Gates B-B-Q on Main Street, Union Hill

There's no shortage restaurants around Kansas City claiming to serve the best barbecue in town, and while I can't personally vouch for more than a few of them, I do think the popular chain Gates B-B-Q (3205 Main St., 816-753-0828) more than holds its own. The branch in the Union Hill section of the city is particularly convenient - a short drive from downtown, Westport, and Country Club Plaza. These low-frills, self-service eateries are quick and simple, but the staff takes plenty of care and time to produce delicious barbecue - double-deck ham or burnt ends sandwiches, slicked pork and turkey, sides of fries and barbecue beans, the restaurant's trademark Yammer Pie for dessert. For the price, there's no better place in KC to fill up on great food.