I love this restaurant! And it's favorite spot to visit when I'm in Houston. The food is always fabulous, and I enjoy the libation. My last dish was étouffée with gold tile filet - delicious! TV screens in the background don't interfere with the table conversations. There's street parking. read more

Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition - Étouffée with gold tile filet - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

Josephine's is listed as a Michelin recommended restaurant, and so we visited with some friends - it was a party of four on a Tuesday evening. I had pretty high expectations. We started by sharing a couple of appetizers - the smoked redfish dip and the biscuits. I'm weird about smells and aftertastes - and was hesitant to try the smoked redfish dip. The dip was flavorful and very smoky - the crackers it is served with were amazing. The aftertaste was tolerable, but a little fishy for me. The biscuits - I could write poems about them. I'd go back to eat baskets of just those biscuits. Highly recommend. My husband ordered the fried catfish platter - it was amazing. The catfish nuggets were crunchy and HOT (temperature), the fries were perfectly seasoned and the hush puppy was a crunch heard around the globe. Sadly, the shrimp and grits arrived to the table at room temp. The flavor was really good, but I was worried to mention the temp issue and have the kitchen nuke them in the microwave. The red beans and rice were similarly room temp and congealed. The restaurant atmosphere was lovely, the service was solid, and on a Tuesday evening we could have walked in and been seated quickly. Overall, it was a nice evening with our friends. Sometimes the company makes up for small disappointments. read more

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*this review is only for crawfish, not their regular menu (which is amazing) * We went here during crawfish season because they've been advertising their $8/lb crawfish, and we trusted that it would be great given the quality of their regular menu. We went on a Saturday for lunch. Hopefully this was just a one-off, but if you're looking for good Cajun boiled crawfish, this is not it. We started off with 6 lbs (group of 4) of their regular crawfish. First off, they put the Cajun seasoning on outside/shell (!!), which is a cardinal sin for Cajuns. They also minimally seasoned the boil, so the meat was lacking salt and flavor. We ordered 3 more lbs with the "wet sauce" (garlic butter), thinking the lack of flavor may be attributed to this being the first-ish batch of the day. Nope, the second batch was even less seasoned than the first. The sauce was good, but it didn't make up for the unseasoned meat. The crawfish were a good size, at least... Come on guys, I expect more from a Gulf Coast seafood restaurant! read more

Beyond expectations! Each dish kept getting better and better! This place is a super hidden gem. Southern coastal meets a little Cajun! The jambalaya arancini was exceptional! From cocktails to dessert this place is on point. read more

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Chef Lucas McKinney and the team continue to deliver! I have continued to enjoy visiting here with friends and family. The vibe is great, the decor is awesome, the food delivers consistently, and service rarely takes a day off -- it's just a solid place to go when you're up for some great southern comfort classics. Cocktails, delicious. The daily food specials make it refreshing. The oysters never disappoint. We've rarely had to wait long on any ordered items and servers are all top notch. My only minor complaint is some of the larger groups visiting can sometimes forget there are others in the restaurant. We don't need to hear your entire conversation about the latest office gossip. read more

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If you're a Cajun seafood fan, this is a place you gotta try at least one time. The restaurant looks small because it's on the corner of the of an old Ramen place, but don't let that fool you the place is amazing. Great interior of the ambience is truly kind of creole style the weight that friendly attentive and they make sure that you understand the menu and give you suggestions great time food was excellent. The prices were fair. I would definitely recommend this place to anybody in the area trying something. read more

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Enjoyed two days in row the delicious Louisiana shrimp po-boy. Proper NOLA French bread, big snappy texas gulf shrimp, dressed proper..... $19 and worth it. Getting a legitimate Poboy outside of south east Louisiana is rare. The fish dip starter with smoked redfish is like what you would get from a fisherman. $16 Amazing and worth the trip back. The german chocolate brulle was absolutely delicious. For whatever reason it didn't sound all that great but it was amazing. $12 The beer is cold. Service is respectable. Seating is comfortable. Location is great. The host doesn't smile and not welcoming.... I don't understand why the restaurant would that as it's first impression for its customers. read more

