Golden Temple, Otey’s, Slutty Vegan, Pizza Grace earn earn 95+ food service scores in September
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Several Birmingham-area restaurants—including Golden Temple in 5 Points South, Mountain Brook’s Otey’s Tavern, Slutty Vegan in Woodlawn and Pizza Grace on Morris Avenue, received 95 and above on their food service scores this past September.
Since 2018, Bham Now has reported the 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 September? Here are some notable local establishments:
95+ scores
Golden Temple Natural Grocery and Cafe – 98
Birmingham’s first exclusive vegetarian restaurant turns 50 next year. More than a restaurant, the grocery and retail space offers vitamins, herbs and a wide range of clothes from all over the world.
Sammy’s Sandwich Shop – 98
Founded in 1962, this is another Birmingham Original. Earlier this year – Only in Your State – named Sammy’s burger the best in Alabama. Bham Now’s Nathan Watson filed a report on their burgers back in March. The verdict: “It was dang tasty.”
Otey’s Tavern – 98
Home to one of the best Wednesday Trivia Nights in Birmingham, Otey’s Tavern has been a Mountain Brook Crestline Village mainstay since 1989. Earlier this year, the popular restaurant and bar announced it is establishing a second location in Homewood’s Edgewood Neighborhood.
Rest of the Honor Roll
- Wasabi Juans on Bham’s Southside – 98
- Crestline Bagel on 1st Ave. North – 98
- Mooyah on 7th Ave. South – 95
- Slim’s Pizza – 100
- Heritage Coffee in Ensley – 99
- Ampersandwich in Avondale – 100
- Harvest Roots Ferments – 100
- Casual Pint in Hoover – 99
- Sexton’s Seafood – 100
- Gatos and Beans – 100
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.