All events are booked on a first come first serve basis and it depends on our availability and the popularity of a particular day. We recommend scheduling catering services as soon as possible to ensure that the date is available.

To secure your date and time, we require a signed contract, and 50% deposit.

We service the Washington Metropolitan area. Depending on distance a travel fee will apply.

We typically arrive between an hour and a half to two hours before the event start time. In extremely rare cases, due to an unforeseen incident such as a car accident or other emergency, our driver could potentially be late for an event. In such cases, we will do everything in our ability to have the event set up and the food ready as soon as possible.

We set up tents over the food prep areas and will not cancel for rain or even snowy conditions. If we are unable to cook outside for an event because of extreme inclement weather, we could always cook the food at our restaurant and serve it buffet style.

We understand that emergencies may arise, and we do everything we can to minimize any difficulties or losses that may result. If within one week of a scheduled event a client needs to change the date, a rescheduling fee will apply depending on the amount of preparation completed and the amount of food or ingredients ordered or prepared.

In the extremely rare and unlikely situation where an event needs to be cancelled indefinitely, the cancellation policy is as follows:

We will charge a 15% fee for cancellations regardless of cause.
Within 72 hours of the event we will retain the full amount of the deposit.
Notice of cancellation must be received in writing.

This cancellation policy is at the discretion of El Patio and may be adjusted depending on the situation.

We will NOT back out of events for larger ones that may arise, and we will not overbook events. Once we receive your signed contract and deposit, you do not have to worry about loosing your spot.

We accept cash, checks (checks have to be received 7 days before the event), or credit cards (there is a 3% fee for paying with credit card)

Unless otherwise arranged and specified on the customer's contract, the final balance is due prior to completion of the event; however, it is ideal to pay the balance a week in advance so that our services may be provided more quickly and efficiently the day of the event.

No. The price on the contract is the price of the event. Nevertheless, if more food or services is needed for an event, the price will go up accordingly.

The number of staff members depends on the amount of people and the menu and services that you will be receiving.

We do not charge gratuity. It is up to you to give to our staff a tip if you consider that is deserved.

Yes. Our waitresses typical attire is a white shirt, embroidered silver vest (at your request we may provide vests with no logos) and black pants. Grill chefs will be dressed in embroidered black chef coats and black pants

Yes, variety is subject to availability, we recommend you to request them with at least 2 weeks in advance.

Yes! We have tables, chairs, china, glassware and chaffing dishes available for rental if you contract our catering services. Variety is subject to availability.

Yes. We offer several options for vegetarians such as grilled vegetables for the parrillada, and several platters and appetizers. If you have something in mind, we most likely can provide it. For more details, just give us a call.

There is no minimum number of guests. But for the parrillada service, the price decrease as the number of guest increases

Yes. We are fully insured and licensed for catering.