Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Catering Companies in Madison

Our Recommended Top 14

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 Madison Catering Companies on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

63

Reviewed

43

Curated

14

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Madison, WI 53703

Why choose this provider?

State Street Brats provides catering services inspired by Midwest-style cuisine in Madison. Whether hosting at a chosen venue or in a private party space, it offers on- and off-site options with a full-service food and beverage tavern style to suit clients’ needs. Its 26’ food truck delivers a taste of tradition with Wisconsin’s cheese curds and enhances customers’ dining experience with bratwurst and burger buffets. State Street Brats adds a touch of college nostalgia to weddings by serving UW Madison favorites, like ribeye steak sandwiches.

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.
3.6
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (345)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (213)

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
Madison, WI 53703

Why choose this provider?

Specializing in serving a blend of French-Mediterranean cuisine, Le Personal Chef is headed by Chef Sami Fgaier and serves the Madison and surrounding areas since 2011. The company provides catering services for family dinners, personal and private parties, cocktail parties, weddings, special events, experiential dining dinner parties, and corporate 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.
4.6
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (14)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

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
Madison, WI 53705

Why choose this provider?

A fourth generation, family-owned and operated business, Metcalfe’s serves the West Towne, Wauwatosa, Madison, and surrounding areas since 1917 and specializes in using mainly locally sustainable and organic products. The company provides custom catering menus that include hors d’oeuvres, finger sweets and desserts, assorted wraps, platters, salads, chips and salsa, dips, cocktail party cuisine, nacho bars, fiesta themed cuisine, fruit platters, chili, cheese and fruit platters, and more.

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

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
Madison, WI 53714

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1983, Gaylord Catering Service, Inc. is a full-service catering and corporate catering company serving the Madison and surrounding areas. The company creates all their food from scratch and specializes in biodegradable dishes and silverware to contribute to their focus on their involvement in the green movement. They have experience catering hors oeuvres, buffet dinners, plated sit down meals, family style dinners, desserts, snacks, pre-dinner hors d’oevres, beverage services, breakfast, box lunches, sandwiches, holiday specials, luncheons, office breaks, side salads and soups, and station buffet dinners for funerals, picnics, corporate events, and weddings. They hold the Best of Madison by Madison Magazine in 2008.

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 (5)

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
Madison, WI 53704

Why choose this provider?

Focusing on “catering Austin style,” Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace is a Madison-based restaurant and catering company founded in 2007. They cater for a variety of special occasions, events, celebrations, and corporate events. The company specializes in using fresh produce and meat from local farms, as well as smoking and roasting their meat daily in house.

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.
3.8
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (387)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (140)

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
Madison, WI 53704

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1978, Upstairs Downstairs Catering serves the surrounding areas of Madison with several locations. The company will provide serves on request and specializes in catering services for picnics, work luncheons, weddings, banquets, cocktail parties, holiday parties, and other special events. Their specialty menu items include vegetarian options, hors d’oeuvres, stuffed chicken breast varieties, and meat lover’s options. They hold the Best of Weddings award in 2015 from The Knot and the 2016 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award.

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.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (34)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (10)

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
Madison, WI 53719

Why choose this provider?

Specializing in locally roasted coffee and freshly baked treats every day, Yola’s Café serves the Madison and surrounding areas since 2009. The company’s catering menu items include selections of party platters, appetizers, petite sandwiches, sliders and wraps, dips and chips, breakfast specialties, bakery items and pastries, breakfast basics, breakfast buffets and packages, premium sandwiches, sandwich and wrap platters, classic sandwiches, salads, box lunches, soup, beverages, and desserts.

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.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (120)

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
Madison, WI 53703

Why choose this provider?

An urban restaurant founded in 2001, Marigold Kitchen serves the Madison, Middleton, and surrounding areas in Dane County. The company provides weekday breakfast and lunch delivery as well as catering services for private events, office parties, private business meetings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and more. They hold 2015 Bet of Madison Gold winner by Madison Magazine.

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.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (639)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (113)

Website
Madison, WI 53703

Why choose this provider?

Located on the highest floor of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art since 2005, Fresco Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge also caters for events and features seasonal menus for large and small gatherings. The company provides catering services for weddings, corporate functions, birthday parties, get-togethers, happy hours, family celebrations, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, business meetings, breakfast and lunch events, dinner events, and more.

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 (217)

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
Madison, WI 53713

Why choose this provider?

Based in Madison, El Pastor Mexican Restaurant and Catering serves the surrounding areas since being founded in 1998. The company provides catering service packages that include fajita bar, taco bar, breakfast bar, burrito bar, Mexican bar, a la carte options, beverages, and desserts.

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.
4.1
Google
4.1 / 5 (472)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (80)

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
Madison, WI 53715

Why choose this provider?

A full-service grocery business based in Madison, Fresh Madison Market specializes in catering or leading participatory meal preparation parties and team building events since 2008. The company provides catering services for business meetings, business functions, parties, club and association events, team meals, elegant group and couples dinners, participatory private dining events with instruction, themed private dinners, celebrations, accomplishments and achievements, business team building, business rewards, special occasions, and more.

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.
3.0
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (57)

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
Madison, WI 53713

Why choose this provider?

Locally owned and operated since 2009, Bonfyre American Grille serves the Madison and surrounding areas and features contemporary American cuisine. They specialize in creating signature salads, pasta, rotisserie chicken, fresh seafood, and hand-cut and "wood-fyred steak." The company provides catering services for private dinners and events, graduations, dinner parties, business events, family gatherings, happy hours, and more. Their catering menu includes beer, wine, pastries and muffins, dessert bar, entrees, taco bar, a la carte items, party platters, soups and salads, sandwiches and wraps, and more.

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
3.5 / 5 (263)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (212)

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
Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Why choose this provider?

Based out of a full-service bakery and diner founded in 2004, Market Street Catering serves the Sun Prairie and surrounding areas. Events the company specializes in include weddings, corporate events, retirement parties, breakfast catering, and special occasions catering. They also provide setup, serving, and rental options that include plates, silverware, china, linens, and more. They are also home to Carl’s Cake, which is a part of Market Street Diner and Bakery. Carl’s Cake is rated on WeddingWire and serves cake for all variety of weddings and special occasions.

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
Google
4.0 / 5 (307)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

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.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Madison, WI 53704

Why choose this provider?

An independent and locally owned business, Smoky John’s specializes in creating food with their specialty “Flavor Magic” Barbeque Run Seasoning cooked over a wood-burning pit. Serving the Madison and surrounding areas for over 40 years, they compete in barbeque competitions throughout the country to provide proof of their excellent food and services. The company provides catering services for special event planning, four types of barbeque options, and more. They also offer express takeout service and a log cabin dining room on site. They hold first place for BBQ Sauce, Smoky Jon’s Fiery Supreme BBQ Sauce from the World Hot Sauce Championship in 2014; first place for Smoky Jon’s Unique Original Supreme BBQ Sauce National Fiery Food & BBQ Show in Albuquerque in 2015; and more.

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
Google
4.6 / 5 (1143)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (284)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (258)

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.