How to Choose the Right BBQ Catering Company for Your St. Louis Event

Oh, hey! So you’re planning an event. Maybe it’s a wedding. Maybe it’s a birthday bash for 200 of your closest besties. Maybe it’s a corporate lunch, and you’re really, really tired of the sad sandwich trays that have been showing up to your conference room for the last decade.

Whatever the occasion, one thing is true: the food is what people are going to remember. And if you’re in St. Louis, you already know that BBQ is how you make an event unforgettable.

But here’s the thing … not all BBQ catering is created equal. We’ve been doing this for over ten years, and we’ve seen what separates a forgettable spread from one that keeps your guests talking for months, especially when it comes to BBQ catering in St. Louis. So let’s break it down.

Platter of barbecue with sides

First Things First: Know What You Actually Need

Before you start comparing catering companies, get clear on a few things:

  • How many people are you feeding?
  • What’s your budget per person?
  • Do you need staff, bar service, and rentals, or just the food?
  • Is this a sit-down dinner or a more casual, grazing-style event?
  • Do you have a venue, or do you need help finding one?

The answers to these questions will narrow your options fast. A company that specializes in drop-off catering for small office lunches isn’t the same as one that can fully staff and execute a 300-person wedding reception with a custom bar. Know what you need before you start making calls.

What to Look for in a BBQ Catering Company

A Menu That Has Options

BBQ catering shouldn’t mean picking between pulled pork and more pulled pork. A great BBQ catering menu covers the full thing from appetizers for cocktail hour, multiple protein options, sides that go beyond basic beans, desserts, drinks, and options for guests with dietary restrictions.

At Salt + Smoke, our catering menu is built to make sure everyone at your event eats well. Like, really well.

Assorted appetizers on white plates

Appetizers:
Burnt end toasted ravioli, pimento cheese toasted ravioli, deviled eggs, bacon-wrapped meatballs, Texas Twinkies, goat cheese and walnut mushroom caps, caprese skewers, shrimp cocktail, shrimp ceviche, salmon gravlax, bacon-wrapped shrimp, crab and goat cheese crisps, fruit skewers, falafel bites, and impossible meatballs. Yeah, we’re not messing around on appetizers.

Proteins:
Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, wings, falafel, and salmon (all gluten-free!). Whether your guests are die-hard meat lovers or prefer something a little lighter, there’s something for everyone.

Sides:
Pit beans with smoked bacon, white cheddar cracker mac, sweet pepper potato salad, green bean and tomato salad, creamed corn, Caesar salad, brisket chili, mixed green salad, and coleslaw. And yes, there are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options throughout. Our entire kitchen is peanut-free, too.

Desserts:
New York style cheesecake, berry swirl cheesecake, lemon gooey butter cake, apple crisp mini tarts, key lime mini tarts, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, brownies, and the brown butter pecan bar that your guests will absolutely not stop talking about.

Person serving mac n cheese from tray

Packages That Make Budgeting Easy

Nobody wants to get on a call with a catering company just to find out pricing is a complete mystery. Look for transparent, per-person package pricing so you can budget confidently from the start.

Our packages are simple:

  • 1 Meat + 1 Side: $18.99/person
  • 2 Meats + 2 Sides: $20.99/person
  • 3 Meats + 3 Sides: $22.99/person
  • 4 Meats + 4 Sides: $24.99/person

Need bulk BBQ instead? Brisket and ribs are $24.99/lb or per slab, and pulled pork and chicken are $18.99/lb. Sides come by the pint ($9.99), quart ($17.99), or half pan ($54.99). We also have a range of appetizers and desserts for you to choose from, all with various pricing.

We can sort drinks as well, including soda cans, lemonade, water, and sweet or unsweetened tea by the gallon at $15.95.

The Ability to Scale: From 5 People to 500

Your caterer should be able to grow with your guest list. Salt + Smoke has been feeding events of every size for over a decade. From intimate backyard gatherings to full-scale wedding receptions for 500. The food quality doesn’t change based on headcount. The same award-winning BBQ that comes out of our kitchens every day is what shows up at your event.

Full-Service Options for the Bigger Stuff

For weddings, corporate events, and larger celebrations that need a bit more than just the food, you want a caterer who can handle everything. That means delivery, staff, bar service, and all the rentals you need to pull it off without a hitch.

We do all of it. Our catering team works directly with you to build a custom package around your event, your vibe, your budget, your guest list. Fill out our event inquiry form, and we’ll take it from there.

Outdoor dining area with striped napkins and a parking lot on the left

A Venue Situation That Works for You

Here’s where a lot of people get stuck: they’ve figured out their catering but can’t nail down a venue, or they’ve found a venue that doesn’t have preferred caterers. We’ve solved that problem for you.