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I found a place to eat and I'm very happy that we ate there. I wasn't 100% sure about it, but i figured that it would be something new and that we would try something more local. Southern food that we normally wouldn't have access to in California. We ordered jerk fish collars, roasted oysters, shrimp poboy, fries, and Brussels sprouts. So much good food and we all chowed down big-time. The service was solid. The pace of the meal wasn't great because a bunch of food came in the beginning, and then there was a big space before the next round of food. I had to ask for it to come out. But everything else was great and I highly recommend eating at Josephine's. read more

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I've been wanting to try Josephine's for a while and baby it did not disappoint! We started with the jamabayla arancini and the flavor was phenomenal. Truly better than expected. Since my eyes were bigger than my stomach, I ordered the jerk fish collars with the Brussel sprouts and red beans and rice. As a New Orleans native, I have to say, the read beans were so flavorful!!! The jerk collars were honestly so much better than I expected. Personally, I love a Brussel sprout so these couldn't really disappoint me. I ended the night with Cafe De Lu without alcohol (Lent) just because I wanted the micro beignet! Such a great touch. The atmosphere is great and a lot more casual than I expected. My friends and I sat outside until close just drinking and yapping. read more

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Amazing experience at Josephine's! Got a few cold claws to start and then got the crab rice and it was delicious. Cute ambience, great service. read more

Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I met a friend for dinner and we ordered the crudo, jerk fish collars, blue crab rice bowl, and an off-menu item which I believe was swordfish over a bed of rice and shrimp étouffée, banana pudding and the What's the Dill mocktail. In transparency, we weren't blown away by the food but we each had our favorites. I enjoyed the crudo and mocktail and my friend loved the jerk fish collar. Food aside, I was very pleased with the service. Greg was fantastic and attentive. Our one gripe was that towards the end of our meal we were asked excessively if our plates could be cleared despite saying we needed a bit more time with the dish. We got to a point where we just said yes once we were asked again. Ultimately, I'd say we had a positive dining experience but weren't overjoyed with the meal to warrant urgency to patron again. read more

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Ambiance was decorated very well - service was friendly and very educated on the menu! Ordered the Gumbo - not that flavorful... Crab Fingers - beware - it was kind of like mixed with a salad dressing - that's what it taste like I was a little skeptical about trying the entrees The oyster "pie" was fried oysters (seasoned well) but the "pie" part was a flaky pastry not a crust like pie Even though the flavoring wasn't as expected, it was still a nice place to go to with great atmosphere read more

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During our stay in Houston, I was craving oysters... So we stumbled upon Josephine's on yelp. They had a great oyster happy hour deal and we decided to take a chance on it when we walked in, there was a very cozy feel to the venue. It was moody, lighting, wooden tables, and comfortable space. The service was very attentive, and our food came out pretty fast. Usually, I'm a little weary of oysters during happy hour, especially of the quality... but I'm happy to say that the oysters were actually really good here! I really enjoyed the mignonette. The oyster tasted fresh & had a good size. Besides the oysters, we also tried the jambalaya, Arancini, and oh my gosh, I don't think I've ever tasted anything like this. It was SO flavorful, so crispy on the outside, and just overall a spectacular dish... I feel like it's very underrated. We almost didn't even get it, but we wanted to try something unique that we had never heard of before and I'm glad that we did. For dessert, we tried the banana pudding and we almost didn't have room for it. It was absolutely delicious and it was HUGE! Josephine's was definitely one of our favorite places that we've tried in Houston so far, and next time I'm back in town I will definitely be visiting again! read more

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Absolutely the cutest place. Made a reservation for my friends birthday and it was a great choice! Service was quick and great. We asked for a few recommendations and they gave us some great options. I decided to try the crawfish for dinner and whatever the sauce was made with, was fantastic. Definitely a great choice. The vibe is a little more intimate but more of a place to converse with others, no loud music and such. Definitely recommend trying. I didn't know before hand but this is a Michelin star restaurant and definitely worthy of it. read more

