Savage’s, Ashley Mac’s, The Filling Station receive A+ food service scores in March

Savage's
Savage’s Bakery in Homewood attracts people of all ages! Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Several Birmingham area restaurants including Savage’s in Homewood, Crestwood Neighborhood’s The Filling Station, and the Casual Pint in Hoover received 95 and above on their health inspection scores in March 2021.

As a public service, since 2018, Bham Now has reported monthly Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant scores. In March, over 100 local establishments that handle and serve food were inspected by the health department. These places include: restaurants, schools, nursing homes, daycare centers, hospitals, grocery stores and concession stands.

In this story, we feature local restaurants that scored 95 and above.

Where Did We Get the Scores?

Birmingham, Jefferson County Department of Health
Jefferson County Department of Health. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Food service inspection scores are updated regularly on the Jefferson County Department of Health website. The database is easy to access and it goes back several years. We estimate approximately 10-15% of the restaurant inspections score 95 or above, while most local school cafeterias, for example, tend to score 95 or above. 

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

Dos Hermanos  – 98

Far & Wide
Dos Hermanos Jeffrey Guzman. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Last year, Far & Wide, the popular digital website made an important announcement for people searching for the perfect burrito. The national publication declared Dos Hermanos’ burritos “best” in Alabama. We wrote the story back in August 2020, and to our surprise it was one of Bham Now’s most popular 2020 articles. In fact, it was shared on Facebook nearly 3000 times by loyal customers of Dos Hermanos . 

If you haven’t had their burrito, I highly recommend it. Far & Wide made a wise choice.

Savage’s Bakery – 95

Savage's
From cakes to Meltaways, Savage’s has been serving Birmingham for 80 years. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Birmingham folks know the drill. If you ever have guests from out of town, you take them to see Vulcan, and after you are done visiting the park, you drive down into Homewood and treat your friends with fresh “meltaways” from Savage’s Bakery. WARNING: They might not leave. 

By the way, Savage’s Bakery and Deli turns 82 years old this year. 

Ashley Mac’s – 95

Ashley's Mac's
Ashley Mac’s is always serving up something good. Photo via Hannah Chambley for Bham Now

One of my favorite Bham Now restaurant/catering stories was written in October 2020 about Ashley McMakin and her company –  Ashley Mac’s. 

We all love Ashley Mac’s delicious food, but you will soon find out after reading our inspirational story that Ashley Mac’s is more than a place to get a family meal. It is about grace.  A must read.

Additional 95 and above scores:

The Filling Station
Crestwood Neighborhood’s The Filling Station. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now.
Casual Pint
Perfect pub food at The Casual Pint. Photo by Pat Byington 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.

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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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