Chez Josephine

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414 W 42nd St (at nr. Ninth Ave.)
New York, NY 10036

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(212) 594-1925
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Chez Josephine - New York, NY
Chez Josephine - New York, NY
Chez Josephine - New York, NY
Chez Josephine - New York, NY
Chez Josephine - New York, NY
Reviews
( 34 )
( 38 )
( 2 )
( 5 )
( 0 )

Best

In my opinion this is the best french restaurant in NYC. great service, great food, all great! my favorite? the lobster casoulette.

Worst

We had high aspirations after reading the other reviews, and decided to celebrate a special evening here. Being from the city, and living in the neighborhood, we ordinarily would ...

Top Restaurant in NYC 8/31/2011

In my opinion this is the best french restaurant in NYC. great service, great food, all great! my favorite? the lobster casoulette. more
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It's a habit 9/22/2010

The first time we ate at Josephine's, about 9 years ago, Jean met us and seated us, although it was busy and we did not have reservations. We found the place inviting and warm. But it was the service and food that sold us. Cold water was served within moments followed by French bread. Our order was prompt and delicious. However, the unobtrusive way the waiters persistently filled our glasses, brought bread and removed our empty dishes left our family with the impression that we had never experienced this level of service. Now we stop at Josephine's every time we visit the city and we have shared the restaurant with many of our friends. My wife, a Baltimore native, prefers the crab cakes to her home restaurant. I am leaving a review because I just signed on to make reservations and can not believe some of the negative posts about my favorite NYC restaurant. Bon Appetit at Josephine's. Larry W. more
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Yum Yum after the Theatre 11/18/2009

After seeing a great play, we stopped in at a friends request... yummy and well priced. Waitress was friendly and helpful and the food was quite wonderful. Make a reservation if you're seeing a show on the weekends... it was more difficult getting in for brunch. Pros: got right in - 15 min wait more
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Yum Yum after the Theatre 11/17/2009

After seeing a great play, we stopped in at a friends request... yummy and well priced. Waitress was friendly and helpful and the food was quite wonderful. Make a reservation if you're seeing a show on the weekends... it was more difficult getting in for brunch. Pros: got right in - 15 min wait more
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resting on its laurels 10/17/2009

We had high aspirations after reading the other reviews, and decided to celebrate a special evening here. Being from the city, and living in the neighborhood, we ordinarily would not dine in the Times Square area. Once seated, we sat with an empty table for 20 minutes, until finally our server took our drink order. After another 10-15 min. we received our wine, water, and bread, only after asking for the last two items 3 separate times. Within moments our entrees were on our table before we even had a chance to toast the occasion. The food was decent, duck confit was tasty, however, for $28 a bit small. The Bolognese (a house Â?specialtyÂ?) was lackluster at best. When trying to leave ASAP, we specifically asked for change and waited 15 minutes until we reminded him we were waiting for change. He got $1!!! We eat out frequently and regularly tip 20%; for impeccable service (i.e. Antiqua Venezia, Spice Market, Degustation, Momufuku) as much as 25%. Mind you, I personally have worked in the food service industry for over 8 years, and would never have treated any table in the manner we were treated. Simply unprofessional, and disappointing!!! more
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By Accident, I stopped to eat 8/27/2009

First, the decor got my attention and then the gentleman playing the piano added a stageplay air to the room. I sat in the back against a draped wall and the food was out of this world. I am an advid soul food eater and this was a pleasant surprise! Gotta go again this fall. more
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A taste of Paris, or French condescension? 8/15/2009

While the initial greeting upon entering the restaurant was warm and pleasant, the service was not. Our waiter was exceedingly rude, from proclaiming with a sneer that my boyfriend was Â?not very French when he declined additional bread, to pointing out that I did not place my knife in the correct position when I was finished with my meal. After eating, my boyfriend placed his credit card on the table so he would remember to ask for the check when our waiter returned. When our waiter did return, he glared at us, demanding to know what our hurry was. We explained that we had theater tickets and didn't want to be late, but our waiter pointed at his watch and haughtily scoffed that we still had 45 minutes before the show. He then whirled away, rolling his eyes and muttering under his breath as if we were completely ridiculous for wanting a quick meal. I would be remiss if I didn't add that this behavior was limited to the one waiter we had; unfortunately his behavior was enough to overshadow and ruin what would have been an otherwise friendly atmosphere. We will not be going back. more
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Atmosphere par excellence 12/22/2008

Went before a Saturday show - noticed that it fills up quickly after 6pm. Interior decor and atmosphere are terrific and really made the evening. Menu boasts variety and rich flavors. Service could have been better, but the inviting geniality and attentiveness of Jean-Claude Baker made up for that shortcoming. A great start to the evening. more
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ı love this place... 10/21/2008

I love this place. I've been 3 times, and have never been disappointed by my food/wine selections. The staff are very professional, and make helpful recommendations. Pros: staff,wine list,food more
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ı love this place... 10/20/2008

I love this place. I've been 3 times, and have never been disappointed by my food/wine selections. The staff are very professional, and make helpful recommendations. It's also extremely romantic inside and out, but unfortunately I've only been with girlfriends. If the boy took me here, I would TOTALLY make out with him after. Pros: staff,wine list,food more
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Fabulous venue for a small party--wedding or otherwise. 6/3/2008

