Where to Find Shareable Dishes for Your Westchester Barbecue

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Not sure what to bring to all those upcoming barbecues and block parties? Keep it simple by picking up a dish from these Westchester spots.

Additional reporting by Molly Reinman

When folding tables line neighborhood streets, music blasts from rented speakers, and the aroma of ribs fills the air, you know it’s block party season. Summer parties and barbecues bring family and friends together, but they also come with the pressure of what to bring. Instead of nervously saying, “I brought myself!” or simply contributing a bottle of wine, show up with one of these fabulous shareable dishes and platters that will outshine even the best home-cooked recipes. Whether it’s a well-heeled charcuterie crowd or you’re trying to delight cupcake-loving kids, these Westchester spots have the most aesthetic and delicious to-go dishes for one and all.

Balducci’s

144 South Ridge St, Rye Brook; 914.308.3692
15 Palmer Ave, Scarsdale; 914.722.0200

Balducci’s offers an astounding number of shareable dishes that range from traditional Mediterranean to Tex-Mex. You can go the lighter route with vegetable crudités, the festive fruit platter, or an artisanal cheese sampler, or be the star of the event with Balducci’s Berkshire ham platter or one of the 12 opulent sushi combination platters. If that’s not enough to help you claim the title of most valuable guest, Balducci’s creates three-foot heroes and multiple seafood platters, including shrimp cocktail party bowls.

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Carmine’s Italian Deli Cafe

7 Old Rd, Elmsford; 914.345.2605

Carmine’s Italian Deli Cafe offers an extensive variety of shareable dishes for a poolside get-together, a family barbecue, or a neighborhood block party. If you want to be the person who fills bellies and attracts pasta-loving children, choose from a selection of dishes like rigatoni Bolognese, ravioli, and Mama Rosa meatballs. If you’re attending or hosting a more sophisticated event, wow the crowd with a flavorful chicken scarpariello or a perfectly tender London broil. Running late with no time to cook but you already agreed to contribute? Without stealing anyone’s thunder completely, bring one of Carmine’s scrumptious and shareable summery sides like green beans almondine or broccoli rabe.

Dobbs and Bishop Fine Cheese

107 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.361.1770

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Dobbs and Bishop will bring a level of cheesy elegance to your summer event that can only be found in their carefully crafted platters and baskets. Trust these expert cheesemongers to put together a perfect assortment of hard and soft cheeses, dried fruits, dips, and crisps. Choose the Fan Favorite if you’re looking for an extravagant combination of popular cheeses like creamy triple-creme and hard cheddar. If you want to honor local cheese artisans, order the exquisite Born in the USA basket.

Frank & Joe’s Deli

702 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale; 914.723.5454

This cozy and authentic Italian deli is already famous for its sandwiches, but it can also be crowned king for its incredible variety of shareable dishes. As a neighborhood favorite, Frank & Joe’s never fails to combine fresh ingredients with creative ideas to produce an applause worthy dish. The delectable platters — both visually pleasing and beyond tasty — are the perfect segue into the still-raging charcuterie trend. Start simple with the antipasto deluxe, featuring a beautiful spread of sweet and hot soppressata, cubed provolone and parmigiana Reggiano, stuffed pepper shooters, and meats. Once you secure a reputation as the designated charcuterie champion, level up with a custom Italian cold cut platter stuffed with your own selection of hot, sweet, spicy, and peppery meats and cheeses.

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Rooster’s Market

48 Gedney Way, White Plains; 914.949.7202

If you’re searching for an assortment of impressively towering carnivorous sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, look no further. Specialty sammies here include the Crusader, a traditional stack of cheesy roast beef with the necessary pickled toppings, and the Doogly, a sweet and spicy honey variation of a turkey club. If you have any doubts that Rooster’s monster sandwiches will satisfy everyone at the party (including vegetarians), bring along a medley of savory sides. Because, certainly, nobody at a barbecue can say no to a “Don’t Be a Chicken” sandwich alongside some jalapeño poppers or mac & cheese bites.

 

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Related: Where to Grab Grub to Go for a Picnic or Hike in Westchester

Tzatziki Greek Grill

1 Huguenot St, New Rochelle; 914.738.2737

We all know and love the typical barbecue classics, but the best way to elevate a 2023 summer party is to incorporate the rich Greek flavors of Tzatziki Greek Grill. Friends and family will race to fill their plates with chicken and pork souvlaki, gyro meat, and warm crusty pita topped with tangy tzatziki sauce from the Olympian platter. All of the shareable to-go dishes are served with a fresh salad, pita, tzatziki, or tahini sauce. To ensure that your carb needs are met for the day, choose between lemon potatoes, rice pilaf, or French fries that are rumored to be dangerously crispy and delicious.

And for dessert…

The Bakehouse (Riviera Bakehouse)

660 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley; 914.693.9758
2 Depot Plz, Tarrytown; 914.366.7420

It is undeniable that if someone lays out a tray of the Bakehouse’s famous cupcakes, they will become the most popular person at any party. If you bravely took on the task of providing dessert for a group of ravenous children, the gourmet 16-piece vanilla and chocolate set of cupcakes or the 20-piece mini cupcake sampler with dulce de leche, vanilla, Nutella, raspberry mousse, funfetti, cannoli, and many other flavors will be a lifesaver. If you’re taking a more upscale cupcake approach to a summer event, arrive with the 12-piece chocolate lovers cupcake box or opt for the assortment of classic and citrusy flavors arranged as a garden in the seven-piece floral sampler.

 

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SugarHi

380 Main St, Armonk; 914.273.4777

SugarHi’s Greatest Hits sampler contains the perfect combination of goodies to satisfy every type of sweet tooth. This crowd pleaser contains homemade raspberry pop-tarts, three half-pound cookies, cake scraps, birthday cake blondies, a s’mores bar, and more. These innovative creations can be complemented by a customizable college candy box for a graduation party or, if you’re more of a cake lover, order a “surprise inside” sprinkle cake for pretty much any occasion.

 

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Susan Lawrence

26 North Greeley Ave, Chappaqua; 914.238.8833

If you’re craving a shareable platter that is both tasty and artistic, look no further than Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods. The Signature Bar Cookie Platter offers an assortment of finger-sized cookies shaped and iced to resemble all of your favorite summer symbols — from charming Kentucky Derby hats to American flags for the Fourth of July. For guests who don’t like to eat art, the Truffle Brownie & Rugelach Platter is a hearty and sophisticated alternative. All platters come on a wicker dish and are garnished with fresh fruit for a boost of freshness.

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