Josef Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

So let me start with the ambiance, when we first walked in was amazing! After a closer look (because we had a lot of time) the floor and other decorations seemed lacking, ie dingy and mismatched. The food was just okay for me. I had higher expectations based on the reviews and the fact that it's a higher end restaurant. My burger didnt come with cheese or any condiments except ketchup and was very dry. There were no crackers or bread served with the Lobster Bisque which surprised me as most steakhouses serve fresh bread. Our waiter seemed frazled and very distant for reference it was not that busy on a Tuesday night. We only got 2 drinks in the 2.5 hours we were there and he did not offer desert. He rarely check on us and never apologized for the wait. It seemed like a long wait for everything, we didnt eat our entrees until the last 30 minutes and waited at least 15 minutes or more for drinks. The drinks were so yummy though, my husband enjoyed the salmon and my friend said the steak was delicious as well.

We went there for the first time for our 27th wedding anniversary. The restaurant is large but divided into smaller sections which gives a very intimate setting. Our server was attentive and the brie tart appetizer was delicious with well balanced sweet and savory flavors. I had the heirloom tomato bisque which was excellent.My wife ordered the marinated duck which was the best either of us have ever tasted. I ordered the 16oz wet aged rib eye medium rare. The first steak was cooked medium well, dry and so tough I shook the whole table trying to cut it. I sent it back and waited while my wife ate alone. The second steak was past medium and still dry and tough.Before I got halfway through, our server began offering dessert. We still had full glasses of wine (an old vine malbec which was very nice). When we turned down dessert, I was offered a box for the rest of my meal though I had just gotten it. I did not finish and did not want the remainder.I expect more from a fine dining experience (and a $200 tab) but both the kitchen and the wait staff missed the mark. I will not be back.

Went here for our anniversary tonight & were less than impressed. Ambience was nice.. until the party hosted next to us stood in front of our table talking super loudly rather than at the entrance. Food was mediocre, definitely not worth the price point. Filet was okay, NY strip tasted like it was cooked in a burnt pan. Maybe my expectations were too high.. but it IS a steakhouse. Service wasn’t an issue at all, nice staff. Just would not return based on this experience.

Had a great dinner with our little family. The server was amazing, PROMPT, and very knowledgeable. When dinning out these days (post Covid ) you never know what you will get even at the best places. The food and drinks were delicious. This is a fine dinning restaurant in ROCKFORD! What a gem!

Brian the waiter was phenomenal as well as his food recommendations. The whole fish was exquisite. I had whole fish at World renowned Tavern on The Green in Central Park just a few weeks ago and it was delicious it didn't compare to the dish at Josef's.

I believe our waitress was Tessa and she was very kind and wonderful. Atmosphere was soothing and elegant. Food was amazing, had grilled Caesar salad and 10oz filet. Great place to go!

Great food,wonderful service . We were treated like we were the only people that our waiter could see. Thank you Mark!

service was good and escargot very good. steak was rare or raw, potatoes were instant mashed and garlic spinach was so bitter. lobster tail was warm water and over cooked. don't plan on going back

Went there to celebrate our anniversary. Wife loved the lamb and I devoured the scallops. Would I do it again? Absolutely! We're going back for the aged steaks. Great place for special occasions. Treat yourself

A++. My daughter who lives in Rockford told me to go here “ best restaurant in town”. She was right. Ambiance was very chill but classy, food was excellent. From salad , to tapas to main course,everything was top notch. Service,especially our waiter Enrique was very relaxed , not rushed , pleasant and very professional. The chef Kevin came out and introduced himself , great guy and amazing chef. The bar area looks has nice vibe. Definitely “ best in Rockford “. If you want a nice relaxed and classy dinner in Rockford, highly recommend and must go restaurant.

Yet another hidden Gem I have discovered here in this little city. The whole experience was amazing from the moment me and my friends arrived. I hosted my birthday dinner here & at the time the weather was a little chilly but we still wanted the Igloo experience. The waitress was kind enough to call in advance and let us know that all though the igloos are heated we may get a little chilly due to weather and try to dress warm if possible. Which I thought was very thoughtful of him. I reserved for 6 but accidently invited one extra, no worries, they made necessary accommodations to make sure we still fit! Not only did they prepare the Igloo but they were one step ahead of the game and without my knowledge they reserved me and my guest a backup private room which they called the “library” which me and my ladies wound up utilizing after taking a few photos and having a drink in the igloo before we got too cold. It was just as beautiful as the Igloo experience in side. The waitress were all friendly, nice, and smiling. The food amazing! Even gave me the cutest cheese cake which the decorated and wrote Happy Birthday on! Will definitely be returning and I’ve been telling everyone about the place.

Had a great dinner. The brussel sprout appetizer was unique and very good. Then came a nice little side salad. The surf and turf was different from what I've seen elsewhere, being a Wagyu steak and scallops. Everything was prepared well and tasted great. Dessert was chocolate mousse cake, which was pretty traditional and very good. Drinks were also unique and very good. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

It was supposed to be a high end steak house but the steak didn’t seam very good quality me and my girlfriend both had a New York strip it was very chewy had no flavor Would recommend green fire or prime 2/5 stars have had better steak at apple bees lol

I have been here several times but as of late there has been some changes made. The food is better than ever.. There are allot of places in town that try to offer the high end food.But all you really get is mediocre food and large bill… This place is not the case. You get what you pay for and it’s absolutely delicious and worth the prices. Regardless of where they seat you . I would recommend asking for Enrique. He really makes the experience enjoyable!

We had a absolutely delicious meal at Josef's. Our server Arianna was fabulous. We never felt rushed, as we couldn't make up our minds. We were able to enjoy each course. We definitely will return to Josef.