Mermaid Catering is your premier, professional catering company serving all of Coastal Virginia, the OBX and the Eastern Shore, voted Coastal Virginia's best caterer 6 years in a row. Be sure to check out our $18 Themed Buffets and Signature Events menus on our website!
Overview
Hired 214 times
Background checked
8 employees
13 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Square cash app, and Venmo.
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.
Very good 4.6
127 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Maxine R.
Apr 12, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Mermaid catering worked with me to create the perfect buffet style reception for my bonus daughter's senior recital at a university. They were flexible enough to work within the time constraints of a public space, and put out a beautifully presented buffet with delicious small snacks and desserts. Those who attended the recital reception were heard commenting on how beautiful everything looked and praising the tastiness of the foods, even wishing other receptions were like this one. The pricing was very competitive to similar providers - having seen the finished product, I would not hesitate to pay slightly more for what I have seen as a clearly superior service. The attendants were well-dressed and professional, the entire buffet was set up and cleaned up with thorough attention to detail. Our event was for 80 people - they made it look easy and it was gorgeous. The menu items were fresh, well-presented and included seasonal items. The owner, Julie was a pleasure to deal with and was quick, concise and professional in her communications with me as I planned this event from out of state. Julie made the process stress-free and exceeded my expectations with her products and service. I would highly recommend Mermaid Catering without reservation.
Event Catering (Buffet)
Lisa M.
May 28, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Julia is amazing and the food catered for my family on Mother’s Day and Memorial Day was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend Mermaid catering.
Details: Holiday party • Dinner • Dessert • Mediterranean or Middle Eastern • Small bites • No, drop off only • Home • Yes, full kitchen • Fewer than 20 guests • Premium (high end ingredients)
Wedding and Event Catering
Albert C.
Sep 3, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Everything was amazing! We had some last minute changes that Julie was very accommodating for. They got here a few minutes early and set everything up in a very timely matter. She understood that we were busy and just jumped in and did her thing right away. So glad we decided to go with Mermaid Catering!
Details: Bride or groom • Dinner • Side dishes • Cold beverages (non-alcoholic) • Traditional • American - casual • Mexican / Latin American • Barbecue • Buffet / self serve • Yes - full kitchen (oven, stove, refrigerator, sink, and utensils) • Home • 31 - 40 guests • Disposable plates, utensils, and cups • Paper napkins • $$ (standard)
Wedding Catering
Blayse H.
May 18, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Could not have asked for better bartenders! Both were incredibly engaged with us and our guests, plus went above and beyond to keep everybody smiling & laughing!
Details: 51 - 75 guests • Wedding reception • Low key / casual • Private residence • Beer • Liquor / mixed drinks • Wine • Non-alcoholic beverages • Venue will already have a bar • Tip jars allowed • Setup / cleanup • Ice • Disposable cups • Coolers
Bartending
Valerie B.
Jan 17, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
My husband and I decided to get married rather quickly and only had 13 days to pull together all the details.
Julie at Mermaid Catering was one of the first caterers to respond to my request for a quote. After exchanging a few messages via the Thumbtack site, Julie had a good idea of the type of food items we wanted and was very prompt in responding with a great menu and great price quote.
We worked with Julie to secure a bartender. We supplied all the alcohol and Mermaid Catering supplied all the mixers, plates, plastic glasses, etc.
The food was delicious, fresh and beautifully presented. Julie was fun and easy to work with, she was prompt getting back to me and arrived at our wedding with ample time to set up.
Julie, you did a GREAT job, the food was delicious and the presentation beautiful. Thank you for working with me under such time restraints. We received many compliments on the food and presentation. Thank you SO much for helping to make our wedding perfect!
Wedding and Event Catering
Credentials
Background Check
Julie Hudgins
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing is based on portions, the cost of the products and preparation times. A custom menu is created for each client. A 26% event fee is added to all events which applies to your food costs, labor, and any additional costs. Taxes are calculated off your subtotal including your event fee. Gratuity is a reward for great service, which is solely at the customer’s discretion.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our goal is to create an event in the image that the customer has imagined. We will work with their menu requests to find the best possible options within their budget.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Chef and Owner Julie Aubrey has managed restaurants for over 14 years and owned one of the premier event destinations for two years (Pagoda Restaurant). We cater many high end events, such as the Mayor's Gala, Zoo to Do, Sertoma, corporate events and luncheons and private parties/functions as drop offs or full service. We were voted #1 by The Knot magazine and have a great catering reputation. We were just voted "Best Sweets" for our dessert cones by three of the area's top professional food critics!