Chez JosephineVery expensive,A good rest. With lots to recommend it, but not worth the prices.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother rating of "extraordinary"Chez Josephine is not one of those French restaurants which believes in belying the American stereotype of rather small portions. But from the opening of a perfect steak tartare, to the final cheese plate, we didn't regret our birthday choice for an instant.. Chez Josephine ranks among the finest dining experiences I've ever known; it is absolutely an excellent choice to anyone who enjoys a splendid French meal served amongst perhaps the friendliest staff I have ever met in New York.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing Restaurant!We were a party of 5 and we were greeted at the door by Jean-Claude as if we were the best of friends or family. The food was absolutely amazing, the servers were attentive but not overly-so. Jean-Claude stopped by our table on several occasions, made us feel as if we were the only table in the restaurant, sent over mini-desserts at the end to thank us for coming. I've never been to a restaurant, let alone a restaurant in the heart of NYC, and been treated so well. If you're going for a meal before the theatre, or just a great meal with friends, Chez Josephine is the best choice!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful evening for usThe live jazz twosome playing classics! The lobster bisque! Wow! The black shrimp was divine and very filling... The Nance cocktail was some powerful stuff! The decor was beautiful to look at and the ambiance was classy and romantic.. The servers each had beautiful accents and treated us impeccably and were very personable. We shared the chocolate dessert and it was a perfect ending to a lovely evening.. Will visit again for sure!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother Great MealWe cannot provide enough superlatives for Chez Josephine. From Jean-Claude Baker's warm and friendly greeting upon entering, through excellent, attentive service by the waitstaff,to the live piano music that complements all else that is the essence of visiting Chez Josephine. Always recommend to friends as the beginning of a wonderful NY Theater Evening.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMOur out of town guests wereOur out of town guests were captivated by the ambiance, your exceptional service and our ability to linger into the late evening over conversation.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMHappy Birthday Josephine!I have enjoyed this restaurant every time I have eaten there. On June 8th I had a wonderful dinner with old friends after attending a Broadway matinee. It was the same week as Josephine Baker's birthday.. wonderful timing!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMMy favorite New York restaurantI love having dinner here when I visit New York. I have never been the least bit disappointed. The food is delicious. The owner and staff are welcoming and accommodating. The atmosphere is vibrant and relaxing at the same time. I highly recommend this restaurant.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMCharmingWhat a great little spot! Fabulous decor- turquoise tin ceilings, red chandeliers, blue walls adorned with colorful posters of women. Delightful atmosphere. Terrific live pianist and impeccable service by well-dressed staff. Excellent food.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a find! A pre-theatre gem!!The maitre 'D called me darling as I entered (I love that). Voila! the place was buzzing. Our table was waiting. The atmosphere--so French! The food--so French. Packed and noisy, couldn't hear each other, but who cares! We were in the heart of the action. Waiters were charming and swift (we were headed to Kinky Boots and appreciated the efficiency). The dinners were absolutely delicious. I had pasta with mushrooms, my friends had two different chicken preparations, both declared delicious, and great Frites!
Huge fun. Wonderful sense of the NY pre-theatre heart beat. This is now my go-to place any time I head for Broadway.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMMagicStep into the magical world of Chez Josephine presided over by the wonderful Jean-Claude Baker. Any occasion is always special there.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMDelighfulIt is always a delightful experience returning to this restaurant. We dine here whenever we are in that part of the city and have never had a bad meal. The service is friendly and always excellent.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AM3 times and countingWe have been to Chez Josephine 3 times and plan to return. The service is excellent (especially Alfredo) and the food is always good.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful ambience, great foodWonderful ambience, great food. The noise level is so low, even when full, that the piano music can be heard.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMTheater row favoriteSo convenient to the line of little theaters that span 42nd Street where the food is pleasant and well-prepared (particularly liked the salad dressing), service equally pleasant and attentive and the prices are within an acceptable range - wish they were open on Saturdays for brunch/lunch - my visit was prompted by a matinee on a Sunday so was finally able to visit - I would go again and my guest felt the same way.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA lovely evening outWhat an absolutely delightful experience we had at Chez Josephine! We each had the specials of the evening (The Mr. had the rack of lamb, the Mrs. the scallops.) Both were absolutely perfect. We enjoyed a nice Beaujolais with our meal. Service was the perfect combination of attentive and relaxed, giving us plenty of time to chat with each other, but never allowing us to go without something we might want. And the music was yet another highlight of the evening. I'm pretty certain that the next time we are in NYC, we will make Chez Josephine part of our dinner plans.