Southwest BBQ Catering

Southwest BBQ Catering

In a city celebrated for its cosmopolitan tastes and culinary depth, traditional Southwest BBQ may not be the first style of cuisine that comes to mind when planning a refined event. But at Green Apple Catering and Events, we’re rewriting that narrative. Our approach to Southwest BBQ catering is anything but ordinary—reimagining smoky, slow-cooked classics into upscale, tailored experiences that feel right at home in Manhattan's most exclusive venues.

Our clients don’t want the generic. They want flavor that tells a story—crafted with seasonal ingredients, curated with precision, and presented with the kind of flair that’s signature to New York City’s high-end entertaining scene.

Southwest BBQ is rooted in a rich blend of influences, from the mesquite-heavy techniques of Texas to the bold, peppery profiles of New Mexico. At its core, it's a dance of smoke and spice—think chipotle-rubbed brisket, grilled corn with cotija, fire-roasted chiles, and citrus-marinated proteins. But when these rustic foundations are placed in the hands of trained chefs focused on elegance and balance, they become something else entirely.

Our culinary team is known for integrating global influences that elevate the experience further. We’ve taken cues from our Asian fusion catering approach, layering flavors like yuzu-smoked glaze or ginger-lime slaw to offer complexity with familiarity.

Southwest BBQ Catering Menu

NYC Corporate Hot Buffet

Pricing:
$36.95 per guest – One Entrée
$39.95 per guest – Two Entrées
$44.95 per guest – Three Entrées
Includes: one starter,  two hot sides, one salad, house-made salsas and sauces, sliced fruit, dessert platter, and bread/tortillas.

Starters

• Grilled street corn on skewers with chile-lime and cotija
• Chipotle deviled eggs
• Mini brisket tacos with pickled onions and cilantro

Entrées

• Smoked chili-lime chicken quarters
• Chipotle-glazed chicken breast
• Mesquite pulled pork with Southwest slaw
• Mesquite-smoked brisket with coffee rub
• Ancho-rubbed tri-tip with chimichurri
• Grilled carne asada with lime and garlic
• Vegetable skewers with cilantro-lime seasoning (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Hot Sides

• Mexican rice with lime and cilantro
• Black bean and corn salad
• Elote-style corn salad
• BBQ ranch potato salad
• Roasted root vegetables with cumin and smoked paprika
• Charred peppers and onions with cumin
• Jalapeño cheddar cornbread
• Cilantro slaw

Salads

• Chopped romaine Caesar with roasted corn and tortilla strips
• Southwest mixed greens with black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette
• Mexican quinoa salad with corn, peppers, scallions, and citrus dressing

Accompaniments

• House-made salsas: pico de gallo, corn salsa, chile salsa
• Guacamole
• Crema sauce, chipotle aioli, lime crema

Breads

• Warm flour and corn tortillas
• Jalapeño cheddar cornbread
• Crusty sourdough for sauce dipping

Desserts

• Cinnamon sugar churros with chocolate dipping sauce
• Mexican chocolate brownies
• Mango-lime parfait cups

Beverages

(Optional Add-On)

• Southwest lemonade with honey and mint – $7.95 per guest
• Iced hibiscus tea – $7.95 per guest
• Fresh lime margarita mix (non-alcoholic) – $8.95 per guest

Southwest BBQ Catering Menu (Street-Food Edition)

Pricing:
$36.95 per guest – One Entrée
$41.95 per guest – Two Entrées
$46.95 per guest – Three Entrées
Include: one starter,  two hot sides, one salad, taco/slider fixings bar, house-made salsas and sauces, sliced fruit, dessert platter, and bread/tortillas.

Starters

• Nacho bar cups with warm queso, pico de gallo, and jalapeños
• Grilled street corn salad shooters with chile-lime
• Southwest veggie crudité with chipotle hummus

Entrées

• Adobo-marinated pork shoulder, pulled and served with citrus slaw
• BBQ brisket chopped for tacos and sliders
• Grilled chicken fajitas with peppers and onions
• Southwest turkey chili with black beans and roasted corn
• Grilled shrimp with chili-lime butter
• Vegetarian fajita vegetables with cilantro-lime seasoning (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Hot Sides

• Charred corn and poblano sauté
• Roasted sweet potatoes with smoked paprika
• Cumin-lime roasted cauliflower (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Mexican rice with lime and cilantro
• Black beans with garlic and oregano (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Jalapeño cheddar cornbread

Salads

• Southwest chopped salad with corn, tomatoes, pepitas, and cilantro-lime dressing
• Black bean and avocado salad with red onion and lime
• Tomato, cucumber, and jicama salad with tajín and citrus

Fixings Bar

• Shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, pickled onions, jalapeños
• Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, sour cream, lime crema
• Warm tortillas and slider rolls

