We’re often asked about private food and drink experiences. Whether you’re looking to uplevel a soiree with a mobile bar, host an intimate cooking lesson, or have an event catered to the nines, we’ve rounded up Birmingham’s top chef, catering, and bartending services. These folks make entertaining from the comfort of home seamless, swanky, and undeniably delicious.
Private Chef
Birmingham’s in-home chefs feel like a well-kept secret. They offer an array of menus, ranging from homemade pasta and farm-to-table options to traditional Thai cuisine. Invite any one of them into your home for an elevated experience to delight the senses.
Michael Brady is a chef and the owner of Grano Pasta Company. He offers private catering, in-home cooking experiences, and homemade pasta for purchase by the pound. He can cater to speciality diets and allergies and even makes gluten-free pasta options. Instagram @grano_pasta_company
Josh Haynes is the owner of Alloy Thai, specializing in authentic Thai cuisine to make your next dinner party flavorful and educational. Instagram @alloythai
Jonathan Harrison made a significant pivot from journalism to cooking in 2022 when he was accepted into Season 1 of the hit show Next Level Chef. Hire him for seasonally inspired dinner parties with wine pairings and in-home cooking lessons. For those of you who long to eat well without the effort or are struggling with a special diet, Jonathan offers regular meal prep services. He also won an episode of Chopped in April 2025. Instagram @chef_jonathanharrison
Naturally pairs low-intervention, biodynamic wines with Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza. Jeremy Moore selects thoughtful, mostly Italian wines, while Erin Merhar crafts seasonal menus inspired by finds from the farmers' market—think vibrant salads, antipasti, and naturally fermented dough. The duo hosts intimate pop-up tastings in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, and also brings the experience to private events. Instagram @naturallypopup
Maureen Holt co-owned Little Savannah for years before venturing out into her own endeavor, Southern Graze. She believes the kitchen is the heart of a home and creates an environment where people snack, mingle, and toast over her incredible grazing tables that go far beyond a basic charcuterie board. Email southerngraze@gmail.com
Will DeShazo is a big believer in the difference that fresh local food makes. As the former owner of an online farmers' market, Till, he is intimately connected with local farms and purveyors, and teaches his clients the story behind the plate. He offers in-home meal prep, cooking lessons, or check his e-book, A Seasoned Table, which offers weekly recipes focused on simple, seasonal meals. Email howdytill@usetill.com
(small batch) is the delicious brainchild of Brian Dyer and Sam Adams. Together, they create cuisine that is inspired, local, and seasonal. Book them for an in-home dinner, events, or check out one of their private pop-ups. Instagram @smallbatchbham
Zack Redes, former Chef de Cuisine at Highland’s, can make your foodie dreams come true with dinners to go, private events, or cooking demos.
J.P. Holland
Matthew Dyer
Brad Mizerany
Libations
Whether you’re a curious wine connoisseur or looking to host a bash with memorable mixologists, these are your beverage experts. You can learn, mix, and sip with Birmingham’s best.
Rachel Mobley is a Level 3 WSET sommelier and spent 6 years as the events coordinator at Classic Wine Company. Now she offers private wine tours through Encounters Unlimited and in-home tastings. She curates cozy, fun tastings perfect for book clubs, girls' nights, and bachelorette parties, and can also accommodate larger groups. encountersunlimited.com/rachel-mobley
Patrick Hall comes highly recommended to uplevel your events with private bartending. He’s able to fully equip your shindig with all the essentials from glassware to mixers. Want to really stand out? His specialty cocktail design package features 2-3 custom cocktails. Email patrickbryanhall@gmail.com
Big Shots Mobile Bar is known for its inviting customer service and photo-worthy bar trailer. From festivals and tailgates to intimate engagement parties, they offer an array of alcoholic and non alcoholic options sure to be a highlight of any gathering, big or small. bigshotsmobilebar.com
Headliner Wine offers intimate, in-home tasting experiences focused on low-intervention, natural wines. Each tasting is thoughtfully curated to showcase exceptional bottles from dedicated winemakers who prioritize sustainability, respect for the land, and honest craftsmanship. Engaging storytelling and guided tastings connect guests to the people, places, and passion behind every pour. Instagram @headlinerwine
Scott Jones is passionate about helping others enjoy wine “without the snobbery”. With his approachable style, Scott makes wine education exciting and accessible, empowering you to sip, savor, and select with confidence.
Catering
Casual get-togethers, lavish parties, corporate events, and weekly grab-and-go options, these catering companies have you covered. Peruse their diverse menus and see what strikes your fancy.
- Feast Catering
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
- Happy Catering
- Tre Luna
- Table & Thyme
- Salud Taqueria
- Current Charcoal Grill
- Ashley Mac’s
- Automatic Seafood and Oysters
- Homewood Gourmet
- Full Moon BBQ
- Sorelle
- Savoie
- Vaughan and Co.
- Olexa’s
- Iz
- Kathy G & Co
Learn
Chef U Birmingham’s in-home cooking classes accommodate lessons for 1-4 people and can focus on a variety of topics, including knife skills, cooking with kids, and learning how to prepare a small dinner party. If you prefer to sit back and relax, choose one of their multicourse private dining experiences.