Nelson's Catering has more than 25 years of experience in full-service catering in central Illinois, so let us put our skill and talent to work for you! We specialize in catering corporate events, weddings, galas, social gatherings and fundraisers. But, no event is too big or too small! The food was amazing! We have gotten rave reviews from our attendees over the food. The mint julep punch was outstanding people kept talking about how good it was. I had to take the left over punch with me as it was so good!
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We began as a small barbecue catering company, but you helped us grow to serve throughout central Illinois. Here's our story. Our reputation for quality began in 1967. That's when Nelson Gongwer invented his patented Port-A-Pit cooking unit, systematically dipping meat into a family-secret sauce while being grilled to perfection over an open flame.
We listen, we advise, we communicate. Our #1 goal is to provide a catering service above and beyond the standard experience. Everyone at Nelson's has the same diligent, hard work ethic and high focus on strong customer service. Our sales staff and culinary team work together to craft custom menus while our lead caterers execute a smooth and successful event for you.
Whether you're organizing a casual get-together with friends, a corporate luncheon or a wedding, Nelson's can provide you with the catering services you require! It doesn't matter if it's breakfast, lunch or dinner - we've got you covered. We tailor our services to fit your needs - not the other way around.
Planning a corporate event? Nelson's will execute a catered event sure to impress. From simple breakfast meetings to formal holiday parties, Nelson's will deliver with ease and professionalism. We take pride in our delicious, homemade recipes and will help you select a menu to accommodate your tastes and dietary restrictions.
Reviews (12)
Christopher Wiedel
Apr 11, 2022
Caitlin King
Feb 27, 2022
I'm not sure how the average rating is so high. I feel the need to write this to warn others so they do not waste time or money like we did. We booked Nelson's to cater our wedding and paid the $500 deposit. We recently had our tasting. The photos on their website are very misleading, as nothing matched the quality we expected. Everything but the salad was practically inedible.
Below is more detail: -Almost everything was covered in sauce that is very sweet. -The bruschetta was bland and the crostini were stale on both the bruschetta and the goat cheese appetizer. -The brie appetizer bites were more like cheesecake bites inside store-bought phyllo dough and topped with an enormous glob of store-bought jam on top. -The meatballs were covered in a corn-syrupy sauce. -The steak was overcooked, dry, and as tough as a hockey puck.
So tough, our 60 lb dog had trouble chewing it when we brought it home for her. -The sauces that come with the steaks were served with a skin/film developed on top (this is fresh at their headquarters, so imagine how they would be served at the wedding), and they seem to be made from a package, not a house-made roux. -The salmon was GRAY, overly sweet, unsalted, and very dry. -The chicken was chewy and also very sweet.
The "dijon" sauce had no kick at all, no hint of mustard, and was very very sugary. -The "roasted" root vegetables were not crisp at all, they were soggy, squishy, and covered in oil. Most likely frozen vegetables. -They use dehydrated potatoes for the mashed potatoes, and using fresh real ones is an upcharge. I just cant imagine how terrible the food would be on the day of our wedding(after the 2 hour travel time), if this is how they presented it to us fresh from the kitchen. During the tasting, we expressed our disappointment, and Wanda (our Nelson's contact) even admitted to us that she didn't like anything offered on the menu.
Below is more detail: -Almost everything was covered in sauce that is very sweet. -The bruschetta was bland and the crostini were stale on both the bruschetta and the goat cheese appetizer. -The brie appetizer bites were more like cheesecake bites inside store-bought phyllo dough and topped with an enormous glob of store-bought jam on top. -The meatballs were covered in a corn-syrupy sauce. -The steak was overcooked, dry, and as tough as a hockey puck.
So tough, our 60 lb dog had trouble chewing it when we brought it home for her. -The sauces that come with the steaks were served with a skin/film developed on top (this is fresh at their headquarters, so imagine how they would be served at the wedding), and they seem to be made from a package, not a house-made roux. -The salmon was GRAY, overly sweet, unsalted, and very dry. -The chicken was chewy and also very sweet.
