Authentic KC BBQ. If you want large amounts of bbq meat on bread you can't go wrong with Gates.

Yoooo. I'm from California and came out here to visit STRANGELAND in lee summit. Everyone keeps talking about Gates BBQ so we definitely had to try it out. Parking lot was huge. Walked in and we didn't know how to order. Thankfully some other guest saw our confusion and helped us out and offered their input on what to get. We got the big combo plate and tried everything and added some things too so we try a bit of it all. read more

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Underwhelmed! Our hostess Sally was amazing, the ordering process is quite complicated and could be simpler especially during a peak time. I'm a Texan and high expectations for Gates as it came highly recommend. Definitely didn't give me the Kansas City BBQ taste I expected read more

Sadly will not ever return to a Gates Bar-B-Q. The customer service was beyond poor. As soon as you walked through the front door you are bombarded by the cashier yelling to shout your order across the room. With given no time to look at the menu or ask questions, you were pressured to yell your order back immediately. It was disorganized and stressful. Orders weren't written down or rung up so after yelling your order you had to wait in line to tell the cashier what you're ordered while she was still preoccupied with yelling at new customers which added to the disorganization and stress. Furthermore, the quality and taste of the food was not proportionate. I left feeling dissatisfied and tense. read more

Over priced and my experience wasn't alot to talk about. Ordered a pulled pork sandwich and got a pile of fat and grissel on a piece of loaf bread. read more

Some of the worst bbq I've ever had. French fries not even cooked, and the pork bbq, two slices on soggy bread, really? What was considered a pork sandwich with FF, for $15, not worth it... wont be coming back.... read more

OMG this place was a total package awesome place. We got two different big plates and sampled all the meats, the baked beans, coleslaw and onion rings. ALL of it was delicious!!! But the BEST thing about the place was Miss Gray!!!!! She was so helpful, pleasant, patient and kind. She explained the menu and ordered for us, made several recommendations and checked on us several times. read more

Food was great, service was a nightmare. Visiting from Texas and anxious to compare barbecue styles, I was told Gates was the place. Ribs and sliced meats were outstanding, sides as well, and the yammer dessert was delicious if tiny. Not ready to say it's better than Texas, but if Gates is what KC barbecue is all about I am certainly down. As I said though, the customer experience leaves a lot to be desired. I ordered carryout since I was exhausted after driving 750+ miles. The online menu had nearly no information, and the person answering the phone didn't seem to know any more about it than I did. I was told an hour wait, but it was an additional 30 minutes once I got there. The staff was surly and the lady at the carryout counter only tried to expedite my order when I finally complained. Still and all, the food was (nearly) worth the hassle. read more

Giving it 3 for the food, Customer service sucked. I think they all needs to be retrained. read more

Love the flavor. Had the chicken and the mixed plate and onion rings. Chicken was really good!!! Mixed plate is always my go to and lots of variety. Service is good and the dining room hostess is also so nice. read more

Yeah this isn't it. Not worth the money or the hype. Nice people but the BBQ is just not that good. I made better BBQ in college when I was first starting to smoke meats. I wanted to like this place so bad too. read more

Visiting from California, we wanted to try out a couple BBQ places. I came here with two other people, they both got the Burnt Ends sandwich with a side of fries and beer. I got the Long Ribs with some fries and a drink. It was great! They even have a dispenser of other sauces and ketchup if you need it. Their sauce has a really nice kick to it and possibly for someone who doesn't like spice it may come off as too spicy...so beware, order it with no sauce and put some of the other sauces on the side to try. I heard others doing it so I'm sure it's a great idea. The staff is busy, so don't expect to be greeted as if you're walking into a fine dining establishment. It's a loud environment. You'll get a "May I help you?!" And that's how they're expected to greet the customers. Loved the food! If I ever visit again I'll definitely be back! read more

The worlds greatest barbecue restaurant has returned to independence. This fabulous restaurant is back better than ever. Sporting a beautiful interior design and concept. As always Gates aims to please with their great customer service and delicious food. The aroma in the amply lit and spacious parking lot is an inviting welcome to the many hungry visitors. I had the world famous ribs and outstanding sausage plus fries and a strawberry drink. It was pure heaven if it's possible to give more than five stars this place should Them. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri

As a BBQ aficionado taking trips to authentic smoke house is a must do. After knowing I would be visiting KC all I could think was the opportunity to sample the real McCoy of BBQ. All day during my trip I asked for suggestions an Gates was the clear winner. Pulling into the parking lot the sweet smell of smoke filled my nose. Stuff dreams are made of, seriously Glade should make a plug in of KC BBQ it smells that good! I sampled the Double-Decker & 1/2 Combo and split half of a burnt end sandwich because you have to eat burnt ends in KC. Tasty meat full of delicious flavor. I cant comment on the sauce since im not much of a sauce fan personally but it was good. The seasoning on the meat and smoke saturation did it for me! Bravo Gates, you truly represented KC BBQ ! read more

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Average bbq, not even close to the best in LC, but not god awful. I got a burger with crappy fries, but bbq wasn't bad.

