I wanted to complete the quad of KC bbq institutions and Gates was the last stop on the list. There was a small line to order but everyone waiting in line was friendly with a majority of them seeming like locals. As I got closer to see the menu, I was a little disappointed that what I thought was a KC staple, burnt ends wasn't served as an entree or plate but in sandwich form only on a hoagie. I was still determined to try it so I got their burnt ends hoagie with the potato salad and sat down. So, it was hard to just taste how the meat was like since it was already chopped up, sauced, then put on a hoagie roll but I thought it was decent, maybe a little too greasy but serviceable. The potato salad though was in basically a sample cup but what made it worse was that it seemed like it was scooped out of a pre-made cannister pulled off the back shelf somewhere. read more

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We went for a late lunch and there was still a long line to order at the counter. Ordering felt a bit chaotic. Once your order is placed the food is ready quickly. We got the beef nooners with fries. A nooner is a sandwich on a bun. The beef was thinly sliced and on the dry side, but the fries were good. Most of their business seems to be carryout so the dining room was fairly empty. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Beef nooner and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Great place and great experience when in KC for a Chiefs or Royals game. Multiple locations around town. We went to the NE location up by Arrowhead & Kauffman as we were headed to a KC Royals game. Hot in and out quickly. Food line is setup as a cafeteria to order line. You grab drinks, get a number and then they bring you your food fairly quickly. The ordering process is incredible to go thru and the food is real and smoky and delicious -- even if barbecue isn't normally your thing! They know theirs! If you want the authentic KC Que experience, this is where I was told to go! And get some sauce & spice to take home! read more

We stopped in late, just before closing, and I was impressed with both the service and the quality of the food at such a late hour. The cashier was friendly, and our food was hot and delicious. I ordered the burnt end sandwich with crispy fries. The sandwich was piled high with meat, and the fries were perfectly crispy, just how I like them. I've visited this location several times, but never right before closing. I would say this was one of the best visits I've had here. read more

This was the most disappointing experience in Kansas City. As a new transplant, everyone talks about how great BBQ is. Well today, I tried Gates, one of the OG establishments. I got the burnt end fries. First, what I got was NOT burnt ends. At best, it could be described as chopped beef that was past its prime. It's like the pieces of the meat that were scraps left from cutting better sections, then chopped even more. The fries were decent, but I don't think they salted them. Overall, I would not go back. With so many other BBQ places, you won't miss out on not going here. Giving two stars because the ladies at the Northwest location were the sweetest ever and they have a lounge that was jamming! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Visiting from NC, my uber driver suggested this place. They are a KC native and said this was their fave place. I went and I have to admit I wasn't impressed with what I had. The staff was great but my ribs were tough and cold. Couldn't enjoy them at all. The onions were cooked fresh to order and those were delish. 4 The slaw was ok, nothing spectacular. But the place stayed packed so maybe I just didn't order the right thing. You can see there is still quite a bit of meat on my bones, they definitely were not sliding right off as I would want and expect. Whole meal came to $36 and i definitely don't think I got my moneys worth. read more

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When family comes in town and want bbq.. they asked for Gates! Ribs, fries and onion rings... so we got a mixed plate all beef! Prices are definitely up but it's still delicious! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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I think this is some of the best barbeque I have had in Kansas City or at least pretty close to the top! I've had about all the different types of meat they sell and they are all great - but the best item here is the sauce. Sweet and spicy in equal portions. They have large portion sides and tHey also sell sweet potato pie "yammer pie"which is excellent. Friendly staff who greet everyone with a loud, "may I help you please?" Cool atmosphere sphere. Even the people around you are friendly as set by the tone of the e staff. Highly recommended read more

Visiting from Los Angeles. Oooh wee the meat, Mac and cheeses, fries, and all of it was cold, straight up cold, I couldn't even finish my meal. Def do not recommend it. Q39 is way better. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Best BBQ ever. Everything was sooo good. I can't wait to come back and eat some more. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

First time in Kansas City, MO and I know this place is known for its BBQ. This place was highly recommended and i will say that it did give a great first impression on Midwest BBQ. I'd come back! read more

I ordered a 6 ounce baked beans this what I got the ribs are fine but this is 8 dollars worth of beans read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Not what I ordered or paid for - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

