, I'd axe the yelling, work on improving the food, and put a coat of paint on it. I'm not a certified barbeque judge or whatever, but KC is a great town for BBQ places. Following the fast-evolving Darwinism of the restaurant business, KC is certainly not the place to be mediocre at something so many others have mastered.
(3)Layla W.
Second best bbq in KC & best bbq wings I've ever had! If you're going to get gates try this location or the original location the rest of them are not that good & mostly just there for tourists.
(4)Vanessa W.
Mmmmmm. So delicious. The burnt end sandwiches and the brisket are soooo good. And the beans? I literally can't get enough. Best baked beans EVER. I could drink them, every day. Everyone in KC is super opinionated about BBQ obviously, so I think the best bet is to just try them all and make your own opinion. For me, Gates never disappoints, and I always leave full and happy.
(5)Mark F.
It is Kansas City so mediocre bbq in kc is really good bbq anywhere else. Gates is not what it was 20 years ago when we lived here especially compared to LCs, Oklahoma Joes and RJs. The burnt ends looked like chopped beef and was cold. The beans were runny. The ribs were really good as always and I do love Gates sauce.
(3)Tucker H.
As some of the other reviews have mentioned, this is a cafeteria-style restaurant. When you walk in the door there are two cashiers, one to the left and one to the right. If you are getting take-out either is fine, but if you want to eat in I would stick to the left oterwise you will have to fight through the crowd to get into the seating area. The cashier will be (politely) shouting to take your order when you are still several people from them, so be ready to place your order as soon as you get into line. On my trip I had the burnt-ends on a bun with fries and a soda, which came to about $11. The burnt-ends were excellent, very smoky and flavorful. They were not too wet or dry, and while I prefer more sauce on mine then they came with, there is a big dispenser of various sauces just around the corner from the cashier with the silverware and napkins.
(4)David V.
Great food. Interesting experience but will eat here again and everytime I am in KC
(4)Thomas A.
When I get that hankering, the one for pork, smoked and slathered with a rich Kansas City-style sauce, my limbs begin to act on their own and I find myself in the truck tooling over to Gates' at 10th and State Avenue. I already know what I want when I walk in and after the ladies yodel at me for my order, I step right up and frimly state, "Burnt end sandwich with fries" OH MY GAWD! One of the best inventions of all times...burnt ends...I can no longer live without them...so, once every couple of months, I slink down to the Gates at 10th and State and get my fix. Like a starving animal, I greedily protect my prey and deliver it to the safety and privacy of my home where I don't have to be careful of other predators trying to snatch my booty (that would be the prize not my derrier.). Oh how I love to savor the assertive but delectible flavors of the unique KC-Style barbcue sauces, the tenderness and smokiness of the meat stuffed into sandwich form. And those fries! I love 'em crispy and with plenty of sauce or catsup in which to dip them. I have not had a better burnt ends sandwich. The location on Main is good also. Gates' ribs and other sandwiches are also superb. The onion rings are A-Number One!
(4)Tim R.
Mmm..I want to eat it again.
(4)Alex T.
Ordered ribs and pulled pork...pretttty good...juicy, flavorful, and great smokey taste
(4)Greg T.
I've been to every Gates there is, even when they had one out in Las Vegas NV and I'm here to tell ya that this one is the absolute best of all (10th & State). I've been going here for over 45 years and am constantly suggesting it to friends. Their ribs are the absolute best !!! as is the Lamb, the Beef Brisket, sliced Ham and about their Hot Links? OOOoooowweeeEEE !!! The smoked Turkey is pretty good too !!! I don't know who their supplier is but they have the best damn strawberry soda on the planet !!! I go there some times with friends or by myself be it day time or night time and NO they don't need a security guard !!!
(5)Renee P.
Mmmm...... The one thing I asked to do before leaving KS was get some BBQ. Between asking friends and family for suggestions and comparing it to yelp I believe we made a good decision. What I got: Beef Sandwich with Fries My favorite sauce: Sweet and Mild I like that the sandwich had sauce on it, but it wasn't a huge mess. If your like me and like a lot of sauce, Gate's has their sauce out and available for people to use as they please.
(5)Sean A.
