Auntie Approved: Parkside Catering

When it comes to planning an event, food is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

People may not remember every centerpiece, every song, or whether the napkins were folded just right, but they will remember if the food was good. They will remember if there was enough. And they will absolutely remember if they left happy, full, and already wondering who made the mac and cheese.

That is exactly why this month’s Auntie Approved Vendor is Parkside Catering.

Parkside Restaurant & Bar in Hammond is known by many as a small-town bar and grill, but their catering side deserves its own spotlight. For events where you want good, familiar, crowd-pleasing food without turning catering into the most stressful part of the planning process, Parkside is a solid local option.

How I First Connected with Parkside

I first connected with Parkside as a server and bartender, so I had a front-row seat to how things worked behind the scenes.

One of the things that stood out to me right away was Dusty, the owner. Especially back when I first started there 11 years ago, he was incredibly hands-on. Bartending shifts, kitchen shifts, helping wherever he was needed — he was right there in it.

That has always said a lot to me.

On top of that, Dusty and Parkside have always been big supporters of the community. Sponsorships, team meals, local events — you name it, they were usually finding a way to help.

That matters. Especially when you are choosing vendors for an event.

Why Parkside Catering Stands Out

Not every restaurant is set up to cater, and not every catering option feels approachable for everyday people planning real-life events with real-life budgets.

Parkside does both.

They offer catering and large-order options that work well for graduation parties, weddings, team meals, family gatherings, celebrations of life, community events, business gatherings, and other occasions where feeding a crowd is part of the plan.

One of the biggest reasons I appreciate Parkside as a catering option is value. You really do get a bang for your buck. Their pricing tends to be more affordable than many competitors, while still offering great quality — and depending on who you ask, maybe even better.

And let’s be real: affordable and delicious is a pretty powerful combination.

Favorite Catering Items

If smoked brisket is on the table, I’m paying attention.

Parkside’s smoked brisket is a favorite among those who have tried it, and paired with mac and cheese? Happy camper status achieved.

That kind of food works so well for events because it is familiar, hearty, and crowd-friendly. It does not feel overly fussy, but it still feels special enough for a celebration.

And that is a sweet spot I love for my clients.

Great For Events Big and Small

Parkside Catering is a great fit for events where you want food people will actually eat and enjoy.

Think:

Graduation parties.

Weddings.

Team meals.

Family celebrations.

Community events.

Business gatherings.

Celebrations of life.

Casual backyard parties.

They also have a reservable back room at the restaurant, which can be a nice option for smaller gatherings, but for this Auntie Approved feature, the real spotlight is on their ability to help feed events outside the restaurant too.

I have worked with Parkside numerous times, and they help cater our Chamber Golf Tournament annually. When you see a vendor show up consistently for community events like that, it gives you confidence recommending them to others.

Why I Recommend Parkside Catering

I love recommending vendors who help take stress off someone’s plate — literally, in this case.

Parkside Catering is local, practical, affordable, and familiar in the best way. They are a great fit for people who want good food without needing the catering experience to feel overly complicated or over-the-top.

Sometimes people just want their guests fed well, their budget respected, and their event to feel easy.

Parkside checks those boxes.

What to Know Before Booking

Here is my loving Auntie reminder: please plan ahead.

Could Parkside maybe help you in a last-minute pinch? Possibly.

But it is important to remember that you are not the only person who might be in a last-minute panic. Caterers have to plan around deliveries, product availability, prep time, staffing, and previously booked events.

And if you are thinking smoked food, lead time matters even more. Product needs to be ordered, prepped, smoked, and ready to serve properly.

As a whole, catering takes planning. The earlier you reach out, the better the experience is for everyone involved.

I will never be able to stress this enough: planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself, your vendors, and your event.

Final Thoughts

Parkside Catering is a great local option for events where you want approachable, affordable, crowd-pleasing food handled by people who understand the community they are serving.

From smoked brisket and mac and cheese to large orders and community events, Parkside brings the kind of food that feels familiar, filling, and worth talking about.

And that is exactly why they are Auntie Approved.