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Name: Rosebud on Rush
Address: 720 N Rush St, Chicago, IL, 60611
Telephone: (312) 266-6444
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.60

Rosebud on Rush

720 N Rush St, Chicago, IL, 60611

(312) 266-6444
Store is closed

Rosebud on Rush Menu

Antipasti

Calamari Fritti

Calamari Alla Rosebud

Vongole Al Forno

Cozze In Umido

Cocktail Di Gamberetti

Funghi Ripieni

Rotolo Di Melanzane

Bruschetta Alla Romana

Salsiccia E Pepperoni

Antipasto Misto
Zuppe

Minestrone

Italiano Minestra Di Nozze (italian Wedding Soup)
Insalate

Insalata Della Casa

Rosebuds Insalata Di Pesce

Insalata Di Cesare

Rosebuds Insalata Tritate (chopped Salad)

Insalata Caprese

Insalata Di Melanzane

Mamas Insalata Di Polpette
Contorni

Patate Al Vesuvio O Oreganate

Fagiolini Verdi Alla Velasco

Asparagi Saltati

Broccoli Saltati

Spinaci Saltati

Salsiccia Al Pomodoro

Polpette Italiane
Rosebud Favoriti

Pollo Vesuvio

Pollo Al Mattone (brick Chicken)

Pollo Marsala

Pollo Alla Parmigiana

Pollo Bracciola

Pollo Milanese

Vitello Alla Parmigiana

Vitello Marsala

Vitello Saltimbocca

Vitello Alla Francese

Vitello Milanese

Scampi Alla Milanese

Scampi Alla Francese

Melanzane Alla Parmigiana
Pasta

Pappardelle Alla Rosebud

Cavatelli Al Forno

Cavatelli Arrabbiata

Spaghetti Con Polpette O Salsiccia

Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Penne Bolognese

Fettuccini Alfredo

Tortellini Alla Carbonara

Linguini Alla Vongole

Ravioli Di Formaggio

Ravioli Di Carne

Lasagna Alla Rosebud
Le Specialita

Bistecca Italiana

Filetto Portobello

Costoletta Di Vitello

Filetto Toscano

Costoletta Di Maiale Alla Rosebud

Costolette Di Agnello Oreganate

Aragosta Alla Fradiavola

Pesce Bianco Al Limone

Healthy Meal suggestions for Rosebud on Rush

Antipasti

Calamari Fritti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari Alla Rosebud [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vongole Al Forno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cozze In Umido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cocktail Di Gamberetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Funghi Ripieni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rotolo Di Melanzane [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruschetta Alla Romana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salsiccia E Pepperoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Zuppe

Minestrone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italiano Minestra Di Nozze (italian Wedding Soup) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Insalate

Insalata Della Casa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosebuds Insalata Di Pesce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Cesare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosebuds Insalata Tritate (chopped Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Melanzane [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mamas Insalata Di Polpette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Contorni

Patate Al Vesuvio O Oreganate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fagiolini Verdi Alla Velasco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asparagi Saltati [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli Saltati [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinaci Saltati [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salsiccia Al Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polpette Italiane [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Rosebud Favoriti

Pollo Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Al Mattone (brick Chicken) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Alla Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Bracciola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Milanese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vitello Alla Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vitello Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vitello Saltimbocca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vitello Alla Francese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vitello Milanese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scampi Alla Milanese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scampi Alla Francese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Melanzane Alla Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Pappardelle Alla Rosebud [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cavatelli Al Forno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cavatelli Arrabbiata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Con Polpette O Salsiccia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rigatoni Alla Vodka [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccini Alfredo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortellini Alla Carbonara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguini Alla Vongole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Di Formaggio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Di Carne [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna Alla Rosebud [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Le Specialita

Bistecca Italiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filetto Portobello [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costoletta Di Vitello [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filetto Toscano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costoletta Di Maiale Alla Rosebud [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costolette Di Agnello Oreganate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aragosta Alla Fradiavola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesce Bianco Al Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Tanya K.

Ordered two salads and calamari. The salmon spinach salad was delicious. So, technically the food is worthy of five stars BUT, our waitress was pretentious, as though she believed she was a model/actress waiting tables in LA just until her big break comes along. Also, we had to wait 45 minutes for our salads. It was 2pm on Tuesday, May 29, barely anyone was seated in the outdoor area. I may visit a different location solely based on those salads, so delicious!
(2)
Paul K.

Pretty good Italian place, and open late, until 11PM. They bring you a free bread basket that has a lot of different selection; had the Italian wedding soup for an appetizer (very good) and the bolognose, which the switched from Penne to Linguine for me- also very good. The portion were large, I couldn't even finish my main couse. Would go back.
(4)
Jenn C.

Good food, nothing special or fancy to me. I usually just get lunch here and always seems consistent. The cob salad is yummy with shrimp and chicken.
(3)
Lisa P.

Diehard Italian food lover visiting Chicago for Nth time; was hesitant to go to what appeared to be a touristy restaurant perhaps. Turned out to be the best meal I had over my four day visit. Don't judge by the neon sign outside. Give it a whirl.
(5)
Robyn T.

Rosebud is a place that I've walked by about 1000 times and always wondered about. I finally went this weekend. The front by the hostess desk was super chaotic and crazy but we had reservations and got seated right away. I really hate places that make you wait even when you have a reservation so this was much appreciated. The atmosphere is very charming: dimly lit, clean crips linens, and dark leather and wood. Also our server was a very pleasant woman who was pretty attentive but not overbearing. As previous reviews have mentioned, the bread, oil, and parmesan is REALLY good, and we tore into it right away. The sad part is, this was the best part of our meal. The orders in our part of 3 consisted of lasagna, veal parmesan, and cheese stuffed chicken over cavatelli. We each dove into our meals and they were pretty good. Nothing outstanding, but good. Then we sampled each other's plates. Still the same flavor. Huh? 3 different plates, 1 taste. We discovered that no matter what is ordered, you're simply stuffing yourself with marinara and garlic. It's just packaged differently. It was like Olive Garden's neverending pasta bowls but about 3 times as expensive. Did I hate it? No. But with Chicago's plethora of awesome restaurants at our disposal, I probably won't be back.
(3)
Marty C.

Well Chicago is known for their terrific restaurants and this one was no exception. Wonderful Italian food and great wine selection. Well known for their food for a very good reason.
(4)
Yoie L.

Came to this restaurant twice with the BF last year. First time we came for our anniversary mostly because I was lucky and won a $100 gift certificate from Restaurant Week. We got to dine al fresco and watch all the tourists lined up outside of Giordano's across the street. Honestly I wasn't impressed with my dinner. We started off with Rosebud's Insalata di Pesce. It was quite fishy tasting even though it was advertised as fresh seafood. We also shared the pasta of the day and the Filetto Portobello (a pan-roasted filet served in marsala wine sauce with portobello mushrooms and steamed broccoli). These main dishes also left me disappointed. I guess nothing beats a real authentic Italian dish from the Italian Market in Philly (I highly recommend Villa di Roma but that's another review). Second time I had some money left over on the giftcard, and we wanted to try the notorious $5 burger for lunch. Hmm it was delicious! Fries were also tasty. I don't think $5 can buy you a better burger and fries lunch in Chicago. This time we sat inside and the decor was swanky. There are much better places in Chicago for Italian food, but go for the burgers. Your stomach will thank you!
(4)
Megan S.

FANTASTIC. My boyfriend's dad demanded we come here while he was visiting. I left at the end of the night not only stuffed but still craving it at the same time. Everything was fantastic
(5)
Scott O.

We went for my partner's birthday which is always a chore being on Valentine's Day. This wound up being one of the best birthday dinners we've had in 12 years. We were seated downstairs in a cozy corner. The wine list was superb. There's an old-fashioned feel to many of the dishes: my partner's Caesar salad came with anchovies and I was able to get baked clams. Plus, the clams had a sauce on the plate that was heavenly; we used a half of our bread to sop it up. The Brick Chicken that I had was outstanding and my partner's carbonara was perfect. A great evening.
(4)
Adrienne K.

F A N T A S T I C !! DELICIOUS !! Delicious! Delicious!! Great price point, comfortable and warm ambiance, phenomenal flavors!
(5)
Billy D.

Excellent meal. I had chicken parm which was good. My wife had sausage and pepper soup which was incredible and she also had the fried eggplant salad per the waiters suggestion. She ordered better than I did but both were great. Service was good and was a great experience.
(4)
L T.

Went here a couple nights ago. It was awful. We had friends in from Houston and I was so ashamed to show them this place out of all the places we could have gone to. Our server was an older man and blatantly rude. He was obviously too busy and acted very annoyed with any questions. "Have you been here before? NO? fine, Ill tell you our specials tonight" what?#$% He acted annoyed that we asked him to split our bill and put the bottle of wine on our bill, one of our friends is in AA and doesnt drink. Sorry we don't want them to pay for our wine. Seriously? Is that really asking too much? It wasn't like we asked them to split it 4 ways. He was a joke of a server. If I remembered his name I would probably post it so the business would know how poorly he represented them. My dish was the clam pasta with spicy tomato based sauce. It tasted like spaghetti in tomato juice. My husband tried a bit and was disgusted. I probably had two bites and would have told my server I wasn't happy except he never bothered to see how I liked it. Jerk. I heard this place had amazing Italian. Not my experience at all. I will never go to this place again.
(1)
Pat H.

For me this is another forgettable Italian restaurant in Chicago. Been there a few times and there isn't a dish that stands out in my mind. I want to be a fan of this place but i just can't be. The food is just ok at best. The decor / atmosphere is average. The service has been good each time I've been there. Maybe I had too high of expectations going into it? But I can easily think of better Italian restaurants in this city that is filled with them. Choose wisely.
(2)
Danny G.

Make no mistake, this place has average to below average burgers and they are not $5 even though it says that still have the infamous lunch special on there website! They are $13 burgers and they are anything but special. I can think of no less than 67 better places you could go for a much better lunch experience. I went here for lunch with a co-worker and we were bestowed with pathetically slow service, a waiter that could care less, and a meal that fully deserves maybe the worst review I have given any restaurant. We also had the grilled calamari which was chewy and tasteless... though I think this about most calamari. When I showed the waiter that they still advertised the lunch special on their website he responded by saying he would have to contact the "web people" to get it taken off. He also said they haven't had the special for 3 years which is false because I was there last year and got lunch special that is highly advertised. Pathetic! Unresponsive! Overpriced! Embarrassing! Expletives!
(1)
Debrin S.

OMG. Nothing "typical" about this classic Italian restaurant. Classy but not pretentious- table cloths, low lighting, nice decor, ambiance is better outside as inside was a bit busy/rushed. BUT that did not impede the excellent attentive service! There are definitely classic American/Italian offerings however, the execution & quality is evident from the 1st bite. And as I always say: a sure fire way to really know if the food will be good is by the bread. I am a bread snob! Their bread was crusty yet airy & very fresh! Nice V olive oil & Parmesan cheese to accompany it as well. I had the Chicken Milanese Salad- served w the traditional arugula salad- HUGE & crispy but light w a perfect acidic balance. Ample wine list & below average prices. The food, service, ambiance, and over all experience was a real pleasure!
(5)
Rochelle K.

I always loved coming here with my friends, but last night I found a giant fuzz in my rigatoni alla vodka that my friend and I split. We had each only taken a few bites of our food when I found it. The waitress got the manager, and he came out and took our food away without even offering to replace the entree. He asked us if we would like dessert and that was it. We were not charged for the rigatoni, but they charged us for everything else and didn't even replace the entree that we didnt eat!! My friend ended up getting a taco on her way home! To make matters worse the manager seemed really annoyed with us. I never write bad reviews, but this was very disappointing. I won't be going back here..
(1)
Sharren S.

I was really excited to take my friend to Rosebud since it is a famous Italian restaurant near northwestern Hospital. Unfortunately my experience there tonight was below sub par. The waiter was awesome and this review has no reflection on him and his performance. The food was just gross. The mussels were grotesque and smelled bad. The chicken Marsala was too sweet like a bad sweet and sour sauce. The only food items that were good were the house salad and bottle of wine. Upon returning to the Hospital we both got sick. Need I say more?
(1)
Jim U.

Ok but not great. Service was marginal sitting outside (no drink orders taken, once we gave them, :10 to get 2 Cokes). Food is what you expect, heavy Italian cooking. Nothing wrong with it just average.
(2)
Sadie T.

We finally found this place at 3pm on a Saturday after searching for a restaurant that didn't have a 1-2 hour wait (I guess in Chicago you always wait for a table...). My companion and I shared the eggplant appetizer (think manicotti with eggplant instead of pasta). Delicious. We also got house salads. I ordered iced tea and they gave me a whole glass bottle of fancy tea (no mixed powder stuff).
(4)
Nic B.

I was there in 7/2012 and thought the food was amazing, but I had to wait eventhough we had reservations and the wait wasn't 5 minutues, It was more like 30. For that , I took away a star.
(4)
Stacey Z.

I went to Rosebud on Rush on Saturday, March 16th which happened to be one of the busiest days of the year in downtown Chicago as it was the celebration for St. Patrick's Day. Chicago has a serious drinking problem so they always celebrate on the Saturday closest to the holiday so everyone has a day to recover and nurse their achy hangovers. I was set on going to Giordono's, which is next door as I was visiting all the way from sunny Long Beach, CA and wanted some iconic deep dish pizza. But I scratched that plan as soon as I heard there was an hour and a half wait just to be seated for 2 people. Can you say tourist trap? Anyway, my best friend, being a Windy City local quickly directed us to Rosebud saying it was one of her favorite restaurants. We walked in and were greeted & seated immediately. We were seated upstairs in the dimly lit dining area. I loved the old school, gangster, Chicago vibe! It felt like Al Capone could of hung out here. The food was excellent and just what I wanted after a morning of too much beer and Jameson. We ordered the sausage & peppers for an appetizer. If you like sausage, this appetizer is righteous. For my entre, I had the chicken alfredo pasta. Wow, was it tasty! I don't want to know what my calorie count for the meal amounted to... after all, no one comes to Chicago to eat healthy. The house chianti was also great. The service is attentive. Rather than be suckered into the touristy, overrated pizza joints, head to Rosebud and enjoy the swanky, old school vibe with some comfort Italiano!!!
(4)
Travelin- M.

+ cozy setting, - average food, nothing special I've been to the Rosebud with a larger crowd and someone else chose the restaurant. A couple of days before I was looking up restaurants in Chicago and the chain had a good reputation but have to say I total
(2)
Michael K.

Dined at Rosebud on Rush for the first time tonight, and the only really good thing I can say is that we got a table outside on Friday night with only a 15 minute wait. Perhaps that should have been a clue about what we were about to experience. Nothing was really bad, except the service. We were served our salads before we had napkins or silverware. The main course arrived only moments later, leaving little time to eat our first course before our entrÃ©es began getting cold. We had to ask for basic things multiple times, like olive oil for our bread or parmesan cheese for our pasta. The food was ok, but not great. The arrabbiata sauce was so mild it was indistinguishable from regular marinara. Portions were ample. There are many better Italian places in Chicago. Next time, we'll choose one of those over Rosebud.
(2)
Dian C.

Great evening. Meal was delicious and appreciate the kindness the staff showed to celebrate a birthday! We are repeat patrons and will be back soon!
(5)
Drew B.

yay it was the boomdiggity!!!
(5)
Terry K.

The ambiance is good, service isn't too bad but the food is mediocre at best. Their sauce was either out of a can or the Chef didnt know how to sweeten the tomato sauce. The lasagna was the size of the plate and worse then a froze lasagna from the super market. Horrible Horrible food. Kind of pissed i wasted my money here.
(1)
Michael L.

Rosebud is a great Chicago Italian restaurant chain. You'll always get great food at any of their locations. I recommend the sausage and peppers and the chicken Marsala
(4)
I M.

I love this place! I eat here every time I come to Chi-Town! I love the seafood salad. Can't get he same salad in most places, so I look forward to it here. I wish I had a bigger stomach, so I could eat an entree as well. My daughter had the chicken Marsala, which was also very good. Will be back next year for another round!
(5)
Sam H.

Great Italian food in downtown Chicago. We had a party of 15 and they were very accommodating especially that we had to push our reservations and hour later. The place was packed and yet they accommodated our request. Food was delicious and our waitress was courteous and knowledgeable. Veal Marsala was awsome!
(4)
Travelling O.

Service excellent!!! Tight tables and dark inside the restaurant. we had to use the flashlight app in our phones to read the menu. We started with the eggplant appetizer which was the best we've ever had as far as eggplant goes. For dinner, we had the tortellini carbonara, lasagne, meat ravioli and cheese ravioli. The tortellini and meat ravioli were phenomenal. The parmesan cheese was not freshly grated, it was the cheap kind, but that did not affect our enjoyment of the tortellini. We were too full after dinner so we ordered dessert to go. We got a slice of the white chocolate coconut cake. It was moist, but also just ok. We gave four stars just for the eggplant and tortellini which were both superb.
(4)
Kimber L.

This restaurant had the best service of all the places I ate at while visiting Chicago! We had a party of 4 and we were 30 minutes late for our reservation. However, they took us right in and seated us (we did call them as a courtesy) We promptly recieved warm Italian bread and oil. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the dish I ordered but it was ricotta dumplings in tomato sauce topped with mozzarella cheese. The dumplings were fantastic!. The tomato sauce was perfectly balanced. If I had to say one negative thing it would be that there was almost too much cheese on top of my pasta - but hey I like cheese and the 6 miles of walking I put in today will offset it. I also liked that fact that the restaurant wasn't blaringly loud. You could actually have a conversation with other people at the table.
(5)
Ken M.

Yum!!! OK, this place is a touch cramped and always super busy, but, there's a reason for that - the food is outstanding! I had Veal Francese and it was the best I've eaten in years. Perfectly prepared, tender, nicely flavored. I asked them to make my pasta a side of angel hair with the lemon butter sauce instead of the usual penne with marinara. No problem with a substitution here. Wife had cheese ravioli with bolognese and it was to die for. This place has the best Italian around with generous portions and reasonable prices. Service was also top notch. Highly recommended
(4)
FRANCO P.

I wish i could rate the food BUT we never got there the service was so bad. After hearing so much of this place, we were excited to eat here. We were sat at what could have easily been the poorest small two top up against the wall in rather empty restaurant. We were instantly brought water and a basket of bread. That's where the service ended. Literally sat for ten solid without oil, butter or menus, even after requesting them to two different staff members. We finally decided to get up and go and then were chased down and begged not to leave. From what we saw the food on the other tables didn't leave us wanting. Seems like an old school place with a lot of history that has run out of steam if you ask me.
(1)
S S.

I've eaten here about 6 times and they never disappoint. Always crowded but theyre efficient. Chicken Marsala is wonderful, but everything is. Great for lunch too.
(4)
Drew B.

Usually come here for afternoon drinkies and snacks and recently tried the formal dinner service on the second floor. I was the last to arrive in our three-top, and the waitress seemed annoyed I was late and directly tried pushing wine and food on me. When I said I wasn't ready, she took WELL OVER SIX MINUTES to explain entrees and options. During her schpeel, my friends and I actually looked at each other in confusion...We didn't know if we were listening to a speech or about to enjoy dinner. Although I appreciate attentive service, It is not required for you to pour wine in my glass every time I take a sip, nor ask me 12 times (no really, 12 times...) how my entree was. Anyway, the food came and mine was meh meh...I can't remember the name of what I had, Something pollo...my friends had the mushroom sandwich (or something) and loved it! I took away three stars because the waitress was overly attentive to a point where it disrupted my dinner.
(2)
Andrew D.

I just posted a review on my amazing meal at Gibson's last night, but the night before I was treated to another amazing meal at Rosebud! The food was amazing and the appetizer stuffed mushroom caps were the best. The flavor was wonderful and had a spot of sweet wine as an after taste. I would definitely order those over again. The meatballs were huge and had an excellent taste. For my entree I had the Veal Parmigan (can't believe I can't spell this). In any event, the dish was cooked perfectly. However, there was so much of it, you could easily split your meal with a friend. I am a big boy and only ate half of the meal. I was stuffed and kept forcing it in. :) Delicious! I would highly recommend this if you are in the mood for Italian with a cool inviting atmosphere.
(5)
Anna P.

To be honest, despite living about 3 blocks away from this place I avoided it like the plague for a couple of years because I assumed it was just another tourist trap with overpriced, bad food. Boy was I wrong! I went on a whim one night when the bf and I were craving some down-home Italian food, and it was amazing. Expensive, yes, but amazing. First, we went on a Friday night around 7pm and (naturally) were told there would be a 45-minute wait to sit outside so we went inside and got some drinks to start. Lo and behold, less than 10 minutes later our name was called and we were seated outside! They have a really nice outdoor seating area if you can get into it. Second, our waitress was super adorable and legit Italian. We ordered the mussels to start and they were really excellent, with just the right amount of spice. I ordered an AMAZING pasta dish - the "cavatelli arrabbiata" which was SO GOOD. Perfectly spiced tomato sauce, perfectly made pasta, perfectly yummy in my tummy. We were way too full for dessert (although that came later when I craved some ice cream, hehe) but got some drinks. I asked for an iced coffee drink with amaretto and the bartender whipped me up an EXCELLENT post-dinner beverage. Perfect end to a perfect meal. So all in all it was decadent but totally worth it and I'd go back in a heartbeat! Especially if I weren't paying ;-)
(4)
Julie S.

They have Sunday brunch at 8. We walked from my friends' condo by the Water tower and got there at 820. They let us on, brought us coffee and were so nice. The French toast ( made with luscious Challah bread) was enough food for 6 people. The omelette was huge, too. The food was scrumptious and the service impeccable.
(5)
Emily J.

Rosebud on Rush is by far one of my favorite Italian places in Chicago. I have tried several different meals, including Fettuccine Alfredo and Lasagna, and just can't get enough of it! I see a few comments on here about how expensive it is but you have to remember this is downtown in a prime tourist location, so I think the price is understandable. I think this is a great place to take parents or for a date. I've been with groups of friends when parents were visiting, and I've taken my own and they love it. I'll definitely be back to Rosebud's again.
(5)
Ben B.

Warm atmosphere, great food, but a little pricey and the waitstaff leaves something to be desired. I had the square noodles, which were delicious. I liked dipping my bread in the leftover sauce. (The bread was a little tough, though.) I suspect the waiter removed our bottle of wine before it was empty... If you've got money to burn, it's a nice place to go, but I think you can find better value for your buck.
(3)
Kim R.

When other reviewers say solid and reliable please, please do not read this as boring. It just means that each time you walk in, you KNOW you will get really great classic Italian food. The kind that makes you feel extremely happy and so glad to be out with your family, a nice glass of red wine in hand , looking around the table and being grateful for the pleasures in life. I guess that really is the definition of "comfort food". I make sure to visit Rosebud whenever I'm in town and have always ordered the pasta dishes. Their wedding soup is top shelf and the "potato cavatappi" I had recently ordered were the gnocchi that dreams are made of....... The only negative comment is that it can be quite loud at dinner and I have had a much more relaxed and calm meal during their lunch hours.
(4)
Caroline A.

I'm giving it 3.5 stars. Adam and I had dinner here last night. It was good, but not great. The pastas and hearty dishes are fantastic. Do not get the chopped salad. I repeat - Do not get the chopped salad. It was... eh... bad. I barely made a dent in it because it was HUGE and not very good. I asked for the dressing on the side, and it was a pool of olive oil with some spices in it. We had the stuffed mushroom caps as an appetizer and they were amazingly good. I could have eaten four, and would have been set for dinner. They come out hot swimming in a pool of broth, and are just heavenly... and probably terrible for you. Adam had the Chicken Parmesan. Seriously - the size of the entree could have fed four people. I had a bite of his pasta and it was perfect. Ok. I had two bites. Overall, I don't know if I'd come back. This is food coma type food, and I'm really trying to avoid that. Service is excellent.
(3)
Nancy T.

Oh my gosh...this place is BASICALLY like a more expensive version of Olive Garden - and dare I say it, it's not even as good!!! The portion sizes are enormous, which I believe they use to cover up the mediocre quality of their food. I ordered the specialty homemade square shaped noodles with meatballs, while my bf ordered the veal parmigiana. We both probably only ate about 1/3 of our meals because they were so gigantic, which I wish they had warned us about! But seriously, the taste of the food wasn't great at all...in fact, it was very plain; again, this place was ridiculously pricey for the quality of the food. We didn't even bother ordering dessert because we were so stuffed and disappointed in the food. I'd rather make my own pasta at home out of box, thankyouverymuch!
(2)
Mark B.

Outstanding food and attentive service. The Rosebud family of restaurants has never disappointed me. Penne ala Vodka is wonderful. You must eat at this establishment.
(5)
Nat M.

easy to plan reservations good lively ambience. quieter upstairs, louder downstairs good staff, although very busy average drinks above average food
(4)
Mickey A.

I went here for lunch with a former colleague for one of our "haven't seen you in awhile catch-up" lunches. For a 12:00 PM lunch reservation, we were seated were right away and found the place not to be overly crowded. We knew ahead what we wanted, and we ordered as soon we got situated at our table. I had the chicken Parmesan which came with a side of pasta. I loved the chicken: just right amount of crunchiness, cheese and sauce. The pasta, set on a separate plate, was so-so. The marinara sauce was a little watered down. My friend requested a special dish for dietary reasons: grilled salmon with a side of vegetables. We didn't see it on the lunch menu, but they were able to accommodate with no problems. We were quite happy with the food and service and wouldn't turn this away as part of our regular places for lunch.
(3)
Peter K.

My friend has been talking up Rosebud for a while. He said that they had $5 dollar burgers, so we decided to head on over there for lunch today. When we asked our waiter about the $5 burger special, he told us "we haven't had that special in over two years!" My friend pulled up the Rosebud website on his phone to show the waiter that he was mistaken by showing him the website, which clearly advertises the $5 lunch special, but all the waiter did was give us an empty, soulless expression. Then he said "I'll have to tell them to take it down." That was kind of shady but we got the burgers anyway seeing as how we already walked over there from work on this freezing, below 0 day. The burger is more than fine for $5. However a $13 burger it is NOT! Burke's Primehouse has a $12 burger that is leaps AND bounds better! Benny's Chop House has a better burger and its only $10! For $5 bucks this would have been great, but in no way, shape or form was this burger worth the $13 we spent! Add to that the shadiness of the wait staff and it gets a meager 1 star rating from me. Wish it were better, but there are so many other places that are more worthier of your hard earned money.
(1)
Kenny K.

Rosebud on Rush is the epitome of a fantastic Italian restaurant experience. The service is speedy and accurate, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is nothing short of outstanding. The building itself screams old-style Italian classic. The dark wood, low lighting and white table cloths all make for memorable Italian dining. Rosebud on Rush is a family favorite--we always make a point to visit at least once during every Chicago visit, and it's the meal we all look forward to most. Great service, atmosphere, food and overall experience.
(5)
Jeff K.

Great food. Service was slow and our waitress was not very good. We were always waiting for something.
(4)
Michelle F.

I can't speak to authenticity, but the food was quite good. My only suggestion would be to serve the bread warm. Our server was friendly and just the right amount of attentive, there when we needed her every time.
(4)
David R.

A few years ago, I saw Rosebud on a list of Chicago's greatest hamburgers, and finally got around to checking them out on Saturday, when I was really craving a good burger. One problem--they don't serve their lunch menu on weekends. Fuckers. I politely asked if they could make me a hamburger anyway, but, after checking with the kitchen, the waiter informed me that allegedly they only have the meat on the premises Monday through Friday. So I was stuck ordering off the dinner menu. I went with calamari fritti, Italian wedding soup, and the caprese salad. The soup was decent but too salty--C+. I didn't finish that, but mostly because there was so much other food. The portions here are more than generous. The caprese was well balanced except for slightly too much onion, and of course at this time of year you can't get decent tomatoes around here; B+ on that. The calamari was the star of the meal: very lightly battered and fried, cooked perfectly, and served with a bland marinara and a tangy cocktail sauce. Plus the portion was large. The atmosphere was classy and sedate with good natural light, which was perfect for us on a Saturday afternoon when we wanted to enjoy some holiday cheer downtown but avoid the major crowds. Also, I really liked our waiter, who was attentive, warm, and friendly without being obtrusive.
(3)
Martin H.

We had a really disappointing experience here on Christmas eve. Made reservations a week or so in advance. Though reservation was for 3, were seated at a table for 6 in the upstairs section, right at the doorway to the kitchen. When we asked to be moved we were, but there was definitely attitude. No biggie, wouldn't have ruined the evening. But then the service was terribly inattentive. Waiter was pleasant but think he just had too many tables. Food was good, but after waiting 15 minutes for a coffee refill, I flagged down a busboy and asked for check. We live in the neighborhood, but probably won't go back.
(2)
Kris L.

Don't go here if you like a soft drink. They serve you a tiny 6 oz bottled diet coke for $2.50 with no refills?! Also our pre meal bread was hard and stale. I had spaghetti and it was fair. Pizza place across the street is 10 times better.
(3)
Jacob C.

Awesome Italian! We were told to go here by a retired Chicago police officer and hid wife and we were not disappointed. Everything was great and the prices were not bad for that type of quality. I would suggest making reservations and asking for a table not in the middle of the room.
(4)
Kristen X.

I come here often to have my fav. linguine with clams...my all time favorite. great atmosphere, mostly i like to sit outside, can get busy, customer service is great here and they are very knowledge with wines.
(4)
Ethel I.

Very dissapointed. It use to have a good name. I ordered the scottish salmon. Terrible and very blah. I was so excited to go because they use to be good, but what a let down. Very pricy for food not so good. The restrooms were terrible. It smelled like sewer. the smell was horrible. Also the stall doors need a paint job. They charged almost forty dollars for a fish and my expectations were a little higher.
(2)
Hillary L.

I really dislike waiting. In the South, I felt that I rarely had to wait on a Friday night at a restaurant - or maybe it's because I was eating at the same time as all of the old people. Apparently you should make reservations on Friday nights - all of the restaurants a friend and I wanted to eat at had extremely long waits - except for Rosebud. They could seat us once we got there (I called ahead 20 minutes before we wanted to show up). They give you great olive oil and fresh bread while you decide. We decided to split the fish special that night - it was tasty and the portion size was definitely enough for two. Come here if you want to bring back meals for next week's lunch or share so you can try other things as well! The prices are reasonable for the portion size. While this won't be a go to place - if I think I can't wait another hour to eat on a weekend and didn't have the foresight to make reservations - I would come here again.
(3)
Mickey F.

Great food Friendly and welcoming the Bar is the best kept secret ask for Tony the Bartender he will make you feel welcome. They have a nice craft cocktail menu and a wonderful selection of wines by the glass!
(5)
A S.

Writing a review for this place is kind of a futile exercise since it has long established its name in Chicago. Yes, you can always expect great food here and excellent service. And it is in the most convenient location. Big portion - don't order too much unless you plan on taking it home.
(4)
Ryan H.

Food is okay, everything else is great! I know probly it's a bit biased that as an Asian, I'm really not a fan of Italian food. Their pastas are just okay, my high school spaghetti could be better. Waitress is nice and kind. Both indoor and outdoor seating make you feel relaxing, great dining atmosphere!
(3)
Dominick Q.

I hit this place for a quick lunch between meetings and saddled up at the bar downstairs. The outdoor seating looked prime, and the interior looked a bit antiquated. But then again, so are my jokes so who am I to judge. I did the mini meatball sandwiches (3) which were more enjoyable than expected with the addition of the giardiniera relish. The (hefty portioned) side of broccoli was delicious but heavy on the garlic. Enough to keep the vampires away. Apparently their burger is supposed to be the main attraction, and there's a great deal during lunch - I believe $5. So if you can get a seat outside for lunch, do it. Inside and downstairs for a more quiet, older crowd.
(3)
David P.

Great service, and good food. The only negative, it was a little bland. But, all it needed was a little extra salt and pepper. The blackened chicken was cooked to perfection! I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Jason L.

The food was okay. Had the chicken Parmesan. The good was served with a side of noodles and pasta. It was all okay, nothing to write home about. I have had much better Italian. You can hit the Olive Garden for a third of the price and just as good food. No salad is served as a precursor to the meal, and the bread that was served was somewhat stale. If you are in the area there Are way too many other spectacular restaurants that I don think I would return to rosebud. I ordered a diet coke, $2.50 for an 8 ounce mini bottle with no refills. Not a good place to get drinks and chill....
(3)
Alison A.

Had a reservation for two on a Sat night and had to wait in the cramped lobby a little while. Our table was in the corner so we were kind of away from the loudness but boy, is this a loud restaurant. Very dark, too... could barely read the menu. The service was very good though and the food was pretty good... nothing outstanding. We did love the bruschetta and my husband's spaghetti and meatballs was abundant and tasty but my chicken with homemade pasta was bland. Doubt we'll be dining here again since it was pricey with not so spectacular food and noisy, dark atmosphere.
(3)
Cole D.

Delizioso! Wonderful appetizers, especially the Italian weddin soup. The wine list was fruitful, and our waiter did a great presentation. He was also attentitive from start to finish, as were the water boys. The entrees were as delicious as they looked beautifully prepared. Very filling portions as well. And the two that split a dish had the dish divided for them on two plates when it arrived. The desserts and tea were a great finish. The connoli was perfect and the dessert wine sweet. Upstairs, the ambiance wad appropriate. Just the right amount of lighting. Perhaps it was a touch too loud, but nothing that became a persistent annoyance.
(5)
Moni K.

I am really not a fan of heavy Italian food but I was very happy to find lighter options on the Rosebud menu. For starters I had the Rotolo di Melezane, Pan-fried eggplant rolled with imported cheeses and baked in our rich marinara sauce very filling. Yes I know it sounds filling, but we split it into 3 appetizer portions so was not so bad. Then I was tempted to have the Italian wedding soup which I never had before. It was really delicious and worth trying. For dinner, (here comes my lighter meal) I got the Insalata Caprese Vine-ripe tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, sweet red onion and fresh basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil which was just delicious. All topped off with some Tuscan red wine leaving me very happy and satisfied. Service was impeccable. The decor and whole vibe reminded me very much of Italian Village on Monroe Ave by the Theater District.
(4)
andy a.

nice place to take your parents when they demand "normal" food.
(3)
Brittany F.

Honestly, Im not sure why we ate here. I guess because it was nearby and we were a little rushed so we could have some drinks before a show. The place was super crowded and Im assuming since there were onky two of us, we were seated at the tiniest, worst possible table on the planet. We were practically sitting squuzed between the wall which we were snuggled up on, and the backs of some loud obnoxious business men. This made for a pretty uncomfortable meal. In fact we had to have a stiff martini (which just so happened to be delicious) just to tolerate being in the place. The food was reasonable...not many vegetarian options though. I had the pappardelle with pomodoro. The sauce was flavorful and homemade pasta a plus. He had the eggplant parmesean which was enormous and was very well prepared. Food was reasonable, but not worth the obnoxious atmosphere or price.
(2)
Jennifer S.

Probably one of the best italian restaurants I have eaten at. They hand make their pasta and had excellent service. The menu has a variety of options. It was a bit pricy, but worth it!
(5)
Motta P.

Que Mierda, Visited with my wife and kids on Sunday at 5:00 pm the place wasn't busy at all. I'm going to summarize a terrible experience, no service for the first 10 min, drinks took about 15 min, food was mediocre at best and to top it off my son stayed home from school trowing up all night. Never again !!!
(1)
Kai R.

This is part of a chain / been in Chicago for decades. Restaurant itself consists of a number of different sections - during the summer, go for the patio (covered). Service is very attentive, menu is large, and portion sizes are huge. We had a number of different dishes and all were good. Reliable Italian food (not stellar, but solid).
(3)
Jerry D.

Excellent food with large portions. Nice wait staff. Excellent menu. I had the ricotta dumplings with the spicy arrabiatta sauce. A LOT of delicious food. Agree with others that sharing is a great idea if you can agree on what to eat. Great place for special occasions.
(5)
Team K.

Had a business lunch today, I had the special Chicken BLT on a pretzel roll. Nothing to brag about. The Calamari was very good. Service was to be as expected. Wasn't wow'd.
(3)
Dabney, B.

Being a Chicago resident, I'm not allowed to rate this 5 stars. Everyone can name at least 5 neighborhood Italian restaurants within a two block radius of their respective condo that has food that is just as good or better than Rosebud, I know, I get it. Also this place is for tourists, so we don't go there. Bologna, this place has been top notch since the first time I had it as a tourist, to many years later as a Resident. I make it a point to order the specials now, as I've had everything on the menu over the past decade and a half twice over. This place is great for a date, family members in town visiting, or for a work function. Feel free to come here regardless of the circumstances as Rosebud delivers no matter what. The staff is professional, polite, and are a throwback to the days of customer service that are painstakingly slipping from our grasp with each passing day. The food is fresh and comes in robust portions. Yes, there are many great under the radar Italian places a lot closer in your neighborhood, but don't let that undercut the excellence that is Rosebud on Rush. It's summertime. If you haven't been in a while, head over for dinner or lunch and get an outdoor table. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Craig W.

The food is always quite good here. The only complaint is they have the worst cold dry tough bread. They should maybe try toasting it or better yet get another supplier. They pour a nice glass of wine. The brick chicken is always amazing and enough to split and still take some home. The pasta is quite tasty.
(4)
Vitaliy K.

Good restaurant, tasty pasta, no pizza, reasonable $$
(4)
Will W.

Our food was good, but, not great. Rigatoni ala Vodka was decent. So was the Crab Rissoto Special. My daughter's Fettuccini Alfredo was average.
(3)
Becky M.

While back in Chicago in May I HAD to go to dinner at Rosebud again! I still had fond memories from my trip in 2008! And once again, Rosebud delivered. We ordered the Antipasto Misto which was supper delicious. I loved the sampling of cheeses, meats, OLIVES (most especially the OLIVES), and other veggies. It was the perfect little treat to snack on while enjoying our Gin and Tonics and waiting for the Italian Palooza that was in our near future! I ordered the Lasagna alla Rosebud and spent the rest of the evening and the better part of the next day in a carb comma. SO GOOD. Had I been able to finish my entire dinner, I surely would have licked the plate clean! The tragedy at the end of this amazing feast? My hotel room had no mini bar fridge and the leftovers went to waste. It was a fuckin' crime my friends. A CRIME!
(4)
Paul B.

So I called the restaurant when I got home Monday afternoon. I was still steaming. I spoke to a manager who offered some weak apologies. Before long - said manager was reading my review -off of Yelp - back to me over the phone. He promised that the general manager would be calling me within an hour. The regular manager called me back an hour later saying the GM had no time to talk to me and would talk to me on Tuesday. As I write this - on Thursday - the GM has still not returned my call. So what did we all learn from this? Rosebud is run by arrogant quacks who don't need my money - or yours if you value good service. I wish I could give it less than a star!
(1)
Charlie B.

I have to admit I have just had pasta here once, and it was really good. What I come for is the amazing burger during lunch. It is so tasty, so moist, so huge and just amazing.
(4)
Jessica C.