I had a small wedding at the last minute in July 2007. After researching a few different places that could accomodate a small group of less than 30 people a week before the wedding, we stumbled upon Chez Josephine's. What a find!! We couldn't have asked for better food, atmosphere, or staff for our special day. We used the room upstairs and the live piano music was piped through which just added to the ambience. They went the whole nine yards and created lovely personalized menus and scattered rose petals on the tables. Our friends and family had a great time and the cost of everything fell way below our budget. If I was to do it all again I wouldn't change a thing. The portraits of Josephine Baker and the candlelit, relaxed atmosphere made us feel like we were transported to a parisian caberet, right in the middle of 42nd street. more
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Fabulous venue for a small party--wedding or otherwise. 6/2/2008

I had a small wedding at the last minute in July 2007. After researching a few different places that could accomodate a small group of less than 30 people a week before the wedding, we stumbled upon Chez Josephine's. What a find!! We couldn't have asked for better food, atmosphere, or staff for our special day. We used the room upstairs and the live piano music was piped through which just added to the ambience. They went the whole nine yards and created lovely personalized menus and scattered rose petals on the tables. Our friends and family had a great time and the cost of everything fell way below our budget. If I was to do it all again I wouldn't change a thing. The portraits of Josephine Baker and the candlelit, relaxed atmosphere made us feel like we were transported to a parisian caberet, right in the middle of 42nd street. If you're planning a small party or just want a relaxed intimate dinner, I would highly recommend Chez Josephine. In fact, we plan to go back for our one-year anniversary. more
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Best resto in the neighborhood. 5/14/2008

The owner and staff always make you feel welcome. Food and service is wonderful! Not cheap but worth it. Pros: They speed up service based on your show time. more
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Best resto in the neighborhood. 5/13/2008

The owner and staff always make you feel welcome. Food and service is wonderful! Not cheap but worth it. Pros: They speed up service based on your show time. more
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Amazing... 2/12/2008

What a wonderful place! My mother, sister and I enjoyed a fantastic meal, excellent wine and a cabaret show that brought down the house. This was recommended to me by a former NYC resident that hadn't gone to Chez Josephine in a dozen years. It was just as delightful as she remembered. more
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not to miss 6/8/2007

a beautiful oasis with an unexpected warmth from all of the staff, joy-producing decor,lovely music, good food, generosity of good humor,classy patrons, more
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personality on 42nd street 3/21/2007

This is a bustling place with an excellent pianist. The staff is incredibly nice, friendly, smiling, fun, and efficient.....not hard on the eyes either. Pissaladiere was a little different, but wonderful and the confit was very good too. Pros: wonderful staff and atmosphere more
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personality on 42nd street 3/21/2007

This is a bustling place with an excellent pianist. The staff is incredibly nice, friendly, smiling, fun, and efficient.....not hard on the eyes either. Pissaladiere was a little different, but wonderful and the confit was very good too. Pros: wonderful staff and atmosphere more
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The Reviews are Right! 1/17/2007

I love this restaurant. It has character, passion, and a beautiful ambience. The seafood is delicious, as are more classic french dishes such as onion soup. My date loved the dessert ""Chocolate heaven"". The service is great, albeit a bit rushed when it's later in the evening, (we were there until midnight). The kitchen closes at 1 am, a huge plus in the theatre district for a post-dinner meal. The most amazing parrt of the restaurant is the decor. It's stunning: red ceilings and walls, antique chandeliers, candles on every table, and a baby grand piano on which a musician plays through most of the evening. Perfect for a romantic evening, and not excessively expensive (about $140 for two with appetizers, wine, entrees and dessert). Pros: beautiful and romantic decor, great wine list, delicious seafood Cons: charcuterie is not perfect more
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The Reviews are Right! 1/16/2007

I love this restaurant. It has character, passion, and a beautiful ambience. The seafood is delicious, as are more classic french dishes such as onion soup. My date loved the dessert "Chocolate heaven". The service is great, albeit a bit rushed when it's later in the evening, (we were there until midnight). The kitchen closes at 1 am, a huge plus in the theatre district for a post-dinner meal. The most amazing parrt of the restaurant is the decor. It's stunning: red ceilings and walls, antique chandeliers, candles on every table, and a baby grand piano on which a musician plays through most of the evening. Perfect for a romantic evening, and not excessively expensive (about $140 for two with appetizers, wine, entrees and dessert). Pros: beautiful and romantic decor, great wine list, delicious seafood Cons: charcuterie is not perfect more
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Menu for Chez Josephine


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Come find "The soul of Paris in the heart of New York" at this romantic Theatre District landmark - Chez Josephine.

Owner Message

  • A tribute to legendary Josephine Baker, this Parisian bistro with live music and a tantalizing menu exudes theatrical panache. At Chez Josephine, one of New York's most romantic restaurants, a bit of Montmartre on 42nd Street, Jean-Claude Baker and Jarry Baker are your warm and welcoming hosts who treat guests as family. The eclectic menu at this New York City restaurant reinvents the traditional cuisine of the French American bistro. At anytime, you can experience what Jean-Claude Baker calls his "human cocktail" - a medley of celebrities, local color, and a loyal and devoted following from all over the world.

    Chez Josephine exudes theatrical panache in a seductive setting, complete with blue tin ceiling, red velvet walls and a cavalcade of chandeliers that light up vintage portraits of La Baker. Enjoy delectable dinner and brunch fare at this memorable NYC restaurant.

Editorial

  • The Scene
    Every night's a party at this flamboyant bistro in the Broadway theater district. The irrepressible host, Jean-Claude Baker, has created a living homage to his stepmother,...

  • 6/1/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 12pm-10pm
  • Payments: Diner's Club, Visa, Master Card, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown
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