Alpha Charlie Grill, Giuseppe’s Cafe, Birmingham Breadworks earn 95+ food service scores in January

Lakeview District Birmingham
Lakeview District’s Breadworks on 7th Avenue South across from the VA parking deck, (Pat Byington/Bham Now)

Several Birmingham-area restaurants—including Alpha Charlie Grill near the airport, Guiseppe’s at UAB and Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Restaurant in Homewood —received 95 and above on their food service scores this past January.

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

Featured Restaurants

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

Alpha Charlie Grill – 100

Alpha Charlie Veterans Day 121 Alpha Charlie Grill, Giuseppe’s Cafe, Birmingham Breadworks earn 95+ food service scores in January
(Alpha Charlie Grill)

Located on East Lake Boulevard across from the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport, Alpha Charlie has the best views of planes arriving and departing the Magic City. And the food? You’ve got some of the best burgers in town. Another bonus – the interior of Alpha Charlie, from the paneling to the tables and chairs, are made from old airplane parts.

Giuseppe’s Cafe – 98

Giuseppe Cafe Birmingham
Giuseppe’s Cafe. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

A Birmingham favorite for over 20 years, Giuseppe’s is one of the best places to go in The Magic City for Italian fare, with calzones, pizzas and pastas you’ll remember long after you’ve eaten them. It’s also a regular on our list of restaurants with 95+ food service scores.

Birmingham Breadworks – 98

Birmingham Breadworks
Picture-perfect. (Birmingham Breadworks)

If you are looking for fresh— “out of this world bread”— Birmingham Breadworks in Lakeview is the place for you. My recommendation—try the pepper parmesan bread that is only sold on Saturdays. Beware, it usually sells out by noon. One other fun fact about BB – the Alabama Environmental Council has given them their highest rating for sustainability.

Rest of the Honor Roll

Crestline Bagel – Downtown Bham – 99

Crestline Bagel – Vestavia – 98

Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Restaurant – 96

Slice – Lakeview – 98

Roadside BBQ -98

East Lake
Roadside Bar-B-Que in East Lake on 1st Ave. North and 73rd Street scored a 95 on their latest health department inspection. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Birmingham – 96

Koo’s Fish Market – 98

Domestique Panache – 99

Sanpeggios -98

Saw’s Soul Kitchen – 96

The Standard at the Pizitz – 99

Munchies on 5th – 98

Learn More

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

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.


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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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