After walking a very long time looking for a Hibachi grill that seemed to have up and walked away, we found the little gem Rosebud on Rush. It was around 6 pm on a Sunday evening and I was absolutely shocked we did not have to wait for a table. I felt a little dressed down (in jeans) and asked the hostess if that was alright. She said absolutely and had us journey up the stairs to their dining room. I was not all that impressed with the inside of the restaurant and honestly was super disturbed by an mid 30s couple who let their children run rampant, or so it seemed. Their oldest child even fell off the chair at one point during the meal. Very annoying. I ordered the basic cheese ravioli, and even though I was only given six pieces, I felt the ravioli with the Italian bread was just enough. I must say, those were the best ravioli I have ever eaten. The sauce was spectacular and the cheese stuffing was unbelievable. Our food was delivered very quickly. I think we may have waited no more than 7-10 minutes, which was great because I needed to escape the noisy children nearby. The price was very reasonable, especially since I paid only $10 less earlier that day for burgers and chips. If I ever venture out to Chicago again, I will definitely return and see what other Italian creations I can taste.
(5)
Stephen F.

Another reviewer said that Rosebud restaurants serve "consistently good Americanized Italian dishes". Since I couldn't have said it better, I'm just going to quote Masha. My only gripe -- a perennial for me -- is that you're going to overpay at any casual dining establishment in the Viagra Triangle/Gawking Iowan mouth of hell that runs from Division on the north, to State on the west, to the river and lake south and east. The food's fine, but there is simply no reason other than location why Rosebud on Rush entrees should run to $30 or more. If you have the wherewithal to get to Old Town, I expect you'll find better deals for similar cusine in any number of places.
(4)
Chris D.

Good food!! Service is average each time I have gone though. I like to feel special or even wanted, not just as a tip. Great location. Burger I had last time was top notch! Otherwise nothing excessively special of mind blowing in my view.
(3)
Matteo P.

My wife and I walked in Sunday night over memorial weekend looking for a spot to grab dinner at 8PM (prime time). Even though it was a busy weekend, they were able to sit the two of us in 5 mins. My review: This place was amazing! I'm absolutely convinced you cannot beat this place for the variety, price, portion, quality, and taste of the dishes offered. The bread basket showed up immediately and one of the breads offered was a focaccia baked with some tomato sauce. Very tasty! We started off with the bruschetta appetizer. Very fresh tomatoes and great taste. My wife ordered the chop salad. The portion was huge! It pretty much had every vegetable you can think of it. My wife loved it. After the bruschetta, I started off with a house salad (huge portion could feed two), and very old school Italian. A nice light oil and vinegar dressing. I then ordered the chef's special lemon white fish and a side of rigatoni with their house tomato sauce. My order prompted our waitress to stop writing and say, "sir, that's a lot of food." My wife responded with, "Don't worry, my husband can really eat." Oh, and i didn't disappoint. I housed everything that they put in front of me. One of the best meals I've had in a very long time. I could go on describing the dishes in detail, but there's no point. Everything I had was phenomenal. I could have eaten the remaining tomato sauce with a spoon, it was that good. We closed the meal down with the cannolis and some cappuccino. You could scour the internet and yelp trying to look for better places to eat in Chicago, but save your time and just head over to Rosebud. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Kate B.

When I'm in Chicago for business (and usually staying in the Rush/Goldcoast part of town) I always visit Rosebud. This is old-school Italian - no muss, no fuss with white table linens, and staff in black vests. Service was excellent, I got picked on by our waiter in a fun way. I ordered orchiette with bitter greens, garlic and sausage, and it was very good. My husband had a NY Strip that was well prepared, juicy, and flavorful. Place was very busy, but our water glasses were never empty, and glasses of wine were prompt in delivery. Portions were huge - I had enough pasta left-over for 2 more meals. Overall a satisfying dining experience. I would never go out of my way to eat at Rosebud, but when you're in the area, it's well-worth a visit.
(3)
Andrea R.

I was just about to call Rosebud the Gibson's of Italian restaurants, but I see the oh so witty Kristin C beat me to it...and so I guess I"ll just have to come up with my own original review... One of my fiance's friends and his wife took us out tonight to celebrate our engagement- nice friends, huh? They made a reservation at Rosebud on Rush thinking it was some place new since I hadn't reviewed it along with the other 800 businesses I've yelped about. And while new for my fiance I've actually been to Rosebud on Rush many times in the past and am shocked that I"m just getting around to reviewing it now... If you're a lover of Italian food and looking for some delicious pasta (& very large portions) Rosebud is for you. It's not the best Italian restaurant in the city (I personally think La Scarola wins that award), but they do Italian food well....and much better than their sister restaurant, Carmine's! I'm a pasta lover, but always seem to be on a diet so I tend to order fish at Italian restaurants. However, Rosebud on Rush doesn't have many fish entrees to choose from. Well besides salmon that is, but I'm taking a break from salmon right now after OD'ing on it...it's one of the only things I know how to cook! Anyway, I digress...so with no fish on the menu I was forced (and quite happily I might add) to choose a pasta. I remember reading in a recent weight watchers article that when ordering pasta the smart choice is linguine with clam sauce so that's what I went with being the good point counter that I am. However, I'm guessing WW doesn't want you to eat the entire entree! whoops... The pasta was very good (especially the clams on top), my fiance's cavatelli arrabbiatta was even better (although not weight watcher approved), the bread was warm, the baked clam appetizer was tasty, and the service was friendly and fast...so no complaints here. Like I said...Rosebud does Italian well....
(4)
Tony F.

Great food. Pasta done the right way.
(5)
Aliyah K.

Visited Rosebud in May 2009 with Hubby while on vacation and dined with my fantastic girlfriend who lives in Chicago. We had a really nice time here. The service was consistent and well paced. We were given some assitance in chosing a wine and were pleased to sit a while and enjoy the street sights while letting ourselves get hongray! Girlfriend had the Fettucini Alfredo, I had the Tortellini minus the procuitto and Hubby had the Ravioli. Girlfriend's meal was good, but it's pasta and Alfredo Sauce...nothing to write home about. I loved my dish and Hubby's as well. The portions were so generous that we allowed my girlfriend the local to take all leftovers home. Our hotel did not have a fridge with room for leftovers, which has not stopped me before....but I don't need to be gross eating luke warm pasta at 2am. I would go back...BUT with so many other places in Chicago to try I may end up sticking with the yummy memories.
(4)
CatLadyHon N.

Food: At the beginning, they give you bread with oil and parmesan cheese which was delicious. The food was good but not exceptional. I ordered beef ravioli which was good but would not order again. I may just not be a fan of ravioli. The other girls at my table ordered something different - one had a steak which looked and tasted good (I had a piece) and the other girl had some sort of fried chicken, which she says it good. One thing for sure is that the portions are huge! The pricing is on the high side for mediocre and simple pasta dishes. Service: The service was pretty poor on my scale. The waitresses and waiters did not seem friendly. We had multiple people come up to our table to help us so it was a bit unorganized. After we finished ordering our food, it took over an hour to get our meals and no one came up to us to tell us the status of our order. Atmosphere: Outdoor seating is available. It was a nice set up with a fine-dine feel even though it was not a fine dine restaurant. Location: Walking distance for us near north downtown and the Magnificent Mile. Overall, I would probably not return to Rosebuds since there are so many other places to eat in Chicago.
(3)
Jerry L.

It's everything I expected from a good Italian restaurant. The food have good portion (that means, a lot.) and was well served in good quality. Everything we tried so far tasted good, and each dish has its own unique flavor. The price is around 10~20 something which is common and reasonable. Moreover, Their calamari specialty was pretty good if you eat with hot pepper that comes with it. The place is good and some what a little better than other places in many small ways. I will come back for a good time, but yeah, it's NOT like it is extraordinary great or exceptional outstanding. Just good.
(4)
Phil M.

Made reservations and had a great table by the window. Service was excellent. We were in and out in about 45 minutes which fit our schedule great. Food was very good. Not a large selection but definitely worth the visit and we would go back for another meal!
(4)
Anthony F.

So loud! I couldn't even hear myself think. This is not a place to go if you want a nice, quiet, relaxing meal. But the food is good.
(3)
Kimberly H.

Read a lot of reviews on yelp/trip advisor for this place and made a reservation for my husband and i. it was our 5-year wedding anniversary. The place is very busy and loud, which i don't mind so much because restaurants in Italy are the same way AND this place has excellent service...not once were we waiting to have a water/drink refilled and the waitress was very friendly we started off w/ the calamari my husband and i got to a new Italian restaurant, we always try the calamari (if it is offered)...let me say that it was 5 STAR calamari! fried perfectly/ seasoned and oiled correctly...absolutely delicious! DH got the lasagne and i had the chicken basilico (sp)....DH said the lasagne was just like this other Italian restaurant in Rollinsford, NH, Alexander's, before they changed mgmt and absolutely loved it! My chicken was good --- the sauce was good and the pasta it was served with delicious We had a canoli for dessert and i had a cappuccino w/ amaretto so why 3 stars??? i was sick the whole entire night after eating dinner here! i thought i had food poisoning and since we were visiting from out of town, i didn't want to go to the hospital to confirm let's just say it all passed and i was better w/ in 24 hours...but that was a horrible experience and I'm not sure what went wrong. The only dish i ate that my husband didn't have any of was the chicken, so I'm not sure if that was the problem or the whipped cream on the cappuccino... but next time i think i will try Scoozi instead!
(3)
Basil T.

Great brunch, excellent service.
(5)
Michael G.

This is your typical, classy, Italian restaurant. I work for a media outlet and we attended this place based on the suggestion of some well-known sports figures who enjoy a nice, Italian meal. This place didn't disappoint. We went just a couple weeks ago and the atmosphere and ambiance are what you would expect. Dim lights, white tablecloths, but not overtly fancy nor expensive. Just a cozy dining experience. The food was delicious but being an Italian, I'm slightly basis. That being said, I had a very good salad and the Rossitto in a meat sauce for my main meal and it was very tasty. The two people I were with got a chicken dish and a veal dish. The obvious fact: these places didn't go light on the portion size. Huge portions that will fill you up for weeks to come. I really had no complaints. Good, friendly service...maybe the portions could be slightly smaller. But overall, top notch. p.s. great wine selection so make sure you get a glass of vino, at the least, with your meal!
(4)
Shell P.

I ate here last Sunday for the first time. The food was excellent (I had Penne alla Vodka and the Ravioli Quattro Formaggio). However, the service was a bit slow (VERY slow at the end!), and the prices were a bit high. I highly recommend the Penna alla Vodka. The sauce was the right balance of creaminess. Also, the outdoor seating was nice for a Sunday afternoon!
(3)
Nicole F.

I asked our server if he could get me the Chicken Parmisana without the breaded chicken (because I'm allergic to wheat). I gotta give the guy credit, he asked the chef, he said yes, he could make the plate gluten-free, and he did, and it was awesome. But, I could use the service without the attitude. When we ordered our drinks, he tried to upsell us to a bottle, but when I asked a question about the price, he wasn't listening and never told us the price of a bottle. Then, I told him how I was allergic to wheat and he still brought me the 'side dish' of pasta that came with the meal. Whatever. Time to get servers who actually listen Rosebud. Otherwise, your service, and food, would be outstanding.
(3)
Ron H.

Best Italian resturant in Chicago. You must try the Eggplant Salad. Great service and Friday Saturday nights can get pretty packed with over an hour wait.
(5)
Roxana D.

I was in town for a conference, and I had to have dinner by myself. I couldn't find a place to eat, and I ended up here. Suffice to say, I felt so strange eating by myself in a place packed with groups. However, the waiter was SO nice to me. I had the Cavatelli al Forno. I thought portion sizes were large in the south. Wow. I ate about half of it. It was pretty decent, run of the mill, Italian. The waiter offered to bring me more bread with my takeout box. Overall, it was a positive experience.
(3)
Sarah E.

Wait. That's it? Maybe it's that I'm not a huge fan of Italian food. You'll never catch me fawning all over a pasta-laden dish. I had the caprese salad to start and chicken marsala for dinner. The caprese was pretty good. Huge tomatoes, fresh mozz, fresh basil, and an olive oil and balsamic glaze touch when it arrived at the table. The salad was accented with a roasted red pepper and a healthy slice from a raw red onion, which surprisingly, I barely noticed. The chicken marsala was standard issue. That's it. And a bit pricey for standard issue. Also, wtf was that pasta w/ red sauce as my side? Was that supposed to complement my chicken? I'm guessing that this place had it's heyday a while back ... as evidenced by some older celebrity photos in the entrance. I will say that service was excellent. But, I will probably not return for Italian food.
(3)
Misse D.

Have you ever past a restaurant several times and built up this idea about said restaurant? I have always pictured Rosebud on Rush as the ultimate romantic restaurant. Years went by, and yet I never went. Finally, I was invited to Rosebud...for a business lunch. Hilarious. The meal was very good. It is probably one of my places for al fresco dining. While it was a great business lunch, I do hope to head back here for a romantic dinner soon.
(4)
Sarah-jayne M.

Really not that impressed with this place. Bad things - The hostess was pretty snarky and we waited for a good 10 minutes in a cramped lobby area waiting to be acknowledged. Hardly any fish or vegatarian options on the menu. Pasta sides tasted like something I could make at home with a jar of Ragu. Good things - wine was excellent and well priced, Calamari was generous and delish. Valet guy was cool and let us go to another bar and leave our car there. In a city with so many Italian options for dining I'd skip this one and go somewhere better. This one lacks luster.
(2)
Brandon T.

So.. Still looking for the best Italian, and still going to Rosebud to find it. After giving a bad review to the Dearborn trattoria location, which got no response from what I thought were concerned ownership, I found myself at this location. So much better in all regards. Seriously do not hesitate to visit this location after being burned by the Dearborn trattoria one. I can't emphasize enough that this place has regained my trust in Rosebud putting out a solid Italian dinner. Please skip the other, even if it is closer, and make reservations here. Street parking is possible, I promise.
(4)
howie w.

I went for the $5 burger today and have formed the following opinions. 1) the burger is off the charts great. Juicy and cooked to order. 2) Spending extra for the cheese was not worth it HOWEVER 3) spending the extra for the side of fries more than made up for it. Finally, in terms of the wait staff, there were two male servers in the lower level where I dined. Mine had a shaved head (name evades me) and he level of serve was top notch even after I informed him that I was just there for the $5 burger. However there was another waiter, tall and with an accent that had a major attitude when it came to people ordering the burger. I quote....."Are you here for our Italian cusine OR do just come for the burger?" When the party mentioned the cusine, he became lively and helpful. When another party party ordered the burger, his attention to their table was just like his accent.......it faded! I tipped my waiter mightily for his professionalism.
(4)
Tim E.

This is a tough review. I struggle not giving them a four star rating but only because the restaurant to way too crowded and loud. If you are looking for a romantic and quite place, this is not it. They clearly have too many tables in both the upstairs dinning area and bar area. Chicago fire department should recount the chairs. That being said, if you want traditional Italian food, you can't beat it. Their veal and chicken Parm is as good as it gets. Good service. If they would just give you more room to move your elbows, this would be a clear four star.
(3)
Jane R.

This is your typical cheap Italian restaurant hidden by the facade of a classy, high-status restaurant. The food is clearly just cheap ingredients, and the service is poor. They charged me full price for a side salad that I had to order because I'm allergic to the side that regularly comes with the entree. All other restaurants that I've been to just make a substitution, no problem. Pretty class-less on Rosebud's part. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Neil R.

Have dined here many times mostly with large parties.super service, super food, extremely large portions.
(5)
Denise S.

Family in from Belgium and knew that Italians had a strong heritage in Chicago and asked to dine as a classic italian restaurant. I knew I had lots of great options but really picked rosebuds for proximity due to hotel we stayed at, I knew the menu well and knew service would be good. I was not disappointed. They had a long day of traveling and sight seeing and I knew they were hungry, I called ahead and asked for appetizers and champagne to be waiting when we arrived- We had an amazing greeting from host and server and all was ready. They were very patient during the ordering process due to language barriers. Family also requested to drink American Wines to experince something new since they knew Italian wine list well. Server did a great job assiting me in this process. we ordered a wide variety of meals. pasta, veal, seafood and lamb and the whole table was extremely impressed. They felt it was there best meal they had while in Chicago. Thank you Rosebuds for assisting me set up the reservations and accomdating my early requests, champagne, preorder wine etc Do I think it's the best Italian restaurant in town- Hard to answer, and it's personal preference but based on service and the quality of food I had the other night- They get five stars from me.
(5)
Paul R.

The service was fantastic. The food was better. Portions were very generous. We are from Italy and found the meals very original. Noteworthy was the calamari. The best We have tasted in years. If you enjoy pasta this is the place to dine! The waiters will not disappoint you.
(5)
Shradha A.

So I've been to 3 of the Rosebud restaurants (Dearborn, Rush and Division) I like this one the best of all. I like the decor here and the food, especially their home-made pasta. Dearborn = good for lunch meetings. Different menu. Carmine's (near Division) = not good at all. Too noisy and cramped! My pasta was floating in water instead of sauce!!
(4)
Jeanne N.

This was our second visit to a "Rosebud" restaurant, two days in a row! The quality of the food was FIVE STAR at both restaurants! So they most certainly have made a name for themselves that exudes "consistency". Our server, Erica, was professional with a wonderful personality that also remained consistent throughout our time there even though the place was packed even at 9pm when we left. My husband and I are restaurateurs and are pretty critical of the places we eat at. Although we aren't food snobs, we do focus in on service, cleanliness, food quality, and how the flow of operations effects the customer. Friendly, efficient host staff upon arrival! A "good bye and thank you" on your way out the door. The bread/water service came with a smile too! I personally love that! It tells me that the employees have a pride in their restaurant and that they make money! I cannot express enough how fresh the food tasted... the sauces so rich and flavorful. You MUST visit a Rosebud restaurant while in Chicago...if you want to experience authentic, quality Italian food! The only reason I gave Rosebud on Rush only 4 stars vs. 5 stars was because of our pre-dinner experience in the downstairs bar/dining area. I understand that in the big city these restaurants really pack their customers in right on top of each other. I do not like this... but must say that the quality of the food over rides my distaste of practically sitting on a stranger's lap. The bar area had tables pushed right up to the backs of the bar chairs at the bar. Not to mention there is NO standing room around the bar. People still gather there and the customers trying to dine at those particular tables literally have people's hind ends right in their faces at eye level. We watched a particular table get sat twice and both times it took less than 5 minutes before the people just got up and vacated that table. If I had been sat there, on a first visit, I would have gotten up too and probably just left and not returned. So I don't know how smart it is to be greedy with the table seating vs. making the experience comfortable for all. But that is my only negative observation... don't sit in the downstairs dining room :)
(4)
Karen B.

This is one of my favorite restaurants ever. Two words: vodka sauce. I always order off-menu-the cavatelli with vodka sauce. Note that everything here is family style. Do not expect to order a salad and get anything that resembles an individual portion. Pasta portions are way too big. It's never a bad idea to share. The atmosphere is pretty cramped which is a down point. It isn't always easy to get a cab. I haven't been here since Chicago went smoke-free but I can't wait to do so. This was always a pretty smoky place and I'll be very, very glad to see that gone. I've been here with a pretty big group. I wouldn't recommend doing that. Service diminishes greatly with a group.
(4)
Sarah Z.

Rosebud is like the big comfy sweater you want to put on when you're sick and it's cold outside. It isn't fancy, but it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Rosebud has good food - outrageously huge portions - reliable (Carmines, their other locations) - and I always have leftovers for the next day.
(4)
Colleen M.

Everything about this place irks me. I've wound up here on several occasions for one reason or another and am always astounded at how pretentious the service is and, more importantly, how mediocre and over-priced the food is. I know I can be biased against chain restaurants, but I actually came here for the first time when I first moved to Chicago and didn't even know it was a chain. I still hated it. Think of it as an upscale Olive Garden, only the food is twice as expensive and - dare I say it - not even as good. I'm not saying I'm a fan of Olive Garden either (I'm not), but at least they don't try trick people into believing they're eating gourmet Italian food and then charge them up the wazoo for it. I have tried a few things here because it's hard to believe that a place that everybody seems to like so much can be so bad. Specifically, the sausage and pepper appetizer is awful. How do you screw up Italian sausage? Well, they figured out a way: cook it until its bone dry. Awesome. Rosebud is for people who think that expensive Italian food automatically equals gourmet Italian food. Hopefully everyone will learn that this is not the case.
(1)
Ashley A.

My family and I could eat Rosebud's seafood salad everyday. My mom from CA dreams about it, as does my 2 year old daughter. Their $5 lunch burger is my husbands favorite, can't bet the price and it's the best we've had so far downtown.
(4)
Demetrio P.

Wife and I were walking around downtown and decided to try Rosebud. And overall, we like the place. I had the Brick Chicken, which took a little bit of time to cook, but was tasty with some lemon sauce on the bottom. The wife had the special spaghetti with tomatoes and chicken, which was quite tasty. Everything was quite good, from the food, service, and the prices were reasonable as well. I would definitely visit Rosebud again.
(3)
Jonathan B.

Food was OK, same with service. Overall nothing special.
(2)
Santiago A.

The food was excellent. I had Penne alla Vodka and it was one of the best dishes I've had at an Italian restaurant. The Ravioli Quattro Formaggio was also good. I like the seating outside, although the time for that is over until about late March next year. If/when it's nice out, this is definitely the way to go. However, the service gets slow at times when seating outside. The location is also convenient for anyone out shopping on Michigan Ave. and doesn't feel like settling for Cheescake Factory. heh. (no offense to people who like Cheescake factory... this place is just way better. Sure, the menu isn't 57 pages long, but the food tastes better and it doesn't have a perpetual 2 hour wait to be seated.)
(4)
Thomas B.

We visited Rosebud on Rush last weekend and were not disappointed. I made an eight o'clock reservation on OpenTable and were seated at like 8:01pm. Before that, we enjoyed the downstairs bar where they served some killer martini's. The service was excellent and the food divine. Plenty of leftovers too as the portion sizes are very generous. If there were any negatives at all, it would be the noise level. This is not your place for a quiet romantic dinner at the prime dining hour. Instead, it's perfect for people watching and taking in the noise and bustle of a busy Italian restaurant right off Michigan Avenue.
(4)
Al C.

Ate here while in chicago for a long weekend house hunting... This place was a couple of blocks from our hotel, so we decided to give it a try. It was solid. Not omg amazing, and not sucky. The man had chicken parm and a caprese salad, i had penne arrabiata and a salad (i forget which one). The service was great and the food was good. Would i go out of my way to return here, probably not. Enough said.
(3)
Kay M.

Delicious food. Very cozy and romantic atmosphere. Elena was our server and she was fantastic and very attentive. I would definitely go again and would recommend to anyone that loves Italian.
(5)
Megan G.

The boyfriend and I stopped by here for lunch on Saturday and were disappointed to discover Rosebud has no lunch menu on weekends. That meant our options were limited to the $20+ entrees from the regular menu or salads/appetizers. Neither of us wanted to tackle the enormous Rosebud entrees, so calamari and soup/salad it was. Side note - they also don't have a kids' menu. I overheard a father asking about that and he was told his daughters could split a normal entree. Way to contribute to America's childhood obesity epidemic, Rosebud. Rosebud starts you off with some fantastic, warm bread with olive oil and parmesan. This was, honestly, the only part of the meal I felt was exceptional. My minestrone soup was not impressive at all and the calamari and my eggplant salad were just okay. For around $50 for lunch for two (after tax and tip) I didn't feel the food quality justified the prices though I do realize you're paying for the location. I will say that service is excellent, if perhaps a little overly attentive. The restaurant was fairly empty on this day, but I swear no more than 5 minutes went past without someone dropping by the table to be sure everything was okay. I'd rather restaurants err on the side of too much service rather than too little, though - so thumbs up for that.
(3)
Elizabeth F.

My friend and I were visiting Chicago for spring break and were staying near Rosebud . She had a craving for risotto, and when we found that this place had it, we had to eat dinner here! It was pricey but worth the splurge for our last night in Chicago. We went on a Wednesday night at around 7:30pm and we didn't have to wait for a table, even though the place looked pretty full. The downside was that the table was in a dark area and we were very close to the tables next to us, so you and your neighbors can hear each others' conversations. Although pricey, the food was excellent! They immediately brought us some bread and olive oil with parmesan cheese. The entrees are huge and would be enough for 2 meals. I had the chicken marsala, which was amazing. It came with a side of pasta in a marinara sauce, which was also tasty, though not the best marinara that I've had. My friend really enjoyed her risotto. If you're in the mood for an extra splurge, I recommend the prosecco! The location is also nice for grabbing a meal before or after shopping on Michigan Avenue.
(4)
Kourtnie W.

First of all, I live for Italian Food. When my family and I stumbled upon the Rosebud on Rush during some Christmas Shopping, we were nothing but satisfied. This place is excellent. They start you off with fresh bread and olive oil with parmesan cheese, which I thought was odd at first but now I LOVE it. The salads are delicious- my personal favorites are the house salad w/ bleu cheese crumbles and the caprese salad. As for entrees, their portions are hugely generous which is great if you enjoy leftovers like I do. My personally favorite is the Tortellini alla Carbonara. It's a typical Carbonara pasta with peas, proscuitto, and mushrooms but the cream sauce and the Tortellini pillows make it amazing. I also enjoy the Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and I have been with many people who have had and loved the Lasagna. It is HUGE. Anytime I have company in town, I bring them to the Rosebud. One time a year or so ago, we made a reservation that must have gotten over looked so we had to wait in the bar for 15 minutes (which wasn't bad at ALL!) and to make up for it, our server brought us an entire sampler platter of all their desserts as a surprise at the end of our meal. The waiters there are always friendly. I highly recommend the Rosebud on Rush or Carmine's (one of their sister restaurants- similar if not the same menu) to anyone who is looking for great Italian food!
(5)
Brandon S.

The food is excellent. The service is great. I ordered something that was not on the menu and they were happy to make it. There is a very good wine selection, and the atmosphere is nice.
(5)
Debbie E.

Had a great meal and the service was very accommodating. Caesar Salad with sardines to start with and the Veal Parmigiana. Largest baby cow I've seen on my plate in a while. It was very succulent, with lots of sauce and cheese melted on top. Had two glasses of Kim Crawford Sauv Blanc to top it off. Yum. I was dining on my own and the waiters gave me the right amount of attention. For single diners sometimes waiters give too much or too little. Subtract 1 star since I thought it was overpriced and the cannoli had pistachios in it.
(4)
Kevin A.

WHAT'S ITALIAN FOR 'MEH'? The food? Good, but not life-changing. Try the eggplant parm and the meatballs. The portions? Ridiculously large. The restaurant? Packs you in like sardines. If there's a fire climb out a window. Plastic bag tying skills? Amazing! How do they do that? Bottom line: Good, but uninspiring; in no rush to go back.
(3)
Rachel H.

Reservations made it easy. Unfortunately, our server wasn't very attentive. There were a couple if managers that made up for it though.
(4)
J G.

Came here with my cousin around 6ish on a Saturday night and we were seated right away! Sweet! We got to sit outside, which was nice =) So I don't know much about the ambiance of the restaurant inside. Both of our dishes were huuuge. My cousin had the eggplant and I think she could make 3 meals out of it. Everything was delicious and service was prompt. Our first serving of bread was hard as a rock, but then I asked for more and it was much better, warm and soft! Its a little overpriced (both our meals were about $16 each), but I think I'll definitely go back sometime.
(3)
DA X.

Some of the most delirious food i have eaten in years. 5 of us enjoyed every dish. Not inexpensive, but wonderful.
(5)
Ryan W.

Loved every minute of it! Definitely going back the next time we're in town. The rigatoni alla vodka was fantastic. Be sure to save room for dessert too. Their coffee and tiramisu was killer!
(4)
Annie G.

I would go back to Rosebud on Rush just for the bread and olive oil they bring out before you get your meal. It's so good that they should charge for it. I hope they never do. I curse myself everyday for not eating outside when I went there. The people outside looked like they were having so much fun. Alas, it was starting to rain and I wanted to be dry (and kind of cold) inside. Next time.
(4)
Phaic N.

The atmosphere's very country-club-esque. And the food's not that much better. Service was friendly and prompt. But that alone doesn't make for a good restaurant.
(2)
Liz G.

The food is just wonderful here. We ordered the brushetta for an appetizer--classic and tasty! I had the ziti and husband had the veal. For dessert we split the chocolate cake. Everything tasted amazing, my only complaint is that we were seated between the bar and kitchen--so annoying!
(4)
Renee L.

mmmm so so good! I love this place. Bread and olive oil is so simple yet so delish. The calamari is very good, and their alfredo sauce is pure decadence. The portions are quite large but hey, I'm not complaining! They make great left overs. And I like sitting in the dark dining room, it kind of feels cozy and warm. Overall, I think the food here is quality and an ok value too.
(4)
Gaby F.

This is a tourist staple. You can wait 2 hours on weekend night or walk in on a Monday... It's a factory. Classic 'today we have a very nice everything' - with red sauce. Awful. They just get you in and out. Avoid.
(1)
Steve W.

Ate here for dinner and had absolutely fantastic service. They were very accommodating when we moved our reservation from 7:30 to 9:00, then back to 7:30. When we showed up at 7:05 they had us seated in 5 minutes, and they were packed! (the whole thing made me feel like I had some pull.....which couldn't be further from the truth). Unfortunately the food wasn't as exemplary as the service. I had a caprese salad and the rigatoni alla vodka; both were good but neither were fantastic. I don't recall what my wife had, but she felt the same; enjoyable but not one of all time greats. Overall worth trying again, but probably after I give some other Italian locations a try first.
(4)
Adrienne B.

I went here on a Tuesday night and the place was packed but getting a reservation a few hours before was no problem. We had a toddler with our group and they were accommodating in this regard (bringing out a child sized portion despit no official kids menu). The food was good but the restaurant was extremely loud! The noise factor may keep me from going back soon.
(3)
Stacy T.

Great place to pick up some spaghetti and meatballs for a nice romantic dinner at home in your jammies! Yummy chopped salad with good stuff like beets, hearts of palm, kidney beans, brocolini, and corn in it! So delicious and healthy, it makes you feel as though you've earned the giant carbo- load. The meatballs are the size of a fist! Huge and tasty! The desserts are fantastic too. Cannoli's and the tiramisu are top notch. A perfect way to end dinner on a sweet note.
(4)
Thunder P.

Amazing service, a-freaking-mazing. We ended up tipping $40 on a $100 check. Excellent food quality, presentation, taste. The eggplant rotolo appetizer was great, and the chicken parm was beautifully done. Amazing sized portions for the price. An appetizer and entree is plenty for 2-3 people. I was incapacitated for awhile, but eventually was able to dance through the delirium caused by such an awesome meal.
(5)
Helena B.

I was here for lunch today. It's been years since I've been at any of the Rosebud family as I generally consider them tourist places, but my dining companion chose today's lunch locale. First off, I was pleasantly surprised. At 12:30 the restaurant was not super-crowded (as I'd expected) and our server was very attentive. We were asked immediately if we were on a time constraint - we weren't, but it's nice to know that they could have sped things up if needed. After that, food came quickly and our water glasses were never even close to empty. We started with the stuffed mushrooms, which were delicious. They were much larger than expected (about 2 inches in diameter). I had one of the daily specials - Orecchiette a la nonna (little ear-shaped pastas tossed in olive oil and garlic with shrimp and broccolini). Very light, very good - the pasta version of spring (very appropriate on the first day of the season!).
(4)
Dan W.

Went there last night for business. Had the pork chops and sauteed spinach. Both were great, and the portions were huge. Loved it and will be back next time I am in the Windy City.
(4)
Susan F.

Oh man, I wish I had yelp back in the day... Everytime we came up to Chicago, my family would come here, and now, I live oober close to it! How perfect. A great place to take a date or have a family dinner, the portions here are always great! Think smaller than Bucca, but larger than those places where you pay 30 bucks for a half piece of salmon with a lemon wedge on top. I would suggest anything with shrimp! It's always spicy and delicious and they even have jumbo shrimp pasta with spicy tomato sauce that will leave you satisfied and then some! Boys--if you're looking to take your gf there, fiance, wife, mistress, whatever, just realize that it can get a bit pricey... For those grad students or those with high-maintenance gfs, prepare yourself, cuz you just can't say no to anything on the menu.
(5)
Rose Mary i.

Get the risotto. They usually have a risotto of the day and it has never failed to be yummy. Oh and do get the eggplant salad - to die for.
(4)
Char Y.

Huge portions of over cooked pasta. Not impressed.
(2)
Valerie M.

Yuummm I absolutely recommend the mussels here. Nothing has even come close to the mussels at Rosebud's. It's also great for a date night.
(4)
Mark W.

The food was better than average, but the service was dismal. In the middle of seating us, a three-top moved into our table; "Oops, I guess you'll have to wait for another table to open up". Twenty minutes later, we got a table, but no apology. Stale bread. Horrible Bloody Mary. Tomato Juice and Vodka with two olives, is not a Bloody Mary. Our appetizer came out. Before our table could serve themselves our food was delivered. "I hope that you don't mind that your food is coming out, already", as she put our plates down. We ordered two pasta dishes and two salads. The salads were decent, but the pasta and meat balls were really great. It's just too bad the service was subpar.
(2)
Brian S.

Excellent food, me and my group ordered a bunch of different items and sampled all great!!!!!
(4)
Kyle J.

A typical italian eatery with an elegant appeal. White linen tables are jampacked into an outdated dining room. The Rosebud has an identity crisis. They serve Bucca di Beppo size family entrees lacking in presentation, while keeping fine dining prices and atmosphere. I really wanted to enjoy Rosebud, especially since it was on someone else's dime. My Mozzarella Caprese salad was excellent and served cold. Entrees at the table include, veal and chicken parmesan, rigatoni with the vodka sauce, and the "8-finger" ricatta dumplings with arrabiata sauce. Every portion was enough for 2 or 3 to share. The tables were not designed to hold plates of that magnitude. The veal and chicken dishes were ordinary and smothered with cheese. The vodka sauce was very tasty and arrabiate sauce delightfully spicy. The desserts that we tried were the Cheesecake and Cannolis. Both dishes were prestine and delicious. My fiance and I ended up taking our grocery bag size leftovers home only to find them in smashed aluminum containers overly wrapped in cellophane. They were then wrapped individually in plastic bags and stuffed into a large shopping size bag. It seemed very wasteful and trashy to me. Overall, the food was okay for the higher end prices. With all of the choices in Chicago, I would probably only go back with a giftcard.
(3)
Justin J.

Ok, to be fair, I am from Houston so I don't think I am a big expert on great Italian food. That being said, this was the best Italian meal I have ever had. First off service. I chose to eat at the bar, but the service was outstanding and the bar tender was very friendly and professional. He took very good care of me even though I was wearing a sweaty cubs shirt, as I had just returned from a cubs game. The food. I got the Pollo Braciata, which was roasted chicken stuffed with several different imported cheeses on a bed of a certain pasta which I am unable to remember the name of. All of this was in a very light creamy tomato sauce. I loved it. This was my last meal during my visit to Chicago, and wow, what a way to end the trip.
(4)
Charlie T.

Ah, yeah. This place. They need to learn the difference between gnocchi and ricotta cavatelli. And if I argue with them about it, they should bring me the gnocchi that I ordered.
(2)
Angela U.

This is a wonderful restaurant. I had heard so much about it, before visiting I was afraid of being disappointed. I was not disappointed, the food was excellent, the service impeccable. This restaurant did not disappoint, it lived up to all the great things that were said about it. If you are in Chicago, and only have time to go to one restaurant, make it Rosebud on Rush.
(5)
Conni M.

Wow! Food was fantastic! Service impeccable! Bartender helpful! And they had asked when we booked if it was a special occasion-it was our anniversary (16th)- and they brought us dessert. Food was so traditional and delicious. I can't wait to go again
(5)
danielle r.

Would not be a place I would recommend. The food was poorly cooked and nothing different. Loud room, poor service. My shrimp were undercooked and veal Milanese was edible but not noteworthy. Seafood ceviche salad was tasty.
(1)
Cliff A.

This is a dining hall in a house living room, but its charming in its own way. Appetizers are really delightful and we should have probably ordered a few of those, because our dinner entrees were plentiful and we packed most of it. My girlfriend's lasagna was slightly salty and as a result, better the next day when we used it as leftover lunch. My chicken parm was par for the course. Nothing spectacular. The wine suggestion the waiter made (trying to move things along due to the crowd and waiting list) was perfect and - as I suspected he would ding me with the most expensive - it was actually frugal as well. TIP - put your name on the list (hour wait) and head up the street to the local brewpub (Pippin's, I believe), because the bar is always packed at Rosebud and probably slightly pricey. Swallow your brews and come back and find your seat amidst the crowd. Order one entree to share (between two lovers) and a couple of fun appetizers, including the salad melanzane (I think that's what it was called, slice of mozzarella and such on greens, lovely). The desserts I saw on other tables (tiramisu) looked astounding and I'm sure they were delicious.
(3)
Jamie R.

This is Italian, MY way, from the surly yet fastidiously attentive maitre'd to the last, lingering drink of coffee. I had lasagna that was a perfect blend of pasta, sauce, cheese and tomato. Seating was a bird's perch at a cozy table in a window just above Rush St. I hated to leave, and could well have bridged lunch to dinner with yet another glass of red..
(4)
Renee B.

I'm not really sure what to make of Rosebud. Both the food and service were good, but there were a few quirks that struck me as odd. First of all, a guest in my party asked for the baked potato and the waiter's response was "No." At first we thought he was joking, but he explained, after an awkward moment of silence, that they don't offer the baked potato and it's a typo on the menu (then take it off the menu)? Another strange thing was that the calamari was served without lemon slices. Not a big deal but this is a highish-end Italian place. Cmon people, seafood always comes with lemon. So, I liked Rosebud, I just thought the whole experience was a little strange.
(3)
Philippe F.

Service was great and very professional, and that's not easy for me to say for putting in double digit years in the restaurant industry. Mussels were awwwwthome! We went with the white wine Mussels since we were having a little Kim Crawford S.B. Pretty sure the red sauce would rock those gynormous succulent bastards as well. Our server sold us on the specials as well. Veal Ravi was nicely paired with a light cream sauce. But it didn't stand a chance next to the almond crusted Chilean Sea Bass. Me oh my! That is my favorite fish just when it is plainly grilled. But the sauce, sauteed spinach and almonds made my toes curl. Oh, and their tiramisu came out looking all clumpy and shit, which is how I know it is homemade......and twaaaaas delish! Date night success story #157.
(4)
Kista W.

Used to be one of my favorites, but what happened Rosebud?! Last time we went, we got the perfect outdoor table on a sunny day. The serice was blah. The prices seemed way too high for what we got. Entrees were blah. Pastas were ok, but with so many great places to eat great italian in the city, I fear my old favorite has lost its spark. Gone are the days where you would wait two hours, WITH a reservation on a Saturday. So long Rosebud.
(1)
Nicolas H.

The family style italian experience. I've been to Carmine's before, which might have been just a little better. The service here though didn't disappoint. Our waiter explained the wine for about 5 minutes, but the glasses were always full. We had just about every appetizer, the stuffed mushrooms and baked clams being the highlights. The veal special (wrapped in prosciutto and covered in cheese) was ridiculously large, yet tasty. The desserts were all about the flames. Our waiter took a snifter of cognac, lit it on fire, and poured it over the plates directly onto the tiramisu , chocolate cake, etc. Overall a good experience if you are looking for decent italian food at high prices...
(3)
Kenya C.

Great Service nice date night spot!!!
(4)
Manja C.

If it's traditional, red sauce, Southern Italian that your looking for--look no further...ok well you may want to keep looking but this is always a safe bet to bring your out of state family. Large wine list, large portions, large open dining room. Not much else to say.
(2)
Scott M.

Decent Italian food, good service and nice atmosphere. (This simple, lackluster review is direct reflection of this place. Nothing special here.)
(3)
Rocky B.

