Fantastic! Gates Bar-B-Q Is the Best of the Best! Good People Great Food! Beautiful place! Comfortable Dinning and Well Known for The Flavor of Gates Bar-B-Q! We Will Go here every time! read more

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Gate Bar-B-Q - 3205 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri I had been waiting to eat at Gates since I lived in Denver from 2011-2013. With all the hype and history surrounding Gates Bar-B-Q, I honestly expected this to be one of the highlights of my Kansas City trip. Unfortunately, I left heavily disappointed. We ordered the ribs, burnt ends fries, burnt mac & cheese, baked beans, and chicken wings. The ribs were heavily saturated in sauce, which unfortunately took away from the flavor of the meat. The baked beans were far too sweet for my taste and seemed to have way too much molasses. The chicken wings were just okay--not bad, but nothing memorable. The biggest surprise was that the burnt mac & cheese was actually one of the better items we ordered, and the burnt ends fries were good as well. Those two dishes were definitely the standouts of the meal. I really wanted to love Gates because of its reputation and because I had been looking forward to trying it for more than a decade. Unfortunately, based on this experience, this should not have been at the top of my Kansas City BBQ list. Maybe I caught them on an off day, but after waiting all these years, the meal simply did not live up to the expectations or the hype. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Burnt Burnt-E-Fries / chicken wings / baked potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Got the combo sandwich with brisket and turkey, I think they added some ham, with the sauce on the side. It came with a side of fries. The fries were nice and crispy. The fries and the sauce were the best thing I ate. The meats were very dry and it appears that they rely in the sauce. My coworker got the chicken and made a comment that it appeared to be off. He had been there several times over the last several months and this was not as good as he had gotten. The staff appeared to be confused as to more concerned with the other employees than the customers. The restaurant was smoky from the BBQ, not overly bad, but not great Another KC BBQ joint that let me down. read more

Had a fantastic visit. First customer of the day at 11am as i drove across the country. Ordered a brisket nooner combo and it was a great value. Heaping burnt ends and brisket on a nice bun with a mound of big seasoned fries. I ate this cold about 7 hours after ordering and it was still bomb. Employees were kind to me. Restaurant was clean and empty since it was early. You can tell they run a tight ship over there in terms of efficiency. read more

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Another staple to show visitors. The food never disappoints and the service is always surprising. We always come in thinking that the service will be subpar, but they end up being the sweetest people! I'm glad the inside has a lot of tables, so even on very busy days like during the World Cup, there will always be tables available. I wish they had a slightly larger menu, but if that means the quality would decrease, then please stay as is. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Burnt end loaded fries and ribs. Side of onion rings - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

If you are on the KC Bar-b-que circuit this is a necessary stop. I went for lunch and got the Nooner (beef) lunch special. The brisket was excellent. The downtown location is a great, old school space. The front counter that takes your order is a fun experience -- be ready when they holler! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Nooner (beef) lunch special with a frosty mug for my drink. - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I was pleased to walk into no line at the counter. My mood soon changed when I encountered a young woman with the nastiest disposition I've experienced at Gates. Certainly not befitting of a BBQ institution in Kansas City. This was around 9:15pm. Hopefully, you can narrow down who was working the register at this time and retrain them. Food was great. Service was awful. Don't let bad employees sully such a great reputation. read more

It was a good experience, and prob a good example of KC BBQ. Not bad, but not my fav'. It was a quiet Sunday, and it was easy in and out. This location wasn't difficult to find as it was on Main St. This location has its own parking lot, and appeared to be a place where folks picked up the food to go. I ordered the Sunday Special, which came with chicken and two sides. I chose the bbq and the cole slaw. The beans were fine, not bad, but unimpressive. I tried the cole slaw, I was hoping for it to be less mayonnaise-y. It was fine, but I was hoping for something more vinegar-y to offset the sweetness of the beans. I did get the meal with the sauce... maybe I shouldn't have. It didn't need it. The bbq chicken was good enough. The smoked bbq was very tomato-y, thick, rich, and smoky paprika and chili powder... the strongest flavor was celery seed. It was different for a TX barbecue-phile like me. The notable thing about Gates was the staff. They were super friendly. I did get the "Hi, may I help you." I just didn't know what to get, but they were helpful. The team was friendly to everybody, the special was an easy go to meal for a pick up and take out, but I'd like to try something other than a sandwich there - maybe more indicative of Gates, and KCBBQ. I'd come back and try another plate, maybe the mutton, the brisket, or something else... along with orange soda or some KC Bier. read more

