Chez Josephine a good choice for well-behaved teens?
 

I've read the posts on pre theater dining in New York and we're pretty much set, with one exception. Chez Josephine sounds wonderful, but now I'm having second thoughts that our two teen children might not feel welcome in what sounds like a very adult bistro kind of atmosphere. And how dressed up would they need to be? My backup idea is Foley's Fish House if we decide Chez Josephine isn't quite right for us. We're doing lots of Italian dining on other nights, so prefer something other than Italian for this night.

Are they older teens -- like 16 & 17 -- or younger teens -- like 13 & 14? It is a very grown up restaurant. I'm not sure it's the right choice for kids unless they have a sophisticated palate and very good manners. I think they'd be the only kids there.

I've never been to Foley's, so can't say if it's a good choice.

There are some other area choices that might work. For something more casual, but still fun and different there is Nick's (or is it Uncle Nick's?) on 9th Ave. It's Greek and they specialize in grilled fish. Delicious and the appetizers of hummous, baba ganouj, Greek salad, flaming cheese, etc. are big enough for the whole family to share.

I also like Pongrsi Thai in the theatre district. Again, it might be very different from the food your kids are used to, but it's adventurous.

I think they'd prefer the view at Foley's but they'd be ok at CJ if they like French food

You'll find lots of photos and the menu at www.chezjosephine.com

The place is practically a shrine to Josephine Baker, with many (beautiful) paintings of her wearing not much (bananas, for example).

Jean Claude and his staff are all warm and welcoming. It's no more "adult" than any nice restaurant in the city. Most people dress for dinner here, but others do not. We've often seen families dining there pre-theater.

Other options for French fare are Le Rivage (with lots of seafood on the menu and an amazing prix fixe menu) on 46th (8th/9th), Le Madeleine on 43rd (9th/10th), and Pierre Au Tunnel on 47th (between Broadway/8th).

Last month, Pierre Au Tunnel had some wonderful shrimp and scallop dishes on the menu (half a dozen on the plate - huge, perfectly prepared).

I'll agree with djkbooks' comments about Chez Josephine's appropriateness. It's fine for teenagers. They would certainly feel welcome! Most, but NOT ALL, people dress up to go there. "Neat casual" will be fine.

Having been to Chez Josephine with and without a teenager, I agree with Howard and djbooks...

Nicks would be great for you and the teens of any age.

CJ is a "wow" IMHO. If your teens are really not like other teens then go for it.

This is an awful lot of money to "blow" when the teens could eat at any of the fabulous and informal pizza places. After they could hang out with other "waiting teens" in front of the MTV studio (totally Safe) and meet you near or at the theatre.

Enjoy your travels!

Oaktown

My two teens enjoyed Chez Josephine and were warmly welcomed. The food is great and they do get you fed and on time for your curtain.

We also enjoyed John's for pizza another night, but teens need to be exposed to a decent restaurant now and then. IMO the prices were moderate, but maybe that is because we were doing the pre-theatre menu.

Your restaurant choices (and the advice you have received are great). My question (as the parent of a pre-teen), any tips on how to raise a well-behaved teen?

Have fun! New York is the perfect place to take teens. My daughtr is only 11 and has been visiting NY on a regular basis and appreciates it more and more with each visit!