Areas served: Madison, WI and surrounding Dane County
Madison's catering landscape reflects the city's diverse culinary culture and university community, with providers ranging from farm-to-table specialists sourcing from local Dane County producers to full-service operations equipped for large campus events. The local market includes caterers specializing in everything from traditional Wisconsin supper club fare to international cuisines, with many offering vegetarian and vegan options that cater to the city's progressive dining preferences. Service capabilities vary significantly, from drop-off meal services for small office gatherings to comprehensive event management for weddings and corporate functions at venues throughout the Isthmus and surrounding areas.
Tricky Foods is a Madison-based culinary destination that combines a wine bar, full-service catering company, and event venue in one sophisticated space. They offer custom catering for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations, with an emphasis on creative cuisine and carefully curated wine pairings. The business also operates as a neighborhood wine bar and food store, making it a versatile venue for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations.
Bartender 608 Intoxicologists & Cocktail Caterers is a Madison-based full-service beverage catering company with nearly 30 years of combined experience (led by Chief Intoxicologist ChinaMoon, who has 30+ years in the industry). They specialize in custom cocktail bars, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverage solutions for corporate events, weddings, galas, and milestone celebrations across Wisconsin and beyond. Beyond bartending, they offer custom drink displays, professional bar stations, glassware rentals, cocktail classes, LED bar setups, and complete event coordination—ensuring every celebration has thoughtfully crafted beverages and service to match.
RedBarn Catering is a farm-to-table catering company in Spring Green, Wisconsin, founded and operated by Chef Jay Miller. The business sources much of its produce from its own organic gardens at RedBarn Kitchen, with all other ingredients hand-selected from local farmers, co-ops, butchers, cheese makers, and bakeries throughout southwestern Wisconsin. RedBarn specializes in locally-sourced cuisine that emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients and honors the region's agricultural heritage.
Upstairs Downstairs Catering is a full-service catering company in Madison, WI with over 40 years of experience serving weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Dane County. They offer customizable menus featuring both hot and cold options, family-style and buffet service, carving stations, bartending, on-site cooking, and specialized dietary accommodations including vegan and allergen-free meals. Their versatility extends to various event settings and sizes, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
Casetta Kitchen and Counter is an Italian deli and sandwich shop in downtown Madison offering fresh-made sandwiches, Italian specialties, and prepared foods for carryout and delivery. They provide full catering services for corporate events, weddings, and private parties, with customizable menus and bar service available. Known for high-quality ingredients and scratch-made preparations, Casetta serves as both a casual grab-and-go lunch destination and a comprehensive catering partner for larger events.
Blue Plate Catering is a locally owned, award-winning catering company serving Madison and surrounding areas with over 30 years of experience. They specialize in weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, offering full-service catering with fresh, locally sourced cuisine, professional bartending, and complete event planning and design. Blue Plate also operates The Fowler, their own event venue, and will travel to any venue of your choice.
North and South Seafood & Smokehouse is a locally owned restaurant and catering company with three locations in the Madison area (Madison, Verona, and DeForest). They specialize in authentic wood-fired barbecue, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails, with a mission to bring great seafood and BBQ to the community. Beyond dine-in service, they offer full catering for events of any size, with customized menus tailored to each client's needs and preferences.
El Grito Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant in Madison serving authentic tacos with a unique twist, available for dine-in, food delivery, and catering. They specialize in catering for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and backyard gatherings, and operate a vintage 1962 GMC food truck that travels throughout southern Wisconsin. Since 2015, they've built a reputation for quality food and excellent service.
Flavors! Event Styling and Catering is a full-service event company in Sun Prairie specializing in weddings, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, retirement parties, and other celebrations. They offer comprehensive catering, custom event styling, and curated decor services designed to create memorable occasions. With expertise in grazing tables and detailed styling, they handle both the food and aesthetic elements to reduce stress and deliver polished events.
