Rojo, Surin West and T-Bones earn 95+ food service scores in January

Surin West
Surin West Birmingham’s Five Points. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

Several Birmingham area restaurants, including Rojo on Highland Avenue and T-Bones Philly Style Cheesesteaks and Surin West in Five Points South received 95 and above on their food service scores in the month of January.

Food Service Scores

Birmingham, Jefferson County Department of Health
Jefferson County Department of Health. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

As a public service since 2018, Bham Now has reported monthly Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant scores. In January 2021 over 100 local establishments that handle and serve food were inspected by the health department, including 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.

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

Rojo – 98

rojo tacos
Queso with a side of tacos sounds good to me. Photo via rojo

A Highland Park mainstay for nearly two decades, Rojo not only serves up delicious meals with a great atmosphere—they also give back to the community. Back in 2016, Bham Now published a story about their many contributions and donations

Surin West – 95

coconut soup surin
This coconut soup is good as an appetizer or an entree.

Another beloved Birmingham restaurant, Surin West is nearing its third decade in Five Points South. One of the first Thai Restaurants in the Magic City, Surin West is a restaurant you bring out of town guests to after showing off Vulcan and our lovely tree lined neighborhoods. TIP: Don’t forget to taste Surin’s legendary coconut soup and make sure to review their extensive menu—which includes Thai & sushi classics—before you visit.

T-Bones Philly Cheesesteaks   – 96

T-bones
Photo via T-Bone’s Authentic Philly Style Cheesesteaks and Hoagies

If you are looking for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak and comfort food, T-Bones is a Magic City favorite. In fact, Bham Now wrote a feature story about the 20 year old eatery. 

Additional 95 and above scores:

Causal Pint
Chicken Pesto Flatbread at The Casual Pint in Hoover. (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

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.

Articles: 2412