Find a catering service in Elgin, IL

Find catering services in Elgin, IL

Find catering services in Elgin, IL

Confirm your location to see the best catering services near you.
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Find catering services in Elgin, IL

Confirm your location to see the best catering services near you.
Zip code

Top 10 catering services in Elgin, IL

Clients agree: these Elgin catering services are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Kitchen Ten

Kitchen Ten

5.0Exceptional(10)
10 hires on Fash
10+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Raquel M. says, "The food and service was awesome. Communication and follow-up has been perfect. Chef Susan has given our employees a perfect Holiday Lunch that everyone enjoyed. Thank you from all of us" Read more
Whats On The Menu Llc

Whats On The Menu Llc

5+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Hello I’m a private chef I’m willing to travel to you I cater events as well all my food is cooked fresh with an amazing flavor I’ve been in business since2020 I’m very creative and looking forward to working with you to bring you vision to life
Just A Bite

Just A Bite

5.0(4)
9 hires on Fash
9+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Laney G. says, "Lorretta was easy to work with. She responded to my emails quickly and answered my questions. Her menu was EXCELLENT, perfect for parties. All of my guest enjoyed the food (taco bar, mushroom, slider, ribs, ahi tuna, shrimp, bacon wrapped dates, mac and cheese bites. She also provided me with a server and Kelsy was very helpful. I was able to mingle with my guests and attend to my kids. Lorretta and Kelsy worked well together!" Read more
Melissa's Pal Crepes

Melissa's Pal Crepes

5.0Exceptional(9)
10+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Serbterm M. says, "Best crepes in Chicago" Read more
Macs Grill

Macs Grill

6+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Welcome to Macs Grill 773-407-2422 for quotes, Bolingbrook's premier destination for exceptional event services. With a dedicated team of 15 professionals, we specialize in Photo Booth Rentals, Wedding and Event Catering, Personal Chef services, Wedding Coordinators, and Event Help and Wait Staff. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or private party, our expert staff ensures a seamless and memorable experience. Let Macs Grill handle the details, so you can enjoy your special occasion to the fullest.
Burhop's Seafood

Burhop's Seafood

99+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Superior restaurant quality seafood market which offers a wide selection of prepared foods and oven-ready entrees, plus party catering. We have catered parties where we bring all the food and do the final preparation on site, as well as preparing the food for the customer to do the final cooking themselves. We do oyster bars for parties as well. We have two very talented chefs on staff who prepare our deli foods and who cater parties, in both the western and northern suburbs. Check out our web site at www.burhopsseafood.com...
Paella-party.com

Paella-party.com

5.0Exceptional(48)
3 hires on Fash
26+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
John G. says, " Afternoon Ken, We wanted to say thanks for making our gathering of old friends a roaring success. The Paella Party experience was incredible. Witnessing the preparation of the Paella itself was enjoyable and educational - even to a mostly Hispanic group. The aromas wafting off the frying pan were mouthwatering. The end result was a delicious main course for a mid-afternoon get together. Perhaps the most special and unexpected feature of the day was the Chef. Ken, you were pleasant, informative and entertaining. You made everything about the day a pleasure. Thanks again. " Read more
Two Chefs Restaurant And Catering

Two Chefs Restaurant And Catering

40+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
Two Chefs has been in business for 35+ years. We also have an A+ rating with the BBB. We specialize in catering but also have our own restaurant and bar located in Bensenville Illinois. We will try our best to accommodate all of our customers wishes to make their events as memorable as possible.
Ornelas Catering And Event Planning

Ornelas Catering And Event Planning

5.0(1)
10+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL & Online
Ramon O. says, "Food was good , everything was hot and fresh" Read more
Franco's Pescheria

Franco's Pescheria

9+ years in business
Serves Elgin, IL
A unique Fresh Fish market and Restaruant that creates unique frsh dishes

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 Elgin catering services

Recent success stories from people in the Elgin area.
Karen H.
Susan prepared a lovely selection for a company Christmas party I through for employees, and then came back one week later with brunch for my family's Christmas Eve gathering. She is extremely professional, creative with options which are all spectacular, and even prepared gluten-free servings for someone who is gluten sensitive! They were as good as the gluten options. I will contact Chef Susan for the next gathering/celebration/party. The planning, prep, set-up/presentation and final product can't be beat! Dr. K
Kitchen Ten
Patrice S.
Loretta is so easy to work with, has a great menu selection and her food is fantastic! She prepared separate gluten-free food for a couple of guests, which was just as delicious. Because of Covid she had food wrapped separately, and wore a mask and gloves while setting everything up. It was such a convenience to have her deliver all of the food an hour before the party started. Great food and great service from a very lovely person! I look forward to using Loretta‘s services again.
Just a Bite
Funky D.
Everyone really enjoyed the Crepe Station set up! Delicious
Melissa's Pal Crepes
Wanda F.
Better than the reviews! We added lobster tails to the mixta paella and it was perfect. Even the scrapings from the bottom of the paella pan.
paella-party.com
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