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Not entirely as I remember it but still good. Order up some ribs (center-cut), fries & onion rings, turkey on bun on bread/ fries. The meat was tender for both ribs & turkey with great smoky flavor. The classic gates sauce is spicy, tangy deliciousness. Our fries, as plentiful as they were, were more darker than golden and too crispy for me. The rings were fried up just right, crunchy and good, portion not as generous. Order taking got a bit repetitive. The food was packed up quickly. Prices have definitely gone up! read more

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Thank you Gates BBQ for being open until midnight!!! The service was phenomenal, very kind and welcoming vibes from every worker. The older woman who offered to wrap up our to-go sauces saved us a huge mess when we transported our food. The food was out of this world, amazing flavors, INSANE portions, and every single thing was good. The ham and ribs were my favorite, so tender and packed with flavor!!! If you're in KC this is the place to go for great barbecue!!! read more

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

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Visiting KC and having bbq is a must. But there are a lot of different options and they all are not the same. Gate's was second place I tried while visiting Kc and let's just say I wish I could've came here first instead of the other place. The food was amazing and cooked to perfection. The burnt end fries are sooo good and filling . I also ordered short ribs which I couldn't finish since I was so full but they were juicy and tender as well. The service was great. The staff were friendly and consistently checked in to make sure everything was ok. I know there are a few locations around town but my experience here was great and I highly recommend checking it out if you're in the downtown KC area . read more

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

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The BBQ was great, however, when I found out that they use high fructose corn syrup in their sauce, I was truly disappointed. Obviously, profits are the main concern instead of quality. Would definitely not recommend nor will be back. A total shame. read more

Good food as always fast and efficient nice staff. Beef on bun is always a go to if you confused about what to get. Good location as well

You suck! My husband told your incompetent employees No sauce and NO pickles multiple times yet you felt you knew better than him and doubled the hot sauce and pickles. Then you added seasoning on his fries after AGAIN being told NO. Are y'all just stupid or do you have it in for whites? Do you seriously work hard at being that incompetent? read more

Was in the area and happened to be hungry, so I decided to come here for lunch. This just so happens to be one of my favorite locations because they have the wing packs here. Of course I was greeted with "Hi May I Help You "( their famous saying) This time around I didn't order them, I went with a combo turkey and beef on bun with FF, a sausage on bun and baked beans. Everything was 10/10 My food was fresh and nice and hot! If you're visiting or new to Kansas City I definitely recommend giving this place a try. read more

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The bbq was delicious! Had to try out the famous Gates being from Texas. It did not disappoint read more

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

This was some gooooooodddd eating! I tried the ribs and turkey. Both had the exact flavor I look for in bbq. Ribs were a little tougher than I like but the flavor was there! I didn't get to try much else and didn't dine in. I'll surely be back to experience it all next time. read more

Worst bbq I ever had!!!!!the staff was very rude, food was overpriced and dry when I asked to change my order because it was taking too long the cashier told me my food was coming out right now. There was no condiment for my sandwich or fries. If you're in KC don't bother court this spot you'll regret it! read more

In town visiting and had to stop in because a friend bragged and bragged about this place. It was not as good as I was expecting. It was extremely overpriced and the food was subpar at best. I wanted a two meat plate and the waiter said I couldn't. Confusing to me because I've never heard of such a thing at a BBQ joint. She somehow figured out how to make it happen. I decided to give the brisket and ribs a try. The brisket was pretty decent but the portion size was maybe 3oz if that. The ribs were edible and the sauce was too vinegar like with no flavor. My friend shared her baked beans and potato salad and both were very good. Can't say that I'd recommend this place to anyone. read more

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

We were in the area and my husband decided he wanted a beef on bread sandwich and I decided to try the Center cut ribs. We stood in line and it took a while to order. I ordered the Center cut ribs and asked for them not to put them on top of bread, I have celiac. My husband asked for beef from the butt end on bread. I went and got a table for us and the server who works inside the restaurant was a kind and gracious woman who checked on us multiple times to see if we needed any extra items. She had a wonderful personality and attitude. My husband told me that when he was paying he gave a four dollar tip and the cashier complained to him about it. He told her that they had gotten my order wrong and his order and the person in front of him so if they wanted a tip, they needed to do a better job. Obviously it's not appropriate to ask for a better tip while you're getting one. The inside has probably never been redone since it's been the original restaurant. It's very dark and old. My ribs were just OK and I took them off the bread and ate the top part. My husband always comes back for the sandwich because it's always excellent, and the meat is very moist. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Indoor view of seating - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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It's time for an updated review. Gates on Main is the KC BBQ spot I visit most. The nooner special is easily the best lunch deal for any BBQ restaurant in KC, but it's also one of the best lunch deals of any restaurant in KC. It's always pretty quick to get through the line when ordering to go, and that's thanks to the great employees who are working to get people in out the door. The whole thing is an experience, and I love coming here. They have great food! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Turkey nooner, comes with fries - Barbeque Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Always my favorite. I order the Beef and 1/2 cut from the butt-end, and it never disappoints.

