.png?format=1500w)
You’re standing on Avenue X in Gravesend, and if you’ve lived in Brooklyn for more than a minute, you know the smell. It’s that specific, comforting aroma of roasting turkey, simmering marinara, and fresh-baked rolls. That is the calling card of Bassett Catering in Brooklyn, a place that has basically become a neighborhood monument over the last six decades.
Honestly, finding a caterer in New York that doesn't feel like a corporate factory is tough. Bassett is the opposite. It’s family-run, it’s loud, and the portions are frankly a bit aggressive. But that’s exactly why people love it. Whether it's a 150-person wedding at a swanky Manhattan venue or a backyard BBQ in Sheepshead Bay, they’ve seen it all.
The 2020 Fire and the Big Comeback
Back in December 2020, things looked pretty grim. A massive three-alarm fire tore through the building at 1404 Avenue X. It was devastating. For a neighborhood that relied on Bassett for every Thanksgiving turkey and Sunday football platter, the loss felt personal.
But they rebuilt.
📖 Related: Creative and Meaningful Will You Be My Maid of Honour Ideas That Actually Feel Personal
They vowed to come back, and they did, better than before. The new space keeps that classic deli energy but with a refreshed, modern kitchen that handles an insane volume of orders. It’s a testament to the Morandi family, who have been at the helm since Louis Morandi started the business in 1962. You don’t survive 60+ years in the Brooklyn food scene—and a literal inferno—without knowing exactly what your customers want.
What You’re Actually Getting: The Menu Reality
If you're looking for tiny, deconstructed plates with three drops of foam, keep moving. That's not what happens here. Bassett is about "superabundant" portions. That’s a word a real customer used in a review, and it’s pretty spot on.
The Heavy Hitters
The menu is huge. Like, confusingly huge. But most regulars gravitate toward the classics that have been refined over generations.
👉 See also: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Waldorf: What Most People Get Wrong About This Local Staple
- Chicken Francaise: It’s buttery, lemony, and consistently cited as a favorite.
- The "Pilgrim" Sandwich: Fresh off-the-bone turkey, brie, and cranberry mayo. It’s basically Thanksgiving on a roll, available year-round.
- Homemade Salads: We’re talking over 20 varieties. The Mediterranean Chickpea and the Pesto Tortellini are staples, but their classic potato salad is what your grandmother probably wishes she made.
They also do these massive party heroes. You've seen them. Those three-to-six-foot monsters that dominate a table. The "Italian Primo" is the go-to: ham cappy, salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and provolone. It's a lot of meat. It's very Brooklyn.
Why Experience Matters for Weddings and Events
Planning a wedding is a nightmare. Let's be real. Frank and the team at Bassett have a reputation for being the "easy" part of the process. They aren't just dropping off trays; they handle full-service "Black Tie" events.
One thing that surprises people is their private dining room. It’s tucked away and can host about 60 guests. It’s a great "middle ground" option for people who want a catered experience but don't want to deal with the chaos of hosting at home. Prices for these packages usually hover around $30 to $50 per person depending on the day and the menu, which, in 2026 NYC prices, is kind of a steal.
✨ Don't miss: Converting 50 Degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius: Why This Number Matters More Than You Think
Flexibility and Flaws
No place is perfect. Some people have mentioned that because they are so busy, communication can occasionally lag during peak holiday seasons. Also, if you’re ordering through a third-party app like DoorDash at the very end of the day, you might run into "end of the tray" syndrome where the portions aren't as pretty as the lunch rush. It's always better to call them directly or visit the counter.
The BBQ Factor
When the weather turns, Bassett switches gears into a full-blown grill operation. Their New England Clam Bake is a bit of a legend in the area—steamed lobster, mussels, and clam chowder.
They also offer "Self-Service" BBQ packages. They deliver the food precooked and set it up on chafing dishes. It’s the "cheat code" for hosting a summer party without actually standing over a hot grill for four hours while everyone else drinks beer.
Practical Steps for Your Next Event
If you're thinking about using Bassett Catering in Brooklyn, don't just wing it.
- Do a Tasting: Seriously. They offer them for larger events. Frank is known for being very accommodating, so go in and actually try the food before committing to a 100-person contract.
- Check the Seasonal Packages: They run specific menus for the Super Bowl, winter holidays, and graduations. These are usually "all-in" prices that include the paper goods and serving utensils, which saves you a trip to the store.
- Ask About the Staff: If you’re doing a formal event, you can hire their servers and bartenders. It’s often cheaper and more cohesive than hiring a separate staffing agency.
- Order Early for Holidays: For Thanksgiving or Christmas, the cutoff dates are real. If you miss it, you're out of luck.
At the end of the day, Bassett is a piece of Brooklyn history that still works because the food actually tastes like someone’s aunt made it in the back. It’s not trendy. It’s just good. Whether you need a simple box lunch for a corporate meeting or a full-scale wedding buffet, they’ve spent the last six decades proving they can handle the pressure. Stop by the counter on Avenue X, grab a container of the Mac and Cheese, and you’ll see why they’re still standing.