Planning an event in Houston? Mexican catering is one of the most crowd-pleasing options out there. From corporate lunches to wedding receptions, the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine bring people together like nothing else. After catering over 500 events, we've learned what works - and what doesn't. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Choose Mexican Catering?
Mexican food is uniquely suited for catering. Here's why it consistently ranks among the most requested cuisines for events in Houston:
- Universal appeal: From kids to adults, almost everyone loves Mexican food. It's familiar yet exciting.
- Built-in variety: A Mexican menu naturally offers options for every dietary need - vegetarian, gluten-free, and protein-heavy options are all part of traditional cuisine.
- Interactive options: Taco bars and fajita stations add an element of fun and customization that guests love.
- Cost-effective: Mexican catering often provides more bang for your buck compared to other cuisines.
- Travels well: Properly packaged Mexican food maintains its quality during transport and setup.
Types of Mexican Catering Services
Understanding the different service styles helps you choose what's right for your event:
1. Full-Service Catering
Best for: Weddings, galas, corporate events, formal gatherings
Full-service catering includes everything - professional staff to set up, serve, and clean up. Your guests are treated to a restaurant-quality experience without lifting a finger. This is the premium option and includes:
- Dedicated event coordinator
- Uniformed serving staff
- Complete setup and breakdown
- All serving equipment and chafing dishes
- Optional linen and decor packages
Typical cost: $30-50 per person (50+ guest minimum)
2. Drop-Off Catering
Best for: Office lunches, casual parties, small gatherings
We deliver, set up the food, and leave you to enjoy. It's the budget-friendly option that still delivers quality. Perfect when you have your own space and don't need servers. Includes:
- Delivery to your location
- Basic setup assistance
- Disposable serving ware and utensils
- Reheating instructions (if needed)
Typical cost: $15-25 per person (20+ guest minimum)
3. Taco Bar / Food Station
Best for: Casual events, outdoor parties, team building
The most fun and interactive option! Guests build their own tacos from a spread of proteins, toppings, and salsas. Can be staffed or self-serve. Includes:
- Multiple protein options
- Fresh toppings and salsas
- Warm tortillas (corn and flour)
- Optional: Dedicated taco maker for an authentic touch
Typical cost: $18-30 per person depending on proteins selected
Planning Your Menu
The key to a successful catering menu is balance. Here's how to build a crowd-pleasing spread:
Appetizers & Starters
Plan for about 4-6 pieces per person if appetizers are followed by a main meal:
- Chips, salsa, and guacamole (the essentials!)
- Queso fundido (melted cheese dip)
- Mini taquitos or flautas
- Elote bites (street corn)
- Empanadas
Main Course Options
For sit-down meals, plan 8-10 oz of protein per person. For buffets and taco bars, plan slightly less as guests tend to graze:
Sides & Accompaniments
Don't forget the supporting cast:
- Mexican rice (arroz rojo)
- Refried beans or black beans
- Tortillas (both corn and flour)
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Cheese (shredded and queso fresco)
Pro Planning Tips
- Ask about dietary needs: Always get a count of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests in advance.
- Consider the crowd: A corporate lunch needs different portion sizes than a party where alcohol is served.
- Plan for extras: Order 10-15% more than your guest count - people always eat more Mexican food than they expect!
- Don't forget dessert: Churros, flan, and tres leches are crowd favorites.
Budgeting for Mexican Catering
Understanding typical costs helps you plan realistically. Here's what to expect in the Houston market:
| Service Type | Price Range (per person) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-Off (Basic) | $15-20 | 2 proteins, rice, beans, tortillas, salsa |
| Drop-Off (Premium) | $22-28 | 3 proteins, appetizers, sides, dessert |
| Taco Bar (Self-Serve) | $18-25 | Multiple proteins, toppings, setup |
| Taco Bar (Staffed) | $25-35 | Above + server for 3-4 hours |
| Full-Service | $35-50+ | Complete service, staff, setup, cleanup |
Additional costs to consider:
- Delivery fee (typically $50-150 depending on distance)
- Server gratuity (15-20% customary)
- Equipment rental (tables, linens, plates)
- Bar service (if adding beverages)
Choosing the Right Caterer
Not all caterers are created equal. Here's what to look for:
Questions to Ask
- "How long have you been catering events?" - Experience matters. Look for at least 3-5 years of dedicated catering experience.
- "Can I taste the food before booking?" - Reputable caterers offer tastings for large events.
- "Do you have insurance and permits?" - Essential for protecting your event.
- "How far in advance do I need to book?" - Popular caterers book up, especially for weekends.
- "What's your backup plan?" - Good caterers have contingencies for equipment failures or last-minute changes.
Red Flags to Avoid
- No written contract or vague pricing
- Unwilling to provide references
- No insurance or health department certifications
- Extremely low prices (you get what you pay for)
- Poor communication or slow response times
Timeline: Planning Your Catered Event
Here's a helpful timeline for planning your catered event:
Research caterers, request quotes, schedule tastings
Book your caterer, sign contract, pay deposit
Finalize guest count, confirm menu, discuss logistics
Final headcount to caterer, confirm delivery/setup time
Caterer arrives 1-2 hours early for setup
Special Considerations
Outdoor Events
Houston weather can be unpredictable. For outdoor catering:
- Have a backup indoor location or tent
- Consider timing (avoid 12-3pm in summer)
- Ensure caterer has proper food warming/cooling equipment
- Plan for bugs - covered dishes and screens help
Large Events (200+ guests)
- Book earlier - at least 8-12 weeks in advance
- Consider multiple food stations to reduce lines
- Discuss plated vs. buffet service
- Plan for staging area and staff break space
Why MEXICANO for Your Next Event?
At MEXICANO, we've been catering Houston events for over 15 years. Here's what sets us apart:
- Authentic recipes: Three generations of family recipes, not generic "Mexican" food
- Fresh ingredients: We prep fresh daily - nothing sits in a warmer for hours
- Experienced team: Our catering coordinators have handled 500+ events
- Flexible options: From 20-person office lunches to 300-guest weddings
- Houston local: We know the venues, the traffic, and the community
Ready to Plan Your Event?
Let MEXICANO make your next event delicious and memorable. Contact us for a free consultation and custom quote.