claimed to be the BEST bbq around . it was awful & the service was just as disgusting . homegirl in the front was so rude . if you have a first time customer, at least help somebody out with a recommendation or a hey how you doing .. nah , wasnt any of that . read more

I have been waiting almost 2 years for this day and it finally came. I wanted to be their first costumer but work got in the way....and about 80 other people as I waited in line around 6 last night. My memory's go way back to when this location opened in the early 80's as my grand mother live just behind the restaurant on Blue Ridge. Over the years it has supplied me with food for my weeding, my son's bachelor party and dinner every couple of weeks with my wife. The line was long but not unexpected. We were all family with our own stories as we waited patiently for our turn to answer that long a waited question : Hi, May I Help You!" The food was great as expected the real news was the beautiful large dinner area. Three rooms and a outdoor patio. Congratulations to the Gate's family and workers who made this happen. My life is whole again. Bill D. read more

"HI! MAY I HELP YOU?" Bellowed before you even get a glance of the menu is part of the charm (for some people) of this storied Kansas City BBQ establishment. Maybe not in our top 5 but surely worth an honorable mention and there's a newly rebuilt restaurant just 3 miles from home! If you're traveling and only have time for one or two barbecue experiences, you can't go wrong at Gates Bar.B.Q! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri

I had taste for some bbq turkey so I was directed to this place while traveling through the area. Stopped in and I experienced the worse customer service by the cashier, LaToya. She was so rude and nasty. I told her I'd never been there and was simply asking questions, what the he'll did I do that for... the other customers who obviously frequent the place often answered my questions because Latoya was dismissive. I thanked the other patrons for their assistance. On top of it all, the bbq turkey sandwich was basic; this place is a complete "no go". Send Latoya back for customer service training. I had taste for some bbq turkey so I was directed to this place while traveling through the area. Stopped in and I experienced the worse customer service by the cashier, LaToya. She was so rude and nasty. I told her I'd never been there and was simply asking questions, what the he'll did I do that for... the other customers who obviously frequent the place often answered my questions because Latoya was dismissive. I thanked the other patrons for their assistance. On top of it all, the bbq turkey sandwich was basic; this place is a complete "no go". Pleeeeease send Latoya back for customer service training. read more

Go to any other location than this one. The cashiers are extremely rude and will roll their eyes and shake their heads when you simply want to look at the menu before ordering. My family is in town for the first time ever and this is such an embarrassment of KC. Will NEVER return. read more

So disappointed. Had the burnt end sandwich. It was more like the table scraps that fell on the floor. Awful. Just awful. Never going back. read more

Customer service was really non existent. Cashier seemed to be improperly trained. Not busy but she didn't have much of a clue about what was going on. That's from taking the order to handling the payment. Then ordered something to go and had to walk her through that. And the order turned out to be wrong. read more

This was our third stop for BBQ right after the Royals game. We were still full from ABs so we each got a burnt ends sandwich and a drink. The burnt ends were absolutely delicious. They chop it up sort of like a hash. Tons of burnt, crunchy pieces all throughout. I wish I wasnt still stuffed from lunch or I would have enjoyed it more. For quality of meat and taste though these burnt ends get 5 stars from me. Also....I was kind of nervous from reading all these reviews of basically getting yelled at when you go in. The ladies that worked there were nice and only asked us one time if they can help us ;-). read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Burnt Ends Sandwich! Grub! - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri

I love Gates! They do pig right. Living in Los Angeles, but being a KC BBQ Society certified judge, I would visit KC regularly. For years my wife heard me rave about Gates. Finally, during our cross country road trip, she had a chance to try Gates. It did not disappoint. From the opening yell of "May I help you?" to the licking of fingers at the end of the meal, Gates delivers. We had ribs and sliced beef. Both were great. Gates Original Barbecue Sauce is my personal favorite. We have it shipped in by the case. We love the vinegar and herb flavor. This is the third Gates restaurant that I've tried. The quality has been consistently great. read more

This location is the new and improved Gates with the same great taste and better service. This is great for families, clean, new, even has a patio in the back. My wife and I live in Arizona and will always hit up Gates for a beef on bun and side of beans within 24hrs of being in KC The attentive and friendly staff made this my best gates visit yet Thanks, see you soon read more

If I could give 10 stars I would! I came all the way from Atl to try this out! My husband and I love bbq! The food was amazing! That special sauce was just shmakinggggg!! Yes we drove that far for some BBQ! We've been trying bbq at every state and this is by far the best! I should've taken a picture of our plate but it was devoured within seconds! read more

Gates us what it is.... Yes they yell at you when you walk in the door! Yes, it's a bit chaotic! Yes, you might have to repeat your order 3 or 4 times! But it's so damn good! Best sauce! Very good meat! Ribs are a bit thin... Besides the normal beef & pork I LOVE their smoked Turkey on bun or as a combo sandwich with another meat! And they have a few lunch specials that are NOT advertised! The combo on bun AND the Nooner. I'll post pics. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Gates has always been my go to place for burnt ends. I have always gone to the original one but I was in the area an stopped at this one . Cashier was kinda careless about you however the servers were amazing read more