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I was in the area on a whim and decided to look for a place to eat. After a quick search, Josephine's immediately caught my interest. I lucked out on a Tuesday evening around 5:30 PM and was able to get a seat without a reservation (though I highly recommend making one). We started with the roasted oysters, which were very good and perfectly shucked. I ordered the muffuletta sandwich and was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Overall, the food and drink prices are reasonable for the quality. Parking is limited to garage and paid street parking. Last but not least, we received phenomenal service from our server, Greg. He was very attentive and extremely knowledgeable about both the food and drink menu from beginning to end. read more

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I had a good experience at Josephine's. We came here on a whim on a Monday afternoon and was surprised to see the place listed on the Michelin recommended guide too! The restaurant was a little slow when we showed up at around 1pm. We were seated immediately and greeted by a friendly waiter who walked us through the menu. My family and I got a collection of sea food dishes to family style and was impressed by the dish's flavor, presentation, and execution. Everything tasted great and came out in normal amount of time. Decor in the building is tasteful with lots of wooden accents and small oyster shells as table side decor. I enjoyed my time here and will definitely be coming back! read more

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Josephine's in Houston has been on my radar since I first came in with a friend right after they opened. We had some poboys that day and I knew I'd be back. Now with the Michelin recommendation I finally returned with a group and we decided to split as much food as we could. We ordered crab fingers, the burger, the daily redfish, biscuits, hush puppies, oysters, martinis, margaritas, and a few beers. Everything hit. The Clearwater oysters were a surprise standout and the crab fingers were an easy ten out of ten. The redfish was cooked perfectly and the sides stayed strong all the way through. Great energy, great food, and a menu that keeps pulling you back in. I will definitely be back to try happy hour especially after seeing some of the other Yelp reviews. Huge shout out to our sever Greg who kept food and Drink flowing the entire time. read more

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Gulf Coast cuisine has been having a moment for some time around town, so I was a little hesitant when I heard that yet another new restaurant, Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition, was getting a lot of praise. Then the Michelin guide waddled into town and anointed a few restaurants with stars and mentioned others as worth their gaze, and wouldn't you know it, Josephine's was on that list. We had a birthday to celebrate so we finally made our way in to check out what all the fuss was about. When I think of a place that reflects the docks, shrimp boats, brown sand, marshland, tide pools, and all things edible coming from those environments, I don't think of bustling midtown. That being said, the build out once you set foot inside does a great job transporting you from a dirty urban sidewalk to a sleepy coastal cafe, miles away from Houston's skyline. There's lots of raw wood, utilitarian furniture, snapshots and art from the coast on the walls, and that oh so familiar tile floor. They have a small outdoor patio if the weather is nice, and multiple tables, booths, and bar top seating options inside depending on party size. We were an 8 top, which seemed tricky to book online, but was no issue when I called in to make a reservation. Service was fantastic. Our waiter helped us navigate the menu, answered a million questions, and gave us a ton of helpful suggestions based on what we were craving. I can't remember a moment we were waiting on anything too long or looking for help, without someone swooping down to our table to assist. The food is Gulf Coast, but that's an over simplification, because it seemed as if every dish we had was a perfect iteration of that thing. Want really spot on tasty grilled fish collars, done. Do you miss those late night gas station chicken on a sticks back at Oxford, MS, yeah they have that. Looking for a po-boy with the right bread? Yup! Want to blow someone's mind with some top level grilled fish? You guessed it they got it! Chef Lucas McKinney, a Mississippi coast boy, has brought a pile of plates that clearly harken back to a life lived on the coast combined with years of honing his skills working for top level restaurants before opening his very own. Half of our 8 top were Mississippians and all of them agreed that they had found a little slice of home at Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition. read more

