Nabeel’s, Wasabi Juan’s, Dave & Buster’s received 95 and above food service scores in October

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Photo provided by Nabeel’s Cafe’s instagram

Several Birmingham area food service establishments including Nabeels in Homewood, the Riverchase Galleria’s Dave & Buster’s and Green Acres in Ensley received 95 and above on their health inspection scores in October 2020.

As a public service, since 2018, Bham Now has reported monthly Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant scores. 

How are the inspections conducted?

Food service inspection scores are updated regularly on the Jefferson County Department of Health website. Wherever food is prepared, from restaurants to local schools, the health department makes sure it is being prepared and served safely. We estimate approximately 20% of the restaurant inspections score 95 or above (local school cafeterias tend to all score 95 or above). 

 Who made the honor roll this month? Here are some notable establishments: 

Dave & Buster’s – 95

Screen Shot 2018 11 18 at 4.04.37 PM e1542578826506 Nabeel’s, Wasabi Juan’s, Dave & Buster’s received 95 and above food service scores in October
The cocktail bar at Dave & Buster’s in Hoover. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

How popular is Dave & Buster’s? In 2017, when Bham Now broke the news that Dave & Buster’s was coming to the Birmingham area, the story was our digital publication’s most read story. In 2018, the 7th and 10th most viewed stories in Bham Now were about Dave & Buster’s grand opening. Great food and out of this world games – Dave & Buster’s has quickly become a regional attraction.

True Story Brewing –  95

True Story 3 Nabeel’s, Wasabi Juan’s, Dave & Buster’s received 95 and above food service scores in October
Brewmaster Craig Shaw with the pickle sandwich at True Story Brewing. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

True Story is genuine. Back in 2019, we did a story about the Crestwood Neighborhood tavern’s latest invention, a one and only sandwich made out of pickles. When we visited True Story about the unique sandwich, we expected to pick it up and go home. That didn’t happen. We left much later having devoured the sandwich and partaken in some True Story’s beautifully crafted beer. What a great place.

Wasabi Juan’s – 100

Wasabi Juan's at The Battery
Wasabi Juan’s at the Battery. Photo via Cheyenne Trujillo for Bham Now.

Ever since Wasabi Juan’s opened up in the Southside this has been my go to place. They have perfected the fusion of sushi and mexican cuisine. I’ll tell you, my favorite place to eat Wasabi Juan’s is at a Birmingham Legion FC game. Nothing beats eating a Cowboy burrito before a game with the Magic City Brigade, the Legion’s supporter’s club. It is not messy to eat, and it is perfect “game day” food – better than wings.

Nabeel’s Cafe and Market – 98

Bossy Pants Book Club at Nabeels in Homewood. Photo via Judith Wright. Nabeel’s, Wasabi Juan’s, Dave & Buster’s received 95 and above food service scores in October
Bossy Pants Book Club at Nabeel’s in Homewood. Photo via Judith Wright.

A Homewood original, Nabeel’s started off as a mediterrainean grocery store nearly 50 years ago in 1971. My wife and I love sharing the capresi salad and a Camel Rider, which was named by the Alabama Department of Tourism as “100 Dishes to eat in Alabama before you die.”

Additional 95 and above scores:

Green Acres – Ensley – 98

Egghouse and Wing Stop – 95

Chris Zs – 96

Tip Top Grill – 95

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Tip Top Grill in the Bluff Park neighborhood in Hoover. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Silver Kati – 97

Sammy’s Sandwich Shop – 99

Cedar House -100

Iron City Pizza – 98

Davenport Pizza Palace – 95

Culvers – 97

IMG 8046 Nabeel’s, Wasabi Juan’s, Dave & Buster’s received 95 and above food service scores in October
Cedar House Cafeteria in Tarrant. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Deerman’s BBQ – 97

Ousler Sandwiches – 98

Hattie B’s – 95

Half Shell Oyster House of Lakeview – 97

half shell oyster house food 2 Nabeel’s, Wasabi Juan’s, Dave & Buster’s received 95 and above food service scores in October
*Warning*: Drooling may occur. Photo by Chaise Sanders for Bham Now

Visit Jefferson County Department of Health’s Food Service website for the latest scores. These food service inspections are invaluable and help keep us all safe. It is our right to know.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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