Did you know?
thaca is famous for its stunning gorges and the legendary “Ithaca Is Gorges” motto celebrating nature, community, and creativity. Inspired by that local charm, Bites By Braxtons blends culinary artistry and warm hospitality to craft events as unique and vibrant as Ithaca itself.
Where Flavor Meets Comfort in Ithaca, NY
At Bites By Braxtons, every meal is more than food it’s an experience. Whether it’s an intimate backyard party in Fall Creek, a wedding overlooking Cayuga Lake, or a corporate retreat near Cornell University, our catering and event management services bring together local flavor and flawless coordination.
We specialize in small catering services, garden catering, and event catering near Ithaca. From Thanksgiving catering and holiday dinners to corporate luncheons and outdoor BBQs, we make every occasion tasteful and stress-free.
About Bites by Braxtons
Bites By Braxtons began with a simple vision to serve handcrafted dishes made with love and to create events that people remember for a lifetime. Over the years, we’ve become one of the best catering and event planning companies in New York, known for our reliability, creativity, and authentic flavors.
Our philosophy? Great food and good company make magic. From wedding catering services to corporate event management, our team ensures every detail from the menu to the presentation is perfect. Whether you’re planning a celebration downtown or by the lakeshore, our passion for food and people shines through every plate.
Our Signature Menu
Buffet/ Plated
Our buffet catering and plated meals are designed for comfort, elegance, and choice. Think herb-roasted chicken, lemon butter salmon, and grilled vegetables — all crafted for memorable dining. We’re trusted by locals for full-service catering near Ithaca, serving everything from casual brunches to black-tie receptions.
- Sweet & Sour Chicken:
Crispy chicken glazed in a tangy sweet sauce. - Grilled Chicken Breasts with Onions & Peppers:
Juicy grilled chicken topped with sautéed onions and peppers. - Southern Fried Chicken:
Golden fried chicken seasoned with classic Southern spices. - Caribbean Jerk Chicken:
Spicy, smoky jerk-marinated chicken grilled to perfection. - Lemon Chicken Francaise:
Add a Lightly battered chicken in a lemon butter wine sauce. - Chicken Marsala:
Sautéed chicken breast in a rich mushroom marsala wine sauce.
Appetizers & Stations
Start strong with our chef-inspired appetizers and grazing stations from mini seafood sliders to charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses and fruits. Our seafood catering services and party food catering bring color, freshness, and excitement to every table.
- Mini Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions:
Juicy mini burgers topped with sweet caramelized onions - Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw:
Slow-cooked pulled pork with tangy slaw on mini buns - Mini Empanadas (Beef or Chicken):
Flaky pastry pockets filled with seasoned beef or chicken - Mini Meatballs:
Tender meatballs glazed in savory sauce - Cocktail Patties (Chicken, Beef, Vegetable):
Caribbean-style flaky patties with flavorful fillings
Desserts & Sweets
Our dessert selection transforms events into celebrations. From rich chocolate mousse to mini cheesecakes, every bite is made in-house with love. Perfect for wedding catering services, holiday parties, or corporate gatherings, our sweets are as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Banana Pudding Cups:
Southern-style banana pudding layered with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers - Mini Red Velvet Bites:
Moist red velvet cake with a sweet cream cheese frosting - Mini Cheesecake Bites:
Creamy cheesecake in bite-sized portions with assorted toppings - Assorted Cookies:
A variety of classic favorites — chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and more
Clam Bakes / BBQs / Picnics
Summer in Ithaca is meant for outdoor feasts and our clambake and BBQ catering captures that spirit perfectly. Enjoy grilled shrimp skewers, BBQ ribs, or classic picnic sides. Whether it’s a casual catering event or garden party, our BBQ setups deliver comfort food with a gourmet twist.
- Hot Dogs:
Grilled all-beef hot dogs served with classic toppings - Hamburgers:
Juicy grilled beef burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese options - BBQ Pork or Beef Ribs:
Fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed in our signature smoky BBQ sauce - Pulled Pork Barbecue (Southern or Southwest Style):
Slow-cooked pulled pork, seasoned Southern-style or with a Southwest twist - Grilled Sausage:
Flavorful links grilled to smoky perfection - Barbecue Beef Top Round on Spit:
Slow-roasted beef top round, juicy and carved on-site
Braxton’s Kitchen Hacks !
Looking to bring some of the Braxtons magic into your own kitchen? Here are a few tips straight from our chefs:
- Citrus Brightness:
Add a squeeze of lemon at the end of cooking it enhances flavors instantly, especially for seafood and vegetables. - Perfect Pasta:
Salt your pasta water generously it’s your first chance to season the dish properly and make the flavor shine. - Sweet Grill Trick:
Brush a bit of honey on grilled meats or veggies before removing from heat for a caramelized finish a Braxtons favorite in our BBQ catering menu.
Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. With these small touches, even everyday meals can feel like catered celebrations the Braxtons way.
Our Catering Packages
Events & Private Dining
From intimate dinners to community festivals, our event catering services near Ithaca are tailored to fit your occasion. Whether hosting a small garden party, graduation celebration, or outdoor picnic, we combine local ingredients, creative menus, and seamless service to create events guests never forget.
Corporate Catering
When businesses in Ithaca from startups to Cornell departments need professional corporate event management, they trust us. We deliver fresh, balanced menus for meetings, galas, and employee retreats. Our full-service event planning company ensures every corporate occasion feels polished, timely, and enjoyable.
Wedding Events Catering
Your love story deserves a perfect setting. Our wedding planners and coordinators specialize in stress-free, elegant weddings across Ithaca and Tompkins County. From lakeside ceremonies to vineyard receptions, we customize every detail menu, décor, and logistics making us one of the best affordable wedding planners and luxury event planners in the area.
BBQ Food Truck Catering
Want something trendy and fun? Our BBQ and food truck catering brings that outdoor excitement right to your venue. Perfect for college gatherings, festival and fair planning, or neighborhood block parties. From fish catering to vegan options, it’s a modern twist on traditional comfort food.
FAQs for Bites by Braxtons Catering & Event Planning Services
Do you cater for events near Cornell University or Cayuga Lake?
Yes! We provide event catering services for venues near Cornell, Ithaca College, and lakeside locations. Whether it’s a corporate retreat, wedding, or private party, we tailor our menus and setups to suit each unique venue.
Can you handle small and large-scale events alike?
Absolutely. From small event planning to large-scale event management, we have the staff and resources to deliver seamless experiences, no matter the size.
Do you offer vegan or vegetarian menus?
Yes, our vegan catering services are a customer favorite! We use seasonal produce and creative recipes to craft plant-based dishes that everyone loves.
What does your full-service event planning include?
Our full-service event planning covers everything catering, setup, décor, staffing, and coordination. We manage logistics so you can enjoy the celebration worry-free.
Can you assist with themed or outdoor events?
Of course! We specialize in outdoor event planning and themed event management. Whether it’s a lakeside BBQ, graduation party, or holiday event, we bring your vision to life with flair.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
That’s the Braxton way.
At Bites By Braxtons, food and celebration go hand in hand. From garden catering near Ithaca to corporate events and luxury weddings, our goal is to make every event personal, flavorful, and unforgettable.Whether you’re planning a birthday, graduation, or corporate gala, our friendly, professional team will take care of everything leaving you free to relax, enjoy, and savor the moment.
If you’re searching for top-rated catering and event management near Ithaca, NY, reach out today. Because when you choose Bites By Braxtons, every meal becomes a memory.