Mmmm, this was good stuff. We made X-Mas day reservations at Rosebud On Rush and were seated as soon as we walked into the restaurant. We were taken upstairs and seated at a nice table right at the corner of the room near a window. The ambience of the restaurant is very homey. Well not any of the homes I've lived in but it could've been the home of a rich relaton...of a friend's rich relation. As soon as we were seated a basket of crunchy hot bread was put in front of us along with small dishes of olive oil. Good start! There was so much to pick from on the menu but I decided on the Pasta e Fagioli soup and as my entree the Chicken Livornese. The soup was mmm, super yummy. It was creamy and had pieces of pasta and beans...it definitely made my belly happy. Just when I thought my belly couldn't be happier they put the platter, yes platter, of Chicken Livornese in front of me. Holy moly this stuff was good. It was chicken in this tomato sauce with olives and capers and on a bed of creamy polenta!! If you've never been to Rosebud On Rush...go and try this dish. If you've been to Rosebud On Rush and never had this dish...try it! Trust me...you will not be disappointed. Unfortunately I was too stuffed for dessert but that's okay...I'll be back.
(4)
Chicago G.

One of the worst Italian restaurants I've ever frequented (yes, I am Italian). I only went there because I had relatives in from out-of-town and they wanted to go somewhere in the immediated Mag Mile area. I ordered the cavatelli which was like raw dough and covered with tons of baked cheese. My sister-in-law ordered the ravioli which she didn't care for at all. Only my brothers dish, the papardelle, seemed to receive a favorable review at our table. I would say the marinara sauce was nothing to write home about. Decor was charming but loud and the portions entirely too large. All in all, a forgettable experience.
(1)
scott s.

Very Good Like Carmines Its nice Go here for a date
(5)
Missy E.

This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants anywhere - not just in Chicago.
(5)
Kathy P.

I (heart) Rosebud. With its generous portions, there is easily enough to have a semi-fancy and affordable lunch for two. The outdoor seating is lovely, and the location is far enough back from Michigan Avenue to be truly enjoyable. Even AJ Pierzynski thinks so, as he has been spotted enjoying a glass of vino while sitting outside. My friends and I are fans of splitting things, and they are happy to accommodate at the 'Bud. The salads are huge (with my favorite being the classic chopped salad), and there are many other vegetarian options among their selection of oven-roasted pizzas (YUM!), soups, and pasta dishes (try the linguini with clams). My favorite thing about Rosebud on Rush is that it is a tranquil retreat for those of us who are slaving away in the midst of tourists and traffic. Who needs fast food when you can have an excellent wait staff, starched white napkins, and real silverware for only a few dollars more?
(4)
Lisa F.

The parents really wanted to go back to this place. They went on their annual Chicago shopping trip a year or two ago and just raved and raved about this place. So, on this annual Chicago shopping trip, the hubs and I went with them. The interior was really cute. It was charming. It wasn't as cute as Italian Village's interior, but very nice. Our waiter was pretty meh. He brought only the olive oil to our table after the bread was there for 10 minutes. After seeing every other table with parmesan for their bread, I had to ask our waiter about that as it really makes the whole olive oil concoction. I ordered the lasagna, and it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed that. The pasta fagioli soup was also good. The food was good though more than Italian Village with a crappy server. For my money and time I'd go to I.V.
(3)
Rob J.

There are 1,000 Rosebud restaurants/affiliates in Chicago, lucky for me this means I only have to walk a block or two to find one. My wife loved the tortellini while I thought the veal parm was just ok.
(4)
Ruby I.

$5 burgers for lunch. That's all I'm reviewing. But seriously, it's $5 for a decent burger in a part of town where the only decent thing you can get for that price is a cappuccino. The burger was yummy, order it medium-well if you want it done medium. And I love the sweet potato fries. Don't ask for ice tea. They will bring you a small bottle of the republic of tea Darjeeling ice tea and charge you $4.25 for it.
(4)
John S.

i would have given it a 3.5 stars. I usually go to Wildfire steakhouse when I'm in Chicago but thought I try something different. initially wanted to try Chicago deep dish across the street but the bright neon lights at rosebud was calling my name so went in and sat outside. ordered the lasagna and wow was i impressed. the marinara sauce was to die for, just the right amount of tang and sweetness. I'll definitely go again and try the other dishes.
(3)
Brian Y.

I think u shouldnt go here with hi expectations. I am a cream sauce lover but wasn't as great as cheesecake factory. And that's sad hearing that it was the best Italian restaurant in town. But the meatballs were good. Get anything with meat balls.wasn't worth all the money though.
(3)
Lisa F.

After my last visit they only deserve three stars. Many people, like myself and unlike myself, go to restaurants to celebrate events. We chose Rosebud's to celebrate my grandmother's almost 90th birthday. After making the hostess aware of our celebration as we sat down, we hoped for something. A free meal? No. A dessert? Maybe. A candle in a dessert? Sure, why not. The problem was that no one even acknowledged the birthday. Our personality-free waiter never said a thing to my grandmother about it, nor brought out anything with a candle. They didn't even try making it special for her and served her a bad piece of steak. Disappointing! You know what? I'm taking off another star. It really pisses me off when nice Italian restaurants can't train their wait staff how to properly pronounce Italian words on the menu and they are no exception. It's oh-reck-ee-ET-tay, not oh-REY-kay (orecchiette).
(2)
Frank L.

This is my Grandfather's favorite restaurant in Chicago. They live out in Naperville and don't get town much now that he is retired. Anyway, I came into town for work and he jumped at the opportunity to come into town and take me to Rosebud on Rush. I think this is a great location and I loved the family style old school Italian feel, made me feel like I was at my great grandmother's house for dinner. I thought the food was good and reasonably priced. I'd go back.
(4)
Allison C.

I went here on a Sunday night with my boyfriend--we were expecting a good meal, but not anything too spectacular. We were pleasantly surprised--great service and amazing food! We started with their fantastic bruschetta, and for entrees I got the tortellini alla carbonara while my boyfriend got the rigatoni alla vodka. My tortellini was absolutely delicious--I would highly recommend it to anyone living in or visiting Chicago.
(5)
Zach T.

YOU GUYS! THERE IS A $5 BURGER SPECIAL GOING ON HERE AT LUNCH (indefinitely as of 2/25/10)! The deal is $5 for a 12-oz. hamburger with fries on a pretzel bun. Cheese is a $1 add, but worth it. You also get the ambiance of a very classy restaurant, and they give you warm bread with cheese and oil. It is a steal.
(5)
Jim W.

Wasn't really sure how this place would stack up to another popular Italian eatery, Quartino. While the food was truly ever flowing and served on "tubs" as another yelper described, I thought RoR was only above average. It's def a tourist attraction being so close to Mag Mile and it's constantly busy and good for groups, but I didn't come away really impressed. Of course there are always exceptions. The stuffed mushrooms were probably the highlight of the night with the baked clams a close second. My Bolognese risotto was almost watery - or maybe it just wasn't made for one person to eat. I didn't finish it and I sourced it out to everyone at the table, but it was still a lot to handle. Otherwise, I think the cheesy eggplant was decent, the chopped salad wasn't bad, and the veal was ok. Restaurant gets props for service for readily splitting 2 dishes among 3 friends and constantly refilling my water glass. Also, Godiva chocolate cake will always score some points with the ladies. Overall, it's not bad especially at the price point, but just don't go in with tremendous expectations. Personally, I'd go to Quartino first.
(3)
Michael R.

It's quite sad that this restaurant garners such rave reviews. Have people not ever had GREAT Italian food in the city? (The Italian Village in the South Loop, O'Fame in LP, Zia's Trattoria on the NW side, Tucci Benucch in the Bloomingdales building -- I could go on -- all blow this place out of the water). There is no ambiance whatsoever, unless you find dining in a cramped basement enjoyable. The food is at best, mediocre. The alleged "homemade" pasta tasted store bought and was not "al dente" but undercooked and flavorless. The worst, however, is the service. Unresponsive waiter and a downright rude manager who tried to bait me into an altercation because when he initiated a conversation, asking me how I liked my meal, I told him the truth. I had to ask him to leave my table. Can you imagine? They were so unwelcoming and hostile I thought I was on a hidden camera show. After this odd-ball experience, we went across the street and had a wonderful time at The Peninsula Hotel. They know how to treat people with class and respect and they have a wonderful chocolate buffet and live jazz. It helped wash the memories of the Rosebud out of our minds and off our palates.
(1)
Shawn F.

I visited Rosebud On Rush during my first visit to Chicago and it served as a nice taste of one of the city's better eateries. The place was bustling on that Monday night, and although the tables inside were immediately available, an outdoor patio seat required a wait of about fifteen minutes. My companion and I opted to dine inside. Settling down into our seats on the second floor, we were served with a small assortment of breads. For our main course, I ended up ordering the Linguine Fra Diavolo, comprised of strand pasta in a spicy, white-wine marinara sauce, and shrimp. It was extremely tasty. While my overall experience was quite favorable, there were a few nits that prevented me from giving Rosebud on Rush a full five stars. For example, while the service was relatively attentive (albeit a tad snobbish), for some reason we were never offered a copy of the wine list. Overall, I would certainly go back to Rosebud the next time I'm in Chicago, provided I'm in the area and there isn't some other restaurant that I really want to try out.
(4)
David M.

OK, I am an east coast person, but I travel to Chicago four to six times a year. Let me first say that Chicago is one of the best restaurant cities in the world! Just about every time I am in Chicago, I make it a point to visit Rosebud on Rush. It is a fun place, has great Italian food, and is always consistent. A particularly fun time I had was the night before the 2009 Chicago Marathon. So many runners were there doing the traditional carbo loading thing! I just came back for two nights last month while in town as well! As you can tell, I would highly recommend Rosebud on Rush! And oh... by the way, if you are there and see me before the 2010 Chicago Marathon, please come over and say hello!
(5)
Ken G.

Stopped by at 11PM on Friday night and they were gracious about seating and serving us. Great food and good service all the way through desserts. I saw them seating a few couples a half hour later . Definitely a place to remember for late night dining.
(5)
Krys J.

This location is always busy but will seat you immediately if you have a reservation. The interior is slightly cramped but generally the service is pretty good. If you are going to Rosebud to look for the ambiance and service, I would recommend the Taylor St. location. But if you just need a convenient way to fill your need for their Cavatelli al Forno (like I often do), this location is for you since all of the Rosebud locations offer amazing food, that is always consistent.
(4)
Rika K.

Very trendy. Kind of a hip place to be, but always busy, hard to get a table and impossible for more than 6 without a reservation. Food isn't that good. If you want to be seen and be part of the buzz go here, if you want awesome italian food, save time and money and go to Volare.
(2)
Maddy L.

This review is for gluten free peeps. I ordered a dish with the gluten free pasta, excited to get a gluten free italian meal. I got a dish with clams and tomato sauce, the sauce was excellent, really tasty. The pasta was crap though, I cook with brown rice pasta at home which tasted much better then this. I don't think they cooked it long enough, it was hard and difficult to eat. The waiter informed me it would be extra and when we got the bill I find out I paid $4 extra for horrible pasta! I was not happy. Also, most of the appetizers have bread crumbs so you have the salads to choose from besides the gf pasta. If you are gluten free, I wouldn't recommend it, but it's a great place for those who can have gluten.
(3)
Scott Y.

Warning on the back: This meal was consumed after a 15 hour work day and almost no food. Warning on the front: Martini and bottle of wine were consumed during the meal I was craving some good eatin when my cousin took us to this place. The menu was what I like ~ great selection of veal, pasta, salads, entrees. Verdict ~ Damn Good. Try the veal chop (it was literally a brontosaurus chop - imagine it being thrown into the back of Fred Flintstone's car and tipping over the car). The bolognese and vodka sauces were all quite flavorful and subtle. Prices were on the higher side but it was well worth it.
(4)
Michael S.

First place we ate in Chicago. Service was solid, but too busy to be exceptional. Caprese salad unremarkable. Presentation of segundo was uninspired but the pasta well-prepared. I expect the only reason this was recommended by the concierge at aforementioned hotel was due to relationships, not high quality. If this is the least crowded thing on the street, you won't be dissappointed. Don't take anyone here to impress, however.
(3)
K S.

The service was so-so. Friendly but kind of slow. The place was a little cramped and therefore was very loud. The food was pretty average and wasn't really worth the price. Why 4 stars then? THE BEST martini I've ever had. Would love to just sit at the bar and drink one right after another (except they were $14 each!).
(4)
A M.

We ate outside and they don't take reservations for outside so we were told 40 mins. We walked around block for 15 mins and when we came back they had called our name and so we had to wait another 40 mins. I love Italian and wanted this to be the go to place but we were disappointed in service. I try not to let that inhibit me but it wasn't good. Very forgetful. Like taking my drink for a refill then forgetting to bring it back (twice.) Just things like that. Food was ok. Atmosphere was very nice with a outdoor seating area that is very good but overall not superior.
(3)
Kristy R.

It's not often you just stumble upon greatness. That happened to me at Rosebud on Rush. I have been to the other Rosebud's for lunch & happy hour (Rosebud Prime's kobe hot dog - insane) and was always a happy camper. My experience at Rosebud on Rush definitely kept the momentum going. It was a cold windy lunch hour and my boyfriend and I were meeting for lunch, but before we could decide where to go, we got into a huge fight on State. "Just go wherever!" I declared. We passed a noodle joint and then, there on the corner was the trusty Rosebud name. "Here," I said, somewhat skeptical of the vinyl sign advertising $5 burger baskets. We went inside and the hostess led us into the warm, dim lower level dining area. Our waiter immediately served bread and oil, which was nice. The crowd was mostly business-lunch types, with a few regulars eating their meals at the bar. A couple of Michigan Ave tourists had stumbled in as well. We somewhat guiltily ordered the burger basket, it seemed a bit inappropriate for the white-tablecloth setting. Our waiter obliged, you could tell he was sick of serving burger baskets all day. We ordered some drinks to go with the meal, and this is where they make up the loss on the baskets, but not any more ridiculous than elsewhere. When our food arrived it was: 1. the largest burger basket I have ever been served and 2. delicious. 10 oz of medium rare (they cook to order) beef with just the right condiments served on a pretzel bun. It comes with a HUGE portion of french or sweet potato fries and stone ground mustard and spicy ketchup. The food was excellent, the ambiance terrific, and our server was prompt and courteous. We will definitely be back, not just for the best lunch time deal in the city, but to try out the pasta dishes. Two friends have already recommended the cavatelli with vodka sauce. Oh and our little tiff? Rosebud soothed that over in one lunch hour better than a year in couples therapy. Whoever said burgers were bad for the heart had obviously never been to Rosebud's.
(3)
Emily M.

Rosebud on Rush is the best! I went there for the hundredth time last night and even though it was close to closing time, my husband and I still received the best service and delicious food possible. This restaurant is gorgeous from the inside and then combining that with delicious food and amazing service, this place is a star!
(5)
Mara S.

I went to Rosebud last night, Monday, for a business meal. I have been there before for a more romantic meal as well, but last night is fresh in my mind, so... It wasn't crowded, so we had a great seat and were able to talk without having to shout over the crowds. I can see how, if the restaurant is crowded, it'd be hard - the tables are fairly close together. Our meal was delicious. We ordered three appetizers that were excellent - the bruschetta was the best I've had, not that I am a bruschetta connoisseur. I appreciated that the courses were appropriately spaced, especially since we had so much food coming our way. All of the food was tasty and I left feeling stuffed and satisfied. We ordered a couple of bottles of wine for the table - \we were interested in one Chianti that they were out of and I was impressed with the waiters suggestion of a "better" wine at a cheaper cost. Overall a nice experience.
(5)
Gunner F.

How this place bills itself as a romantic restaurant that serves authentic Italian food is beyond me. A better description would be a tourist trap churning out boderline food. Luckily, we had reservations, so we quickly bypassed the annoying crowd forming near the door looking like they were waiting for Miley Cyrus to come out. I guess it wasn't a surprise that our eggplant appetizer was near tasteless. It might have been better if they had bothered to actually warm it up, but hot food doesn't seem to be a priority there...our calamari app and both entrees were luke warm. I would seriously choose the Olive Garden over this place next time.
(2)
A F.

I can't believe I'm giving this 5 stars. To be honest, my expectations were not high for what I perceived to be a tourist-centric restaurant too close to the Mag Mile/Ohio/Ontario tourist sweet spot to possibly hit any high notes. Furthermore, I had a somewhat less pleasing experience a couple of months ago when I felt shunted to the lower level bar area where the ambiance is less than pleasing and the noise and packed-in feel made me want to run for the exit. But 5 stars it is. I have to give this Rosebud its due. We were seated in the upstairs dining room in the corner window table looking down at the brisk business being realized by the fake purse vendors poaching the queue to get into Gino's. Rosebud was, as usual, filled to capacity. Our table server was definitely on top of his game, and he was attentive and responsive to our sense of timing. The house specials that day were a subline risotta (asparagus, baby shrimp, parmesan) and a fantastic pounded veal chop Milanese. I forced a wine marriage with an Erath Pinot Noir (I have an unhealthy obsession with the Oregon Williamette Valley pinot noirs, but I am in a 12-step program to expand my wine appreciation horizons outside of this region so please be patient with me). Some in my group of 6 dove into the cavatelli preparations and didn't come up for air until they were full to bursting. One proclaimed the Chilean Sea Bass her "best ever." While the food was certainly wonderful, the customer service was equally so. Given that Rosebud is a very busy restaurant, it amazes when service attributes excel. While the cynic in me wonders if I had benefited from a perfect storm of sorts, I will definitely return to see if the perfect dining experience can be replicated.
(5)
Candace M.

Each time I've been to Rosebud, I've enjoyed the food and the service. You get generous portions and you will definitely have to bring food home. Great place to go to for Italian food.
(4)
Erin J.

I had a bunch of people in from out of town over the summer who wanted get some authentic Chicago experiences. So I decided that we should eat at Rosebud. There were about 10 of us with kids of various ages mixed in. I hate being the one who finally has to decide where to eat in a big group of people who are indecisive about where to eat, but I'm an Aries and we're decision makers so... As we pulled up, the valet told me not to scratch some Mercedes or something waiting to be parked. One of my friends said "We don't want any scratches on this car either." (I drive a 2002 Chevy Cavalier 4-door sedan, so what!) I thought that was funny! Anyway, I think I'll make this short. The food was okay - nothing great. The service was okay - we had to wait sometimes and it was not busy. The temperature was nuts - it was summer and I was freezing! They were good about accommodating food requests. There was a lot of unfinished food on the table when everyone was done and nobody wanted doggie bags. Hmmm. Anyway - I thought it was overpriced (as did my out of town guests who paid for the meal) and kind of a let down. I think we should have gone across the street to Giordano's. I don't believe the hype. I totally agree with Kevin A. who said, "What's Italian for Meh?"
(2)
Lisa A.

I've been to Rosebud several times and I think the food is amazing. The service is A+ and the prices are reasonable. You'll get some great portions no matter what you get. Expect to take food home and if you can't find anything do try the pasta you can't go wrong. The waitstaff does tries to make wonderful suggestions on the off chance you have questions. During the summer months you'll love the outdoor seating. If you're from Chicago or just visiting I highly recommend hitting Rosebud up. If you're going there during the weekend make a reservation, it'll save you time.
(4)
Jannie L.

We were told to try something with red sauce by family and concierge's at the hotel we were staying nearby. Absolutely the best eggplant parmesan!! It just melted in my mouth and the red sauce was superb. The waiter was very helpful and service was attentive. My husband had my eggplant parmesan for desert!
(5)
Gabriella W.

Love, love, love this place. We always make it a point to eat at Rosebud on Rush! Awesome food, great staff, and love the atmosphere.
(5)
John M.

This was the best cheeseburger I have ever had. Even better was it was during the lunch special and was only $5, including the crispy fries. Add a beer and you have the perfect meal. The wait staff was super friendly. We sat upstairs which was nicely adorned. Right around the corner from miracle mile on Michighan. This restaurant will always be on top of my list to visit anytime I'm in Chicago.
(5)
Justin N.

Better the second time around. Food and service was superb. I got the Chicken Vesuvio and my girlfriend got the Tortellini alla Carbonara. The chicken was good, the sauce was a little thin, I prefer a thicker sauce to go over my chicken and potatoes. The peas were an interesting addition the dish, I usually don't enjoy peas, but they were cooked well. The Tortellini alla Carbonara was amazing. The sauce was just right and the addition of prosciutto was good!.
(5)
Jeannette L.

Rosebush on Rush is one of my favorite italian restaurants. t's comfy and cozy, just like having a family dinner at home. We love the authentic italian food they offer on the menu and the eggplant salad is a must try!
(4)
Greg P.

Great meal. Great Atmosphere.
(5)
Rena K.

ok, I LOVE this place! We were seated inside, which is den-like and cozy. Our waiter had an Italian accent which made me feel like this would be an authentic Italian experience. Our waiter brought us crusty bread and olive oil to start. The olive oil was quality, something you don't see a lot when restaurants normally skimp on it. It was green, pure, extra virgin olive oil. Delicious, and I know my olive oil, being of Greek descent. The olive oil just shows the caliber of the quality at this place. I ordered tortellini carbonara. WOW it was AMAZING! Seriously, the best that I have EVER had. It was a little pricey, but I think it was totally worth it for the quality of food, service and atmosphere; This is no olive garden! I highly recommend it.
(5)
Nina F.

pro's - excellent and authentic italian food - large portions - romantic atmosphere con's - bread tasted like it was reheated - 30 min wait to be seated on a wednesday night around 830 - valet left an hour after we got there so we had to go get our keys an hour in and walk to our car (rather than valet picking it up for us) definitely make a reservation before you come here. It's well worth the wait, but really? who wants to wait?
(4)
kari j.

This place is overpriced and overrated. My boyfriend and I had soup, caesar salads and terrible service. Our server was snobby and inattentive. Meanwhile she was very attentive to the table next to us, catering to their every need. Our salads took an hour to come out, which is a ridiculous amount of time if you ask me. She never apologized for the wait, but did apologize to the table next to us for their wait. When our food finally did arrive we never saw her again except when she passed by to help the party beside us. We sat outside and when it began to sprinkle she offered to seat the other table inside and completely ignored us. The food wasn't that great. My boyfriend requested that they hold the anchovies on his caesar, but sure enough a big fish adorned salad was brought to the table. Our server realized the error and brought out the same salad she had plucked free of chovies, but she missed one. Oopsie! She never returned to offer refills, nor did she ask if we enjoyed the meal. Overall this place was a HUGE disappointment.
(2)
emily b.

i think i should stop "going out" for italian. i can't seem to get excited for it, i feel like i spend to much money on it, and i leave feeling too full of it. that being said, if italian is your thing - then yes, this is fine. tourist-friendly location, generous portions, awesome service, (i'm biased on the service note... i only came here to visit a friend who was waiting tables that night), and decent food. much past that? skip it. go be adventurous. step outside your culinary-comfort zone and see what else is out there besides gnocchi and cannolis.
(3)
Peter L.

$5 Rosebud burger for lunch on weekdays. Huuuge burger on a pretzel bun, perfectly cooked, grease-all-over-your-face good. For serious, freaking amazing deal. Comes with a hefty side of fries or sweet potato fries... and free bread, bonus. Service was great -- they know that without the burger deal no one would be there for lunch anyway.
(4)
A M.

I'm glad this place is my 100th review! We were stubbling around Michigan Ave. trying to find a place to go for lunch, probably minutes away from ending up at whatever TJ McFunsters or the like was nearby when we found this place like an oasis in a concrete desert. Megan said her client suggested this place. I'm guessing everyone who visits Chicago is told to go to this place. We would have preferred to sit outside, but the wait was too long. Nevertheless, got a good seat upstairs in short order and our server was there in seconds. Okay, water is poured now it's time to get down to business. I think the prices for the lunch menu are extremely reasonable, especially given the huge portions. I ordered a chardonnay, reasonable price and decent flavor. Lisa had a delicious rasperry martini, not to sweet. And, the others had beer. I ordered the chicken vesuvio. This was a great piece of chicken breast, moist served with a lot of peas and plenty of garlic. This is probably one of the healthier options. Lisa had a great pasta with vodka sauce and added chicken. The sauce was delicious and they were happy to let you choose whatever pasta your little italian heart desired. Megan and Dave stuck with spaghetti and lots of italian sausage meat type things with deep flavorful red sauce. I have never ordered spaghetti and meatballs at an italian place, but I think it's because I've rarely had this traditional dish served so well. The dessert was pretty unmemorable, but the lunch was a lot of fun, with great food and service and plenty of social lubricant.
(4)
Stephanie K.

I love going to Rosebud in nice weather and enjoying the outdoor seating. It's a great place to people watch, yet not too crowded where you feel like you're blocking the sidewalk. The food is great and it comes out before you can say "Gratzi."
(4)
Kristin C.

Rosebud for me is like the Gibson's of Chicago Italian restaurants. It attracts tourists, is right on Rush and is always packed. I will take Gibson's over Rosebud (or a good hunk of steak over pasta) any day but when an out-of-town guest suggested "Italian somewhere near the Magnificent Mile" I knew (after some helpful Yelper's recommendations) Rosebud would not disappoint. There are a lot of fish dishes on the menu which always makes it a little harder for me and my "no sea creature" policy. In the end, here I opt for pasta because there places I would rather get steak (see above). Last Saturday I had a dish with shell pasta, olive oil, garlic, broccoli and snausage. The snausage was crumbled - not fatty which made for a lighter more delightful dish. The house salad I thought was OK - too much dressing. The service was a little TOO rushed for my liking and the wine we had was a bit suspect. I didn't order it but it was Lindemann's, a brand or two above what we drank in college. All in all, a good place to take a visitor because in Rosebud's service I trust . It doesn't compare to some of my favorite Italian places in Chicago (or in Boston's North End - Mama Mia!) but for this area I wouldn't shoot down a visit.
(3)
Elizabeth H.

I have to say that this is my absolute favorite Italian place in the city. The eggplant salad is seriously out of this world (even meat eaters would enjoy it)! I've tried to make it at home many times, but it just doesn't compare. The eggplant rotolo is the best appetizer on the menu. The rigatoni alla vodka rocks! They're always willing to add in ingredients that I want into the pasta. Great service, out of this world food, fantastic place to eat anytime!
(5)
Andrew C.

We had a wonderful meal...cavatelli was al dente and the risotto was tasty. Our kids had the ravioli and spaghetti with meatballs, both basic dishes but yummy. We enjoyed great service. The bread and EVOO both were fine.
(4)
Liz L.

I had visited another Rosebud branch called Carmine's on N. Rush and had a pleasant experience, so I was expecting the same from this branch. I was thoroughly dissatisfied, however, with my experience. First of all, what is wrong with the inside dining room? There are very few tables, flies flying around, and it's FREEZING. Seriously, I thought I was going freeze before finishing my lunch. We ordered the baked clams, tenderloin sandwiches, and carbonara. The baked clams... Seriously, if you're a restaurant charging 7.25 for six clams, that's 1.20 per clam, you can afford to give something more than clams the size of my pinky fingernail. The tenderloin sandwiches were very plain, something I would get at an average family restaurant. The carbonara was decent. However (yes, unfortunately there is a however), the waiter assumed that we would be splitting the entrees and after carrying out the tray he spent seriously five minutes with us staring at him awkwardly splitting the dishes onto three separate plates with just a normal fork and spoon. Number 1. We didn't ask you to do that. Number 2. If you're going to do it, have the kitchen do it with appropriate utensils so you don't make the food get cold! Easy to say I won't be returning. Sadly, my unsatisfying experience is preventing me from returning to the other Rosebud chains.
(2)
J D.

We had a quick lunch here and enjoyed ourselves. I had the caprese ravioli, which was so-so, but my wife had the cheeseburger, which was VERY good. The burger came on a fresh pretzel roll with nice, thick, crisp veggie slices and quality beef. I ultimately mooched about half of the burger for myself at considerable personal expense (two backrubs and a foot massage). Prices were reasonable and service was good, although we did visit at an off-hour between the lunch and dinner rushes. I wouldn't come back for the Italian food -- it's quite forgettable -- but if you have a craving for a good burger, check this place out.
(4)
Allyson C.

It was ok for the atmosphere and for sitting outside in good weather and watching Rush Street. The food wasn't too good though. I had a huge portion carbonara and it was just all cheese and no flavor. Also tried my friend's chicken parm and wasn't impressed.
(3)
Jane F.

If you like good Italian food...this is the place to go. There was a gang of us that showed up here. The service was excellent...the food...ample and delicious. It's in a great neighborhood...A wonderful experience for all. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here...and will be back
(4)
Elizabeth C.

To the Women who compares this to Olive Garden, it's okay, we get it your from Orange County California. You probably think Uggs, Ed Hardy and Juicy Couture sweats are cool too. Anyway this is a classy Italian joint as are all Alex Dana's restaurants. The food, service and ambiance always make for a delightful dining experience.
(4)
Jennifer H.

We've loved the food each time we've gone. It reminds me of Garozzo's in Kansas City - same style of food. Yum. I despise red sauce most places I visit, but I could eat the sauce with a spoon. Yummy. Great atmosphere. My dad is a huge calamari fan, and he said it was cooked to perfection.
(5)
kit k.

I have been going to rosebud for 20 yrs on taylor....I had one of the worst meals I have ever had in my life this afternoon...I was told by my gf not to say anything becasue she would be embrassed....What has happend to this place? It was great....I will not be going back ever.
(1)
Patrick N.

this place is just ok. if you want an italian lunch in chicago that is quick and very safe as far as food goes, rosebud on rush is a decent choice. the fare here is not unlike the italian food you can get at pretty much any low-mid level italian restuarant in the country. basically, if you are from out of town, maybe look for something a little more unique, chicago has too many food choices to eat at a typical place like this.
(3)
Heather H.

Have always had a really nice meal here, good wine selection, good expresso, attentive staff, fun atmosphere. Always pretty crowded, but the service has never suffered. I always have leftovers for the next day, really generous portions of pasta!
(4)
Chris M.

As always, this place is a treat. The food is outstanding. Delicious chicken marsala, chicken vesuvio, fillet mignon portabella, spaghetti carbonella, cheese ravioli. I'm a frequent visitor, and I will continue to do so after this last experience. Classy atmosphere, classy music, classy attire, and outstanding food. I give this place two thumbs up for sure. I would recommend this to anyone taking parents our for a birthday or anniversary, or even just for a nice romantic date.
(4)
J B.

I had SUCH an amazing time here! Before moving to the city, a girlfriend and I stopped in after a long day of dancing in the park and shopping the Mag Mile. We were famished! The hostess told us it would be at least 45 minutes until we saw a table. Not bad considering it was a gorgeous spring evening at the beginning of the dinner rush, but our stomachs were a little anxious. They suggested we try the bar downstairs. We took the advice and tried. Much to our dismay (yet later to be revealed, benefit), there were no seats. While discussing whether or not our stomachs would implode waiting for a table, one of the hosts downstairs started to chat us up. Seeing that we were on our way out, he asked if we would be opposed to sitting outside. We answered not at all, we'd rather prefer it with the beautiful weather. He asked us to wait a moment. After checking the tables, we were assured we would have a table in 15 minutes. The alternative being fast food, we figured the offer could not be beaten. 5 minutes later we were sitting at a table on the corner. Perfect spot if you would've asked us. The host introduced us to our server, and the two of them were extremely attentive the entire night. I should tell you, my girlfriend and I were not and are not made of money, nor did we look it, so I assure you it wasn't that that brought the attention upon us. I'm not sure what was, maybe we looked like two doe-eyed tourist. The only thing I can say is that the wait staff was one of the best I've had in Chicago. Either way, the service was excellent. I was in the mood for a Sangaria. They, of course, are not a Spanish restaurant and do no serve them. After the server joked with us about my little craving, he helped us each decide on a good wine, only to surprise me by going back and having them MAKE me a sangaria. Our entrees were absolutely delicious. The whole night was perfect. Since then I have brought a few more groups to this place. Though service has not been replicated, I feel that experience is really hard to top. Every server I've had there has been attentive, and the food has always been worth the trip. I highly suggest this place!
(5)
Daryl E.

I gave Rosebud the fourth star for the service. It was excellent. I thought the food was good, but not great. I had the totellini carbonara, which came in a creamy sauce, which didn't strike me as authentic carbonara. My companions both had the special they were serving, a lobster ravioli. They both loved it. It also came with a plentiful amount of shrimp. The portions were a bit large, but that's hardly something to complain about. Not a great place for conversation, as it is LOUD in the dining room. The overall experience was nice and I'd consider a return trip.
(4)
Bateman P.

I love Italian food, so when a friend requested that I take her to Rosebud for her birthday I was a bit excited. I usually shy away from anything on Rush because of the over priced food, terrible club scene, expensive parking, and tourists galore. The dining room is located down stairs and is quite small. There is a big bar along one wall for which we were seated right next to. We were looking for privacy so this was a plus because we felt tucked away but the bus boys and wait staff frequently had to shimmy past us to get to the other tables. Not a huge deal but was a bit distracting. The service was quick but poor. We had a middle aged lady who I could tell just did not want to be there. She spoke very broken English and I could not understand the specials at all. I asked her to repeat some of what she had said and she acted like I asked her for $20.00. The only way I could give her a pass is if she was Italian, in an Italian restaurant, trying to speak English. Never the less she did recommending a nice bottle of wine and took our order correctly. The food is fantastic. We started with the fried calamari plate. I have had better, crispier calamari elsewhere but this wasn't bad. What was nice was that they knew we were sharing the appetizer so they took the liberty of splitting it up onto two plates. The entrees came out soon after, just like clockwork. My friend had the "special" cheese stuffed ravioli with vegetables and shrimp for which she loved. I too thought it was good but did not get to sample it until the next morning in leftover form. I chose the Veal Saltimbocca. This is my favorite of all time Italian plate. It consists of veal cutlets pounded thin with prosciutto and fresh sage, sauted, topped with mozzarella and served in tomato and white wine sauce with a side of pasta. They made it perfect. I'm going to give this Rush Street staple two stars because of the bland server. I know I eat late and I didn't even arrive until almost 9:00pm, but the whole time we felt rushed to eat and get going, After we finished our meals the server basically "cut us off" from ordering anything else by bringing over the bill. What was the rush on Rush St.? I understand she needs to get home and it was getting late but if given the chance I would have not only ordered another bottle of wine, but desert. Hello!!! Up sell and larger bill means a bigger tip! And yes, I am ignorant enough to tip on alcohol. Even as we were leaving they were still seating people. For a restaurant with a good reputation and great real estate they should have better service. My server might be more comfortable at an IHOP, or Navy Pier. Food was great, service was bad, they do have valet parking, and it is very pricey. I'm trying to find a reason to dine on Rush Street but this isn't it. No matter how tasty the food is, presentation is everything in dining.
(2)
Terri N.

I used to grab lunch at Rosebud when I worked at Neiman's. The food there is great! Most people tend to go there for their chopped salad, but I usually get their pasta. Their porkchop is awesome! Oddly enough, even their burgers are great. The staff are always so nice and helpful when it comes to ordering. Their wine selection is wonderful. I enjoyed this particular Rosebud (downtown) then the one in Naperville.
(4)
Jason P.

Amazing Italian food is all you need to know. Like Thunder P said, you should expect to tip very well here because this is genuinely one of the best places I've gone for service and food. an altogether excellent experience. Go on your birthday and you will get free dessert, which was not expected at all. Tiaramisseu was awesome. The nightly chef special has never disappointed me, and the ravioli melt in your mouth like cotton candy.
(4)
Kate M.

LOVE the food! My personal favorite is the rigatoni alla vodka- SO delicious! I think the service is fine- food served piping hot, attentive waitstaff. They also have an excellent wine selection. It is dark and crowded, but to me it is worth it!
(4)
Bob S.

I'm a fan of the Rosebud restaurants, and Rosebud on Rush is the excellent. You can't beat the location, the inside, the waitstaff, and of course the out of this world food. Everything from chicken Parm to some great pasta dishes you won't find at Olive Garden. I've taken many die hard Italians here, and they walk away very impressed. I love the chicken or veal parm. I've also tried a wonderful pasta with an oil based sauce with fresh brocolli and sausage!
(5)
Kris C.

I went to Rosebud after hearing such great reviews about it. We all got the lunch special, which is the Rosebud Burger (comes with fries) all for $5 each - keep in mind this special is only on weekdays between 11am and 3pm. I kid you not this was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The meat was high quality and the fries were great too. I also love spicy food, so I asked if they had hot peppers to have on the side, and they not only brought me a whole bowl of them, but they had them sauteed for me without even asking, which was great. The service was really friendly and quick, and the atmosphere overall was relaxed and low-lit. Since we got the lunch special, I know that's not typical as far as the price range of the whole menu goes. The price range does go a bit higher, but considering the high quality of their food I can look past the price range when deciding whether to come back again...which I definitely plan on doing! If you love a good burger then definitely try this place. You'll miss out if you don't.
(5)
Ashley W.

I love this upscale Italian restaurant. Everything here is good and I mean everything! I've had pasta, fish, chicken, salad, and I had nothing but compliments for all their food! It does get a bit loud on the weekends so I try to come here during the week. It's also a great place to grab a salad for lunch!
(4)
Walter H.

Keep a good hold on your personal belongings. We had dinner outside and my wife had her purse stolen. When we informed the manager he told he thought the people on the sidewalk looked suspicious.
(1)
Dave S.

Two things about me that you may or may not know: 1) I am all about a good value 2) I don't throw five star ratings out very often. Little did I know about this place as it was a spur of the moment decision to go here for dinner. Everyone speaks of a wait here for a table. we had no wait and we were seated immediately. The tables were spaced close together but I did not feel cramped at all. Our waiter was friendly and very attentive. the minestrone was very good and my Fettuccine Alfredo was probably some of the best that I have tasted. We split a piece of the white chocolate coconut cake which was amazing. The portions were larger than I expected and for the price you really could not beat it. They really exceeded my expectations since I was really expecting overpriced and underportioned. We did run into a little glitch here. The busboy took my girlfriend's leftovers in order to wrap them up to go. He ended up losing them (the dirty rat bastard punk). We informed our waiter of the situation and he had the kitchen make up a fresh half order for her so she could take it home. Once again they went over and above what I expected. These guys will definitely be seeing me again as they really Wowed me and I am not all that easy to Wow!
(5)
Jackie R.

The best thing about this place is that when you order pasta, they bring it out in a metal tub suitable for catering. Youre going home with 3 days of left overs. mmmm mmmm. They actually had to bring a stand to set my pasta on bc it wouldnt fit on the tiny table. Its kinda romantic and cozy inside too. Despite trying to shovel 3 days worth of food in your face.
(4)
steve k.

Big food is not necessarily better food, and Rosebud proves the point. The two of us were served enough food to easily feed a family of six. Huge portions of calamari, followed by giant salads, then three mammoth slabs of saltimboca - with a side of pasta - for each of us. Unfortunately, nothing was really worth writing home about. Even the signature tiramisu disappointed. A slab of congealed something (not marscapone) about 6 inches high topped an average tasting bit of the actual cake. It might have been an off night, but I'd sure investigate my options before going back.
(2)
Kathryn M.

Two words: Classy and delicious! I love the feel of the restaurant, romantic and dark. Our server was fantastic. He helped us pick out a nice bottle of Prosecco and was extremely attentive. I had rigatoni alla vodka. I love vodka sauce and this was great. All of the sauces are made in the restaurant. My brother had fettucini with italian sausage and his girlfriend had one of the specials which was a fettucini with shrimp and asparagus. We all loved our meals. Large portions, definitely enough for heavenly leftovers, in fact, I think I'll have mine for lunch today. Anyway, we also ordered desert. We ordered raspberry sorbet (best I've ever had), and chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was good, but not the best I've ever had. Overall, the food was excellent, the server was attentive and efficient, I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Amy B.

