Gates Bar-B-Q
Barbecue restaurant · Kansas City ·

Gates Bar-B-Q

Barbecue restaurant · Kansas City ·

Signature sauce, tender ribs, and a KC institution

Gates Bar-B-Q by null
3.4
Yelp
Rated 3.4 stars by 324 reviewers
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null
Gates Bar-B-Q by null

Information

1221 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127 Get directions

$10–20

Order delivery
See Menu
Usually a wait
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner

Information

Static Map

1221 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127 Get directions

+1 816 483 3880
gatesbbq.com
@gatesbbqkc

$10–20 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly

Last updated

Nov 19, 2025

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The 15 Best Kansas City BBQ Restaurants | Eater

"The second you walk through the door at Gates, you’ll be greeted with a “Hi, may I help you?” more sung than spoken. If you need a minute to decide, just ask — or order a beef Nooner: ribbons of thin-sliced brisket and a small mound of chopped burnt ends piled on a pliant bun. Add a generous squeeze of the beloved house sauce, which is subtly sweet but balanced with vinegar, smoke, and a blush of heat. Gates has been a local institution since 1946; while the restaurant has six locations now, the Brooklyn Avenue location is a favorite for its old-school cool and boisterous bar." - Liz Cook

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-kansas-city
Gates Bar-B-Q

Raymond S.

Google
To be honest. The people were nice, but very unprofessional. They asked the price of something and they said they didn't know. Didn't look it up, it was wild listening to that conversation. Then the ribs tasted like vinegar dipped in salt. Stop disguising flavor with seasoning. And who is managing this Black owned business in this destitute city? Where is the Black manager? The city wouldn't be so destitute if the Black folks had more opportunities. And considering where it was that place was overpriced. $34 for 4 bones, coleslaw and baked beans. Yall need to stop.

David S.

Google
Came to check out gates for the first time. Had chicken, ribs, burnt end Mac and cheese and fries. Chicken was moist and tasted great. Easily a 10/10. Ribs were moist as well. Little thick on bark so I will give a 9/10. It was great just not perfect. Mac and cheese is typical low key Mac and cheese. Burnt ends on top and it was initially a little dry. A solid 8/10. Would be better if cost was lower. French fries are typical frozen steak fries. 6/10. Will be back. It was very good overall.

Kelly A.

Google
As I am in KC working I was informed that Gates is not only an iconic business but some of the best BBQ in KC. I went after visiting the WW1 museum and Negro League Baseball Museum. Needless to say i had an appetite for good food. I wasn't disappointed. I had the ribs and sausage along with a side of coleslaw. It was as good or better than I was told. If you haven't been, you need to go. I know I will be back.

Arianna W.

Google
When I tell you run don’t walk to this restaurant is what I mean ! This location is the best Gates location in Kansas City. Excellent customer service and the food is worth the money. Mr. Williams has is own business and is a chef for over 25+ years . He has brought this establishment so much success and he’s a pitmaster. Please show this location some love you won’t regret your experience! Get the short ribs more meaty ! Potato salad = 10/10

Chad M.

Google
This was a great experience. I haven't been to this location for 10 years, due to living on the south side of Kansas City. The mixed plate was awesome. The ribs were great. The combo with fries were great also. They were great about leaving the sauce off the combo for my wife, she says the sauce is to hot but I don't think it is. :-) Everyone working there were friendly and professional. I can't wait to go back.

Cynthia R

Google
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.

Joseph P.

Google
In the top three BBQ joints in Kansas City. Great ribs, great sauce (although I wish they'd been more liberal with how much they gave), and great yam pies. On the more expensive side but it is still affordable. Very friendly service, comparable to Chic-fil-A. I'd go back for sure.

Just M.

Google
Our entire group was from Texas. Brisket had no smoke taste to it at all. It was definitely tender and chewed like water. The service and atmosphere was top notch. I would still eat there again