Simply Authentic BBQ and Catering in Baltimore: Slow-Smoked Meats for Large Events
Simply Authentic BBQ and Catering Company is a full-service catering operation that specializes in smoked barbecue for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings across the Baltimore region. The business focuses on traditional smoking methods and made-to-order preparation, positioning itself as a choice for clients seeking substantial meat platters and barbecue-specific menus rather than conventional plated catering.
What this place actually is
The operation functions as an off-site catering provider with its own kitchen and smokers; it does not maintain a public storefront or walk-up counter. Orders are arranged by consultation, and food is delivered and, in many cases, served at your venue. The company handles the full spectrum of barbecue catering, from corporate lunches serving 50 people to weekend celebrations with 200 or more guests.
Services, menus, and pricing
Simply Authentic offers tiered catering packages centered on smoked brisket, pulled pork, and whole smoked chicken, along with sides including collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and baked beans. Pricing typically starts around $18 to $22 per person for a basic plated service with one or two meat options, sides, and bread, and scales upward depending on protein selection, guest count, and service level (buffet, family-style, or plated with staff). Premium packages that include branding, specialty desserts, or extended service windows run higher. Confirm current pricing when requesting a quote, as meat costs fluctuate seasonally.
The company also offers a la carte options for clients seeking to supplement their own events or combine barbecue with another caterer's offerings. Minimum orders and delivery fees vary by distance from their location; check whether your venue falls within their service area before detailed planning.
How Simply Authentic compares to other Baltimore caterers
Baltimore's catering landscape divides roughly between full-service, fine-dining-style operators and barbecue or casual-cuisine specialists. For clients committed to barbecue as the meal's anchor, Simply Authentic directly competes with Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's catering division and smaller neighborhood operations like Pit 27. Dinosaur operates from a public location on Light Street and offers catering with the advantage of brand recognition and a standing event space; however, its menu is heavier on sauce-forward ribs and less flexible on customization. Pit 27, a smaller smokehouse in Canton, charges comparably to Simply Authentic but operates with lower volume and longer lead times for large events. If your event requires a buffet line to remain open for extended hours or demands complex logistics, full-service operators like Complementary Cuisine or Flavor Baltimore may better suit your needs, though they typically charge 15 to 25 percent more and may treat barbecue as an option rather than a focus.
Choose Simply Authentic when your priority is quality smoked meat at moderate cost, your guest count is between 30 and 300, and your venue can accommodate simple table setups. Choose a broader caterer if you need integrated rentals, multiple cuisine stations, or high-touch tableside service.
Who it suits and who it does not
Simply Authentic works well for corporate team lunches, family reunions, casual wedding receptions, and birthday celebrations where guests expect straightforward, generous portions of recognizable barbecue. The company is less ideal for formal plated dinners, clients with complex dietary restrictions requiring individual preparation, or events where the meal is one component of a larger production requiring event coordination beyond food delivery.
What the first visit involves
Contact the business with your date, guest count, and general venue. A consultation follow call will review meat selections, sides, serving style, and any customization requests. The company will provide a quote, a contract, and, typically, a final headcount deadline 5 to 7 days before the event. For new clients, a tasting visit to sample smoked meats is recommended; you can arrange this separately or fold it into planning.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The company operates by appointment only; there is no public restaurant service. It is based in Baltimore County, and service is available throughout Baltimore City and the surrounding metro area. Delivery is included for events within city limits; outlying venues may incur additional fees. Verify your venue's address against their service map before committing.
Simply Authentic BBQ fills a specific catering need for Baltimore events centered on smoked meat quality and straightforward execution. For groups that know barbecue is the meal they want, it offers reliable pricing and quantity without the overhead cost of full-service formal catering.