I was so disappointed with my experience at Rosebud on Rush. We made a reservation, but arrived a little early, so we spent a few minutes at the bar. The bartender was very, very attentive and friendly. We were seated promptly and our waiter was good. I ordered the "square noodles" and would have to say they were nothing special, and really not that good. Honestly, my husband and I both thought they were not much different than a can of ravioli. The portion was HUGE and I ate a few bites and left the rest. I was so disappointed by how blah my dish was that I wanted to leave. Complete disappointment. My husband ordered the chicken vesuvio, and asked for boneless chicken instead of the bone-in as listed on the menu. The chicken was moist and tasted good, but again, it was nothing extraordinary, especially not for over $20. The food was really underwhelming. The wine was good, and that was about it. The bread was really nothing special, either. On top of the food being way below my expectations, the entire restaurant was FREEZING. I kept my coat and scarf on, as did several patrons around me. The woman next to me commented on how drafty it was (we were in the basement). The restaurant is dim, and I thought it was a nice atmosphere, our service was good, but I was hoping for great Italian food in Chicago, and sadly, this was not it.
(2)
Douglas R.

Good food, with a nice atmosphere. Put it on your possible pasta list.
(3)
a w.

This is probably the best Italian I have had in the city. Its at a great location and makes for a wonderul evening. Great date spot!
(5)
Chicago Gal G.

We had a wonderfully romantic meal here. Given a corner table in the back of the restaurant it was quieter and special. Our waiter was outstanding and the food was really really good. I had the pollo milanese and my husband had the shrimp scampi. I loved that my dish was topped with an arugula salad. Prices are a little steep so I gave it four stars instead of five. Would have loved to try their soup but did not want to pay extra for it.
(4)
Jared L.

This place has really good Italian food, and we had a really good bottle of wine with our meal. For the area, prices are very reasonable. However, the waiter was kind of arrogant in the beginning, though he got better. Overall, I'll be coming back, though this place isn't any better or worse than all other similar restaurants in Chicago.
(4)
Manny F.

"I had the world' most amazing pork chops, and it rejuvenated my love for the 'pig'. The meal was amazing and so was the service. I liked the whole place overall and the price was nice for the occasional nice meal."
(4)
J V.

Ditto what Greg S said. Their only claim to fame is large portions of mediocre stuff.
(1)
Leang E.

I was here for a business lunch, and it was a very late one at 3:30pm. So, there will be some things that will probably be out of the norm in this review. Of course, it wasn't packed at the time we were there. We also sat outside, and it wasn't ridiculously hot or too bright. The bread there is a little stiff for my own taste, but I somehow managed to scarf down four pieces of it. Keep in mind that I had only a muffin at 9am, and that I'm naturally a big eater. I had a house salad that was pretty decent, and then I also had the chicken marsala. That was a little on the sweet side. It also came with a side or red sauced pasta which was pretty good. I didn't feel it would be right to order dessert since I was already stuffed, was on the company dime, and didn't want people to think I was a pig. I suppose it really wouldn't matter, because my terrible business etiquitte seems to resurface when I'm famished. I guess as long as it doesn't affect getting work done! The portions and the price are very reasonable. I'm not sure if I'd come here again for lunch. I may suggest another place if I'm downtown looking for Italian.
(3)
Erin B.

I absolutely love this place. While you have the option of dining inside, I always opt to wait a little longer and sit outside. It has a great canopy, and always provides a great view to people watch! We went here on a Saturday night, and were quoted an hour wait, in reality, we waited about 15 minutes. The Riesling was delightful, and reasonably priced. I had the pork chops, while my friend had the square noodles, we ended up sharing. Both meals were awesome! We'll definitely be back!
(5)
H K.

The food was gross. The waiter was rude.... The free bread was the only thing that was good.
(1)
Ramon R.

Don't take the kids here. The servings are too large and too expensive. I took one (age 9) here and she prompty went to sleep, spilling her drink as her head hit the table and wasting a steak that must have cost $26. The food is fine but nothing to write him about...
(3)
Dana P.

My favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago! I've tried most of their pasta dishes and every entree is fabulous! Rosebud also has great service and the atmosphere is perfect. If you are looking for a dining destination for a nice date try Rosebud on Rush!
(5)
Kira L.

I love Rosebud- it's such a great Italian restaurant and I love bringing out of town guests here. I can't get enough of their vodka tomato pasta- it's to die for and the tiramisu and other desserts are worth stuffing yourself for - they are lick the plate good.
(4)
Ebru Y.

Great experience for a valentine's day dinner. Though we had reservations, we waited over half an hour, but I am not mad because we weren't the only ones who had made reservations, I mean it was v-day so i'll give them that. The service was very professional and fast. I have to agree with some other reviews, my bread was pretty hard too...not sure why. Square noodles dish was very delicious. It's a little on the pricey side, for me this restaurant is a place I'd most likely go for special occasions, not on a weekly basis or something. Valet parking is a plus for those of us who hate looking for a meter in downtown!
(5)
Emma L.

I love Italian food and Rosebud on Rush ranks high on the list of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city. Every pasta dish I've had here has been amazing so you can't go wrong no matter what you order. I also recently discovered it's a great place to get a salad for lunch.
(4)
Becky A.

I have been to Rosebud on Rush 4 times since moving to Chicago and it has always been a go to for visitors or a great meal. Until tonight. The service was abhorrent. We waited over 10 minutes until the waiter came to even take our drink order, another 20 for our appetizer. Then, while we were eating our appetizer, the waiter came over to inform my dad that the dish (just a normal pasta dish) was out and he needed to choose another pasta. I suggested the square noodles because I've always liked them when I've had them. About 10 minutes later, the waiter came back to inform us that they were out of square noodles all together. This to me was unacceptable. Our waiter blamed the marathon, which is a crappy excuse. So, all three of us ended up having to order something that was our second choice. To make it up, our waiter offered us one dessert for three of us. But, when my mom ordered the veal piccatta it was AWFUL and incredibly salty. My dad ended up not even getting what he had ordered the third time and the waiter simply said, "That's my fault." and did nothing to try to remedy it. Finally as we were leaving (Again, nothing had been taken off the bill, which to me was unacceptable in a restaurant like this), the waiter came up to my dad asked where the signed credit card slip and basically accused him of being a thief. When I said to the manager on our way out that it was the worst restaurant experience I had had in a long time, he just shrugged and said "Sorry." and then mumbled something about the marathon making them busier than usual. Bottom line, I will have a very hard time going back again, which is a shame because I've had good experiences, but tonight was simply HORRIBLE.
(1)
ali a.

Great food, and great atmosphere. There are definitely some other Italian restaurants in Chicago that I like better, but this is a great one in a great neighborhood. I would advise you to make reservations on the weekend. I've had no problem getting in during the week though.
(4)
elizabeth n.

Rosebud on Rush has an intimate atmosphere and is always crowded, but don't let the crowds intimidate you. Make sure to have a reservation and you'll be seated right away. Start out with the baked clams and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. The Rigatoni alla vodka is phenomenal and the desserts are amazing! The service is great and the location can't be beat.
(4)
Doug p.

i love this place, supposedly was one of sinatra's favorite restaurants. try the carbonara it is easily the best one i have ever had . . only thing i would warn against is the house red wine is lousy, but they have a great list, so treat yourself to the next one up
(5)
Julia B.

I haven't had a bad experience here yet! The staff is so friendly and welcoming! Everything that the servers recommended was excellent! I really like coming here in the summer because they have a nice outdoor seating area. The inside is huge which offers a lot of seating options and room for big groups!
(4)
Melissa S.

My friend bought me here instead of her planned restaurant of Le Colonial, since the original is in SF (which I've been to a few times). She said that Rosebud was one of her fave restaurants and it was quintessential "Chicago" (with its adjunct bar, multiple TVs with sports playing, prerequisite live music for better or for worse). The Italian food was quite rich & delicious (they had the BEST olive oil I've ever tasted - so fresh and fruity) and the portions were HUGE. My friend and I split the steamed mussels in garlic and wine broth for appetizer and this cream based pasta with peas and prosciutto for our main entree AND we still had leftovers. These aren't SF prices or proportions (Thank goodness). Overall, I thought the place was too old crowd and a little cheesy for my personal tastes - there was middle aged guy playing cheesy music (think: lionel richie & mark anthony) at the piano. Three & half stars.
(3)
Michael C.

Good food, great service. A restaurant staple. I had he veal piccata, which was excellent. My friends ordered me Colman's Mustard, our waiter brought me a bowl of it. BRAVO.
(4)
Joe S.

There is one meal, and one meal only to order here. My five stars are based on only ONE dish. The housemade ribbons bolognese. These flat noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, just the right chew. The sauce is so flavorful, you'll think you were in New York. Kick it off with whatever appeteaser you fancy, have a caesar salad(very good version), and order the flat noodles. The carbonara touted in other reviews is good, but the Ribbons are where it's at. I've also heard that Sinatra liked it here. He didn't have the greatest taste in cuisine, but he knew a good hang, that's for sure. Swing, baby.
(5)
Ren H.

This is easily one of my favorite Italian restaurants! The food comes in enormous proportions and is very reasonably priced! The salad is huge and has a ton of stuff in it which I love and the pasta is superb! The restaurant is really big so there's never a huge wait :)
(5)
Liliana S.

Great food, great location, friendly and helpful staff. what I love about Rosebud is that the food has never really disappointed me. Its pretty typical cuisine with a great wine list. Its perfect for large parties as well as something more intimate.
(4)
Kelli M.

The outdoor seating area is pretty nice...off Michigan Avenue so it's not too crowded and far enough south on Rush street that it's no hassle. The food is typical Italian and very good. Actually not too expensive for being located in this area.
(4)
Brandon T.

Rosebud is a very interesting piece of architecture. Towards the interior, you get to see a cramped room full of seats and chairs, of course. Then, there is the kitchen. Ah, who is cooking? Chef Emiril? Mario Batali? No chance. I personally don't know them, and just don't know them to begin with; not at all. But, all I can say is that last time I stuck my fork into the steak, which was a first for me at this restaraunt, I must say, it was very good. It was probably one of the best meals I have had. To accompany recent meals with a review, I am guessing around two; the burger and spaghetti. Now, both of these meals were great as well. However, I had a problem with the waiter, but before then, the seating arrangement. Speaking of that, let's not forget the price. It can tend to be a tad bit pricy when it comes to a few things. Logic will tell you this when you take a peak at the menu. Nevertheless, this is a good restaraunt; I recommend it. By the way, if you can snag it, get seating on the second floor.
(4)
Anna G.

We frequent this place a few times a month. It's our favorite place in town! The bolognese is great, so is the tortillini carbonara! Enjoy!
(5)
Kristin A.

Cute authentic feeling Italian restaurant. Food is good. Plan to spend a decent amount of money here. The ambiance makes up for what the food lacks.
(4)
K M.

I think this place is a little overrated - I've always heard great things about it, but the one time I tried it, there was a really long wait (which is fine if the dinner turns out great!) and then when we were finally seated, we had a wobbly table! We said something to the server but nothing was done about it. It also took them forever to get us drinks, and they forgot to bring out an appetizer. The food was good but not outstanding for the price, and the service was annoying enough to ruin the experience. Which is too bad because its a nice outdoor space! I'd go to Carmine's up the street or Tuscany on Taylor for better food and service.
(3)
Hratch P.

I'm gonna have to agree with Ramon R. on this one. I found the Rosebud disappointing given its prices and reputation. I took a client here for a business dinner and regretted it. The food was good but not great, the wine recommendation was dead wrong, the atmosphere was ok (although I think the outside patio is much more pleasant), and the service was actually pretty bad. Good place but nothing you can't get for a third the price in North Beach back in SF.
(3)
Peggy W.

The food is very good but they rush you. We were there on a Sat night and even with taking our time to order-we were out of the restaurant in less them 90 min. They asked what we wanted to eat before they even asked what we wanted to drink. Not relaxing at all.
(2)
R K.

this place is great! chicago has so many great restaurants, and this is one of them. each time i'm in chicago i stop by rosebud. great italian food!! i'm so glad a colleague of mine introduced me to this place. be prepared to have a wait and be a little cramped once seated.
(5)
Katie H.

When we got there for lunch there was a wait so we went downstairs to the bar while we waited. They must have been understaffed that day because when our table was ready we had to wait a long time for the bartender to give us our tab to pay. When we finally got to sit at our table (outside) we had to wait awhile for the server. It took a long time from when we initially sat down to get our order in. After waiting so long we were starving and dove for the bread as soon as the waiter came back with the olive oil- which we had to wait for while the bread was sitting there staring at us, while we wanted to eat it, but not without olive oil or butter. It took awhile for us to get our food (we both got pasta dishes with same sauce, one was Risoto and one was Fettuccini) but when we did get our lunch, it was soooo good! I would give 5 stars for the food, but the wait for the food was grueling. I understand that it will be busy on Saturday at 1:30pm for lunch but we didnt see our waitress much and the food took forever to come.
(3)
Amanda D.

Awesome brunch. Bloody Marys could be spicier, but that could just be us. Even though this is probably a very trendy touristy place to go, I enjoyed my time here at a resident of Chicago. Definitely the place to go to show off the city for out of town guests. Warning, it's sort of a casual bar, but don't be fooled, everyone is very trendy so take off your hat and put on those heels!
(5)
Brian H.

Everything Is Good Here.I Mean It. This Is A Classic Chicago Restaurant. I Had The Most Perfect Dinner Which Only Added To The Romantic Night Ahead Of Us. Fellas,She Will Love You For This. Clean Superior Service-Knowledgeable About All The Entrees And High End Wine List Friendly Staff $$$ Authentic Italian Cuisine Superior Italian American Entrees
(5)
Michelle W.

After waiting 45 minutes for a table on a Friday night which I thought was pretty reasonable, we got a nice little table on the side of the street outdoors. I really liked the ambiance of the restaurant, right in the middle of the beautiful, lively (touristy) part of downtown Chicago. We got the Veal Milanese which came with a side of pasta, as well as their fettuccini alfredo and a side of vesuvio potatoes. First of all, the bread was really good, and it might have just been because I was starving at that point, but we were both seriously impressed with it. The veal was really filling, loved pairing it with the arugula and lemon. There was so much good looking entrees on their menu that I don't necessarily think the veal is a must try, since I was torn between a few options too, but it was good and I was also happy with the standard pasta that it came with. The alfredo was very creamy and we definitely had to add a lot of extra salt to it. I personally wouldn't order it here just because there are so many good alfredo's there, and it's a little overpriced/underwhelming given all the other options exciting options on the menu. The vesuvio potatoes had a bit of a weird taste to them that I didn't really care for too much - I think I rather would've ordered the french fries. At this point as much as we would've loved to get dessert, we were just absolutely stuffed! Somehow our waiter, who was really great, managed to convince us to just get a half order of gelato. Not sure what the full order would've been but ours was just this tiny scoop of gelato in this huge fancy goblet. I think there are better gelatos in Chicago but if you need to finish off your meal on just that bit of sweetness, this would probably be perfect. Overall it was definitely a great experience. I think honestly the food was probably a little overpriced, but I think a lot of what you're paying for here is the excitement of being right in the middle of this gorgeous city, especially seated outdoors on a gorgeous day.
(4)
Lauren P.

This was just ok. I wanted to really love Rosebud, but it wasn't my favorite. The side of steamed veggies was VERY oily/buttery. Not as healthy as I'd hoped. Also the asparagus stalks were very thick, which means they're not as flavorful and more tough. We all shared calamari to start, which was pretty good. It was probably the best part of my meal, overall. Honestly, I'm really struggling to think of anything that stood out as REALLY good. It is decent, basic Italian. I think that there are other locations that may be better.
(2)
Hannah H.

Rosebud has several locations throughout the Chicagoland area and was once considered one of Oprah's favorite Italian restaurants in the city :P The menu offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and a dessert menu, as well as wine & drinks. My friend and I came here for dinner one evening, and we were seated at a downstairs table. The seating arrangement was a little off, as our view was of of pedestrian feet, walking on by on the sidewalk outside :P I had the Chicken Marsala, which was a 6oz boneless chicken breast, dusted in flour and sauteed, with mushrooms in a Marsala wine, butter and a demi glace reduction; this also came with a small side of pasta marinara. The Chicken Marsala was a bit too sweet, whereas the sauce was more of a syrupy consistency. The side of pasta was a little too overcooked, making it a little mushy, and the marinara sauce was a bit watered down. My friend had the Rigatoni alla Vodka, with a light marinara and mascarpone cheese sauce, which she also commented on how slightly watered down and overcooked it was. For dessert, we had the cheesecake and the Creme Brulee, that had a slight crispy top. Service was pretty okay, and this restaurant sits right off of Rush. +overcooked pasta +watered down marinara sauce
(3)
Kate K.

Excellent outdoor seating-check. Super friendly staff-check. Beautiful, well rounded menu-check. Delicious specials list-CHECK! Water filled constantly-check. Fast service but not rushed-check. Manager checks on you-check check!! Okay I only stopped here for lunch but this restaurant did EVERYTHING RIGHT!! The eggplant salad was a HOMERUN! It was layers of lightly fried eggplant accommodated by mozzarella, tomato, over a bed of arugula and drizzled with balsamic. It was delicious and perfect for lunch. You know when you go to a restaurant and everyone appreciates your business? That's how I felt. Oh rosebud, I love you and may have found my new favorite Chicago lunch spot! (Oh and the bathroom was lovely and the soaps were so yummy smelling...the details matter:))
(4)
Carol K.

Italian food. Is there any better comfort food on the planet? A big pile of pasta loaded with cheese and sauce? Ah, be still my stomach! But on the day I came here, I was looking for something lighter. A salad, perhaps? Did they even have one on their menu? I had "visions of pasta" dancing in my head but imagine my delight when I saw that not only did they have one entree salad, they had about 6 of them! And when my server told me I could have their chopped salad with my choice of shrimp or chicken (or both) I was sold! This was no ordinary salad. I am sure you are reading this going, "is she really going to write a review about a salad at a place that has 'to die for' Italian?" Well yes. She is. That is how good this salad was. No ordinary ice burg lettuce here. Nope. There were beets, hearts of palm, corn, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, cheese, celery and who knows what else. I may have just found my new favorite salad in the city! And by addicting chicken and shrimp the presentation was lovely as well. Oh sure. Rosebud is still always going to mean great tasting Italian to me. But on those days when I am looking for something a little lighter, you can bet I"m thrilled to know that they can do salads just as well. And any place that can make me substitute a salad for pasta has to be doing something right!
(4)
Austin K.

Stopped in to Rosebuds after a long day at a conference. There was quite a wait for a table so we sat at the bar. Daniella helped us and was excellent. We started with some delicious apps( try the crispy potatoes, simple but tasty) then had our entrees at the bar. I ordered the rosebuds papperdelle and it was delicious. What appears to be a simple pasta with tomato sauce is so much more. The homemade square pasta is very delicate and is great for picking up sauce. The sauce is mild and compliments the pasta very well. Top it off with some flaky bread and you have carb heaven. The price is moderately high but the portions are huge! I normally order two entrees at restaurants, but was stuffed after the apps and the generous portion of pasta. It is a bit touristy, but I would come back again. Great service(especially Daniella), quality food and a cool location.
(5)
Veronica R.

This place is nice, loved the ambiance, old school Italian vibe, good service, food was not great. We had spicy calamari as an appetizer, I liked this the best, for dinner we has baked ziti and shrimp Frances and the coconut cake for dessert.
(3)
Norm J.

Rosebud on Rush is my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. Every time I come here I receive great service and thoroughly enjoy my meal. I recommend trying: Appetizers - Stuffed Mushrooms - Fried Calamari Entrees - Eggplant Parmesan (one of the best I've ever had) - Chicken Parmesan - Pork Chops Calabrese
(4)
Nancy K.

Decent but pricy and I'm not sure it was worth it at all. You're definitely paying downtown prices if you choose to eat here.
(3)
Susan C.

This is a great Italian restaurant to go to with great food. My husband had the veal saltimbooca and I had the chicken vesuvio which was tasty and delicious. The restaurant decor is nice and it has a great ambiance. There is always a lot of people when I come here and it ranges from small group of people to big. It's located in the heart of the Gold Coast area which is very easy to get to by public transportation. I always tried new Italian places to see if they are good but this is one of my favorites that I come back to and will recommended to others.
(5)
Kelly Y.

Stopped in for some drinks on the patio. Service is slow. Seemed like a tourist trap. We only ordered drinks and a shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were giant but didn't taste very tender or fresh. They were super dense a little tough to eat. Not great not terrible.
(3)
Michael W.

On my last Chicago trip my meal here was a highlight. I was looking forward to it in a big way. Sorry to say this will be my last visit. Our food order must have been lost as it took forever, and when it did come it was wrong. Chicken parm instead of veal parm. The waiter must have been rehearsing for his comedy show or something. We left at least half of the dessert as it was below average at best. Very disappointing and especially at the prices they charge.
(1)
Sara M.

Great Italian wine, appetizers, pasta and of corse dessert! Rushbud on Rush is a must if you live in the city or just spending the day on Michigan Ave enjoying the city. The menu has a great selection of fish and pasta dishes along with nightly specials. Celebrating with dear friends it was a night to remember. Started the evening with never ending bottles of Riesling and Chardonnay,sausage and peppers,and of corse fried calamari and shrimp. I ordered the Zuppa de Mare with linguine that was over flowing with clams,muscles,calamari, shrimp and salmon. Enough for two people to share. Topped everything off with a great cup of Lavazza coffee and Tiramisu. Service was excellent along with the legendary atmosphere of Rosebud!
(5)
Brian C.

Great atmosphere with an old Italian feel. Food is very good although I think a bit over priced. Appetizers start at around $15. Lasagna entree is lighter than expected & definitely fit for two. More meaty and ricotta cheesy, less "noodly". Overall it is nice visit.
(4)
Shawn M.

It seems as if we were forgotten. Ordered coffee from the guy who sat us and asked if we wanted any. Never came. Took about ten minutes for anyone to say hello to us after that, ordered coffee again, never came. Girlfriend's grapefruit mimosa came with orange juice. Waiter lost our order and had to ask for it again. Finally received food. Friends enjoyed the applewood omelets, girlfriend enjoyed the smoked salmon Benedict. But my crab cake Benedict...egg was raw. Manager asked if everything was good, I pointed it out to him. He asked me "what?" So, I said it again then he asked if I wanted a new one. At this point we had already been there for nearly an hour. Plus clear whites on eggs doesn't make me hungry. I told him no thank you. And then he leaves the plate in front of me. No apology. Sends the server to apologize. I've been a restaurant manager for ten years. I understand if we got lost upon seating and it took a bit longer. I understand the mistake on the drink, and the forgotten coffee--recovering when you're late to a greet is hard sometimes. But the manager doing nothing to make me feel better? No apology? No sincere attempt to try and explain that this was out of the ordinary? No attempt to make me believe that I want to come back? Sorry, that's unacceptable. The server shouldn't apologize for your kitchen's mistake, you should.
(1)
Kim B.

The food we had here was excellent! The eggplant salad was so different and delicious!! The vodka pasta was awesome. However, our service was not good. Our waiter started out friendly, but as the time progressed, he became short and unfriendly with us. So much so, it kind of became uncomfortable and we were eager to leave. He was very rude to the bus boys too. Because the food was so good, I would give it one more try and hope the service was better.
(3)
Cristian S.

Good bloody Mary. The egg plant salad is amazing! The chicken Masada is also very good.
(4)
Mihir P.

I'm surprised I didn't review RoR earlier. I had gone to Rosebud for their decent classic Italian dishes like veal and eggplant parm etc. A little pricey but hey it's in Gold Coast and supposedly they have a lot of celebrities eat there so that may create a higher price. A few years ago, RoR offered a $5 burger for lunch special which was a STEAL! You got a delicious thin but wide burger with the usual trimmings and thin crispy fries. Whether or not is was $5 is was quality and I'd expect to pay about $12 normally for it. If management is reading this, bring the promo back!
(4)
Brian R.

Okay Italian food, with so many offerings in Chicago would likely strike this from the recommendation list. Service was good and prices reasonable. Ordered a few appetizers including mussels, shrimp cocktail and our tables favorite the grilled calamari. Would recommend the calamari again. Portion sizes of entrees were huge which in my experience made up for some of the short comings in taste. Had the meat ravioli which again was ok. Filling to pasta ratio was lacking and sauce was fresh but on the bland side. Atmosphere was nice but super loud inside, felt as though we were in a bar. Three stars, you want be disappointed but you won't leave looking forward to the next visit. Not a bad place if your in a bind and want to find a place with a shorter wait.
(3)
Jyssica E.

The customer service was terrible . There was a very unwelcoming atmosphere. My server was very rude , he didn't give me a list of the specials or offer a wine list . He did the opposite for the people who sat next to me . When he brought the food out he just put it on the table and never came back to ask "how is everything ?" The manager was walking around asking the customers how everything was and I told explained the issue and then they gave me a menu of the specials . I had already eaten so It was irrelevant . The manager brought out a piece of free cake . I guess that was the way of making up for the terrible service . I'll never go to that specific location again
(1)
Jada G.

This place was phenomenal! I had the Italian omelet by myself and the cinnamon french toast shared with 3 people and it was more than enough! It's a little pricey but it's completely worth it.
(5)
Aman S.

MEATBALLS!!! probably some of the best I have ever had. Large in size, perfect texture, and amazing herbs, spice, and flavor. The marinara here is very good as well, with the fresh home made pastas. I will return here!
(5)
Orun B.

You know it's good Italian food when you're with a group of Italians who appreciate it--well at least most of it. The experience at the Rosebud was above-par, friendly and engaging service and really tasty and authentic food, except perhaps an item or two. The meatballs, stuffed mushrooms and chicken parmesan here were fantastic, but I noticed that their seafood didn't have the same appeal. I had mussels and pasta in a white wine sauce as my main and, while there was nothing wrong with the mussels my pasta seemed unbalanced and off in flavor. It was great that there were many circular tables that were able to seat large parties though. This allowed us to be seated within 20 minutes when the wait next door was an hour-and-a-half.
(3)
Phyllis y.

I had a very pleasant meal on their outdoor patio. After some very boring bread, the meal was very good. The caprese salad was good and the chicken Milanese was excellent. Fresh and very tasty. The waiter gave me good advice and recommended it. Servings are enormous, as other reviewers have noted. Service was attentive but not hovering. I recommend sitting outside and relying on your waiter and you'll have a tasty and enjoyable experience.
(4)
Brittany G.

Always great service and a great meal at Rosebud. The pasta is homemade and the dishes are always delicious.
(4)
Emily J.

I love Rosebud on Rush! It's my favorite Rosebud restaurant, mostly due to the location and friendly atmosphere. My family loves Italian food so we go here every time they come into town. I love the eggplant caprese salad and the minestrone, as well as the pasta arrabiata. You can't beat their classic spaghetti and meatballs though! The service here is always stellar and I love getting a patio seat for a late dinner-so me it's the absolute perfect setting to enjoy a delectable meal. I would highly recommend reservations here no matter what night of the week you go. It's not an overly large restaurant and the patio gets especially crowded. Make sure to check the wine list out as well-they serve mostly Italian wines and have a great variety of Chiantis and Super Tuscans to choose from. Overall, Rosebud on Rush is up there in my favorite Chicago Italian restaurants and I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Patricia T.

This is a place that does well, was very full on a Thursday night, is in a prime location, but clearly values food quantity over food quality. I went there for dinner with a colleague--both of us well-travelled, him having lived in Italy for a number of years. The good: our server was good, although a little salesman-like. The pomegranate martini I had to start was perfect. The calamari/shrimp appetizer was flavorful, generously portioned, and nicely presented. The servings are ginormous (this is not something I particularly like, but I can't criticize them for large portions). Every serving is literally two or three times a normal portion size. The bad: I ordered lobster risotto. I LOVE RISOTTO. This was not risotto. This was rice (not arborio) prepared with butter and cheese and with some frozen peas and carrots thrown in. I was so disappointed. There was a nicely presented lobster tail on the side, but as a result, it was a lobster tail with a side of rice, not lobster risotto. My dining partner ordered an unadulterated pasta in Alfredo sauce. He ate four bites. The sauce was chalky and weirdly sweet. There is no freshly grated Parmesan. If you want cheese with your olive oil and bread, it tastes like the powdered kind that comes out of the green Kraft container in the back of your mom's fridge. We asked what Malbecs they had, and he brought the single Malbec, so depth of wine list isn't a strength. In short, the food was mostly edible, but this is not anywhere I would return to again.
(2)
Andrea S.

Was in town for a work conference and happened to stumble upon this place and realized a friend had also recommended it. No wait, walked right in on a Wednesday evening and was promptly greeted. Server recommended the eggplant Caprese salad, and I'm so glad I took him up on the advice, because it was, hands down, absolutely delicious! A very generous portion as well. I also ordered a side of pasta (rigatoni in a cream sauce). Excellent food and extremely well priced. Will return & recommend!
(4)
K P.

First time at Rosebuds and probably my last. Nothing too special. The bread was good. The wait staff was great and very attentive. My chicken marsala was kinda bland. The 45 minute rotis chicken only took 22 minutes! Red flag! It was unevenly cooked...and somewhat flavorless. (The manager did comp it.) Certainly not worth waiting 45 minutes for...if I'd had to. A Chicago tradition so I'd say give it a try, but don't say i didn't warn you. PS...apparently the men's restrooms are not kid friendly because the urinals are too tall.
(3)
Catherine A.

Excellent food and service; highly recommended. They know how to take care of their customers, from delicious meals to top of the line service! 5 stars! See Iris for the best experience
(5)
Alicia Q.

Oh my goodness Ashley the bartender is wonderful. She's super knowledgeable and her cocktails were really well done, well balanced, creations. I can't say much about the food (we didnt eat) but if you're looking for a low key bar, this is the place.
(5)
Charlie P.

Excellent! Food was fantastic! We had the caprese salad, cheese ravioli, pasta with bolognese sauce, and a side of meatballs and sausage. Everything was fantastic and cooked to perfection. Great outdoor seating and our server was awesome!
(5)
Daniel G.

Great food. I had the Veal Saltimbocca and Pasta E Fagioli Soup and both were delicious. Come with a hearty appetite. You will not leave her hungry. Waiter and the entire staff were great!! Interesting though, the menu is pretty much identical to their sister restaurant Carmine's.
(5)
Allison J.

Great italian food and great service. Portions seem to be huge so unless you think you can eat chicken parmesan with not 1, not 2, but 3 chicken breasts you can probably split your meal with someone you like.
(4)
M B.

I was here for business and a colleague recommended it. I wasn't disappointed. The staff was friendly and well attentive but not over bearing. Our waitress, Chelsea, recommended the Veal and it was tender, flavorful and plenty of it. I washed it down nicely with their [red] house made sangria.
(4)
Alex J.

Party of 3.. Walked in JUST before closing... We were treated very well. Svetlana was an excellent server. The seafood was satisfying!!
(5)
Shari B.

After church, my family and i stumbled upon this Rosebud for brunch which opens at 9am on the weekends. Service was friendly and prompt. I got the salmon eggs benedict which was delicious while the hubby got the Italian omelette. The waiter suggested getting a plate of bacon which was delicious! Thick and crispy- it was so good! But when is bacon bad?
(4)
Chanel S.

I liked the atmosphere of this place. The food was pretty good. Very expensive, but good. The bread was horrible for a truly authentic Italian place. I ordered the tomato & mozzarella salad with basalmic reduction sprinkled with basil. Great minestrone too.
(4)
Jennifer K.

We were very disappointed with Rosebud. The waitstaff was very nice and attentive; they deserve props. We did not have the heart to call the food out for what it seemed- pre-fabricated. My husband ordered the Chicken Marsala; the mushrooms were canned and the chicken was not grilled which led us to believe it was microwaved. I ordered the pasta Pappardelle; it was ok. I believe the noodles were handmade but the sauce was average. I saw little evidence of basil and it was far from rich, as it was advertised. Did we walk away full? Yes. Did we feel like we enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine? No.
(2)
Sian D.

Could not fault this restaurant. My partner and I went there for dinner last week and were thrilled. The food was stunning, I had the Vodka sauce pasta and my partner had a massive steak. The service was also incredible and our waitress was beyond helpful. If you are in the area definitely go.
(5)
Zhe M.

Probably the best linguine I've ever had in the city. Clams with some chopped meat(chicken?) in delicious white wine sauce, but not really much vegetables there. Service was good as well.
(4)
Kristine M.

Tony the bartender , yes he's from Ireland . Ate at the bar. Ordered caprese salad, eggplant Parm. Friend had chicken Parm. Big orders and delicious !!!!
(5)
S K.

The gravy (red sauce) and meatballs taste exactly like my grandmother used to make, and she was born in Italy! Someone posted a poor review complaining about the red sauce being basic, well this is how it is supposed to be, at least if you want authentic Italian. The servings are huge and you have the option to order half. Staff was attentive and we didn't wait long. The only thing that could have been better were the bread rolls, they were not great.
(5)
Trent B.

My Wife and I ate here one evening for dinner while on vacation. The good was delicious... My wife had the tortellini carbonara....amazing and I had the lasagna which was excellent!!! They have one of the best ceaser salads I have ever had....super cheesy and garlicky!!! FYI if you drink soft drinks they charge per bottle...they give you little glass bottles no drink fountain which I thought was a little strange but whatever.... Over all nice place for Italian food and atmosphere was pleasant.
(4)
Andrea S.

Went in on a Friday night - definitely a hopping place! 8:30PM reservation, but still had to wait 10-15 minutes for our table...no big deal though, the bar area was entertaining enough. This is a loud and crowded place - perfect for hanging out with some friends and enjoying some good food/drinks. The calamari was amazing, the lobster linguine dish hit the spot (with plenty to spare for leftovers), & desserts were satisfying. However, I was rather disappointed that the coconut cake was no where near as delicious as S&W's, but then again, S&W's coconut cake is in a league of its own to begin with.
(4)
Nataliya A.

I really wanted to like this place...but it didn't happen. The services was okay The seating was okay The food was just okay The menu was okay For the quality of food it was very over priced.. I am okay with spending money on very good food, not on food that's just okay. I got the minestrone soup which was actually very good, everything else was meh.. Got the seafood salad.. Okay it was just a big plate of seafood, there were no greens! Wtf.. I cant consume just a bowl of squid, shrimp, and snail by itself...there needs to be some other substance... plus the seafood wasnt amazing. The bf got chicken marcela, he was not impressed at all...boring chicken dish, nothing spectacular. Other friends got some pasta dishes and chicken salad... No one was grossed out, everyone enjoyed... But I think the plates all just kinda looked sad... Something was missing... They did bring out two complimentary chocolate mouse desserts for the birthday girls and they were good - Godiva chocolate mous...ey you can't go wrong with Godiva chocolate.. Overall I left wanting something better for my money... I was not impressed. Oooh and if you are upstairs you do have to walk 3 flights of stairs to go to the bathroom... umm... okay? Will I be coming back? I don't think so.
(3)
Jacqueline N.

Man oh MAN! Helllloo Italy! Whenever I go to an Italian restaurant, I try to choose dishes that I just can't replicate at home. and WOW!! I can't believe how amazing the food was! Fresh bread was delivered for us to eat with olive oil until the entrees came... Food we ordered: 1. Cavatelli Al forno (MUST TRY!): which consists of ricotta dumplings simmered in a marinara sauce with cheeses, topped with mozzarella and baked to perfection in the oven! I wanted to try this per recommendation of our wonderful waiter. I don't know how else to describe this besides deliciousness in a bowl. Cheese, warm pasta with a tangy marinara sauce just played seamlessly together. Some chicken pieces in there would have been great but it was so good it was unnecessary. Love love this dish! 2. Lasagna: Every place makes their lasagna different so it's always fun to try different takes on lasagna. There was quite a bit of meat and cheese in this lasagna but lasagna is just delicious in itself. (I just personally prefer the Cavatelli) :] Overall, my experience at Rosebuds was wonderful. Portions were quite large and leftovers were phenomenal. Parking was difficult... as usual. So Valet was $12 I believe. It was hefty but it's pretty much impossible to find parking and it's cheaper to valet than to self-park. Service here was great and the atmosphere was very romantic (candle-lit and dark; aka not suitable for yelp food pictures!) Nonetheless, service was fast and had delicious leftovers for another meal! I highly recommend Rosebuds and I can't wait to come back and get my Cavatelli Al Forno again :D :D
(5)
Rugsly E.

Dino Mazzei is a crazy asshole. He just scream at everyone. The way he treats his employees made me physically sick. I had to walked out. Never coming back here.
(1)
Brandon J.

Food is decent, service is meh. In their defense, it was fairly busy. However, our drinks sat empty, we waited for the check and it took a long time to get our order taken.
(3)
Norm C.

Positive: Mussels in spicy red sauce (not quite a fra diavlo) was great. Generous portion served with tosted garlic bread. Good house pinot grigio by the glass. Not so great: This place is noisy as hell! Not a great place for an intimate meal or date night. My wife had a seafood special that was good. I opted for a plate of eggplant parm. After our appetizer, a busboy cleared our dishes, silverware and glasses. My waiter re appeared and asked if I'd like coffee or desert. I mentioned that we'd like to eat our main course first. He apologized and scurried off. Came back 5 minutes later and said "just a few more minutes". I think he forgot to put our order in originally. No biggie, we weren't in a hurry. Dinner finally came. My eggplant dish was warm, not hot. Side of pasta was cold. No big deal still...I don't eat pasta. The reason it came at all is because they would not substitute a veggie for pasta. Only add vegetables as "an upcharge" according to our waiter. I ate the eggplant parm. It was decent, but completely cold by the time I was halfway through it. To be fair, it was a BIG portion. Pretty tasty. Overall, for the prices they charged, I was more disappointed than satisfied. With so many good italian places in Chicago, I was expecting more from this local chain.
(3)
Bryan M.

Caprese and chicken parm.. pretty dam good, good service, nice atmosphere. .. However, a dam gnat bothered me the entire time
(4)
Evelina A.

I just made a to-go order of their salmon salad only to discover that I paid $18 for lettuce! Not only was the entire container filled with lettuce, they also forgot to include the hard boiled sliced eggs in my salad as indicated on the menu. The 5 oz salmon is definitely not worth paying $18 for. Completely disappointing experience. I've had a $19 salmon salad from a similar restaurant in Los Angeles that looked like it was worth $19! This was just a ripoff.
(1)
Jerry S.

We were on a family vacation and we stumbled upon Rosebuds on Rush Street. They have a nice patio that we chose to sit at. This was Friday evening August 15th at 7pm We were told it would be a 25 minute wait for a family of four. I went downstairs and ordered two drinks a margarita on the rocks and a Grey Goose and tonic. You always know your in Chicago when you pay for your drinks. Yes they were about $22 for the pair but they were not light on the booze!! Very good drinks. We each loved the bread before the meal and the Cesar salads. 8 year old daughter loved the spaghetti and meatballs. 10 Year old son had the ravioli and said it was the best he ever had. My wife had the Rigatoni Alla Vodka and she liked it very much. I had the baked Ziti Genovese and it was awesome. Only problem is they give you so much food that you cant eat it all. Service was prompt and we would have no problem eating there again
(5)
Alan S.

