American / BBQ Catering in Chicago
Fuel your team’s success with mouthwatering BBQ, burgers, and soul food from CaterCow. From smoky brisket to classic comfort sides, we bring the flavors that everyone craves right to your office. Make every lunch a delicious event with catering that satisfies every appetite!
Too busy to meal plan? We can set up an office meal program just for you!
American Packages
Browse 8 American Packages from our restaurant partners based in Chicago. Each of them have been hand-curated by our team to make ordering for your group a breeze!
- Build Your Own Burger, Sliders, and Hot Dog Bar
- BBQ & Southern Buffet
- BBQ & Southern Boxed Meals
- Burgers, Sliders, and Hot Dogs Ready-to-eat
- Hearty Savory Pies
Top American Restaurants in Chicago
Allow Us To Introduce Ourselves
We thoughtfully curate every option you see. We believe that food can inspire, spark conversation and bring people together. Our goal is to offer the best food for your group in a convenient-to-use, easy-to-order format.
What is CaterCow?
We’re an online catering marketplace featuring vetted menus designed to work for groups large and small.
Food with personality.
No more uninspired sandwich boxes. Pick from unique, seasonal options curated by our team.
Easy to use.
We’ve streamlined the process for ordering food for your group, just the click of a button and your job is done.
CaterCow is hands down the greatest company I've ever worked with. Ever.
I feel like I'm their only customer. Any issue that may arise with a vendor is swiftly met with dedicated acumen, poise, and accommodation. I've seen them make immediate changes to their website based on a mistake I myself made. If I could have the whole team over for dinner, I would. Every single person I've connected with has felt like a friend. Show me another organization anywhere, let alone a catering company, that offers that level of personal attention. I'll wait.
Too busy? Try Managed.
If you order catering frequently and would prefer for us to handle menu selection, we can set you up with a dedicated account manager. Your point of contact will send you weekly menus for approval and handle all coordination with restaurants. If interested, please fill out the provided form and we will get back to you with further details!
When ordering BBQ for office catering, it's essential to balance quantity, variety, and convenience. Here are some tips to ensure a successful BBQ event:
1. Understand Your Audience
Dietary Preferences
Check for any dietary restrictions (vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free) to ensure everyone is accommodated.
Portion Control
Determine the right portion sizes. Typically, 1/2 pound of meat per person is standard, but adjust based on your team's preferences.
2. Choose a Variety of Meats
Popular Choices
Include a mix of beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausages. These are common crowd-pleasers.
Boneless Options
Opt for boneless meats (like chicken breast) to make it easier for everyone to eat without needing a knife.
3. Don’t Forget the Sides
Classic BBQ Sides
Offer a variety of sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, and cornbread.
Vegetarian-Friendly Sides
Include grilled vegetables or salads for those who prefer lighter options.
4. Sauces and Condiments
Variety is Key
Offer a range of BBQ sauces, from sweet and tangy to spicy. Don’t forget mustard, ketchup, and hot sauce.
On the Side
Serve sauces on the side to accommodate different taste preferences.
5. Consider Serving Style
Buffet Style
This is usually the easiest way to serve a large group. It allows everyone to choose what they want and how much.
Pre-Packaged Meals
For convenience and to minimize mess, consider individually packaged BBQ meals.
6. Plan for Utensils and Napkins
BBQ can be messy, so ensure you have strong, disposable cutlery and plenty of napkins. Don’t forget to ask the caterer to include serving utensils for each dish.
7. Estimate Quantity Correctly
Order Extra
BBQ is popular, and people might eat more than expected, so it’s better to overestimate slightly.
Drinks
Don’t forget to order drinks—lemonade, iced tea, and water are great options for BBQ.
8. Timing and Freshness:
Delivery Timing
Ensure the food is delivered close to serving time to keep it fresh and hot.
Warming Trays
If the BBQ will be served over a longer period, consider renting warming trays to keep the food at the right temperature.
9. Cleanup Considerations
Trash Bags
Have plenty of trash bags and cans around to make cleanup easier.
Disposable Plates
Choose sturdy, disposable plates that can handle heavy BBQ portions without leaking.
10. Survey the Team
After the event, gather feedback on what everyone liked or didn’t like. This will help you fine-tune future catering orders. CaterCow has this feature built-in!
By considering these tips, you can ensure your office BBQ catering is a hit with the team, leaving everyone full and happy!