We wandered this way after visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The walk was not too bad and it definitely got our appetites ready for some delicious food! This is not a regular sit down restaurant. You walk in and order at the counter. There are a variety of options, but no ranch! We opted for ribs, potato salad & beans. The ribs are served on bread to sop up that yummy sauce! The seating area is basic, adaptable-ish for large parties. The servers working the dining room were fantastic! We wanted for nothing! Very hospitable! Our food was good - a bit salty, but tender meat, sweet beans, and creamy potato salad. We had a lot of food to take back with us because the portions are fairly generous for the price. My only "oh no" was that we had no ranch for the onion rings. Aside from that, I was happy with our choices. Definitely worth the trip out of the downtown area to try this place - the people are so welcoming and friendly! read more

It was a dark and stormy night....This should tell you how the rest of this review will go. I want to say that it was the worst bbq I have ever had, but that might tempt you to still try this place. This was one of the worst meals that I ever sampled. I say sampled because we only had a few bites. The jam and brisket looked like it was thin sliced in a grocery store deli. The sauces tasted like pickle dip that had red dye in it for coloring. The ribs, ugh!!!!! No words for the texture. At 3 in the morning it all came back to visit me. Did I mention the bugs climbing on the wall next to us. Yep, that was when the meal ended. But not the terror of this experience. read more

This was an okay experience I was told the place is a hit or a miss and im going to chuck it up to we came around 10pm so maybe it was close to the end of the night. Nothing came out hot everything was a little lower than room temperature. The sauce was decent but helped out with the meat. The burnt ends were literally just all fat so it wasn't really enough meat for me to enjoy or to rate the taste since it was more fat than meat. In the picture it will look like wow it's a lot of meat on there but it's just a good presentation. The pickles were really good !The ribs were great though you can taste they were smoked to perfection I give those a 10/10. Customer service was great everyone was kind and quick with our orders. I think it's a nice touch that they come around to check in on you and also clear your table for you read more

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Greasy chopped burnt ends which are okay. Peppery mildly spicy thin sauce. Onion rings are crumbly but not bad. Peach pie tasted like spiced peaches and wasn't bad but wasn't great either. Not my favorite bbq in the city. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This Gates BBQ location is the oldest and smallest of the 5 currently in operation. Located at 12th and Brooklyn, it is just a few blocks east of that mythical intersection of 12th St and Vine and equal distance north of their historic rival Arthur Bryant's. I have been to this location fewer times than the others only because it is a bit less convenient, but I really like the vibe that seems to cater more to the neighborhood. My late night Friday visit was met with a crowded parking lot and a bustling urban vibrancy that appeared to be a social center for lots of regulars that new each other and the staff. An extended family feel - like when you new significant other takes you to their family's cookout for the first time - you may not know anyone, but plenty of hellos and smiles. I've said it before and i still stand by these words after many years - Gate's sells the best damn slab of ribs in America. Period. The glaze, the char, the tenderness, the sauce... damn, damn and hot damn! You can't go wrong with the fries, rings or beans either. The ordering process can be intimidating for newbies, but I love the uniquely Kansas City experience and the reward after surviving the line and chaos. Improvements needed - bring back the self serve sauce and condiments shelf. Strut yourself on down and pick up a slab of Kansas City culinary history! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Attitude with service. When you walk in, you'll need to stand in line to order your meal and retrieve, before seating. There is one guy in the back, carving it up, one lady packing it up, and another at the register. The register lady did not smile, but scowled. The pack it lady did the best she could for customer service, while under the pressure of register lady with her hands on her hips, not helping at all, and the 10 folk in line. Greasy atmosphere; dank lounge. I first went into the lounge, thinking we'd eat there. Negative. Too small and dank for my tastes. Thus, we ate in the dining room. Large and airy, with plenty of window light. Each table however, felt and looked like it had not been wiped with a soapy towel in weeks! Even the chairs felt grimy. Okay food. Who recommended this place, out of all the good BBQ in Kansas City? Please chile! We both had the brisket sandwich for lack of options. And no complementary sides either? The BBQ sauce was too tangy. The Q, thankfully, was tender enough for redemption. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - to go box - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Food and service was great! We met Mr. Gates on the way in, which was cool and our server was very kind and attentive. We ordered the 2 ribs with fries and the two meat sandwich with Turkey and Beef to share. We also ordered some coleslaw. The portion sizes were large. They did not have pork at this location, but the moistness and flavor of the other meats did not disappoint. Next time I would ask for no sauce and add my own. The sauce was a little spicy for me, but I could have eaten my food without sauce. I'm definitely glad we made it a stop on our trip. read more

