American Eats: Missouri. Gates Bar-B-Q

If you like barbecue and you have ever been to Kansas City, you know that the discussion as to what is the best barbecue joint is one that provides passionate and heated discussion.

There are seemingly endless options choices for barbecue aficionados. Each place has its own blend, its own style, and everybody has a favorite joint.

The fact of the matter is that there really isn’t a wrong answer as to your favorite barbecue joint in Kansas City is. They’re all pretty damn good. It is just a matter of your individual likes and individual tastes. The cuts of meat, the type of rub, the composition of the sauce, the type of wood, and heavens knows what other little things.

For me, the best remains Gates Bar-B-Q.

I visited the Gates on Brooklyn Avenue, the oldest of the Gates locations, way back in 2007. You knew right away that you were going into a Bar-B-Q joint that did things the right way. It was completely unpretentious. The decor included wood paneling it looked like was installed in the 1970’s. You went through the line with a plastic tray and got food served on paper plates. There was bread was on the side. Baked Beans were part of the offerings of sides.

Just as importantly, the meat was divine. Tender, flavorful, with a sauce that was a perfect Kansas City-style sauce.

I did not get a chance to go back to Gates on my last trip to Kansas City (there are, after all, all those barbecue joins to see and try out). But if you have never been to Kansas City, I encourage you to try Gates. After all, start with the best….

Gates Bar-B-Q
1221 Brooklyn Ave
Kansas City, MO 64127