Gates in Leawood, I'm gonna miss you! I have been going to Gates in Leawood for over 20 years. Unfortunately, all things that were once great, sometimes come to an end. The portions have reduced in size, the staffing yesterday was one person behind the counter, the famous lunch line moved very slow. One gentleman was doing all the food prep in the back and the double-decker sandwich was decidedly smaller than the days of old. The clincher was the "added" $7 50 tip. I did not add a tip as mine was a to-go order. The same thing happened yo the guy next in line. He had plenty to say about it. I left so I an not sure it did him any good. I bid you well Gates. I will just stick with my favorite.....Jack Stack!!! read more

PLEASE STOP!!!!!! I have been a pretty regular customer of all of the locations of Gates and sons BBQ for nearly 40 years. The quality of food is at worse, very good, and often exceptional. However....... i'm taking the time to post this review about one of my favorite barbecue restaurants and one that I often refer to out of town guests, because it is painfully obvious that this restaurant needs to change its policy about placing orders. It is not acceptable to be shouted at by employees of a restaurant. "Hi, MAY I HELP YOU?!" Not once or twice, but often three or four times from different staff members. And often, just as you step inside the door!!! It's not catchy, it's not funny, and it's not helpful. It concerns me that this legendary Kansas City standard for barbecue will not be around in another few years because there is a visible dislike for being shouted at at a restaurant for your food order. Jack stacks, Q39, Joes, and other newer barbecue restaurants are getting the customers that otherwise would've previously stopped at Gates and sons, knowing that they're not going to be a part of some cattle call. Seriously Gates, STOP with this inane custom!!!!!! ANNOYING AF!!!!!! read more

What happened to Gates?? It's been awhile since we visited. To sum it up. This location is the model of inefficiency. How many times do we need to gov you our order? Then we give it again at the register so they can make it. This trip beef was tough and dry. Combo double decker beef/ham came with 1 slice of ham. $7.95 for onion rings. Got 5 on my plate. I learned if you complain they want your name, phone # and email address. ? Been coming to gates for over 40 years. I now realize why we hadn't been back in a while. Skip this once great bbq joint. read more

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Came in for a beef and a half. Came in the door and got the hi mat I help you. I waited in line and they took my order while waiting in line. The lady was nice but she forgot what I ordered when I was ready to get up to the counter and order., The beef and 1/2 was $26.00. For two of them with fries it cost $72.00. I have been coming here for 50 years and those prices are outrageous. But I want to try one since it had been 10 years since I had one. The beef on the beef and 1/2 was not like I remember it. It used to be free from any fat at all and lots of tender lean meat. This time the beef and 1/2 was kind of fatty. But it was huge tho like i remember it being. Oh well, it was still pretty tasty. I always have loved the steak fries here tho. They were just like I like them crispy, hot and delicious. Next time I will just order like half of a beef and 1/2 as I saved the other half for the next day. I still like the bbq sauce they have there and the place has not changed in over 50 years that I know of. Oh and they ladies who work there are the sweetest. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Beef and half with fries - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

I really liked Gates Bar-B-Q! The sandwich was rich, smoky, and full of flavor -- you definitely get your money's worth. The portions are big, and you leave feeling totally full of BBQ! The staff were friendly and quick even though there was a long line, so be prepared for that The smell of BBQ hits you the moment you walk in -- it's hard to resist! I'm giving 4 stars only because the place could be a bit cleaner, but overall it's a great BBQ spot with amazing food and a true Kansas City vibe. I'll definitely come back! read more

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I was not impressed. Meat was dry, Mac and cheese with burnt ends was terrible. The entire experience was awkward, from us ordering to go instead of eating there (knowing we'd have a ton left, we wanted to cut down on the dishes for them and having to turn around and ask for to go containers), then getting reprimanded for getting bbq sauce that was for dining guests. Seriously! Not on my list to go again. read more

I've eaten BBQ at some of the best places in the country, but when I want the best smoked ham in the country, I come to Gates! There's something so welcoming when you walk in and the ladies behind the counter say "Hi, may I help you?" that makes it so familiar. This is a no frills BBQ joint, with some of the best food you'll ever taste! And by the way, their Original sauce is the best BBQ sauce I've ever had! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - The "Hi, may I help you" sign - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

I have been eating Gates bbq for 40+ years. Today is the first time I couldn't eat what I got from them. My husband tried to do something nice for me as I was involved in a project at our house so he ordered Door dash from Gates. Beef sandwiches were beyond gross, all fat. Could not eat them. The fries were grease sticks but I was starving and they were fair. We live about the same distance from Jack Stack, Gates, and Joe's. You can bet I will choose differently the next time. Gates needs to be aware that the consumer has options and they should do better. read more