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After Josephine's made Michelin recommendations, I had to take my partner here for his birthday! It's in an unassuming spot in Midtown. Parking is what you'd expect, minimal. We found street parking right next to the restaurant so it was an easy walk. The vibe is intimate yet had an industrial feel. Our server was really great, although it took a while to get our food and the restaurant was steady but not packed. We started off with biscuits and the roasted oysters. The oysters were ok, nothing out of the ordinary compared to other grilled/roasted oysters. The biscuits though.... OUTSTANDING! It came with butter and a season jam, which we had a pineapple jam. We then ordered the blue crab rice bowl and their fish special. The rice is a must order as well. It was seasoned nicely and the crab was fresh. For dessert, the German chocolate crème brûlée was a nice ending to a wonderful meal. read more

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Damn Josephine, you took no prisoners and I have no notes. Just praise. So many things to say about this evening of culinary surprises. My cousin and I went on our annual Christmas Eve Dinner in Houston pilgrimage and found ourselves at Josephines. The place was packed and yet, without previous reservations, we were seated immediately. (SCORE!) Although there were things on the menu that I recognized, there were also some surprising and from beginning to end, our taste buds were lovingly assaulted with unique and interesting flavors and textures. The room we were in was cozy and it turns out they had other seating in a larger adjacent room. If this place is often jampacked, I'm not surprised. When the food came, it looked different than we thought it might look, but it definitely looked appetizing so there was nothing to do but to jump right on in there. It was an evening of taste discoveries that I loved. In the middle of our meal, we both commented about how much we were enjoying the process of eating the food. Every single thing that we had was delicious prepared and uniquely seasoned. We had: Halfshell grill redfish Jerk collars Mac n cheese (with a sweetness) Brussel Sprouts (with some thing special added) ...and they followed it all up with a new entry into my tastebud catalogue: Calamansi Sorbet. I lovemesome sorbet but I'd never tasted this and it was a perfect blend of sweet and tart. My cousin and I are STILL talking about it and although I'm headed back home, next year Miss Josephine better be ready for my triumphant (and hungry) return. read more

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Writing this after my recent visit for some "She-Time." We left sip & plant and wanted to find somewhere close to get some eats. We arrived here and parked in the garage. Price for 3hrs was less than 10 dollars, and you pay via QR code on your cell. We walked in and it was only two other couple present upon our arrival. I was worried that maybe the food wasn't that good, but I was wrong. We ordered... Apps: Biscuits/ Smoked Redfish dip (best bite) /crab fingers/Okra Entrees: baked mac & cheese/Shrimp Po boy, gumbo Everything was seasoned to perfection, but the fish dip stole the show. It comes w/ ranch seasoned crackers. Mac and cheese was Smokey and flavorful. I was super excited about the fried chicken skin on top, but it was extremely underwhelming. So we chose to eat it without the topping and didn't miss it. Our waitress GiGi was very attentive and patient with us. They have a nice bar as well if you want to stop in for a quick drink and a bite. I will definitely return. Enter freely they've been approved read more

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Came in on a Saturday afternoon, after my bike ride, and I as able to Come in get a menu and sit at the bar with the bartender Lucia. The hostess Fritz was so helpful and kind, by me coming in with my bike he held the door open for me so I can bring my bike in and out, which he didn't have to do! The music was nice and calm. I was jamming to Sade and singing my heart out. I ordered the jambalaya arancini and the boudin balls. I did opt out of the mustard.. because I just hate it so much lol. The jambalaya balls taste like pastalaya because of the sauce which really set it off! They aren't seasoned as much as I'm use to, but they are still good! The pickled okra was good too! For my drink I ordered a hurricane! And Lucia did a great job at it. It did taste different just a tad, but u think since she made it from scratch *which is great* is what gave it a different taste because at home it's mainly made with the hurricane mix and the liquor is added. I also added a banana pudding to my order, which was good as well! Overall I can see myself coming back here just for the calm vibes! And the drinks. My total was 60.62 which wasn't bad. read more

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Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Josephine's. Their seasonal offerings like fried okra and boiled crawfish make me happy. And, their oyster happy hour feeds my soul. But this week, they offered their fried snapper special and it gave me so much joy. This usually happens around Easter for Lent, so to offer it in December felt like Christmas on a plate for me. Yum, Yum, and more Yum read more

