Chez JosephineFriendly 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 AMToujours très bon!Always a pleasure from the greeting by Josephine Baker's adopted son to the service and delivery of epicure delights. Love going there and will always return!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 AMPampered is what you feelPampered is what you feel in this steady and always fun to return to restaurant. No need goes unnoticed. Jean Claude makes every guest feel special . . . or maybe I really am. The food is served beautifully and the tastes marry to give an overall wonderful effect. The ambiance is very special as is the piano.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA gem !Ah Josephine... our New York trips wouldn't be the same without it !
Staff, food, ambiance... everything is so nice.
some of the best Cosmos in town.
Truly worth it.
Merci beaucoup et bon appétit !4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMExperience magical Chez JosephineOne of the most marvelous dining experiences in Manhattan!
Delicious food with a good variety
Attentive,friendly service
Beautiful ambience highlighted by a wonderful pianist
Only wish it were open for lunch4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a pleasant experience,Always a pleasant experience, both pre and post theater.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThe beet salad was wonderfulThe beet salad was wonderful - with just the right amount of dressing and the beets were definitely the hero of the dish. The Haut-Medoc was delicious. The service was attentive without being cloying. We enjoyed a wonderful meal in a leisurely way. This restaurant is a keeper. The only change I'd suggest would be to make the risotto (with the shrimp) more flavorful.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMMy boyfriend and I dined hereMy boyfriend and I dined here for my birthday, and everything was excellent! The food was delicious, the service was perfect, and the restaurant is so beautiful and romantic.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMlively atmosphere. very convenientlively atmosphere. very convenient for all 42nd/43rd street westside theaters.comfortable seating, great service. menu choices somewhat meh. chicken breast with goat cheese well executed. pate not so good. waitstaff very helpful and watchful. fun and casual choice. would go again if going to theater in neighborhood.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place is perfect forThis place is perfect for a date night or before/after a theater performance. The pianist added just the right touch of atmosphere to the intimate space. We would definitely go back.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI can't really say enoughI can't really say enough things to express the emotions this place evokes in the patron so I'll just make it short and hopefully sweet. Excellent service, atmosphere and equally important, exceptional food. Everything was equisit and we will certainly enjoy dining there again on our next adventure into the city. They were extremely sensitive to our time constraints and kept us (speaking about my beautifully distractable and equally stunning wife) on schedule and yet never made us feel rushed (time manipulation). I'm no food expert but have had the great fortune of experiencing my share of "out of this world establishments" and Chez Jospehine ranks up amongst the finest.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb Food, Delightful AtmosphereOne of my favorites restaurants in NYC. Introduced my sister to it and now she loves it too!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat first visit to Chez JosephineChez Josephine was recommended by a friend who frequently visits NYC and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. There was an authentic Parisienne atmosphere, the service was very friendly and attentive, and the food was great. Even though it's in the theater district, we chose to have a leisurely dinner rather than a pre-show rush and they matched our pace.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMgood things sometimes don't changeThis was our second time at Chez Josephine. last time was in 2009. we were afraid we would not have as good a time as we did the first time but it was as much fun as ever. we made a mistake and booked too early and got caught in the pre theatre frenzy. But we were able to stay on long after the theatre crowd exited and then the place really opened up and became the Chez Josephine we remembered. Music and atmosphere the best. We only hope it will still be going strong the next time we are in NYC4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique dining experience withUnique dining experience with live piano background music consisting of old "standards". Small restaurant with owners constant roving to ensure their clientele are being treated well. Owners attempt to pull you back in time to feel the era of the European nite club dinner scene centered around the heyday or the owner's mother's star down as an international burlesque star. Fun experience every once in a awhile. Menu has a European flair without being "fancy in name and minimalist in amount" Food size portions are good enough to satisfy and wine selection is plentiful.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe visited Chez JosephineWe visited Chez Josephine as a tribute to Josephine Baker and were expecting a restaurant that rested on its 'historical' legend. What a surprise! The food was delicious (the creme brulee even cracked :)), the service was exceptional and the attention to detail was way above our expectations.
This is not a place you just go to eat - this a place that you go to have an experience - and that experience for us will be very memorable.
Thank you to everyone at Chez Josephine for making our night!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOur favorite NY Restaurant.Our favorite NY Restaurant. Jean Claude and staff are attentive without being intrusive. The fish special was perfect. We make sure that we spend one night of any trip to NY with Chez Josephine.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food with greatDelicious food with great service! Will definitely return. Seating is verytight. If you want to have a private conversation, this is not the place.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMStarting aPleasurable EveningJean-Claude is a warm and gracious host who welcomes you at the start of a very fine enjoyable meal. This is followed by an attentive waitstaff and support personnel who continue the evening. Never forget the person at the piano, who just ads to the evening's pleasure. They always inquire whether you will be attending a show, and make sure your meal is paced so that you are able to relax and not be rushed. Very highly recommended. We have been here many times, and continue to visit often.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMJosephine never disappoints.Josephine never disappoints. The menu is interesting and all four dishes we had were excellent. The service is friendly and professional. Space is a bit cramped and noise level when the restaurant is full is a bit high. Terrific restaurant though! Right next door to Playwrights Horizon.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMChic ChezExcellent pianist, fantastic food and service. Owner Jean-Claude Baker greets each arrival with panache. A total experience either before or after a show or for an evening out.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing find. Fun, great food,Amazing find. Fun, great food, excellent service. Love the piano players and the cheese puffs. Place gets very crowded, could be someone famous near by, and everyone is friendly.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMDelightful taste of a bygoneDelightful taste of a bygone era. Perfect spot for dinner before Signature Theater. Service was outstanding.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMChez Josephine is a small,Chez Josephine is a small, charming space in tribute to Josephine Baker. It's red, bawdy, bold and "Old New York. The food is good but weighing in price, not outstanding and not a great value but is worth a visit for a special theater nite or other occasion....4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was fantastic. We hadFood was fantastic. We had a great quiet dinner for two. The piano was nice background music. We will be back.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMIt seems to us that the foodIt seems to us that the food is better than ever. Dinner here is always a pleasant and romantic experience, especially when Jean-Claude is around.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AM