Catering

Catering by Michaels

6203 Park Ave, Chicago, IL

About Catering by Michaels

Catering by Michaels is a catering service located at 6203 Park Ave in Chicago, serving customers across the area with meal solutions for various occasions. The team is available to discuss your event needs Monday through Friday, with extended hours Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday morning hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They're closed Sundays. Known for clear communication with clients, Catering by Michaels works to understand your vision and deliver quality service. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, they're worth considering when comparing catering providers. Reach out at +1 847-966-6555 or visit http://cateringbymichaels.com/ to learn more about their menu options and discuss your upcoming event.

Services offered

  • Cocktail hour and appetizer service for receptions, networking events, and pre-dinner gatherings
  • Full-service dinner catering with plated, buffet, or family-style service options
  • Weekend and evening event catering with special attention to Saturday availability and coordination
  • Bar service and beverage management for events requiring alcohol service and drink station setup
  • Large-scale event catering for 100+ guest celebrations, weddings, and community functions

Planner's guide

Best For: Corporate lunch meetings and business events, intimate dinner parties and small gatherings, wedding receptions and celebration dinners, community events and fundraisers

What planners usually like:

  • Direct communication with the catering team allows you to customize menus based on dietary restrictions, preferences, and event themes rather than selecting from rigid packages
  • Flexible scheduling with extended weekday hours (8:30 AM–5:30 PM Tuesday–Friday) makes it easier to discuss event details and coordinate logistics without rushed conversations
  • Local Chicago presence means the vendor understands regional preferences, can accommodate last-minute adjustments, and provides reliable on-time service without long-distance coordination challenges
  • Willingness to work with various event sizes means you're not forced into minimum guest counts that don't fit your actual needs

Things to clarify before booking:

  • Confirm whether pricing includes service staff, equipment rental (tables, linens, serving pieces), and setup/breakdown, as these significantly impact your total event budget
  • Ask about menu customization options, dietary accommodations (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free), and whether they source locally or have supplier preferences
  • Discuss their capacity limits—specifically the maximum guest count they can serve and whether they have kitchen facilities or work exclusively with client-provided venues
  • Verify their cancellation and payment policies, deposit requirements, and timeline expectations for menu finalization and headcount confirmation

Common questions

How far in advance should I book with Catering by Michaels for my event?

While specific lead times aren't listed, contacting them directly at +1 847-966-6555 during business hours will clarify their booking calendar. Most catering services in Chicago recommend 2–4 weeks notice for standard events, though they may accommodate rush bookings depending on their current schedule. Saturday bookings tend to fill quickly, so earlier contact is advisable.

Do they provide staff to serve and clean up, or is that an additional cost?

This is a critical detail you must confirm directly with them, as service staff can add 30–50% to your total catering cost. Ask whether their quoted price includes servers, bartenders, and cleanup crew, or if these are optional add-ons you need to budget separately.

What menu options are available, and can they accommodate dietary restrictions?

You'll need to visit their website at http://cateringbymichaels.com/ or call to review current menu offerings. Most Chicago catering services offer customizable menus and can accommodate common dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies), but confirming their specific expertise and advance notice requirements prevents complications closer to your event date.

Are there minimum guest counts, and what's their maximum capacity?

Contact them directly to discuss your specific event size. Some caterers have 25–50 person minimums, while others work with smaller groups. Knowing their capacity ceiling also helps if you're planning to expand your event or considering them for future larger occasions.

How is pricing structured—is it per person, per dish, or a flat rate?

Catering pricing models vary widely (per-person, tiered packages, custom quotes). Getting a clear pricing breakdown during your initial conversation prevents surprises and allows you to compare their costs fairly against other vendors in the Chicago area.

Can they work with my venue, or do they require specific locations?

Ask whether they deliver to your chosen venue, have preferred partnerships, or restrictions on where they can operate. Some caterers work exclusively at partner venues, while others are fully mobile—this directly affects your venue selection flexibility.

Hours

Monday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Contact

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