Fantastic authentic italian food. Great atmosphere for a date. We had Fetucinni Alfredo, Chicken Parm topped off with Tiramisu and Cappuccino. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. They even have gluten-free pasta!
(5)
Money G.

Location is awesome and the ambiance is great. Food was pretty good and the portions were good, but the major knock on this place is the cleanliness. It seems somewhat clean when you walk in but their dishes had crusted food on them! Not just one - we got coffee and all 11 coffee cups at our table were dirty. Not just kinda dusty or something like that. I mean food crusted, coffee stained cups and when we politely approached the waitress she brought us another dirty cup then to replace it a cup with coffee in it so we couldn't check - ha. Oh well - not a huge deal but kinda messed up. Hallways smell like dirty wet rag. Place is good food but really sub par experience. So many restaurants around here your money is spent better elsewhere
(2)
Deb L.

Sat outside...nice atmosphere. My son had a steak and could hardly eat it...ordered it medium rare and it was over cooked. My chicken Parmesan was average at best. My other son had a chicken special and said it was too dry. My husband had fish and said it was good. Wouldn't go back. I can better food back home (Indiana)....
(3)
Daniel G.

I'm back again for the irresistible wheat pasta (whichever they have for the day) with an awesome marinara sauce. So far it's the best pasta dish in all of Chicago's many Italian eateries! I've been here many times and can't wait to get back! The house threw in a glass of wine and a up of decaf. The bartender, Kevin, was very hospitable.
(5)
Joe F.

Rosebud on Rush was as good as the others in the franchise. The food was very good and enormous. If you're vacationing in Chicago, be prepared to leave a large portion behind. We started with the antipasto app, and had an assortment of veal, chicken and pasta dishes. All were very well prepared. Our only complaint was, we requested outdoor seating, and were walked around the back side of the building, which was not so nice. After we complained, they graciously moved us to a much nicer table upstairs.
(4)
Melissa W.

This was the best pasta I've ever had. Had a wonderful meal here. Price is affordable for quality. Sat at the bar with Kevin as our bartender. Ask for him next time. Can't say enough of how amazing the food is here.
(5)
David V.

The food was amazing. For desert I had the "Nonnas ....." Aka chocolate cake and it was really, really, really good. Overall it's a great place to eat and atmosphere is col too. Only downfall is that you feel like there's isn't enough space and if you look to your right or left, you might as well ask the person at the next table to pass the oil or for a bite off their plate
(4)
Natalie L.

Rosebud was selected for me for a large client dinner. I'm somewhat conflicted because the the out-of-town clients were happy (they were also pretty hammered). But I think that in the grand scheme of Chicago Italian dining, this was mediocre. I had the chicken parm and it was fine but nothing special. The sauce was a bit bland and the I like my chicken to come with a little more crispness. Don't get me wrong, this isn't an Olive Garden and the service was on point. Really my biggest issue with this place was the portion size. The amount of food you get is unholy and unnecessary, especially when you're from out of town. So much of what we ordered just went to waste (I had enough left overs from my own plate!). So my dinner here didn't do my conscience any favors.
(2)
Moe A.

From the service to the food, I was very disappointed. The waiter wasn't the nicest and made smart remarks to any questions we had. I ordered the chicken parm which was just OK. My husband ordered the chicken Marsala and it was a 2x4 piece of chicken that tasted like it was just taken out of the freezer. Served with lunch portions priced. And when adjusted.. Not even a sorry. Definitely no recommendation here
(1)
Bill G.

Had brunch here on a Sunday late morning Service was about as bad as I have ever had Ever. To make it worse, the food was terrible Unlike the dinners I have had at their Taylor street Location, this place is bad
(1)
Sandra P.

Horrible service and food. Admittedly the restaurant I wanted was closed on Sunday so found this open and thought its Rosebud so it has to be decent. Was seated promptly- only 8 tables filled in patio. Was served water/bread by water boy and then waited and waited and waited. Bread was stone cold and hard, even with the poor quality evoo served with it. Finally another waiter assistant came by after 20 minutes and asked if I would like to order a drink- ordered wine and waited and waited. After 30 minutes after seating I had yet to see official waiter. The waiter assistant ended up taking my order - chicken vesuvuius- touted as rosemary encrusted chicken breast in white wine garlic sauce and crispy roasted potatoes. After another 20 minutes received this plate with chicken breast swimming in a soupy wine sauce, several whole roast garlic cloves, limp potato wedges and frozen peas covering the entire dish. For $22 expected a little more care. Oh, finally after over 40 minutes I finally met my "waiter" who apologized and blamed a malfunctioning computer system for his disinterest. The worst part was once he decided to actually service me he would not leave me alone, trying to make inane conversation every 5 mins or so. By this time, I was over Rosebud, their terrible service and Olive Garden food @ ridiculous prices. Its safe to say I won't be back to any of the chains restaurants.
(2)
RJ C.

Zuppe di Pesce is my favorite. But the NY Strip was one of the best I've had as well.
(5)
Don K.

Every big city should have a Rosebud On Rush - a solid, reliable Italian restaurant where the kitchen never fails to turn out consistently great, classic Italian meals. I'm not sure why Rosebud On Rush's average stars on Yelp are only 3 1/2. Urban Spoon goes 4 1/2 and an 89% recommendation rate on a higher number of reviews. Zagat shows 85% approval from diners. My own enjoyment of this classic Italian red sauce restaurant easily earns the full five stars. I would be so bummed if this longtime Chicago favorite ever disappeared. I've been a huge Rosebud fan - all of them - since Alex Dana opened the first of his many successful restaurants, the original Rosebud on Taylor, back in the early 70's. I was in my 20's then. My memory is that Rosebud On Rush was his second. No Italian restaurant in this city serves better sausage and peppers, better pasta, better mussels, nor better fish and meats. None. This restaurant was the first I ever knew of to serve pappardelle noodles, the large squares of pasta perfection smothered in either Rosebud's best in class red sauce, or meaty Bolognese. Last night, sitting outside on a spectacularly beautiful Chicago night, I felt like having a great steak. I know Rosebud restaurants get their beef from Linz, and they are among the finest steaks anywhere. I had a New York strip last night that was absolutely as tender and flavorful as anything I've ever had in any of Chicago's best steak houses. Together with the unique and outstanding egg plant salad and a bottle of reasonably priced and delicious Primitivo wine, it was pure al fresco Italian dining heaven. I have always found the service to be 5 star. Dino Mazzei, the young general manager, has been in charge for years, and he's like a perpetual motion machine, running from kitchen to dining room, inside to outside, always making sure customers are happy. Johnny Mulligan, a long time server turned assistant general manager, is also always completely tuned in to diners and their dining experience. So many of Rosebud's servers have been with the company for years, and that kind of experience shows in both their knowledge of the dishes, and their ability to accurately recommend food and wine. I don't know why it took me so many years to finally get around to writing this review. I should have done it years ago. I think it might be because Rosebud On Rush has always been here, always great, and so I've taken it for granted. Classic gems like Rosebud on Rush should never be taken for granted.
(5)
michael w.

so i'm driving by on a Monday afternoon pointing out the Rosebud to the wife telling her that a co-worker said it was good, and there dead center sitting at a table outside is Vince Neil. I go around the block, find a parking spot, do a walk by, yep, def Vince Neil. Get seated two tables away. No one is going there but very hard not to yell "Duuuuuddddeeeee!!!!" Anyway, great atmosphere, great service, good food. I did not eat but the wife had vodka riggatoni, I took a bite and it was tasty. Sorry there is not much more to the review then that, but it was very cool celeb sighting. Vince was sitting with two babes of course, one blonde, one brunette, sharing a bottle of wine. Pulled out a knot to pay for lunch and then cruised down the sidewalk with them to go shopping.
(4)
Nellie G.

This location wasn't as nice as the location on Taylor. I felt like it was a little too crowded, and narrow. Also, parking in this area can be a hit or miss. Lastly, the food wasn't as good as I remembered. I ordered the chicken piccata, and it was way too salty. I'd still go back, however, not at this location and definitely order something else.
(2)
Celia C.

Rosebud lunch specials. This is the time that you can get the best deal of the day. On top of that buy the costco gift cards and that will give you additional saving on your meal I was visiting Chicago and I walk the entire street looking at various menu in little Italy. This is a must for the street I had a great tiramisu dessert see my photos. The vodka penne was rich and creamy and my salad was light and fresh. No dead lettuce here The next time I tried the chicken Cesar salad and canolill for dessert. It did not disappoint
(5)
Walt K.

We enjoyed our anniversary dinner here May 14. Rosebud on Rush is one of our favorite spots when we visit Chicago! Our waiters were wonderful and the food, as always, was marvelous.
(4)
Monica E.

Spent the day shopping with my sister and friend and decided to have lunch here. We were greeted and seated immediately. Our waiter was a gem. Service was great! I ordered the Fiscilli Carbonara. Pretty salty to my liking. Overall, it wasn't a restaurant I'd go out of my way for but definitely giving it 5 stars for the service.
(5)
John M.

I went on a Sunday night with my 16 year old daughter on a quick trip to Chicago. I was hoping to make it a fun night out with good food. It was a terrible disappointment. Though the food was decent it certainly did not make up for the poor attitude of the entire staff. The head waiter acted like he could care less. The table was dirty when we set down. My bread plate had crumbs on it. The simple things like ground pepper, cheese with oil, and dessert were never offered. Lots of better options for sure.
(1)
Wendy P.

My new favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago! People say the best thing on the menu here is the chicken parm. It is truly delicious - thick pieces of chicken and the perfect blend of sauce and cheese. Super yummy. We also feasted on caprese salad, calamari and the ricotta dumpling dish. Honestly, too much food. The serving sizes are HUGE! One entree is enough for two people. We definitely ordered too much food. But who can blame us. It is all delicious. Service was good. They didn't rush us through the meal. Always kept water and drinks flowing on the table. Couldn't ask for much more than that. The only thing I would do differently? Skip the break basket. It fills you up way too fast. But it is too good to pass up too! What am I supposed to do?! Come hungry and Enjoy!
(5)
Bri N.

We stumbled in here for brunch today and had the best time! The food was amazing and the bartender Patrick was a hoot! We were a little confused about our bill (which was our fault because we ordered almost everything on the menu) and when we called, the manager John was so kind about looking up our bill for us (even though we were the ones who we're mistaken about something we had ordered.) Although it was not his fault at all, he apologized and fixed "the mistake." That is real customer service people; like old school style. As soon as I realized that the mistake was on my part, I called John back to apologize. He was so kind that it makes me look back on our experience there with wonderful nostalgia....even though it happened today...lol Patrick, John, and the rest of your team: you are doing a great job at Rosebud and we can't wait to come see you again! Thank you so much for a wonderful morning
(5)
Nicole P.

We had brunch outside on Sunday. It was beautiful out, the waiter was attentive, and the coffee kept flowing. Our table was very wobbly, so I just kept a foot on one leg (my kingdom for a cardboard drink coaster). I had eggs benedict with salmon. It was divine, I'd happily eat it for breakfast every morning. A friend had an omelet and loved it. The other friend got the berry white chocolate french toast (not a lover of eggs). It was on challah and absurdly big. I mean, it took up the entire platter and had a LOT of whipped cream. She ate her fill and we both helped, but not even half was gone at the end. This is a colossal waste of (delicious) food. The brunch menu is very small, but everything sounded terrific. It was an enjoyable meal, but the wobbly table plus giant french toast helping/waste knocked off a star.
(4)
Elaine O.

Came here for x-mas day lunch with friends - we all ended up sick. Hate that we paid so much for what was apparently bad food. We suspect it was either (or both) the calamari or the cream sauce on the stuffed mushrooms.
(2)
John M.

We had a dinner party there on July 27. The food was great and the service fabulous! Our waitress gave fantastic service and was very attentive. We were a party of 15 and she handled the group superbly. We ordered some drinks that weren't on the menu and they were happy to create them. The food was delivered to everyone quickly and was excellent. These five stars are richly earned!
(5)
Dan S.

I've eaten at the other nearby Rosebud on a visit before so we popped in here, thinking we'd be impressed. I left with an underwhelming feeling. The food wasn't bad by any means. (The bread with oil & cheese to start is always good, though). The Italian Wedding soup? A-Ok. The risotto special of the day? Tasty yet a little salty and again, kind of forgettable. Have a tough time picturing it just a few days later. Water glasses took a little while to get filled and we were kind of smushed in to our table. There were lots of families eating here which is good if you're traveling with kids; not so good if you want a more adult setting. Prices were average and for the portion, it was a decent value. Overall, if you're in the area, there are better places. You won't necessarily go wrong here; you just may not remember much of it a few days later.
(3)
Grace K.

I came back here on a Friday afternoon because the tortellini carbonara is SO. GOOD. We were able to get seated right away but we were crammed in a corner of the patio right next to a station were the servers were putting dirty dishes- we didn't have a reservation, so, fine, whatever. However, shortly after sitting down, the tube covering one of the rope lights hanging over us fell down on my head. No one approached us or said anything so I just sat there holding the light fixture until we could grab a bus boy and explained what happened. He said "oh." and walked away. We saw our server once the entire time and I noticed the station behind me (on which the servers were packaging up food to go) was covered with dead bugs and flies-gross. Too much seating packed into a small area and inattentive staff. Too bad since the food is great.
(2)
Arnaud W.

Had to ask for the menu to know the prices (NOT displayed outside). Had a sit, fast ordered and served. Bread and olive oil to wait your order. Big salads, quite good as well, not too expensive.
(5)
Nelson M.

Update to previous review: Unfortunately the 5 dollar promotion has come to an end. Hopefully they will start it up again when the weather gets colder. For now, I have shifted my business to Rosebud Trattoria on 445 N Dearborn Chicago, IL 60654 which has a similar 5 dollar burger, but different. Are you wondering how.... click and check out my other review!
(3)
Tim R.

Classic Italian, basement seating or outside. We had been walking all over Chicago, and just stopped in - no reservation was no problem. If you're hungry when you walk in, you will walk out stuffed. We split the eggplant parmesan, with a 2 meatball and sausage side, and that one meal had us both filled to the brim. We were laughing with the family at a nearby table, as they ordered a meal for each family member and had to take home a few pounds of leftovers. Loved it. Well dressed staff, very friendly, attentive service. Water gets filled promptly, food arrives quickly, dessert is offered with a wink because they know you're too full to eat it. If I were local, I would come back often.
(4)
Carri C.

Kind of disappointing. Really felt rushed by the staff. It was very noisy and too warm. The food was ok, but was uninspired. I live 2 blocks away and I felt this was really a tourist trap and is overrated. They do a very good business as the location is prime for tourists.
(3)
Jordan H.

Great place for brunch. Big portions at a reasonable price. The staff goes above and beyond. Greek omelet was good, not great but good. But caprice salad was fantastic. Highest recommendation
(5)
Shaun S.

Nice staff, clean, a little tight on space on Christmas Eve, but it worked. Food was good, but really my knock comes from the portion sizes. My wife ordered the brick chicken, and while warned it takes 30 minutes, nothing was said that it was a WHOLE chicken... seriously, who needs a whole chicken, four potatoes and a bushel of broccoli. With a side order of pasta it would have been enough for the four of us. I suppose we'd go back, but I'd try and order off of a kids menu!
(3)
Annie N.

IMO, Italian is hard to mess up but even harder to make exceptional. I hardly ever find an Italian place I'm fully satisfied with. That being said, Rosebud was below average. We often walk pass here and the outdoor patio is absolutely adorable, so one night after a movie we stopped by late for a quick bite. Sitting outside and enjoying the weather was perhaps the best part of this place. For a Sunday this place was busy, and the street was happening, Yet the food and the service was mediocre. Our server was fine, but nothing personable or engaging. We didn't get silverware and had to steal it from an empty table near us. The food was alright, we order the seafood sample to start, I had the Rigatoni alla Vodka for my main and he had the eggplant parmesan. I thought the seafood wasn't fresh enough for my taste - I mean it didn't give me a stomachache or anything, but it could have been a little more appealing to the eyes (the oysters especially). The sauce that came with it was delicious though. The main course was again, just ok. Pasta was rather overcooked and too soft, sauce was decent. He seemed to like his more than I did mine! Portion was very generous but I'm not sure I'm feeling left over soggy pasta! Maybe it's just me and italian food, but it's so hard to find a good italian spot here. If you're looking for a quick option, sure, but otherwise skip it. Well, perhaps the patio might be a good reason too!
(2)
Bex A.

Perfect dinner date place, their calamari are just so damn good! It melts in your mouth. It is heaven. Their food can be a bit better, my food could've been better. My boyfriend ordered a cheese ravioli entree and he loved it. I had one of their drink specials, it was amazing. The service was superb. I can't wait to be back.
(4)
Jonathan W.

Traditional italian food done well. This place has all the classic Italian fare with great execution. I loved the veal parm. You worry a place like this may be a Olive Garden nightmare but this place seems to still put the love into the food. Some interesting celeb pics in the front entryway
(4)
Mindy S.

The restaurant is so cute, outside seating in a really cool part of town. Mom had the Capresse salad and I had the Spicy Marina Pasta. Good food with a ton of cheese! I love cheese, and I never thought I would say hold back on the cheese, but I have to at this restaurant. I would go back again in a heartbeat.
(4)
Nathan S.

Crowded. Packed. The food is so good everyone is here. The food is worth being a little crammed in. Chilean sea bass is what I had the pleasure of eating. It was so freaking good. The stuffed mushrooms appetizer is the best I have ever had. Squeeze in here and give it a shot, it's worth it.
(4)
Greg R.

It was just excellent. I had the chicken piccata. The sauce was a little thicker than usual with excellent flavor. The side pasta dish had a great sauce on it. My friend had their lasagna. He thought the portion was good for two, but he said it was lighter than he expected, and ate the whole thing. If I lived here, I'd be back.
(5)
Jim K.

In short, I walked in for a brunch. I ordered an omelet. Not so good. Seriously, cooking 101. The service was not very attentive (had to ask a bus to find my waiter so I could get my check). I'll skip this place in the future, and continue to go to the Rosebud on Oak.
(2)
Katie R.

This is a great, old-fashioned Italian restaurant. A friend and her mom were in town, so I was looking for a fun place to take them. I'm so glad that we found Rosebud. We were able to walk in and be seated on a Friday night with no problem despite the fact that it was pretty full. It has a cool atmosphere and we had fantastic service. And the best part was definitely the food. We all ordered pasta dishes, and they were all completely delicious. I ordered the Baked Ziti Genovese - the sauce had the perfect amount of spice. The servings were huge, so we all ended up bringing home leftovers. I can't wait to eat mine tomorrow!
(4)
Emily C.

This place is "a-ok." There are definitely better Italian restaurants in the city. I always get the seafood salad (ask for the olive oil / dressing on the side - it's usually too much) and it's great...a huge portion. I veered off the other night and got the special - a filet with shrimp. The shrimp were really good, but the filet was fatty. I also ordered a side of steamed spinach, but it came out drenched in oil. I must say the service was excellent. We seem to come a lot for work so I'm sure I'll be back, but I wouldn't choose it over any other restaurant in the city. 47/365
(3)
Nina I.

My first experience here was takeout and it wasn't what I expected. I had the house pasta. It was cooked well and the sauce was tasty however I had payed for extra jumbo shrimp and all I got were poorly washed, barely flavored, pieces of meat with tails.. and they gave me 3... Whaat??? From that one time I'm dubious to give this place another chance...
(2)
M G.

Solid but unspectacular. Good if you don't have to wait in line but not worth a special trip. Food is good service is good. Noisy and crowded on the weekend.
(4)
Rebecca C.

The only reason we came here was because it was St. Patty's day and Chicago was crazy as you could imagine, and we were starved. This was the only place without an insane line to wait - although still about an hour - we figured it would be worth it. They had a bar inside to wait which was a nice option. They also have outdoor seating as well. When we were seated, we were brought upstairs to a more dark and private looking room than I had imagined from outside. And I remember it being packed with people (that's a good sign) and really, really loud. With waiters hustling and bustling by, and chairs packed so closely together - it was more of an adventure for eating. The prices were kind of expensive, one of our groups meal was $40 for food alone! (WTF I would've been saying!) But we picked our meals wisely and I got the penne vodka sauce (yummy) and hubby got the gnocchi (even better choice of course). The bread and crackers they give at the beginning are pretty tasty. I missed the Shrimp Arugula dish on the menu, which I tasted a frend's and was really a breaded shrimp salad thing (can't remember the exact name) but the shrimp were huge and it was so tasty. I totally wished I had gotten that. We really couldn't hear each other, which was a shame on our last night together in Chicago. But the food was good enoiugh it kept us occupied. And the servers didn't do anything noticeably wrong, since I can barely remember the guy. Overall, a positive experience, nothing so exceptional I'd go back, but nothing to really complain about either. If the food is good, that is all that matters.
(4)
Lauren S.

Went here while in town- good simple Italian food. Classy environment, enjoyed their caprese salad and gluten free pasta. Not sure or not if I'd go back but it was good.
(3)
Nicholas H.

We ended up here on a Sunday for brunch. The service was awful and food was the same. Listening to the waitstaff argue with each other throughout our entire meal was less than desirable.
(1)
Kelsey S.

Ate here with a group of 10 downstairs last weekend. The restaurant was very accommodating given that most of our party came from a football game and we were over an hour late for our reservation. The food was decent Italian food and the portions were HUGE. Bartender downstairs was very nice and was very generous with his wine pours. Good place to come with a big hungry group!
(4)
Jim L.

My wife has been here several times and has been hoping for the opportunity for the whole family to go for quite awhile. We had friends visiting us in CHI and it was my wife's 50th birthday. This was the place she wanted to go. So we did. It was on a Friday night. My first impression was that they accepted WAY too many reservations for the speed they can turn tables. We spent about 15 minutes elbow-to-elbow in the vestibule with others who had reservations. It was EXTREMELY crowded once we got our seats, as well. The tables are too close together for the amount of customer and server traffic trying to share an aisle to bring food, visit the restroom, etc. We sat downstairs and my first observation was that there was only one exit out of a very long, very crowded room, especially with how narrow any exit would be in an emergency due to how close together the tables are. I may be a little more picky about this than most people - I deal with fire egress codes as part of my job, and what to do in an emergency was at the back of my mind throughout the whole meal. My second observation was they they don't serve a carpaccio appetizer. In my opinion, any Italian restaurant that doesn't serve carpaccio should just throw in the towel and make room for the next Chinese place. Sorry, but that kinda ruined the meal for me a bit as well. There were five of us. Nobody had any complaints about the food. I had the Rosebud lasagna and it was good. The portion was more than I could eat, which is obviously better than the other way around. Service was good as well, but very rushed due to the massive amount of people they were pushing through. Neither of these make up for the crowd, noise and rushed dining in my opinion and it didn't make for a very good birthday celebration for my wife's 50th, which I am still a little miffed about. We probably won't be back unless it is at a time when it is obviously not very crowded. Even then, we'd probably just try another place we have never been. The options in the area are virtually endless.
(3)
Rebecca P.

While in town for a girls weekend Rosebud on Rush was suggested to us as an "Old Chicago" Italian joint. Well...they hit it on the head! The restaurant is cozy, quaint, lower ceilings, very old-school feeling. We were ushered downstairs and waited at the bar (which was again, cozy and cramped). Great drinks, fun staff, and elbow-rubbing atmosphere! Our small table seated 5 of us snugly. Again we had plenty of fun drinks, great service, and the food was fantastic. I split the alla vodka and it was delish. We didn't do dessert but they also looked inviting!
(4)
Sally R.

I love coming to their weekend brunches. Tip- get there when they open cause their brunches are popular! Avoid the crowds! Enjoy!
(3)
Sopla R.

This was the second in the Rosebud family I've frequented in the last six months. Our first was Carmines. Which I'll review on another day. It was Saturday night, used open table for reservation, arrived and were promptly seated upstairs in a duex that was sandwiched along a long line of 2 tops. Seriously, this chain of all of these restaurants really make sure they are getting top dollar for their real estate. We're not big people and could barely cut our food without someone brushing us or banging into us. Doesn't exactly make for a nice experience. To be noted, we were and never really are ever in a hurry when we are having a nice dinner out.. so even though our waiter literally did not get our drink order to us for 20 minutes after we sat down..with no appetizers ... it was a tad bit long to wait for just a beverage.. Oh well, onto to the food... We opted for no starters and just straight to dinner. I ordered the Pork Chop and he the Alfredo. We were in no hurry and just into relaxing and I'm sipping my wine. When along came our food (yes, 10 minutes after the wine) OK we'll go with that. Except, when I tried to cut into my chop it was clear this was going to be a feat. When I bit into it.. it confirmed my suspicions. it was super tough and chewy and lastly REALLY dry.. YUK. my so tried it he agreed. Our waiter was flagged down and I very politely said sorry but I can't eat this (and thinking to myself, it's $32 for this thing, it HAS to be better!) our server promptly took it away asking what my next preference was? I said, I really wanted another Chop same thing (because the accompanied sauce was excellent and was really looking forward to it this time I asked for a nice "medium" he agreed and came back about 7 min later and told me that the kitchen relayed to him that they prep these ahead of time and cook to a MW and that they were out of that chop but could sub another one (that was a different sized cut) I said fine to that as long as they gave me the same accompaniments. Meanwhile, I'm thinking to myself? Really? a. they cook them MW and then b. they admit to that? It all made sense as to why a thick cut pork chop came within 10 minutes of ordering it and WHY it was so tough and dry. So basically the chef told them the truth. I understood the "prep" part to a degree.. but you are selling a $32 dollar thick cut pork chop and cooking them off ahead of time to a MW??? I could almost see a MR THEN putting them back on the grill for a "medium" or even MW if that's how the guests really wanted it.. but I doubt that most "restaurants who charge $32 for a chop are pre cooking them to MW and thinking this is OK.. that just told me the chef didn't have a clue...As if this was not bad enough, while we were waiting for my do over" I sampled the Alfredo.. it was really bland..the sauce itself was creamy and the pasta was cooked correctly but it was bland. No nice garlicky or cheesy taste. Weird. I suggested some salt and pepper and obviously, at this point, we're not going to send this back too..so NOW, I'm thinking that the "do over" will not take so long because they will just pull off one that is cooking and give that to me (which is what most restaurants do if it's an item that you have a few on your grill of) so that you can not have one diner eating and the other waiting for your mistake...but it ended up that this time, it took another solid fifteen minutes to cook and so he just stopped eating until I got my food which meant his food would be cold in addition to bland now. When I got the 2nd do over back, it was now 2 pork chops (although not as thick because they had apparently ran out of that one by now) but hey, I didn't care because I was hungry.. well guess what? These 2 smaller chops were WELL DONE TOO!! Although, not as well done as the first one but well done still :( We mentioned this to our waiter just as feedback clearly not going to send it back a 3rd time.. our waiter comped a glass of wine and was gracious enough but he should have asked me how I wanted my Chop cooked in the first place this may have alerted the chef that MW or WD would be unacceptable to me thus avoiding the whole do over thing in the first place.. At this point, I'm not sure if I would frequent any of them again. And if I did, I'd probably just do a lunch or something not too pricey so I wouldn't be disappointed in spending $100+ on a meal for 2p.
(2)
Aleks S.

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(1)
Tina L.

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(3)
Kep P.

We were in Chicago for the week and made reservations to dine here. We requested outdoor seating so we could experience the outdoor ambiance of beautiful Chicago. We arrived and gave our name to be told to, "wait, while we check if there is a table". Wait... what? Isn't that why we made the reservation? Well..whatever there ended up being one anyhow. It took 5 minutes for a server to acknowledge us after we sat. Another 10 minutes for my wine to arrive and an additional 5 mins for our orders to be taken. Just very slow service... 1st disappointment of the evening meal. First, we ordered the calamari with marinara. It was cut way to thick and was difficult to chew. It had a very rubbery consistency to it. 2nd disappointment.... As our entrees, we ordered the fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and the house pasta with a side of meatballs. Well, the meatballs were never brought to the table and we decided against asking for them as long as they were not on the bill, which they weren't. The server obviously was not detail oriented when listening for our order. Unfortunately this was not shocking. The house pasta was okay... nothing grand about it. The fettuccine alfredo was horrible, though! Who ever made it did a very poor job. It was all cream! There was no balance of cheese and cream. It was extremely bland and watery. I've never been so disappointed with an Italian entree before in my existence! 3rd disappointment... To top it off the server took my boyfriend's meal away without asking if he was finished or even asking to box it up. Just quickly picked it up with nothing said and walked away! We were both shocked. I was optimistic that he'd bring it back boxed but it never happened! 4th disappointment... The setting was romantic but the diners on the sidewalk smoking next to the outdoor seating was disgusting. We were sitting out there to enjoy ourselves and instead we're being inundated with disgusting and unhealthy cigarette smoke while we're eating! 5th and final disappointment....! We were hugely misled by reviews and disappointed. We will not be returning when we revisit Chicago.
(2)
Tim S.

The first time we were ever in Chicago we just stumbled upon this place. We were just walking around we were really hungry and just walked into the closest place to eat - fortunately for us it was Rosebuds. However, there was a nearly 2 hour wait, which is understandable considering the day, time and the fact we obviously had no reservations. We waited no more than 45 minutes before we got a table. I decided to try a tuna special, and it was absolutely wonderful. Cooked perfectly and a great flavorful crust on the outside. The next time we went to rosebuds, I had another good meal, I went the pasta route this time. But the reason I bring this visit up is because it was exceptional service. We were seated, and before our meal came the manager came by and asked us to move to the next table over to accommodate another larger party. Not only was the table better (the view outside was nice), but they comp'ed us a dessert for moving as well! I certainly would not call this the best food in Chicago, but the ambiance is wonderful, the service is great, and the food is quite good. I will be back here no question to have a nice quiet meal out.
(4)
Kevin W.

This place is ok but the food is overpriced and if you want a side order of Karen Carpenter or Hall and Oates singing tired Christmas tunes with your breakfast this is your place.
(2)
Heather W.

Have always liked this place. Three of us were able to grab a table during a busy lunchtime rush-outside. Primo people watching. I had the Pollo Bracciola. This was cooked perfectly. The chicken could've used a little more oopmh, but it was overall very well done. The pasta was amazing. One of my cohorts had lasagna and the other the caprese salad with some meatballs (she raved about it). I did get a taste of the lasagna. You think you've tasted one, you've tasted them all, but nope. This was SOME GREAT lasagna! Another thumbs up for a great lunch place in Chicago.
(4)
Macy H.

I love this place, classic red sauce Italian food. Their portions are so big, which is nice because it is a bit pricey. Worth every penny though. Their food is delicious, I recommend the caprese salad and ANY entree.
(5)
Virginia B.

Food is amazing portions are huge!! Our meatballs were the size I softballs! Service was fabulous and friendly definite return when I'm back in Chi town
(4)
Suffrock M.

I get better italian at home, but what made our dinner here so poor was the awful service. Our waiter took our order, then didn't bother showing up again until he presented our bill. In the meantime, a busboy twice tried to remove my plate while I was still eating and no one came to refill our drinks. I really felt like they were annoyed that we were even there. The food is not good and the service is nonexistent. Go anywhere else. If I could give it zero stars I would.
(1)
Sofia L.

Less than mediocre. This is almost as calling .... Taco Bell a Mexican restaurant. Everything is drench in either cheese or garlic. Pasta is mostly overcooked, store bought, and bland. Nothing is fresh.
(1)
Jen W.

We came here on a recommendation from a friend. My friend told me that he came here to eat and was told that he would have the veal. We didn't get that recommendation or experience, but we did have great food. This isn't far from the shops on Michigan Avenue and has a very neighborhood feel. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. The night we went for dinner, it looked like the outdoor seating was pretty full. We opted for the air conditioned interior and had no wait. The interior is dark, packed with tables and a bit noisy from servers buzzing about tables and customers. It is perfect for small groups, but I saw a large group of 10 get seated right next to us. This place serves really large portions of very good Italian food. We started with the garden salad dressed with a vinaigrette (mine was just a little too heavily dressed). A perfect start to the meal. We continued on with the Chicken Milanese and Spaghetti with Meatballs. The chicken was lightly breaded and fried to perfection. It was topped with mild arugula, red onions and tomatoes. It was a perfect summer meal. (I should have not ordered the salad). The meatballs were large baseballs of tender, perfectly seasoned meat. It was a nice compliment to the spaghetti. After a couple of glasses of wine and a huge meal, we had to pass on dessert. I'd definitely come back and try other items on the menu. What a fun place to come to unwind and enjoy Italian comfort food.
(4)
A L.

I have been here quite a few times for both lunch and dinner. The food is so delicious ESP their skirt steak Gorgonzola salad. Their meatballs and stuffed mushrooms are so delicious. Their food is always perfectly cooked and good. However, their service is very slow and some waitors not so friendly. But the food makes up for it, I just tip less for ok service. The patio is always a nice atmosphere, the inside is very 70s 80s and needs updating. But like I said the food makes up for all the flaws.
(4)
Jen H.

Run of the mill, archetypical Chicago touristy you-know-what-to-expect restaurant. You know what's on the menu, you know it's going to be loud, you know the service will be pretty good and the portions pretty big. A safe choice. You won't miss, but you won't be blown away, either.
(3)
Elise G.

Absolutely delicious shrimp scampi! Huge, plump shrimp and some of the best I have ever had. Delightful atmosphere...we ate outside on the patio. The wait staff was very accommodating. Downstairs it looked like I would be seeing Tony Soprano sitting in a booth.
(4)
Peter H.

The service was great. I had a traditional eggs Benedict, which was very good. They didn't over sauce it with hollendaise like some places do. The complaints were that it didn't say it came with a side if potatoes, so I almost ordered.some. Also, the price of the French press is a bit much. Lastly, yelp should list this as being more expensive than they do. I wouldn't consider it three dollar signs.
(3)
Michael J.

I visited Rosebud On Rush while in Chicago for a conference. Our group had a reservation for 10, but ended up with one extra. Rosebud was very quick to grab an extra chair and accommodate, but it made the already-over-crowded dining room feel even smaller. The decor of the restaurant was very Chicago swank, but the volume and commotion of the dining room didn't have the same feeling. The assorted breads were good but not great, and the accompanying olive oil was less than stellar. I ordered one of their specials - the Seafood Linguine for $38. The pasta was absolutely average, the sauce was above average, and the seafood was lifeless, had no taste, and mostly overcooked. Our server was around often during the meal, but when it came time to get a check things went downhill fast. From the time we were all finished eating (plates cleared and off the table), it took 45 minutes to take care of our check. If I'm going to pay $38 for a Seafood Linguine special, the food should be good, the service attentive, the atmosphere comfortable, and the experience enjoyable. That definitely did NOT happen, and I won't be back.
(2)
Moira W.

We were a party of 13 and went for my aunt's 75th birthday. Lana, our server, was amazing. Very attentive and patient with all the orders and questions. The food was delicious - with 13 of us we had a varied sampling from pasta to fish. The chicken parmesan, my son told me was terrific, and the sea bass some of the older folks ordered was nicely done. Thank you Rosebud and Lana for a wonderful family dinner!
(4)
David N.

They were able to seat my party of 4 immediately. The waiter and manager were both pleasant and fun. The Fettuccine Alfredo was spectacular. I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Diana R.

Great Pasta plates and Salads. Their Salad dressings have plenty of oil; recommend ordering the dressing on the side. Homemade pasta is the best; recommend Pappardelle alla Rosebud or Cavatelli al Forno. Seating: Patio and Indoors, both are good. Over all good service, and delicious food. Highly Recommend.
(4)
Jack W.

This is a very formal "old-school" Italian restaurant with lots of tables, elegant waiters, and so on. I enjoyed the food and the service, but it's a bit to formal to pop in by yourself for a meal. Great for large parties.
(4)
Paul I.

Had the veal saltimboca and friend had the Linguini Alfredo. Mediocre. Not like I remember them. Had a pasta fruit Di mare here some time ago. Was excellent. Great service though. Could be better considering the price. Not sure I will return
(2)
Marsha S.

Party of 6 for dinner. Had reservations and were seated quickly with our requested round table. Our food was very well prepared and very tasty! Good service and atmosphere !!
(5)
Kori E.

We came here for Sunday Brunch after church with my parents and grand parents and the experience was drawn out and not that great. We started with the Sausage and Peppers and that was the best part of our meal. The sausage was very flavorful and was in a great garlicky sauce. I then had a cup of the minestrone soup (TINY) for $5! A little over priced in my opinion. My mom and I both got the Romano Crusted Chicken salad and it was gross. The chicken was great, but the salad itself was soggy, had zero taste and was unappealing. Two others got the mini steak sandwiches and I think they were OK, but not anything to write home about. I was pretty disappointed in our experience there. I would definitely check out some of the other Rosebud's before heading back to this one...if ever...
(2)
Neil D.

Sunny Sunday Afternoon on Memorial Day weekend and the sidewalks were on Overload .My wife and I decided to go for lunch at the the Hotel peninsula cafe but there was a Half hour wait,decided to cross the street and go to the Rosebud on Rush.Big Mistake.......this is my third visit and never had a decent meal.Took 50 minutes after ordering to get our meal which sucked.Mediocrity always prevails at this so called Italian Restuarant.
(2)
Leslie S.

Rosebud on Rush (or any of the Rosebud restaurants, for that matter) offers your average Chicago Italian dining experience. The restaurant is very dark - I've had to hold a votive candle up to my menu to read it! It can also get quite noisy with so many large groups dining there, so it's hardly an intimate dining experience. I never find the staff to be overly attentive or willing to accommodate guests. The food is what you would expect - ubiquitous red sauce on nearly every pasta dish (or a mysterious parmesan cream sauce if that tickles your fancy). When it comes to the pasta, you'll find familiar staples: cavatelli, linguini, ravioli, spaghetti, etc. The portions are fairly large, so you won't go hungry no matter what you order. The meat dishes feature saltimbocca doused in cheese (really? Since when does saltimbocca come with cheese?), chicken in a sad marsala sauce, and breaded parmesan shrimp scampi (yikes! What happened to sautÃ©ing the shrimp in butter and white wine?). I'd stick to the pastas, truthfully. The restaurant often has a wait because it's so close to the touristy part of Michigan Avenue. Honestly, it's not worth waiting. You can easily make a same-day reservation on OpenTable if you really want to get into Rosebud. If it came to food alone, I'd give Rosebud on Rush three stars, but this particular location's atmosphere is depressing, and the service is just not that stellar, so two stars it is.
(2)
Kate M.

Rosebud restaurants to me scream business dinners and out-of-towners. Not that that's a bad thing! Just not places I frequent. We had a very good dinner last night, I totally fell off my food wagon and ordered the penne bolognese. It was delicious. I don't think I've ever had anything here that wasn't. It's your typical Americanized Italian food, but they do it well. The tiramisu was ordered to go and the remainder of our entrees packed up to go. There was clearly some confusion among the staff and the manager came over to tell us "I'm very sorry, but the busboy accidentally threw out your food, he didn't know it was to be wrapped up. Here's what I can do, I can either A) comp your dessert or B) have half orders of your entrees made up for you to take with you". We choose to wait for the half orders. After the manager walked away I said quietly to the table "The correct answer is C) comp our dessert for making us wait *and* make us half orders to go". A minute or two later the manager explained he was comping the dessert for making us wait and apologized again. I'm impressed with the level of service. It's exactly what I'd expect from a high end restaurant. Honestly, more than I expected from Rosebud.
(4)
Fred A.