Salt + Smoke has established partnerships with some of the most incredible event spaces in and around St. Louis. Whatever your vibe, we’ve got a venue for you:

For the history lover:

For the nature lover:

  • Knotting Hills (Pevely, MO) — 75 wooded acres just outside St. Louis, breathtaking backdrops
  • Pine Hollow Farm (Eureka, MO) — 40 wooded acres, modern farmhouse style, up to 300 guests
  • Wicked Pony Ranch (Dittmer, MO) — over 100 acres of Missouri countryside, rustic country-chic, up to 200 guests
  • Laumeier Sculpture Park (Sappington, MO) — 105 acres, more than 70 large-scale sculptures, up to 500 guests
  • Lalumondiere Mill (House Springs, MO) — along the Big River in Jefferson County, up to 150 guests
  • Echo Creek (Wentzville, MO) — bridges, creeks, and established trees, up to 130 guests
  • Little Piney Lodge (Hermann, MO) — featured in England’s Wedding Magazine, refined and relaxed

For the art and culture lover:

  • Contemporary Art Museum (3750 Washington Ave, St. Louis) — dynamic exhibitions, singular architecture
  • Foundry Art Centre (520 N Main Center, St. Charles) — along the Missouri River, up to 400 seated
  • Wild Carrot (3901 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis) — a renovated 1915 theatre in the Shaw neighborhood, up to 400
  • Boo Cat Club (812 Union Blvd, St. Louis) — a theater where Tennessee Williams once performed, plus a ballroom and mysterious Catacombs

For the ballroom crowd:

  • Mahler Ballroom (4915 Washington Ave, St. Louis) — historic Central West End charm since 1907
  • Barnett on Washington (3207 Washington Ave, St. Louis) — vibrant and bright, weddings and corporate events
  • Majorette (7150 Manchester Rd, St. Louis) — capacity over 350
  • London Tea Room (1900 Locust St, St. Louis) — three rooms, up to 350 guests
  • A.CASA (3723 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis) — intimate gatherings, turn-key amenities

For the big celebration:

  • Gateway Classic Events (O’Fallon, IL) — up to 1,200 guests, 80,000 square feet
  • The Lodge at Boulder Lake (Troy, MO) — 9,000 sq ft on a 13-acre lake, up to 370 guests
  • Water’s Edge (St. Peters, MO) — contemporary banquet center on a scenic golf course, up to 300 guests
  • Jefferson Underground (2400 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis) — rooftop venue overlooking historic St. Louis City, up to 250 guests

For the romantic setting:

  • Piper Palm House (Tower Grove Park, St. Louis) — the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi, built in 1878, up to 200 seated
  • Stupp Center (Tower Grove Park, St. Louis) — mirrors the park’s famous pavilions, up to 80 seated
  • The Weingarten (Belleville, IL) — winery venue surrounded by forests, cornfields, and a lake
  • Romaine Valley (Fenton, MO) — countryside charm meets modern elegance, opening Fall 2025
  • Quail Ridge Lodge (Wentzville, MO) — refined and relaxed, perfect for a personalized day

For the industrial-chic crowd:

  • The Factory (Chesterfield, MO) — the first ground-up performance and event venue built in the Midwest in 20+ years
  • Main Street Abbey (310 S Main St, Columbia, IL) — unique character and charm

salt and smoke event space ballpark village

Your Own Private Space at Salt + Smoke

Not looking for an outside venue? We’ve got private event rooms at multiple Salt + Smoke locations across St. Louis that are perfect for parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and everything in between.

Hampton Location:

Ballpark Village Location:

Saint Charles Location:

Ellisville Location:

South County Location:

A Track Record You Can Actually Read

Before you book anyone for your event, check their reviews. Check things like The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and see what real people who’ve trusted them with their real events have to say.

Salt + Smoke is reviewed on both The Knot and WeddingWire, and we’d love for you to hear from couples and clients who’ve let us be part of their big day.

bbq catering in st. louis where food is being served at a dining table

How to Get Your BBQ Catering Going

Ready to make your event the talk of the town? Here’s how it works:

For most events: Head to our catering page, browse the menu, pick your meats, sides, and add-ons, and place your order directly. Choose pickup or delivery, lock in your date, and you’re done. It’s that easy.

For weddings and custom events: Fill out our event inquiry form and our team will reach out to work with you directly. We’ll build a custom package around you and your budget.

Questions? Email us at catering@saltandsmokebbq.com. We love talking BBQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Salt + Smoke cater any size event?
Yes! We cater everything from small office lunches to 500-person wedding receptions. No event is too small or too big.

Does Salt + Smoke provide staff, bar service, and rentals?
Yes. For weddings and larger events, we provide delivery, staff, bar service, and all the rentals you need.

Does Salt + Smoke cater at outside venues?
Absolutely. We have established partnerships with venues all across St. Louis and the surrounding region. You can view the full partnership list here.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options?
Yes! Our menu includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options throughout. Our entire kitchen is peanut-free.

How do I get a catering quote for a wedding or large event?
Fill out our event inquiry form at saltandsmokebbq.com/catering, and our catering team will be in touch!

How far in advance should I book?
The sooner the better, especially for weddings. For smaller events and office catering, reach out, and we’ll let you know what’s available. We do need 48 hours in advance before any event, though.

Ready to get your catering on? Order Catering | Request a Custom Event Quote