Picked up 3 meals to go: 2 beef on bun with fries then a double decker and fries for my husband. I then try to get some sauce cups to go. Now you have to *pay* for sauce? $60 later, I bring the food home and the brisket is SO thick and fatty it was inedible. Gates is known for their thin sliced meat candy and this was garbage. Sorry, I'm never going back. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Gates BBQ brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

I love the food but heaven forbid you don't get it right with the initial, "How may I help you!" Definitely don't ask for fresh crispy fries and not the ones that have been sitting a dropped back in the oil!!! The female employees began making rude comments and acting like my request was offensive, anyway I ended up saying forget the extra order of fries and refund my money. read more

Ribs are awesome! Their ribs are the best in KC. The real deal for KC BBQ! Bet you'll love them, Real smoke in the parking lot!

If you're from kc you know and love this place. The food is always great. Many options to pick from. Beans are 10/10. Don't forget to get some extra pickles. The workers are quick and fast! They're serving so many people a day so I appreciate them for what they do. read more

Oh how I love Gates! Almost every time I come back home, I make sure to stop and get Gates. If you're further from the city, this may be the closest location to you, but I could be mistaken. I always order the turkey on bun (which comes with fries), and an order of baked beans. These are the best beans I've ever had, hands down! You can try the different types of barbecue sauces, which included sweet and spicy, original, and hot. I do have one disclaimer, and this is just something that I learned to decipher since I was a little girl. Once you step into the building, you need to know what you're ordering, because you're going to get asked pretty quickly. Most people already know, but you need to almost look at the menu in the car before you walk in, or else you're going to feel a little anxiety, haha. No, but in all seriousness, I always give a fair warning to any non-Kansas citians lol! Other than that, the service was extremely great. There was a lady who worked there who was so kind in refilling our waters and bringing us sauces to try. As for me, like always, I'll always be back to grab my go to at this KC staple! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Bun with Fries (Turkey) Baked BBQ Beans - Small - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

This place use to be a KC institution, but when you have a help wanted sign on the front of your restaurant for the past 5 years this is what you get with food quality and service. The thing that is so surprising is the Gates off 40 Hwy by the Stadiums is excellent in both. I don't understand how you can place on order for $178.00 and get one little plastic container of one sauce. I grabbed one more of another flavor on the counter and was told to put that back honey it's $0.55 cents. Gates, Hi, may I help you??? Yea right. read more

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Grew up eating Gates so pulling up and smelling that wonderful smell in the air brings back great memories! I know my order by heart the Nooner with beef and crispy fries and a long end with sweet and mild sauce! Lol we did take out and it moves right along with the line! Lunch time it's busy! The food was hot and fresh! I was very happy when you have that bbq craving and you get those ribs and I love the rib tips! Oh I can tear those up! When the craving hits I'll be back! read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - NOONER with brisket fries and a long end ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

It was nice not being there in so many years. I got 2 short ends and fries and a pepper also a bottle of extra hot sauce. The attendant was a nice lady outside of being on her phone . My order was correct and my fries hot gave me more to than I could eat. She was professional and nice and the lady that checked me out. I may return. I tell you the way those ladies wrap food lol it's a journey to get off. I also went at 8:30 at night it was very slow and peaceful. If I smell gates again this will probably be my location to stop in and visit. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - My delicious short end with Xtra hot BBQ gates sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

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This was hands down the worst barbecue I've ever had. The environment was a complete dump--filthy, rundown, and just depressing. The food was inedible--like a vile, disgusting mess. I don't know how these people still have a business. Avoid this place at all costs. Never again. I honestly feel sick. read more

I have lived in Kansas City my whole life and Gates was always my place for barbecue, The meal I got today was ridiculously bad. i had a beef on bun. It was fatty, tough, and no flavor. If that's what they're serving visitors to our city, they should close their doors. The service also left something to be desired. read more

My favorite BBQ spot in the Kansas City metro area. I don't like BBQ Sauce, but I love theirs. Beef brisket is top tier.

Unique, busy and VEEY popular! Platter after platter was being ordered and the parking lot was full so Kansans can't be wrong! The menu is different than some other local BBQ joints and it's a unique experience for sure, but well worth the wait! The staff is patient, don't let the noise scare you, they know their stuff and are patient, friendly and helpful! read more

Placed an online order was told it would be ready in 30 min. Arrived at the location waited 10 minutes in line to be told my wait would be 30 min. The option is get me something else or refund. Well since I don't eat anything else on the menu I opted for the refund. In which case no time frame on when I would be receiving my $20 back. I'm honestly disappointed in the whole situation because it was my lunch break, the lady could really careless, and apparently she was fixing her lips to say we just ran out but my order was placed long before the last wing had been served. The last few times I have come in here the portion of fries was getting smaller and smaller meanwhile prices keep going up. I tried supporting old businesses but I'll take my money elsewhere going forward. read more

