Book Bbq Food Truck Catering in Riverside, CA
Food Truck Club is a catering booking platform that connects you with vetted bbq food trucks in Riverside, CA.
Riverside's BBQ scene brings serious smoke to the Inland Empire. From low-and-slow brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs, our food trucks deliver authentic barbecue that satisfies crowds. Dads BBQ and Catering, Vera Mae's BBQ, and other local favorites bring competition-quality 'cue to your corporate events, weddings, and celebrations.
Riverside's Favorite BBQ Styles for Your Event
The Inland Empire BBQ scene draws from Texas, Carolina, and California traditions. These are the smoked meats your guests will crave.
Texas-Style Brisket
The king of BBQ. Beef brisket smoked low and slow until the fat renders and the meat turns tender, with a perfect bark crust. Sliced thick and served with white bread and pickles—pure Inland Empire indulgence.
Smoked Ribs
Baby back or spare ribs, rubbed with secret spice blends and smoked until they achieve the perfect pull. Served dry or glazed with house-made sauce—either way, guests will need plenty of napkins.
Pulled Pork
Pork shoulder smoked for hours until it shreds effortlessly, piled high on buns with tangy Carolina-style sauce or served platter-style. A crowd-pleaser that works for any Riverside event.
Smoked Chicken & Turkey
Whole chickens and turkey breasts take on incredible flavor in the smoker. These lighter options give variety to your BBQ spread while satisfying guests who prefer poultry.
Sausage & Hot Links
House-made sausages and spicy hot links add variety to any BBQ event. From mild to fiery, these smoked links satisfy guests who want bold flavor in every bite.
Southern Sides
No BBQ is complete without the sides. Mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, collard greens, and potato salad round out the spread and make every plate feel complete.
Why Event Planners Choose Food Trucks
The catering choice that delivers on taste and experience
Authentic Smoke Flavor
Real BBQ requires hours of smoking—something traditional caterers can't replicate. Food trucks bring that authentic smoke flavor directly to your event, with meat that's been perfected over a real pit.
Feeds a Crowd Efficiently
BBQ is built for volume. Whether you're hosting 50 or 500 guests in Riverside, BBQ trucks serve hearty portions quickly while maintaining the quality that low-and-slow cooking demands.
Works for Any Occasion
From casual company picnics at Fairmount Park to elegant events at the Mission Inn, BBQ trucks adapt their setup and presentation to match your event's style.
Great Value for Groups
BBQ offers exceptional per-person value, especially for larger groups. Hearty portions of smoked meat with all the fixings satisfy hungry guests without breaking your budget.
Perfect for Any Inland Empire Occasion
From corporate gatherings to backyard celebrations
Corporate Events & Company Picnics
BBQ is the ultimate team-building food. Company picnics, employee appreciation events, and client gatherings throughout Riverside love the casual, communal atmosphere that BBQ creates.
Learn more about corporate events & company picnics →
Weddings & Rehearsal Dinners
Inland Empire couples are embracing BBQ for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. The relaxed vibe pairs perfectly with outdoor venues like Citrus Park or rustic ranch settings throughout Riverside County.
Learn more about weddings & rehearsal dinners →
Birthday Parties & Milestones
Milestone birthdays and family reunions call for serious food. BBQ trucks deliver the kind of feast that makes celebrations memorable—without requiring anyone to spend all day at the grill.
Learn more about birthday parties & milestones →
Sporting Events & Tailgates
Game day and BBQ are natural partners. UC Riverside tailgates, Super Bowl parties, and watch parties throughout the Inland Empire come alive with smoked meat.
Graduation Parties
High school and college graduations deserve a feast. BBQ trucks provide hearty food that satisfies crowds of family and friends celebrating Inland Empire graduates.
Community & Church Events
Block parties, church gatherings, and neighborhood events across Riverside find that BBQ brings everyone together around genuinely delicious food.
Learn more about community & church events →What's Included with Your Catering
Full-service food truck catering across the Inland Empire
Best Times to Book in Riverside
Plan around SoCal's climate for the best experience
Peak BBQ season despite Riverside heat. Evening service and shaded locations recommended. Book 5-6 weeks ahead for Fourth of July, graduation parties, and company picnics.
Perfect BBQ weather as temperatures cool. Football tailgates and outdoor corporate events increase demand. Book 4-5 weeks ahead for fall weekends.
Holiday parties and Super Bowl events keep BBQ trucks busy. Riverside's mild winters still support outdoor service. Hearty smoked meats satisfy winter appetites.
Company picnic season begins. Memorial Day weekend is peak demand—book 6-8 weeks ahead. Ideal weather for outdoor BBQ events across the Inland Empire.