This Beef on Bun was horrible, all Fat!! The plates of those who dined in looked absolutely mouthwatering! This to go Beef on Bun should NOT have been served. Sure, I was offered to return for a better portion. Two things, I have to go 30 minutes out of my way, AND this pile of fat should have NEVER been served!! Gates made my day right by offering a better sandwich the same day!! Thank you! read more

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Ribs, potato salad and baked beans were delicious. However, I felt rushed when I walked in and was browsing the menu. I couldn't understand one lady due to her accent but another lady attempted to help. In my opinion, the menu is not clear as i needed help decoding it. She made a suggestion that included burnt ends and when I told her that didn't want burnt ends, she rudely responded out loud, "well, I was just trying to help you" ! Food delicious, poor customer service! Black owned restaurants need to do better with their customer service skills. Please understand, people CHOOSE to spend their money at your establishment. Therefore, be kind, polite, courteous and grateful. Keep the rude attitude to yourself. read more

I ordered the bbq beef sandwich and the meat was all fat and inedible. I hate fatty meat. Once I took off the fat, there was very little meat. I threw the sandwich away. The fries were good. I feel like I paid $16 for fries. Every time I go to Kansas City, I try a different BBQ place. Gate's Bar-B-Q is my least favorite of all the places I have tried. I would not recommend it. read more

Super long line and only one person working the cash register. But they were helpful by telling people to call out orders while in line. Ordered a burnt ends sandwich and asked for a cup for water. They charged $2.50 for a cup. Turns out they had cups and water available at the dining area... The burnt ends are decent and I like the slight tart Worcestershire taste from the sauce. Was waiting in line again just to ask for extra pickles but gave up because it was hard to call for attention. A worker walking around asked how everything was and helped us out. Nice area with mirrors on all the walls to amplify the size of the area. Low lit area and fans lightly blowing. A TV on to watch basketball was available. read more

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

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Lunch at 11:30 on a Saturday. Easy parking and lots of seating. The service was so friendly. They devote someone to work the lobby to attend to customers and she was delightful. They had a shoe shine stand at the front door and someone working it! Amazing atmosphere. The food was excellent. The mixed plate and full slab were huge, and the burnt ends sandwich a hit. Next time I'll order my ribs dry and apply the sauce myself. If you like a lot of sauce you will love these ribs. Great experience! read more

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

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Eh, I wasn't all that impressed with Gates BBQ. I don't have to go back. Out of the 3 BBQ places I tried on my first ever visit to Kansas City, this was the worst. Someone likened it to the "fast food of KC barbecue" and I laughed at the time, but when I finally went there I can see why and they were dead on. I got the beef nooner which was the discounted price during 12-2pm for a sandwich and fries. I got the beef nooner and the chopped up beef was mixed with their sauce and it was more like a sloppy joe sandwich. It was greasy and all you can taste was "eh" bbq sauce. The meat had very little flavor (or it just didn't stand out amongst the BBQ sauce it was drenched in) and I was unimpressed. Thank God this was under $10 because the regular price of $15 is a true ripoff. Yeah I am glad I went to other barbecue places because if this is the representation of KC barbecue I will take a hard pass. I got my food to go, but the dated decor wasn't impressing me. Glad I didn't eat in the restaurant. read more

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

For many years, Gates has been one of my go-to BBQ joints when visiting KC. When we were last here, I found the quality of the food to be disappointing. It was just as bad this time around. You can no longer order just portions of various meats, so we just got a slab of ribs. They had good flavor, but were overcooked. The service is cheerful and friendly. It's sad to see a great BBQ joint go downhill. read more

Probably the best chicken wings I've ever had in my life. Even had to place an additional order to bring back to Las Vegas since they are no longer here. read more