I had a great time! Our waitresses were excellent. Shoutout to Gigi! Forget the other girls name she was lovely though! Very kind and friendly and helpful with aiding us in choosing our meal selections tonight. The food was well prepared and seasoned well! You could taste the freshness of the seafood in our redfish dip, the hot catfish and the blue crab fried rice! It was all great! Don't let me forget the biscuits and jam! You cant convince me someone mama wasn't in there preparing them things. The fries that came with my sandwich wete very well season! Shoutout to them being Michelin star rated! Its deserved! read more

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I have had Josephine's bookmarked for a while now and recently dined there. Parking is either garage or street and both for pay. It has an attractive interior and pleasant atmosphere with a small covered outdoor seating area on the sidewalk. I asked for the shrimp po boy (dressed) with fries for $19. Whenever I see a po boy advertised with Leidenheimer bread from New Orleans like this one it gets my attention. The meal arrived less than 15 minutes later. I'm sorry but the po boy was a little bland tasting. I think it was the shrimp and condiments used on the sandwich. I have had better ones. This one wasn't bad just no more than average. The fries were warm just barely. How about hot ones? Yes I was disappointed with this meal and give a 3 score generously. The table service was very good. read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for a minute! Great, friendly service, nice chill spot! Definitely be back to try some other things on the menu! It's in the heart of Midtown so if you're lucky like me...you might catch some action!!! Yesterday's outing was highlighted by a woman trying to stop her car from being towed!! ‍ it was a sight to see! read more

Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great service. Great drinks. Great food. The Red Leather Jacket Bourban was delicious. The dip was tart and tasty and the collars were recommended by a friend. The flavor was great but it's not pretty to eat in a fancy joint. Overall, good vibe with oldies music playing. The bar was full of people and it all tasted good. read more

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We got there right when it opened, service was fast and friendly. I think this is the best crawfish i've ever had, didn't even need a side of butter with it because the seasoning was so rich. My friend got the shrimp po boy and we ate in silence! The mac and cheese also was the best mac and cheese i've tasted at a restaurant. The building itself was homey and had outside seating options as well. read more

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Just left and waited 5mins to be seated then a table that was seated after us the waiter came to them first, but of course we were the only blacks in there and they gave off a very unwelcoming vibe from the time we walked in..We got up and left and told the host she didn't even reply. read more

Give me more smoked redfish dip. Love this place. What's good here: oysters, redfish dip, biscuits, hush puppies, chicken, shrimp and grits, blue crab anything, redfish, and everything else that I've tried. Friendly service, outside seating, and a classy southern interior. read more

I truly enjoyed Josephine's. The menu had a lot of unique dishes. It definitely stood out from your usual seafood restaurant. I loved the oysters as well as the fried rice. Service was great and the atmosphere was chill yet elevated. read more

Pros: It's a white collar take on southern food. Not too much salt Food was fresh Atmosphere was clean and neat My server was quick and attentive Seating is unique and fun. Would try again if I wanted a quiet place to eat and spend $. Cons: None to name read more

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Really loved our meal and overall experience at Josephine's. First, it's in a great little neighborhood with other bars and restaurants and quiet tree lined streets. We sat at the bar while waiting for a table and enjoyed some creative cocktails with fresh ingredients like cantaloupe and mint. They have gulf oysters available and I wanted to try something local. My preference is east coast but I liked trying something from the Gulf. They have plenty of fresh fish and seafood available . The snow crab was outstanding as was the blue crab rice bowl. Great service and meal. read more

Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This place had a great flavor pallet. It went just beyond what I expected. The crab leg appetizer was an amazing surprise. It was so delicious. My blue crab bowl was excellent. The place was very clean and the bathrooms were spotless. Our server was super helpful too. read more