First let me reply to you non-readers out there who entered in the wrong address for this dump. The correct address is 1026 State Ave, Kansas City, KS. After gorging myself at Jack's Stack I had a new par for bbq to which this place fell woefully short. Upon entering the former meat rendering factory known as Gate's BBQ my senses were assaulted with smoke, sweat and fear. I say fear, because as each customer approaches the counter to place their order they are subjected to a battery of cursing, racial slurs and fat jokes. I decided the food must be outstanding for people to put up with this kind of abuse so sensing a serendipitous event I took my place in line for my tongue lashing. As it turns out, the food is mediocre at best. They serve your standard bbq fanfare here and the meat is very fatty and obviously produced from low quality cuts. I ordered the beef brisket, short ribs and pulled pork. Apparently, regardless of what kind of gristly meat you order it will be served on a stale and soggy piece of white wonder bread. The sides I had were decent but preparing a decent dish of baked beans and potato salad is nothing too difficult. The only thing that really stands out about this place was the sass of the wait staff and the Gates Bar B.Q. sauce. In fact, slathering my meal in that sauce is what saved the dish. All in all, you would make a wise investment by buying some of that sauce and using at home or at another bbq restaurant. All in all, this place isn't bad for the price or the wait and interacting with the staff can be entertaining.
(3)Alicia H.
This place is excellent! I was so impressed with the service and the food. The ribs were sooo yummy it fell right off the bones. Will definitely be going back there the next time I'm in Kansas.
(5)Turf B.
No pork at this location. I didn't see many Hasids in the area, so wtf? Disappointing, but the beef on bun I had was spot on. Great fries, good beans, friendly people. Got a few bottles of rub to bring back to PHX. I will be back on my next visit to KC. Good stuff.
(4)Mike P.
Full disclosure: I have eaten bbq in every state where it matters, and some where it doesn't, so I consider myself to be somewhat of an "expert." Although this wasn't the original location, it looked old and legit enough. There was a long line of business folk and locals alike, from blue shirted techies with cells holstered to their sides, to locals from the hood, and even a couple cops. I knew this was the real deal. Unfortunately, I had a flight to catch and time was ticking away in the long line. I was second guessing my decision to have stopped, and was about to duck out when the lady behind the counter shouted, "next in line." I glanced up and just ordered a "mixed plate." A couple minutes later I regretted my decision as a foot round plate was slid in front of me with a 1/2 pound of ham, 8 ribs, and about a pound of brisket, accompanied with a fistful of pickles and two fists of fries. I ordered a peach iced tea and as I was about to walk away, a counter worker threw a half dozen slices of white bread onto my tray. I found a seat and dug in, wishing I had time to pace myself. I was able to eat all the ribs, most of the brisket and a little of the ham (I didn't care too much for the thin-sliced ham with Q sauce. I had both the spicy sauce, which was good, and the original which was phenomenal. I was going to get a jug to bring home, but the line was too long and I realized that I had overstayed my already brief time limit. So with fingers still sauced, I headed out the door and hot-footed it to the airport. I nearly missed my flight but decided that it would have been worth it if I had. The brisket was tender and the beef ribs were probably the best I have ever had. Even the fries were excellent dipped in that awesome sauce.
(5)Tony J.
I can not come into town and not have some Gates its still some of the best BBQ in town
(4)Stephanie P.
This location is in a rough part of town. Service was great both ordereing and at our table. Drinks were huge! Rating 3 stars due to my sandwich. I got burnt ends which was mostly fat with tiny chunks of meat. Bread was basic hot dog bun. My baked beans were pretty tasty. Wouldn't recommend going at night or by yourself as they need a security card on the premise
(3)Joe W.
I've only had Gates at a KC Royals Game. Is the quality different in the restaurant? There was hardly any meat on my $7 sandwich.
(3)L. D.
My tour of KS and MO BBQ continues. Jack Stack still holds the number one spot on my list !! I tried the Sausage and Short End Entrees with BBQ Beans at Gates. I liked the Beans the best. The Meat was nothing to write home about and I really didn't care for the BBQ Sauce at all. I found the Yammer Pie a little on the sweet side. This will be my 1st and last visit to Gates BBQ.
(2)ROCKSTAR S.
delicious! please refer to other reviews. I ate the ribs, they were great. The baked beans were awesome!
(5)Rob J.
Best BBQ I have ever had and I hit a lot of BBQ joints in my travels. The burnt end beef sandwich is unbelievable.
(5)Big Baby Jesus C.
BBJ approved. They chop the burnt ends very fine which I didn't care as much for. I like the bark, why I like burnt ends, and chopping them finely mangles the bark. Good flavor though, friendly service, and they were only good place open late enough to feed me. If you watch a lot of Fox News you might think the area is too scary because it's predominantly black people.
(4)Mykie D.
i am only reviewing the customer service: HORRIBLE. also, they need to revise their business strategies because it's quite chaotic to hear "Hi May I Help You" 15 times while you wait on your order. They take like 20 orders before your order is complete
(2)IJudge Q.
