#96 – Gates BBQ
Six locations throughout the metro.
Cost: $$
Cuisine: BBQ
Good for: Crossing another KC BBQ restaurant off your list.
Tip: Try the 4 Bone for a taste of a little bit of everything.
Gates BBQ is another Kansas City BBQ staple, known for their “struttin’ man” and prompt “Hi! How may I help you?” greeting. Like Arthur Bryant’s, it may not be the best in KC, but you have to stop in to say you’ve been.
About Gates BBQ
Gates began in 1946 when George W. Gates opened “Gates Ol’ Kentucky” at 19th and Vine, near today’s American Jazz Museum.
Over the next 20 years, the restaurant expanded rapidly, breaking the myth that Kansas City could accommodate only a few barbecue restaurants. Consumers’ demand for their sauce and seasoning continued to grow, so Gates began selling products to grocery stores in 1975.
Today this day, Gates is still a family-owned company and now has six locations around the metro. It has been such a mainstay in Kansas City culture that Gates is even featured in Tech N9ne’s song, “O.G.”.
Gates BBQ Favorites
It’s a good idea to know what you want before you walk into Gates. They’re known for yelling “Hi! May I help you?” the moment you walk in the door, though they’re friendly enough if you need a moment.
The Gates location near the Country Club Plaza and the Nelson Atkins Museum is wonderfully decorated. The to-go area is modeled after an old Kansas City trolley. The rest of the space feels as though you stepped back in time.
We tried the 4 bone – 4 ribs, 2 types of meat and two sides. If you don’t like your meat smothered in sauce, this is not your place. All the meat was covered, and while the sauce was good, it was a bit too much. The meat itself was pretty good, but the baked beans and pasta salad was my favorite.
Overall, Gates is known for their ribs and the Nooner Special – brisket and burnt ends sandwich with fries and a drink for $5.99.
After a meal at Gates, take a walk through the Kauffman Memorial Garden to clear some room for a Winstead’s Shake. xx, Libbie.