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TLDR: The food at Josephine's is exceptional. The service is lukewarm. We stopped into Josephine's on a Black Friday after Thanksgiving at about 1 pm after choosing them from Yelp reviews. I thought they would be packed but we got lucky due to the holiday. With a name like Josephine's, I was expecting warm, southern hospitality. There was only one other table with patrons when we arrived. Instead of a warm greeting, we got a haughty "Do you have a reservation?" Huh? The place is empty. They then took our name and phone number before seating us lol. It was like they had a script and could not flex for the situation. So that immediately got my panties in a bunch. I can't stand when restaurants act like they are doing YOU a favor by entertaining your patronage. But I was still pleasant and looked forward to the experience. Anyway, we ordered and the food was delicious. The jerk fish and crispy brussel sprouts were a flavor sensation. However, the servers were not engaging. Maybe due to post holiday blahs. They refilled our water and that was it. We weren't offered dessert and I was eager to leave anyway because despite the beautiful wood toned furniture, the staff was cold and had zero personality. So go for the food. read more

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Got a hankering for seafood in a casual yet urban, stylishly designed "neighborhood gem" setting? Josephine's is your place. This charming spot caught my attention when reviewing the Michelin Houston list, and I'm really glad my foodie friend and I tried it. The staff was warm and welcoming, and our server was incredibly gracious, knowledgeable, and helpful with his recommendations. We started with the seafood platter and upgraded the shrimp, which was an excellent choice. The shrimp were plump and tender, the fish dip was savory, and the accompanying crackers were addictive. We ordered the biscuits, as well, which came out hot and delicious. We also went with the oyster pie which was hearty and satisfying with perfectly fried oysters, chunky bacon, and a creamy sauce. This was presented in a puff pastry that enhanced the dish's hominess while completing the "pie." For our main course, had the off-menu whole fried snapper, prepared beautifully, leaving is with a crispy flavorful crust and moist, tender flesh. Even the French fries were outstanding. We loved Josephine's and look forward to returning to try more of her unique and compelling menu. read more

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I went there for crawfish and drinks and had a great experience. The crawfish was well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. The drinks were great as always. Our bartender was spectacular and knew all the drinks I ordered off the menu. The ambiance was nice definitely a great spot to hang out with friends. read more

I came here on a solo date and I had a good time. I ordered oysters and crab legs. I satisfied my cravings and the small oysters were my favorite. It made me realize how big oysters aren't for me. I loved the crab legs but the seasoned sauce was not good on the side. It was way too much lemon and seasoning. The staff was friendly and the ambiance was chill. I sat on the patio and felt at ease. It's definitely a great spot for seafood. read more

Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Parking garage next door and reasonable. Beautiful spot with a welcoming atmosphere. Roasted oysters were pretty good you get four I would have loved six. The raw oysters I had 2 of each but the Navy Cove oysters were the largest and creamiest. The shrimp and grits were also delicious and a perfect amount of shrimps in it. The customer service was exceptional. Short wait even with reservations (recommended) because of other parties waiting to be seated. Bar seating if you like. Patio seating available. Groups are welcomed but again make reservations. One thing I didn't like was the stray dog that was allowed to keep entering the patio area. As a person who is highly allergic I'm so glad I didn't sit outside. read more

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Definitions of phenomenal. adjective. exceedingly or unbelievably great. extraordinary. beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable. Josephine's was just that! Have you ever dined somewhere and thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING? That was my experience, here! Sat at the bar, the black gentleman working the bar from New York, his name escapes me, showed us love and exuded true hospitality! He made fantastic recommendations I was concerned that my limoncello would be too tart and too sweet, but the lemon flavor was mild and it was a little strong for ya girl! I needed to remain seated for a cool minute! The redfish dip is a must! A little pricey but well worth it. Not fishy tasting at all! The blue crab bowl! You just get those! Very rich and filling and not skimpy on the crab! You must get the chips with the muffuletta! They are light, crispy, and made in house! The banana pudding provided a great finishing touch to the meal. That miso sets it off, rich and creamy. I would've appreciated a few more cookies, but not a major complaint. My girl, Josephine, please expect a visit from me EVERY TIME I'm in town! read more

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