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely service and top notchLovely service and top notch food led way to a great night on the town!5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSensuous, elegant, nostalgicDelicious food in an ambience that says all are family in the most elegant way. The lighting, the decor, the piano music, the joi de vive, leave you feeling celebrated in body and spirit. The duck dishes and the lobster bisque are not to be missed.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMReturn dinerWe live in CT so we are not dining in NYC every week. Nonetheless this was our third visit to Chez Josephine. The food is delicious, the service magnifique, and the ambience is uniquely charming. We recommend this to our friends looking for a special place when seeing a broadway show.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFriendly atmosphereThe staff in Chez Josephine were extremely friendly, and the whole place had a kind of "family" feel about it. The food was very nice, and the decor interesting (in a good way!!). The only problem we encountered was that the waiter was a bit too keen to give us our bill - we were going to order cocktails but changed our mind once we already had the bill!! All in all though, a very pleasant evening - and the live music was very enjoyable.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLasting MemoriesThe ambience, service, food, entertainment and history were truly impressive. We will return. Whenever in NYC. make Chez Josephine a stop for attentive service and great food; but also to be part of a tribute to an historical entertainer. It was truly a memorable anniversary celebration after Broadway play!5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food here seems to beThe food here seems to be improving. We had an excellent birthday dinner.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGirl tripMy first girl trip with my mom. She absolutely loved this place. Fun and funky. Food was excellent.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food...and VERY friendly!Our waiter was very professional and helpful. We met both Jerry Baker and Jean-Claude Baker. Jerry let us peruse the book about his mother, and Jean-Claude was exuberant about EVERYTHING! The food and service was impeccable. I would certainly recommend Chez Josephine to anyone.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMVive Chez JosephineWe always enjoy our visits to Chez Josephine. The lobster bisque was the best I have ever had. Our meals were well prepared and the service was excellent. The pianist played Gershwin, Porter and the other great composers. It doesn't get much better than that.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMabsolutely fabulous!!!!i cannot say enough about chez josephine. it was wonderful. i did the reservation based on reviews from trip advisor and they were bang on!! great food, great atmosphere with live jazz music. there were 4 of us and we went to see a show and made a late dinner reservation of 11pm on a saturday night. place was packed when we arrived but our table was ready. the food was fabulous for all 4 of us. service was very attentive but not over done. we were not rushed at all and simply sat back and enjoyed the evening. while in times square or after a broadway show, you must finish the night here!!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMChez JosephineThis is a great place for pre-theater dinner (especially when seeing shows at Playwright's Horizon). The service is wonderful - great bartenders and waitstaff. The ambience is fun though the food is good with the occasional outstanding item (fabulous lobster bisque).5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply lovely!The owner gave my mother a double-cheek kiss AND and kissed the back of her hand! And the evening only got better.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDining with Josephine BakerThe ambiance of Chez Josephine's is magnificent! I am a late-blooming huge fan of La Josephine Baker and to have the experience of dining in a restaurant owned & operated by her son in her memory was a dream come true! Upon entering the restaurant, I was personally greeted by the warm, friendly and amazing owner, Sir Jean-Claude Baker himself. The Waite Staff delivered superb service and made us feel at home. This wonderful establishment gives you the dining experience of "Old New York", when it was fashionable to dress up, dine at a fine restaurant, then go to the Theatre and they are only 1 of very few restaurants left that have a live piano bar, providing live entertainment. Their Pianist was phenomenal!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat serviceAlfredo was an excellent waiter and made the evening better with his service.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had dinner at Chez JosephineWe had dinner at Chez Josephine after theater. The food was delicious, but the service was very slow.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOMGLove, Love, Love Chez Josephine. My Mom and I like to go there for special occasions. Will travel from NJ on a Tuesday night just to eat there and see Jean-Claude. I reccomend this restaurant to anyone and everyone. This is the only place I will eat when I go to the city. You won't be disappointed.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMNew FriendsOn one side of us we had a group(6) of retired NYC teachers and on the other a soon to retire NYC policeman with friends(4). Conversation began between tables. Most pleasant 2 hours. NY folks are great. Owner was on the spot keeping eye on operation our 5th time here love it.Will go again.
MAC5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMdinner for twothis was a lovely experience! The place is charming, the host makes you welcome, the service was impeccable, we enjoyed the food. I had the liver, it was accompanied by a hot mustard sauce---most unusual & tasty. Topping off the experience was wonderful live music! The pianist during dinner was fabulous---the ladies who took over at 8 with piano and trumpet were a delightful hoot.
