Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc.

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Please reach us at events@outsidethebox.catering if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Things you should know About Our Chicago Catering Services

Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc. has been serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs since 2018, bringing over 20 years of combined culinary expertise to every event we cater. As a licensed and insured catering company, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences through exceptional soul food cuisine and comprehensive event services. Whether you're planning an intimate corporate lunch, a grand wedding celebration, or a special milestone event, our team of experienced cooks, servers, bartenders, and event coordinators work together to exceed your expectations. From our headquarters at 444 W Lake St in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, we provide full-service catering, drop-off options, bar service, staffing, rentals, and day-of coordination for events of all sizes. With a minimum of 50 guests for full-service events and operating hours from 6 AM to midnight daily, we're ready to make your next Chicago event truly spectacular.

Why Choose Outside the Box?

At Outside the Box Catering and Events, we understand that great catering is about more than just delicious food—it's about creating memorable moments that your guests will talk about for years to come. What sets us apart is our unique combination of soulful, mouth-watering cuisine and stunning presentation, paired with white-glove service that makes every event feel special.

Our founder's 15+ years of hospitality experience, beginning in event planning in 2012, means we bring both culinary excellence and expert event management to every occasion. Unlike caterers who focus solely on food or event planners who outsource the menu, we're your one-stop solution for everything: catering, event planning, bar service, professional staffing, and complete rental inventory.

We pride ourselves on filling the gap between meals that simply look beautiful and food that tastes exceptional—with us, you get both. Our team's extensive background in fine dining, luxury hotels, and top-tier catering companies ensures that every detail is executed flawlessly. Plus, our dedication to accommodating dietary restrictions means no guest is left out. When you choose Outside the Box, you're choosing a passionate partner committed to bringing your vision to life with creativity, professionalism, and heart.

Our Service Areas

Proudly serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, Outside the Box Catering brings exceptional soul food and event services throughout the greater Chicagoland area. We regularly cater events in downtown Chicago neighborhoods including the Loop, River North, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Hyde Park. Our service extends throughout Cook County and beyond to suburbs such as Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Naperville, Aurora, Schaumburg, Joliet, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, and Bolingbrook. Whether your event is at a downtown venue, suburban banquet hall, corporate office, or private residence, our team travels to you with everything needed to make your event unforgettable. Contact us to confirm service availability in your specific location.

What Makes Our Soul Food Special

Soul food is more than cuisine—it's a celebration of culture, tradition, and love served on every plate. At Outside the Box Catering, our soul food specialties are crafted using time-honored recipes passed down through generations, combined with modern culinary techniques and premium ingredients. From our perfectly seasoned fried chicken with its crispy golden exterior to our creamy, rich mac and cheese, slow-cooked collard greens, and fluffy cornbread, every dish is prepared with care and authenticity.

What truly makes our soul food special is our commitment to both tradition and innovation. We honor classic flavors while offering creative twists and vegan alternatives that don't compromise on taste. Our honey BBQ chicken, savory catfish po'boys, and decadent mini pumpkin cheesecakes showcase the range and depth of soul food cuisine. Each dish is prepared fresh, seasoned perfectly, and presented beautifully—because we believe your guests deserve food that tastes as incredible as it looks.

Our Process

Creating your perfect event is a collaborative journey, and we're with you every step of the way. Our process begins with an initial consultation where we learn about your vision, guest count, dietary needs, budget, and event style. Whether you're planning a corporate luncheon, wedding reception, or birthday celebration, we listen carefully to understand what matters most to you.

Next, we design a customized menu and service plan tailored to your specific needs, offering tastings when appropriate so you can experience our cuisine firsthand. We provide transparent pricing breakdowns and handle all the details—from coordinating rentals and staffing to planning bar service and timeline logistics.

As your event day approaches, our dedicated event manager confirms every detail and coordinates with your venue. On the day of your event, our professional team arrives early to set up, ensuring everything is perfect before your guests arrive. Throughout the event, we provide attentive service, managing all aspects so you can relax and enjoy your celebration. After the event, we handle complete cleanup, leaving the venue spotless. From start to finish, we're your trusted partner in creating an unforgettable experience.

Dietary Accommodations

At Outside the Box Catering, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy delicious food, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. Our experienced culinary team specializes in accommodating a wide range of dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free options. We take allergies and dietary restrictions seriously, implementing careful preparation practices to avoid cross-contamination.

Our vegan soul food options are particularly popular, featuring plant-based versions of classic favorites like vegan lasagna that rival their traditional counterparts in flavor and satisfaction. Whether you have one guest with specific needs or an entire event requiring specialized menus, we work closely with you to create dishes that are both safe and spectacular. Just let us know your requirements during the consultation, and we'll craft a menu that ensures every guest feels included and well-fed.

Services

Drop Off Catering

Great taste is the name of the game and this Chicago Caterer is committed to stepping up to the plate. Our goal is provide fun and delicious food and beverage catering options. From custom dishes created by our culinary experts to our beautifully presented buffets we are sure to deliver an invigorating experience that your guest will rave about for years to come.

Wedding Catering

Are you looking for a licensed professional catering company to provide a soulful delicious meal for your special day? Large or small, we do it all! We are not your average caterer. We offer a variety of affordable wedding catering packages and services including catering, bar service, staffing, rentals and day of coordination. Get in touch today so we can customize a wedding package just for you!

Full Service Catering

Chicago is currently exploding with a variety of trendy event venues with open catering policies. Don't know where to start? Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc. offers licensed and insured delicious food and beverage catering services with a splash of event planning. Give us a call now to start planning your business launch, grand opening, presentation, open house, celbration of life, baby shower, anniversay, birthday or office party today!

Chicago Catering Services | Outside the Box Catering and Events

Chicago Catering Services | Outside the Box Catering and Events

Help Section

Services

Drop Off Catering

Wedding Catering

Full Service Catering

Taste the Love: Customer Reviews

Vegan Lasagna

Honey BBQ Chicken

Let's stay in touch

Chicago Catering Services | Outside the Box Catering and Events

Chicago Catering Services | Outside the Box Catering and Events

Help Section

Services

Drop Off Catering

Wedding Catering

Full Service Catering

Taste the Love: Customer Reviews

Vegan Lasagna

Honey BBQ Chicken

Let's stay in touch

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