We came here on a Saturday night. It feels more like a bar than a restaurant. The place is in the west loop. The ambiance is dark, loud and packed full. They sat us down right away at the bar. The bartender was nice and we were able or order right away. My husband got the carnitas tacos and I got a cactus, I think. Or it tasted like it. I could t even bring myself to eat more than a bite. We left pretty quickly feeling like it was too loud to even have a real conversation. Good place to grab a drink. Probably not a place to have a sit down dinner.
Ursela H.
The food was ok I've had much better ethnic tacos at less fancier establishments. It's a hip spot because you're in west loop but the food is not worth it maybe the drinks are better. Service was good we made reservations on open table and our server was attentive. I don't think l'll be saving this as one of my favorites to return any time soon.
Lillie B.
I went to La Josie during restaurant week and I was pleasantly surprised. My server was very nice and gave good insight on the restaurant week dishes: The tamale was PERFECT, a tad bit spicy but flavorful. I'm not sure if that is on the regular menu but it definitely should be. The churro cheesecake was amazing and melted in my mouth. The burrito was mediocre however, I was so impressed by everything else it didn't bother me much.
Ursela Hybridge
I don’t think the food is outstanding compared so some of my other MC places I order from or go to. I don’t think this place is all the hype but it is very trendy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tacos Al Pastor, Chicken Tacos
MK
My recent visit to La Josie left me with mixed feelings. While the ambiance was pleasant and the food was satisfactory, the overall experience was overshadowed by the dismissive attitude of the waiter.Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm atmosphere and simple decor. The menu offered a variety of enticing options, we had 1 question regarding the citrus level of a mezcal margarita which seemed to bother the waiter. My friend had also asked if they served sangria which seemed to annoy him further. It was just a question.Our excitement was dampened by the indifferent demeanor of our waiter. It often felt like we were bothering them whenever we asked for recommendations or sought assistance with the menu, case in point the margarita or sangria.Throughout the meal, we couldn't shake the feeling of being rushed or inconveniencing the staff with our presence. This detracted from what could have been an enjoyable dining experience.A tradition for our friend group is cupcakes. The waiter had placed the check for us and then once he saw the cupcakes came to the table and took the check because there was a “cake cutting fee”. It seemed as though he got pleasure from removing the check and charging us five dollars a person for cupcakes that the staff had to do nothing for. My friend searched the menu and we could not find any details eluding to a cake charge. Ridiculous.While La Josie boasts a pleasant ambiance and decent cuisine, the dismissive and occasionally indifferent attitude of the waiter detracted from the overall enjoyment of the meal. Improved customer service could elevate this restaurant to its full potential. I don’t give it much longer in the West Loop when there are millions of better options.
Overall a great experience here. However, there are a lot of items missing from the menu as there once were. I am ALL about keeping things new and exciting especially for restaurants that have been in business for years. But the staple menu items, I wouldn't change. The food is pretty good. Well prepared. For a party of 3 or more, you can expect to spend 100s of dollars. Please also note, this restaurant has a 3% automatic charge to the bill for restaurant employees may have health insurance. You can ask for that fee ro be waived. Although, I would feel a little like a jerk if I did...We ordered the following:The trio of dips, it comes with homemade chips. The chips make this appetizer a MUST!Mezcal Margaritas which you can get on the happy hour menu. You're welcome.Steak tacosTampiquena which is flank steak, peppers, and a mole sauced cheese enchilada.We enjoyed the vibe, the service was great and the food was tasty especially if your in the mood for upscale Mexican food!I recommend this place for date night (DN), happy hour (HH), casual night out (CNO) - with friends bc its low maintenance and an easy choice for something quick and easy while hanging out in the loop.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mole, Asada
Giles
Trust the reviews! I stopped here on a random night based on the reviews and I was pleasantly surprised! Absolutely loved it.My new fave Mexican cuisine
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Po S
Such a cool spot to meet with friends. Happy hour drinks are a great price and their margs are SO good along with their salsas and the vegan huitlacoche tacos I had were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Trio Huitlacoche
Bernadette C.
