Johnny’s Restaurant, Galley & Garden earn 95+ food service scores in May

Galley & Garden
Galley and Garden Restaurant on Birmingham’s Southside. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

Several Birmingham area restaurants including Galley and Garden on Birmingham’s Southside, Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood, and Heritage Coffee in Ensley received 95 and above on their food service scores in May 2021.

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

Galley and Garden – 95

In 2019, Galley and Garden was recognized as the  “Best Easter Brunch in Alabama” by Delish.  But did you know Galley and Garden was named to Wine Enthusiast’s top 100 Wine Restaurants in America? Located on Highland Avenue next to the fire station, Galley and Garden has something for everyone.

Johnny’s Restaurant – 95

Since 2017, Johnny’s Restaurant chef and owner Tim Hontzas has earned four straight James Beard Best Chef in South Semi-Finalist honors.  Keeping Birmingham’s Greek culinary traditions alive, check out Johnny’s one afternoon. You won’t regret it.

Heritage Coffee – 96

Heritage Coffee in Ensley
Inside look at Heritage Coffee in Ensley. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

Located in the heart of Ensley, Heritage Coffee is one of my favorite places to hang out. I recommend one of their hot drink specials in the morning (Almond Joy is a favorite) and smoothie in the afternoon – especially in the summer months. 

Additional 95 and above scores:

Grand River Drive-in
Photo via Bham Now

Metro Diner (Trussville) – 95

Grand River Drive-In – 97

Meals by Misty – 99

Green Acres South – 99

Coffee Lab – 97

Wine Loft -100

Bre’s Restaurant – 99

JCDH Website

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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