February 12, 2009
Best BBQ Joints in America - Gates BBQ (Gates Bar-B-Q)
Today we begin a regular feature where we highlight some of America's top BBQ Joints. In order to make this list a restaurant must only meet one criteria - have great BBQ!!
Today's Best BBQ Joint in America is Gates BBQ (they call it Gates Bar-B-Q) in Kansas City, Missouri. Gates is the first BBQ joint we highlight because it is my favorite. Having lived in Kansas City for a number of years I am confident that I put a few members of the Gates family through college with the amount of money that left my wallet in exchange for a Mixed Plate, Beef on Bun, or Burnt End Sandwich.
Gates began providing great BBQ and some of the best BBQ sauce in the world to Kansas City in 1946. Since its inception it has grown from a single restaurant in the early days to six restaurants throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan area today.
Since 1975 BBQ enthusiasts have been able to purchase Gates sauce in retail stores as well as the restaurants. My advice to you is this, if you see Gates sauce in your local store buy a few bottles - you won't be disappointed. I personally like the Extra-Hot, but all of their sauces will put a smile on your face.
If you're lucky enough to be in the Kansas City area find a Gates and go have lunch or dinner. In fact, if it weren't for the other amazing BBQ Joints in Kansas City you might want to have lunch and dinner there. Once your foot is in the door you'll be greeted by the familiar words "Hi, may I help you?" By all means let them help you to one of the best BBQ meals you'll have in your life.
My advice to first timers is to go for the Mixed Plate - on the menu it comes with beef brisket, ham, ribs, fries, white bread and pickles, but you can ask them to substitute the two meats with any of their meats. My personal favorite is double beef brisket, but you can also get turkey or pork. If you're not quite that hungry go for a sandwich - you won't be disappointed. As for sides I recommend the beans and thick cut fries. With all this being said, don't worry about what you order. Everything is great!!! We also love their blend of spices in their dry rub!
For more information about Gates check out their website at http://www.gatesbbq.com/.
If you've had the fortune to eat at Gates, let us know what you think with a Comment. Why do you love Gates? What is your favorite item on the menu? What is your favorite memory of eating at Gates? Any advice for a Gates rookie? Please be sure to try our All American Spice Rub!
Well, Gates is good, but I'd rank it is the third best BBQ in KC, after Jack's Stack and Arthur Bryant's. But hey, they are all great and certainly among the best in the world.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy Jack Stack and Arthur Bryant's and I wouldn't be too surprised to see them included in our series of Best BBQ Joints in America.
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