What is a reasonable price for catering?

[Anonymous]

I am trying to have a party catered with typical Mexican food at my house mid January. I am estimating there will be about 30 people there. I called one place and they estimated $9/person plus 20% tip. Is that reasonable?

Do you have any places you'd recommend? Looking for good and cheap.

[Anonymous]

OP here; forgot to mention this is in Alexandria (Fort Hunt area).

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would expect $9/person to be on the low end of the spectrum.

[Anonymous]

I was going to say 12-15 a person so 9$ is a heck of a deal

[Anonymous]

That seems too cheap.
What's the menu??

Good and cheap don't go together

[Anonymous]

$9 seems really cheap. You can't even eat at Chipolte for $9. Are they bringing everything or just food?

[Anonymous]

That seems very, very reasonable.

[Anonymous]

What are they feeding your guests for $9? Is Taco Bell catering your food?

[Anonymous]

OP here, I have been to the place before and had their Mexican, so it is not like I picked a random place or found the lowest price place. The food was pretty average, but I am honestly looking for gourmet food, just something so we don't have to cook and clean and is affordable.

About the menu, I did not write it down but I said typical Mexican and the owner said cerviches, tacos and fajitas. Drinks not includes. Plus they will deliver it with paper plates and plastic utensils.

Now that I know this is a cheap price, I will get some more details to make sure there is not any hidden fees.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I meant I am not looking for gourmet.

[Anonymous]

We paid $9/ person for a taco bar for my kid's birthday party, plus extra for a few things that weren't included in the standard. But no dessert.

[Anonymous]

Yeah a caterer that will sell you edible ceviche and fajitas for 9 per person is a steal. I was assuming this was going to be just ground beef tacos and beans and rice.