I simply avoid coming here. The service is so poor and the employees are so rude, they almost hurt my feelings. The y are impatient and not customer focused. The atmosphere is made so that a customer cannot ask questions , you're wasting THEIR time and they couldn't care less if you stay or go. The food: hard pass . The amount of salt in the meat is absurd and it is not tender, but extraordinarily dry. All in all, I would never return to this restaurant , ever, ever again. read more

I came here to grab a late lunch before class. The lady who took my order was completely in a rush, to the point where she didn't here me say hold the bread for a bun on my combo sandwich. She did the same thing when I decided to order fries. Before I could tell her to put seasoning on them, she immediately started wrapping the clear plastic wrap around the box. I don't know why she was so in a rush for, it was quite as a church mouse in there. I didn't bother saying anything due to me being pressed for time. When I got to my destination to eat my sandwich the beef was dry and appeared old. Which is very disappointing considering a sandwich and fries was $26 and some change. I really like Gates, as it was my first time at this location and by the looks of it I won't be back here, I'll continue to keep going to my initial locations on Main Street and Paseo. read more

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First time at this restaurant. Walked in an was screamed at by the counter staff demanding my order. Kind of hard to respond when I've never been there before. I got the single, sliced meat sandwich and chose bbq beef (brisket). This brisket was easily tied for the worst bbq that I have ever eaten. Dry, dry, dry. I had to drown it with sauce to make it edible. It was surprisingly busy during lunch. I won't be back. read more

I came in today for a quick lunch. While ordering there was a very rushed atmosphere and lots of pressure to quickly order. I definitely should have looked at the menu ahead of time. For my first time trying Gates, I got the four wing pack with fries. The fries were fine, not the best but still good. I didn't really like the BBQ wings, because they did not have a lot of flavor. I definitely need to come back and try something different because I've been told by a couple people that it's really good. The employees were very nice and definitely all hardworking. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - 4 Wing Pack w/ Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

Absolutely worst & rudest employee behind the counter. Ordered online & somehow it gave me over an hour prep time. Watched as others came in & ordered & went thru the line...asked for a refund & proceeded to say my order would be refunded & that I would magically get a text?!? Welp- that'll be the last time I go there! read more

Average KC BBQ with a big side of attitude. I've basically lived in KC my entire life but this was my first Gates experience. Sure I've had their sauce but not their actual food. I was super turned off by the ordering system and all the attitude. This is the biggest improvement that I could see that needs to be made. If you've never been, it's so confusing to have someone yell at you and then act like you're stupid because you don't understand what's going on because you're 5th in line. The attitude continued all the way through the ordering process. I have zero desire to go through all that again. I know some people like it and think it's gimmicky and fun and efficient. I observed that it was not efficient as they were messing up others orders. And there's a difference between it being fun and friendly vs. hostile. This was definitely hostile and I will be ordering online in the future. Service is for sure 0 stars. The bbq is average. It's definitely not the best but also not the worst. The price point for what you get is appropriate. The brisket was dry. The ham was fantastic and had a great Smokey flavor. The fries were also good. And the pickles too. The sauce has a lot of chili powder and cumin in it and was enjoyable. Next time (ordering online for sure!) I would get the ham but maybe try the turkey. read more

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Arrived here for a late lunch before going to the Chiefs football game. Line was fairly long. People coming in for party tray or food to go. I may have had their food before through company catering events but have never actually came in the establishment to eat myself. I ordered burnt ends, beans and fries to go. Burnt end sandwich was good. Big thick fries. I also like their spicy BBQ sauce. Bake bean to me was just too plain. I could get those from a can. I would come back for their food again. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Front counter menu - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

This is one of my favorite places to go, the only place I liked better had the owner die so I suppose that now makes this my favorite bbq in nation, I love the burnt ends as my go to meal here, but once in a while I do other stuff and everything is great, my favorite location was in kansas and that location has been torn down, so I not make it much anymore, but do love when I do read more

This is one of the best lunch places if you're looking for BBQ around the KC area. This is one of the oldest bbq restaurants in the town. These guys are very classic, and they have pretty much all the barbecue meat that you can think about but some of the best things that you can actually eat here are the burnt ends and sandwiches. They are amazing. They still maintain their quality to the best their hot sauce barbecue is amazing and delicious. I am going to highly recommend that you should not miss on the onion rings that they do. They are tremendous. Their service is super cool and very fast. They make sure that everybody gets their food on time. The place is pretty neat and clean. The ambience is pretty old-school classic barbecue place kind of stuff you would never feel any smoke or burn smell inside so it's pretty neat and clean yeah one of the best Kansas City barbecue I can say go try it read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Lunch Special Nooner Only Available from 11am-2pm - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

This is my favorite of all the kc bbq's. Beef sandwich cannot be beat. Fries are good as well. I love visiting here when in kc.

