Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Catering Companies in Bakersfield

Our Recommended Top 13

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Bakersfield Catering Companies on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

81

Reviewed

53

Curated

13

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Why choose this provider?

NV Catering’s Chef Nate has been in the culinary industry for more than 18 years. This full service catering company can take on any event, from food buffets and outdoor BBQs to weddings and elegant dinners. The family-owned company also offers custom menus for business, holidays, weddings, and other special events. The owners, Chef Nate and Jessica Vasquez, are fully committed to providing a hands-on service in every event.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (56)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

When it comes to authentic Chinese cuisine, customers say Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks is the place to go. Bill Lee’s offers dine-in, home delivery, and take-out services, as well as banquets and catering. The catering menu includes appetizers and entrees and features noodle and rice dishes, all of which are made with fresh and authentic ingredients. Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks provides customized catering menus to fit the occasion and budget.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.1
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (314)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Why choose this provider?

Hungry Hunter Steakhouse takes pride in serving what customers call the best prime rib in Bakersfield, California. The menu consists of early dining, lunch, and dinner, as well as an impressive wine list. The steakhouse offers everything from top sirloin steak and baby back ribs to bruschetta and chicken wings. Authentic Santa Maria style catering services are also offered. Hungry Hunter Steakhouse can also customize menus to fit the occasion.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (718)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93312

Why choose this provider?

Sequoia Sandwich Company has been serving delicious deli sandwiches in Bakersfield, California since 1999. The company strives for quality when it comes to hand-crafting each sandwich, using only the finest and freshest ingredients and adhering to strict food safety standards. Sequoia also provides delivery and catering services, offering sandwich platters, boxed lunches, side salads and chips, meat and cheese platters, and desserts and bakery items.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (313)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93312

Why choose this provider?

Ceasar's Italian Delicatessen is a locally owned, family business that has been serving delicious yet reasonably priced sandwiches in Bakersfield, California since 1971. They serve a wide selection of meats and cheeses, as well as provide extensive catering menus for corporate gatherings, weddings, and other special events. Ceasar's Italian Delicatessen is a consistent favorite in Kern County Readers' Poll for Best Deli.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.6 / 5 (149)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (129)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (95)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93314

Why choose this provider?

Big Mike's Ragin' BBQ has been serving scrumptious BBQ in Bakersfield and the surrounding area since 2005. The company has built a solid reputation when it comes to providing excellent food and customer service, offering a wide variety of Southern favorites, from steaks and grilled chicken to beef brisket and BBQ pork ribs. Big Mike’s also caters to both big and small parties, specializing in weddings, graduations, club meetings, company picnics, and other special events.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (6)

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93312

Why choose this provider?

Salty's BBQ & Catering is a family owned restaurant in Bakersfield, California that has been delivering great food and customer service since 2010. This full-service catering business brings their tasty oak-grilled tri-tip and chicken delicacies to weddings, BBQ parties, and other special events. Salty's BBQ & Catering was featured in Chevron’s "Doers" video.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (489)

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93313

Why choose this provider?

Carniceria La Carreta has been delighting customers in Bakersfield, California with delicious meats and a commitment to outstanding customer service for over 17 years. The local, family-owned market and grocery store offers high-quality meats, including seasoned chicken, Mexican-inspired carne asada, traditional menudo, and more. Carniceria La Carreta also offers special event catering and bulk ordering.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (158)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (96)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Why choose this provider?

Mesa Mexican Grill offers fresh and handmade food in a cozy atmosphere. This restaurant in Bakersfield, California also caters to personal and business events, offering mouth-watering tacos, burritos, nachos, and chips and salsa. Additionally, Mesa Mexican Grill allows customers to choose their own toppings, protein add-ons, fillings, and sauces.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.4 / 5 (286)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (130)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (92)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93304

Why choose this provider?

PorkChop & Bubba's BBQ has been providing personalized catering services in Bakersfield since 2012. They serve award-winning BBQ and traditional Southern dishes at competitive prices. In addition, they offer self-serve, buffet, and banquet services for office parties, weddings, and other special events. PorkChop & Bubba's BBQ strives to deliver customized catering services to fit the need of every client.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (894)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (251)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Why choose this provider?

Jake's Tex-Mex Café has been serving quality food in Bakersfield, California since 1986. This casual restaurant offers fresh salads and filling sandwiches as well as catering services. The catering menu mainly consists of large plates, taco salads, desserts, and beverages. Jake's Tex-Mex Café strives for an exceptional dining experience with a laidback ambiance.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (291)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bakersfield, CA 93304

Why choose this provider?

Fresco Mexican Grill strives to provide the highest quality Mexican food in downtown Bakersfield. The restaurant offers a menu boasting fresh and authentic dishes such as chilaquiles, burritos, fish tacos, and other classic Mexican favorites. The restaurant also caters office functions, birthday parties, and other special events. Fresco Mexican Grill has a commitment to delivering excellent customer service and fresh food for customers to enjoy.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.2 / 5 (1568)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (50)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (23)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Buttonwillow, CA 93206

Why choose this provider?

Customers of Willow Ranch Restaurant consider it a must-try destination in Bakersfield to experience delicious BBQ. This family-friendly restaurant serves Angus beef, fish, seafood and other BBQ-style favorites, and also caters events such weddings, family reunions, parties, and company picnics. Clients rave about Willow Ranch Restaurant’s tender and juicy BBQ, efficient service, and excellent food preparation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.5 / 5 (1244)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (686)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (296)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Catering is a convenient service that brings restaurant-quality food and beverages to a variety of social gatherings. It's beneficial to weddings, workplace celebrations, and other events because it invites guests to relax and enjoy a festive meal. While there are many dedicated catering businesses that transport food and equipment to their clients, many restaurants also offer catering as part of their dining services.

    For those interested in a career in catering, the flexibility to take your business anywhere is one factor that may make the industry attractive. Like traditional restaurants, caterers often specialize in one type of cuisine, and they can vary widely in price and capacity. Whether you're looking to hire catering services for your next event or you want to learn more about the profession, take a look at these frequently asked questions below.
  • Can a catering company serve alcohol?

    Just like brick-and-mortar restaurants, catering companies need a liquor license to serve alcohol to patrons. If a caterer is serving alcoholic beverages, guests under the age of 21 are allowed on the premises, but they may not buy or consume alcohol.

  • Are catering tastings free?

    If you're having a large event catered and expecting to spend a lot of money, having a tasting beforehand is often a good idea. Tastings are handled differently by catering companies; some may charge while others won't. In general, most caterers charge a fee, usually around the cost of a meal at a restaurant.

  • When catering for a party, how do you calculate how much food is needed?

    Caterers usually help their clients calculate food by offering a recommended portion size per guest. Taking this into consideration, all you need to do is multiply this portion by the number of expected guests to determine the total amount of food needed.

  • When should you reserve catering services before an event?

    The amount of time in advance needed to schedule catering services depends on the number of people and type of event. For weddings with 50 people or more, six to 12 months in advance is recommended. For smaller gatherings, a month or two should suffice.

  • Do you tip the caterer?

    Some catering services include tips in the bill, so you don't have to worry about handling this aspect on the day of your event. If the tip is not included, a minimum of 15% of the total bill is recommended, while tipping 20% is not uncommon.

  • What is included with catering services?

    In addition to the food you order, catering services can include delivery, linens, silverware or plasticware, plates and cups, a small heat source to keep hot dishes warm, and staff. When planning your event, it's always a good idea to confirm which of these items are included and necessary.

Other top picks in your area