Everything You Need to Know About Catering with Urban Affairs FAQ
How does catering with Urban Affairs work, start to finish?
Urban Affairs Catering & Events has catered corporate, private, and institutional events across New York City since 1998. You tell us your event type, guest count, venue, and date; we build a menu and a service plan around them, confirm the details at a tasting when there’s time, and our team handles delivery, setup, service, and breakdown on the day. Everything is prepared in our DOHMH-permitted, HACCP-compliant kitchens and delivered on our refrigerated fleet. Check our FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does Urban Affairs serve?
We cater all five NYC boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — plus Long Island, Westchester, the Hamptons, Northern New Jersey, and Southern Connecticut. Our kitchens and refrigerated fleet are based at 1625 Broadway in Manhattan.
What types of events do you cater?
Corporate catering (meetings, conferences, office meals, client receptions), private events (weddings, milestone parties, showers, dinners), institutional meal programs (schools, senior centers, government agencies), and large-scale events and galas. We serve groups from about 20 guests to 2,000 and more.
How far in advance should I book?
For everyday corporate catering, a few business days is often enough. For weddings and large events, book three to four months ahead — peak season (May through October) fills fastest. The earlier you reach out, the more flexibility you have for tastings, custom menus, and your preferred date.
Is there a minimum order or guest count?
Minimums vary by item and service style — some breakfast and platter items start at 8 to 15 guests, while full-service events have their own thresholds. Tell us your headcount and we’ll show you the options that fit.
How much does catering cost per person?
It depends on format and menu. Drop-off and boxed options can start in the $15–$25 per-person range, buffets and stations typically run $35–$95, and full-service plated events run higher. Cocktail hour, bar service, staffing, and rentals are usually separate line items. We provide transparent per-head pricing in your quote.
What’s included in the price?
Food preparation and packaging are always included. Depending on the package, delivery, setup, service staff, and breakdown may be included or quoted separately. Your proposal lists exactly what’s covered so there are no surprises.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes. For weddings and larger events we schedule a tasting, typically six to ten weeks out, where you sample dishes and finalize selections, substitutions, and presentation with our team.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Yes. We regularly build menus with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, dairy-free, and nut-free options, with allergens clearly labeled and prepared on separate stations to avoid cross-contamination. We also offer certified kosher catering for Passover and Hanukkah. Send dietary needs ahead of the event so our kitchen can plan accordingly.
Can you create a custom menu?
Absolutely. Our published catering menus are a starting point — we routinely tailor dishes, build cultural and themed menus, and design around a specific vision, season, or budget.
What service styles do you offer?
Drop-off, buffet, attended stations, family-style, and full plated service. Stations and family-style work well for receptions and weddings; buffets suit larger groups; drop-off is efficient for office meals. We’ll recommend the format that fits your venue and guest flow.
Do you provide service staff?
Yes — servers, bartenders, event captains, and kitchen staff, all experienced and professionally presented. Staffing is scaled to your guest count and service style.
Do you provide rentals like tables, linens, and glassware?
Yes. We coordinate rentals — tables, linens, china, glassware, and equipment — as part of full-service events so you have one point of contact for the whole setup.
Do you handle delivery, setup, and breakdown?
Yes. We deliver on our own refrigerated fleet and handle setup and breakdown. Our team knows NYC venue logistics — freight-elevator schedules, loading-dock windows, and building access — and plans the timeline around them.
Can you cater in my venue?
In most cases, yes. We work in offices, lofts, galleries, rooftops, private homes, and event spaces across the region, and we’ll review your venue’s kitchen access and restrictions in advance so service runs smoothly.
Do you offer bar and beverage service?
Yes — full bar packages, signature cocktails, mobile bars, and non-alcoholic options with professional bartenders. Bar service is typically priced separately from food.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We operate DOHMH-permitted, HACCP-compliant commercial kitchens and carry full insurance. We’re also an active vendor for NYC government agencies, including DHS and DFTA, which hold us to strict food-safety and documentation standards.
How do I get a quote or place an order?
The fastest way is to request a catering quote with your event type, guest count, venue, and date, or call (212) 981-5832. We typically respond within one business day.
The questions below cover the things clients ask us most — booking, pricing, menus and dietary needs, service styles, staffing, logistics, and licensing. If your question isn’t here, request a catering quote or call (212) 981-5832 and we’ll walk you through it.
Get a Custom Catering Quote for Your Event
Whether it’s breakfast for a 20-person meeting or a 500-guest gala, Urban Affairs builds the menu, staffing, and logistics around your event. As an active vendor for NYC government agencies and a caterer for clients across all five boroughs since 1998, we plan every detail from first call to last guest. Request a catering quote here or call (212) 981-5832.
Excellent Catering Services
Ready to Create Unforgettable Events?
Our experienced event planners are ready to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re organizing a corporate function or a wedding celebration, Urban Affairs Catering And Events delivers polished, reliable catering built around your goals.
Share your guest count, event location, and preferred date. We’ll create a clear plan and handle the logistics.
At Urban Affairs Catering And Events, we support every detail from start to finish:
- Customized event planning for corporate gatherings, weddings, and private celebrations
- Menus designed around your preferences, including healthy selections and special dietary accommodations
- Skilled chefs, professional service staff, and complete on-site coordination
Let’s create an event that reflects your vision and leaves a lasting impression.
“We have worked with Urban Affairs Catering and Events on multiple occasions, and they consistently deliver a refined, smooth experience. Their menus strike the perfect balance between creativity and approach ability—whether it’s breakfast for our team, small plates and tapas for a reception, or a full wedding or gala‑style event. The food is fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented, and our guests regularly comment on how memorable the dishes are” Susan Rakibi
Excellent Catering Services
Ready to Create Unforgettable Events?
Our experienced event planners are ready to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re organizing a corporate function or a wedding celebration, Urban Affairs Catering And Events delivers polished, reliable catering built around your goals.
Share your guest count, event location, and preferred date. We’ll create a clear plan and handle the logistics.
At Urban Affairs Catering And Events, we support every detail from start to finish:
- Customized event planning for corporate gatherings, weddings, and private celebrations
- Menus designed around your preferences, including healthy selections and special dietary accommodations
- Skilled chefs, professional service staff, and complete on-site coordination
Let’s create an event that reflects your vision and leaves a lasting impression.
“We have worked with Urban Affairs Catering and Events on multiple occasions, and they consistently deliver a refined, smooth experience. Their menus strike the perfect balance between creativity and approach ability—whether it’s breakfast for our team, small plates and tapas for a reception, or a full wedding or gala‑style event. The food is fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented, and our guests regularly comment on how memorable the dishes are” Susan Rakibi
