Loved it. Fantastic BBQ. Can’t decide, get the mixed platter. Don’t need anyone to hold my hand. If you’re hungry you’ll figure it out. The staff were fun and friendly. To all you Karen’s out there, do everyone a favor and go elsewhere.
Had no idea this gates had a bar! Had a great time hanging out with my friend and having drinks. The bartender made great drinks & laughed and talked with us. I'll definitely return
I grew up in Kansas City eating Gates BBQ. I have not lived in Kansas City for over 30 years, but every time I come back to visit, I must stop by Gates. The taste is a great Kansas City classic. On this visit, I had a ham and beef sandwich. The original Gates sauce is my favorite. The tangy spicy sauce is what I grew up with. Many people prefer a sweeter sauce and they now have a sweet mild sauce, but for me, it is the original tangy, spicy sauce. Even the pickles have a little spice to them. Other great BBQ places in KC have come after, but this place will always be a Kansas City classic.
This was my first time at a Gates Bar-B-Q and the experience was average. The ordering process was a little chaotic, you are standing in the middle of the line and yelling your order over other people who are paying for their food. The food itself was good, I recommend the burnt end sandwich, but it was pricy for the quality of the food. The inside was also very smokey/hazy, so you may leave with BBQ-smelling clothes. Some of the staff was great, some of the staff was pushy, so take your chances. Overall, it was decent food, but you can get a better experience with Kansas City BBQ elsewhere.
3 meals...60bucks. Choatic and confusing ordering. They yell at you...think seinfield's "soup natzi" with mediocre food. Saving grace super sweet woman helping find ketchup/sauce...and getting a to go box.
COVID SINCE ORIGINAL REVIEW. Beef prices high, so my beef-and-a-half brisket sandwich not on the menu. The sauce counter is closed, it's rationed at the front. I suspect Gates has trouble with keeping good help like everywhere. My brisket sandwich was great, so were my fries. I like the peppery hot sauce. I love different BBQ at each side of town, some known nationally, and Gates still makes me happy. // My first Gates visit was 1980. Pretty much the same. Lots of character, great food, nice folks. I think I've always had the brisket sandwich, thin sliced, with big steak fries. Sauce is tomato-based with lots of pepper. Most recent visit made 2 KC BBQ Society Certified Judges happy.
We drove from Omaha to KC to get Gates BBQ!!! We even got to talk with the owner, Mr Gates himself!!! What a pleasure!!! We ordered carryout ribs and chicken. When we finally got back to Omaha we couldn't wait to eat. The ribs were great!!! So was chicken!!! The staff who took our order was great, also! Can't wait to go back!!!
My favorite thing? Bring people who have never been. When someone says, "Hi, may I help you?" they don't know what to do. This is my personal favorite Gates. Everything I've had has been well-prepared, well-served, top staff, just... perfect. If you haven't had the yammer pie, GET TWO and save one for later because you'll start to crave more. Ask for some spicy sauce... or, better yet, buy a bottle. Happy bonus: steak fries. Love 'em.
Wanted to try some KC BBQ and I have to say this must not be the place to get lol .The burnt ends where not good at all the people at the counter where not polite at all where arguing among themselves and only thing that I liked was the mild bbq sauce with the 3 wings but was very disappointed not a good first experience would not eat from here agin .
The ribs are the best thing here. The sauce is a little spicy hot. The beef is also really good but you have to say you want it lean because there is a lot of fat on it. The food here really is delicious.