Desserts

• Churro bites with cinnamon sugar
• Dulce de leche brownie bites
• Fresh fruit cups with lime

Beverages

(Optional Add-On)

• Iced hibiscus tea – $6.95 per guest
• Agua fresca (watermelon or mango) – $6.95 per guest
• Southwest lemonade with honey and mint – $7.95 per guest

Southwest BBQ Appetizers and Cocktail Menu

Pricing: $42.95 per guest

10 Pieces Per Guest| Includes 6–8 passed selections and two display platters

(minimum 20 guests)

Passed Hot Bites (Choose 4)

• Mini brisket tacos with pickled onions and cilantro
• Chicken satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce
• Southwest pulled pork sliders with citrus slaw
• Chipotle chicken empanadas with tomatillo dip
• Street corn arancini with chile-lime crema
• Mini quesadilla wedges with queso and salsa
• BBQ shrimp bites with chili-lime glaze

Passed Cold Bites (Choose 2)

• Guacamole cups with tortilla crisps
• Black bean and corn salad phyllo cups
• Jicama and cucumber tajín cups with lime
• Smoked brisket crostini with chipotle aioli

Display Platters

• Southwest crudité with chipotle hummus and roasted tomato salsa
• Nacho and dip board: queso, pico de gallo, corn salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips

Dessert Bites

(Optional Add-On $8.95 per guest)

• Mexican chocolate brownie bites
• Churro bite cones
• Mango-lime parfait cups

Beverages (Optional Add-On)

• Agua fresca (watermelon or mango) – $6.95 per guest
• Iced hibiscus tea – $6.95 per guest
• Fresh lime margarita mix (non-alcoholic) – $7.95 per guest

Vegan and Gluten-Free Southwest BBQ Menu

Pricing:
$38.95 per guest – One Entrée
$43.95 per guest – Two Entrées
$48.95 per guest – Three Entrées
Includes: one starter, two hot sides, one salad, vegan and gluten-free sauces, sliced fruit, vegan dessert platter, and gluten-free bread/tortillas.

Starters

• Roasted corn and black bean salad cups with lime and cilantro
• Guacamole cups with gluten-free tortilla crisps
• Grilled street corn skewers (no dairy) with chile-lime and herbs

Entrées

• Smoky jackfruit “pulled pork” with citrus slaw (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Adobo-lime grilled tofu steaks with charred scallions (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Portobello fajita strips with peppers and onions (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Southwest quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Chili-lime cauliflower “wings” with ranch-style cashew dip (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Hot Sides

• Mexican rice with lime and cilantro (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Black beans with garlic and oregano (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Cumin-lime roasted cauliflower (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Roasted sweet potatoes with smoked paprika (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Elote-style corn salad (vegan crema, no cheese) (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Salads

• Southwest chopped salad with pepitas, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro-lime vinaigrette (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Quinoa, cucumber, and tomato salad with citrus dressing (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Jicama and mango slaw with lime and chili (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Accompaniments

• House-made salsas: pico de gallo, corn salsa, chile salsa
• Guacamole
• Vegan crema, chipotle sauce, lime vinaigrette

Breads

• Gluten-free corn tortillas
• Gluten-free rolls (limited availability)

Desserts

• Vegan churro bites with cinnamon sugar
• Gluten-free brownie bites
• Fresh fruit cups with lime

Beverages

(Optional Add-On)

• Agua fresca (watermelon or mango) – $6.95 per guest
• Iced hibiscus tea – $6.95 per guest
• Southwest lemonade with honey and mint (use agave for vegan) – $7.95 per guest

Elevated BBQ Experiences for Corporate & Social Events

Whether it’s an executive retreat on a rooftop terrace or an anniversary dinner in a SoHo loft, our Southwest BBQ menus are customized to meet the energy and tone of your event. Every detail is considered, from presentation to palate. Rather than disposable trays or cafeteria-style setups, guests are welcomed with composed tasting stations and attentive service. Our signature touch is to serve rustic classics—smoked tri-tip, grilled portobello tacos, chili-dusted street corn—in elegant vessels with tailored garnishes and seasonal sides.

This level of thoughtful execution is standard across all of our themed catering events, ensuring each occasion feels completely unique. We also specialize in LGBTQ+ themed catering in NYC, bringing cultural relevance and creativity into every event space. For those looking to create more interactive or immersive experiences, our BBQ catering stations provide a beautiful balance of style and substance. From a live smoker setup with a private chef to a curated build-your-own taco bar, each station is designed with aesthetics and flow in mind. Whether you're hosting a Central Park picnic or a corporate summer mixer, we ensure every element complements the event's tone.

