Day at the Beach BBQ

Day at the Beach BBQ Catering

When New Yorkers picture a beach BBQ, they often imagine crashing waves, grilled favorites, and relaxed, sun-soaked moments. At Gotham Catering and Events, we elevate that idea into something more curated—an elegant, seasonal experience that captures the carefree spirit of the shore without compromising on quality or sophistication. Whether you're hosting on a rooftop in Tribeca, a private terrace in the Hamptons, or a secluded corner of Fort Tilden, our beach-themed catering brings the right balance of breezy charm and thoughtful detail.

Our approach to a Day at the Beach BBQ isn’t about re-creating a backyard cookout. It’s about crafting an experience where the food, setting, and service come together with intention. Our chefs work with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to build a coastal-inspired menu that’s light, flavorful, and fresh off the grill. From drop-off service to fully staffed events, we design each element to match your venue and your vision.

We specialize in creating events that feel effortless for the client but show great care behind the scenes. That includes dietary flexibility—vegan, gluten-free, kosher-style options—as well as styling details that evoke the beach without going overboard. Think warm wood tones, soft linens, sea-glass colors, and a soundtrack that gently leans into the rhythm of summer.

Day at the Beach BBQ Catering Menu

Chef-Attended Luxury Beach Grill Experience

Pricing

$49.95 per guest – One Grill Entrée
$59.95 per guest – Two Grill Entrées
$69.95 per guest – Three Grill Entrées
Includes two passed hors d’oeuvres, two sides, one salad, artisan bread, sliced fruit, one beverage, and dessert.

Appetizers

• Crab Fritters with Spicy Citrus Aioli
• Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Glaze
• Yellowfin Tuna Rolls with Wasabi and Pickled Ginger
• Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with House Horseradish Sauce
• Conch Wontons with Hoisin Drizzle (Power Source Required)

Live Grill Entrées

• Grilled Prime Rib of Beef
• Grilled Catch of the Day with Citrus Pepper Seasoning
• Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Thai-Style Sweet Chili Chicken
• Hickory-Smoked Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Shrimp
• Slow-Grilled Pork Spareribs with Signature BBQ Sauce
• Jamaican-Spiced Pork Chops
• Grilled Chili Shrimp
• Grilled Lobster with Lemon Garlic Butter (Seasonal Availability)
• Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Island-Inspired Sides

• Sweet Corn on the Cob
• Island Peas ’N’ Rice
• Classic American Potato Salad
• Curried Pasta & Pineapple Salad
• Fresh Mango Salsa with Artisan Tortilla Chips
• Fire-Roasted Tomato Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Salads

• Classic Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons
• Market Greens with Basil Vinaigrette
• Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad

Artisan Breads

• Herb Focaccia with Whipped Butter

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie with Fresh Fruit Garnish
• Seasonal Fruit Brochettes
• Rum & Chocolate Baked Bananas

Beverage Add-Ons

• Tropical Citrus Punch
• Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade
• Iced Tea with Lemon
• Still & Sparkling Bottled Water

Service Options

• Luxury chef-attended grill stations
• Full-service event staffing and production
• Upscale buffet presentation and branded activations

Customization & Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian and plant-forward selections available
• Gluten-free accommodations available upon request
• Custom menu development for branded and experiential events
• Minimum order: 25 guests

Day at the Beach BBQ Catering Menu

Corporate Drop-Off Beach BBQ Experience

Pricing

$34.95 per guest – One Entrée
$39.95 per guest – Two Entrées
$44.95 per guest – Three Entrées
Includes one appetizer, two sides, one salad, artisan bread, sliced fruit, and dessert.