I come to the RSNA meeting annually and this place has the best Italian food in the world. Their spaghetti and meatballs is a classic and quite possibly the biggest meat balls in the word. Been to Rome, Florence, and Italy and I would fly to Chicago for Italian. Their olive oil is so good, the manager gave me a bottle. Their eggplant salad with arugula is amazing. Come hungry and leave in a food coma.
(5)
Cindy H.

I came here on a Sunday night with a friend. We chose to sit outside on the side of the restaurant so that we could enjoy the people watching and the nice weather outside. Our server started us off with bread and an olive oil and parmesan cheese mixture. I can't say I've had that together on bread before, but it was good, though I still prefer plain old butter. Then we shared a house salad. When they ask you if it's okay to chop, they literally mean chop up the entire salad lol. And for an entree we shared the lasagna, which was sooo good!!! I was so full even though my friend and I shared the salad and lasagna. Be careful to watch your step if you're sitting outside--I forgot both times when I got up and ended up stumbling out of my chair haha.
(5)
Carol L.

There are 11 different Rosebud restaurants throughout Illinois that have varying menus. I came here for the famed burger on a pretzel roll. First of all, let me say that it would be nice to know what the cut-off between lunch and dinner is. The burger is only offered for lunch and I came too late! Wahhh!!! BUT, I ended up having the most awesome seafood salad! The Rosebud Insalata di Pesce features fresh calamari, scungilli, octopus and shrimp tossed in olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and parsley, and topped with Italian vinegar peppers, celery and black olives. I had my salad with freshly ground black pepper. This colorful and refreshing salad has a nice mixture of flavors. The portion of seafood is very generous. It's a lot actually without any greens to cut it. I was amused by the seating. Outside, it's more informal with wicker chairs and oil tablecloths. Inside, it's wooden chairs and white linens. They sat my touristy self outside. The service was inconsistent. I got water and my hot sourdough roll right away, but I had to wait awhile for some olive oil for dipping and the menu.
(4)
Nancy H.

Finally tried the Rosebud burger, which was named one of the best Chicago burgers many years ago. They've been running a $5 promotion on weekdays (currently, from 11 AM - 3 PM). It is a large chunky patty on a pretzel bun. You get to choose the cheese ($1 extra), and you might be able to request sauteed mushrooms and/or onions. The burger patty itself is impressively flavorful! I would go back for the $5 burger since I live in this 'hood. We also got the cannolis for dessert, and they were the BEST cannolis I've ever had! They came 2 per plate, at least 6" long each, and were decorated very nicely! There were chocolate and caramel sauces drizzled on the plate, which probably isn't traditional, but it tasted like an awesome cannoli sundae!
(4)
Beth A.

My daughters and I ate dinner here for the 2nd time. Took my husband, son and friends here for their first time. Did NOT disappoint!! All of our meals were wonderfully delicious!! As expected! Staff was very friendly and helpful!! Arrived a little late for our reservation because of the weather, but they still accommodated us. A BIG THANK YOU for that!!!! Most definitely recommend Rosebud for anyone who wants the best italian food and great hospitality to boot!!
(5)
Raph V.

food was phenomenal however the service was ehhh.
(4)
Mahsa T.

Once you've been to one Rosebud restaurant, you've been to them all. Identical menus, identical taste. Just like Carmine's, Rosebud serves up consistently good Americanized Italian dishes. I ordered the Cavatelli al Forno (ricotta dumplings in marinara sauce covered in cheese). I needed some protein to go with my giant portion of carbs so I substituted meat sauce for the marinara. The dumplings were fresh and delicious, the meat sauce was a bit spicy, but overall I was pleased with it. My friend liked his Vitello Marsala (veal cutlets in marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and side of pasta). He was not as impressed with his Caesar salad, which came with large pieces of lettuce (not chopped up) and was a bit too light on dressing. The reason I'm giving Rosebud fewer stars than Carmine's is that service here was spotty and the upstairs dining room was really small and cramped. Our server would come around too often when we were trying to decide what to order, and then disappear for long periods of time and then reappear when it was time to order dessert. We skipped dessert because we were both too full. The portions are huge and I had to take leftovers home.
(3)
Patrick S.

Went on valentines day and I Previously would have given them a 5 star rating. The food is amazing but my experience this past Friday was OK. For one thing, I went to heat up my leftovers and found that we were given the wrong food, I don't know how that happens.I also had to sit in a chair that was in an isle and was constantly being brushed by the staff and other customers. I will come back but I thought higher of rosebud before.
(3)
Terry S.

An outstanding bill of fare and very reasonable prices are complemented by prompt, if somewhat inattentive, service. Al fresco dining adds to the appeal with the corner view in downtown Chicago making the experience something to appreciate all the more. This would be a five star rating had our server not assumed that, since I tip the scales at 200 lbs, my request for a Coke with no ice must have been a call for a diet soft drink. YUCK! Nothing quite like starting out your dining experience with the stagnant chemical swill they call "artificial sweetener" to get your taste bud's attention. It wasn't until the blend of veal and beef sauce beat back the bitter NutraSweet after-taste that I could actually begin to enjoy my meal. Again - YUCK!!! Just freakin' ask.
(4)
Kelly P.

Just had dinner at Rosebud's after reading the reviews. The reviews were correct about the huge portions. None of us could finish our meals and my teenage son can put away a lot of food. But he even had to request a doggie bag. We split the house salad which was a typical Italian salad. I had the eggplant Parmesan which was great. My husband had the best linguine with clams, it was full of clams. He couldn't even finish all the clams. Unreal. My son had the fettuccine Alfredo and said it was very good. We sat in the basement and thought the atmosphere and service were both great. The bread wasn't very good as other reviewers have mentioned. We were too full for dessert so I can't comment on that. Prices were typical of what we would expect. Meals around $20. I would definitely recommend it as the food was great.
(4)
Anont T.

my fiance and i had a nice dinner at Rosebud this week. we called a few hours ahead of time, and were able to get a table on a nice saturday night in the city. moreover, we showed up ~15 mins. early, and put our names in with the hostess for an outside table. after waiting only an extra 5 mins., we were seated at a great table on the north side of the restaurant! our waitress Elena was great. she knew that we were trying to eat healthy, while still having big appetites. she recommended a salad with a side of meatballs - the recommendation was perfect! the only downside to the experience was the number of mosquitoes buzzing around our table. an OFF candle would have been nice. overall, we had a great dinner and a great hostess in Elena!
(4)
Ronnie L.

Dude, I feel like I just feasted like a king and I have like 5 pounds of brick chicken still left with a bunch of bread that I will be feasting on later. So... Jessica was our server and she was phenomenal. She was very cool and listened to my rambling and indecisiveness patiently. I usually never know what the hell I want in a restaurant, because my brain is under the impression that it wants to try everything. That's great for a buffet, but not so good at a restaurant that you have to pick something. ;) She suggested the Salciccia something or other and, of course, I wanted it spicy. So I asked if they could spice it up a bit. They totally did, adding some jalapenos and spicy cherry peppers and I was happy as hell when I tried it. My friend is from The Asian side of the world and had never tried anything like this, and he totally dug it. Good suggestion from Jessica.. Soooo. But then I realized I was full. Seriously. A little bread, some sparkling mineral water and half of 5 big pieces of sausage and some peppers and I was like, "Whoa dude, I'm full." But I ain't goin out like some sucker punk bitch. I came there to EAT. And so I orderd the brick chicken, and of course I had to make things difficult and get a side of pasta sauteed in a little garlic and olive oil. apparently Jessica hooked that up too. Look, I'm service industry too, and as you can see in my reviews, I tend to be a little bit of a stickler for good service. This was a great experience. I am full, fat, lazy and about to listen to music and play video games before sitting in the hot-tub before bed. I wasn't sure about Rosebud, but for sure I wanted to try it, and the food, service and the fact that I feel like I just had a kings meal totally own. What makes this so good is that I really haven't had a good night out to eat in a long time. I have been spending a lot of time working, so this was totally cool and worth being that dinner out.
(5)
Chris L.

This place is really cute and looks like a little house. After finding out that Giordano's had a 45 minute wait, we waited 20 minutes to get seated here. We were the last table that sat outside and it was cold! Service was pleasant and the portions were large like the other reviewers said. I had the square pasta with marinara and pretty good. Nothing too memorable. My friend had the Italian wedding soup and the portobello sausage marinara dish that was too salty for her (well, then again, she complains about everything!). The olive oil was really good but the bread was not memorable. Probably would not come back unless craving pasta. Would like to try Giordano's across the street ;o)
(3)
Jason S.

Holy Brunch! Wow, they had great food. Went there for Saturday morning brunch and was blown away. They even had French Press Coffee. I would go back here for sure.
(4)
Sharyn M.

Quick review strictly merited on the extremely courteous attentive staff. Had an important meet there this afternoon. The Rosebud granted us privacy and exquisite service along with a beautiful atmosphere. Had only soup and bread during the interview ( Italian wedding soup ) nicely done. Cannot wait to try Rosebud for a dinner experience. The menu Offered many seafood enticements. Thx to Dane and Mr Host ( name?). Very accommodating. Will be back!
(5)
kathy a.

I love this restaurant because I can always count on a great meal. I dont care what you order it is always good. The service has always been very professional.
(4)
D.J. C.

This place is a joke!! It's a very, VERY basic red sauce spot with poor service! The only strong point is it's location, off the Mag Mile. I stayed at the Peninsula and came it for a late dinner. The very basic salad appetizer took 45 mins, both my server and I were dumbfounded by the delay. I ordered my entree to go because I didn't want to eat dinner at midnight in the restaurant! Im from NYC, and dine regularly in some of the best restaurants across the country, this place doesn't compare to the worst Italians spots I've been to, but the prices rival the best!! This restaurant benefits from its location, and serves a very tourist crowd who enjoys Chef Boyardee! Ps. I'm writing this review as I wait 2hrs for my entree, which I've now asked to go!!! DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR YOUR TIME!!!!!!
(1)
Sue S.

We were staying at a hotel close and had decided we wanted Italian for dinner. Did some research and chose Rosebud on Rush. My husband and I appreciate a good Italian meal. From the moment we walked in, we not only received superb food, but also phenomenal service. The wait staff went above and beyond to make our experience pleasant. Francisco was our waiter and he was exceptional. The food was absolutely delicious. My husband claims it was the best chicken parm he has ever had. I had the rigatoni all a vodka and it was incredible. The prices are as you would expect given driving sizes and quality of meal (18-25 per entree). If we find ourselves in Chicago again we will be sure to be back again.
(5)
Saad A.

I have no idea about their food but i went to get togo coffee as yelp send its coffee and tea and the dont even have to go cups
(1)
Jennica S.

I love fine Italian, and this place did not disappoint. Extensive wine menu, my boyfriend and I shared glasses of the $9 white zin and Merlot so we could splurge a bit more on our meals. He got baked ziti and I had baked cavatelli. Both were delicious and huge helpings, he forced his down but I took about half of mine to go and the leftovers were just as good the next day. We were hoping to sit on the closed in patio that we saw people dining in the evening before, but they were in the process of opening it for spring so we got seated upstairs. Kind of dark and definitely loud with lots of families enjoying meals, but a comfy experience nonetheless. I smelled lots of fish meals coming from other tables, but we stick to pasta. Definitely a good dinner!
(4)
Justin O.

Great location near Magnificent Mile shopping. Outdoor seating is a must on a mild Chicago evening. Though there are other seating options to choose from (downstairs, upstairs). I started off with meat lasagna accompanied with a sangria. The lasagna was a hearty portion and served piping hot. The pallet was satisfied. It was a mild evening in downtown Chicago to enjoy the red sangria. I will have to admit though that it tasted more like an Italian soda instead of a sangria. Wasn't strong enough, but still quenching. Dinner was finished with a cannoli cake. Mmmmm. All the ingredients of a cannoli, but in cake form. Freshly prepared, very moist, and satisfied the sweet tooth! Service was excellent and the waiter regularly checked in on the table. He had a great sense of humor as well. This place is worth revisiting.
(5)
Madison P.

Classic Italian. I was expecting some good, carb-loaded food, and that is what I got. The service was quite quick for being a restaurant downtown on weekend at prime dinner time. I had their house minestrone soup and the caprese salad. All of it was delicious!
(3)
Scott M.

Brunch Potatoes were delightful! The waiter was awesome, very thorough and knew what he was doing. Ordered the sausage benedict for brunch. My sodium levels just rose up just typing this. Luckily, the amazing parm potatoes saved it, plus my friends bacon.....totally amazing. I can't wait to visit here for some Chicken Parm or Lasagna in the future.......but for breakfast/brunch time, I'm just hitting snooze and going back to sleep.
(3)
Mary-Jane A.

Really great Italian food and huge portion sizes, even the desserts were huge. Nice atmosphere and the place was packed.
(4)
Kristen K.

Was always a fan of Rosebud on Rush and my last visit there was ok (see other yelp).............. had a gift card and went on a cold snowy Sunday night to grab a meal around 10pm at this location Rosebud Rush - bar area in the basement needs an update on the dÃ©cor but the bartender and rest of staff very nice and make you feel welcome My date and I split two meals - both were excellent spicy pork chop and potatoes (pork chop calabrese I think it's called) homemade wide noodle paste with red sauce (was the best red sauce I have had in awhile) Maybe the one on Taylor Street did not do it for me last time I went but the Rosebud on Rush was excellent - I will be back to this location!!
(4)
Lise S.

Great location and easy to get to if you are downtown. Traditional Italian restaurant, great service, great food and you won't be disappointed. Recommend making a reservation - it's a popular spot! ;-)
(4)
Olivia K.

YUM. This place is amazing. The pasta is great, and I love the atmosphere. I have been to a lot of Italian restaurants around Chicago and this is one of my favorites! I don't have much else to say other than I would highly recommend this place.
(5)
Diane D.

Delicious! I had cheese ravioli with shrimp. My husband had Zuppa di Mare. He loved it. I loved it. We loved it. We heard this was in the middle of the Viagra triangle but I haven't seen anything yet to substantiate those claims. But then again, it's only Thursday.
(5)
Dean W.

Traditional Italian classics and steak. Went in with high expectations and we weren't disappointed. The fried calamari was very good, tho not the best I've ever had. The Italian Wedding soup was very good. I had Veal Saltimbucha which was excellent! My daughter had a pasta dish that was huge and excellent. All the portions were huge, enough for two or three. We didn't finish anything we ordered, there was just too much. We finished off with the Italian Wedding Cannoli Cake which was fabulous! The service was outstanding as always. Take your wife and/or girlfriend, they will love it!
(5)
Jennifer B.

Full disclaimer: I've never actually eaten here but called to try to send a bottle of wine to some friends who were having a celebration dinner. Was made to feel like I was really putting the girl on the phone out with this request and then they emailed me documents that I would need to fax back in order to complete my order. I completely understand being thorough and wanting to avoid fraud, but it's 2015 so I don't have access to a fax machine on the weekends and thus was not able to send the wine. If the woman on the phone would have been nicer I think I would feel completely differently about the situation, but either way I am very disappointed that you have to jump through so many hoops just to try to give someone a nice surprise. Not to mention that they then lose out on that purchase so not really sure how this helps anyone.
(2)
Jamie B.

Came here for lunch today. The service was quick and the salmon salad was pretty good. Too many large tomatoes for my liking but still good. Nice location and patio. Bread was pretty meh.
(3)
Kim W.

I visited this place with a friend and really enjoyed myself. The food was delicious and very large portions!! The pork chops OMG!! Just large and Incharge! House salad, shrimp, clams, pasta all were delicious! Service nice just watch those fingerprints in the plates.
(4)
Emily B.

My husband, daughter, and I returned to Rosebud, our favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. I was glad I booked a reservation a week prior as it was packed at 6:30 on a Friday night. It seems like they've tried to cram a few more tables in to serve more people. It was quite crowded and noisy. The staff was plentiful and quick to serve. Our drinks came out very quickly with the crusty bread. I barely had half of martini down and dinner came out. My daughter had spaghetti with marinara, I had fettucine Alfredo (very large portion - could barely eat half), and my husband had the recommended veal saltimbocca - forgot the spelling, but it was exceptional. Our waiter disappeared for a while so it took some time to order a glass of wine. Overall a good dinner, but we were in and out in less than an hour - we felt rather rushed.
(3)
Odranre B.

My review is based on a take out / delivery. Good portion meal. Prices are OK based on portion and taste. My order was a take out / delivery for our office luncheon. Fried calamari right size pieces and freshly prepared. Chicken Marsala was cooked just right. The rest of the side dishes were also good.
(4)
Isabelle R.

Rosebud is quite simply FILTHY! I came for bunch with a large party, 8 of the 12 coffee mugs on the table were disgusting- they had tons brown flaky stuff in the bottom and coffee rings at the top. We asked for clean mugs and the waitress brought us more totally gross ones, she didn't even check to see if the replacements were clean! One dirty glass is an understandable accident, 9 is unacceptable. We were horrified and the wait staff was completely unabashed, as if this was a regular occurrence. When we once again asked for clean cups, the waitress brought us full cups so we could not see if there was gross filth in the bottom. Very shady of her, instead of fixing the problem and actually washing a glass, she just covered it up. Additionally, the waitress brought a karaf of orange juice, left it at the table, and topped off our glasses without asking. AFTER she'd done this several times, she let us know that she was charging us by the glass- again, very deceitful of her. The food took an HOUR to arrive and two orders were incorrect. Once we finally got it sorted out, the food was mediocre- my eggs Benedict were overcooked and my friends were content but not especially enthusiastic. The food was completely over shadowed by how poor the service was. I'm shocked by the disgusting conditions and the dishonest and inefficient staff.
(1)
Imran B.

just Ok main course , the Calamari was not palatable though. I truly cannot understand the 4 star reviews .
(2)
Kelli D.

Came for brunch when other breakfast restaurants were busy (Saturday of easter weekend) and fell in love with the traditional eggs Benedict. No wait, quiet classy atmosphere, a perfect brunch date.
(4)
Lindsay B.

Wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. Great for visiting with a group of friends.
(4)
Perry Z.

This is my second time frequenting this restaurant. And again I wasn't disappointed. I came with my two children ,and knew given their reputation for large portions on entrees,I would be splitting an entree for them . Their plate came out hot and was split onto separate plates right in front of us. They had traditional spaghetti,with their famously large meatballs. The kids loved it. I had the Chicken Parmesan. Loved it. Fresh, hot and topped with authentic sauce. Service was prompt and friendly. The one criticism I would have on this visit....is the bread seamed stale. I had two breads brought out and both were hard loafs. No butter was brought out. The waitress neglected to offer herbs or Parmesan with the olive oil. Disappointed. A good bread for dipping starts a meal right. For this reason I rated my visit at four stars. For those who love good Italian, you can't go wrong eating here.
(4)
J T.

Moved to Chicago about a month ago.. Decided to go check out the restaurants on Rush with my GF. As i walked out i was thinking, ' Now that we have seen the worst we can not get any lower'. The food was mediocre at best, even a little raw. A piece of lobster that we paid $28 for, supposedly a small one (7lb) had a piece of meat the size of a gulf ball and came in a plate of sauteed greens that will make the green giant blush. Calamari was extremely chewy and almost raw. I feel bad for the waiters who work there. I heard later that this place was better and then it went down the crapper!
(1)
Sal G.

Seated upstairs in a corner, saw a open table by the window, asked if we could sit there but was told it was reserved, the whole time we were there, there was an open table by the window, they could have sat us there. Well made martini, pretty good selection of bottled beers, Had stuffed mushrooms GOOD, eggplant salad GOOD. Pasta, lasagna and chicken parm. Not enough red sauce would have loved more, but the flavor was just ok. And chicken was dry. The service was great. But the whole time I was looking at an empty table by the window. Had a nice dining experience but nothing special that will bring me back.
(4)
Barbara B.

This location is great. The outdoor eating area is perfect when the weather is nice. The complimentary bread was soft and they will put parmesan for you on the bread plate to go with the olive oil and bread. We started with the fried calamari as an appetizer. This was average. The tomato dipping sauce was delicious, light and tasty. It was more than enough to feed 3 people, even had a few pieces leftover. I had the chicken picatta. The portion was huge, two large chicken breasts with a lemon butter sauce and capers. I thought this was fine but not worth the $22. It came with a tiny side of rigatoni with the same marinara as the calamari. I think it would have been much better if it came over plain pasta to mix with the butter lemon sauce. That's exactly what I did with the left overs. Overall I would still recommend this place mostly for tourists who want to enjoy a nice meal outside on a warm Chicago night. If looking for great italian food in the area I find Volare to have superior food for similar prices.
(3)
Andre C.

I lived in Italy for 4 years and my father is Italian so usually avoid Italian restaurants in the USA. Most of the meals are typically southern Italian miserable fare, smothered in marinara or with pasta on the side that bears little to no resemblance of what you get in the south of Italy, let alone the north. And don't get me started on the pizza.... Antipasto meats looked like they came straight from the supermarket deli counter. Calamari were excellent though, tender, tasty, not overly seasoned. Everyone else ordered the usual chicken parmigiana etc, I chose the thick cut lamb chops medium rare thinking it wouldn't follow the pattern explained above, What I coat was Ahi Lamb - 3 fat chops, seared on the outside 1/8", raw on the inside, 50% fat and gristle. Ugh. For $48. Downstairs was packed and seriously loud, terrible location for a business dinner but that is not their fault of course. If you've never been t Italy, you'll probably love it.
(2)
Daniel S.

Mama Mia!!! Excellent Bolognese, Papadelle, Sausage, & Pasta Fagiole... The olive oil is Greek, but an excellent choice, the staff is knowledgable and prompt as well..
(5)
Ornela Z.

Great place the outdoor area in summer time is awesome. I went there with my friend for brunch we order mussels in spicy red sauce was great my favorite.
(4)
Dave G.

Excellent Eggplant Parm. Order only if you are hungry, otherwise split it. Had a nice mix of locals and out of towners. Bartender friendly
(4)
Leighton L.

The food was good. As other reviewers wrote our waiter disappeared. She didn't check on us and she didn't bring our courses out as we wanted. Was very disappointing.
(2)
Victoria T.

Totally misled by the reviews here. Yes I do admit their service is good. However, the food is so terrible. I could totally tell that my veal was cooked from frozen food, and my companion had the same opinion on his dish. Chicago has a Little Italy, and so many great Italian restaurants in the city. If you're looking for Italian food, I suggest that you should go somewhere else.
(1)
Toree P.

This year we celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary at Rosebud. We had originally set on another restaurant but something about Rosebud drew us in. We sat on the patio and had an amazing experience. The servers spoke italian, the food was amazingly fresh, and the dessert options were delectable. My husband and I split an order of lasagna and chocolate torte...I was in pasta heaven! The ambiance is elegant without being stuffy and setting on the patio allowed us to take in the sights and sounds of Downtown Chicago. From the outside it seemed that we could never afford this place but there were definitely options in our price-range that still provided us a special night. I would highly recommend Rosebud on Rush for any couples looking for a special date night that won't break the bank!
(4)
Katharine B.

Bustling restaurant with heaping portions of delicious Italian food. The chicken Parmesan is fantastic and you will have plenty to take home. During this visit we also sampled the crab cake bruschetta and it was a great combination. The service is right on target and all of the waiters are fast and friendly.
(5)
Michael D.

Stopped for lunch with my girlfriend and every element of our experience was amazing. The service was second to none. We ordered based solely on waiter recommendations. 8 finger spicy and meatballs. Definitely spicy and very delicious. Couple those with wine and a table overlooking the corner and you can't go wrong. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Jessica C.

I've come here a few times when I'm in town for business. It's a great location to take clients as well as dinner for yourself. There are several dining locations - outdoor, inside, and downstairs. I've sat both outside and downstairs. Service on both occasions was great. Portions sizes are more than enough to keep you full. My favorite thing to order is the eggplant salad. Crispy, fresh, and definitely delicious! Can't wait for my next business trip to come back again!
(5)
Lily C.

It took over 40 minutes to get our appetizers on a Monday night at 8:00 PM, which was ridiculous. Even though there were 10 waiters in our section, it was virtually impossible to flag one down to get a water refill while we waited. Then, they brought out our entrees less than 5 minutes later before we could have possibly finished our appetizer. Instead of realizing the timing error and coming back when we were done or just dropping off the entree dishes and coming back for the appetizer plate, the waiter stood there and watched & waited for us to finish our appetizer.... Talk about awkward & uncomfortable!! The food was good and the portion sizes are generous, but the kitchen has such serious timing issues and the service leaves so much to be desired, it doesn't count for much when you can't actually enjoy your meal.
(3)
David B.

Fancier and more expensive than Maggiano's, but it's possible to get a dinner here for $30 total. The clam linguini is just totally loaded with clams. Service the kind of brisk and impersonal that's perfectly acceptable because it's fast, efficient, and attentive. Not a romantic place or one to be fawned over, you go here for the food.
(4)
Chris S.

What an excellent meal. Looking for traditional, home-cooked Italian food we found the perfect spot. Great location right off of Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, Rosebuds is a restaurant I would recommend. I had the the pappardelle with red sauce and a side of chicken parmesan. Everyone else I was with ordered a pasta dish, and let's just say no one went home hungry. I would recommend to come with an appetite, enjoy a nice appetizer/salad, and go with the family-style approach when ordering.
(4)
Sheila N.

You need to order right. I've had great and ok meals here. Nothing is ever bad. I love the eggplant salad! I order the spaghetti and meatballs and ask them to make it spicy! Mmm! The cannoli is delicious but it's huge! Made to share.
(4)
Samantha M.

We took my mother out for a celebratory dinner here and I was incredibly impressed by the service Sometimes, I feel as though the notes you write in the OpenTable app don't get read or taken into consideration. Several staff members congratulated my mother and they provided our table with complimentary desserts at the end of our meal. They turned a great night into an even better one - I would recommend this establishment simply for their service, but the food is wonderful as well!
(4)
Joe M.

Stopped in for a business lunch and loved it. Im gluten free and that was not an issue for them. They made me a gluten free meal that was outstanding. My guests loved it to. Great location. So glad we stopped in.
(4)
Daniel L.

Good italian food with big portions and a nice setting. I've had the veal milanese and meat ravioli on separate occasions, and both were delicious. The only downside is its location in one of the most touristy areas of the city, next to Michigan Ave, so it's swarmed on the weekends and even during the week sometimes.
(4)
Rich T.

I am southern Italian and love the Chicago version of Southern Italy. This is it. Sitting on the second floor near the window is a little loud but hey it is Chicago. Were loud people. :) I had Italian Wedding Soup Caprese Salad Chianti Veal Milanese was what made me write this review. I wanted to kiss the chef. No not really but you get my meaning.
(5)
Andrea B.

I had the rigatoni alka vodka and the spicy cauliflower. Both were very tasty and good portion sizes (plenty for leftovers). The cauliflower was almost pickled, but it was grilled and although different, very enjoyable. The service was very friendly and a nicer atmosphere. The only things I didn't like were the table sizes (quite small) and I was not a fan of the staff standing around watching you eat. They were being observant, which was good, and we really didn't want for anything, but it kind of creeped me out. A bit pricey too- $18-$22 a plate. Food was pretty good though.
(4)
Ari R.

I went to this restaurant in October 2012 and just came across it on yelp and needed to leave my review! It was readily available while the famous pizzeria across the street had a two-hour wait. The staff was very dry, unattentive and not around when needed. The food was trÃ©s expensive and SO not worth the price. I remember exactly what I got. Shrimp fettucini Alfredo. The bill was $25+...FOR ONE PLATE + ONE SODA. The food was bland. Bland. BLAND. I definitely did not finish, nor ask for a to-go box. I hope two years later they've improved on hospitality AND seasonings. Maybe since I didn't look "rich" I got the poor service. ;) I still love you, Chicago, even if every now and then I find a bad place to waste my cash.
(2)
Louis M.

The food and service was good but a bit on the pricy side. If there was a price/value rating i would give it 2 stars. We had two bottles of good wine which were $38 each and was able to find it at Binnys for $9.99. Typically I see wine prices marked up 2 or 3 times retail but this was nearly 4 times retail.
(4)
Amber K.

We went there for brunch after church, this place was soo good! I had the carmelized wild berry French toast with gelato, it was like no other French toast I've ever had. The French toast was good on it's own, and the gelato just put it over the top. My husband had the smoked salmon which he said was good, but he wasn't a big fan. My kids had the yogurt and fruit, it was ok. Really nice place.
(5)
E D.

For the past eight years my husband and I look forward to having dinner at Rosebud at least once a year to enjoy great ambience, the filet mignon and delicious pastas. We were far from impressed during our Valentine's Day visit. First, the ambiance was not the same as other years. Second, the filet mignon that we look forward to eating every year was far from good - it was overcooked and the broccolini that the dish usually came with has been substituted with a selection of other sides like broccoli (ugh). Finally, the latte we ordered tasted like steam milk. We spent over $200 and can say that we would have been better off at Olive Garden. Oh well, all good things must come to an end eventually.
(3)
Michael S.

We were in Chicago on vacation and used Yelp to check out places that we were interested in visiting. The reviews here were spot-on. The service was excellent as was the food. We were staying in a hotel with no refrigerator and still had them pack up the leftovers because we couldn't bear to just throw them away. The homeless guy we met 4 blocks away was very happy we did so. He ate well that night!
(5)
India B.

Overall, good not great food and for the price would have expected a little more. My boyfriend had the chicken parm, he said it was good, huge portion. We had mussels for the appetizer which were delicious and probably the best part of the meal. I had a swordfish special with clams and mussels. It was good, though if I knew the price when I ordered I wouldn't have went with that entree. Boyfriend said the bread was a little stale, which is disappointing for an italian restaurant. Great location and good service.
(3)
Matthew R.

From beginning to end the food was second to none. We had Calamari, which was fried to perfection with note too much breading to where you can't taste the calamari. The marinara that accompanied was amazing. Simple sauce but incredible flavor. Next we had a Caesar salad with Wedding Soup. The salad was incredible but the soup was unlike any other wedding soup I had ever tasted. I had the veal saltimboca and my wife had the brick chicken. I haven't had saltimboca like that in a long time and the chicken was perfect all around. The prices were not cheap but trust me it was well worth it and is a new Chicago favorite of mine.
(5)
Bill E.

Great Italian food with a nice ambiance for dinner.
(4)
Karina K.

Our waiter was awesome, we came back two days in a row. We were promptly seated both times. The second time out waiter Teddy remembered us and even what we drank, he was awesome. The first day we got chicken picAtta and the veal Milanese with arugula, both were awesome. The veal's breading was not too thick and didn't take away from the taste. My son got a hamburger, huge and cooked to perfection. He came back for another burger, both my husband and I ordered the whitefish picAtta which was also fluffy and amazing. The food was fast and clean, excellent to taste, and really prepared perfectly. Service was incredible, everyone was very attentive. Wish we lived here so we could come more often!!!
(5)
Isabel B.

This place was quite a pleasant surprise. From excellent service to excellent food. Hands down!!
(5)
Julie M.

The Caprese salad and eggplant parmigiana are the best we ever had! Look forward to coming every year on our visit..
(5)
Lily N.

I went with friends for breakfast/brunch and DISCLAIMER we did not order the french toast. Though after seeing it we felt some regret. Instead I ordered the Rosebud omelet which was good once I added some hot sauce. There was a lack of seasoning to the omelet as if the chef wanted the ingredients to season each other, but other than the sausage there was none with a strong taste. The peewee potatoes that came on the side were absolutely adorable, but like the omelet, it lacked in flavor. Lightly dusted with Parmesan, they were cute and fun to eat but I like at least some salt and pepper on my potatoes. Lastly I ordered milk which was served with ice. I am uncertain if their milk was just not chilled and hence the need for ice. (Obviously that's a health hazard) It was served to me with the other beverages, long before our food. So my milk got rather watered down by the time I was able to enjoy it with my meal. As for the other dishes at the table, my friend who ordered the omelet had the same feeling as me. Though he opted for salt at first to add some flavor. The other dish of Egg Benedict did not raise any comment about flavoring so it is potentially just an issue with the omelet. Summary: skip the omelet if you want flavor, but if you'd rather flavor your own food then order the omelet it is very large.
(3)
Jared E.

Great Italian food! Appetizer meat/cheese/veggie plate was great! Bucatini bolognese was very very good. Everyone at the table agreed that the food and service was great. Everyone left very satisfied.
(5)
Tiffany H.

So I have been here several times and typically go to the bar. They make this amazing drink called the deep freeze :-) love it. It's not on the menu but it's good. Only problem is now it's popular and the owner only wants to serve drinks on the menu. The owner will not purchase items to make the drink. It's political but it was bringing in customers and money so.... I don't know what's the big problem. Its the only reason why I go.... Now I don't stay if they don't have the ingredients. I found something I like I stick to it. The food is good and comes in big portions.
(4)
Beth C.

Things that i LOVE: when veggie food becomes meat-friendly it costs more money (ie. adding chicken to a caesar salad = +2.50) and adding veggies is FREE!!!! :) So not only did my friend and I walk straight in and get seated right away (which seems to be an anomaly in Chicago....) but their fettuccini alfredo was delicious AND i asked for broccoli... which they could have charged me for (since I think a side of broccoli was around 7 bucks?!) BUT they gave me vegetables for free! YAY! Obviously it doesn't seem like much to make me happy but truly this place was good. Olive oil for bread dipping (bread WAS STALE) is also DELICIOUS and EVOO.
(4)
Ronda D.

The bar area is over crowed so to get to the bar to order a drink you have to disturb other guests. Once we got seated, the food was very delicious. We will come back again.
(4)
Grace C.

Checked this place for brunch on Sunday We sat at outdoor seating as they do not have an elevator for stroller. Very very noisy. they make too much noise when they pick up and clean the tables.....most noisy restaurant that i've ever been Service: not so good....my waitress was too busy or slow..I had to ask to refill my coffee several times and waited for a while... Food: portion is generous...potato was good. But Nothing was impressive. I had crab cake Benedict and my hubby had breakfast quesadilla. They are too noisy that I didn't even pay attention when they took my baby glass bottle. I want them to reimburse it...but not even worth it to try to get it back...just I won't go back to this place.
(2)
John L.

Great good but poor service. Every time I go here I get treated like a peasant because I'm in my younger 20s. This place clearly has an agenda to cater to celebrity or older types because of money. My date and I were not even offered dessert in hopes of getting the next customers into our seat. This was my favorite restaurant for years but not anymore. Despite having a reservation, the hostess tried to seat us in the outdoor area.
(3)
Mark H.

Hands down best lasagne and meatballs I've ever had. Dinner service was noticeable better than lunch service despite it costing the same. Prices are high but quality of food is excellent. Ate here twice on a recent 5-day stay.
(4)
Fred D.

This is one of my friend's favorite places to eat in Chicago, so with his recommendation here on yelp I made reservations for brunch on Mother's Day. I had eaten here before and enjoyed it, but it wasn't exactly memorable. Now I can recommend as well. I think they could turn it up a notch -- considering it was Mother's Day -- so I'm not sure it's a good place for special occasions. I would definitely return again but not if I were celebrating a special day as it didn't seem they were doing anything special given it was Mother's Day. So I had pretty high expectations based on my friend's review. We weren't disappointed, although brunch here is just a later breakfast, and not a buffet as we had hoped. But that's our only complaint as our meal was very good. We sat downstairs since it was super cold (in Chicago what a surprise!) but on a day with better weather I think the outside tables would be nicer that the darker slightly claustrophobic lower level. The service was top notch and our order was quickly filled and served. I had the crab cakes eggs Benedict which was very tasty and my companions had the French Toast and the omelet. Everyone was very happy with our order but the French Toast was really more than one could finish so we shared. No complaints there. i was also pleasant surprised when the check came and the total was extremely reasonable for brunch for three.
(3)
S C.

I went there after many years. The place was super crowded to the point that if I pulled my chair out I would hit the person behind. The servers had to squeeze between the chairs and tables. The food wasn't all that. The servers were nice though. I enjoyed the company of my friends but some how we didn't enjoy the overly crowded atmosphere. I doubt if I will go back unless I am invited to a dinner that I absolutely can't deny going.
(2)
Sandra C.

Service was good, food is a-ok. I don't know if I would be back I could make better flavorful Italian food sorry! I just like lots of flavor. It's a bit pricey not a good bang for your buck and not enough flavor for me but then again I'm Latin and we require robust flavors they have to wow explode in my mouth. Oh I forgot Italians are Latin.
(3)
Mimi T.

So we didn't even mean to end up here. This was during the huge storm/hurricane in the fall of 2013. We were actually at the brunch spot catty-corner but the wait was too long. I called Rosebud while standing across the street to see if they could accommodate 5 ppl. Yes! So we booked it across the street and made it safely to the other side. Unfortunately, my $5 umbrella didn't make it so safely. In view of all the bystanders, stuck from the storm, my evil umbrella flipped inside out and started collecting rain which later poured on me when i tried to pop it back down. Anyways this is a review about the restaurant and not my inane bad luck. So restaurant itself looked like it was flooding upstairs in the sun room area. We asked to be seated downstairs dungeon, I mean lower level, but seriously it felt like someone's speakeasy basement. Could've been cool if they played it up as such. Bread was delicious and the oil it came with was superb. I believe half of us ordered the pasta with meatballs or some meat sauce and the others the eggplant salad/regular salad. Portions were a good hefty size (Italian restaurant size). The meatball was huge but fully cooked through and oh-so-tasty. The parpadelle pasta wasn't what was explained so the manager came out and corrected the issue. Eggplant salad was apparently phenomenal. The pasta and sauce tasted homemade which impressed me considering the dingy decor. Overall I enjoyed the food/bread but the atmosphere was severely lacking. This place needs an upgrade in a major way. Felt a little sketch too.. like it was a front for a mob family. That could also be my overactive imagination and me wanting it to be a front. :P My pasta experience elicits a return if in the area and craving spaghetti and meatballs!
(3)
Al M.

Decided on the Rosebud on Rush for Italian comfort food at its best. This casual place seems to be busy all the time but also seems to be very well run by a team of pros that know what they are doing. We dined upstairs where the atmosphere was a bit noisy and cramped but it was what we expected on a busy St. Paddy's day weekend and it did not impact our experience. Our server was average and forgettable. Our food, wine and desert were all very hearty and good and priced in line with our expectations. Having a side of pasta with a veal dish is a nice touch without having to order it special. My request for extra marinara sauce was accomodated immediately. Try the Taramisu for a sweet treat to finish up your meal. It is sized to be shared. We walked out fully satisfied with our 3-star experience.
(3)
Robert S.

Ate dinner here for the first time a few nights ago with a friend. We had an exceptional dinner with prompt and attentive service. Highly recommend the sausage and peppers and calimari for appetizers. For dinner, we had the lamb bolognese and the veal marsala. Good wine list with some affordable options! We were seated upstairs. I *think* they seat families with children in the downstairs dining room. If so, thats brilliant! Allows families with kids to eat out without disrupting diners without kids! Will be back!!
(4)
Caitie C.

Food was excellent. Service was okay as our waiter didn't even introduce himself or offer us a beverage menu. But I would go back any day for the food.
(4)
Elizabeth M.

Service was so-so and strangely, they switch from brunch to dinner menu on Saturdays. A half portion option would be nice for the ginormous portions.
(3)
Corey R.

I've been to a few Italian places in Chicago and, so far, this is the best place I've been. The pasta was outstanding. It tasted fresh. The sauce was great. The portion was large. Front the moment we walked in the door, everyone was super friendly and said hello. Our server, Javier, was fantastic. We came on a Tuesday night so it wasn't super busy. It was a little loud, but not overbearing. If I could, I'd give it 4.5 stars because I was so impressed with the food and service.
(4)
Ellen M.

