The handhelds at Brookline sandwich shop Cutty’s are not your basic deli offerings. High-quality breads spread with thick layers of condiments, thinly sliced meats, and crisp greens, these combos improve upon a near-perfect foodstuff: the humble sandwich. The Beef 1000, with Thousand Island dressing, sharp cheddar, and savory crispy shallots, is one of our favorite roast beefs anywhere. So imagine platters and platters of Cutty’s sandwiches at the next office lunch party or graduation gathering. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials, like the large-format Muffuletta, that are sure to be crowd pleasers.  

Myers + Chang is one of those spots where every dish is craveable and classic. We love the Braised Pork Belly Buns and Dan Dan Noodles, and no order is complete without Mama Chang’s Pork + Chive Dumplings. All of these signature Chinese-y dishes are also available on the South End spot’s catering menu. Just like in the restaurant, Myers + Chang takes great care of those with any dietary restrictions, noting which dishes have vegetarian or gluten-free options available. Having Myers + Chang at home—without making all the recipes ourselves from their cookbook of the same name—for the next special occasion is cause enough for celebration.

Picco, the South End pizza parlor, is perfect for family dinners, birthday parties, date nights, and everything in between—including dinner at home. In addition to the Neapolitan-ish pizza, Picco offers calzones and quintessential game-day options by the tray, such as dry-rubbed or and hot honey-tossed chicken wings, homemade meatballs, and macaroni and cheese to round out a Sunday at home for the big game. Don’t forget to add on a hand-packed pint (or five) of made-from-scratch ice cream and a customized combination of toppings to end the meal on a sweet note.

The menu is extensive at Chilacates and we love every bite, from the best burritos in town to the secret sleeper tamales—not to mention aaallll the tacos, such as birria and smoky chicken tinga. Originally a small, quaint spot in Jamaica Plain, business is now booming with 10 locations all over the city and an active catering operation. Regardless of the neighborhood, you can order in bulk for delivery or pick-up and get all the Chilacates favorites right to your door. Your friends will thank you.

When it comes to the catering game, Flour Bakery is a leading player. Everything that disciples of the decorated Boston bakery adore is available in larger format—big trays of hearty salads, freshly made sandwiches, and everyone’s favorite sugary confections. Wax nostalgic with the bakery’s boxed lunch moment, aka the Original Bagged Lunch, which is customizable for groups with a choice of sandwiches plus a cookie, chips, and a beverage. The Flour crew can also provide beverages in large quantities including homemade lemon-limeade. Of course, Flour bakes custom cakes for all occasions, even weddings. 

Picture this: B.K. Fried Chicken, piled high, in the comfort of your own home. Now imagine earning the honor among your friends as host of the year. Place an order with Jamaica Plain’s Brassica Kitchen to make this vision a reality. (Well, at least half of it, for sure.) The quirky JP spot offers both lunch and dinner catering, limited only to the host and chefs’ imaginations. Packages may pick up ideas from the current “ride” of dishes, such as A5 Tacos or Bone Marrow Lo-Mein, or could be completely custom. The Brassica team will travel to any home, business, or event space within the Greater Boston area. As a tried and true neighborhood joint, Brassica also loves hosting pop-ups at its space, whether it be a guest chef dinner or community event.

Mamaleh’s Delicatessen is a modern Jewish deli with all that entails, from cured pastrami and salmon to fluffy, scratch-made bagels. Mamaleh’s has nosh for any occasion, whether it be for bat or bar mitzvahs, game day, a shiva memorial, or simply lunch for the team, like Smoked Fish Platters, assorted sandwich trays, and endless pastries to boot. The famous Matzo Ball Soup and homemade latkes can even be ordered in bulk around high holidays (and year-round). Orders can be picked up from the Kendall Square and Brookline locations and in most cases, can be placed day-of. 

Area Four has been a longtime favorite for lunch (even President Obama stopped by during a 2015 visit!), and the attached cafe makes a mean banana bread and frittata egg sandwiches to cure any morning blues. The Kendall Square spot is best known for innovative pizzas, but when it comes to catering, the team dishes up various sized sandwich platters as well as breakfast pastries and other welcome additions to any corporate event. In a pinch for lunch for the team in the office? Order by noon for nexy-day options. 

There are few things better for a party than good ol’ BBQ. Level up the next backyard barbecue with catering from Sweet Cheeks Q, celeb chef Tiffani Faison’s original Boylston Street restaurant. The Fenway Texas-style barbecue joint offers catering packages keeping it simple—the Lonestar Sandwich Bar, which includes all the fixin’s for pulled chicken and pulled pork sammies—and knocking it out of the park. See: the Damn Yankee, comprising five different house-smoked meats like pulled pork and brisket, five scoops of sides, and desserts like fan-favorite homemade Nutter Butters and assorted puddings. Guests can even take home the legendary, ultra fluffy buttermilk biscuits and some of our favorite fried chicken around.