6 Popular Restaurants in Cincinnati That Can Cater Your Next Event

Cincinnati is home to one of the best dining scenes in the country. Whenever you want to celebrate a birthday or just hang out with friends, you can easily find a restaurant that suits everyone’s tastes. If you’re planning a large celebration or get-together, there are numerous restaurants you can call to cater your event! Check out these 6 popular restaurants in Cincinnati that offer catering now!

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1. Simply Grand Cafe

Casual cafe that offers delicious soup, salad, and sandwich platters for special events

301 E 4th St. Suite 100 | Downtown Cincinnati | simplygrandcafe.com 

Located in Downtown Cincinnati, Simply Grand Cafe offers a fresh selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches for hungry guests. If you are planning a special event, Simply Grand Cafe offers a special catering menu to accommodate your large crew. 

You can adjust the selections and budget so that the food properly matches the style and theme of your event. Whether you are planning an informal cocktail party or a corporate awards dinner, you can customize the menu however you like it. Party trays, sandwich packages, hors d'oeuvres, a special dinner menu, and more can all be added to your catering package. 

“They always know my order and are quick to get me on my way. I highly recommend this business. They offer a great value on fresh items on top of being very quick during the lunch rush. Efficiency is key and they have nailed it time and time again. Their breakfast bowls are also fresh and an amazing value, especially considering you are in the downtown business district. They continue to impress.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Simply Grand Cafe. 

2. Eli’s BBQ

Popular BBQ restaurant serving savory classics including pulled pork and smoked chicken wings

3313 Riverside Dr. | Columbia-Tusculum | elisbarbeque.com

Planning a casual backyard BBQ? Contact Eli’s BBQ to cater your event! Eli’s offers buffet-style catering, which is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, and casual corporate lunches. 

All of the food is sold by the pound and is ready to serve when you come pick it up. Delivery is also available for both staffed and non-staffed events. If you need full service catering, Eli’s BBQ can offer servers to help you out during the event as well. 

As for the food, Eli’s offers delicious meals such as Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork, Jalapeno Cornbread, Baked Beans, and more. In general, customers order at least a meal and two sides per guest. 

“I've tried everything on the menu and my absolute go to is the loaded hot dog. Imagine a smoked dog, covered in coleslaw, a dash of bbq sauce and what they refer to as 'Crispins' which appear to the cutting board leftovers from making pulled pork that have been flash fried? They are so tasty and compliment the smoked dog, the sweet coleslaw and the crispins. It's a match made in my Heaven.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Eli’s BBQ. 

3. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar

Chic cafe known for its fresh Californian cuisine and laid back atmosphere 

525 Race St. | Downtown Cincinnati | maplewoodkitchenandbar.com

Situated in Downtown Cincinnati, the Maplewood Kitchen and Bar is a popular location for enjoying fresh sandwiches, salads, and breakfast foods. The Maplewood Kitchen and Bar also offers a special catering menu for people planning large events. 

Guests can order the Sandwich Assortment, which comes with your choice of sandwich, chips, and a cookie for each person. Their sandwiches include the Chicken Club Sandwich, Roast Beef Sandwich, and Vegetarian Wrap. A lot of customers like to complement the Sandwich Assortment with a Specialty Salad or Simple Green Salad. Fresh fruit, tortilla chips, cookies, and other sides are also available. 

“For breakfast, lunch, or happy hour Maplewood is always a win in my book! The setup is a bit unlike a regular restaurant so just be prepared when you walk in. I’ve sat and ordered at the bar before but if this isn't something you want you go to the right and order from the register. Once you order a host will seat you and your food will be served. A bit unconventional but I never had to wait - even during busy lunch hours!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Maplewood Kitchen and Bar. 

4. City Barbeque

Award-winning BBQ restaurant that offers a special catering menu for private parties

878 Eastgate North Dr. | Eastgate | citybbq.com

City Barbeque is another popular restaurant in Cincinnati that offers a special catering menu for guests. Whether you’re planning a laid back family reunion or you need to feed your guests for your wedding reception, City Barbeque offers delicious meals that will satisfy and delight your guests. Need some help planning your event? City Barbeque offers expert event planning coordinators to help ensure the event runs smoothly.

The catering menu offers savory barbeque spreads such as the Full Spread, which features two smoked meats, three sides, and a dessert, and The Whole Hog, which features a smoked whole hog, two sides, and cornbread. Salads and vegetarian options are also available for guests who want something a little light. 

“I just wanted to write about how great of an experience we had last night.  We've only been to City BBQ once and the manager who was also our cashier was so patient with us answering questions about the food and ingredients.  We were so pleased and couldn't wait to go back. The food was amazing and just as he described.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for City Barbeque. 

5. Revolution Rotisserie & Bar

Popular restaurant in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood known for its rotisserie chicken 

1106 Race St. | Over-the-Rhine | revolutionrotisserie.com

Revolution Rotisserie & Bar offers a special catering menu for guests planning a large event. Whether you are organizing a casual business lunch or a large wedding reception, you’ll find that Revolution Rotisserie & Bar offers a perfect meal selection that is sure to impress your guests. For larger events, Revolution can also offer staffing to help you manage it and ensure everything goes smoothly. 

Recently, Revolution has started to offer boxed lunches for large events. All of the meals are individually packed and labeled for convenience and safety purposes. Rotisserie chicken, chitas, fried chicken sandwiches, salads, and wings are all available to serve. Think your guests will want some dessert? Order some chocolate cookies and Dutch apple pie to finish off their meals!

“I don't even know where to start! I guess I'll start with the phone call Saturday morning from the catering manager letting me know she was checking the quality of the chicken being delivered!  Then, the delivery and set up process was smooth. They even went above and beyond by going back to the store because I was short a rack to hold the pan! Now on to that perfectly seasoned, moist chicken! OMG! The collard greens, and brussel sprouts were delicious!  ALL of my guests were pleased!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Revolution Rotisserie & Bar. 

6. Maggiano’s

Italian-American restaurant that offers all the hearty staples you need for your next event

7875 Montgomery Rd. | Cincinnati | maggianos.com 

Who doesn’t love a hearty Italian meal? If you’re planning a special event, check out Maggiano’s. This popular Italian restaurant offers a full carryout menu perfect for feeding large parties. Margherita Flabreat, Spaghetti, Marinara, Calamari, and other classic Italian dishes are available and ready to serve to your hungry guests. If you’re looking for a destination to host your event, Maggiano’s offers spacious banquet halls that are suitable for almost any occasion. 

“Great decor! Really felt classy and full of history although it is attached to a shopping mall. Service was great with friendly faces and attentive to our needs. Really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere here. I was pleased that in ordering my pasta dish, I was also given another to take home. What a treat!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Maggiano’s. 

What restaurant do you want to hire to cater your next event? Let us know!