I've been to about every steakhouse in Chicago. This is the best. Go to this Rosebud specifically. It's not as touristy and the kitchen nails it every time.
(5)
Helena B.

I was here for lunch today. It's been years since I've been at any of the Rosebud family as I generally consider them tourist places, but my dining companion chose today's lunch locale. First off, I was pleasantly surprised. At 12:30 the restaurant was not super-crowded (as I'd expected) and our server was very attentive. We were asked immediately if we were on a time constraint - we weren't, but it's nice to know that they could have sped things up if needed. After that, food came quickly and our water glasses were never even close to empty. We started with the stuffed mushrooms, which were delicious. They were much larger than expected (about 2 inches in diameter). I had one of the daily specials - Orecchiette a la nonna (little ear-shaped pastas tossed in olive oil and garlic with shrimp and broccolini). Very light, very good - the pasta version of spring (very appropriate on the first day of the season!).
(4)
Dan W.

Went there last night for business. Had the pork chops and sauteed spinach. Both were great, and the portions were huge. Loved it and will be back next time I am in the Windy City.
(4)
Susan F.

Oh man, I wish I had yelp back in the day... Everytime we came up to Chicago, my family would come here, and now, I live oober close to it! How perfect. A great place to take a date or have a family dinner, the portions here are always great! Think smaller than Bucca, but larger than those places where you pay 30 bucks for a half piece of salmon with a lemon wedge on top. I would suggest anything with shrimp! It's always spicy and delicious and they even have jumbo shrimp pasta with spicy tomato sauce that will leave you satisfied and then some! Boys--if you're looking to take your gf there, fiance, wife, mistress, whatever, just realize that it can get a bit pricey... For those grad students or those with high-maintenance gfs, prepare yourself, cuz you just can't say no to anything on the menu.
(5)
Rose Mary i.

Get the risotto. They usually have a risotto of the day and it has never failed to be yummy. Oh and do get the eggplant salad - to die for.
(4)
Char Y.

Huge portions of over cooked pasta. Not impressed.
(2)
Valerie M.

Yuummm I absolutely recommend the mussels here. Nothing has even come close to the mussels at Rosebud's. It's also great for a date night.
(4)
Mark W.

The food was better than average, but the service was dismal. In the middle of seating us, a three-top moved into our table; "Oops, I guess you'll have to wait for another table to open up". Twenty minutes later, we got a table, but no apology. Stale bread. Horrible Bloody Mary. Tomato Juice and Vodka with two olives, is not a Bloody Mary. Our appetizer came out. Before our table could serve themselves our food was delivered. "I hope that you don't mind that your food is coming out, already", as she put our plates down. We ordered two pasta dishes and two salads. The salads were decent, but the pasta and meat balls were really great. It's just too bad the service was subpar.
(2)
Brian S.

Excellent food, me and my group ordered a bunch of different items and sampled all great!!!!!
(4)
Kyle J.

A typical italian eatery with an elegant appeal. White linen tables are jampacked into an outdated dining room. The Rosebud has an identity crisis. They serve Bucca di Beppo size family entrees lacking in presentation, while keeping fine dining prices and atmosphere. I really wanted to enjoy Rosebud, especially since it was on someone else's dime. My Mozzarella Caprese salad was excellent and served cold. Entrees at the table include, veal and chicken parmesan, rigatoni with the vodka sauce, and the "8-finger" ricatta dumplings with arrabiata sauce. Every portion was enough for 2 or 3 to share. The tables were not designed to hold plates of that magnitude. The veal and chicken dishes were ordinary and smothered with cheese. The vodka sauce was very tasty and arrabiate sauce delightfully spicy. The desserts that we tried were the Cheesecake and Cannolis. Both dishes were prestine and delicious. My fiance and I ended up taking our grocery bag size leftovers home only to find them in smashed aluminum containers overly wrapped in cellophane. They were then wrapped individually in plastic bags and stuffed into a large shopping size bag. It seemed very wasteful and trashy to me. Overall, the food was okay for the higher end prices. With all of the choices in Chicago, I would probably only go back with a giftcard.
(3)
Justin J.

Ok, to be fair, I am from Houston so I don't think I am a big expert on great Italian food. That being said, this was the best Italian meal I have ever had. First off service. I chose to eat at the bar, but the service was outstanding and the bar tender was very friendly and professional. He took very good care of me even though I was wearing a sweaty cubs shirt, as I had just returned from a cubs game. The food. I got the Pollo Braciata, which was roasted chicken stuffed with several different imported cheeses on a bed of a certain pasta which I am unable to remember the name of. All of this was in a very light creamy tomato sauce. I loved it. This was my last meal during my visit to Chicago, and wow, what a way to end the trip.
(4)
Charlie T.

Ah, yeah. This place. They need to learn the difference between gnocchi and ricotta cavatelli. And if I argue with them about it, they should bring me the gnocchi that I ordered.
(2)
Angela U.

This is a wonderful restaurant. I had heard so much about it, before visiting I was afraid of being disappointed. I was not disappointed, the food was excellent, the service impeccable. This restaurant did not disappoint, it lived up to all the great things that were said about it. If you are in Chicago, and only have time to go to one restaurant, make it Rosebud on Rush.
(5)
Conni M.

Wow! Food was fantastic! Service impeccable! Bartender helpful! And they had asked when we booked if it was a special occasion-it was our anniversary (16th)- and they brought us dessert. Food was so traditional and delicious. I can't wait to go again
(5)
danielle r.

Would not be a place I would recommend. The food was poorly cooked and nothing different. Loud room, poor service. My shrimp were undercooked and veal Milanese was edible but not noteworthy. Seafood ceviche salad was tasty.
(1)
Cliff A.

This is a dining hall in a house living room, but its charming in its own way. Appetizers are really delightful and we should have probably ordered a few of those, because our dinner entrees were plentiful and we packed most of it. My girlfriend's lasagna was slightly salty and as a result, better the next day when we used it as leftover lunch. My chicken parm was par for the course. Nothing spectacular. The wine suggestion the waiter made (trying to move things along due to the crowd and waiting list) was perfect and - as I suspected he would ding me with the most expensive - it was actually frugal as well. TIP - put your name on the list (hour wait) and head up the street to the local brewpub (Pippin's, I believe), because the bar is always packed at Rosebud and probably slightly pricey. Swallow your brews and come back and find your seat amidst the crowd. Order one entree to share (between two lovers) and a couple of fun appetizers, including the salad melanzane (I think that's what it was called, slice of mozzarella and such on greens, lovely). The desserts I saw on other tables (tiramisu) looked astounding and I'm sure they were delicious.
(3)
Jamie R.

This is Italian, MY way, from the surly yet fastidiously attentive maitre'd to the last, lingering drink of coffee. I had lasagna that was a perfect blend of pasta, sauce, cheese and tomato. Seating was a bird's perch at a cozy table in a window just above Rush St. I hated to leave, and could well have bridged lunch to dinner with yet another glass of red..
(4)
Renee B.

I'm not really sure what to make of Rosebud. Both the food and service were good, but there were a few quirks that struck me as odd. First of all, a guest in my party asked for the baked potato and the waiter's response was "No." At first we thought he was joking, but he explained, after an awkward moment of silence, that they don't offer the baked potato and it's a typo on the menu (then take it off the menu)? Another strange thing was that the calamari was served without lemon slices. Not a big deal but this is a highish-end Italian place. Cmon people, seafood always comes with lemon. So, I liked Rosebud, I just thought the whole experience was a little strange.
(3)
Philippe F.

Service was great and very professional, and that's not easy for me to say for putting in double digit years in the restaurant industry. Mussels were awwwwthome! We went with the white wine Mussels since we were having a little Kim Crawford S.B. Pretty sure the red sauce would rock those gynormous succulent bastards as well. Our server sold us on the specials as well. Veal Ravi was nicely paired with a light cream sauce. But it didn't stand a chance next to the almond crusted Chilean Sea Bass. Me oh my! That is my favorite fish just when it is plainly grilled. But the sauce, sauteed spinach and almonds made my toes curl. Oh, and their tiramisu came out looking all clumpy and shit, which is how I know it is homemade......and twaaaaas delish! Date night success story #157.
(4)
Kista W.

Used to be one of my favorites, but what happened Rosebud?! Last time we went, we got the perfect outdoor table on a sunny day. The serice was blah. The prices seemed way too high for what we got. Entrees were blah. Pastas were ok, but with so many great places to eat great italian in the city, I fear my old favorite has lost its spark. Gone are the days where you would wait two hours, WITH a reservation on a Saturday. So long Rosebud.
(1)
Stacy T.

Great place to pick up some spaghetti and meatballs for a nice romantic dinner at home in your jammies! Yummy chopped salad with good stuff like beets, hearts of palm, kidney beans, brocolini, and corn in it! So delicious and healthy, it makes you feel as though you've earned the giant carbo- load. The meatballs are the size of a fist! Huge and tasty! The desserts are fantastic too. Cannoli's and the tiramisu are top notch. A perfect way to end dinner on a sweet note.
(4)
Thunder P.

Amazing service, a-freaking-mazing. We ended up tipping $40 on a $100 check. Excellent food quality, presentation, taste. The eggplant rotolo appetizer was great, and the chicken parm was beautifully done. Amazing sized portions for the price. An appetizer and entree is plenty for 2-3 people. I was incapacitated for awhile, but eventually was able to dance through the delirium caused by such an awesome meal.
(5)
Nicolas H.

The family style italian experience. I've been to Carmine's before, which might have been just a little better. The service here though didn't disappoint. Our waiter explained the wine for about 5 minutes, but the glasses were always full. We had just about every appetizer, the stuffed mushrooms and baked clams being the highlights. The veal special (wrapped in prosciutto and covered in cheese) was ridiculously large, yet tasty. The desserts were all about the flames. Our waiter took a snifter of cognac, lit it on fire, and poured it over the plates directly onto the tiramisu , chocolate cake, etc. Overall a good experience if you are looking for decent italian food at high prices...
(3)
Kenya C.

Great Service nice date night spot!!!
(4)
Manja C.

If it's traditional, red sauce, Southern Italian that your looking for--look no further...ok well you may want to keep looking but this is always a safe bet to bring your out of state family. Large wine list, large portions, large open dining room. Not much else to say.
(2)
Scott M.

Decent Italian food, good service and nice atmosphere. (This simple, lackluster review is direct reflection of this place. Nothing special here.)
(3)
Rocky B.

Mmmm, this was good stuff. We made X-Mas day reservations at Rosebud On Rush and were seated as soon as we walked into the restaurant. We were taken upstairs and seated at a nice table right at the corner of the room near a window. The ambience of the restaurant is very homey. Well not any of the homes I've lived in but it could've been the home of a rich relaton...of a friend's rich relation. As soon as we were seated a basket of crunchy hot bread was put in front of us along with small dishes of olive oil. Good start! There was so much to pick from on the menu but I decided on the Pasta e Fagioli soup and as my entree the Chicken Livornese. The soup was mmm, super yummy. It was creamy and had pieces of pasta and beans...it definitely made my belly happy. Just when I thought my belly couldn't be happier they put the platter, yes platter, of Chicken Livornese in front of me. Holy moly this stuff was good. It was chicken in this tomato sauce with olives and capers and on a bed of creamy polenta!! If you've never been to Rosebud On Rush...go and try this dish. If you've been to Rosebud On Rush and never had this dish...try it! Trust me...you will not be disappointed. Unfortunately I was too stuffed for dessert but that's okay...I'll be back.
(4)
Chicago G.

One of the worst Italian restaurants I've ever frequented (yes, I am Italian). I only went there because I had relatives in from out-of-town and they wanted to go somewhere in the immediated Mag Mile area. I ordered the cavatelli which was like raw dough and covered with tons of baked cheese. My sister-in-law ordered the ravioli which she didn't care for at all. Only my brothers dish, the papardelle, seemed to receive a favorable review at our table. I would say the marinara sauce was nothing to write home about. Decor was charming but loud and the portions entirely too large. All in all, a forgettable experience.
(1)
scott s.

Very Good Like Carmines Its nice Go here for a date
(5)
Missy E.

This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants anywhere - not just in Chicago.
(5)
Kathy P.

I (heart) Rosebud. With its generous portions, there is easily enough to have a semi-fancy and affordable lunch for two. The outdoor seating is lovely, and the location is far enough back from Michigan Avenue to be truly enjoyable. Even AJ Pierzynski thinks so, as he has been spotted enjoying a glass of vino while sitting outside. My friends and I are fans of splitting things, and they are happy to accommodate at the 'Bud. The salads are huge (with my favorite being the classic chopped salad), and there are many other vegetarian options among their selection of oven-roasted pizzas (YUM!), soups, and pasta dishes (try the linguini with clams). My favorite thing about Rosebud on Rush is that it is a tranquil retreat for those of us who are slaving away in the midst of tourists and traffic. Who needs fast food when you can have an excellent wait staff, starched white napkins, and real silverware for only a few dollars more?
(4)
Lisa F.

The parents really wanted to go back to this place. They went on their annual Chicago shopping trip a year or two ago and just raved and raved about this place. So, on this annual Chicago shopping trip, the hubs and I went with them. The interior was really cute. It was charming. It wasn't as cute as Italian Village's interior, but very nice. Our waiter was pretty meh. He brought only the olive oil to our table after the bread was there for 10 minutes. After seeing every other table with parmesan for their bread, I had to ask our waiter about that as it really makes the whole olive oil concoction. I ordered the lasagna, and it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed that. The pasta fagioli soup was also good. The food was good though more than Italian Village with a crappy server. For my money and time I'd go to I.V.
(3)
Rob J.

There are 1,000 Rosebud restaurants/affiliates in Chicago, lucky for me this means I only have to walk a block or two to find one. My wife loved the tortellini while I thought the veal parm was just ok.
(4)
Ruby I.

$5 burgers for lunch. That's all I'm reviewing. But seriously, it's $5 for a decent burger in a part of town where the only decent thing you can get for that price is a cappuccino. The burger was yummy, order it medium-well if you want it done medium. And I love the sweet potato fries. Don't ask for ice tea. They will bring you a small bottle of the republic of tea Darjeeling ice tea and charge you $4.25 for it.
(4)
John S.

i would have given it a 3.5 stars. I usually go to Wildfire steakhouse when I'm in Chicago but thought I try something different. initially wanted to try Chicago deep dish across the street but the bright neon lights at rosebud was calling my name so went in and sat outside. ordered the lasagna and wow was i impressed. the marinara sauce was to die for, just the right amount of tang and sweetness. I'll definitely go again and try the other dishes.
(3)
Brian Y.

I think u shouldnt go here with hi expectations. I am a cream sauce lover but wasn't as great as cheesecake factory. And that's sad hearing that it was the best Italian restaurant in town. But the meatballs were good. Get anything with meat balls.wasn't worth all the money though.
(3)
Lisa F.

After my last visit they only deserve three stars. Many people, like myself and unlike myself, go to restaurants to celebrate events. We chose Rosebud's to celebrate my grandmother's almost 90th birthday. After making the hostess aware of our celebration as we sat down, we hoped for something. A free meal? No. A dessert? Maybe. A candle in a dessert? Sure, why not. The problem was that no one even acknowledged the birthday. Our personality-free waiter never said a thing to my grandmother about it, nor brought out anything with a candle. They didn't even try making it special for her and served her a bad piece of steak. Disappointing! You know what? I'm taking off another star. It really pisses me off when nice Italian restaurants can't train their wait staff how to properly pronounce Italian words on the menu and they are no exception. It's oh-reck-ee-ET-tay, not oh-REY-kay (orecchiette).
(2)
Frank L.

This is my Grandfather's favorite restaurant in Chicago. They live out in Naperville and don't get town much now that he is retired. Anyway, I came into town for work and he jumped at the opportunity to come into town and take me to Rosebud on Rush. I think this is a great location and I loved the family style old school Italian feel, made me feel like I was at my great grandmother's house for dinner. I thought the food was good and reasonably priced. I'd go back.
(4)
Allison C.

I went here on a Sunday night with my boyfriend--we were expecting a good meal, but not anything too spectacular. We were pleasantly surprised--great service and amazing food! We started with their fantastic bruschetta, and for entrees I got the tortellini alla carbonara while my boyfriend got the rigatoni alla vodka. My tortellini was absolutely delicious--I would highly recommend it to anyone living in or visiting Chicago.
(5)
Zach T.

YOU GUYS! THERE IS A $5 BURGER SPECIAL GOING ON HERE AT LUNCH (indefinitely as of 2/25/10)! The deal is $5 for a 12-oz. hamburger with fries on a pretzel bun. Cheese is a $1 add, but worth it. You also get the ambiance of a very classy restaurant, and they give you warm bread with cheese and oil. It is a steal.
(5)
Jim W.

Wasn't really sure how this place would stack up to another popular Italian eatery, Quartino. While the food was truly ever flowing and served on "tubs" as another yelper described, I thought RoR was only above average. It's def a tourist attraction being so close to Mag Mile and it's constantly busy and good for groups, but I didn't come away really impressed. Of course there are always exceptions. The stuffed mushrooms were probably the highlight of the night with the baked clams a close second. My Bolognese risotto was almost watery - or maybe it just wasn't made for one person to eat. I didn't finish it and I sourced it out to everyone at the table, but it was still a lot to handle. Otherwise, I think the cheesy eggplant was decent, the chopped salad wasn't bad, and the veal was ok. Restaurant gets props for service for readily splitting 2 dishes among 3 friends and constantly refilling my water glass. Also, Godiva chocolate cake will always score some points with the ladies. Overall, it's not bad especially at the price point, but just don't go in with tremendous expectations. Personally, I'd go to Quartino first.
(3)
Amanda D.

Awesome brunch. Bloody Marys could be spicier, but that could just be us. Even though this is probably a very trendy touristy place to go, I enjoyed my time here at a resident of Chicago. Definitely the place to go to show off the city for out of town guests. Warning, it's sort of a casual bar, but don't be fooled, everyone is very trendy so take off your hat and put on those heels!
(5)
Brian H.

Everything Is Good Here.I Mean It. This Is A Classic Chicago Restaurant. I Had The Most Perfect Dinner Which Only Added To The Romantic Night Ahead Of Us. Fellas,She Will Love You For This. Clean Superior Service-Knowledgeable About All The Entrees And High End Wine List Friendly Staff $$$ Authentic Italian Cuisine Superior Italian American Entrees
(5)
Michelle W.

After waiting 45 minutes for a table on a Friday night which I thought was pretty reasonable, we got a nice little table on the side of the street outdoors. I really liked the ambiance of the restaurant, right in the middle of the beautiful, lively (touristy) part of downtown Chicago. We got the Veal Milanese which came with a side of pasta, as well as their fettuccini alfredo and a side of vesuvio potatoes. First of all, the bread was really good, and it might have just been because I was starving at that point, but we were both seriously impressed with it. The veal was really filling, loved pairing it with the arugula and lemon. There was so much good looking entrees on their menu that I don't necessarily think the veal is a must try, since I was torn between a few options too, but it was good and I was also happy with the standard pasta that it came with. The alfredo was very creamy and we definitely had to add a lot of extra salt to it. I personally wouldn't order it here just because there are so many good alfredo's there, and it's a little overpriced/underwhelming given all the other options exciting options on the menu. The vesuvio potatoes had a bit of a weird taste to them that I didn't really care for too much - I think I rather would've ordered the french fries. At this point as much as we would've loved to get dessert, we were just absolutely stuffed! Somehow our waiter, who was really great, managed to convince us to just get a half order of gelato. Not sure what the full order would've been but ours was just this tiny scoop of gelato in this huge fancy goblet. I think there are better gelatos in Chicago but if you need to finish off your meal on just that bit of sweetness, this would probably be perfect. Overall it was definitely a great experience. I think honestly the food was probably a little overpriced, but I think a lot of what you're paying for here is the excitement of being right in the middle of this gorgeous city, especially seated outdoors on a gorgeous day.
(4)
Hannah H.

Rosebud has several locations throughout the Chicagoland area and was once considered one of Oprah's favorite Italian restaurants in the city :P The menu offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and a dessert menu, as well as wine & drinks. My friend and I came here for dinner one evening, and we were seated at a downstairs table. The seating arrangement was a little off, as our view was of of pedestrian feet, walking on by on the sidewalk outside :P I had the Chicken Marsala, which was a 6oz boneless chicken breast, dusted in flour and sauteed, with mushrooms in a Marsala wine, butter and a demi glace reduction; this also came with a small side of pasta marinara. The Chicken Marsala was a bit too sweet, whereas the sauce was more of a syrupy consistency. The side of pasta was a little too overcooked, making it a little mushy, and the marinara sauce was a bit watered down. My friend had the Rigatoni alla Vodka, with a light marinara and mascarpone cheese sauce, which she also commented on how slightly watered down and overcooked it was. For dessert, we had the cheesecake and the Creme Brulee, that had a slight crispy top. Service was pretty okay, and this restaurant sits right off of Rush. +overcooked pasta +watered down marinara sauce
(3)
Kate K.

Excellent outdoor seating-check. Super friendly staff-check. Beautiful, well rounded menu-check. Delicious specials list-CHECK! Water filled constantly-check. Fast service but not rushed-check. Manager checks on you-check check!! Okay I only stopped here for lunch but this restaurant did EVERYTHING RIGHT!! The eggplant salad was a HOMERUN! It was layers of lightly fried eggplant accommodated by mozzarella, tomato, over a bed of arugula and drizzled with balsamic. It was delicious and perfect for lunch. You know when you go to a restaurant and everyone appreciates your business? That's how I felt. Oh rosebud, I love you and may have found my new favorite Chicago lunch spot! (Oh and the bathroom was lovely and the soaps were so yummy smelling...the details matter:))
(4)
Carol K.

Italian food. Is there any better comfort food on the planet? A big pile of pasta loaded with cheese and sauce? Ah, be still my stomach! But on the day I came here, I was looking for something lighter. A salad, perhaps? Did they even have one on their menu? I had "visions of pasta" dancing in my head but imagine my delight when I saw that not only did they have one entree salad, they had about 6 of them! And when my server told me I could have their chopped salad with my choice of shrimp or chicken (or both) I was sold! This was no ordinary salad. I am sure you are reading this going, "is she really going to write a review about a salad at a place that has 'to die for' Italian?" Well yes. She is. That is how good this salad was. No ordinary ice burg lettuce here. Nope. There were beets, hearts of palm, corn, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, cheese, celery and who knows what else. I may have just found my new favorite salad in the city! And by addicting chicken and shrimp the presentation was lovely as well. Oh sure. Rosebud is still always going to mean great tasting Italian to me. But on those days when I am looking for something a little lighter, you can bet I"m thrilled to know that they can do salads just as well. And any place that can make me substitute a salad for pasta has to be doing something right!
(4)
Austin K.

Stopped in to Rosebuds after a long day at a conference. There was quite a wait for a table so we sat at the bar. Daniella helped us and was excellent. We started with some delicious apps( try the crispy potatoes, simple but tasty) then had our entrees at the bar. I ordered the rosebuds papperdelle and it was delicious. What appears to be a simple pasta with tomato sauce is so much more. The homemade square pasta is very delicate and is great for picking up sauce. The sauce is mild and compliments the pasta very well. Top it off with some flaky bread and you have carb heaven. The price is moderately high but the portions are huge! I normally order two entrees at restaurants, but was stuffed after the apps and the generous portion of pasta. It is a bit touristy, but I would come back again. Great service(especially Daniella), quality food and a cool location.
(5)
Veronica R.

This place is nice, loved the ambiance, old school Italian vibe, good service, food was not great. We had spicy calamari as an appetizer, I liked this the best, for dinner we has baked ziti and shrimp Frances and the coconut cake for dessert.
(3)
Norm J.

Rosebud on Rush is my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. Every time I come here I receive great service and thoroughly enjoy my meal. I recommend trying: Appetizers - Stuffed Mushrooms - Fried Calamari Entrees - Eggplant Parmesan (one of the best I've ever had) - Chicken Parmesan - Pork Chops Calabrese
(4)
Nancy K.

Decent but pricy and I'm not sure it was worth it at all. You're definitely paying downtown prices if you choose to eat here.
(3)
Susan C.

This is a great Italian restaurant to go to with great food. My husband had the veal saltimbooca and I had the chicken vesuvio which was tasty and delicious. The restaurant decor is nice and it has a great ambiance. There is always a lot of people when I come here and it ranges from small group of people to big. It's located in the heart of the Gold Coast area which is very easy to get to by public transportation. I always tried new Italian places to see if they are good but this is one of my favorites that I come back to and will recommended to others.
(5)
Kelly Y.

Stopped in for some drinks on the patio. Service is slow. Seemed like a tourist trap. We only ordered drinks and a shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were giant but didn't taste very tender or fresh. They were super dense a little tough to eat. Not great not terrible.
(3)
Michael W.

On my last Chicago trip my meal here was a highlight. I was looking forward to it in a big way. Sorry to say this will be my last visit. Our food order must have been lost as it took forever, and when it did come it was wrong. Chicken parm instead of veal parm. The waiter must have been rehearsing for his comedy show or something. We left at least half of the dessert as it was below average at best. Very disappointing and especially at the prices they charge.
(1)
Sara M.

Great Italian wine, appetizers, pasta and of corse dessert! Rushbud on Rush is a must if you live in the city or just spending the day on Michigan Ave enjoying the city. The menu has a great selection of fish and pasta dishes along with nightly specials. Celebrating with dear friends it was a night to remember. Started the evening with never ending bottles of Riesling and Chardonnay,sausage and peppers,and of corse fried calamari and shrimp. I ordered the Zuppa de Mare with linguine that was over flowing with clams,muscles,calamari, shrimp and salmon. Enough for two people to share. Topped everything off with a great cup of Lavazza coffee and Tiramisu. Service was excellent along with the legendary atmosphere of Rosebud!
(5)
Brian C.

Great atmosphere with an old Italian feel. Food is very good although I think a bit over priced. Appetizers start at around $15. Lasagna entree is lighter than expected & definitely fit for two. More meaty and ricotta cheesy, less "noodly". Overall it is nice visit.
(4)
Shawn M.

It seems as if we were forgotten. Ordered coffee from the guy who sat us and asked if we wanted any. Never came. Took about ten minutes for anyone to say hello to us after that, ordered coffee again, never came. Girlfriend's grapefruit mimosa came with orange juice. Waiter lost our order and had to ask for it again. Finally received food. Friends enjoyed the applewood omelets, girlfriend enjoyed the smoked salmon Benedict. But my crab cake Benedict...egg was raw. Manager asked if everything was good, I pointed it out to him. He asked me "what?" So, I said it again then he asked if I wanted a new one. At this point we had already been there for nearly an hour. Plus clear whites on eggs doesn't make me hungry. I told him no thank you. And then he leaves the plate in front of me. No apology. Sends the server to apologize. I've been a restaurant manager for ten years. I understand if we got lost upon seating and it took a bit longer. I understand the mistake on the drink, and the forgotten coffee--recovering when you're late to a greet is hard sometimes. But the manager doing nothing to make me feel better? No apology? No sincere attempt to try and explain that this was out of the ordinary? No attempt to make me believe that I want to come back? Sorry, that's unacceptable. The server shouldn't apologize for your kitchen's mistake, you should.
(1)
Kim B.

The food we had here was excellent! The eggplant salad was so different and delicious!! The vodka pasta was awesome. However, our service was not good. Our waiter started out friendly, but as the time progressed, he became short and unfriendly with us. So much so, it kind of became uncomfortable and we were eager to leave. He was very rude to the bus boys too. Because the food was so good, I would give it one more try and hope the service was better.
(3)
Cristian S.

Good bloody Mary. The egg plant salad is amazing! The chicken Masada is also very good.
(4)
Lauren P.

This was just ok. I wanted to really love Rosebud, but it wasn't my favorite. The side of steamed veggies was VERY oily/buttery. Not as healthy as I'd hoped. Also the asparagus stalks were very thick, which means they're not as flavorful and more tough. We all shared calamari to start, which was pretty good. It was probably the best part of my meal, overall. Honestly, I'm really struggling to think of anything that stood out as REALLY good. It is decent, basic Italian. I think that there are other locations that may be better.
(2)
Mihir P.

I'm surprised I didn't review RoR earlier. I had gone to Rosebud for their decent classic Italian dishes like veal and eggplant parm etc. A little pricey but hey it's in Gold Coast and supposedly they have a lot of celebrities eat there so that may create a higher price. A few years ago, RoR offered a $5 burger for lunch special which was a STEAL! You got a delicious thin but wide burger with the usual trimmings and thin crispy fries. Whether or not is was $5 is was quality and I'd expect to pay about $12 normally for it. If management is reading this, bring the promo back!
(4)
Brian R.

Okay Italian food, with so many offerings in Chicago would likely strike this from the recommendation list. Service was good and prices reasonable. Ordered a few appetizers including mussels, shrimp cocktail and our tables favorite the grilled calamari. Would recommend the calamari again. Portion sizes of entrees were huge which in my experience made up for some of the short comings in taste. Had the meat ravioli which again was ok. Filling to pasta ratio was lacking and sauce was fresh but on the bland side. Atmosphere was nice but super loud inside, felt as though we were in a bar. Three stars, you want be disappointed but you won't leave looking forward to the next visit. Not a bad place if your in a bind and want to find a place with a shorter wait.
(3)
Jyssica E.

The customer service was terrible . There was a very unwelcoming atmosphere. My server was very rude , he didn't give me a list of the specials or offer a wine list . He did the opposite for the people who sat next to me . When he brought the food out he just put it on the table and never came back to ask "how is everything ?" The manager was walking around asking the customers how everything was and I told explained the issue and then they gave me a menu of the specials . I had already eaten so It was irrelevant . The manager brought out a piece of free cake . I guess that was the way of making up for the terrible service . I'll never go to that specific location again
(1)
Jada G.

This place was phenomenal! I had the Italian omelet by myself and the cinnamon french toast shared with 3 people and it was more than enough! It's a little pricey but it's completely worth it.
(5)
Aman S.

MEATBALLS!!! probably some of the best I have ever had. Large in size, perfect texture, and amazing herbs, spice, and flavor. The marinara here is very good as well, with the fresh home made pastas. I will return here!
(5)
Orun B.

You know it's good Italian food when you're with a group of Italians who appreciate it--well at least most of it. The experience at the Rosebud was above-par, friendly and engaging service and really tasty and authentic food, except perhaps an item or two. The meatballs, stuffed mushrooms and chicken parmesan here were fantastic, but I noticed that their seafood didn't have the same appeal. I had mussels and pasta in a white wine sauce as my main and, while there was nothing wrong with the mussels my pasta seemed unbalanced and off in flavor. It was great that there were many circular tables that were able to seat large parties though. This allowed us to be seated within 20 minutes when the wait next door was an hour-and-a-half.
(3)
Phyllis y.

I had a very pleasant meal on their outdoor patio. After some very boring bread, the meal was very good. The caprese salad was good and the chicken Milanese was excellent. Fresh and very tasty. The waiter gave me good advice and recommended it. Servings are enormous, as other reviewers have noted. Service was attentive but not hovering. I recommend sitting outside and relying on your waiter and you'll have a tasty and enjoyable experience.
(4)
Brittany G.

Always great service and a great meal at Rosebud. The pasta is homemade and the dishes are always delicious.
(4)
Emily J.

I love Rosebud on Rush! It's my favorite Rosebud restaurant, mostly due to the location and friendly atmosphere. My family loves Italian food so we go here every time they come into town. I love the eggplant caprese salad and the minestrone, as well as the pasta arrabiata. You can't beat their classic spaghetti and meatballs though! The service here is always stellar and I love getting a patio seat for a late dinner-so me it's the absolute perfect setting to enjoy a delectable meal. I would highly recommend reservations here no matter what night of the week you go. It's not an overly large restaurant and the patio gets especially crowded. Make sure to check the wine list out as well-they serve mostly Italian wines and have a great variety of Chiantis and Super Tuscans to choose from. Overall, Rosebud on Rush is up there in my favorite Chicago Italian restaurants and I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Patricia T.

This is a place that does well, was very full on a Thursday night, is in a prime location, but clearly values food quantity over food quality. I went there for dinner with a colleague--both of us well-travelled, him having lived in Italy for a number of years. The good: our server was good, although a little salesman-like. The pomegranate martini I had to start was perfect. The calamari/shrimp appetizer was flavorful, generously portioned, and nicely presented. The servings are ginormous (this is not something I particularly like, but I can't criticize them for large portions). Every serving is literally two or three times a normal portion size. The bad: I ordered lobster risotto. I LOVE RISOTTO. This was not risotto. This was rice (not arborio) prepared with butter and cheese and with some frozen peas and carrots thrown in. I was so disappointed. There was a nicely presented lobster tail on the side, but as a result, it was a lobster tail with a side of rice, not lobster risotto. My dining partner ordered an unadulterated pasta in Alfredo sauce. He ate four bites. The sauce was chalky and weirdly sweet. There is no freshly grated Parmesan. If you want cheese with your olive oil and bread, it tastes like the powdered kind that comes out of the green Kraft container in the back of your mom's fridge. We asked what Malbecs they had, and he brought the single Malbec, so depth of wine list isn't a strength. In short, the food was mostly edible, but this is not anywhere I would return to again.
(2)
Andrea S.

Was in town for a work conference and happened to stumble upon this place and realized a friend had also recommended it. No wait, walked right in on a Wednesday evening and was promptly greeted. Server recommended the eggplant Caprese salad, and I'm so glad I took him up on the advice, because it was, hands down, absolutely delicious! A very generous portion as well. I also ordered a side of pasta (rigatoni in a cream sauce). Excellent food and extremely well priced. Will return & recommend!
(4)
K P.

First time at Rosebuds and probably my last. Nothing too special. The bread was good. The wait staff was great and very attentive. My chicken marsala was kinda bland. The 45 minute rotis chicken only took 22 minutes! Red flag! It was unevenly cooked...and somewhat flavorless. (The manager did comp it.) Certainly not worth waiting 45 minutes for...if I'd had to. A Chicago tradition so I'd say give it a try, but don't say i didn't warn you. PS...apparently the men's restrooms are not kid friendly because the urinals are too tall.
(3)
Catherine A.

Excellent food and service; highly recommended. They know how to take care of their customers, from delicious meals to top of the line service! 5 stars! See Iris for the best experience
(5)
Alicia Q.

Oh my goodness Ashley the bartender is wonderful. She's super knowledgeable and her cocktails were really well done, well balanced, creations. I can't say much about the food (we didnt eat) but if you're looking for a low key bar, this is the place.
(5)
Charlie P.

Excellent! Food was fantastic! We had the caprese salad, cheese ravioli, pasta with bolognese sauce, and a side of meatballs and sausage. Everything was fantastic and cooked to perfection. Great outdoor seating and our server was awesome!
(5)
Daniel G.

Great food. I had the Veal Saltimbocca and Pasta E Fagioli Soup and both were delicious. Come with a hearty appetite. You will not leave her hungry. Waiter and the entire staff were great!! Interesting though, the menu is pretty much identical to their sister restaurant Carmine's.
(5)
Allison J.

Great italian food and great service. Portions seem to be huge so unless you think you can eat chicken parmesan with not 1, not 2, but 3 chicken breasts you can probably split your meal with someone you like.
(4)
M B.

I was here for business and a colleague recommended it. I wasn't disappointed. The staff was friendly and well attentive but not over bearing. Our waitress, Chelsea, recommended the Veal and it was tender, flavorful and plenty of it. I washed it down nicely with their [red] house made sangria.
(4)
Alex J.

Party of 3.. Walked in JUST before closing... We were treated very well. Svetlana was an excellent server. The seafood was satisfying!!
(5)
Shari B.

After church, my family and i stumbled upon this Rosebud for brunch which opens at 9am on the weekends. Service was friendly and prompt. I got the salmon eggs benedict which was delicious while the hubby got the Italian omelette. The waiter suggested getting a plate of bacon which was delicious! Thick and crispy- it was so good! But when is bacon bad?
(4)
Chanel S.

I liked the atmosphere of this place. The food was pretty good. Very expensive, but good. The bread was horrible for a truly authentic Italian place. I ordered the tomato & mozzarella salad with basalmic reduction sprinkled with basil. Great minestrone too.
(4)
Jennifer B.

Full disclaimer: I've never actually eaten here but called to try to send a bottle of wine to some friends who were having a celebration dinner. Was made to feel like I was really putting the girl on the phone out with this request and then they emailed me documents that I would need to fax back in order to complete my order. I completely understand being thorough and wanting to avoid fraud, but it's 2015 so I don't have access to a fax machine on the weekends and thus was not able to send the wine. If the woman on the phone would have been nicer I think I would feel completely differently about the situation, but either way I am very disappointed that you have to jump through so many hoops just to try to give someone a nice surprise. Not to mention that they then lose out on that purchase so not really sure how this helps anyone.
(2)
Jamie B.

Came here for lunch today. The service was quick and the salmon salad was pretty good. Too many large tomatoes for my liking but still good. Nice location and patio. Bread was pretty meh.
(3)
Kim W.

I visited this place with a friend and really enjoyed myself. The food was delicious and very large portions!! The pork chops OMG!! Just large and Incharge! House salad, shrimp, clams, pasta all were delicious! Service nice just watch those fingerprints in the plates.
(4)
Emily B.

My husband, daughter, and I returned to Rosebud, our favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. I was glad I booked a reservation a week prior as it was packed at 6:30 on a Friday night. It seems like they've tried to cram a few more tables in to serve more people. It was quite crowded and noisy. The staff was plentiful and quick to serve. Our drinks came out very quickly with the crusty bread. I barely had half of martini down and dinner came out. My daughter had spaghetti with marinara, I had fettucine Alfredo (very large portion - could barely eat half), and my husband had the recommended veal saltimbocca - forgot the spelling, but it was exceptional. Our waiter disappeared for a while so it took some time to order a glass of wine. Overall a good dinner, but we were in and out in less than an hour - we felt rather rushed.
(3)
Odranre B.

My review is based on a take out / delivery. Good portion meal. Prices are OK based on portion and taste. My order was a take out / delivery for our office luncheon. Fried calamari right size pieces and freshly prepared. Chicken Marsala was cooked just right. The rest of the side dishes were also good.
(4)
Isabelle R.

Rosebud is quite simply FILTHY! I came for bunch with a large party, 8 of the 12 coffee mugs on the table were disgusting- they had tons brown flaky stuff in the bottom and coffee rings at the top. We asked for clean mugs and the waitress brought us more totally gross ones, she didn't even check to see if the replacements were clean! One dirty glass is an understandable accident, 9 is unacceptable. We were horrified and the wait staff was completely unabashed, as if this was a regular occurrence. When we once again asked for clean cups, the waitress brought us full cups so we could not see if there was gross filth in the bottom. Very shady of her, instead of fixing the problem and actually washing a glass, she just covered it up. Additionally, the waitress brought a karaf of orange juice, left it at the table, and topped off our glasses without asking. AFTER she'd done this several times, she let us know that she was charging us by the glass- again, very deceitful of her. The food took an HOUR to arrive and two orders were incorrect. Once we finally got it sorted out, the food was mediocre- my eggs Benedict were overcooked and my friends were content but not especially enthusiastic. The food was completely over shadowed by how poor the service was. I'm shocked by the disgusting conditions and the dishonest and inefficient staff.
(1)
Imran B.

just Ok main course , the Calamari was not palatable though. I truly cannot understand the 4 star reviews .
(2)
Kelli D.

