Ordering Mexican catering can make any event more exciting with bold flavors and a variety of dishes.
Whether it’s a corporate lunch, wedding, birthday, or family gathering, getting the right catering service is important for guest satisfaction. Asking the right questions before booking helps with portion sizes, menu options, pricing, and overall service quality.
This guide covers important questions to ask when choosing a Mexican catering service. From menu options to logistics, knowing what to ask will help you make the best decision for your event.
If you’re looking for fresh, authentic Mexican catering, El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar offers customizable options for any occasion. Contact us for more information.
Some catering companies offer Tex-Mex instead of traditional Mexican food.
Ask if the menu includes authentic dishes like street tacos, tamales, enchiladas, fajitas, and chiles rellenos. Authenticity makes a difference in flavor and quality.
Catering packages vary. Some providers offer taco bars, buffet-style meals, or plated service. Ask about their most requested items to get a better idea of what works well for different event sizes and guest preferences.
Every event is different. Some guests may prefer specific meats, sides, or spice levels. Ask if you can mix and match menu items or make adjustments based on personal preferences.
Overordering leads to waste, while underordering leaves guests hungry. Catering companies typically provide guidelines on portion sizes based on guest count. Some use a per-person serving model, while others calculate based on tray sizes.
Buffet-style catering lets guests serve themselves, offering variety and flexibility. Plated catering provides individual servings, which can create a more formal experience. Ask which option best suits your event.
Some caterers include disposables, while others charge extra for them. If you need tableware, confirm what’s included in the catering package.
Not all guests eat meat or gluten, so it’s important to ask if the caterer can accommodate dietary restrictions.
Look for meatless dishes like grilled vegetable fajitas, black bean tacos, or cheese enchiladas. If you need gluten-free options, check if they offer corn tortillas or alternative ingredients to suit different dietary needs.
Some guests enjoy spicy food, while others prefer milder flavors. Ask if they offer spice level adjustments or mild and spicy versions of certain dishes.
Cross-contamination is a concern for guests with allergies. Ask if the kitchen follows food safety measures to separate allergens from other ingredients.
Some catering companies prepare food in advance, while others cook everything fresh on the day of the event. Freshly made food offers better taste and texture.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a difference. Some caterers work with local farms or suppliers to get the best meats, vegetables, and spices.
Ask if they use insulated containers or heated trays to maintain the right temperature. Cold dishes should stay chilled, and hot dishes should be served at the right temperature.
Some packages include everything from food and tableware to delivery and setup. Others may charge separately for additional services. Get a full breakdown of what’s included.
Basic catering packages often cover main dishes and sides. If you want appetizers like queso and guacamole or desserts like churros, check if they cost extra.
Some caterers offer discounts for large orders, corporate events, or repeat customers. Ask if they have any special pricing for big gatherings.
Full-service catering includes setup, serving, and cleanup. Drop-off catering provides food but leaves setup and service to the host. Confirm which option works best for your event.
Some catering companies have distance limits or charge extra for deliveries outside a certain area. Ask about delivery fees upfront.
Timing is important, especially for large events. Ask how early the team arrives and how long setup takes to avoid last-minute issues.
Some events require staff for serving guests and handling food stations. Ask if they provide servers and what the cost is for hiring them.
If you’re serving alcoholic beverages, a bartender can enhance the experience. Some catering services include drink stations with margaritas, palomas, and other cocktails.
Some caterers provide an event coordinator or attendants to manage food stations and refill dishes. This can be helpful for large gatherings.
Proper food handling is important for safety. Ask if they use chafing dishes, warmers, or insulated containers to keep hot food at the right temperature.
If you plan to save extra food, ask for storage and reheating guidelines. Some dishes reheat better than others.
Check if the catering company follows local health codes, proper food handling, and hygiene standards.
Some caterers require bookings weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. Ask about recommended lead times.
Unexpected changes happen. Check if deposits are refundable and what happens if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Many caterers require a deposit to secure bookings. Ask about payment methods, installment options, and due dates for final payments.
Past customer feedback provides insight into service quality. Ask if they have online reviews or references.
Seeing real photos of past events can help you gauge presentation quality. Some caterers also provide sample menus with images.
A tasting session lets you sample dishes before committing. Some caterers charge for tastings, while others offer them for free with a confirmed booking.
At El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, we bring authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and reliable service to every event. We offer:
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, our catering team is ready to serve.
Let El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar handle your catering needs for an exceptional experience. Visit us in Addison, Carrollton, or McKinney, or contact us today to customize your catering order. Call us or stop by to get started!