We will be back.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMNEVER Miss Chez Josephine in NYCOver the past 15-20 years, we have never gone to NYC without dining at Chez Josephine. Originally recommended by a local friend, we in turn have recommended it many times. For us, Chez Josephine IS New York and certainly is what pre- or post-theatre dining should be. And if you have no show, enjoy an incomparable evening of deliciously seductive ambiance, wonderful food, drink and service, and fine music. Jean Claude is the quintessential Broadway restaurateur. He goes out of his way, each and every time, to assure that each and every one of his guests has a delightful experience -- and it's why so many return again and again. It wouldn't be New York without seeing Jarry and Jean-Claude.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experienceOur favorite spot for pre-theatre dining. The staff watches the clock for us, we are served promptly and the food is always impeccable.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMFun dinnerSat at the back near the piano. Piano was great, not too loud even though sat right next to it. Staff v attentive. Lobster salad was delicious.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMmagicalChez Josephine remains my first choice for an evening that will always be memorable. Jean-Claude Baker's generous welcome and care is legend from the moment one steps through the door. The highest standards in service and food is always reliable. The music is so good, it is the reason alone to sit at the bar or dine. Chez Josephine is my first choice for business associates whom I want to feel special. No one should miss this unique and magical experience.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat findStumbled upon Chez Josephine while going to theater next door, what a gem. Was familiar with the Josephine Baker story so made the evening even cooler knowing that there is a direct connection with the owner of the restaurant. Worth checking out, especially if going to one of the terrific off-Broadway" shows right there.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat pre-theatre bistroLovely space...very evocative of an old-time Paris bistro. Paintings of Josephine Baker on the wall. A pianist playing in a corner. Some classic bistro food. We ordered a la carte, but there is a pre-fixe pre-theatre menu. Excellent boudin noir (not on the pre-fixe) and calves' liver (our choices) with well-chosen accompaniments. Some nice wines by the glass. Attentive service. The noise level was "energetic" because the place was crowded; however, the maitre d' found us a quiet(er) corner. And it was only 6:15-6:30 pm. When confirming the reservation by phone that morning the woman I spoke with asked if we had a curtain to make and it was noted. Without rushing we were out in time to make a 7:30 performance.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMMade Me a BelieverI was a bit nervous about dining at Chez Josephine, having read dozens of reviews, some of which were quite critical. But my recent brunch experience there was more than superb. The food was exceptional, the server very attentive, the piano player quite good and the decor both charming and fun. Chez Josephine is a great value, too. My companion and I each had a brunch entree and a good glass of wine, plus dessert, and we spent about $75. I would definitely recommend it to friends and I wouldn't hesitate to return.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA Little Gem in the Midst of ChaosHadn't been back in a long time and it was worth revisiting!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSunday BrunchWe arrived early (11:35) for a 12:30 reservation. Although the restuarant did not open until 12, the wait staff invited us in and offered refreshments. They were extremely gracious. The entire experience was enhanced by a gentleman playing piano. Perfect prior to a Sunday matinee.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSuper Broadway RestaurantWe thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Wonderful Parisian atomosphere. The piano (and then additional clarinet) added a great ambiance. Appetizers are generous to be careful in ordering. We had salads and then the fish specials and Lobster Cassoulet all of which were well prepared. We didn't have room for desserts but the menu was nicely varied. There are two crowds -- the pre-theatre crowd from 6-7:30 and then the more leisurely diners thereafter5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMNot a place for conversationWe ate here after a Broadway play and the food was average. The live music was nice but made discussing the play impossible.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMCharmingDining at Chez Josephine was a most pleasurable experience. From the gracious welcome of our host to the friendly and attentive waiters, all combined to make a cozy, romantic and memorable evening. The restaurant was quite crowded but there was no sense of being rushed. Our meals were delicious and the little cheese puffs provided as a side were outstanding. We are looking forward to our next visit!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellentTables are very close together but the restaurant is great. They ask you if you need to make a broadway show so they can get you out on time. The service is excellent and the food has never disappointed me. It has consistently been a good restaurant to go to.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Vibe, Greater ValueIf your in the theater district and in need of a great meal with star quality, ambience, great service and top shelf
food quality, this is your destination. The vibe is all theatrical from the art work to the piano player.
The hosts cannot do enough for their clientle, and the chef staff turns out top quality, delicious dishes.
I indulged in the braised veal shank, a special of the day, and found myself looking around as I picked up the bone!
We love this place.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Meal and AmbianceWe had heard of the restaurant from my son. He said it was his best meal in New York. I could not disagree. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. There was a pianist which only added to the atmosphere. We were eating early and going to the theater. They were excellent in getting us our meal and making sure we left in plenty of time to walk to the show. The decor was really attractive and the entire place just had a real warm feel to it.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMA Little Slice of Heaven on W 42ndDefinitely the place to take that special someone in your life. Excellent food, service and bar. Jean- Claude Baker makes everyone feel at home. Chez Josephine has a warm loving feel because of his personal attention to every guest.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AM