I am fortunate to not only be a certified BBQ judge, but to live in the best part of the country for any BBQ aficionado. Having said that let me preface my reviews with this comment: "the worst BBQ in the Kansas City area is usually better than the best BBQ found in the rest of the country". Also bear in mind that when one judges competition BBQ, we are trained to "Judge the meat - not the sauce". This will help explain why my reviews are so critical of the places who want to mask some deficiency in tenderness or taste by the over use of sauce. For the past few months, I have been visiting some of the most recommended BBQ joints in the Kansas City area. I am listing my 'overall' ratings at the beginning of the review for each of the establishments visited. ***** Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ ***** Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ **** Gates **** Arthur Bryant's *** Rosedale *** Woodyard *** Smokin Joes - Olathe ** Oklahoma Joes ** Johnny's Gates is an institution around the Kansas City area. I have enjoyed great Q there some times and the next visit I have wondered why they changed so much since my last visit. During one of my early visits, I enjoyed a great "Beef on Bun" with hot steak fries. The brisket was perfect and Gates allows you to place your order 'dry', or without sauce. I sampled their mild sauce, even though the item did not need any, and found it to be one of the top two sauces in the area. On my latest visit, I tasted the burnt end sandwich and baked beans. Gates chops their burnt ends a bit finer that other places, but the flavor and texture were both excellent. Again, no sauce needed.
(4)Michael G.
So good! Very nice, very quick once you figure out what you want. I highly reccomend it.
(5)George R.
Good BBQ. Had the burnt end sandwich. Burnt ends and sauce good...plain white bread fell apart. Peach tea is good. Have tried all the big BBQ places in KC. Oklahoma Joe's by far the best ... By a long shot... But Gates is worth a visit.
(3)Jim S.
Got the burnt end sandwich and it was almost all fat and hardly any meat. Long end ribs had good flavor but were tough. Sauce was the best part of the meal. Won't be going back to this location.
(2)M H.
Been to the this location recently. Got the Beef plate with a side of fries. Really good, as usual.
(5)Matt M.
Week 10 of "The Kansas City BBQ Tour." The sandwich had great, what I would call, Kansas City flavor. They only offered sliced pork and it lacked the tenderness you would expect. But the sauces offered great support to the meat. The fries looked great, but really lacked flavor. There was no ranch available for dipping. Overall they received a 76%.
(3)Jeremy C.
I will never claim to be a BBQ expert, but I don't think you have to be to share what you like. I had my first Gates BBQ experience about maybe 10 years ago at the original location. It was so amazing and flavorful and the smoke flavor was so full bodied and deep into the meat. This location is no different and I think was a little better of a building maybe newer or more seating, not sure. This visit came out of a "I feel cheated every time we go to KC and don't get BBQ" argument with the wife. Brought the twins and the 4 year old and they ate it up. And the wife thought it was in exact words "Melted in my mouth and was amazing, but not overly wow'ed by it". I on the other hand love this BBQ and the sauce is amazing. It is so earthy and full of flavor. I had the "beef on bun" yeah that's what it's called and I was silly and was stumbling through trying to say I want the beef sandwich and was quickly corrected with, "you want the beef on bun?" I was like yes, yes I do. The employees are really on top of their game and have so much going on. But I will warn you, you almost need to know what you are ordering before you get there. It seems like they are in a hurry by asking you like once you make it through the door "how may I help you." It is a little off putting at first but once you understand the background it all makes since and is a really great experience. I was surprised this time that the lady that took my order asked me to print my name on the back of my receipt. I was like sure why not, and then she handed me a $5 bill. I was like totally confused at first and then she said its a random thing that if your receipt has red stars on it you get $5. That is awesome! I think for me this is the best KC BBQ. I hope you like it too.
(5)Jason H.
Usually really good, but are often out of burnt ends. They don't seem to care about side orders until you get to the register. The food is awesome, though the service is an acquired taste. But most of the time, this is one of the best BBQ places in the Kanses City Metro.
(4)Drake S.
I had a ribs once and I'm not going again. It is not like what I was expected. There are much better BBQ places in Kansas City.
(1)Justine L.
I was looking for some good, authentic BBQ in K.C while on a recent business trip. I trusted the concierge of our hotel and our taxi driver when they recommended this place for the best BBQ in KC. Overall, it wasn't what I was expecting - sort of a fast food type of BBQ place. The ambiance was lacking (there is a dining area where you can eat), but it was a bit dark and dirty. The staff were a bit indifferent towards their job, and kept on confusing orders. Overall the baby back ribs were good but not the best I've had. I didn't want the BBQ sauce smeared all over (prefer a dry rub). Overall, 1 thumb up. Decent BBQ, but I don't need to go back.
