Our Southwest BBQ

When New Yorkers think of barbecue, they often picture smoky brisket, rooftop cookouts, and city parks filled with sizzling grills. But there’s a rising trend in the catering scene that goes beyond the basics—Southwest BBQ. It’s a bold, spicy, and colorful take on traditional barbecue, infused with the flavors of the American Southwest and perfect for parties that want a little more attitude.

Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events brings this vibrant style to life with full-service Southwest BBQ catering, combining expert grilling techniques, bold flavor profiles, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting a backyard birthday, a company picnic, or an urban wedding, this theme delivers crowd-pleasing energy and unforgettable food.

In a place as diverse and dynamic as New York City, event hosts are always searching for new ways to stand out. That’s why Southwest BBQ has become one of our most-requested event themes. It’s not just a meal—it’s a mood. Between the mesquite-smoked meats, spicy corn salsas, and rustic decor, it captures the spirit of summer, even in the middle of Manhattan. It’s part of our wider offering at Themed Catering in NYC, where food and atmosphere come together to create unforgettable moments.

So what exactly sets Southwest BBQ apart from your average barbecue? For starters, it’s the bold flavors: chili-rubbed steaks, chipotle-glazed chicken, smoked pork with adobe marinade, and grilled vegetables kissed by cumin and lime. Then there are the sides—fire-roasted street corn, jalapeño cornbread, black bean salad, and tangy cilantro slaw. Everything’s layered with spice, texture, and regional flair.

Here’s a taste of what your Southwest BBQ menu might include when you book with Susan’s Kitchen:

Sample Menu: Southwest BBQ Catering

• Starters: Mini brisket tacos with pickled onions, chipotle deviled eggs, grilled street corn on skewers
• Mains: Smoked chili-lime chicken, ancho-rubbed tri-tip steak, mesquite pulled pork with Southwest slaw
• Sides: Elote-style corn salad, jalapeño cheddar cornbread, BBQ ranch potato salad, black bean and avocado salad
• Desserts: Cinnamon sugar churros, Mexican chocolate brownies, mango-lime parfaits
• Beverages: Fresh lime margaritas, iced hibiscus tea, Southwest lemonade with honey and mint

We design menus that work for all dietary needs—gluten-free options, plant-based proteins, dairy-free sauces—and we handle the service, rentals, and setup from start to finish. With our chefs preparing on-site, guests enjoy food that’s hot, fresh, and tailored to the mood of your event.

Of course, Southwest BBQ is about more than food. The full experience includes decor, presentation, and layout. We use rustic wood tables, cast iron displays, and desert-toned linens to evoke the laid-back charm of Santa Fe or Sedona. Add lanterns, succulents, and even a live acoustic guitarist, and suddenly your Brooklyn rooftop feels like a night in New Mexico.

For larger or more dynamic events, we often pair this style with themed stations like our BBQ Station Catering Theme. These setups keep the line moving, offer variety for guests, and let everyone enjoy their own Southwest-inspired plate just the way they like it.

To enhance the experience even further, we recommend layering in themed food stations that match the laid-back, interactive spirit of the menu. Guests love to roam, sample, and return for seconds. Our Pretzel Machine Catering is always a hit, offering warm, salted soft pretzels with a trio of dipping sauces. It’s a great snack before the main meal or a fun late-night treat.

For visual flair and a playful vibe, our Popcorn Machine Catering brings an old-school charm that fits perfectly with rustic Southwest aesthetics. Paired with southwestern spice blends or served simply salted, it's a familiar favorite. And for events that lean into street food-style service, our Hot Dog Catering Carts can be customized with chili, chipotle aioli, or queso toppings to stay on theme.

Planning a larger event? Our Day at the Beach BBQ is a natural pairing, blending coastal fun with fire-grilled goodness. Or mix in elements from our Carnival Catering Theme NYC for a high-energy, family-friendly twist that includes interactive stations, bold visuals, and plenty of fun for all ages.

If you're aiming for something more low-key, the Picnic Theme Catering gives you the freedom to blend Southwest flavor with traditional Americana. Or tap into our New York Theme Catering to give your party a unique NYC spin with Southwest undertones layered in.

Susan’s Kitchen also offers global culinary themes to complement or contrast with a Southwest BBQ setup. Our Asian Fusion Theme introduces bold umami notes, while the China Express Theme brings a fast-paced, wok-fired energy that plays well in large group settings. Mediterranean fans love our Greek Theme Catering for its vibrant, herb-driven flavors, and our French Connection for elegant plated service. We’ve even paired Southwest BBQ with tropical bites from our Hawaiian Luau Catering NY for beach-inspired fusion events.

We believe food is an expression of identity—and every event deserves a theme that feels personal. That’s why we also offer niche experiences like our LGBTQ+ Catering Theme NYC, which celebrates pride, color, and culture with custom menus and vibrant presentation. Or lean classic with the rich elegance of our Italian Dinner Feast, perfect for family reunions or cross-cultural events. Want to go full cinematic? Combine Southwest BBQ with the moody glamour of The Godfather theme for a party that’s part movie set, part backyard bash.

Whatever your vision, Susan’s Kitchen brings it to life with handcrafted menus, full-service event planning, and a team that knows how to make flavors—and memories—stick. Southwest BBQ is one of our most expressive themes, and in the right hands, it’s a catering experience your guests will talk about long after the last plate is cleared.

Ready to make it happen? Let us build your Southwest BBQ story from the grill up. Contact us today to schedule a tasting, review menus, and start planning your next unforgettable event.