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Zoë Kitchen, Great Wall, The Essential and more earned 95+ food service scores in October
Several Birmingham-area restaurants, including Zoës Kitchen in Mountain Brook, The Essential in downtown Birmingham and Five Points South’s Pop’s Neighborhood Grill received 95 and above on their food service scores this past October.
Since 2018, Bham Now has reported the Jefferson County Department of Health restaurant food service scores each month. On average, over 100 local establishments that handle and serve food are inspected monthly 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 – Zoe’s Kitchen, The Great Wall, The Essential
Zoës Kitchen – 99
Remember back in January 2023, when one of the last Zoës Kitchen locations was closed in Mountain Brook? Then, suddenly there was an announcement by its founder, Mountain Brook native John Cassimus that the eatery was coming back — and it would be serving the original Zoës Kitchen menu items. It is good to see them back— especially my favorite, the chicken rollups.
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant – 95
A Birmingham original, Great Wall is one of the oldest and most beloved Chinese restaurants in the Magic City. Established in 1981, Great Wall has stayed in one location, 730 Valley Avenue, surviving a kitchen fire back in 2012, and returning better than ever.
In January 2022, the popular foodie and nutrition digital publication — Eat This, Not That! — named Great Wall Chinese Restaurant as the best place in Alabama for Chinese cuisine and takeout.
The Essential – 96
If you are looking for a nice relaxing spot in downtown Birmingham — The Essential is the place. And now thanks to a move with its sister restaurant Bar Le Fete, they have a bigger kitchen and more space for customers.
And the food? Our favorite is the roasted butternut appetizer and the fish piccata entree.
Additional 95 and above scores
American Ranch House – 98
Sam’s Deli + Grill in Homewood – 99
Homewood Bagel Co. – 99
Ampersandwich – 98
Salvatore’s Pizza – 96
Otey’s Tavern in Edgewood – 99
Maravillas Mexican Grill in Forestdale – 99
Irondale Cafe – 95
The Battery – 98
Rock & Roll Sushi – 98
Uncle Sam’s BBQ – 96
Jefferson County Department of Health
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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