Our popular BBQ-themed catering stations offer both visual appeal and culinary versatility. And for a playful nod to Americana, we also offer nostalgic touches like NYC-style hot dog carts and picnic-style catering setups, adapted for sophisticated city audiences.

Flavor Pairings with Global BBQ Themes

We often find that our clients are looking for BBQ with a twist. That’s where our globally inspired BBQ pairings come in. These aren’t your average fusion dishes—they’re curated with a purpose, honoring the authenticity of each cuisine while aligning with Southwest BBQ’s core characteristics: smoke, char, and spice. One favorite is our Brazilian BBQ catering buffet, which blends perfectly with Southwest notes through dry-aged picanha and spicy chimichurri. We’ve also brought in elements from our Korean theme catering menu, such as gochujang-glazed ribs that nod to both Southern heat and Seoul sophistication.

For Mediterranean-infused menus, we offer a clever blend of wood-grilled lamb skewers, olive tapenade, and roasted tomato compote—borrowed from our Greek theme catering. And of course, nothing pairs better with city summer events than our Hawaiian luau catering, incorporating pineapple-glazed proteins and coconut-scented side dishes that bring warmth to even the most formal of downtown rooftops. The menu is only one layer of the experience. At Green Apple, we’re known for curating entire event environments—from decor and entertainment to staffing and timing. A Southwest BBQ theme might include adobe-inspired florals, desert-toned table runners, or rustic wood plating elevated with metallic finishes.

Clients who want to go bold often combine this culinary approach with one of our themed catering packages, fully integrating food, design, and atmosphere. We’ve adapted everything from carnival-themed catering for summer galas to custom pretzel machine rentals for interactive stations. Even our popcorn machines have been given an elegant twist, served in glass cones with chili-lime butter or truffle dusting.

What sets us apart is not just variety, but our ability to make these elements feel elevated and intentional. Nothing is out-of-the-box—everything is custom built to the client’s vision.

The Luxury of Dietary-Inclusive Southwest BBQ

What truly defines a modern, high-end catering experience in New York is inclusivity—without compromising on flavor. Our Southwest BBQ offerings are no exception. We’ve developed a wide range of dietary-conscious dishes that honor the tradition of smoked and grilled fare while being mindful of the needs of vegan, gluten-free, and kosher-style diners.

Rather than leaning on substitutions, our culinary team creates dishes that stand on their own merit. Our chefs often draw inspiration from the bold profiles found in our China Express catering program—incorporating Szechuan peppercorns, tamari-glazed vegetables, or smoked tofu bao into Southwest menus that respect both palates and preferences.

We've also explored rich, gluten-free polenta cakes topped with chipotle ratatouille or fire-grilled seasonal vegetables paired with our custom sauces. And for Italian-inspired crossover menus, we turn to our Italian Feast catering options—offering wood-roasted tomato sauces, herbed cannellini spreads, and smoked mozzarella flatbreads to accompany more traditional BBQ offerings.

Perfect Menus for Private Dining & Grand Galas

Green Apple Catering excels in adapting the bold, rustic spirit of Southwest BBQ for settings that demand elegance and detail. Our private dining experiences are a testament to this. Imagine a curated tasting menu served across a long farm table in a restored Brooklyn brownstone, or a rooftop soirée overlooking the skyline where guests enjoy mesquite-seared filet alongside grilled peaches and micro herbs.

We often blend menu selections from our French Connection catering concepts—introducing refined accompaniments like rosemary aioli, charred leek vinaigrette, or duck-fat potatoes that elevate a traditional BBQ experience into something unforgettable. These touches allow our menus to move fluidly between classic Americana and European-inspired sophistication.

And for those who prefer a more dramatic experience, we offer stylized menus with theatrical flair, pulling from sets like The Godfather themed catering, where guests might enjoy espresso-braised pork shoulder or grilled polenta under moody lighting and jazz ambiance.

In warmer months, we bring the Southwest to life with sun-soaked, al fresco menus designed with inspiration from our beach BBQ catering. Think grilled citrus seafood, smoked corn salad, and vibrant tropical pairings that are as visually stunning as they are satisfying.

Bringing the Bold Flavors of the Southwest to New York’s Elite Tables

At Green Apple Catering and Events, we’ve made it our mission to elevate every dining experience, no matter the theme. With Southwest BBQ catering, we’ve taken something familiar and transformed it into something unexpected—a celebration of smoke, spice, and sophistication. It’s not just food; it’s a culinary narrative that blends the wild character of the Southwest with the tailored elegance of New York City.

Whether you're planning a rooftop cocktail reception or a fully immersive themed gala, our team is ready to design a menu that reflects your vision, your values, and your style. Let us bring the fire—gracefully, deliciously, and impeccably styled.