(3)Daryl T.
On our way to Branson, Missouri we visited Gates BBQ. Love me some Gates. I am never disappointed. On our trip down we brought a guest who had never been. I love to watch their expression when the staff yells out at them for their order way back in line. She did not know what to do. But the staff was patient as she made up her mind and ordered. While it may not be the best BBQ I have ever had, I still love going to Gates. The food is delicious and I always am full when I leave. However, I love the experience. The décor inside is a bit dated and the staff yelling out "may I help you" may be a little intimidating for first timers...it is the charm and nostalgia of the place that brings me back over and over. If you have not gone to Gates you need to. However, if you are a fan of Famous Dave's, Oklahoma Joes, Dickey's BBQ you may not enjoy the hustle and bustle of Gates. It may not be as pretty as some others but it is darn good food. Just one BBQ lovers opinion. Give it a try.
(4)Thomas J.
Worst food we had during a recent BBQ road trip. We stopped at this place for dinner a few weeks ago, and we should have known from the chaos at the register that it wasn't going to be a good meal. Upon entering the front door, there were 20 people crowding the entry. Two registers, each with two employees doing their best to ignore everyone that's waiting. After 20 minutes we finally worked our way in front of one of the registers and got the attention of one of the girls. My wife and I split the Mixed Plate, with ribs, ham and brisket. During the wait the customer who ordered in front of us was asked at least 10 times what she had ordered. It was like a bad reproduction of "Who's on First". About 30 minutes after walking in the door, we finally had our food and drinks. We sat down at one of their filthy tables and tried to eat. The brisket was nothing special, not tender but not too tough either. The ham was dry despite being drenched in their awful sauce. The ribs seemed to have been sitting out for too long. They were overcooked, dry and inedible.
(1)Austen O.
Got the burnt ends, felt like i was going to throw up for 5 hours afterwards. Didn't taste that good either, low quality meat.
(1)Scott R.
Gates is an old KC Classic Barbecue Place that is still a top and required destination for a true BBQ aficionado. I've been coming here for over 30 years and still love it, although newer, more consistently good places like Joe's has siphoned off the majority of my BBQ restaurant visits. But the history and classic BBQ that Gates produces is still top notch. The sauce is still the best around in my opinion. I've learned over time that the line and ordering process can be looked at two ways: a frustratingly inefficient mess that should have been reworked years ago, or a classic throwback to the past, accentuated by some of the most interesting people you'll see in one place, both in the line and behind the counters. The employees are very friendly and helpful, even though they yell at you for your order when you walk in the door. Its amazing how they can remember the orders of people 10-15 deep in line. Some of the regular people in line make special off the menu requests that can be helpful to know (e.g. fries extra crispy or ask to see the slab of ribs you ordered). If you relax and enjoy your wait in line, its not so bad. Maybe you'll get the receipt with the red star on it and win 5 bucks cash. The beef (brisket) and fries sandwich is a good deal. Both are always very good, especially with the sauce. The rib experience can vary based on the cut you get, how they were cooked that day, etc, but when you hit them right, they are top notch. Maybe not the leanest you can find, but very good and lots of flavor. The Burnt End Sandwich is excellent and another good value for the money. The Turkey is the best I've had anywhere - its my wife's favorite bbq item from anywhere. A Turkey and a half sandwich is a great sandwich to order take out and split with your spouse. In short - its great food and a great experience. Just don't expect it to be the most efficient place you've ever been to.
(4)Dave M.
Disappointed KC BBQ experience So we all know when you visit KC they are know for their BBQ. We asked around and got several suggestions on which spot to head to. We opted for Gates due to location and rep from the people we asked. When we walked in the door we saw a small line and then someone yelled "here or GO" Obiv we wanted to dine in so we yelled " HERE" Then we had to shout our order from the back Ordeed the burnt ends and a sample platter No bueno I have had burnt ends better than this, they were very fatty and did not have much flavor. Save your time and disappointment and dont go here... Go to Oklahoma Joe's and wait in the hour long line
(2)Donna Y.
Business Lunch Done Right We each ordered the burnt end sandwich and fries. The meat was tender and the hoagie bun was fresh. Enough food to take home for dinner which was good considering the price. I would like to see the meat served a little leaner with fewer fatty pieces. The best part of Gate's is the SAUCE! Some of the best bbq sauce ever. It has a nice spicy kick and tasted amazing on the fries. Fries were thick steak fries...excellent with the sandwiches. I will try Gate's again...the cashier was pleasant and social as we waited for the food. Good BBQ...not necessarily the best...but the sauce makes the trip worthwhile.
(3)