Today was my first time trying out La Josie, and it did not disappoint! Went to brunch and tried the Paloma to drink & started with chips with salsa/single order of guac. Everything super fresh and tasty, the chips were so good too! Claudia our server was really attentive and gave us great service. I tried the Los Benedict with carnitas, the corn bread cake was a nice change from traditional English muffins. The poached eggs were cooked to perfection and not over cooked at all, I hate when they're over cooked for eggs Benedict. The carnitas was put on the side, which i actually appreciate so that you can make your own perfect bite. Can't wait to go back and try more things!
Duval Reyna
Very good place to go with the family. Good atmosphere, and good attention. Also spacious parking.
We visited during Chicago Restaurant Week and found the experience to be exceptional, especially considering the value at $42 per person. For appetizers, we indulged in the Al pastor sope and Rojas con queso tamale, both bursting with flavor and creativity. Our entrees, the Suadero tacos (steak) and Camarones al mojo de ajo (shrimp dish), were equally impressive and meticulously crafted.As someone who approaches "contemporary" cuisine with a hint of skepticism due to the potential for disappointment, La Josie shattered my reservations. Their execution was flawless, and each dish showcased the depth of Mexican flavors and culinary innovation.Being a devout fan of Mexican cuisine, I am selective about where I spend my dining dollars. La Josie has earned its place among the best, and I wouldn't hesitate to return, even willing to splurge a little extra for the outstanding experience. Brunch is already on our radar for our next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Kathleen Evans
La Josie is a great spot to meet up with friends, family with a hip vibe. We had a lot of fun at a spontaneous lunch meet up. Planning to go back soon to try the lobster tacos and more.
Debtosh Banerjee
Food was okay. Nothing special but the worst thing that happened was that there was sharp white plastic piece on an inch long hidden in the desert that ended up in my daughter’s mouth. Shame on the chef to let it happen.
We came here on a Saturday night. It feels more like a bar than a restaurant. The place is in the west loop. The ambiance is dark, loud and packed full. They sat us down right away at the bar. The bartender was nice and we were able or order right away. My husband got the carnitas tacos and I got a cactus, I think. Or it tasted like it. I could t even bring myself to eat more than a bite. We left pretty quickly feeling like it was too loud to even have a real conversation. Good place to grab a drink. Probably not a place to have a sit down dinner.
The food was ok I've had much better ethnic tacos at less fancier establishments. It's a hip spot because you're in west loop but the food is not worth it maybe the drinks are better. Service was good we made reservations on open table and our server was attentive. I don't think l'll be saving this as one of my favorites to return any time soon.
I went to La Josie during restaurant week and I was pleasantly surprised. My server was very nice and gave good insight on the restaurant week dishes: The tamale was PERFECT, a tad bit spicy but flavorful. I'm not sure if that is on the regular menu but it definitely should be. The churro cheesecake was amazing and melted in my mouth. The burrito was mediocre however, I was so impressed by everything else it didn't bother me much.
