Find a catering service in Chicago, IL

Find catering services in Chicago, IL

Find catering services in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best catering services in your area.
Zip code

Budget per person

Find catering services in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best catering services in your area.
Zip code

Budget per person

Top 10 catering services in Chicago, IL

Clients agree: these Chicago catering services are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
David Dequaij LLC

David Dequaij LLC

5.0(2)
3+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Adam P. says, "I collaborated with Chef Dequay to put together a special dinner on our farm. David was an absolute pleasure to work with. He has great communication skills; and it was clear that he has TONS of experience in event planning, as he thought of every little detail ahead of time to make sure the evening went smoothly. He cares very deeply about the quality of his work and has an infectious passion for cooking and entertaining. He quickly trained our service staff and flawlessly executed a creative and elaborate menu. The night was a huge success and the food was absolutely DELICIOUS! We received wonderful feedback from the 60 guests in attendance. I would recomend Chef David 100% for all of your dinner/catering/private event needs!" Read more
Kuma's Catering

Kuma's Catering

5.0(3)
4+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Thomas V. says, "Kuma's Catering went above and beyond to make my event a success. Not only was the food phenomenal, but Lisa and the team were a joy to work with." Read more
La Calaca 22 LLC

La Calaca 22 LLC

New on Fash
Serves Chicago, IL
Let's put some meat on those bones, Chicago! In particular, we suggest the steak, chicken, and pulled pork on the menu at La Calaca, the taco truck serving Windy City foodies their finest Mexican cuisine backed by years of passion. Run by Vero and Jonathan, whose extensive experience in the hospitality industry has made them passionate about food and Mexican culture, this taco truck is not only designed to showcase their work but also to educate and inspire others And this is the finest inspiration you can fit in a tortilla, whether traditional corn or enriched quesataco style. Fill it with arrachera skirt steak or birria de res. Load up on
Uncle Earl's BBQ N' Blues

Uncle Earl's BBQ N' Blues

New on Fash
3+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Quality food: We use only the freshest ingredients and cook your food with love and attention to detail. Your guests will be impressed with the deliciousness and tenderness of your meats and the flavor of our house-made sauces. Convenience: We take care of everything, from cooking the food to setting up and cleaning up. This frees you up to enjoy your event without having to worry about a thing. Variety: Our menu offers a variety of options to satisfy everyone's taste buds. Whether they're a carnivore, a vegetarian, or something in between, there's something for everyone at your BBQ. Affordability: Our prices are very reasonable, especiall
Birdspoint Food &Catering

Birdspoint Food &Catering

New on Fash
3+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Small black business owner, I have my Chicago Food ServiceManager& ServSafe Illinois Certifications, been cooking and preparing food for 20 years in Chicago, Illinois. BirdsPoint Food &Catering caters to small parties, also will prepare and/or educate you on food, & meal preparation. BirdsPoint Food &Catering looks forward to serving you. If you're in need of a caterer for a small group,please don't hesitate to contact us.You could follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
DaShuga Shack

DaShuga Shack

New on Fash
23+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Hello I’m Celebrity Chef Kimberly. I’ve been cooking all my life. I graduated 2016 from LeCordon Bleu. Since then I work at Chef Sara’s from time to time, and I also do catering and I’m a private chef. Lasagna is my best work. Love Soul Food as well along with Mexican dishes as well.

Your Wedding and Event Catering questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.

How much is catering?

Catering costs $10 to $35 per person for basic party food or a drop-off service. On average, caterers charge $500 to $7,500 total for 50 guests, $1,000 to $15,000 for 100 guests, and $1,500 to $23,000 for 150 guests. Alcohol or bartending options often cost extra.

Formal catering or wedding catering costs $30 to $200 per person for plated meals, a buffet, or food stations. A food truck rental costs $10 to $40 per person, depending on the type of event and whether you hire the truck on a weekend or holiday. Popular food truck menu options include tacos, pizza, BBQ, and ice cream.

What is catering?

Catering means supplying food and drink at a party, wedding, or other gathering. Some catering companies provide waitstaff, while others offer self-serve buffet stations or simply drop off prepared food to an event. Different catering companies provide different types of foods and cuisines, including:

  • Italian
  • Mexican
  • Barbeque
  • Japanese
  • Pizza
  • Sandwiches
  • Ice cream
  • Breakfast or brunch

How far in advance do I need to order catering?

Most caterers recommend ordering at least a few weeks to 6 months in advance, depending on the type of event and number of guests. However, catering a small party may not require as much advance time as a wedding, holiday party, or large corporate event.

Large chain restaurants often provide limited, drop-off catering services and require less notice than professional catering companies. Some chain restaurants and grocery stores offer catering services with only one day's notice.

What do caterers provide?

Caterers supply all the food for your event, either cooking it on-site or preparing it in their own kitchen beforehand. Many catering services include serving dishes, plates, glasses, and silverware in their price. Some caterers also offer tables, chairs, linens, or custom place settings for an added fee.

How long do caterers stay at an event?

Caterers typically serve food for 1 to 4 hours, depending on the time of year and number of guests. Setup usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Ask your caterer whether they will include any of the setup or cleanup time in their estimate.

Do you tip caterers?

Some caterers include a gratuity charge of 15% to 20% on your bill that is split between the servers. Before adding a cash tip, ask your caterer or review the contract to make sure a gratuity charge is not already included. If you decide to give cash tips directly, pay each person between $15 to $50.

How do I choose a catering company?

Search our list of caterers, then:

  • Get three or more free estimates to compare.
  • Read their reviews and menus on Fash and Google.
  • Choose a licensed, insured, and experienced company.
  • Try menu tasting before your event if possible.
  • Make sure they're a good fit for your budget and schedule.
  • Get a written estimate or contract.
  • Avoid making a large payment before your event begins.

After reading reviews and asking questions, hire the best company in your area.

What questions should I ask caterers?

When looking for local catering companies, consider asking the following questions:

  • How long have you been catering?
  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • How far in advance do I need to book?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • Do you allow menu changes?
  • Will you bring prepared food, or will you prepare it onsite?
  • How long will you be able to serve food?
  • How long do you need to set up?
  • Do you charge extra for travel fees?
  • Will you give me a written estimate and contract?

Reviews for Chicago catering services

Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.
Brad L.
Over the last few years, David has prepared private dinners for me and my guests- and he never fails to exceed my expectations. By a lot. His dishes are always fresh, inventive, and exciting. With warmth, positivity, and attentiveness, David prepares and serves beautiful meals which are remembered for weeks, months, and even years by me and my guests. I cannot recommend him enough!
David dequaij LLC
Nick M.
They worked with us on every detail and ensured we never had to worry about anything. Lisa was incredibly professional and her entire team was highly efficient and a pleasure to have at our event!
Kuma's Catering
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