Josephine's Introduce
Welcome to Josephine's, a true culinary jewel nestled in the heart of Houston's bustling Midtown. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a vibrant destination that masterfully blends the rich, soulful traditions of Southern cooking with the fresh, bountiful flavors of the sea. Josephine's has quickly become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike who are searching for an unforgettable dining experience that feels both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a casual, yet trendy atmosphere that sets the perfect stage for a memorable meal. Whether you're a lifelong Houstonian or just passing through, Josephine's offers a taste of Texas that you won't find anywhere else. Their commitment to using high-quality, local ingredients shines through in every dish, making it a standout in a city known for its incredible food scene.
At Josephine's, the focus is on a menu that's both diverse and deeply rooted in regional flavors. You’ll find a fantastic selection of classic Southern comfort food, elevated with a fresh, modern twist. The menu features a variety of options, from a Cold Bar with items like the Smoked Redfish Dip and Marinated Crab Fingers to hearty sandwiches such as the Shrimp Po Boy and Mississippi Hot Catfish Sandwich. Seafood lovers can indulge in Boiled Seafood like Peel & Eat Shrimp and Snow Crab Clusters, or share plates like the Roasted Oysters and Calabrian Shrimp. For those looking for a full meal, their "For the Table" section includes highlights like the Halfshell Grilled Redfish. Beyond the food, Josephine’s is also celebrated for its impressive beverage program, offering a great selection of beers, a thoughtful wine list, and creative cocktails, making it a perfect spot for happy hour or a night out.
Josephine's is conveniently located at 318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, placing it right in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood. This central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Houston, whether you're coming from downtown, the Museum District, or the suburbs. The area is known for its energetic atmosphere, with a mix of residential buildings, offices, and other popular dining and entertainment venues. While the restaurant itself is a destination, its surrounding neighborhood provides plenty of opportunities to explore before or after your meal. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though it's always a good idea to arrive a little early to find a spot during peak hours.
Accessibility is a key priority at Josephine's. The establishment is designed to be welcoming to all patrons, with a variety of features that ensure a comfortable visit. The main entrance is wheelchair accessible, as are the restrooms and seating areas. This commitment to accessibility means that everyone can enjoy the fantastic food and friendly atmosphere without any barriers. The restaurant's thoughtful layout and inclusive design make it a great choice for a lunch or dinner with friends, family, or colleagues, knowing that everyone will be accommodated.
Josephine's provides a range of services designed to meet the needs of all its customers. Whether you prefer to dine on-site or take your food to go, the restaurant has you covered.
Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience in their cozy and trendy dining room. With table service available, you can relax and let the friendly staff take care of you.
Outdoor Seating: Take advantage of Houston's pleasant weather by dining outside. The outdoor seating area provides a lovely setting for a meal and a drink, perfect for a casual lunch or a relaxing dinner.
Takeout: Can't stay? No problem. Josephine's offers convenient takeout options, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office.
Catering: For larger events or special gatherings, Josephine's offers catering services, bringing their beloved Southern and seafood dishes to your party.
Reservations: To ensure you get a table, especially during busy times like evenings and weekends, Josephine's accepts and recommends making reservations.
Payments: The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.
Josephine's is more than just a place to eat; it's a place to gather and enjoy a great time. Several key features make it a standout choice for dining in Houston.
Fast Service: Customers frequently praise the speed and efficiency of the service, ensuring that your food and drinks arrive in a timely manner without feeling rushed.
Exceptional Beverages: The bar at Josephine's is a major draw. With a great selection of beers, a curated wine list, and innovative cocktails, there's a perfect drink to pair with any dish.
Serves Local Specialty: Josephine's prides itself on serving local specialties, using fresh ingredients to create dishes that truly represent the flavors of the region. This commitment to local sourcing enhances the quality and authenticity of their food.
Great Ambiance: The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a variety of occasions, from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. The sports-friendly environment also makes it a fun place to catch a game.
Popular for Solo Dining: The comfortable and inviting atmosphere makes Josephine's a great choice for solo diners looking to enjoy a high-quality meal without any fuss.
Small Plates: A variety of small plates are available, perfect for sharing with a group or for those who want to try a little bit of everything. This option provides a great way to explore the diverse flavors on the menu.
To make a reservation, inquire about catering, or learn more about Josephine's, you can use the following information:
Address: 318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone: (713) 527-8988
For the most up-to-date information, it is always a good idea to check their website or social media pages, which are often the best sources for current menus, hours of operation, and special events.
When you choose Josephine's, you are not just choosing a restaurant; you are choosing an experience defined by quality, flavor, and a uniquely Houstonian charm. The combination of a friendly, professional staff, a fast-paced but relaxed environment, and a menu that’s both comforting and exciting makes it a standout choice. The commitment to fresh, local ingredients is evident in every bite, from the perfectly seasoned Blue Crab Rice Bowl to the famously delicious Collard Greens. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a "Watermelon Man" cocktail that is as unique as it is refreshing.
The ambiance is a major reason people return. It’s a place where you can feel comfortable whether you’re dressed up for a special occasion or stopping by for a casual bite. The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, creating a space where great food and good company naturally come together. Whether you are craving the best gumbo in town, an incredible seafood dish, or just a place to unwind with a great cocktail, Josephine's delivers. It’s a local gem that truly represents the best of Houston’s culinary scene, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great food and a fantastic dining experience.
