Best BBQ catering in Orlando
This list covers Orlando businesses where BBQ catering is a core, advertised service, not a side offering from a general restaurant, ranked using our methodology.
Looking for the best BBQ to eat in-house rather than book for an event? See our separate ranking of best BBQ restaurants overall. This page focuses on catering track record: named event staff, scalability, and how the food holds up when it's cooked for a crowd.
The picks on this list, and their order, are editor-reviewed.
At a glance
| # | Business | Rating | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Papa Diesel’s BBQ | 4.8 (1026) | moderate | Destination-worthy ribs and brisket |
| 2 | CDL BBQ at Home | 5 (122) | — | Large corporate & private events |
| 3 | Smokey Jay's BBQ | 4.9 (413) | moderate | Homey, family-run BBQ with standout sides |
| 4 | Smokemade Meats + Eats | 4.6 (591) | — | Southeast Orlando pickup & catering |
| 5 | Brothers-N-Arms BBQ | 5 (458) | inexpensive | Full-service catering for weddings and corporate events |
| 6 | Smoke & Donuts BBQ | 4.7 (1159) | moderate | BBQ brunch with catering on the side |
| 7 | Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que | 4.4 (2405) | moderate | Classic smokehouse spread for a crowd |
| 8 | Kenny’s BBQ | 4.2 (90) | — | Late-night ribs and wings, food-truck style |
| 9 | Orlando BBQ Company | 4.6 (11) | — | Small-scale, cook-on-site catering |
Ranked picks
Papa Diesel’s BBQ
Why it ranks first
Papa Diesel's backs up its 4.8 rating across more than a thousand reviews with ribs and brisket that reviewers say convert even skeptics. It's a high-confidence pick given the review volume, and the catering and food truck arm means the same menu that draws Tampa Bay drivers can show up at your event.
Pros
- Fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender brisket praised across hundreds of visits
- Signature corn muffin and smoked gouda mac and cheese keep regulars coming back
- Staff handle allergies and special requests without fuss
- Catering and food truck service available beyond the restaurant
Services: bbq food truck, smokehouse bbq, bbq catering, texas style bbq · Price: moderate
CDL BBQ at Home
Why it ranks second
Across more than 120 catering events, CDL BBQ at Home has built a near-perfect 5-star average on Brazilian-style grilling and elegant plating. Named staff like Carlos, Felipe, and Thiago show up repeatedly in reviews for running events smoothly, from 40-person office lunches to 90-plus-guest celebrations.
Pros
- Meat cooked to order with standout tenderness
- Polished, restaurant-grade plating and presentation
- Named catering staff praised for attentive service
- Scales smoothly from 40 to 90-plus guests
Services: bbq catering
Smokey Jay's BBQ
Why it ranks third
Smokey Jay's posts the top composite score here, built on a 4.9 rating and strong sentiment around owner Jay's hospitality. The mac and cheese and collard greens get called out as good enough to stand alone, and the small dining room keeps the mom-and-pop feel intact.
Pros
- Tender, fall-off-bone ribs and flavorful pulled pork and brisket
- Homemade sides, especially mac and cheese and collard greens
- Owner Jay and staff bring genuine, welcoming hospitality
- Generous portions at fair prices
Services: smokehouse bbq, carolina style bbq · Price: moderate
Smokemade Meats + Eats
Why it ranks fourth
With nearly 600 reviews at 4.6 stars, Smokemade Meats + Eats has built a following on brisket, pulled pork, and housemade sides like mac and cheese. Owner Tyler's team offers catering and large-order pickup out of Southeast Orlando at prices reviewers consistently call fair.
Pros
- Smoked meats praised for tenderness and flavor
- Housemade sausage and sides stand out from the usual sides
- Catering and large-order pickup available
- Fair pricing across the menu
Services: smokehouse bbq, carolina style bbq, bbq catering, bbq food truck
Brothers-N-Arms BBQ
Why it ranks fifth
Brothers-N-Arms ties for the highest composite score and holds a perfect 5.0 rating over 457 reviews, with praise centered on how smoothly owner Joel and team (Luis, CC) run catering logistics. Beyond core BBQ they cover seafood boils, catfish, and sandwiches, giving event planners more menu range in one vendor.
Pros
- Food arrives hot, fresh, and tender at events
- Owner Joel and team handle setup, timing, and communication smoothly
- Baked beans and cornbread made from scratch
- Responsive to inquiries, run by a military veteran owner
Services: bbq catering, bbq buffet, bbq food truck · Price: inexpensive
Smoke & Donuts BBQ
Why it ranks sixth
Over 1,100 reviewers rate Smoke & Donuts BBQ 4.7 stars for its brisket, pork belly, and handmade cake donuts. Staff earn consistent praise for warmth and generous portions, and the spot has become a go-to weekend brunch destination.
Pros
- Hand-trimmed smoked meats with strong flavor
- Handmade cake donuts you won't find at other BBQ caterers
- Generous portion sizes
- Welcoming, generous staff
Services: smokehouse bbq, bbq catering, bbq food truck · Price: moderate
Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que
Why it ranks seventh
Bubbalou's has over 2,400 reviews behind its reputation for fall-off-the-bone ribs, generous plates, and a lineup of house-made sauces. It's a long-running Orlando name that regulars keep coming back to for the sheer volume and value on offer.
Pros
- Fall-off-the-bone ribs
- Generous portion sizing
- Multiple house-made sauce varieties
- Decades of consistent recipes
Services: texas style bbq, smokehouse bbq, bbq catering, carolina style bbq · Price: moderate
Kenny’s BBQ
Why it ranks eighth
Kenny's BBQ runs three smokers out of a fenced lot near Fairvilla Road and stays open late on weekends, with smoked chicken, wings, and a distinctive lineup of house sauces (honey mustard, spicy mustard) drawing real praise. With 90 reviews behind a 4.2 rating, it's a smaller-volume pick worth confirming details on before booking a larger event.
Pros
- Multiple smokers running at once
- House-made specialty sauces, including honey mustard and spicy mustard
- Open late on weekends
- Staff remembers regular orders
Services: smokehouse bbq, bbq catering, bbq buffet, bbq food truck
Orlando BBQ Company
Why it ranks ninth
Orlando BBQ Company brings a cook-on-site catering model backed by a 40-plus-year track record, with staff praised for accommodating dietary needs and last-minute bookings. Review volume is light at just 11 reviews, so this is a lower-confidence pick worth a quick call to confirm current availability.
Pros
- Cook-on-site catering model
- 40-plus year track record
- Accommodates dietary needs
- Flat-rate dinner pricing
Services: bbq catering