Niki’s West, Ocean, Miss Myra’s BBQ earn 95+ food service scores this Spring
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Several Birmingham area restaurants, including Niki’s West on Finley Avenue, Ocean in Five Points South and Cahaba Heights’ Miss Myra’s Pit BBQ received 95 and above on their food service scores this Spring.
Since 2018, Bham Now has reported Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant food service scores. Each month, over 100 local establishments that handle and serve food are inspected by the health department, including:
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Nursing homes,
- Daycare centers
- Hospitals
- Grocery stores
- 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 20% 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 April and May? Here are some notable local establishments:
Niki’s West – 95
A Birmingham institution, Niki’s West was established in 1957 by the Hontzas family. A meat and three located near the Alabama Farmers Market — fresh vegetables are guaranteed. If you have a visitor in town, Niki’s is one of those “go to” spots.
Ocean Restaurant – 96
Ocean, on Five Points South, turns 20 years old this year. Winner of numerous honors including — Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and AAA Four Diamond award for the past thirteen years, Ocean is a Magic City foodie destination.
Also – do you love oysters? Check out our Bham Now 2021 story about the Alabama Coastal Foundation oyster shell recycling and efforts to expand the program to restaurants such as Ocean.
Miss Myra’s Pit BBQ – 95
Want to know where the Best Chicken BBQ sandwich in Alabama resides? According to the digital publication Far and Wide it is at Miss Myra’s. By the way — Miss Myra also introduced Alabama White Sauce to the Magic City in 1984.
Additional 95 and above scores:
- Uncle Sam’s BBQ in Hueytown – 96
- Freddy’s Wine Bar – 97
- Black Market Bar and Grill/Five Points – 97
- Bell Peppers in Hueytown – 97
- Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese – 97
- Garden and Galley – 95
Learn More
Visit Jefferson County Department of Health’s Food Service website for the latest scores. Food service inspections help keep us all safe. Bookmark the page and stay tuned for our monthly 95+ stories.
Check out our local business directory featuring over 700 restaurants, bars and businesses offering deals, curbside delivery and more.