Appetizers

• Chilled Shrimp Cocktail Platter with House Horseradish Sauce (+$3)
• Crab Fritters with Spicy Citrus Aioli
• Tuna Roll Platter with Pickled Ginger and Wasabi (Optional)

Entrées

• Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Thai-Style Sweet Chili Chicken
• Slow-Grilled BBQ Pork Spareribs with Signature Smoky Sauce
• Grilled Catch of the Day with Citrus Pepper Seasoning
• Grilled Chili Shrimp
• Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Skewers

Sides

• Sweet Corn on the Cob
• Classic American Potato Salad
• Island-Style Peas ’N’ Rice
• Curried Pasta & Pineapple Salad
• Fresh Mango Salsa with Artisan Tortilla Chips
• Fire-Roasted Tomato Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Salads

• Classic Caesar Salad
• Market Greens with Basil Vinaigrette
• Heirloom Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad

Artisan Breads

• Herb Focaccia with Whipped Butter

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie Squares
• Seasonal Fruit Brochettes
• Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookie Platter

Beverage Add-Ons

• Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade
• Iced Tea with Lemon
• Still Bottled Water

Service Notes

• Executive corporate drop-off catering
• Premium packaging for outdoor and destination events
• Designed for efficient service and guest flow
• Minimum order: 20 guests

Designing the Atmosphere

Every successful event begins with the right environment. Our beach BBQ catering setups are built to suit a variety of locations—urban rooftops, hidden gardens, coastal venues—and our design team ensures every element feels intentional. For laid-back gatherings, we blend the ease of open-air dining with curated details like reclaimed wood stations, sea-inspired florals, and thoughtful lighting. For a more playful spin, clients often incorporate nostalgic elements from our Carnival Theme Catering NYC, adding a layer of fun that still feels polished.

Customization is where Gotham excels. Our themed catering offerings allow you to build the mood you want, whether it's beach chic or casually coastal. Our design is never formulaic—we listen, interpret, and execute based on the specific character of your event. Want a pop of color or a bold visual element? Our LGBTQ+ theme catering infuses events with pride, vibrancy, and authenticity, especially during summer celebrations where expression is key.

Flavors That Reflect the Season

What sets our beach BBQs apart is our focus on ingredients. We believe a summer event should taste like the season it celebrates. That means ripe produce, crisp herbs, citrus marinades, and responsibly sourced proteins. Our culinary team draws inspiration from coastal cuisines, building menus that are both satisfying and refined. A good example of this approach is seen in our Southwest BBQ theme, where bold spices meet balanced preparations to deliver heat, flavor, and a touch of smokiness without overwhelming the palate.

We also embrace international flavors that complement the setting. A Brazilian BBQ buffet lends itself beautifully to beachside dining, with juicy skewers, vibrant sauces, and sides that hold their freshness in the heat. When combined with an open-air layout, it feels as authentic as a coastal celebration abroad.

For those who prefer an interactive setup, our BBQ station offers a dynamic solution. Guests can move at their own pace, build their own plates, and enjoy a menu that evolves as the event flows. It's particularly useful for beach-style events, where people often mix, move, and return for seconds in a relaxed rhythm.

Layered Themes and Global Pairings

Our beach BBQs can stand alone, but they're also easily paired with other themes to create a more personalized experience. Many clients like to blend their Day at the Beach with a global influence, such as our Hawaiian Luau Catering or Greek Theme Catering. These bring in ingredients and styling from island and Mediterranean traditions—grilled pineapple, feta-studded salads, citrus-glazed seafood—without overpowering the simplicity of a beach day menu.

For a park-friendly variation that still captures outdoor ease, many clients turn to our Picnic Theme Catering. This allows for a casual setup with full-service feel, making it ideal for Central Park or Prospect Park events. And for clients hosting in the city who want to layer in local flair, our New York Theme Catering adds an urban identity to your coastal mood—bridging the vibe between sand and skyline.

Unexpected Details and Signature Touches

What gives these events staying power in memory is often the detail. A pretzel machine in the corner offering warm, salty bites. A popcorn machine releasing the scent of freshly popped kernels into the summer air. Or hot dog carts styled with retro charm, serving topped dogs with flair. These are the elements that turn a well-planned event into a remembered one.

