Josephine's Introduce
In the bustling and ever-evolving culinary landscape of Midtown Houston, a true gem for seafood lovers and enthusiasts of Southern tradition has emerged:
Josephine's
. This isn't just another seafood restaurant; it's a destination that perfectly blends a "funky cool vibe" with an unwavering commitment to exceptional food quality and genuine hospitality. For Texans who appreciate fresh, local flavors and a dining experience that feels both refined and comfortably inviting, Josephine's offers a distinctive and highly praised option.Josephine's prides itself on being a "steward of Gulf Coast resources," locally sourcing ingredients and honoring the traditions of generations past while also creating new ones. This dedication to fresh, regional seafood, combined with a Southern accent on classic dishes, sets it apart. Customer reviews rave about everything from the "fresh large and great flavor" raw oysters to dishes like the "so delicious" Blue Crab Rice Bowl and "some of the best collard greens I’ve had..ever!" This level of consistent excellence, from appetizers to desserts, ensures a memorable meal for every patron.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an outstanding meal in a vibrant atmosphere, Josephine's invites locals to "stop in have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere and food," promising an experience that goes "above and beyond."
---Josephine's is perfectly situated at
318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
. This address places it in the vibrant and easily accessible Midtown neighborhood of Houston. Midtown is known for its blend of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces, making it a bustling and convenient area for dining.The restaurant's location on Gray Street means it is readily accessible for those living in or visiting the downtown and Midtown areas. It's often a short drive or an easy walk from various offices, apartment complexes, and popular attractions. For Houstonians, this central spot offers the convenience of a neighborhood restaurant with the quality of a top-tier culinary destination. Whether you're heading out for a special evening, enjoying a mid-week dinner, or planning a weekend brunch, Josephine's accessible location in Midtown makes it a straightforward choice for a fantastic meal, allowing patrons to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of one of Houston's most dynamic districts.
---Josephine's offers a comprehensive array of services focused on delivering a high-quality Gulf Coast dining experience with a touch of Southern charm:
Dine-In Service: Providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals, with an ambiance described as "funky cool" and "nice."
Lunch and Dinner Menus: Featuring distinct menus for lunch and dinner, offering a wide range of options from cold bar items and small plates to larger entrees and desserts.
Oyster Bar: A prominent feature, offering raw Gulf oysters and roasted oysters, allowing patrons to savor fresh catches.
Craft Cocktails and Beverages: A full bar offering a selection of unique and well-crafted drinks, like the "smoky with salt and pepper" Watermelon Man, alongside other spirits and non-alcoholic options.
Weekend Brunch: Josephine's offers a popular weekend brunch, providing an additional opportunity for locals to enjoy their unique menu.
Happy Hour: Specials on Gulf Coast oysters and daily food specials during happy hour, making it an attractive option for after-work gatherings or early evening meals.
Takeout and Online Ordering: The restaurant offers online ordering and takeout services through platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, providing convenience for those who prefer to dine at home.
Catering and Private Events: While not explicitly detailed, restaurants of this caliber often offer options for private events or catering for larger gatherings, leveraging their unique menu and ambiance.
Attentive and Friendly Service: Customers consistently praise the "great service, staff," highlighting the friendly and helpful nature of the waitstaff.
Dessert Menu: A dedicated dessert menu featuring Southern favorites with unique twists, such as the Texas Sheet Cake and Banana Pudding.
Josephine's truly shines with several features and highlights that make it a standout seafood destination in Houston:
Exceptional Gulf Coast Seafood: At its core, Josephine's is celebrated for its commitment to "local seafood" and "freshest flavors from the Gulf of Mexico." Dishes like their "fresh large and great flavor" raw oysters, Blue Crab Rice Bowl with "blackened shrimp... so delicious," and Halfshell Grilled Redfish showcase their expertise in seafood.
Unique "Funky Cool" and Rustic Ambiance: The restaurant offers a distinctive atmosphere, described as having a "funky cool vibe" and rustic decor with "painted tin ceilings," "original brick walls," and "delicate string lights," creating a warm and inviting setting.
Standout Southern Dishes and Sides: Beyond seafood, Josephine's excels in Southern classics. Their Collard Greens are particularly highlighted as "some of the best collard greens I’ve had..ever!" The Gumbo also receives high praise as "one of the best gumbo I've had before" and "phenomenal," indicating mastery of traditional Southern comfort food.
Creative and Memorable Cocktails: The drink menu features unique creations like the "smoky with salt and pepper" Watermelon Man, described as "excellent seems a bit below the experience," indicating an innovative and high-quality bar program.
Innovative Desserts: The Texas Sheet Cake, with its "Chocolate meets heat with Carmel popcorn and peanut butter (wow)," demonstrates a creative approach to classic desserts, leaving a lasting impression on diners.
Attentive and Helpful Staff: Reviewers consistently note "great service, staff," and a "friendly and helpful" waiter, ensuring a pleasant and smooth dining experience.
Efficiency during Busy Times: Despite being a popular spot, one review mentioned "Food came out within 10 minutes," suggesting efficient kitchen operations even when the restaurant is busy.
Commitment to Sustainability and Local Sourcing: The restaurant is "proud to be a steward of Gulf Coast resources" and "locally source ingredients," aligning with a growing local preference for sustainable and ethical dining.
For those looking to savor the unique Gulf Coast flavors and charming ambiance of Josephine's, here is their contact information:
Address: 318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone: (713) 527-8988
Mobile Phone: +1 713-527-8988
It is highly recommended to check their official website or call ahead for current operating hours, make reservations (especially for weekend dining or special occasions like Valentine's Day), and inquire about any specific daily specials or menu updates.
---Josephine's is an ideal fit for locals in Houston, offering a dining experience that resonates deeply with the city's appreciation for fresh, flavorful food and a welcoming atmosphere. Texans, particularly those along the Gulf Coast, have a strong connection to seafood, and Josephine's commitment to "local seafood" and "freshest flavors from the Gulf of Mexico" speaks directly to this preference. The consistent praise for their raw oysters and perfectly prepared dishes like the Blue Crab Rice Bowl highlights their mastery of coastal cuisine.
Beyond the food, the restaurant's "funky cool vibe" and "rustic ambiance" provide a comfortable yet sophisticated setting that appeals to Houstonians looking for a unique and enjoyable night out. The dedication to excellent service, with staff described as "friendly and helpful," further enhances the dining experience, making patrons feel truly welcomed and cared for.
The inclusion of classic Southern dishes like "some of the best collard greens I’ve had..ever!" and a "phenomenal" gumbo ensures there's something for every local palate, bridging the gap between seafood excellence and beloved comfort food. For Houstonians seeking a memorable meal that combines fresh Gulf Coast ingredients, inventive cocktails, a captivating atmosphere, and stellar service, Josephine's is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in Midtown.
Josephine's Photos










Josephine's Location
Josephine's
318 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Josephine's
318 Gray St
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Josephine's Reviews
Found 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.
Jun 13, 2025 · 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
Feb 20, 2025 · 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
Jun 13, 2025 · 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.
Apr 28, 2025 · 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!!!
Apr 05, 2025 · Carley Maxwell
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