Pates is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:

• Colin Pates (born 1961), retired English footballer
• Richard Pates (born 1943), American bishop of the Roman Catholic Church

Pâté is a mixture of cooked ground meat and fat minced into a spreadable paste. Common additions include vegetables, herbs, spices, and either wine or brandy (often cognac or armagnac). Pâté can be served either hot or cold, but it is considered to develop its fullest flavor after a few days of chilling.