I haven't had Gates for a while. I was looking forward to enjoying traditional KC BBQ. I ordered the Mixed Plate and a small drink. I spent $41. The Mixed Plate is enough food for two people. I took half of it home. What I was expecting, I did not receive. The BBQ was disappointing. The ribs did not fall if the bone. They where not very good. The brisket was fatty and chewy. The ham was ok. It was a little dry. The fries where fine. I liked the sauce and the strawberry soda. The bartender was pleasant and helpful. The restaurant was clean and well stocked. If you are new to KC. I know you have heard a lot about Gates. As a native to Kansas City and BBQ lover, I would go some place else. This food experience was not very appetizing. I'm sorry to say. read more

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

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Jason Sudeikis mentioned this place when he was on Hot Ones, so since we were in town, I was excited to try it. The whole ordering process was frustrating and confusing. In a way, you "yell" your order across the restaurant. But there is another line where they take your order at the counter normally. Anyway, I had the short end. So the ribs came with bbq sauce, which has a kick, and I can't eat spicy food well. I didn't like that my ribs were cold. Also, the meat wasn't tender. For sides, the cole slaw had too much mayo. And I wasn't fond of the potato salad. Once we were seated, they had a staff going around and checking on us, and she was sweet. This visit was disappointing, I must say. read more

The restaurant experience wasn't great. Ordering was stressful as staff and customers were shouting at everyone. The food was fine at best, but disappointing as this is a restaurant I've heard about for years. There was a woman walikg throughout the dining area asking about the food and our trip to KC. The parking lit was busy, the cars weren't all for the restaurant. Overall, we weren't thrilled buy this may not have been their best individual location. I'd try Gates again, but a different address. read more

Don't believe the hype. In a city chockablock with great (not just good) BBQ, why would anyone eat here? Dry and flavorless brisket, chewy burnt ends, and a nasty tasting sauce. Fries are good but who cares? That's not why anyone comes here. read more

We ordered gates bbq to go and had their big bbq platter that is served family style. It came with beans and fries. The platter comes with a ton of food enough to feed four people. We ordered the ribs, brisket, and sliced pork loin. The juicy sliced and smoked pork was outstanding with tons of flavor. The brisket was a little dry. The ribs were very satisfying with its award winning bbq sauce. Gates has one of the best bbq sauces in KC! Yum! The baked beans were very good and packed with meat. It was my favorite baked beans of all bbq places. The price point of gates is better than most bbq places so you're getting a good deal. Overall, a great everyday bbq place for your money. We will return for more. read more

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

The service was great but the BBQ was not! The meat was dry and flavorless and every condiment was for sale ! No onions or pickles ! Place was hot and Smokey . But the main experience for me is CLEAN UP THE PLACE , the price doesn't not matter if the product was good but unfortunately it wasn't . I'll give it 2 stars just because the ladies were friendly . read more

Hello. I visited Gates BBQ on Main on 7/21/23. I understand it's a KC BBQ staple. Counter service was very unorganized and I waited a good bit of time for my small order. The BBQ was tender, but I'm not a huge fan of the sauce that was on my sandwich. FYI: get sauce on the side. The sides were good though ( coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans). I expected more. Sat and ate in the dining room and it took forever for staff to come Back when I asked for things like...ICE! Also please start providing wet naps.. Gates do better. read more

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

Atmospher was nice, service was a bit chaotic with your order being taken 4 or 5 people away from the cash Register. The food was not to my liking at all. Order es a Bun (pork) and fried. Figures it's be pulled pork but instead it was aluces and had lots of fat!! Fríes had NO taste whatsoever. Wonder es How come the three people in front of me asked for their fríes seasoned. Also ordered the sausage entree and nothing comes with it!! Only sausage, white bread and two pickle slices. Fortunately i like spicy Foods as the sausage has some bite to it and wasn't identified as so. Had to pay for my beans(not very good at all) and the jalapeños. And the sauce taste like a ketchup with tons of Chilli powder in it. VERY DISAPPOINTED as I'd seen this place on TV, and came recommended by local friends. Will not spend money here again. read more

Sincerest thanks to Chuck Gates, George Gates, Ms Slaughter, Denise and Q for making our family gathering fun and memorable! The food was delicious and the service was outstanding! We spent over $500 and it was worth it! I highly recommend this place. My favorite was the brisket! Also many thanks to former Chiefs player #55 Gary Stills for using his influence to connect me to the Gates staff since I live in San Diego! I can't wait to come there again! Great BBQ and courteous staff! read more

Recently, I visited the 40 highway store, and to my surprise the order takers were much more efficient and not as dang loud as they've been for so long in the past. It's a welcome change - and for that reason alone, I'll come back more often. read more