I really like this BarBQ and the sauce is really good. The spicy sauce is better than the sweet sauce. The staff was friendly and the waitress was as well. Def coming back when I'm in KS! read more

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A great place to have BBQ. It helps when they close late. I love eating the BBQ. Everything is good the service is great. Thanks Gates for great service and food. I will be seeing you soon again. read more

My favorite KC BBQ when im in town. I like the spiciness of the sauce and just the right amount of smoke. The 103rd St location is nice but I prefer the original Rib Tech location that is no longer around. Try out Gates if you're looking for a good spicy sauce. KC is the epicenter for many great BBQ places and today Gates combo fit my needs. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

Nope. Don't go. It's simply awful. Worst meal I've had in KC. The place is dirty, the staff is rude and the food is terrible. I could not finish whatever it is they are calling burnt ends. The beans were not terrible. This was a very unfortunate experience. I can't imagine anyone would go here twice, unless they despise themselves. Just gross. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Old school - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

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The service was not good- And the ribs were tough! My kids love Gates BBQ and they always want to go there when they're in town. We probably won't go to this location again read more

We got there right as it opened last Wednesday, ordered a burnt ends and a beef sandwich. Both were cold. They had a nice lady who came around to see how we were and we asked if we had mis-ordered the meals because they were cold. She asked if we wanted a manager but by then the line was long and we didn't want to wait. We had eaten only half of each sandwich so took it home to see if heating it up for dinner might be better but then I ended up getting stomach problems. Not going back for a long time with so many other good BBQ places in town. read more

You can't say anything bad about this place and if you do, you're insane. They have the best fries in this entire country! When I ordered my burnt ends sandwich, I never in a million years expected to get so many fries, let alone them being my ultimate favorite! The sandwich was delicious as the burnt ends were tender along with the sauce that was over it. The giant cup of soda I had with it helped me battle back the spice of the sauce, but I was never in any discomfort. It got busy after having opened, so I was glad I got in line early. I was also impressed by the ladies, who were impeccable with taking your order. You could be five people back and they were already taking your order before you even got 10 feet from the register to pay! Tell me another place that is like that?! This was on a personal list of mine to visit and I cant wait to go back and try it again. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Burnt Ends/Gates Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas

Any time I'm in kc, I have to get bbq at least once. Gates is never a disappointment. The biggest thing with Gates is that they are yelling for your order before you get in the door. Dang ppl let me look at the menu. I'm not in here enough to remember what it is I like. I went with the combo on a bun (ham/beef) with fries. The meat was seasoned well and cooked just right. The fries were hot and lots of them. I added some spicy sauce, and dang, that was a good lunch. Service was slow, but that was partially the guy at the register and partially the old lady ordering. Everything was special order on hers. read more

How the mighty have fallen. How did this classic Kansas City institution fall so far? Is it all locations or just this one? There was no bigger defender of Gates BBQ on this planet than me. It's just "Gates" now? No more "Gates and Sons?" The prices are sky high now. The mixed plate is crazy crazy high priced. The fine selection of sauces are now mixed up and spread out in the dining room. (Hard to explain but the new set up to get the BBQ sauces - but it's just is not any good.) No more catchup pump just packets. Service is ok. Managers STILL seem on the ball. They got my order wrong and I told them. They acknowledged it but then they didn't do anything about it . Which means they also gave someone else the wrong food. because I got their order. And the real heartbreak? They don't yell out the way that made them famous anymore "hi may I help you!?" Why kill that gimmick!?!! They now just sort of mumble it now. Why? And it symbolically represents the whole Gates situation. They are just kind of mumbling and stumbling along while the opposing competition here, in Kansas City barbecue land, is stomping all over them. Cmon! Ollie Gates (who I knew) would be rolling over in his grave. Bring back your power! Clean up and replace some the veneers and tables that look tired and shabby. Fix this place up so that it's not so worn out. Everything looks like it needs a good cleaning. The fridge display was just gross. Have your employees speak up again. Shout out proudly once more! "HI MAY I HELP YOU!?!" And bring back the sauces lined up where people can use them handily. You may not pay attention to what aim saying ... but @ your own peril. The writing is on the wall and here on Yelp. Jack Stack listened and learned. What Gates has changed isn't working. Clean up and speak up and save this classic. read more

Gates Bar-B-Q - Just a mess. Not exactly what I ordered. And very little meat on the combo. - Barbeque Near Me - Leawood, Kansas