I don’t think the food is outstanding compared so some of my other MC places I order from or go to. I don’t think this place is all the hype but it is very trendy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tacos Al Pastor, Chicken Tacos
My recent visit to La Josie left me with mixed feelings. While the ambiance was pleasant and the food was satisfactory, the overall experience was overshadowed by the dismissive attitude of the waiter.Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted with a warm atmosphere and simple decor. The menu offered a variety of enticing options, we had 1 question regarding the citrus level of a mezcal margarita which seemed to bother the waiter. My friend had also asked if they served sangria which seemed to annoy him further. It was just a question.Our excitement was dampened by the indifferent demeanor of our waiter. It often felt like we were bothering them whenever we asked for recommendations or sought assistance with the menu, case in point the margarita or sangria.Throughout the meal, we couldn't shake the feeling of being rushed or inconveniencing the staff with our presence. This detracted from what could have been an enjoyable dining experience.A tradition for our friend group is cupcakes. The waiter had placed the check for us and then once he saw the cupcakes came to the table and took the check because there was a “cake cutting fee”. It seemed as though he got pleasure from removing the check and charging us five dollars a person for cupcakes that the staff had to do nothing for. My friend searched the menu and we could not find any details eluding to a cake charge. Ridiculous.While La Josie boasts a pleasant ambiance and decent cuisine, the dismissive and occasionally indifferent attitude of the waiter detracted from the overall enjoyment of the meal. Improved customer service could elevate this restaurant to its full potential. I don’t give it much longer in the West Loop when there are millions of better options.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Mezcal Margarita, Trio Huitlacoche
Overall a great experience here. However, there are a lot of items missing from the menu as there once were. I am ALL about keeping things new and exciting especially for restaurants that have been in business for years. But the staple menu items, I wouldn't change. The food is pretty good. Well prepared. For a party of 3 or more, you can expect to spend 100s of dollars. Please also note, this restaurant has a 3% automatic charge to the bill for restaurant employees may have health insurance. You can ask for that fee ro be waived. Although, I would feel a little like a jerk if I did...We ordered the following:The trio of dips, it comes with homemade chips. The chips make this appetizer a MUST!Mezcal Margaritas which you can get on the happy hour menu. You're welcome.Steak tacosTampiquena which is flank steak, peppers, and a mole sauced cheese enchilada.We enjoyed the vibe, the service was great and the food was tasty especially if your in the mood for upscale Mexican food!I recommend this place for date night (DN), happy hour (HH), casual night out (CNO) - with friends bc its low maintenance and an easy choice for something quick and easy while hanging out in the loop.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mole, Asada
Trust the reviews! I stopped here on a random night based on the reviews and I was pleasantly surprised! Absolutely loved it.My new fave Mexican cuisine
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a cool spot to meet with friends. Happy hour drinks are a great price and their margs are SO good along with their salsas and the vegan huitlacoche tacos I had were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Trio Huitlacoche
Today was my first time trying out La Josie, and it did not disappoint! Went to brunch and tried the Paloma to drink & started with chips with salsa/single order of guac. Everything super fresh and tasty, the chips were so good too! Claudia our server was really attentive and gave us great service. I tried the Los Benedict with carnitas, the corn bread cake was a nice change from traditional English muffins. The poached eggs were cooked to perfection and not over cooked at all, I hate when they're over cooked for eggs Benedict. The carnitas was put on the side, which i actually appreciate so that you can make your own perfect bite. Can't wait to go back and try more things!
Very good place to go with the family. Good atmosphere, and good attention. Also spacious parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We visited during Chicago Restaurant Week and found the experience to be exceptional, especially considering the value at $42 per person. For appetizers, we indulged in the Al pastor sope and Rojas con queso tamale, both bursting with flavor and creativity. Our entrees, the Suadero tacos (steak) and Camarones al mojo de ajo (shrimp dish), were equally impressive and meticulously crafted.As someone who approaches "contemporary" cuisine with a hint of skepticism due to the potential for disappointment, La Josie shattered my reservations. Their execution was flawless, and each dish showcased the depth of Mexican flavors and culinary innovation.Being a devout fan of Mexican cuisine, I am selective about where I spend my dining dollars. La Josie has earned its place among the best, and I wouldn't hesitate to return, even willing to splurge a little extra for the outstanding experience. Brunch is already on our radar for our next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
La Josie is a great spot to meet up with friends, family with a hip vibe. We had a lot of fun at a spontaneous lunch meet up. Planning to go back soon to try the lobster tacos and more.
Food was okay. Nothing special but the worst thing that happened was that there was sharp white plastic piece on an inch long hidden in the desert that ended up in my daughter’s mouth. Shame on the chef to let it happen.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Carlos is the best!!! Makes the best cocktails!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Asada
Great good