With three decades in food service, Fat Freddy’s Catering has proven time and again that they’re among the top caterers to watch out for in the valley. The family-owned and operated business caters to events of all sizes, from 15 to at most 3,000 guests.

Packages are easily personalized to fit any scale. Customers can choose from full-service catering, with all the frills and fanfare, to a simple picnic.

Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner items but also hors d’oevres and boxed lunches. We love that they change it up every time, which is great in terms of variety if you plan to hire them again for another function.

It’s also maybe why their clientele has steadily expanded from small family gatherings to  established corporate businesses. They owe much of their success to word-of-mouth among loyal customers, who keep them on file.

Another thing we like is how their team works like a well-oiled machine in ensuring that things are running smoothly. Like the guests, we appreciate how helpful they are with packing to-go containers for them.

They’re also surprisingly receptive to feedback, which is a plus in our book. Event organizers are also pleased to work with them since they leave their areas spotless after a long day.

Furthermore, their rates are affordable for the majority and they welcome all sorts of diet requests. However, we heard that the front desk at their office could come off as cold or snippy for some.

On the other hand, we noticed that none of their menus seem to feature any options for drinks. We hope they could include them for reference for clients.

Pork on a Fork BBQ and Catering is arguably the best place for bbq in Phoenix. They even ranked among the list of top ten bbq joints by USA Today. 

Having mentioned that, this implies a specialized but limited menu that consists mostly of American cuisine, specifically southern dishes. If you have a strong palate for meaty and saucy dishes, we think they’re your best bet.

On the flip side, this does mean that there’s no room to adjust to specific dietary needs. So if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll have to skip this part of the review.

Still, they’re quite a popular choice for private gatherings, parties, and weddings. It seems that a fraction of to-be-wed couples prefers to ditch curated and styled dishes for the down-home cooking that bbq and grilled food offers.

Because of this, they tend to be the star of the show and pack a punch in terms of flavor. However, the presentation doesn’t seem like a priority and they only use aluminum foil containers depending on the occasion.

They also offer their sides in bulk, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, harvest salad, and cornbread. Apart from the bread, all the dishes mentioned come in gluten-free options, which is still pretty limited if you ask us.

There had been complaints about the quality of their sides, particularly on the lack of flavor and consistency. The potato-based dishes are a hit-or-miss and may sometimes be undercooked or grainy according to some guests.

At the end of the day, it’s all about the flavor, proportions, and hometown experience for their loyal clients.

Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering is a multi-awarded catering company that has been in business for over 25 years. They’re also highly regarded by the International Caterers Association (ICA) and definitely deserve a spot on our list.

As one of the most patronized services in the valley, they have been preferred by well-known institutions such as the Arizona Science Center, Tempe Center for Arts, and the Desert Botanical Garden among others.

Their stellar reputation isn’t surprising given that we’ve heard shining reviews about their professionalism and on-the-day execution. Not to mention, their food is made mostly from ethically-sourced ingredients fresh from their own organic farm.

Speaking of, we love their incredibly bespoke offers for all sorts of gatherings that run the gamut from private parties to corporate events. We heard they catered to as many as 24,000 guests, which is mind-blowing and the most we’ve encountered.

It’s worth noting that guests can also book a venue with them at The Farm at South Mountain, which is the same place they grow their produce. Both are beautifully landscaped open areas that can accommodate 150 to 2000 guests.

It’s probably for these reasons that their rates come at a premium, which we think is justified considering the quality of their ingredients. Slots are also limited so they can get booked up pretty quickly, so we suggest planning ahead. 

Overall, their services are well-rounded and top-notch from what we’ve seen. Their menu is also diverse and offers most, if not all kinds of cuisines.

Atlasta Catering & Event Concepts stands out for its sustainability efforts, mainly through adopting a farm-to-table approach. It seems they really put their 40 years of business to work since they consistently remain one of the valley’s premier caterers.

For one, they have an impressive line-up of partners such as the Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona State University. They’ve also collected multiple accolades in the course of their career.

The Phoenix Business Journal lists them in their top three catering companies for 15 years and has been routinely featured in local publications and on national television.

We had to see what the fuss was all about and wasn’t disappointed. A team of local culinary experts is in charge of preparing one of the more flavorful and gastronomic dishes we’ve tried so far.

Clients and guests alike heap praises on their offers, as well as the food presentation and attentive service from their crew. As far as we’ve seen, we think they’re one of your best bets if good food is non-negotiable at your event.

Those with dietary restrictions apparently had a stress-free experience with them, considering the special attention they put on their full-service menu. 

Vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options are not an afterthought or alternative but are infused and inextricable parts of their menu. However, we wished they explored cuisines other than western and European dishes.

We also heard about cases where the food was already cold upon serving, which could be disappointing, especially for milestone events like weddings. 

Some prospects were also met with short responses and a lack of interest when it comes to negotiating terms, which left a bad taste in our mouths.