Twisted Radish Catering is a bespoke culinary production company in Madison specializing in fully custom, chef-led catering for weddings, corporate events, and private dinners. Rather than using template menus, they design every event from scratch based on the client's narrative, preferences, and desired atmosphere—from Nigerian-American fusion to Mediterranean seasonal cuisine to plant-forward concepts. They limit annual engagements to ensure creative depth and meticulous execution, with each menu architecturally plated and ingredient-driven.
Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ is a Madison-based barbecue restaurant specializing in smoked meats and classic BBQ fare. Located on Packers Ave, they offer dine-in service, food delivery, and full catering options for events of all sizes. Known for quality smoked brisket, ribs, and traditional BBQ sides, Smoky Jon's is a local favorite for casual meals and event catering.
Quivey's Grove is a historic restaurant and event venue located in Fitchburg that combines fine dining with full-service event catering and banquet facilities. The established restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in an elegant setting, while also hosting weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations for groups of all sizes. Known for its scenic grounds, professional event planning team, and commitment to quality service, Quivey's Grove is a comprehensive destination for dining and special occasions.
Wood BBQ Catering is a full-service barbecue catering company based in Sauk City, Wisconsin, specializing in authentic wood-fired BBQ for events of all sizes. They offer customizable menu options, on-site cooking capabilities, and professional service for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. With a focus on quality smoked meats and traditional barbecue preparation, Wood BBQ Catering brings authentic outdoor cooking expertise directly to your venue.
Heritage Catering is a full-service catering company based in Fitchburg serving the Madison area with customized menus for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. They offer on-site cooking, bar and beverage services, and dietary accommodations to ensure every event is memorable and delicious. With a focus on personalized service, Heritage Catering works directly with clients to create tailored culinary experiences for gatherings of any size.
Mad City Chefs is a Verona-based catering service offering customized menus and professional food service for events of all sizes. They provide full-service catering with on-site cooking capabilities, handling everything from menu design to setup and service. Their experienced team specializes in creating memorable dining experiences tailored to each client's unique needs and preferences.
Beef Butter BBQ is a full-service barbecue restaurant and catering operation in Madison that specializes in smoked meats and authentic BBQ cuisine. They offer dine-in service, takeaway, food delivery, and comprehensive catering for events of all sizes. Known for quality smoked brisket, ribs, and house-made sides, Beef Butter BBQ combines restaurant-quality BBQ with flexible catering options for corporate events, weddings, and private parties.
Middleton BBQ Company offers authentic barbecue catering and food delivery services for events of all sizes in the Madison area. They specialize in traditional BBQ with customizable menus designed to accommodate various dietary needs and event requirements. Known for quality smoked meats and sides, they handle everything from corporate gatherings to private celebrations.
Grainger Hall Event Services is a premier event venue located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, offering sophisticated spaces for conferences, galas, weddings, and corporate functions. The venue features elegant ballrooms and flexible meeting spaces equipped with modern amenities, catering coordination, and professional event planning support. Located in the heart of Madison's campus, Grainger Hall combines university prestige with accessibility for both academic and community events.
Pollen & Platter Catering is a Madison-based full-service catering company specializing in thoughtfully curated menus that showcase seasonal, local ingredients. They offer comprehensive catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations, with options ranging from plated dinners to buffet-style service. The team is known for creative, farm-to-table cuisine and personalized event planning that transforms local flavors into memorable dining experiences.
Tex Tubb's Taco Palace is a local Madison institution serving authentic and creative tacos, burritos, and Mexican-inspired fare at their Atwood Avenue location. Known for generous portions, quality ingredients, and a vibrant atmosphere, they offer both traditional and inventive taco combinations that appeal to casual diners and families alike. The restaurant combines approachable pricing with a commitment to flavor, making it a go-to destination for quick meals and gatherings in the Madison community.
Le Personal Chef is a Madison-based catering and personal chef service offering customized meal preparation and event catering. They specialize in creating personalized menus tailored to individual tastes, dietary needs, and occasions, from intimate dinners to larger events. Their approach combines culinary expertise with flexibility to serve both one-time catering needs and ongoing personal chef arrangements.