Service: So I usually never write reviews but I was so pissed off here because it took over 30 minutes to get 2 sandwiches because the staff couldn't get the damn order right. I got asked 4 times and the people behind us got asked 3 times what they had because nobody wrote anything down. There were 2 plates of food that got wasted within 10 minutes because of the lack of communication. The staff on the dine-in side looked like they hated working there and didn't care. After I got my food finally I couldn't enjoy it because I was so pissed off and I paid $25 for two sandwiches with no sides and took over 30 minutes. The Food: The double decker beef sandwich was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had considering the problems that occurred. It was tender and the extra hot sauce was so mouth watering. Conclusion: I'm really debating on going back or not because of all the good reviews but the service ruined my experience here. read more

Always a flav.... Love the smells and flavors of all their food. Got spare ribs, yummy Got potatoe salad and macaroni salads...Good. The place I go to the most for barbque. read more

Unclear menu, at least for a non-local. The sauce on the ribs was good but ribs were dry and not "fall off the bone". They were on an entree plate but came with bread and pickles only. I guess entree there means not a sandwich. I enjoyed the onion rings read more

Really not a fan of this place. Was hoping to be impressed but everything about it was the opposite. You want ribs that taste great and have great service? Hit up Montgomery Inn in Cincinnati. read more

First time back since the pandemic. The customer service is about the same. Resting Bitch face on the employees. Pure attitude when you don't order in their schedule. Usually the food speaks for the restaurant but I have to say that is not the case anymore. Ordered a double decker. Since my traditional beef and a half is not even an option. Probably for the best after this sandwich. Let's start. No bbq sauce selection at all. You get a 4 oz cup of sauce filled hallway. When you ask for a full cup. You're told THAT COSTS MORE. You get 1 complimentary cup. This is not up for discussion Ms. Coody told me "name on her shirt" looks like a manager, Worst customer service I've ever seen. I sit Down to eat and one side of my sandwich is half the size of the . 5 slices of brisket...maybe.., between 3 slices of bread. Other side looks how it should. So I decided to eat my sandwich but just the meat. No . After opening Up the sandwich I find 3 strips of brisket. Then a bunch of chopped up dry brisket that I wouldn't feed my dogs, hard crunchy leftover pieces that were on their board for 15 - 20 minutes minimum. Fake brisket sandwich. Not to mention the prices increased over 5.00 a sandwich and now you are getting less quality, less service, 2 oz of sauce for supposedly 8 oz of meat. Save yourself the time and money. There are plenty of better locations around town with no limit in sauce, their meat I'm sure is the correct slice and portion for the sandwich and you might actually get what you pay for, by far the worst experience I've ever had at any bbq place to date. STAY AWAY. read more

Love Gates! This is a beautiful location. They are open, they do have outdoor seating, and there is an employee whose sole duty is to clean. Now for the food. We all ordered the lunch special, except my oldest who ordered the mixed plate, which came in a donut type box and he ate off of it for three days. He is a teenager, so you know that's a generous portion. All of the food was fresh. There was a line, but Gates deals with that well. Very positive experience at this location. read more

Went before a Chiefs game. The service was slow and scattered. Slow. Super slow. Unbelievably slow. The people are nice but asked me multiple times what my sides were. So we switched a fry to an onion rings. They they made us buy the fry and onion rings yet they were freaking clueless throughout the process. The beans had grease floating on top of them. My Beef on Bun was swimming in sauce. There was so much sauce it fell apart with sauce dripping everywhere and made s huge mess. If you go order you meat dry and add your own. The sauce issue ruined my sandwich. Just the whole experience was off putting. read more

Gates BBQ was pretty good. I am not a big fan of the barbecue sauce however the burnt ends were tender and flavorful. I also enjoyed the baked beans. read more

Staff was rude meat was old and tuff atmosphere was gloomy. I would not recommend gate's or at least this location!

We went here for dinner. Our wait person, MISS SALLIE, was WONDERFUL! From the time we walked in until the time we left, Miss Sallie was unstoppable! She was cheerful, full of energy and took our order with ease! I can't say enough about Miss Sallie and her impeccable service. The Gates family should be proud to have her represent their cuisine. I live in Sacramento, California and if I ever return to KC, I sure hope to see Miss Sallie at Gates! It's one of the main reasons I would return!! And by the way, the food was pretty tasty!! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - The Incredible MISS SALLIE! - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Used this location several times since moving from kcmo and this new design really works. Good flow, roomy with same great q. Try a nooner with burnt ends and your choice of one more meat. A steal for $6! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Nooner with ham. - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Gates is one of my favorite places to eat. (Why i gave two stars) However this specific location is terrible. They are really slow even when there is NO line and they always seem to get something wrong. I've been to this location twice in a week because I work down the street. Both times I ordered a beef on bun. Sandwich comes with sauce on it, however BOTH times they failed to give me sauce on my sandwich. This time I even asked for HEAVY sauce and still got nothing. Also they gave me my sandwich on bread which I didn't ask for and didn't realize until I got to work because I didn't see them wrap it. The food is also barely warm when you get it so it's cold by the time you eat. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - No sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Independence, Missouri