Josephine's Menu
COLD BAR
- SMOKED REDFISH DIP $16.00
palacios farm-raised redfish, lemon remoulade, ranch saltines
- CAESAR CRUDO $18.00
red snapper, caesar dressing, boquerones, parmesan, sourdough crostini
- SHRIMP COCKTAIL $16.00
shredded iceberg, sauce ravigot
- MARINATED CRAB FINGERS $16.00
red wine vinegar, iceberg lettuce, castlevetrano olives, cherry tomato, tarragon
BOILED SEAFOOD
- PEEL & EAT SHRIMP
- SNOW CRAB CLUSTERS
- BLUE CRAB
SALADS
- SOUTHERN PEA SALAD $16.00
all the peas, diced veg, egg, cheddar, capers, bibb lettuce
- HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD $15.00
Blue Plate mayo, dill, chives, shallots, cucumbers, french dressing, maldon
- CAPTAIN'S SALAD $15.00
iceberg & spinach blend, carrots, red onions, tomatoes, boiled egg, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, cucumber, ranch, ranch saltine crumbles
SANDWICHES
- SHRIMP PO BOY $19.00
fully dressed, Leidenheimer
- SITTIN' SIDEWAYZ CHEESEBURGER $18.00
44 Farms ground, onion straws, burger sauce, american, bread and butters, Leidenheimer, dressed
- CHICKEN CUTLET PO BOY $19.00
calabrian chili atoli, giardiniera, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, provolone, on Leidenheimer
- MUFFULETTA $18.00
half sandwich, capicola, mortadella, salami, provolone, swiss, olive salad, Royal Bakery bun
- MISSISSIPPI HOT CATFISH SANDWICH $20.00
collard green slaw, spiced honey, pickles
SHAREABLES
- HUSHPUPPIES $12.00
pickled jalapeno tartar sauce
- BISCUITS $12.00
seasonal jam, Steen's butter
- CHICKEN ON A STICK $14.00
buttermilk ranch, an ole miss tradition
- ROASTED OYSTERS $16.00
lemon & herb butter, panko, parmesan
- JAMBALAYA ARANCINI $18.00
andouille, shrimp, blue crab, celery, parsley, fra diavolo
- CALABRIAN SHRIMP $24.00
head on shrimp, calabrian chilis, garlic, white wine, parsley, french bread
- BLUE CRAB RICE BOWL $26.00
local carolina gold rice, gulf blue crab, crab fat aioli, scallions
- SHRIMP & GRITS $26.00
bacon, mushrooms, sauce creole, stone-ground Marsh Hen Mill grits
- BBQ BLUE CRABS $32.00
creole mustard & tomato BBQ sauce
FOR THE TABLE
- JERK FISH COLLARS $35.00
jamaican jerk rub, chili butter
- COMEBACK CHICKEN $34.00
half chicken, comeback sauce, braised green beans, cornbread
- HALFSHELL GRILLED REDFISH $45.00
palacios farm-raised redfish, chermoula
SIDES
- RED BEANS & RICE $10.00
- CHICKEN & ANDOUILLE GUMBO $10.00
- COLLARD GREENS $9.00
- CRISPY BRUSSELS $14.00
chevre, tabasco mash vin, pork skins
- FRIED OKRA $14.00
comeback sauce
Josephine's Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Josephine's Photos










Josephine's Location
Josephine's
318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Josephine's Reviews
blue crabgumboroasted oystersfish collarsshrimp and gritsredfishbanana puddingmuffulettapeanut piefish dip
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Found this local gem in midtown Houston serving local seafood. I’m so glad we stopped in. First the place has a funky cool vibe which is cool but the food is the best. We started with a dozen raw oysters and a Watermelon Man drink. Wow! For both. Oysters fresh large and great flavor. The drink is smoky with salt and pepper.. excellent seems a bit below the experience. For dinner we split Blue Crab Rice Bowl with blackened shrimp… so delicious. With the bowl we ordered Collard Greens. These are some of the best collard greens I’ve had..ever! And to finish it up we tried the Texas Sheet Cake. Chocolate meets heat with Carmel popcorn and peanut butter (wow). All in all great service, staff and even better food. Stop in have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere and food.
June 12 · James MaddenAmbiance was very nice. Many people were wearing nice clothes for their valentines. The waiter was friendly and helpful with menu suggestions. Food came out within 10 minutes.Fried rice: 8/10 - little too buttery but very good and originalGumbo: 10/10 - one of the best gumbo Ive had before. Was phenomenalHalf chicken: 5/10 the chicken was dry and the sauce was too much mayo . For the price and the dry chicken, I would’ve not gotten this again. Nicely seasoned .Italian Sandwich: 8/10 bread was very light and crispy. I don’t usually like Italian sandwiches but this one was pretty good. Had a little too much meat.Biscuit: 7/10- a little dry but the butter and jam was excellent
February 20 · E YuCame here just for the Jerk Fish Collars and they blew my mind. Perfectly seasoned and spicy cooked to perfection. Max the bar tender was serving up some awesome cocktails and his spin on the Old Fashioned was amazing. Super friendly and inviting vibes so I’d suggest this place hands down to be a must go in Houston. Love IT
June 13 · Todd BrooksWait staff were understanding and accommodating to my handicapped sister. Took a good while to get water and our orders taken and we only got it when we asked but they are decently busy so not too worried about it. We got oysters, grilled and raw, snow crab, brussel sprouts, and shrimp and grits. Shrimp and grits where mid for the price, everything else was amazing. Crab did feel like it was previously frozen but the seasoning was good.
April 27 · ThrowawayAccountSelection of raw oysters only from gulf. I would've liked to see a few from colder waters. Smoked redfish dip is a MUST!!! Nice touch with the ranch crackers. Biscuits were so soft and warm with the butter and jam. Shrimp poboy was good, flavor with the batter on shrimp is good. Fries were seasoned nicely cajun style. Gumbo was lacking... a little greasy on top, roux was one note, not much depth of flavor.Beautiful mix of rustic meets modern casual. Overall 8.5/10!!!
April 05 · Carley Maxwell
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