Catering

Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc.

444 W Lake St STE 1700, Chicago, IL

About Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc.

Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc. serves customers across Chicago with comprehensive catering services for a variety of occasions. Located at 444 W Lake St STE 1700, they work with event planners and hosts to create customized dining experiences. The team is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it easy to coordinate your catering needs during standard business hours.

With a focus on reliability and clear communication, Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc. brings culinary expertise to local events. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, they offer personalized service tailored to your vision and budget. Reach out at +1 773-801-1055 or visit http://www.outsidethebox.catering/ to discuss your upcoming event and explore menu options. They're a practical option worth considering when comparing catering providers in the Chicago area.

Services offered

  • Custom menu development tailored to event theme, dietary needs, and budget parameters
  • Corporate catering for business lunches, meetings, and executive events
  • Wedding catering including rehearsal dinners, receptions, and bridal shower service
  • Full-service event staffing including servers, bartenders, and kitchen assistants
  • Food preparation and delivery to Chicago-area venues
  • On-site setup, plating, and table service management
  • Private party catering for intimate gatherings and milestone celebrations
  • Non-profit gala and fundraiser catering packages
  • Bar and beverage service coordination including cash or hosted bar options
  • Rental coordination including linens, serviceware, and specialty equipment
  • Day-of event coordination and timeline management
  • Menu tasting appointments to preview dishes before final booking

Planner's guide

PART 1: PLANNER INSIGHT

Best For: Corporate luncheons and business meetings, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, private parties and intimate gatherings, non-profit galas and fundraising events

What planners usually like:

  • Direct communication with the catering team during business hours (Monday-Friday) allows for real-time coordination and quick decision-making on menu adjustments
  • Customized dining experiences mean the vendor works with your specific vision rather than forcing clients into preset packages
  • Local Chicago-based operation reduces logistics complexity and allows for easier site visits to coordinate service details before your event
  • Full-service event capabilities suggest they handle both food and event coordination, potentially reducing the number of vendors you need to manage

Things to clarify before booking:

  • Request a detailed breakdown of what "contact for pricing" actually includes—ask about per-person minimums, service charges, rental fees, and whether gratuity is included or separate
  • Confirm their capacity limits and whether they have in-house kitchen facilities or if they prepare food off-site and transport it to your venue
  • Discuss timeline specifics: how far in advance do they need final headcounts, what is their cancellation/modification policy, and do they offer tastings before booking
  • Verify whether they provide staffing, table setup, and cleanup as part of their service, or if these are additional costs

Common questions

What should I ask about menu customization options when contacting Outside the Box Catering?

Request to see sample menus or ask if they accommodate specific dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergens). Also clarify whether they offer a set number of menu options at different price points or if every menu is fully custom-built. Ask if they have seasonal offerings or signature dishes that work well for large events.

How should I plan my timeline if I'm booking with a caterer that operates Monday-Friday only?

Since Outside the Box Catering closes weekends, schedule your initial consultation and menu tasting during business hours well in advance—ideally 4-6 weeks before your event. For weekend events, confirm they can deliver and set up on Friday evening or Saturday morning, and discuss any additional fees for off-hours service if applicable.

What questions should I ask about service staff and setup when contacting a Chicago caterer?

Ask whether servers, bartenders, and setup crew are included in their pricing or billed separately at an hourly rate. Clarify what they provide (linens, plates, glassware) versus what your venue supplies. Also confirm they'll conduct a site visit to assess kitchen access, table placement, and logistical details specific to your venue.

How do I evaluate value when a caterer says "contact for pricing"?

Request pricing for a specific guest count and menu level so you can compare apples-to-apples across vendors. Ask if they have package tiers (bronze/silver/gold) or if pricing is entirely à la carte. Request references from similar events (size and type) to understand what clients actually paid and their satisfaction level.

What should I know about working with a full-service events company versus a catering-only vendor?

Since Outside the Box Catering and Events Inc. includes "Events" in their name, ask specifically what additional services beyond food they provide—this could include event planning, day-of coordination, rentals, or décor. This could streamline your vendor list, but clarify whether these services are bundled or charged separately.

What contingency questions should I ask about food delivery and setup timing?

Confirm their exact arrival time on event day, whether they need kitchen access for warming/plating, and what happens if your venue timeline shifts. Ask about their backup plan if equipment fails and whether they've worked at your specific venue before (they may already know its layout and limitations).

Hours

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

Contact

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