Forage Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant and catering service in Madison specializing in fresh, locally-sourced salads, bowls, and seasonal dishes. They offer dine-in service, food delivery, and full catering for events of all sizes. Their menu emphasizes quality ingredients from regional farms and sustainable practices.
Bandung Indonesian Restaurant serves authentic Indonesian cuisine in Madison's downtown area, offering a diverse menu of traditional dishes including satay, nasi goreng, gado-gado, and rendang. The restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for both casual diners and those seeking genuine Southeast Asian flavors, with options to accommodate various dietary preferences and spice levels.
Steenbock's On Orchard is a full-service American restaurant, catering company, and event venue located in Madison's historic Tenney-Lapham neighborhood. They offer dine-in dining, food delivery, and comprehensive catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Their dual role as both a casual neighborhood restaurant and event venue makes them a versatile choice for everything from everyday meals to large-scale special events.
Good Enough Catering is a Madison-based catering company offering custom menu planning and food delivery for events of all sizes. They specialize in creating tailored dining experiences, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions, with a focus on quality ingredients and personalized service that goes beyond standard catering.
Melly Mel's Deli and Catering is a soul food and barbecue restaurant in Madison offering both dine-in service and full catering for events of all sizes. They specialize in authentic soul food and BBQ dishes, with a catering program designed to bring their smoky, flavorful cuisine to corporate events, weddings, and private celebrations. Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods makes them a standout choice for customers seeking genuine, hearty American cuisine.
Cranberry Creek Catering is a Madison-based full-service catering company specializing in customized menus for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. They offer flexible catering options including on-site cooking, drop-off service, and bar & beverage service, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-inspired cuisine. Their experienced team handles everything from intimate gatherings to large events, making them a go-to choice for hosts seeking professional, personalized catering in south-central Wisconsin.
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano is an Italian restaurant in Middleton offering classic pasta dishes, risottos, seafood, and meat entrées in a full-service dining setting. The restaurant features an extensive wine list and provides a welcoming atmosphere for both casual dinners and special occasions, making it a destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the Madison area.
Catering a Fresco is a full-service catering company based in Madison that specializes in fresh, made-to-order cuisine for events of all sizes. They offer comprehensive catering services including menu planning, on-site food preparation, and beverage service, with a focus on quality ingredients and customized menus tailored to each client's needs.
Tricky Foods is the top-ranked catering provider in Madison with a Lantern Score of 85.41/100 and a 5-star rating from 264 reviews. They offer custom catering for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations, combining a wine bar, full-service catering, and event venue in one sophisticated space.
RedBarn Catering (Lantern Score: 82.77/100) and Forage Kitchen (Lantern Score: 75.21/100) both specialize in farm-to-table catering. RedBarn, located in Spring Green and operated by Chef Jay Miller, sources much of its produce from its own organic gardens, while Forage Kitchen in Madison focuses on fresh, locally-sourced salads, bowls, and seasonal dishes.
Madison has several excellent BBQ catering options: Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ (Lantern Score: 78.84/100, 4.6★), North and South Smokehouse Catering (81.21/100, 5★), Wood BBQ Catering in Sauk City (78.61/100, 4.6★), and Beef Butter BBQ (77.09/100, 4.5★). Each offers authentic wood-fired or smoked meat specialties for events of all sizes.
Twisted Radish Catering (Lantern Score: 79.25/100, 4.9★) is a bespoke culinary production company specializing in fully custom, chef-led catering for weddings, corporate events, and private dinners. They focus on creating personalized culinary narratives rather than using templated menus.
Bartender 608 Intoxicologists & Cocktail Caterers (Lantern Score: 83.33/100, 5★) and Casetta Kitchen and Counter (82.19/100, 4.8★ with 548 reviews) are both highly-rated for corporate events. Bartender 608 brings nearly 30 years of combined beverage experience including inclusive non-alcoholic options, while Casetta offers quality Italian-focused lunch catering with delivery.
El Grito Taqueria (Lantern Score: 81.15/100, 4.8★ from 86 reviews) specializes in authentic tacos with a unique twist and offers full catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. They're an excellent choice for Mexican food catering across the Madison area.