Bruce Brown Catering is a family-owned and -operated business that has been offering food services statewide since 1998. While they offer comprehensive services in this area, they also provide floral arrangements, equipment, and the whole nine yards.

This may be why most of the events they have served are either weddings or corporate functions. Since they have an in-house event specialist and organizers, couples won’t have to look further for styling on their big day.

What’s more, is that they have a comprehensive beverage and bartending service that clients can include in their package. They also have a portfolio of referrals ready in case you’re on the hunt for other vendors.

One of their clients has unfortunately encountered troubles with their venue, ending in a last-minute cancellation. In response, the owners of the catering service went the extra mile of helping the couple book a venue within four weeks of the wedding.

Moving on, their styling and presentation are some of the most beautiful sets we’ve seen on this list. Clients have given their props on the attention to detail, especially working around a pre-existing theme.

The downside is that they don’t have their menu readily available on their website, which could help clients in the planning of their functions. You’ll have to drop them a line and attend a food-tasting appointment to get a sense of their capabilities.

Considering all that they have to offer, the prices per plate and per person are a little more expensive compared to their counterparts. 

Fresh From The Kitchen Catering has established itself as a culinary powerhouse in Phoenix, earning accolades and loyal clientele for its unwavering commitment to excellence.

Fresh From The Kitchen prioritizes quality above all else, sourcing natural and locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes that captivate the palate. Their emphasis on freshness and flavor ensures that every bite is a testament to culinary mastery.

With numerous awards and glowing testimonials, Fresh From The Kitchen enjoys a stellar reputation within the community. From winning the Couple’s Choice Award to catering high-profile events like Maxim Magazine’s Super Bowl Party, they have consistently delivered excellence.

Led by Chef Noelle Townsley and Client Relations Manager Deborah Beggs, Fresh From The Kitchen offers personalized service tailored to each client’s unique vision and preferences. From initial consultations to event execution, they prioritize client satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations.

As a full-service catering company, Fresh From The Kitchen handles all aspects of event planning and execution, from menu selection to decor and vendor coordination. This comprehensive approach alleviates stress for clients, allowing them to enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Due to their commitment to quality and personalized service, Fresh From The Kitchen may have limited availability for certain dates and events. Securing their services may require advanced planning and booking well in advance.

Dedicated Catering, a small family-owned business, has been leaving a delectable mark on the neighborhood valleys in Arizona since 2015.

While they only opened their catering service in 2015, they’ve been serving their amazing tamales since 2005.

Dedicated Catering has earned acclaim for having the “BEST TAMALES IN AZ.” We love the delightful flavors of green chile chicken and picadillo tamales, showcasing the excellence in their signature offerings.

If you’re in search for the delectable tamales, we’ve found the place for you.

We’re delighted by the authenticity and deliciousness of Dedicated Catering’s food, especially their tamales. Their commitment to exceeding expectations is impressive.

Their efforts to go “above and beyond” is something we appreciate. We highly recommend!

Though we think that their website can be improved as it looks quite outdated.

Gilbert Catering, operating under Portable Pubs, LLC, has been a prominent player in the catering industry since its founding in 2006. With over 16 years of catering experience and a deep-rooted history in the restaurant business, Gilbert Catering specializes in providing a broad spectrum of services for various events, including weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and public gatherings. Known for their commitment to quality and creativity, the company prides itself on its “made from scratch” approach, ensuring that every dish and service element reflects a high standard of excellence.

Gilbert Catering offers a wide range of catering services, from BBQ and beverage catering to dessert stations and complete meal services. This flexibility allows clients to tailor their catering experience to fit the specific needs of their event, whether it’s a small private party or a large-scale public function.

The company excels in creating custom-built menus to suit diverse tastes and preferences. With a focus on originality and elevated classic dishes, clients can enjoy a unique culinary experience that stands out from standard catering fare. The ability to work with the executive chef to design bespoke menus adds significant value.

With 35 years of experience in the restaurant and catering industries, including roles in restaurant ownership and corporate management, the executive chef brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table. This extensive experience translates into high-quality food and service, ensuring a professional and polished catering experience.

Gilbert Catering is known for its artistic approach to food presentation and branding. The team’s emphasis on “made from scratch” preparations, including homemade breads, sauces, and dressings, enhances the overall dining experience. The attention to detail in food presentation and event styling reflects their commitment to excellence.

The company is well-equipped to handle events of varying sizes, from intimate gatherings of 20 to large-scale events serving up to 7,000 guests. This scalability makes Gilbert Catering a versatile choice for a wide range of events, ensuring that they can accommodate both small and grand occasions with equal expertise.

Beyond food, Gilbert Catering offers various service options, including catering stations and beverage services. Their full-service approach covers all aspects of event catering, allowing clients to focus on other elements of their event while relying on Gilbert Catering for a seamless dining experience.

Given the emphasis on custom-built menus and high-quality, made-from-scratch preparations, Gilbert Catering may come with a higher price point compared to more standard catering services. Clients seeking budget-friendly options may find the cost to be a significant consideration.