Our Day at the Beach BBQ

When most people think of a beach BBQ, they imagine crashing waves, bare feet in the sand, and grilled food hot off the flames. But you don’t need the ocean to get the full experience. At Susan’s Kitchen, we bring the coastal vibe to any venue in New York City—whether it’s a rooftop in SoHo, a backyard in Brooklyn, or a waterfront terrace in Queens. Our Day at the Beach BBQ theme is all about laid-back energy, bright flavors, and food that keeps people smiling.

This isn’t just a cookout. It’s a curated experience designed to evoke everything you love about being at the beach—without leaving the boroughs. We combine inspired menus, visual setups, and festive touches to create an atmosphere that feels as breezy as a summer afternoon. As with all of our Themed Catering in NYC, the goal is to deliver more than a meal. We deliver a mood.

What makes the Day at the Beach BBQ stand out is how it blends freshness with fun. You’ll find grilled seafood with citrus glazes, hand-held BBQ skewers, and chilled tropical slaws. You’ll hear upbeat island tunes and see linens in seafoam and coral. It’s not about recreating the beach—it’s about bringing that beach state of mind wherever your party takes place.

Sample Menu for a Day at the Beach BBQ

Each menu is customized based on your preferences and dietary needs, but here’s a sample of what we might serve at a classic beach-themed BBQ event:

• Starters: Mango-glazed shrimp skewers, pineapple salsa with tortilla chips, grilled vegetable kebabs
• Main Courses: BBQ jerk chicken thighs, chili-lime grilled mahi mahi, slow-roasted pork sliders with tropical slaw
• Sides: Coconut rice, watermelon and mint salad, corn on the cob with chili-lime butter, cucumber and mango slaw
• Desserts: Key lime pie cups, passion fruit sorbet, banana rum cake
• Beverages: Fresh lemonade, iced hibiscus tea, tropical punch with optional rum upgrade

Every detail of the menu can be tailored—from plant-based options to gluten-free choices—so your guests feel taken care of no matter their preferences. All food is prepared fresh on-site or delivered hot, depending on your setup, and our team handles the full presentation and cleanup.

Food Stations That Keep the Energy Moving

Our beach BBQs often include interactive stations that let guests snack, sample, and return for seconds. Few things fit better than our Hot Dog Catering Carts, which serve all-beef dogs with toppings like tropical salsa, pineapple relish, or chili-lime mayo for a coastal twist. For salty-sweet perfection, we recommend pairing that with our Pretzel Machine Catering, offering warm soft pretzels with sea salt and mustard, straight from our warming display.

If you want something visual and easy to carry, our Popcorn Machine Catering is a great way to keep the crowd fed between courses. Add in sweet-and-spicy seasoning shakers, and you've got a snack table that feels right at home in any boardwalk-style setup. And for the younger guests—or the young at heart—our Carnival Catering Theme NYC can be partially integrated to include snow cones, cotton candy, and more beach-day nostalgia.

Perfect for Summer Parties of All Kinds

The Day at the Beach BBQ is one of our most adaptable catering themes, and it works in just about any setting. We’ve hosted relaxed rooftop birthdays in Manhattan, outdoor baby showers in Queens, company summer sendoffs in Brooklyn, and even beach-themed wedding rehearsal dinners in the Bronx. It’s casual but curated, playful but polished. The setup feels fresh and breezy, and the menu keeps things light, flavorful, and fun.

For clients who want a laid-back summer vibe but don’t have direct beach access, this theme delivers all the charm without the travel. Combine it with our Picnic Theme Catering for a park-friendly setup, or add elements from our New York Theme Catering to blend city culture with coastal influence. You don’t have to choose between urban edge and island ease—you can have both.

Want to Mix in More Flavor? Try These Pairings

Some clients want to go full tropical, while others prefer to create a more globally inspired event. If you’re leaning Mediterranean, consider adding touches from our Greek Theme Catering. Lemon potatoes, feta-studded salads, and grilled lamb skewers fit seamlessly with summer flavors. If your guests love the island life, our Hawaiian Luau Catering NY is a natural partner, bringing coconut shrimp, tiki drinks, and pineapple everything into the mix.

We’ve also seen clients layer in a European elegance with our French Connection, offering summery pastries, rosé spritzers, and fruit-forward charcuterie boards. Or maybe you want to take the party east—our Asian Fusion Theme brings wasabi slaw, sesame noodles, and citrusy satays into the fold, while the China Express Theme focuses on bold wok-fired flavors that work beautifully at outdoor events.

Add Signature Touches That Make It Yours

No two Day at the Beach BBQs are ever the same, and that’s what makes this theme so special. It can be colorful and casual, or chic and seaside-inspired. Some clients add custom cocktails or signature drinks, while others incorporate full-blown photo booths with beach props and palm backdrops. If you want your event to reflect pride and individuality, our LGBTQ+ Catering Theme NYC can be woven in with vibrant visuals, custom menus, and inclusivity baked into every detail.

You can also pair this summer theme with the depth and richness of our Italian Dinner Feast—a sunset transition into elegant antipasti, grilled seafood pasta, and tiramisu to close the night. Or for clients who want to create a cinematic experience, the The Godfather theme brings family-style Italian charm to your beach-inspired gathering with drama, flavor, and unforgettable character.

And for events that need versatility and flow, don’t forget the BBQ Station Catering Theme. It allows your guests to build plates at their own pace while we keep everything hot, fresh, and full of flavor—perfect for beach vibes where people want to move, mix, and mingle.

Make Waves with Susan’s Kitchen

Planning a Day at the Beach BBQ in NYC doesn’t mean you need sand or a shoreline. With Susan’s Kitchen, you get the full experience—carefully crafted menus, immersive setup, and a service team that brings sunshine no matter the weather. From your first consultation to the final bite of dessert, we’re here to deliver something personal, flavorful, and completely unforgettable.

Reach out today to start planning your Day at the Beach BBQ. We’ll help you pick the perfect flavors, layout your space, and create a moment that feels just right for your group, your location, and your vision. Summer is waiting—and we’re ready to bring it to your door.