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Let me be clear--I do not wish the drive across Kansas on anyone. It's long, windy, and monotonous. However, Kansas City and its legendary BBQ await soon after crossing into the Show Me State. A side trip to Gates did plenty to take the edge off. I'd been looking forward to it since, well, Denver. Located about 3 minutes off I-70, this Gates location lends itself to maximum efficiency when on the road. I pulled in pretty late and it was hopping! I got a kick out of the banter between the staff and patrons as they ordered take out. This isn't Mother's in NOLA or the Soup Nazi, but folks needed to have it together once they got to the counter. I rehearsed my order a few times, then safely ordered the 3 ribs + fries plate to go. It came out right away, and I got back on the road. I don't recommend eating ribs while behind the wheel, but somehow, I made it happen without incident. No sauce on me or the interior. Eyes on the road. Once I worked out a system with ribs and napkins, I was set. Ribs were tender & delicious. Did they live up to my expectations? Not really, but I was shooting for the stars. I'd get these any day back in Denver. Once sufficiently sauced (again, fun at 70mph), they hit the spot perfectly. Fries were crispy and good with or without ketchup. I gorged on the large pile o' pickles, wishing there were more. Overall, even if I weren't starving on a long solo drive, this meal was solid and I'd recommend giving Gates a visit. It wasn't legendary, but I enjoyed every bite and would return and sit down to try more. The prices seemed generously low, so I round up to four stars. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Food was great. We had no idea what we wanted to eat before we got there. When we walked in and they shouted to ask what we wanted to order while we were in the back of the line, we just repeated what the people in front of us got, the mixed plate. Great choice, plenty of food to share for 2 people. Also got a side of beans and yammer pie which were delicious. Would definitely go back, but I'll check out a menu online so I'm prepared to order next time. lol read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Mixed plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Gates is a Kansas City institution. They are well organized and the bar-b-que is very tasty. We went to the one on 12th Street and service was great. We dined in. They also have a small bar attached to the venue. In addition they have a parking lot. Good experience and if in the area again, will be visiting. read more

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We had wanted to eat at Arthur Bryant's but the line was around the building and didn't seem to be moving at all. This was a Saturday about 1:30. I noticed there was a Gates Bar-B-Q just down the street so we tried it instead. The Gates definitely caters to the local community more than tourists. The ordering line was a little claustrophobic and ordering was confusing. The menu used terms for the items that were mostly unique to Gates and the girl at the counter had very little interest in explains what they meant. I ordered the short bones, which are pork ribs that are supposed to be meatier than long bones. I also got a side of barbecue beans. My wife got barbecue chicken. The ribs were meaty. The sauce is pretty spicy compared to the sweetness I think of for KC type sauce. The beans seemed to be more molasses then beans, very,very sweet. The Barbeque chicken was so dry that my wife tossed it. The dining room (and really the whole place) was showing a lot of age and didn't seem particularly clean. I'd definitely recommend Joe's over Gates. read more

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We stopped to pick up BBQ on our way to the Chiefs/Bill's game. I stayed in the car so I can't comment on the service or the place itself, only on the food. One word, yummy delicious. Ok so I guess that's 2 words. My friend had raved about their onion rings but unfortunately they were out of them. I specifically requested burnt end in some shape and got a burnt end sandwich. The meat was SO flavorful and melt in your mouth tender. I didn't try the rest of the food but from the looks of how fast it was devoured I would venture to guess it tasted great. My friends who live in the KC area said Gates is their favorite BBQ. I have little to compare it to (only 1 other place) but based on the burnt ends I would have to agree. 2021-170 read more

