Gates Bar-B-Q

3205 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States
+1 816-753-0828
$$$ Barbecue restaurant
(3911 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Gates Bar-B-Q, a revered gem nestled in the heart of Kansas City, where the tradition of barbecue is celebrated with unparalleled passion. Located at 3205 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, this legendary establishment has become synonymous with mouthwatering flavors and hearty portions that BBQ enthusiasts dream about.

Step inside Gates Bar-B-Q, and you’ll immediately feel the vibrant energy of a beloved local haunt. The aroma of hickory smoke envelops you, inviting you to explore a menu that is deeply rooted in Kansas City barbecue tradition. From the first bite, you will understand why local fans and visitors alike rave about this culinary hotspot.

On the menu, you’ll find standout items like the Slab Ribs and succulent Burnt Ends—an absolute must-try that showcases the restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor. The Mixed Plate offers a delightful variety with options for ribs, beef, and ham, providing a sumptuous barbecue experience that won’t leave you wanting more. If you're in the mood for something different, be sure to savor the Chicken or Mutton, both expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

For those who want to take the flavor home, Gates also offers meat by the pound, whether it’s half a pound of sliced beef or a full pound of pork, allowing you to indulge in the rich essence of Kansas City barbecue at your leisure. And do not miss out on their Burnie Mac, a unique specialty that has won over many hearts, as mentioned in customer experiences!

The dining atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and lively buzz. It’s a place to share meals with family and friends, where each table hums with the excitement of shared plates and hearty laughter. While some reviews note that the staff could enhance the overall friendliness, others highlight the incredible service, particularly how the team helps guests navigate the menu and find their new favorites. You truly cannot go wrong when you’re surrounded by good food and good company!

As you experience the rich flavors and welcoming ambiance at Gates Bar-B-Q, you'll understand why so many consider it a Kansas City tradition. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a newcomer to the scene, this local landmark promises a delightful culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

For more engaging experiences and recommendations during your visit, feel free to reach out to Gates Bar-B-Q at +1 816-753-0828 or plan your visit today to indulge in the best barbecue Kansas City has to offer!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

3911 Reviews
Marcy R. Stearns

24 Sep 2025

We got burnt ends hoagies and sides of potato salad and macaroni salad. We didn’t know about their Burnie Mac, which we would have definitely tried. The staff was efficient, but not particularly friendly. For out-of-towners, it would have been nice if they had made some suggestions.

Dianna S

20 Aug 2025

The was amazing! We had a beef Nooner and a chicken link all under $30. The service was incredible. The staff was so friendly and helped us pick what to order and checked on us throughout our meal. This was an awesome experience!

Coach Mike Daniels

29 Jul 2025

Gates Bar-B-Q: Kansas City’s Crown of ‘Cue Pulled up to a Kansas City legend—Gates Bar-B-Q— and let’s just say, they fed the fam like royalty. Two mixed plates, two burnt-end sandwiches, and enough food to make a Texas boy tip his hat. Portion size? Insane. Midwestern hospitality? Unmatched. Coming from Texas, where seasoning and smoke hold hands, KC does it their way—with the sauce as boss. And at Gates? That sauce ain’t just boss… it’s the CEO, the President, and the Founder all in one. Complex, bold, and it hugs the meat in all the right ways. Ratings: • Experience: 8.5/10 (warm staff, quick service, real KC feel) • Food: 7.5/10 (solid meats, different style, still respect it) • Sauce: 20/10 (no typos—straight facts) • Sides: 7.5/10 (baked beans, potato salad, and slaw all holding their weight) $120 fed the crew heavy—with leftovers for days, and the flavors held up strong even on the reheat. It’s rare you get a meal that’s good fresh and good later. Gates understood the assignment. Shoutout to the entire Gates staff—you made it special. If you’re ever in KC and craving a change of pace from Southern BBQ, Gates is a must-stop. Big Mike approved—food, faith, family, and flavor. Follow for more real reviews from the heart and the plate!

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