Eagle’s Restaurant, Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken earn 95+ food service scores in December

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Eagle's
Birmingham’s Eagle’s Restaurant, one block from ACIPCO. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Several Birmingham area restaurants, including Eagle’s Restaurant, which is located in the shadow of ACIPCO and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken at the Battery on Birmingham’s Southside received 95 and above on their food service scores in the month of December.

Food Service Scores

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

As a public service, since 2018, Bham Now has reported monthly Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant scores. In December 2021 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.

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.

Featured Restaurants

Who made the local restaurant honor roll in December 2021? Here are some notable local establishments:

Eagle’s Restaurant – 98

Eagle's
Meatloaf, mac and cheese, fried corn and cornbread from Eagle’s Restaurant. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Next time you are entertaining a visitor from out of town, instead of taking them to one of Birmingham’s many fine dining establishments — surprise them — drive on over to ACIPCO and treat them to Eagle’s Restaurant. Home to genuine soul food, try the neckbones – which was declared the “best ever” by the Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern. My favorite? The beef tips with rice. And you can’t beat the Ox Tails.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – 96

Gus's Fried Chicken
We can’t wait to see Birmingham’s very own Gus’s sign light up at The Battery. Photo via Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Whether it is in the winter or summer, one of my favorite nights out is over at The Battery on the corner of 22nd Street and 2nd Avenue South. I love picking up a “plate”  (recommend the baked beans) to go. After the pick up — walk next door to  Birmingham District Brewing (which scored a 100 on their food score) and have a beer with your meal. The perfect combo. 

Additional 95 and above scores:

Elyton
Photo via Moon Shine Birmingham at Elyton Hotel’s Facebook

Wayback Burger – 100

Smokin Hot Sports Grill – 97

Uncle Sam’s BBQ – 95 

Home Plate Diner – 96

China Master – 98

Elyton Hotel 17th Floor – 97

Birmingham District Brewing -100

Paul’s Hot Dogs Grill – 95

1st Ave Meat and Fish – 100

Learn More

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.Check out our local business directory featuring over 700 restaurants, bars and businesses offering deals, curbside delivery and more.

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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