We also see clients extend the event's life into the evening by shifting the theme. For example, you might start with a relaxed beach BBQ, then transition into a formal seated dinner with help from our Italian Feast or the cinematic flair of The Godfather theme. Each course builds on the last, evolving the experience from casual to composed as the light changes and the evening deepens.

For a bold twist, clients sometimes incorporate Eastern elements. Our Asian Fusion or China Express themes offer fresh flavor profiles that are well suited to summer—ginger glazes, sesame noodles, grilled satays. These can be woven into a beach BBQ to expand the menu and give guests a sense of culinary travel without leaving the coast.

Seamless Execution with a Bespoke Touch

While the aesthetic of a beach BBQ might feel casual, the execution behind it is anything but. At Gotham Catering and Events, we take care of every detail so our clients can remain focused on the experience. Whether it’s a fully staffed event with on-site grilling or a streamlined drop-off with complete setup, we deliver each element with precision, punctuality, and polish.

Our clients range from private individuals to major brands, and while their event goals vary, their expectations remain high. That’s why we offer flexible formats—from chef-attended live stations to beautifully packaged drop-offs for easy self-serve events. Everything arrives fresh, carefully labeled, and ready to enjoy. And because we know outdoor venues can present unique challenges, our team comes equipped with the logistics, equipment, and foresight to adapt seamlessly in the moment.

Sustainability is another consideration that informs our service. We prioritize eco-conscious materials and source from local vendors whenever possible. Our beach-themed events often make use of biodegradable serveware, compostable utensils, and re-usable service elements that balance form and function without creating unnecessary waste.

Drop-Off Service, Elevated

Not every event requires a full crew on-site. For smaller gatherings or budget-conscious clients who still want a curated feel, our drop-off catering brings the Gotham standard to any setting. Meals are prepared to order, packaged for optimal freshness, and delivered in insulated containers with clear presentation notes. We include thoughtful touches like garnishes, signage, and layout suggestions to ensure everything feels styled—even when it’s self-serve.

This format is especially popular for casual rooftop parties, office celebrations, and private family gatherings at outdoor venues. It allows clients to offer high-quality, visually appealing food without the overhead of a full service team. And because the menus are entirely customizable, they reflect the same level of care as our staffed events. Whether it’s citrus-marinated seafood or smoky vegan skewers, everything is prepared fresh and timed for optimal flavor on arrival. One of the greatest strengths of the Day at the Beach BBQ theme is its flexibility. It’s as fitting for a corporate send-off as it is for an engagement party. It can be casual or refined, compact or expansive. And thanks to Gotham’s robust suite of culinary themes, it can be paired, layered, or built into something even bigger.

Our French Connection offers a soft, sophisticated complement to the beach aesthetic, with elements like rosé spritzers, charcuterie boards, and delicate pastries that suit sunset receptions. For a more theatrical approach, clients often combine coastal dining with our The Godfather theme—especially during dinner transitions where plated service or family-style presentations are desired.

By combining themes, menus, and service formats, we can help each client tell a unique story through their event. It might begin with a surf-inspired menu and drift into a twilight cocktail hour featuring regional flavors from Italy, Greece, or Brazil. Or it might stay focused on Americana classics—elevated with Gotham's signature touch and served from a sleek BBQ Station that keeps the vibe flowing and the guests engaged.

The Beach BBQ Experience

At its heart, the Day at the Beach BBQ is about creating a moment that feels immersive, transportive, and completely your own. We bring together culinary creativity, event design, and seamless service to help you host with ease and confidence. Our commitment to locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus, and inclusive offerings ensures that everyone at your event feels seen, welcomed, and well-fed.

Whether you’re envisioning surfboards and sangria or sand-hued linens and citrus-glazed entrées, we’re here to bring it to life—with elegance, intention, and a deep respect for the details. With Gotham Catering and Events, the beach isn’t just a place—it’s a mood, a memory, and a state of mind we’re proud to help you create.