Reviews of Hearty Boys (Catering)

maureen ventura

We used Hearty Boys for our wedding catering and had an amazing experience with them. We only did on tasting as we felt so comfortable and supported by Hearty Boys, specifically Alyson, during our tasting with them. They were so organized, really listened to what we had to say while also offering suggestions. Leading up to the wedding, Alyson was in constant contact to ensure we were on not forgetting anything. She did a final walk through with us and re-explained everything for us. She was very flexible with our off the wall requests (ie: last minute dessert bar) and helped meet these requests. On the day of the wedding we knew we were in good hands and had nothing to worry about. The apps and dinner food were exactly how we tasted them and our guests are still talking about how amazing the food was. Many said it was the best wedding food they have ever had. Alyson and team set up a beautiful dessert for us as we opted out of having a cake. It was beyond our dreams! Lastly, we had a personal waiter that was always there to refill our drinks or bring us food. This really helped with ensuring we had a chance to eat and drink. I cannot say enough good things about Hearty Boys and Alyson. I hope we get to use them again in the future.

Valerie Lambert Kroll

Eating at Hearty Boys is an exciting sensory experience! They take standard dishes and make them exciting and complex. One appetizer I had was a corn dog that consisted of rabbit with corn bread coating a sweet berry dipping sauce instead of ketchup! My favorite dessert was the 'pop tart' that was a nutella filled puff pastry with homemade salted caramel ice cream on top. I promise you that your dining experience will become a story that you share with friends - such a great spot!

Marty Malone

I've been to Hearty Boys twice now, and both times I had a good time. The reason for four stars and not 5, however, is because I feel like the tables are very close together. I had just enough clearance to back my chair up without bumping the people behind me. The food was amazing both times though... especially their specialty butters! (Coffee's a tad expensive though, $3.00 for a pretty small cup.)

Terry Ski

Terrible management

Gina Spinoso

Highest quality service and food! They went above and beyond our expectations. Not only was the food exceptional (every single course!) but the servers were attentive and amazing. Alyson Green was over the top accommodating and made our wedding day so special. I would recommend them 100 times over.

Carol Carbine

Party of 10 for brunch. All but 1 meal was very good. That meal--Bourbon Street Benny--was poorly cooked. Poached egg was too hard. When cut into, water gushed out making brioche soggy. Since the potatoes were eaten, owner Dan said half the meal was eaten and refused to adjust the bill. When we argued that the main part--the egg--was not eaten, he took $4.00 of a $10.00 item. He acted like we were trying to cheat him. This with a total bill of $150.00! If you go here, pray the food is properly prepared, because even if you can't eat the meal, you will eat the bill.

Elyssa Zajeski

My husband and I chose Hearty Boys to cater our wedding and everything was amazing. We worked with Alyson, who was great from the start. We set up a time to meet and do a tasting BEFORE signing a contract, which was huge because not many companies do things that way, so we knew their food was going to blow our minds. The set up of the tasting was great and Alyson walked us through all the steps and answered all of our questions. Everything from the hors d'oeuvres, to the salad, to the entrees, and finally the desserts were honestly fantastic. After signing the contract, communication continued to be spot on and Alyson was very organized. On the day of, everything went perfectly and the food tasted as great as I remember, which I’ve been told from others is not how their catering experiences went. We had SO many compliments on our food, and it definitely stood out as the best wedding food we’ve tasted as well. The food options are unique and delicious and the logistics with the company are flexible yet organized. We highly recommend the Hearty Boys, you and your guests will not be disappointed!

Hannah Ehrlich

I have worked closely with the head of the Hearty Boys for an event the company I work for was a sponsor at. They are so easy and excellent to work with. Their team is nice, professional, and incredibly diligent at their job. I am excited to work with them again!

Caleb McDermott

I loved this place! They had a great booth at Bacon Fest 2012, and I was very impressed with their Bacon Cereal. I can't wait to get there and try all the other menu items they have!

Erin Thor

Hearty Boys catered our wedding this past Saturday (August 30th) and lived up and MORE to the rave reviews. We found them, hilariously, by tasting a cilantro garlic pulled pork sandwich of theirs last year at The Taste of Chicago. We joked that they should cater our wedding, and after a quick Google search, the joke wasn't so funny anymore. It turns out they ARE a wedding caterer, and after finding nothing but glowing reviews our joke turned into a strong desire to make it happen. After our tasting, that desire turned into a need. Throughout the entire process of working with them, they have been nothing short of sensational. The communication, willingness to work with our budget and style, and professionalism were/are top notch. We initially worked with Steve, one of the two "Hearty Boys" - but were later assigned to work with Margaret, who is the planner assigned to our wedding venue (Loft on Lake). I have to admit, at first I was sad to leave Steve behind because he did such a great job, but Margaret delivered AND MORE. She never forgot a single detail, she'd sit on the phone with me for 45 minutes at a time just bouncing ideas and listening to my rattled bride brain go on and on... and when it came down to execution of my ideas at the event... she was flawless. The guests raved about the food and I will proudly say that I licked my plate clean - so much for "the bride never eats". I am sad my wedding is over, if for no other reason than I no longer get to work with Hearty Boys.

