Catering vs Take-Out: Finding Your Perfect Seafood Boil

Planning a seafood boil should be a highlight of your beach vacation, not a source of stress. Whether you’re gathering a large family group or enjoying a quiet low key evening , choosing the right way to enjoy a Seafood Boil can make all the difference. Outer Banks Boil Company, the original boil company of the OBX offers two great options: full-service catering and our Best Pot To-Go take-out. Each has its own benefits depending on your group size, budget, and how much you want to be involved in the cooking. Catering vs Take-out for a seafood boil? We're going to lay it out below so you can make the decision that best fits your group.

The Full-Service Catering Experience

This was and will always be our first love! Its how OBBC started back in 2012. For groups of 10 or more theres no better way to experience that true coastal seafood dining experience than hosting a seafood boil! Whether it's a family vacation, wedding event, corporate function or family reunion, having the boil come to you allows you and your guests to sit back, relax and enjoy the evening.

What You Get with Catering

• On-site cooking and a local expert

One of Outer Banks Boil Company’s friendly chefs, aka "Boilers," arrives about an hour early to set up and start the cooking process. This interactive experience adds excitement and lets guests watch the fresh ingredients come together. We love when folks ask questions and want to hang out while we boil. Our boilers know how to boil but they also know a lot about the area and love to share the "local" perspective. Many Boilers become part of the family - even if it's just for the night - sharing local knowledge, taking the group pic ,and ensuring your boil experience is one to remember!

• Everything is provided - even the cleaned up

Our team brings tablecloths, plates, utensils, and all the food. After the meal, they handle all the cleanup, including trash removal. This means you can focus on enjoying time together without worrying about prep, dishes or mess.

• Ideal for special events

Whether it’s a wedding, a rehearsal dinner, a family reunion, a milestone birthday, or a corporate event, catering removes the work from hosting. Our catering managers will work with you to make sure everything is taken care of. All you have to do is answer the door, grab yourself a beverage and show us where to set up!

When Catering Makes Sense

• Your group has 10 or more people

• You prefer a stress free, social, interactive dining experience

• You want to just enjoy the party instead of managing food prep and cleanup

  
  

Full-service catering setup with steaming seafood boil on the Outer Banks deck

The Best Pot To-Go Take-Out Option

For smaller groups or those who want flexibility, the Best Pot To-Go offers the same great seafood boil with the convenience of steaming and serving are at your own pace.

How Take-Out Works

• Pre-layered pot with fresh ingredients

You receive a pot (yours to keep!) filled with your seafood selections, sausage, corn, potatoes, and onions, all layered and ready to steam.

• Simple cooking instructions

Just add two cups of liquid and steam the pot on your stove for about 30 minutes. This lets you control the timing and enjoy the boil fresh and hot. Kids still in the pool? Want to spend some additional time on the beach? It's okay because you control the timing.

• Pick up when it suits you

Available at all OBBC locations you choose when to pick up and when to steam.

It's also great for last-minute plans or rainy days when grilling isn’t ideal. In season you can pre-order in advance for a true "set it and forget it" option that screams lazy beach days!

When Take-Out Is the Best Choice

• Your group is smaller than 10 people ( of course you can do our steamer pots with more than 10 people (based on your order). You'll just need to make sure you have enough burner space available.)

• You enjoy cooking or want a casual, DIY meal

• You need flexibility in timing or location

  
  

Making Your Decision

Choosing between catering and take-out depends on your group’s size, budget, and how involved you want to be.

• Choose catering if you want to relax and entertain a large group. The full-service experience lets you enjoy the party without worrying about food prep or cleanup.

  
  

• Choose take-out if you prefer a casual, flexible option for a smaller group. It’s a great way to enjoy the same delicious boil at your own pace

  
  

Both options deliver the authentic Coastal Low Country Boil flavors that make Outer Banks dining special. Whether you want a lively event with a Boiler chef or a simple pot to steam at home, you can create a memorable seafood feast that fits your vacation style.