Did You Know?
Locals can’t stop talking about Jerry & the Mermaid — a Riverhead favorite known for its buttery lobster rolls and fresh-caught clams. We might not serve that exact dish, but our love for seafood is fueled by the same coastal spirit and hometown flavors that make places like theirs so special.
Where Flavor Meets Comfort in Riverhead, NY
Riverhead, NY sits at the heart of Long Island’s East End—a crossroads of vineyards, North Fork farms, and shoreline traditions. Locals know the taste of fresh seafood, orchard-grown apples, and dinners by the Peconic River. Here, we believe food should feel like home—and we built Bites By Braxtons to bring that same sense of place to events. As one of the trusted caterers and catering services Riverhead, NY, we combine heartfelt service with irresistible menus that reflect this region’s bounty.
About Bites by Braxtons
From cozy family dinners to full-scale weddings, our story began with a small kitchen and a big dream. Over time, we evolved into a full-service caterer Riverhead, NY, serving everything from backyard BBQs to corporate galas.
At our core is a simple promise: treat your event like it’s ours. We tailor menus to your tastes, manage staffing, venue setup, and timing—and show up with steady smiles. Many refer to us as the best catering service Riverhead, NY, and we aim to keep earning that trust through excellence, warmth, and local flavor.
Our Signature Menu
Buffet/ Plated
Choose buffet for convivial variety, or plated service for a more formal touch. Our buffet options include carved brisket, seasonal vegetables, grain salads, artisanal breads, and local greens. For plated dinners, expect entrees like herb-crusted chicken breast, seared local striped bass, or roasted vegetable lasagna. Whether for a 50-guest dinner or catering services for large events Riverhead, NY, our setups combine elegance and flexibility.
- 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
Appetizers set the tone, and ours never disappoint. Think mini crab cakes, scallop ceviche shooters, bruschetta bar, slider stations, or fresh sushi rolls. These party food catering services are part of our event catering services Riverhead, NY offering and include seafood catering services with fish-forward bites built in. Guests love passing plates while mingling, and we manage it seamlessly.
- 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
Sweetness is an art. We offer bite-size cheesecake bites, chocolate mousse cups, fruit tarts, macarons, and dessert bars. In holiday seasons, we create special menus for catering for thanksgiving or Christmas dinner near me with pumpkin pies, yule logs, and festive confections. Dessert is our chance to surprise—and we never miss.
- Chocolate Fountain Station:
Flowing chocolate fondue paired with fruits, marshmallows, pretzels, and cookies for dipping - Assorted Mini Dessert Station:
An elegant display of mini desserts: cupcakes, parfaits, mini cheesecakes, tartlets, and petit fours - Plated Desserts:
Formal plated options including molten lava cakes, lemon tarts, and cheesecake slices — perfect for upscale dinners. - Wedding or Birthday Cake (Sliced Service):
Custom slicing and plating service for your provided cake
Clam Bakes / BBQs / Picnics
For events embraced by sunshine and fresh air, our clambake and BBQ catering menus shine. Expect smoky ribs, grilled shrimp, corn-on-the-cob, cole slaw, and vibrant sides. People often mention us as best bbq catering Riverhead, NY or best fish catering services near me when planning outdoor gatherings. Matched with a garden catering menu, these menus deliver flavor and fun in open-air settings.
- 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:
- Herb butter cubes
Chop fresh herbs and mix with butter, then freeze in small cubes. Drop one on hot meat or vegetables for instant flavor. - Salt your roasting pan, not just the food
A light sprinkle of coarse salt in the bottom of the pan helps draw out juices and amplify browning. - Dry your greens before dressing
Wet lettuce or kale dilutes dressing. Spin-dry or pat dry first, then toss for crisp flavor retention.
We share these because food should not just wow guests—it should make your own cooking easier and more satisfying.
Our Catering Packages
Events & Private Dining
From intimate birthday dinners to casual cocktail gatherings, our small catering services adapt to your vision. Whether you prefer casual catering or a more refined plated style, our garden catering services are perfect for outdoor venues, backyards, or riverside patios. We’ll deliver excellent service without frills that feel forced.
Corporate Catering
Elevate your meetings, lunches, and corporate galas with our corporate event catering services Riverhead, NY. Boxed lunches, buffet spreads, plated dinners, or cocktail receptions—we handle menu logistics, staff, and setup. Our full service event planning company approach ensures your business shines through food and presentation.
Wedding Events Catering
Your wedding deserves more than just food—it deserves narrative. As wedding planners Riverhead, NY and caterers, we guide you through tastings, menu design, service, and timeline management. Our wedding catering services range from romantic plated dinners to creative food stations, dessert bars, and late-night bites. Couples often refer to us among the best wedding caterers Riverhead, NY and best event planners for our blend of vision and practicality.
BBQ Food Truck Catering
Bring the feast directly to your guests. Our BBQ food truck catering is ideal for outdoor events, casual weddings, block parties, or festivals. Serving smoked meats, sides, and fan-favorite sauces, it’s often sought as top rated catering services near me Riverhead, NY for its laid-back flair and delicious flexibility.
FAQs for Bites by Braxtons Catering & Event Planning Services
Can you cater at local Riverhead venues like the Peconic River waterfront or vineyards?
Yes! We’ve catered weddings, charity galas, and community celebrations at waterfront parks and winery sites. Our event management Riverhead, NY team handles permits, site logistics, power, and setup so your guests enjoy only beautiful flavor and smooth execution.
Do you offer vegan, kosher, or seafood-only menus?
Absolutely. We offer vegan catering services, kosher-compliant menus, and robust seafood catering services. Many request us for best Seafood catering near me Riverhead, NY for shrimp, scallops, oysters, and fish mains. We tailor menus to your dietary needs with care and creativity.
Do you manage prom or school event dinners?
Yes. Our prom catering Riverhead, NY and prom event management Riverhead, NY include themed décor, plated or station food, dessert bars, and full support. We aim for stylish, safe, and memorable school celebrations across the region.
Do you cater holiday and seasonal events?
Definitely. We craft menus for catering for thanksgiving, winter holiday parties, and Christmas dinner near me packages—complete with seasonal décor, menu, and service. Our clients trust us to make every celebration feel special.
How many guests can you handle?
From intimate dinners to gala ballrooms, we scale. Whether you’re planning catering services for large events Riverhead, NY or smaller groups, we bring staff, kitchens, and planning to support your guest count—comfortably and confidently.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
That’s the Braxton way.
At Bites By Braxtons, food is more than fuel—it’s connection, memory, and joy. Whether your event is a wedding, corporate gala, BBQ, or prom, we bring food that feels personal, service that feels thoughtful, and flavor that feels local. We take pride in being among the best catering services Riverhead, NY and your go-to for lasting moments.
Let’s make your next event unforgettable. Reach out—because your guests deserve food they’ll talk about.