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Food (taste/quality) 1 Service- 4/5 Value/prices- 2 Cleanliness- 4 I flew into KC and really wanted to try some KC BBQ! I looked up places that were open late because we had landed at 8pm and most places were closing at 9. Gates said that it was closing at 11pm. So we get there at 9pm. We could immediately tell it's not a great area because they have an armed security guard at the front door! Then, there's a big line inside. It's weird cause the people waiting at the front of the line have already ordered, but haven't paid, and are just waiting in front of the cash register. So, we're third in line and we order from back there because I guess the kitchen is backed up and they don't charge people until they get their food- or they just don't have anywhere for the people to stand. ‍ Looking at the menu I see the prices are NOT cheap! I'm thinking "maybe it's a hole in the wall, but they've got killer food!?!" We order the sample plate- it's $31 for some ham, ribs, and brisket with French fries. I got a side of coleslaw for $6. We wanted to eat it there, but they tell me that the dining room is already closed!?! What the? It's not even 9:30! On Google maps it says they close at 11. They tell me that they close at 10, and that they close the dining room at 9. So now we're just supposed to eat our food in the car? Thankfully they had some tables outside. As we were eating outside A LOT of people showed up and were equally disappointed to find that the restaurant had already closed. Now, to the food. The French fries were good. The brisket was ok. It had a lot of fat on it and didn't have a lot of flavor. The ham was just like deli meat you buy at the grocery store and unfortunately the ribs were over cooked and hard (see picture). Since there were only two of them we didn't get to enjoy them. The coleslaw was also not good. I didn't eat it as threw it away. We ended up throwing away most of it because it was just not edible. It was a waste of $40+. The ladies that work there were very nice, as well as the security guard. I do not recommend this place. I would not waste my money here. There are plenty of BBQ places in KC. Try and different one. read more

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Bought burnt ends sandwich and mac n cheese. After 1 bite it was so salty we called and asked to return it for something else. After spending more than $24 we got charged an additional $13 for something else read more

Alright so I've been the KC 2x and had not had the chance to try Gates. This trip I was determined to stop. My friends and I decided to go to gates after Sunday Funday. I knew I was in for a treat when I saw an older lady taking orders with a net on her head. I'm a sucker for a hole in the wall. The place was very clean. Nice jazz music was playing in fact. The young lady who took my order was extremely pleasant. Now my friends were KC natives but me, I'm a tourist. I had to ask questions to ensure I understood what I was ordering. The young lady explained everything to me. She took her time and did not rush me whatsoever. I got center cut ribs with sauce on the side. The meat came straight off the bone. The flavor was on point. I didn't need sauce which was an indication that they know exactly what they are doing. Now this place would have gotten 5 stars however I paid $17.75 for 4 bones and no sides. Most places in the south provide sides with meals but I understand they do things differently in the Midwest. All in all Gates is a go! Now I hear they have multiple locations but 12th Street is a must. Enjoy! read more

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This was my first time here after many recommendations. Very unorganized operations to me. But the food was delicious, seating area was simple and clean. I couldn't figure way only salt shakers were on each table and no pepper. The baked beans was fire and just the right flavoring for my taste buds, mopped up the sauce with that bread they served hit the carbs spot for me. The plate could serve 2-3 people... definitely a spot to return to. All 3 proteins on the plate were tasty and tender...you know the Hawaiian in me wanted some rice to go with it... read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Mix Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Great food. We were passing through on a cross country drive and called a buddy who used to live there. He said this is the one place to stop if wanted a KC treat. We would highly recommend and would eat here again if we lived nearby. Thanks for treating us Californians with hospitality. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Nooner! - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I stopped in on a weekday afternoon around 1:30pm. I ordered a beef on bun with fries, an extra to-go sauce container and a strawberry soda. When I got home I noticed that my to-go sauce never made it into the bag. Then I bit into a terribly dry and lukewarm sandwich. At least the soda was good. I'm a Gates guy. I think the beef on bun sandwich is one of the best in town. I love their sauce. I even enjoy their "service" and all of the quirks that come with it. Unfortunately, Gates can be inconsistent. This is a perfect example. I hope it was just a bad day. Otherwise, I think this location might be in some trouble. read more

