Fresh Ideas for Local Austin Catering

Add a Taste of Austin to Your Event

Looking to infuse some Austin flavor into your next event? Some of the city’s favorite restaurants also cater private events. Whether you’re looking to surprise your attendees with a taco truck or want to serve up good ol’ Texas barbecue, you’ll find these options and many more. We’ve pulled together a tempting lineup to help get your Austin catering plans started.

oysters from contigo catering in austin texas
Courtesy of Contigo Catering.

Gourmet Catering

Inspired by the owners’ family Contigo Ranch in South Texas, Contigo Catering offers seasonal ranch-to-table fare. A summer menu may include dishes like the smoked salmon tostada appetizer, short ribs with charred creamed corn, and coconut chiffon cake for dessert. 

More Picks: Rosemary's Catering, Courtney's Catering

Sandwich Catering

Flyrite is all about the fried chicken sandwiches, available spicy and served on a toasted bun with homemade pickle chips. Order sandwiches, along with crispy chicken tenders that come with a variety of house-made dipping sauces, such as sriracha mayo and avocado salsa. Sides include kale slaw and creamy mac & cheese.

More Picks: The Vanilla Orchard, Swedish Hill

barbecue spread from The County Line BBQ in austin texas
Courtesy of The County Line BBQ.

BBQ Catering

Boasting two Austin locations — County Line On The Lake and County Line On The Hill — this Texas institution is known for one thing: fall-off-the-bone barbecue. Plan a picnic of smoked ribs, brisket, sausage and chicken served with traditional sides of coleslaw, potato salad and beans.

More Picks: Cooper's, Terry Black's

Lunch Catering

Order a healthy boxed lunch from Whole Foods Market. Choose from a wide selection of wraps that include chicken pesto, hummus falafel and tuna avocado. Boxed lunches include potato salad and sweet summer kale salad. For dessert, add a brownie or cookie tray.

More Picks: Central Market, FoodHeads

The Otto breakfast taco with bacon cheese avocado and beans from Tacodeli in austin texas
Courtesy of Tacodeli.

Breakfast Catering

Start your morning the Austin way with breakfast tacos from Tacodeli. Choose from nine different pre-rolled tacos such as The Vaquero, a house favorite that wraps scrambled eggs, grilled corn, roasted peppers and jack cheese in a tortilla laced with Tacodeli’s award-winning salsa. Or choose the build-your-own option with 20 different ingredients.

More Picks: Jo's Coffee, Austin Java

Wedding Catering

Planning a wedding? Dagar’s Catering has been an Austin staple since 1952. This family-run caterer offers wedding menus with a wide range of cuisines that can be customized to each couple’s taste. Whether you prefer a buffet, family-style dishes or an elegant plated dinner, Dagar’s can fill the bill.

More Picks: Antonelli's Cheese, Word of Mouth Catering

A lobster sandwich and bag of Cape Cod chips from Garbo's
Courtesy of Garbo's.

Food Truck Catering

Garbo's is a local, family-owned business serving New England-style lobster rolls with an Austin twist. Choose from a lineup of classic roll variations like the Maine or Connecticut-style roll, oysters on the half shell and small plate bites served out of the Garbo's Lobster Truck.

More Picks: Micklethwait Craft Meats, Burro Cheese Kitchen

Affordable Catering

Austin-based Schlotzsky’s has been crafting hot, toasty sandwiches since 1971. Order the oven-baked sandwiches, such as the turkey bacon club and The Original (piled high with smoked ham, salami and cheeses), served on homemade sourdough buns. Add Cinnabons for a sweet treat.

More Picks: P.F. Chang's, Pascal's Catering

Chips and Queso at Matts El Rancho in Austin Texas
Matt's El Rancho. Credit Jody Horton.

Mexican Food Catering

Open since 1952, Matt’s El Rancho is a long-time Austin favorite. Set up a buffet that includes popular favorites like sizzling Angus Beef fajitas and cheese enchiladas, as well as the restaurant’s legendary Bob Armstrong Dip (queso) with chips. For an extra kick, add Matt’s Famous Fresh Lime Margaritas.

More Picks: Juan in a Million, Maudie's Tex-Mex

Italian Catering

Mandola’s Italian Market uses time-tested family recipes to create its made-from-scratch Italian dishes. Mandola’s offers a mobile brick pizza oven and gelato bar to bring the flavors right to your gathering. Fresh pizzas, including Margherita and Carnivore, are baked on site. Seasonal handmade gelato includes tiramisu and coconut flavors.

