Josie's Mexican American Grill — Restaurant in Atwater

There we were, a party of three, trying to decide what to eat. We've all grew up in the valley so we were looking for somewhere we hadn't been. Someone suggested Josie's and for want of a decision, we went.

I've been to a lot of places. From places that are Español and cash only here in the valley, to great imitations in states far away, I'm always looking for one thing.

Genuine Mexican culinary expression.

The Mexican cuisine is one rooted in the history of its people and, by extension, has so many different ways to make a dish unique. I was hoping to experience a subset of that at Josie's, but as soon as I walked in on a Saturday at 3pm and saw no Latinos for what was already a relatively empty restaurant, I knew I was asking for too much.

We were seated by a very friendly server and get to looking at the menu. I end up ordering Asada Fries and Two Fish Tacos, both of which were closer to $20 than I would like them to be for their quality.

I think a good tell of how a Mexican place tastes is by their Asada. If the Asada is bad, then everything else will follow suit. Though, I'm not sure any Mexican place that does burgers, fish and chips, and chicken strips is really tuned into making good Asada.

The Asada wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. For the standout ingredient on "Asada Fries" I would think the Asada would be in the front of all the flavor. What I did really taste was mediocre beans, which made for a very bland dish. The fish tacos were okay, more carried by the sauce they put on them with a side of those very bland beans.

My party wasn't a fan of what they got either. Pastor Tacos which they said weren't good comparative to other restaurants and a combo plate which they said was "very bland" and that the rice was missing "Mexican love". Even though we were all very hungry, it's hard to say that we left satisfied at all.

Overall, if you're looking for a Mexican restaurant, look for something else. Panaderia Guadalajara, Tacos Al Mando, or Los Reyes Taco Shop in Merced will do you right. Josie's is not a restaurant I can recommend in it's current state and I won't be...

Food was great. The service was friendly and prompt. They were a bit crowded while we were there but the waitresses went out of their way to bring us what we needed by the way I asked. I had their fried shrimp and it was excellent. Some of the best shrimp that I have had in a restaurant in a while. They have reasonable priced items on the menu and more expensive items. My shrimp meal was $18. They serve with rice and beans or for a couple dollars more you can add a salad which I did. Lots of chips and salsa while you're waiting. I will...

I give this place a one-star and I wouldn't even give it that not because of their food not because of their atmosphere what defines you is what you do when you're not looking they have a customer service policy that you need to be a customer to use the restroom that's not a problem but when it's a child under the age of 5 who has to go poop then that's a character and a moral problem shame on this place I hope they never get anyone's business again because they don't care about the locals they only care...