Laura Crawford

Dec 20th, 2011 We recently used Hearty Boys for our wedding on Dec 10th 2011. They were amazing to work with start to finish and I would definitely use them again if I have another event. The tasting was wonderful and everything I asked for was presented beautifully on the big night. The budget (even the very last one) came in way under what many other Chicago vendors started at. We had superior wait staff serving in a very tiny and cramped space. They were all gracious and patient moving in between guests and cramped tables. The food was hot, delicious and well plated. My hat goes off to both the restaurant (which we have also dined at several times) and to their most excellent catering team. If you need an event catered, I’d recommend at least seeing what Hearty Boys have to offer you!

Andre Walker

The ambience is great the staff is sweet, but the food was awful. I had an overcooked piece of pork belly (which is predominately fat. So, how long dod you cook it?) Perhaps they have perfected it, or removed it from their menu, but I refuse to try again. After I complained to the management they didn't even remove the entree from my bill. SECURITY!?!?! #Rude

Sidney Dacre

Suggested days special was incredible, shrimp cocked to perfection. Added flavors such as ginger wasabi and coconut they gave a thai touch to a fabulous dinner. Would hghly recommend.

Bill Cash

This place used to be great, but it is seriously downhill. Of the last 10 reviews on Yelp, they are all 1- and 2-star reviews. Drinks were disgusting, water and coffee were not kept full, and the waiters had serious attitude. I used to love this restaurant, but the last four or five times I've walked away with a bad taste in my mouth. I finally embarrassed myself by trying to have a birthday brunch here. Forget it, never again. There are a million other places to eat that aren't rude and condescending to customers. I hope they go out of business because the space is cool and somebody else could do a better job with it.

Jennifer Becker McGeehan

Thank you Andy & Hearty Boys Catering! We got married 3/24/18 at A New Leaf and I couldn't ask for better food and service. The staff was attentive and friendly and the people loved the food. Andy takes a lot of pride in his work and it showed. He always made sure everyone was taken care of, including us. Everything went so smoothly from the planning of the wedding to the actual big day. They took care of the food, alcohol, linens, tables, and chairs. Couldn't have asked for anything more. Thank you!

Elizabeth Mohs

While my wife and I were searching for a caterer for our wedding, Hearty Boys was the very first option we visited. As soon as the tasting meal got started, we knew right away that we didn't need to even try anywhere else. They rolled out the red-carpet so quickly and so skillfully we knew the wedding would receive the same treatment. The most important thing, of course, was the food. And it blew us away. We tried several dishes and were able to narrow down a perfect menu for the season and the wedding. We requested Buffet-Style, and they accommodated without any hesitation. We also used Hearty Boys for table-scape (linens, plate-ware, glasses, etc). Their vast selection made it easy to pick exactly what we wanted. The Day-Of service was top-notch! We worked with Andy Root, and he and all the wonderful staff couldn't have made the night any better. Service was excellent, the food was still amazing; additionally, the bar service was quick and painless, keeping everyone happy and full! Hearty Boys, and Andy, both come highly recommended, without any reservations or call-outs. They were simply the best in the city, and we would work with them in a heartbeat.

Trung Tieu

"Comfort Revisited" is the perfect description. Whether the food, the decor or the staff, it is all comforting. Definitely go for the brunch and the Tang Mimosas at brunch and enjoy the patio in good weather!

Tammy Hsu

The crispies and "cereal milk" you had at Baconfest was genious!! If I wasn't so full I would've gotten a ton more!!! And thank you for letting me get two at a time so I could get one for my boyfriend who was waiting in line :)

Erica Nelson

I love Hearty Boys - good comfort food with a twist, and a great place to bring out-of-town guests. Favorites are the rabbit corn dog and the fried chicken. They also knock classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds out of the park. Very cozy spot in the winter, and I love the patio for the summer.

Jimm Cobb

Winners of the food network don't disappoint. Homey atmosphere and wonderful food. Great take on old fashioned cocktails. You have to love the staff and the fresh ingredients.

Kari Carollo

After vetting almost all 7 of the preferred vendors at Greenhouse Loft, it ended up being an easy choice to sign with Hearty Boys. Of course, a LOT goes into choosing your wedding caterer - style, food preferences, budget, serving plan, details - and Hearty Boys came to the rescue without any questions. I began to work with Andrew for my Sept. 1st wedding about a year in advance. I gave him my budget per person and rightfully so, Andrew was diving into an Urban BBQ style proposal and determined to get us to that budget. Even though they didn't have the equipment for family style, he wanted to make it happen - especially since so many inquiries were coming in for it! Proposal change after proposal change, Andrew was never short a detail, provided honest and true opinions where solutions were needed and stuck to the budget at hand. Every meeting, email and phone call always came out with a smile and a solution to everything! Andrew knows his stuff, and executes amazingly. The food - fried chicken, brisket, green apple/blue cheese slaw, black bean and corn salad and mac and cheeto - the BEST WEDDING FOOD people had ever had - by far. We're still receiving so many complements on the food choices and that "the brisket could be on a best of Chicago list". The night went off without a hitch, and I have a TON to thank Andrew and Hearty Boys for. You guys are the BEST, and I'm so glad we could partner with you for the best day ever!

Henry Frerk Sons, Inc.

Hearty Boys catered our breakfast meeting at 5 am and the food was hot, delicious and prompt. We would definitely use them again.

Ari Malman

the food is ok. ive been to better restaurants but it was edible. thats always good