More Picks: Mangia Pizza, Primizie Catering

Vegan Bacon Cheezeburger from Arlos food truck in Austin
Courtesy of Arlo's.

Vegan Catering

Arlo’s is known for its outstanding plant-based comfort food. Arrange for an Arlo’s food truck to show up at your event to sling some of its most popular dishes, including the delicious vegan bac’n cheezeburger, chik’n tacos, frito pie and tater tots.

More Picks: Wheatsville Coop, Bistro Vonish

Vegetarian Catering

ATX Food Co. offers a one-of-a-kind, fully alkaline menu that’s meant to nourish, heal and energize. Plant-based menu choices include the wild mushroom sushi salad, squash taco and broccoli-cauliflower stir fry. The organic ingredients are locally sourced, and dishes are made with body-absorbing minerals to help maintain a healthy body and mind.

More Picks: Mr. NaturalEast Side King

Turkey Sweet Sandwich at Waltons Fancy and Staple in austin texas
Walton's Fancy & Staple. Courtesy of Jody Horton.

Brunch Catering

Walton’s Fancy and Staple is a combination gourmet delicatessen, bakery and cafe. Order brunch with delicious options like the crab cake-and-eggs benedict, beignets and berries, and quiche Lorraine. An on-site florist can create beautiful arrangements to add a colorful touch to your brunch.

More Picks: Kerbey Lane Cafe

Taco Catering

Torchy’s Tacos will roll its sleek black food truck right up to your event. A Torchy’s team cooks up taco creations like the battered and fried portobello mushroom strips nestled in a flour tortilla with refried black beans, roasted corn, cotija cheese, fresh avocado and ancho aioli. Be sure to include the green chili queso and homemade chips.

More Picks: Fresa's, Mellizoz Tacos

Texas and guitar shaped pie pops from Tiny Pies in austin
Tiny Pies. Credit Annie Ray Photography.

Dessert Catering

Delight guests with the adorable baked goods turned out by Tiny Pies. The hand-held pies, just the right size for eating while mingling with colleagues, come in delish flavors like Texas pecan, apple and chocolate cream.

More Picks: Gourdough's

Indian Food Catering

Go with innovative Indian cuisine from Clay Pit. You’ll find traditional Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala alongside contemporary menu items, such as the stuffed chicken breast draped in a cashew-almond cream sauce. Add decadent desserts like the chai spice crème brulee and mango cheesecake.

More Picks: Taj Palace, Tarka Indian Kitchen

The Peached Tortilla at Austin Food + Wine Fest. Credit Katrina Barber.
The Peached Tortilla at Austin Food + Wine Fest. Credit Katrina Barber.

Full-Service Catering

The Peached Tortilla is known for its unique Asian dishes with subtle Southern influences. The restaurant specializes in full-service, off-site catering that can range from a plated meal or buffet to food truck service. Menus include everything from family-style Korean braised short ribs to street tacos served from The Peach Tortilla food truck.

More Picks: Cojo Unlimited Catering, Alfred's Catering

Soul Food Catering

Serve up some soul food from Hoover’s Cooking. The Jamaican jerk ribs are a must, or order Southern specialties like the fried chicken and smothered pork chops. Top things off with banana pudding for dessert.

More Picks: Elevated Soul, Fowler’s Smokin Soul Food

Seven different pints of Gati ice cream
Gati. Courtesy of Jam Sanitchat.

Ice Cream Catering

Surprise attendees with an ice cream social hosted by Amy’s Ice Creams, known for its yummy small-batch ice creams, with flavors like Beer and Pretzels and the popular Mexican vanilla. Amy’s staff will do the scooping for you, complete with adding crush’ns (toppings) that can include everything from fresh strawberries to ginger snaps.

More Picks: Cold Ones Pops, Gati

Healthy Catering

Gear up attendees for the day with organic smoothies from JuiceLand. Made with cold-pressed juice and fresh fruits and veggies, some of Juiceland’s best sellers include the Moontower (almond milk, banana, cacao powder, brown rice protein and dates) and the Morning Sunshine (pineapple, orange, banana, mango, goji berry and local bee pollen).

More Picks: Royal Fig Catering

Find even more Austin catering ideas here.