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Gate is known for the best barbecue in town in Kansas City at one time but today Brooklyn is the only one that taste like the real authentic gates barbecue but unfortunately the quantity of meat on your platters are cut in half. I ordered a small platter today and meat that I was supposed to get a half a pound each of beef. I think if I got a half a pound totally instead of a pound of beef I was doing good. I recommend that you asked to check the platters anytime you order them and check your fries. The portions are low and small, but the taste is still there. read more

Food cold and tough. Not worth the money. Go anywhere but here. Quiktrip has better barbecue. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - My first slab was refrigerator cold. They replaced it with ribs that are undercooked and tough. - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I came in this restaurant tonight 4/11/24 while on lunch break, I ordered two of thee exact same meals, beef and turkey on bun hold the sauce, Gates seasoning in a cup! Smh they put sauce on Both sandwiches & they put Gates seasoning on the fries instead of in a cup! THE BEEF WAS DEFINITELY COOKED FAST BECAUSE IT WAS SOOOO DAMN TOUGH IT WAS LIKE CHEWING HARD FATTY LEATHER! A WASTE OF $28.97. STRAIGHT TRASH read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I really hate to say this place is terrible but this was terrible. I will say I'm not a fan of bbq in the first place but this just set it in place. The sauces tasted old and bland and the meat I got (I ordered the baby back ribs) and they were dry and crusted. No thank you. Even the fries were a No. I don't know how you mess that up. read more

First time coming to Gates's and left smelling like a smokehouse. I went at 2pm on a Wednesday and had virtually no wait. I got the nooner sandwich- burnt ends and a sliced meat (I got turkey). Their burnt ends are more chopped beef tasting but very good. Sandwich worked well together but the sauce was my favorite part. Highly recommended if you're looking for a KC BBQ institution that still has top notch bbq. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Nooner - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I would like to start off by saying the service was great. Waitress approached us know we were first timers because we had no idea how to order or get in line. Staff was very helpful and answered all questions regarding the menu and food on hand etc... I ended up ordering the Burnt end sandwich, baked beans, and coleslaw.... Burnt end sandwich served on a Hoagie roll was 90% fat and 10% BURNTTT!!! Ends ( the actual meat was very hard and chewy comparable to shredded beef jerky... marinaded in 10 lbs of salt and then topped with an additional 5 pounds of salt and covered with their "BBQ sauce" which was actually Tomato Paste) Baked beans were surprisingly not bad, however with a price of $6.50 for half a can of Bush's baked beans... I think I'll pass. The coleslaw that I ordered (potato salad because they messed that up too ) not too bad...I would recommend the potato salad, sorry coleslaw.... Ask for coleslaw and you'll get some damn good potato salad. Almost forgot that was another $6 side for maybe a 1/2 cup portion.... Worth the value, not at all. But they were pretty good. In conclusion if you're looking for good BBQ in Kansas City, this ain't it. I would recommend getting to you local store and purchasing a can of bush's baked beans, beef jerky, tomato paste, and coleslaw ( Potato salad) and save your money. read more

Very very disappointed food was by far the nastiest burnt ends I've ate in my life not only that staff very rude and pushy. Tried to pay with card said it didn't go through on their end so I paid cash $22.53 to be exact and looked at my bank statement the next day to find out it did go through so I disputed the charge with my bank and they reversed the charge. Shame on you Gates for double charging people hope you don't do this to other customers. Bad business I WILL NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN!!!!! read more

They're slow af. From meal prep to the cashiers. They take their sweet time instead of getting people in and out. Standing in line for 20mins is so unnecessary and uncomfortable. read more

I stopped in to order a combo sandwich (beef & turkey) and a sausage to go. I told the young lady that I wanted the combo sandwich.....hold the ham for turkey and beef lean, please. She calls it back and just says hold the ham for turkey. I tell her that I also wanted the beef cut lean....I don't like the tough fatty meat! She replies with an attitude....."I've got you sir!" But, not once did she relay that to the person making the sandwich! This is the only place I go where the cuts of meats on the sandwiches come out looking like scraps! This has become such a common practice! Yet, they're constantly raising prices...... wanting you to pay more for years of declining service, poorly cut meats and food that is just barely worth saying it taste okay! read more

I was sick for 3 days. Worst KC BBQ ever. It was a very cute restaurant, but not worth being sick over@