I was raised on Gates, but TBH, I don't think there's a wrong answer. My only complaint about KC barbecue is I don't like Bryant's sauce much, but I know that's just a reflection of my own tastes rather than the quality of it. I live on the same block as one of the Jackstack's, so that's usually my go-to if I"m not cooking myself.

These days, with slabs being fairly cheap at the market, I usually get a slab, pre-slice it, sauce and spice it, let it sit my fridge for a couple of days marinading and soaking up that flavor, and then bbq them myself.

Gates was always my top pick, but they're all good. Except Jack Stack. Way overpriced and just mediocre.