Figured we would try this chain restaurant known for ribs. Just not worth it. Cafeteria style ordering with optional in-house dining room.
Very delicious barbecue, especially the beef sandwich- the pickles are a must! The ribs were so tender, and definitely had more of a kick to them. The service was fast and friendly, even when they were completely packed full of customers. The onion rings and fries were pretty standard, and balanced well with the sauces! The prices were a little higher than I was expecting, and there was definitely more focus on cooking than cleaning at this location.
This was a real disappointment after reading such good things. Maybe this a management issue. There was only 8 people in line, but the staff was overwhelmed. They tried getting people to yell out their orders before they got to the cash register so they could have their meals waiting, but I think that's why my ribs barely had any warmth to them by the time I walked to my table. The sauce tasted like any generic store bought tangy BBQ sauce. The fries were good and the coleslaw was fine. The fries should not be the highlight in a place like this.I thought about asking them to warm up the ribs. By the time I sat down I noticed the line was out the door. There was something going on behind the counter. I decided to just accept my loss and enjoy what I could. Even if I had lived in the city it definitely wasn't worth the drive.
Everyone said you gotta go to Bates. we came we saw we conquered! the food and service was amazing! The live music was a plus!
The sauce has a little spice to it. The ribs were good, the potato salad was creamy I didn’t have to add any salt or pepper and the beans were good as well the have bbq meat chopped up in them with pieces of the bark from the meat as well
I grew up in the Kansas City area so my trip down memory lane just had to include a trip to Gates. While the location that I used to go to jas long since closed, I found a location close enough to where I am staying.While the restaurant itself wasn't crowded, the order line was packed into a small area. I got to place my order in about seven minutes of getting into line. In this area it is a bit loud which hinders ordering a bit. I placed me order, the counter person repeated it back to. I corrected her and paid.I got my food and sat down to eat at one if the many available tables. Yep, the order was wrong but whatever. I got to enjoy a Gates and Sons BBQ sandwich withe the barbecue sauce that I remember. The sandwich was awesome, the fries were jut okay and the service was dismissive and crabby. It was just like I remembered.It will probably be another decade before I am able to go back, but I know that Gates will be there for me when I can make it back.
Cool place. Friendly staff! Would be Awesome if they had a veggie burger or navy bean pie for those who come with family who eat differently. Great place though.
Pros: killer burnt end sandwich; sweet sauce with a bite; local beer that's as cheap as soda (literally the same $2.25); easy MAX to downtown. Cons: sides are more than double the price of a beer (>$5); it's more fast food than thoughtful, high-quality food.
First-time visiting this location and the hospitality and staff were top notch. I ordered the variety plate with smoked beef, turkey and 3 ribs with pickles and fries. Everything was very good especially with their awesome sauce mixed with it. I had more than enough on my plate to take back home with me. I will definitely return when I am in the area.
Decided to grab a bite to eat. CustomerService was poor The staff must’ve had a long day or they hate their job. The order included a Neuner with beef and a full slab of ribs extra pickles and white bread with two pies cherry and pumpkin (I believe). Not going back for a while did not enjoy my experience.