The "dijon" sauce had no kick at all, no hint of mustard, and was very very sugary. -The "roasted" root vegetables were not crisp at all, they were soggy, squishy, and covered in oil. Most likely frozen vegetables. -They use dehydrated potatoes for the mashed potatoes, and using fresh real ones is an upcharge. I just cant imagine how terrible the food would be on the day of our wedding(after the 2 hour travel time), if this is how they presented it to us fresh from the kitchen. During the tasting, we expressed our disappointment, and Wanda (our Nelson's contact) even admitted to us that she didn't like anything offered on the menu.
Matthew Varchmin
Feb 16, 2022
Melonie Kilburn
Dec 23, 2021
Josie Gambrill
Aug 25, 2021
Nelson's we're great with communicating back and forth in a timely matter and being extremely helpful in planning our fundraiser. The food was great, the man who came to help set up did most of the work himself and was super helpful throughout the actual event. He basically coached us through it. Overall a great experience!
Shelly Hentzien
Aug 09, 2021
Deann Moran
Jul 11, 2021
Nelson's catered our Kiwanis drive thru picnic in Lexington, IL this weekend. Not only was the food delicious, but the Nelson's staff member, Marville, was very professional, kind and extremely helpful to our volunteers. I would hands down recommend Nelson's and Marville to any business looking for a great catering company. We had delicious grilled chicken, BBQ pork, Baked Beans, Baked Potatoes, Grilled Hot dogs and all the fixings. What a great event we had! Thanks Nelson's Catering!
Jeffery Wantland
Jul 10, 2021
Melissa H.
Feb 18, 2021
Janice Enos
Nov 06, 2019
Nelson's is great to work with, and so affordable! The food is delicious, and accommodates all dietary needs. Many guests at our wedding complimented the food, especially the meatball apps, Mac and cheese, and cheesy potatoes. The mushroom steak entree for vegetarians was delicious and filling, and was more popular than our meatatarian option! Highly recommend!
Spruce St Studios
Jan 27, 2015
Let me first mention the food, it was wonderful. I have tasted food from many different caterers as I own a venue. There wasn't a dish they served that I didn't like. And the desserts! YUM! If you have a chance to attend one of their tastings, you will not be disappointed. Nelson's Catering staff are so wonderful. They truly care about your event.
They came into our venue for a tasting with our clients and spared no expense at doing so. They spent time with each and every client, discussing their event in detail. You cannot go wrong with catering your event from Nelson's.
They came into our venue for a tasting with our clients and spared no expense at doing so. They spent time with each and every client, discussing their event in detail. You cannot go wrong with catering your event from Nelson's.
Theresa D.
Sep 24, 2013
We chose Nelson's for our wedding catering and we had an outstanding experience working with them. Throughout the whole process, Nelson's was extremely involved and communicative. Sheila was our main contact person during the planning process and she was super great. Sheila was incredibly patient and listened to all of our requests and concerns and did everything she could to accommodate them.
When the big day finally arrived, Nelson's was extremely professional, friendly and the food was amazing. Our guests loved all of the food, and we ended up with very little left over. We received tons of compliments on the food and the courteous staff. They really did a great job of operating in the background and we hardly knew they were there.
Everything was taken care of, so that we didn't have to be concerned about anything that day. I just can't say enough what an outstanding job they did. I would absolutely recommend Nelson's to anyone looking for catering in the Springfield area. I am so glad we chose them!
When the big day finally arrived, Nelson's was extremely professional, friendly and the food was amazing. Our guests loved all of the food, and we ended up with very little left over. We received tons of compliments on the food and the courteous staff. They really did a great job of operating in the background and we hardly knew they were there.
Everything was taken care of, so that we didn't have to be concerned about anything that day. I just can't say enough what an outstanding job they did. I would absolutely recommend Nelson's to anyone looking for catering in the Springfield area. I am so glad we chose them!
