I have heard so many things about this resturant that I would like to try it on my next visit to New York. Could someone please give me an idea of what they have ordered in the resturant and what is good. Is it strictly French or a varied menu? Is it open for lunch? Also price range. Thank you so much. It sounds like a great place for dinner before the theater.

Sorry, I meant Chez Josephine in New York City. I have checked Zagats and Fodors resturants for this one, but I would like some suggestions on things to order when I have dinner there.

As perhaps the biggest booster of this restaurant, I'll respond this way:
1. Having gone there many times, we've ordered a variety of dishes, from chicken to liver to pasta, etc. Invariably, the meal has been wonderful. Rather than calling it "strictly French," I'd say it has a strong French influence!
2. Their soups are one of my favorite parts of the meal.
3. No, they are not open for lunch, just dinner (from either 5 or 5:30 p.m.) Monday thru Saturday. Closed Sundays. Make reservations well in advance, especially pre-theater.
4. Price range: With one drink and wine with dinner, it'll run you $50-60 per person, or perhaps more if you order more expensive wine. I think it's worth it!

Thanks Howard, You are always so helpful with New York tips. It is people like you that make this forum worthwhile.

Chez Josephine is our favorite place in NYC and we try to visit not once, but twice, every time we venture there. The menu is predominantly "French inspired" along with wonderful "Southern comfort food" (fried chicken, for example). For NYC, the prices are amazingly moderate, especially considering the portions, presentation, and quality of the food. I can't imagine you'd not have a difficult time selecting from the menu, along with the "specials" or be disappointed in any way with whatever you order. If you're planning to go pre-theatre, be sure to RESERVE at the earliest time possible so you can enjoy your meal, rather than rushing through to get to the theatre on time, or, worse, being turned away. We prefer to dine there AFTER the theatre, so as to enjoy a fine meal, the "live" music (which is always fantastic) and relax until whenever with our coffee and/or after dinner drinks, without having to be anyplace afterward. We've never had a problem catching a taxi "home" when we (finally) leave. There's a link to their website at www.newyork.citysearch.com, along with lots of favorable reviews. There are also reviews and additional information at AOL Keyword: New York.

I was going to post a reply until I read Donna's above. She stole my thunder. We've also dined there post-theatre and really enjoyed it. We're returning to NYC in December and will definitely try to make Chez Josepine one of our stops. It really is a unique and satisfying experience.

I have eaten there once based on Howard's recommendations and enjoyed my dinner very much but respectfully disagree with Donna's descroption of the prices as "amazingly" moderate. If I recall correctly, entrees were about $18-30, appetizers were $8-12 and desserts were about $8 or $9. These are resaonable prices relative to high end restaurants in NYC that can run much higher but if one is looking for less expensive but nice dining options in NYC, there are many. Our dinner, which included one salad, two entrees one glass of house wine, tax and 20% tip was about $80 - 85 for two people. NOt outlandishly expensive but good. I had a lobster and fish dish that resembled a bouilliabase and my date had a choucrout that included sausage, chicken, couscous and some vegetables. Portion size on the lobster fish dish was rather skimpy. The decor was sumptuous and very nice but where we sat, it was extremely tight and crowded seating. My primary reason for not having returned was the lack of space at the table - I am a large guy (6' 2" and 220lbs) and felt cramped the entire time. Not intending to question the glowing reports from others on this forum (I have great respect for the opions of Howard and Donna in particular) but my experience varied a bit.

We will be making reservations for Chez Josephine shortly, for dinner in May. Any particular section/area to ask for, or to try to avoid?

I know that you don't always get special requests, but sometimes if you ask in advance, or before being seated, restaurants will accommodate you if they can, especially if you are willing to wait a bit longer to be seated.

For a Saturday night in May, would three - four weeks in advance be sufficient time to make my reservation for two people?

Barbara, there really is no "bad" section in the restaurant. As for specifying a preference, I don't think it would make any difference. Jean-Claude (the charming owner and maitre d') will pretty much seat you where he wants! However, I would suggest, as a first-time visitor, you ask when you arrive to be seated on the main floor. There is a smaller second-floor dining area, which we love, but I would think a first-time visitor would prefer to be "where the action is."

Howard, thanks for the response. When you way 'where the action is', do you mean the music? Please explain the difference between the main and second floor areas. In other words, what would we be missing???

We want a nice quiet dinner where we can hear ourselves talk, but again as first timers, don't want to feel as if we are missing something.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

Barbara, what I meant was the first floor is the main dining. Sitting there you get real sense of the place (and get to see Jean-Claude action). And, yes, there is a piano player there.
The second floor is fine. It's a much smaller area--a few tables with a total of about 20 people--and it's certainly quieter.
Don't get me wrong. You'll enjoy yourself no matter where you sit!

Thanks Howard for claifying that.