• How far in advance should I book my event?
All events are booked on a first come first serve basis and it depends on our availability and the popularity of a particular day. We recommend scheduling catering services as soon as possible to ensure that the date is available.
• How do I reserve a date and time for my event?
To secure your date and time, we require a signed contract, and 50% deposit.
• How far will you travel to cater a party?
We service the Washington Metropolitan area. Depending on distance a travel fee will apply. -
• What time will you be arriving for my event?
We typically arrive between an hour and a half to two hours before the event start time. In extremely rare cases, due to an unforeseen incident such as a car accident or other emergency, our driver could potentially be late for an event. In such cases, we will do everything in our ability to have the event set up and the food ready as soon as possible.
• What types of payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks (checks have to be received 7 days before the event), or credit cards (there is a 3% fee for paying with credit card)
• How many staff members will be at my event?
All events are booked on a first come first serve basis and it depends on our availability and the popularity of a particular day. We recommend scheduling catering services as soon as possible to ensure that the date is available.
• How do I reserve a date and time for my event?
To secure your date and time, we require a signed contract, and 50% deposit.
• How far will you travel to cater a party?
We service the Washington Metropolitan area. Depending on distance a travel fee will apply. -
• What time will you be arriving for my event?
We typically arrive between an hour and a half to two hours before the event start time. In extremely rare cases, due to an unforeseen incident such as a car accident or other emergency, our driver could potentially be late for an event. In such cases, we will do everything in our ability to have the event set up and the food ready as soon as possible.
• What types of payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks (checks have to be received 7 days before the event), or credit cards (there is a 3% fee for paying with credit card)
• How many staff members will be at my event?
The number of staff members depends on the amount of people and the menu and services that you will be receiving.
• Do you charge gratuity?
We do not charge gratuity. It is up to you to give to our staff a tip if you consider that is deserved.
• Do your staff members wear uniforms?
Yes. Our staff members’ typical attire is an embroidered blue polo shirt and a short black apron in summer time. Our winter uniform is an embroidered black shirt with a short apron. Occasionally, they may wear white shirts for an event.
• Do you have options for vegetarians?
Yes. We offer several options for vegetarians such as grilled vegetables for the parrillada, and several platters and appetizers. If you have something in mind, we most likely can provide it. For more details, just give us a call.
• What are your minimum numbers of guest that you will cater for?
There is no minimum number of guests. But for the parrillada service, the price decrease as the number of guest increases
• What is your rescheduling policy in case of bad whether or emergencies?
We set up tents over the food prep areas and will not cancel for rain or even snowy conditions. If we are unable to cook outside for an event because of extreme inclement weather, we could always cook the food at our restaurant and serve it buffet style.
We understand that emergencies may arise, and we do everything we can to minimize any difficulties or losses that may result. If within one week of a scheduled event a client needs to change the date, a rescheduling fee will apply depending on the amount of preparation completed and the amount of food or ingredients ordered or prepared.
• What is your cancellation policy?
In the extremely rare and unlikely situation where an event needs to be cancelled indefinitely, the cancellation policy is as follows:
• We will charge a 15% fee for cancellations regardless of cause.
• Within 72 hours of the event we will retain the full amount of the deposit.
• Notice of cancellation must be received in writing.
This cancellation policy is at the discretion of El Patio and may be adjusted depending on the situation.
• When is the final balance (payment) due?
Unless otherwise arranged and specified on the customer’s contract, the final balance is due prior to completion of the event; however, it is ideal to pay the balance a week in advance so that our services may be provided more quickly and efficiently the day of the event.
• Are you insured? Are you a licensed caterer?
Yes. We are fully insured and licensed for catering.
• Do you ever have to back out of catering an event?
We will NOT back out of events for larger ones that may arise, and we will not overbook events. Once we receive your signed contract and deposit, you do not have to worry about loosing your spot.
• Do you have any hidden charges that may sprout up last minute?
No. The price on the contract is the price of the event. Nevertheless, if more food or services is needed for an event, the price will go up accordingly.
• Do you offer table linens?
Yes, but we have a limited variety.
• Do you have tables and chairs that can be set up for our event?
Yes! We have tables, chairs, china, glassware and chaffing dishes available for rental if you contract our catering services. Limited variety.
Still have a question?
Just send us an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Do you charge gratuity?
We do not charge gratuity. It is up to you to give to our staff a tip if you consider that is deserved.
• Do your staff members wear uniforms?
Yes. Our staff members’ typical attire is an embroidered blue polo shirt and a short black apron in summer time. Our winter uniform is an embroidered black shirt with a short apron. Occasionally, they may wear white shirts for an event.
• Do you have options for vegetarians?
Yes. We offer several options for vegetarians such as grilled vegetables for the parrillada, and several platters and appetizers. If you have something in mind, we most likely can provide it. For more details, just give us a call.
• What are your minimum numbers of guest that you will cater for?
There is no minimum number of guests. But for the parrillada service, the price decrease as the number of guest increases
• What is your rescheduling policy in case of bad whether or emergencies?
We set up tents over the food prep areas and will not cancel for rain or even snowy conditions. If we are unable to cook outside for an event because of extreme inclement weather, we could always cook the food at our restaurant and serve it buffet style.
We understand that emergencies may arise, and we do everything we can to minimize any difficulties or losses that may result. If within one week of a scheduled event a client needs to change the date, a rescheduling fee will apply depending on the amount of preparation completed and the amount of food or ingredients ordered or prepared.
• What is your cancellation policy?
In the extremely rare and unlikely situation where an event needs to be cancelled indefinitely, the cancellation policy is as follows:
• We will charge a 15% fee for cancellations regardless of cause.
• Within 72 hours of the event we will retain the full amount of the deposit.
• Notice of cancellation must be received in writing.
This cancellation policy is at the discretion of El Patio and may be adjusted depending on the situation.
• When is the final balance (payment) due?
Unless otherwise arranged and specified on the customer’s contract, the final balance is due prior to completion of the event; however, it is ideal to pay the balance a week in advance so that our services may be provided more quickly and efficiently the day of the event.
• Are you insured? Are you a licensed caterer?
Yes. We are fully insured and licensed for catering.
• Do you ever have to back out of catering an event?
We will NOT back out of events for larger ones that may arise, and we will not overbook events. Once we receive your signed contract and deposit, you do not have to worry about loosing your spot.
• Do you have any hidden charges that may sprout up last minute?
No. The price on the contract is the price of the event. Nevertheless, if more food or services is needed for an event, the price will go up accordingly.
• Do you offer table linens?
Yes, but we have a limited variety.
• Do you have tables and chairs that can be set up for our event?
Yes! We have tables, chairs, china, glassware and chaffing dishes available for rental if you contract our catering services. Limited variety.
Still have a question?
Just send us an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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