BBQ Catering in Las Vegas: How to Plan the Perfect Event

Planning an event in Las Vegas and looking for the best BBQ catering to impress your guests? Whether you are hosting a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or family reunion, BBQ catering brings the perfect combination of smoky flavors, hearty portions, and classic comfort food.

At John Mulls Road Kill Grill, we specialize in authentic slow-smoked BBQ catering for events of all sizes. From tender brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs to delicious sides like mac and cheese and baked beans, we help you create an unforgettable dining experience.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about BBQ catering in Las Vegas, including how to choose the best menu, how much food to order, and tips for a stress-free event.


1. Why Choose BBQ Catering for Your Event?

BBQ is one of the best catering choices because it is:

Crowd-Pleasing – Everyone loves smoky, tender meats and classic comfort sides.
Customizable – Offers a variety of meat options, sauces, and sides for every taste.
Budget-Friendly – Large portions and filling meals make BBQ a great value.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Works for both casual backyard gatherings and upscale events.

Pro Tip: BBQ catering is great for outdoor events and pairs well with picnic-style seating, buffet-style service, or plated dinners.


2. Choosing the Right BBQ Menu for Your Event

The key to a successful BBQ catering experience is selecting the right combination of meats and sides to satisfy your guests.

Best BBQ Meats for Catering

Smoked Brisket – Juicy, tender, and a BBQ favorite.
Pulled Pork – Slow-smoked for a rich, smoky flavor.
BBQ Ribs – St. Louis-style or baby back ribs with a caramelized glaze.
Smoked Chicken – Perfect for guests who prefer leaner meats.
BBQ Sausage – Spicy, smoky, and delicious.

Pro Tip: Offer at least two meat choices to accommodate different preferences.

Must-Have BBQ Sides

Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and a crowd favorite.
Baked Beans – Slow-cooked with brown sugar and smoked bacon.
Coleslaw – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast to smoky meats.
Cornbread – Buttery and slightly sweet, perfect with BBQ.
Potato Salad – Creamy and rich, pairs well with any BBQ dish.

Pro Tip: Choose one starchy side (mac and cheese or potatoes), one vegetable (coleslaw or greens), and one bread option (cornbread or rolls) to create a balanced menu.


3. How Much Food Do You Need for BBQ Catering?

One of the biggest challenges in event planning is figuring out how much food to order.

BBQ Catering Portion Guide

Food TypeAmount Per Person
Brisket, Pulled Pork, or Chicken1/2 lb per person
Ribs4-5 ribs per person
BBQ Sausage1-2 links per person
Side Dishes1/2 cup per person per side
Cornbread or Rolls1 piece per person

Pro Tip: If you have big eaters, order extra portions of meat to ensure no one leaves hungry.


4. Choosing the Best BBQ Catering Style

There are different ways to serve BBQ at your event, depending on the size of your guest list, venue, and budget.

1. Buffet-Style Catering

Guests serve themselves, allowing them to choose their portions.
Works well for large gatherings and casual events.
Best for outdoor BBQs, weddings, and corporate picnics.

Pro Tip: Offer multiple BBQ sauces so guests can customize their plates.

2. Plated BBQ Catering

Pre-portioned plates served directly to guests.
Best for formal events, weddings, or sit-down dinners.
Ensures consistent portion sizes and a more structured meal.

Pro Tip: Choose a balanced menu with two meats and two sides for plated service.

3. Drop-Off BBQ Catering

The most affordable catering option.
Food is delivered hot and ready to serve.
Great for small gatherings, office parties, and casual events.

Pro Tip: Provide serving utensils and warming trays to keep food fresh.


5. Planning Your BBQ Catering Budget

The cost of BBQ catering depends on:

Number of guests – The more people, the bigger the budget.
Meat selection – Brisket and ribs are more expensive than chicken or sausage.
Service style – Buffet and drop-off catering are more affordable than plated service.
Add-ons – Extras like appetizers, desserts, and drinks increase costs.

Pro Tip: Book your BBQ catering early, especially for holidays and peak wedding seasons.


6. BBQ Catering for Special Diets

To ensure all your guests can enjoy the meal, consider offering:

Gluten-Free Options – Smoked meats without sauce, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Vegetarian Sides – Mac and cheese, cornbread, and grilled vegetables.
Keto-Friendly BBQ – Brisket, pulled pork, and sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Pro Tip: Let your caterer know about dietary restrictions in advance for custom menu options.


Conclusion: Plan the Perfect BBQ Event

Choose a menu with multiple meats and classic sides.
Estimate portions correctly to avoid running out of food.
Pick the right catering style (buffet, plated, or drop-off).
Consider dietary needs for all guests.
Book early to secure the best BBQ catering in Las Vegas.

At John Mulls Road Kill Grill, we take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your event. Whether you need drop-off catering, buffet service, or a full sit-down BBQ experience, we have you covered.

Contact us today to plan your BBQ catering in Las Vegas!