Book 1–3 months ahead

BBQ Catering Near You

Barbecue caterers and smokehouses: brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken by the pound or per guest, with sides. 132 listings in 40 states.

How Far Ahead Should You Book BBQ Caterers and Smokehouses?

People usually book BBQ caterers and smokehouses 1–3 months ahead. We list 132 BBQ caterers and smokehouses in 40 states, most in California, Texas, Oregon. Before booking, compare the total price with every fee, what is included, and the deposit and cancellation terms.

Updated November 5, 2026 · Source: OpenStreetMap listings (refreshed November 5, 2026); catering.broker planning guide.

Illustration: Barbecue caterers and smokehouses: brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken by the pound or per guest, with sides.

Top Questions to Ask

  1. What is the price per guest, and what exactly does it include?
  2. Can you send a sample invoice for our guest count with every fee, tax and service charge?
  3. Do you hold a food permit or license and liability insurance? Can our venue get a certificate of insurance?
  4. How do you handle allergies and vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal or kosher meals?
  5. When is the final headcount due, and can it change after that?

See all 10 questions and tips →

Good to Know

  • A common planning rule is about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked meat per adult when it is the main dish.
  • Brisket loses roughly half its weight in cooking; ask whether prices are for raw or cooked weight.
  • Pulled pork and chicken stretch a budget further than brisket or ribs.
StateListings
California18
Texas14
Oregon8
Georgia6
North Carolina6
Washington6
Arkansas5
Colorado5
Missouri5
New York5
Indiana4
Michigan4
Pennsylvania4
Florida3
Kentucky3
Massachusetts3
Utah3
Illinois2
Maryland2
Mississippi2
Nebraska2
Ohio2
Virginia2
Wisconsin2
Alabama1
District of Columbia1
Hawaii1
Idaho1
Iowa1
Kansas1
Louisiana1
Minnesota1
New Jersey1
New Mexico1
North Dakota1
Oklahoma1
South Carolina1
Tennessee1
Vermont1
West Virginia1

Common Questions

How far ahead should you book BBQ caterers and smokehouses?

People usually book BBQ caterers and smokehouses 1–3 months ahead. Weekends from May to October and the November–December holiday season fill first. Compare the total price, what is included, and the deposit and cancellation terms before booking.

How much do BBQ caterers and smokehouses cost?

As a planning range, expect about $18–$40 per guest with two or three sides. Prices vary widely by city, date, menu and guest count, so get two or three written quotes and compare the totals with every fee included. Our cost calculator lets you plug in your own numbers.

What should you ask a BBQ caterer before booking?

Start with: What is the price per guest, and what exactly does it include; Can you send a sample invoice for our guest count with every fee, tax and service charge; Do you hold a food permit or license and liability insurance? Can our venue get a certificate of insurance. Our full list has 10 questions, and the quote comparison tool lets you line up the answers.

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Featured From the Map

Listings with the most contact details. Not paid placements.

100 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL

Full-Service CaterersBBQ CateringPhoneWebsiteHours

121 West Township Street, Fayetteville, AR

Full-Service CaterersBBQ CateringDessert CateringBar & Coffee CateringFriesCoffee shopPhoneWebsiteHours

35315 Merle Haggard Drive, Bakersfield, CA

Full-Service CaterersBBQ CateringCorporate CateringBarbecuePhoneWebsiteHours

2196 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA

Restaurants That CaterBBQ CateringBarbecuePhoneWebsite

600 Palm Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA

Full-Service CaterersBBQ CateringBurgerSeafoodPhoneWebsite

777 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA

Food TrucksBBQ CateringCambodianBarbecuePhoneWebsiteHours

Listings: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Data last updated November 5, 2026 · Sources & method