Cafe Josie

I went with a group of friends for my birthday celebration dinner. It is listed here as $ - Under $20; however, there were only a couple of menu selections that were under $20 (Management has told me that they are trying to get this changed on Citysearch). The food was just ok, so it was certainly overpriced. The servings were tiny, and that means a lot coming from someone who's 5'0"", 100lbs. Substitutions are not allowed at all because it would ""compromise the integrity of the food"" or something of that nature. Not allowing your customer to get garlic mashed potatoes instead of cotija black beans is ridiculous, especially when paying $25 for a handful of food. The waitress added a 45% tip and disagreed with me when I challenged her calculations. She then got her calculator out to show me that I was wrong, but she discovered that she was indeed in error. I contacted Cafe Josie after the fact, and they were very professional about all of my concerns. Even still, the food/experience was not worth a repeat visit. Pros: modern Cons: price, food, service more

My mom, dad & grandmother were in town last weekend and wanted to have ""a nice dinner"". So, my wife & I took them to Cafe Josie. We'd never been there, but it had been well received on Citysearch & in The Fearless Critic Austin Restaurant Guide. I made reservations for 7:00 pm on Saturday. We showed up on time & were promptly seated. Pros: Food, Service, Ambience Cons: Parking more

I love this little restaurant! The food is always fresh, well prepared and interesting. I can always expect a new flavor or creative use of spices to pique my interest. Chef Mayes is constantly experimenting and turning out some of the best dishes I have ever had. Extremely creative, great service, good wine list. Go there! more

I have been to 180 countries and had the opportinity to eat at many of the world's finest restaurants. Cafe Josie is as good as any of my top 10 choices. Not the best in terms of decor, but who eat's decor anyway... Keep up the great work.. ""Chef Sandy"" more

This restaurant was perfect for a nice dinner out. Menu is a la carte ($20-$26 for entrees) and perfect for a special night out. It's quiet and romantic. The ahi tuna is absolutely amazing -- a must try. Desserts are all incredible. Our server was impeccable with menu and wine selections, had perfect timing and was very friendly and pleasant. Low lighting, original artwork, white table cloths and perfect menu choices. The Wally Womack Gallery next door provided great window shopping after dinner. Pros: Delicious food, Impeccable service, Great wines Cons: , but worth it more

I love this place for many, many reasons. Let's start with the food - it's excellent! I've eaten at Cafe Josie several times over the past 2 years and the food has been excellent every time. I love that they serve food with a tropical flair. I like interesting flavors and spice - this place has it all. Try the goat cheese appetizer and the calamari. I don't really like calamari, but this stuff was great - very tender. My husband propsed to me at Cafe Josie and our parents met for the first time there also (those are some of the other reasons why I love this place : ) more

I have eaten here a couple times for lunch and have not been impressed either times. The second time I ate there is the reason I'm writing. I had the chicken breast which came with a side and on top of cous cous. I am on a strict diet and do not eat cous cous, so asked for a substitution of another vegetable. I was perfectly prepared to pay a substitution fee. But no can do. Not because they didn't have another vegetable, simply because the chef thought it would ""take away from the designed dish"". The chicken was so dry, I wasn't sure if it was chicken anymore. The side portion was also small. The cost was excessive at $15.00 and left feeling ripped off. I am a small person weighing only 105 lbs and it doesn't take that much to fill me, but I left hungry. Pros: immediate seating, prompt service Cons: no substitutions, low value for $ more

We stumbled across this place, wasn't aware that it was more of a finer dining experience. Considering I was wearing jeans, a tshirt & flip flops, I could have gotten ""the eye"", but service by the hostess & waitress was gracious and professional. The goat cheese appetizer was absolutely AMAZING. So many layers of flavors...not for more then 2 people, it's very small. I enjoyed my caesar salad, though the soup was too heavy in Cilantro, and husband LOVED the pork tenderloin. My disappointment were the small # of entrees...all flesh, no pastas. The creme brulee was fair, but even Central Market makes a smoother one. Overall, nicely done, good as a romantic spot. Pros: Environment, Service Cons: Parking, Lack of choice more

Great people, great atmosphere and excellent food. Easy to get to and find. You find that the portions and perfect and that the chef and staff are knowledgeable with out pretense. more

I've lived here for eight years, and Cafe Josie is the best place to dine in this city -- for a nice dinner or lunch. Hands down. Try any of the fish dishes -- always fresh. We can't figure out why it isn't always packed. Go dine. My mouth waters thinking about it. Fantastic! more

Why isn't this place more crowded? I guess everyone is at Macaroni Grill or Eddie V's. Shame on Austin for clamoring for great restaurants all these years but now that we have them, everybody and their mother can't wait to go to the Cheese Cake Factory when it opens. (Taking over one of our finest art-house movie theatre's, the Arbor, I might add). If you want to treat yourself to an Austin Original with great food, service and ambience then go to Cafe Josie! They have a great wine list, awsome seafood and a setting that is beautiful, relaxing and nobody is trying to sell you a t-shirt with your meal. Pros: no t-shirts for sale Cons: there are none more