Inland Empire Catering Experts
Riverside's food truck scene draws from diverse culinary traditions, with local operators like Dads BBQ and Catering and Vera Mae's BBQ perfecting their craft over years of competition and catering. These operators understand Inland Empire events—from company picnics at Rancho Jurupa to elegant weddings in Temecula wine country—and bring authentic flavors wherever they serve.
Riverside & Corona
From corporate picnics to backyard celebrations, BBQ trucks bring smoky excellence to the heart of the Inland Empire.
Ontario & Rancho Cucamonga
Business parks, company retreats, and community events with strong appetite for authentic barbecue.
Fontana & San Bernardino
Church events, family reunions, and corporate gatherings throughout the eastern Inland Empire.
Temecula & Murrieta
Wine country events, ranch weddings, and Southwest Riverside County celebrations featuring premium BBQ.
Common Questions About BBQ Truck Catering in Riverside
What you need to know before booking.
What's included with Riverside BBQ truck catering?
Most BBQ trucks include a selection of smoked meats (typically 2-3 options), classic sides like coleslaw, beans, and mac and cheese, bread, pickles, onions, and house-made sauces. Some offer upgrade packages with additional meats or premium sides.
What's the typical cost to book a BBQ truck in Riverside?
Most Riverside BBQ trucks charge $18-28 per person depending on meat selections and sides included. Minimums typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. Brisket-heavy menus tend toward the higher end due to the cost and time required to smoke beef properly.
How far ahead should I book a BBQ truck?
BBQ requires significant prep time, so book 3-6 weeks ahead for smaller events and 6-8 weeks for large gatherings. Peak BBQ season (spring through fall) and holidays fill up quickly in the Inland Empire.
Can BBQ trucks accommodate dietary restrictions?
BBQ trucks typically offer smoked chicken and turkey for guests who don't eat pork or beef. Sides like coleslaw, beans, and cornbread can often be prepared without meat products. Vegan options are limited with traditional BBQ, but let us know your needs and we'll find solutions.
Do BBQ trucks need special accommodations?
BBQ trucks may produce more smoke than other food trucks, so outdoor or well-ventilated locations work best. They're self-contained for power and equipment, just needing a flat parking space with appropriate clearance.
What areas do BBQ trucks serve in the Inland Empire?
Our BBQ truck network serves all of Riverside County and San Bernardino County—including Riverside, Corona, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Temecula, and Murrieta. Trucks regularly cater events from the mountain communities to the desert. Travel fees may apply for distant locations.
Can BBQ be served indoors at Riverside venues?
BBQ trucks work best outdoors due to smoke production, but many offer indoor buffet-style service where meat is smoked offsite and carved at your venue. This works well for corporate events at the Riverside Convention Center or indoor wedding venues throughout the Inland Empire.
What's the minimum order for BBQ truck catering?
BBQ trucks typically have higher minimums ($1,000-2,500) due to the time and cost of smoking meat properly. This usually covers 40-100+ guests depending on the menu. The investment delivers authentic smoke flavor that guests remember.
How do BBQ trucks handle large company picnics and festivals?
BBQ is built for volume. Single trucks can serve 200+ guests efficiently, and we coordinate multiple trucks for larger events throughout Riverside County. Company picnics at Fairmount Park, Rancho Jurupa, or corporate campuses regularly feature BBQ service for 500+ employees.
Can BBQ trucks provide service for multi-day events in Riverside?
Yes. For multi-day corporate retreats, weekend festivals, or extended events in the Inland Empire, BBQ trucks can commit to consecutive days of service. This is popular for company events in Temecula wine country or team-building retreats in the region.
What our clients say
Real feedback from event organizers who booked through Food Truck Club
"Amazing Experience! Food was delicious, our residents have been letting us know they loved it and truly enjoyed it. the customer service was great as well. We will for sure be working with 90s bbq again!"
February 2026
"great service and delicious food! thank you!"
February 2026
"Our residents loved it! The Weenie Wagon showed up on time & gave excellent, delicious service to our residents. We would love to have them back in the future"
February 2026
"Absolutely an amazing experience. Professional, timely, and went above and beyond. Definitely will have them cater our next event."
February 2026
"They were amazing to work with and so nice! They were on time, set everything up, and I didn’t have to do anything. My guest loved the food. Highly recommend and I would use them again!"
February 2026
"amazing! thank you for a great event!"
February 2026
"amazing! thank you for a great event!"
February 2026
"amazing! thank you for a great event!"
February 2026
"amazing! thank you for a great event!"
February 2026
Ready to Book Your Inland Empire Event?
Tell us about your gathering and we'll connect you with the perfect food truck.