Came for brunch when other breakfast restaurants were busy (Saturday of easter weekend) and fell in love with the traditional eggs Benedict. No wait, quiet classy atmosphere, a perfect brunch date.
(4)
Lindsay B.

Wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. Great for visiting with a group of friends.
(4)
Perry Z.

This is my second time frequenting this restaurant. And again I wasn't disappointed. I came with my two children ,and knew given their reputation for large portions on entrees,I would be splitting an entree for them . Their plate came out hot and was split onto separate plates right in front of us. They had traditional spaghetti,with their famously large meatballs. The kids loved it. I had the Chicken Parmesan. Loved it. Fresh, hot and topped with authentic sauce. Service was prompt and friendly. The one criticism I would have on this visit....is the bread seamed stale. I had two breads brought out and both were hard loafs. No butter was brought out. The waitress neglected to offer herbs or Parmesan with the olive oil. Disappointed. A good bread for dipping starts a meal right. For this reason I rated my visit at four stars. For those who love good Italian, you can't go wrong eating here.
(4)
J T.

Moved to Chicago about a month ago.. Decided to go check out the restaurants on Rush with my GF. As i walked out i was thinking, ' Now that we have seen the worst we can not get any lower'. The food was mediocre at best, even a little raw. A piece of lobster that we paid $28 for, supposedly a small one (7lb) had a piece of meat the size of a gulf ball and came in a plate of sauteed greens that will make the green giant blush. Calamari was extremely chewy and almost raw. I feel bad for the waiters who work there. I heard later that this place was better and then it went down the crapper!
(1)
Sal G.

Seated upstairs in a corner, saw a open table by the window, asked if we could sit there but was told it was reserved, the whole time we were there, there was an open table by the window, they could have sat us there. Well made martini, pretty good selection of bottled beers, Had stuffed mushrooms GOOD, eggplant salad GOOD. Pasta, lasagna and chicken parm. Not enough red sauce would have loved more, but the flavor was just ok. And chicken was dry. The service was great. But the whole time I was looking at an empty table by the window. Had a nice dining experience but nothing special that will bring me back.
(4)
Barbara B.

This location is great. The outdoor eating area is perfect when the weather is nice. The complimentary bread was soft and they will put parmesan for you on the bread plate to go with the olive oil and bread. We started with the fried calamari as an appetizer. This was average. The tomato dipping sauce was delicious, light and tasty. It was more than enough to feed 3 people, even had a few pieces leftover. I had the chicken picatta. The portion was huge, two large chicken breasts with a lemon butter sauce and capers. I thought this was fine but not worth the $22. It came with a tiny side of rigatoni with the same marinara as the calamari. I think it would have been much better if it came over plain pasta to mix with the butter lemon sauce. That's exactly what I did with the left overs. Overall I would still recommend this place mostly for tourists who want to enjoy a nice meal outside on a warm Chicago night. If looking for great italian food in the area I find Volare to have superior food for similar prices.
(3)
Andre C.

I lived in Italy for 4 years and my father is Italian so usually avoid Italian restaurants in the USA. Most of the meals are typically southern Italian miserable fare, smothered in marinara or with pasta on the side that bears little to no resemblance of what you get in the south of Italy, let alone the north. And don't get me started on the pizza.... Antipasto meats looked like they came straight from the supermarket deli counter. Calamari were excellent though, tender, tasty, not overly seasoned. Everyone else ordered the usual chicken parmigiana etc, I chose the thick cut lamb chops medium rare thinking it wouldn't follow the pattern explained above, What I coat was Ahi Lamb - 3 fat chops, seared on the outside 1/8", raw on the inside, 50% fat and gristle. Ugh. For $48. Downstairs was packed and seriously loud, terrible location for a business dinner but that is not their fault of course. If you've never been t Italy, you'll probably love it.
(2)
Daniel S.

Mama Mia!!! Excellent Bolognese, Papadelle, Sausage, & Pasta Fagiole... The olive oil is Greek, but an excellent choice, the staff is knowledgable and prompt as well..
(5)
Ornela Z.

Great place the outdoor area in summer time is awesome. I went there with my friend for brunch we order mussels in spicy red sauce was great my favorite.
(4)
Dave G.

Excellent Eggplant Parm. Order only if you are hungry, otherwise split it. Had a nice mix of locals and out of towners. Bartender friendly
(4)
Leighton L.

The food was good. As other reviewers wrote our waiter disappeared. She didn't check on us and she didn't bring our courses out as we wanted. Was very disappointing.
(2)
Victoria T.

Totally misled by the reviews here. Yes I do admit their service is good. However, the food is so terrible. I could totally tell that my veal was cooked from frozen food, and my companion had the same opinion on his dish. Chicago has a Little Italy, and so many great Italian restaurants in the city. If you're looking for Italian food, I suggest that you should go somewhere else.
(1)
Toree P.

This year we celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary at Rosebud. We had originally set on another restaurant but something about Rosebud drew us in. We sat on the patio and had an amazing experience. The servers spoke italian, the food was amazingly fresh, and the dessert options were delectable. My husband and I split an order of lasagna and chocolate torte...I was in pasta heaven! The ambiance is elegant without being stuffy and setting on the patio allowed us to take in the sights and sounds of Downtown Chicago. From the outside it seemed that we could never afford this place but there were definitely options in our price-range that still provided us a special night. I would highly recommend Rosebud on Rush for any couples looking for a special date night that won't break the bank!
(4)
Katharine B.

Bustling restaurant with heaping portions of delicious Italian food. The chicken Parmesan is fantastic and you will have plenty to take home. During this visit we also sampled the crab cake bruschetta and it was a great combination. The service is right on target and all of the waiters are fast and friendly.
(5)
Michael D.

Stopped for lunch with my girlfriend and every element of our experience was amazing. The service was second to none. We ordered based solely on waiter recommendations. 8 finger spicy and meatballs. Definitely spicy and very delicious. Couple those with wine and a table overlooking the corner and you can't go wrong. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Jessica C.

I've come here a few times when I'm in town for business. It's a great location to take clients as well as dinner for yourself. There are several dining locations - outdoor, inside, and downstairs. I've sat both outside and downstairs. Service on both occasions was great. Portions sizes are more than enough to keep you full. My favorite thing to order is the eggplant salad. Crispy, fresh, and definitely delicious! Can't wait for my next business trip to come back again!
(5)
Lily C.

It took over 40 minutes to get our appetizers on a Monday night at 8:00 PM, which was ridiculous. Even though there were 10 waiters in our section, it was virtually impossible to flag one down to get a water refill while we waited. Then, they brought out our entrees less than 5 minutes later before we could have possibly finished our appetizer. Instead of realizing the timing error and coming back when we were done or just dropping off the entree dishes and coming back for the appetizer plate, the waiter stood there and watched & waited for us to finish our appetizer.... Talk about awkward & uncomfortable!! The food was good and the portion sizes are generous, but the kitchen has such serious timing issues and the service leaves so much to be desired, it doesn't count for much when you can't actually enjoy your meal.
(3)
David B.

Fancier and more expensive than Maggiano's, but it's possible to get a dinner here for $30 total. The clam linguini is just totally loaded with clams. Service the kind of brisk and impersonal that's perfectly acceptable because it's fast, efficient, and attentive. Not a romantic place or one to be fawned over, you go here for the food.
(4)
Chris S.

What an excellent meal. Looking for traditional, home-cooked Italian food we found the perfect spot. Great location right off of Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, Rosebuds is a restaurant I would recommend. I had the the pappardelle with red sauce and a side of chicken parmesan. Everyone else I was with ordered a pasta dish, and let's just say no one went home hungry. I would recommend to come with an appetite, enjoy a nice appetizer/salad, and go with the family-style approach when ordering.
(4)
Sheila N.

You need to order right. I've had great and ok meals here. Nothing is ever bad. I love the eggplant salad! I order the spaghetti and meatballs and ask them to make it spicy! Mmm! The cannoli is delicious but it's huge! Made to share.
(4)
Samantha M.

We took my mother out for a celebratory dinner here and I was incredibly impressed by the service Sometimes, I feel as though the notes you write in the OpenTable app don't get read or taken into consideration. Several staff members congratulated my mother and they provided our table with complimentary desserts at the end of our meal. They turned a great night into an even better one - I would recommend this establishment simply for their service, but the food is wonderful as well!
(4)
Joe M.

Stopped in for a business lunch and loved it. Im gluten free and that was not an issue for them. They made me a gluten free meal that was outstanding. My guests loved it to. Great location. So glad we stopped in.
(4)
Daniel L.

Good italian food with big portions and a nice setting. I've had the veal milanese and meat ravioli on separate occasions, and both were delicious. The only downside is its location in one of the most touristy areas of the city, next to Michigan Ave, so it's swarmed on the weekends and even during the week sometimes.
(4)
Rich T.

I am southern Italian and love the Chicago version of Southern Italy. This is it. Sitting on the second floor near the window is a little loud but hey it is Chicago. Were loud people. :) I had Italian Wedding Soup Caprese Salad Chianti Veal Milanese was what made me write this review. I wanted to kiss the chef. No not really but you get my meaning.
(5)
Andrea B.

I had the rigatoni alka vodka and the spicy cauliflower. Both were very tasty and good portion sizes (plenty for leftovers). The cauliflower was almost pickled, but it was grilled and although different, very enjoyable. The service was very friendly and a nicer atmosphere. The only things I didn't like were the table sizes (quite small) and I was not a fan of the staff standing around watching you eat. They were being observant, which was good, and we really didn't want for anything, but it kind of creeped me out. A bit pricey too- $18-$22 a plate. Food was pretty good though.
(4)
Ari R.

I went to this restaurant in October 2012 and just came across it on yelp and needed to leave my review! It was readily available while the famous pizzeria across the street had a two-hour wait. The staff was very dry, unattentive and not around when needed. The food was trÃ©s expensive and SO not worth the price. I remember exactly what I got. Shrimp fettucini Alfredo. The bill was $25+...FOR ONE PLATE + ONE SODA. The food was bland. Bland. BLAND. I definitely did not finish, nor ask for a to-go box. I hope two years later they've improved on hospitality AND seasonings. Maybe since I didn't look "rich" I got the poor service. ;) I still love you, Chicago, even if every now and then I find a bad place to waste my cash.
(2)
Louis M.

The food and service was good but a bit on the pricy side. If there was a price/value rating i would give it 2 stars. We had two bottles of good wine which were $38 each and was able to find it at Binnys for $9.99. Typically I see wine prices marked up 2 or 3 times retail but this was nearly 4 times retail.
(4)
Amber K.

We went there for brunch after church, this place was soo good! I had the carmelized wild berry French toast with gelato, it was like no other French toast I've ever had. The French toast was good on it's own, and the gelato just put it over the top. My husband had the smoked salmon which he said was good, but he wasn't a big fan. My kids had the yogurt and fruit, it was ok. Really nice place.
(5)
E D.

For the past eight years my husband and I look forward to having dinner at Rosebud at least once a year to enjoy great ambience, the filet mignon and delicious pastas. We were far from impressed during our Valentine's Day visit. First, the ambiance was not the same as other years. Second, the filet mignon that we look forward to eating every year was far from good - it was overcooked and the broccolini that the dish usually came with has been substituted with a selection of other sides like broccoli (ugh). Finally, the latte we ordered tasted like steam milk. We spent over $200 and can say that we would have been better off at Olive Garden. Oh well, all good things must come to an end eventually.
(3)
Michael S.

We were in Chicago on vacation and used Yelp to check out places that we were interested in visiting. The reviews here were spot-on. The service was excellent as was the food. We were staying in a hotel with no refrigerator and still had them pack up the leftovers because we couldn't bear to just throw them away. The homeless guy we met 4 blocks away was very happy we did so. He ate well that night!
(5)
India B.

Overall, good not great food and for the price would have expected a little more. My boyfriend had the chicken parm, he said it was good, huge portion. We had mussels for the appetizer which were delicious and probably the best part of the meal. I had a swordfish special with clams and mussels. It was good, though if I knew the price when I ordered I wouldn't have went with that entree. Boyfriend said the bread was a little stale, which is disappointing for an italian restaurant. Great location and good service.
(3)
Matthew R.

From beginning to end the food was second to none. We had Calamari, which was fried to perfection with note too much breading to where you can't taste the calamari. The marinara that accompanied was amazing. Simple sauce but incredible flavor. Next we had a Caesar salad with Wedding Soup. The salad was incredible but the soup was unlike any other wedding soup I had ever tasted. I had the veal saltimboca and my wife had the brick chicken. I haven't had saltimboca like that in a long time and the chicken was perfect all around. The prices were not cheap but trust me it was well worth it and is a new Chicago favorite of mine.
(5)
Bill E.

Great Italian food with a nice ambiance for dinner.
(4)
Karina K.

Our waiter was awesome, we came back two days in a row. We were promptly seated both times. The second time out waiter Teddy remembered us and even what we drank, he was awesome. The first day we got chicken picAtta and the veal Milanese with arugula, both were awesome. The veal's breading was not too thick and didn't take away from the taste. My son got a hamburger, huge and cooked to perfection. He came back for another burger, both my husband and I ordered the whitefish picAtta which was also fluffy and amazing. The food was fast and clean, excellent to taste, and really prepared perfectly. Service was incredible, everyone was very attentive. Wish we lived here so we could come more often!!!
(5)
Isabel B.

This place was quite a pleasant surprise. From excellent service to excellent food. Hands down!!
(5)
Julie M.

The Caprese salad and eggplant parmigiana are the best we ever had! Look forward to coming every year on our visit..
(5)
Lily N.

I went with friends for breakfast/brunch and DISCLAIMER we did not order the french toast. Though after seeing it we felt some regret. Instead I ordered the Rosebud omelet which was good once I added some hot sauce. There was a lack of seasoning to the omelet as if the chef wanted the ingredients to season each other, but other than the sausage there was none with a strong taste. The peewee potatoes that came on the side were absolutely adorable, but like the omelet, it lacked in flavor. Lightly dusted with Parmesan, they were cute and fun to eat but I like at least some salt and pepper on my potatoes. Lastly I ordered milk which was served with ice. I am uncertain if their milk was just not chilled and hence the need for ice. (Obviously that's a health hazard) It was served to me with the other beverages, long before our food. So my milk got rather watered down by the time I was able to enjoy it with my meal. As for the other dishes at the table, my friend who ordered the omelet had the same feeling as me. Though he opted for salt at first to add some flavor. The other dish of Egg Benedict did not raise any comment about flavoring so it is potentially just an issue with the omelet. Summary: skip the omelet if you want flavor, but if you'd rather flavor your own food then order the omelet it is very large.
(3)
Jared E.

Great Italian food! Appetizer meat/cheese/veggie plate was great! Bucatini bolognese was very very good. Everyone at the table agreed that the food and service was great. Everyone left very satisfied.
(5)
Tiffany H.

So I have been here several times and typically go to the bar. They make this amazing drink called the deep freeze :-) love it. It's not on the menu but it's good. Only problem is now it's popular and the owner only wants to serve drinks on the menu. The owner will not purchase items to make the drink. It's political but it was bringing in customers and money so.... I don't know what's the big problem. Its the only reason why I go.... Now I don't stay if they don't have the ingredients. I found something I like I stick to it. The food is good and comes in big portions.
(4)
Beth C.

Things that i LOVE: when veggie food becomes meat-friendly it costs more money (ie. adding chicken to a caesar salad = +2.50) and adding veggies is FREE!!!! :) So not only did my friend and I walk straight in and get seated right away (which seems to be an anomaly in Chicago....) but their fettuccini alfredo was delicious AND i asked for broccoli... which they could have charged me for (since I think a side of broccoli was around 7 bucks?!) BUT they gave me vegetables for free! YAY! Obviously it doesn't seem like much to make me happy but truly this place was good. Olive oil for bread dipping (bread WAS STALE) is also DELICIOUS and EVOO.
(4)
Ronda D.

The bar area is over crowed so to get to the bar to order a drink you have to disturb other guests. Once we got seated, the food was very delicious. We will come back again.
(4)
Grace C.

Checked this place for brunch on Sunday We sat at outdoor seating as they do not have an elevator for stroller. Very very noisy. they make too much noise when they pick up and clean the tables.....most noisy restaurant that i've ever been Service: not so good....my waitress was too busy or slow..I had to ask to refill my coffee several times and waited for a while... Food: portion is generous...potato was good. But Nothing was impressive. I had crab cake Benedict and my hubby had breakfast quesadilla. They are too noisy that I didn't even pay attention when they took my baby glass bottle. I want them to reimburse it...but not even worth it to try to get it back...just I won't go back to this place.
(2)
John L.

Great good but poor service. Every time I go here I get treated like a peasant because I'm in my younger 20s. This place clearly has an agenda to cater to celebrity or older types because of money. My date and I were not even offered dessert in hopes of getting the next customers into our seat. This was my favorite restaurant for years but not anymore. Despite having a reservation, the hostess tried to seat us in the outdoor area.
(3)
Mark H.

Hands down best lasagne and meatballs I've ever had. Dinner service was noticeable better than lunch service despite it costing the same. Prices are high but quality of food is excellent. Ate here twice on a recent 5-day stay.
(4)
Fred D.

This is one of my friend's favorite places to eat in Chicago, so with his recommendation here on yelp I made reservations for brunch on Mother's Day. I had eaten here before and enjoyed it, but it wasn't exactly memorable. Now I can recommend as well. I think they could turn it up a notch -- considering it was Mother's Day -- so I'm not sure it's a good place for special occasions. I would definitely return again but not if I were celebrating a special day as it didn't seem they were doing anything special given it was Mother's Day. So I had pretty high expectations based on my friend's review. We weren't disappointed, although brunch here is just a later breakfast, and not a buffet as we had hoped. But that's our only complaint as our meal was very good. We sat downstairs since it was super cold (in Chicago what a surprise!) but on a day with better weather I think the outside tables would be nicer that the darker slightly claustrophobic lower level. The service was top notch and our order was quickly filled and served. I had the crab cakes eggs Benedict which was very tasty and my companions had the French Toast and the omelet. Everyone was very happy with our order but the French Toast was really more than one could finish so we shared. No complaints there. i was also pleasant surprised when the check came and the total was extremely reasonable for brunch for three.
(3)
S C.

I went there after many years. The place was super crowded to the point that if I pulled my chair out I would hit the person behind. The servers had to squeeze between the chairs and tables. The food wasn't all that. The servers were nice though. I enjoyed the company of my friends but some how we didn't enjoy the overly crowded atmosphere. I doubt if I will go back unless I am invited to a dinner that I absolutely can't deny going.
(2)
Sandra C.

Service was good, food is a-ok. I don't know if I would be back I could make better flavorful Italian food sorry! I just like lots of flavor. It's a bit pricey not a good bang for your buck and not enough flavor for me but then again I'm Latin and we require robust flavors they have to wow explode in my mouth. Oh I forgot Italians are Latin.
(3)
Mimi T.

So we didn't even mean to end up here. This was during the huge storm/hurricane in the fall of 2013. We were actually at the brunch spot catty-corner but the wait was too long. I called Rosebud while standing across the street to see if they could accommodate 5 ppl. Yes! So we booked it across the street and made it safely to the other side. Unfortunately, my $5 umbrella didn't make it so safely. In view of all the bystanders, stuck from the storm, my evil umbrella flipped inside out and started collecting rain which later poured on me when i tried to pop it back down. Anyways this is a review about the restaurant and not my inane bad luck. So restaurant itself looked like it was flooding upstairs in the sun room area. We asked to be seated downstairs dungeon, I mean lower level, but seriously it felt like someone's speakeasy basement. Could've been cool if they played it up as such. Bread was delicious and the oil it came with was superb. I believe half of us ordered the pasta with meatballs or some meat sauce and the others the eggplant salad/regular salad. Portions were a good hefty size (Italian restaurant size). The meatball was huge but fully cooked through and oh-so-tasty. The parpadelle pasta wasn't what was explained so the manager came out and corrected the issue. Eggplant salad was apparently phenomenal. The pasta and sauce tasted homemade which impressed me considering the dingy decor. Overall I enjoyed the food/bread but the atmosphere was severely lacking. This place needs an upgrade in a major way. Felt a little sketch too.. like it was a front for a mob family. That could also be my overactive imagination and me wanting it to be a front. :P My pasta experience elicits a return if in the area and craving spaghetti and meatballs!
(3)
Al M.

Decided on the Rosebud on Rush for Italian comfort food at its best. This casual place seems to be busy all the time but also seems to be very well run by a team of pros that know what they are doing. We dined upstairs where the atmosphere was a bit noisy and cramped but it was what we expected on a busy St. Paddy's day weekend and it did not impact our experience. Our server was average and forgettable. Our food, wine and desert were all very hearty and good and priced in line with our expectations. Having a side of pasta with a veal dish is a nice touch without having to order it special. My request for extra marinara sauce was accomodated immediately. Try the Taramisu for a sweet treat to finish up your meal. It is sized to be shared. We walked out fully satisfied with our 3-star experience.
(3)
Robert S.

Ate dinner here for the first time a few nights ago with a friend. We had an exceptional dinner with prompt and attentive service. Highly recommend the sausage and peppers and calimari for appetizers. For dinner, we had the lamb bolognese and the veal marsala. Good wine list with some affordable options! We were seated upstairs. I *think* they seat families with children in the downstairs dining room. If so, thats brilliant! Allows families with kids to eat out without disrupting diners without kids! Will be back!!
(4)
Caitie C.

Food was excellent. Service was okay as our waiter didn't even introduce himself or offer us a beverage menu. But I would go back any day for the food.
(4)
Elizabeth M.

Service was so-so and strangely, they switch from brunch to dinner menu on Saturdays. A half portion option would be nice for the ginormous portions.
(3)
Corey R.

I've been to a few Italian places in Chicago and, so far, this is the best place I've been. The pasta was outstanding. It tasted fresh. The sauce was great. The portion was large. Front the moment we walked in the door, everyone was super friendly and said hello. Our server, Javier, was fantastic. We came on a Tuesday night so it wasn't super busy. It was a little loud, but not overbearing. If I could, I'd give it 4.5 stars because I was so impressed with the food and service.
(4)
Ellen M.

I've been to about every steakhouse in Chicago. This is the best. Go to this Rosebud specifically. It's not as touristy and the kitchen nails it every time.
(5)
Jennifer K.

We were very disappointed with Rosebud. The waitstaff was very nice and attentive; they deserve props. We did not have the heart to call the food out for what it seemed- pre-fabricated. My husband ordered the Chicken Marsala; the mushrooms were canned and the chicken was not grilled which led us to believe it was microwaved. I ordered the pasta Pappardelle; it was ok. I believe the noodles were handmade but the sauce was average. I saw little evidence of basil and it was far from rich, as it was advertised. Did we walk away full? Yes. Did we feel like we enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine? No.
(2)
Sian D.

Could not fault this restaurant. My partner and I went there for dinner last week and were thrilled. The food was stunning, I had the Vodka sauce pasta and my partner had a massive steak. The service was also incredible and our waitress was beyond helpful. If you are in the area definitely go.
(5)
Zhe M.

Probably the best linguine I've ever had in the city. Clams with some chopped meat(chicken?) in delicious white wine sauce, but not really much vegetables there. Service was good as well.
(4)
Kristine M.

Tony the bartender , yes he's from Ireland . Ate at the bar. Ordered caprese salad, eggplant Parm. Friend had chicken Parm. Big orders and delicious !!!!
(5)
Trent B.

My Wife and I ate here one evening for dinner while on vacation. The good was delicious... My wife had the tortellini carbonara....amazing and I had the lasagna which was excellent!!! They have one of the best ceaser salads I have ever had....super cheesy and garlicky!!! FYI if you drink soft drinks they charge per bottle...they give you little glass bottles no drink fountain which I thought was a little strange but whatever.... Over all nice place for Italian food and atmosphere was pleasant.
(4)
Andrea S.

Went in on a Friday night - definitely a hopping place! 8:30PM reservation, but still had to wait 10-15 minutes for our table...no big deal though, the bar area was entertaining enough. This is a loud and crowded place - perfect for hanging out with some friends and enjoying some good food/drinks. The calamari was amazing, the lobster linguine dish hit the spot (with plenty to spare for leftovers), & desserts were satisfying. However, I was rather disappointed that the coconut cake was no where near as delicious as S&W's, but then again, S&W's coconut cake is in a league of its own to begin with.
(4)
Nataliya A.

I really wanted to like this place...but it didn't happen. The services was okay The seating was okay The food was just okay The menu was okay For the quality of food it was very over priced.. I am okay with spending money on very good food, not on food that's just okay. I got the minestrone soup which was actually very good, everything else was meh.. Got the seafood salad.. Okay it was just a big plate of seafood, there were no greens! Wtf.. I cant consume just a bowl of squid, shrimp, and snail by itself...there needs to be some other substance... plus the seafood wasnt amazing. The bf got chicken marcela, he was not impressed at all...boring chicken dish, nothing spectacular. Other friends got some pasta dishes and chicken salad... No one was grossed out, everyone enjoyed... But I think the plates all just kinda looked sad... Something was missing... They did bring out two complimentary chocolate mouse desserts for the birthday girls and they were good - Godiva chocolate mous...ey you can't go wrong with Godiva chocolate.. Overall I left wanting something better for my money... I was not impressed. Oooh and if you are upstairs you do have to walk 3 flights of stairs to go to the bathroom... umm... okay? Will I be coming back? I don't think so.
(3)
Jacqueline N.

Man oh MAN! Helllloo Italy! Whenever I go to an Italian restaurant, I try to choose dishes that I just can't replicate at home. and WOW!! I can't believe how amazing the food was! Fresh bread was delivered for us to eat with olive oil until the entrees came... Food we ordered: 1. Cavatelli Al forno (MUST TRY!): which consists of ricotta dumplings simmered in a marinara sauce with cheeses, topped with mozzarella and baked to perfection in the oven! I wanted to try this per recommendation of our wonderful waiter. I don't know how else to describe this besides deliciousness in a bowl. Cheese, warm pasta with a tangy marinara sauce just played seamlessly together. Some chicken pieces in there would have been great but it was so good it was unnecessary. Love love this dish! 2. Lasagna: Every place makes their lasagna different so it's always fun to try different takes on lasagna. There was quite a bit of meat and cheese in this lasagna but lasagna is just delicious in itself. (I just personally prefer the Cavatelli) :] Overall, my experience at Rosebuds was wonderful. Portions were quite large and leftovers were phenomenal. Parking was difficult... as usual. So Valet was $12 I believe. It was hefty but it's pretty much impossible to find parking and it's cheaper to valet than to self-park. Service here was great and the atmosphere was very romantic (candle-lit and dark; aka not suitable for yelp food pictures!) Nonetheless, service was fast and had delicious leftovers for another meal! I highly recommend Rosebuds and I can't wait to come back and get my Cavatelli Al Forno again :D :D
(5)
Rugsly E.

Dino Mazzei is a crazy asshole. He just scream at everyone. The way he treats his employees made me physically sick. I had to walked out. Never coming back here.
(1)
Brandon J.

Food is decent, service is meh. In their defense, it was fairly busy. However, our drinks sat empty, we waited for the check and it took a long time to get our order taken.
(3)
S K.

The gravy (red sauce) and meatballs taste exactly like my grandmother used to make, and she was born in Italy! Someone posted a poor review complaining about the red sauce being basic, well this is how it is supposed to be, at least if you want authentic Italian. The servings are huge and you have the option to order half. Staff was attentive and we didn't wait long. The only thing that could have been better were the bread rolls, they were not great.
(5)
Norm C.

Positive: Mussels in spicy red sauce (not quite a fra diavlo) was great. Generous portion served with tosted garlic bread. Good house pinot grigio by the glass. Not so great: This place is noisy as hell! Not a great place for an intimate meal or date night. My wife had a seafood special that was good. I opted for a plate of eggplant parm. After our appetizer, a busboy cleared our dishes, silverware and glasses. My waiter re appeared and asked if I'd like coffee or desert. I mentioned that we'd like to eat our main course first. He apologized and scurried off. Came back 5 minutes later and said "just a few more minutes". I think he forgot to put our order in originally. No biggie, we weren't in a hurry. Dinner finally came. My eggplant dish was warm, not hot. Side of pasta was cold. No big deal still...I don't eat pasta. The reason it came at all is because they would not substitute a veggie for pasta. Only add vegetables as "an upcharge" according to our waiter. I ate the eggplant parm. It was decent, but completely cold by the time I was halfway through it. To be fair, it was a BIG portion. Pretty tasty. Overall, for the prices they charged, I was more disappointed than satisfied. With so many good italian places in Chicago, I was expecting more from this local chain.
(3)
Bryan M.

Caprese and chicken parm.. pretty dam good, good service, nice atmosphere. .. However, a dam gnat bothered me the entire time
(4)
Evelina A.

I just made a to-go order of their salmon salad only to discover that I paid $18 for lettuce! Not only was the entire container filled with lettuce, they also forgot to include the hard boiled sliced eggs in my salad as indicated on the menu. The 5 oz salmon is definitely not worth paying $18 for. Completely disappointing experience. I've had a $19 salmon salad from a similar restaurant in Los Angeles that looked like it was worth $19! This was just a ripoff.
(1)
Jerry S.

We were on a family vacation and we stumbled upon Rosebuds on Rush Street. They have a nice patio that we chose to sit at. This was Friday evening August 15th at 7pm We were told it would be a 25 minute wait for a family of four. I went downstairs and ordered two drinks a margarita on the rocks and a Grey Goose and tonic. You always know your in Chicago when you pay for your drinks. Yes they were about $22 for the pair but they were not light on the booze!! Very good drinks. We each loved the bread before the meal and the Cesar salads. 8 year old daughter loved the spaghetti and meatballs. 10 Year old son had the ravioli and said it was the best he ever had. My wife had the Rigatoni Alla Vodka and she liked it very much. I had the baked Ziti Genovese and it was awesome. Only problem is they give you so much food that you cant eat it all. Service was prompt and we would have no problem eating there again
(5)
Alan S.

Fantastic authentic italian food. Great atmosphere for a date. We had Fetucinni Alfredo, Chicken Parm topped off with Tiramisu and Cappuccino. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. They even have gluten-free pasta!
(5)
Money G.

Location is awesome and the ambiance is great. Food was pretty good and the portions were good, but the major knock on this place is the cleanliness. It seems somewhat clean when you walk in but their dishes had crusted food on them! Not just one - we got coffee and all 11 coffee cups at our table were dirty. Not just kinda dusty or something like that. I mean food crusted, coffee stained cups and when we politely approached the waitress she brought us another dirty cup then to replace it a cup with coffee in it so we couldn't check - ha. Oh well - not a huge deal but kinda messed up. Hallways smell like dirty wet rag. Place is good food but really sub par experience. So many restaurants around here your money is spent better elsewhere
(2)
Deb L.

Sat outside...nice atmosphere. My son had a steak and could hardly eat it...ordered it medium rare and it was over cooked. My chicken Parmesan was average at best. My other son had a chicken special and said it was too dry. My husband had fish and said it was good. Wouldn't go back. I can better food back home (Indiana)....
(3)
Daniel G.

I'm back again for the irresistible wheat pasta (whichever they have for the day) with an awesome marinara sauce. So far it's the best pasta dish in all of Chicago's many Italian eateries! I've been here many times and can't wait to get back! The house threw in a glass of wine and a up of decaf. The bartender, Kevin, was very hospitable.
(5)
Joe F.

Rosebud on Rush was as good as the others in the franchise. The food was very good and enormous. If you're vacationing in Chicago, be prepared to leave a large portion behind. We started with the antipasto app, and had an assortment of veal, chicken and pasta dishes. All were very well prepared. Our only complaint was, we requested outdoor seating, and were walked around the back side of the building, which was not so nice. After we complained, they graciously moved us to a much nicer table upstairs.
(4)
Melissa W.

This was the best pasta I've ever had. Had a wonderful meal here. Price is affordable for quality. Sat at the bar with Kevin as our bartender. Ask for him next time. Can't say enough of how amazing the food is here.
(5)
David V.

The food was amazing. For desert I had the "Nonnas ....." Aka chocolate cake and it was really, really, really good. Overall it's a great place to eat and atmosphere is col too. Only downfall is that you feel like there's isn't enough space and if you look to your right or left, you might as well ask the person at the next table to pass the oil or for a bite off their plate
(4)
Natalie L.

Rosebud was selected for me for a large client dinner. I'm somewhat conflicted because the the out-of-town clients were happy (they were also pretty hammered). But I think that in the grand scheme of Chicago Italian dining, this was mediocre. I had the chicken parm and it was fine but nothing special. The sauce was a bit bland and the I like my chicken to come with a little more crispness. Don't get me wrong, this isn't an Olive Garden and the service was on point. Really my biggest issue with this place was the portion size. The amount of food you get is unholy and unnecessary, especially when you're from out of town. So much of what we ordered just went to waste (I had enough left overs from my own plate!). So my dinner here didn't do my conscience any favors.
(2)
Moe A.

From the service to the food, I was very disappointed. The waiter wasn't the nicest and made smart remarks to any questions we had. I ordered the chicken parm which was just OK. My husband ordered the chicken Marsala and it was a 2x4 piece of chicken that tasted like it was just taken out of the freezer. Served with lunch portions priced. And when adjusted.. Not even a sorry. Definitely no recommendation here
(1)
Bill G.

Had brunch here on a Sunday late morning Service was about as bad as I have ever had Ever. To make it worse, the food was terrible Unlike the dinners I have had at their Taylor street Location, this place is bad
(1)
Don K.

Every big city should have a Rosebud On Rush - a solid, reliable Italian restaurant where the kitchen never fails to turn out consistently great, classic Italian meals. I'm not sure why Rosebud On Rush's average stars on Yelp are only 3 1/2. Urban Spoon goes 4 1/2 and an 89% recommendation rate on a higher number of reviews. Zagat shows 85% approval from diners. My own enjoyment of this classic Italian red sauce restaurant easily earns the full five stars. I would be so bummed if this longtime Chicago favorite ever disappeared. I've been a huge Rosebud fan - all of them - since Alex Dana opened the first of his many successful restaurants, the original Rosebud on Taylor, back in the early 70's. I was in my 20's then. My memory is that Rosebud On Rush was his second. No Italian restaurant in this city serves better sausage and peppers, better pasta, better mussels, nor better fish and meats. None. This restaurant was the first I ever knew of to serve pappardelle noodles, the large squares of pasta perfection smothered in either Rosebud's best in class red sauce, or meaty Bolognese. Last night, sitting outside on a spectacularly beautiful Chicago night, I felt like having a great steak. I know Rosebud restaurants get their beef from Linz, and they are among the finest steaks anywhere. I had a New York strip last night that was absolutely as tender and flavorful as anything I've ever had in any of Chicago's best steak houses. Together with the unique and outstanding egg plant salad and a bottle of reasonably priced and delicious Primitivo wine, it was pure al fresco Italian dining heaven. I have always found the service to be 5 star. Dino Mazzei, the young general manager, has been in charge for years, and he's like a perpetual motion machine, running from kitchen to dining room, inside to outside, always making sure customers are happy. Johnny Mulligan, a long time server turned assistant general manager, is also always completely tuned in to diners and their dining experience. So many of Rosebud's servers have been with the company for years, and that kind of experience shows in both their knowledge of the dishes, and their ability to accurately recommend food and wine. I don't know why it took me so many years to finally get around to writing this review. I should have done it years ago. I think it might be because Rosebud On Rush has always been here, always great, and so I've taken it for granted. Classic gems like Rosebud on Rush should never be taken for granted.
(5)
Sandra P.

Horrible service and food. Admittedly the restaurant I wanted was closed on Sunday so found this open and thought its Rosebud so it has to be decent. Was seated promptly- only 8 tables filled in patio. Was served water/bread by water boy and then waited and waited and waited. Bread was stone cold and hard, even with the poor quality evoo served with it. Finally another waiter assistant came by after 20 minutes and asked if I would like to order a drink- ordered wine and waited and waited. After 30 minutes after seating I had yet to see official waiter. The waiter assistant ended up taking my order - chicken vesuvuius- touted as rosemary encrusted chicken breast in white wine garlic sauce and crispy roasted potatoes. After another 20 minutes received this plate with chicken breast swimming in a soupy wine sauce, several whole roast garlic cloves, limp potato wedges and frozen peas covering the entire dish. For $22 expected a little more care. Oh, finally after over 40 minutes I finally met my "waiter" who apologized and blamed a malfunctioning computer system for his disinterest. The worst part was once he decided to actually service me he would not leave me alone, trying to make inane conversation every 5 mins or so. By this time, I was over Rosebud, their terrible service and Olive Garden food @ ridiculous prices. Its safe to say I won't be back to any of the chains restaurants.
(2)
RJ C.

Zuppe di Pesce is my favorite. But the NY Strip was one of the best I've had as well.
(5)
michael w.

so i'm driving by on a Monday afternoon pointing out the Rosebud to the wife telling her that a co-worker said it was good, and there dead center sitting at a table outside is Vince Neil. I go around the block, find a parking spot, do a walk by, yep, def Vince Neil. Get seated two tables away. No one is going there but very hard not to yell "Duuuuuddddeeeee!!!!" Anyway, great atmosphere, great service, good food. I did not eat but the wife had vodka riggatoni, I took a bite and it was tasty. Sorry there is not much more to the review then that, but it was very cool celeb sighting. Vince was sitting with two babes of course, one blonde, one brunette, sharing a bottle of wine. Pulled out a knot to pay for lunch and then cruised down the sidewalk with them to go shopping.
(4)
Nellie G.

This location wasn't as nice as the location on Taylor. I felt like it was a little too crowded, and narrow. Also, parking in this area can be a hit or miss. Lastly, the food wasn't as good as I remembered. I ordered the chicken piccata, and it was way too salty. I'd still go back, however, not at this location and definitely order something else.
(2)
Celia C.

Rosebud lunch specials. This is the time that you can get the best deal of the day. On top of that buy the costco gift cards and that will give you additional saving on your meal I was visiting Chicago and I walk the entire street looking at various menu in little Italy. This is a must for the street I had a great tiramisu dessert see my photos. The vodka penne was rich and creamy and my salad was light and fresh. No dead lettuce here The next time I tried the chicken Cesar salad and canolill for dessert. It did not disappoint
(5)
Walt K.

We enjoyed our anniversary dinner here May 14. Rosebud on Rush is one of our favorite spots when we visit Chicago! Our waiters were wonderful and the food, as always, was marvelous.
(4)
Monica E.

Spent the day shopping with my sister and friend and decided to have lunch here. We were greeted and seated immediately. Our waiter was a gem. Service was great! I ordered the Fiscilli Carbonara. Pretty salty to my liking. Overall, it wasn't a restaurant I'd go out of my way for but definitely giving it 5 stars for the service.
(5)
John M.

I went on a Sunday night with my 16 year old daughter on a quick trip to Chicago. I was hoping to make it a fun night out with good food. It was a terrible disappointment. Though the food was decent it certainly did not make up for the poor attitude of the entire staff. The head waiter acted like he could care less. The table was dirty when we set down. My bread plate had crumbs on it. The simple things like ground pepper, cheese with oil, and dessert were never offered. Lots of better options for sure.
(1)
Wendy P.

My new favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago! People say the best thing on the menu here is the chicken parm. It is truly delicious - thick pieces of chicken and the perfect blend of sauce and cheese. Super yummy. We also feasted on caprese salad, calamari and the ricotta dumpling dish. Honestly, too much food. The serving sizes are HUGE! One entree is enough for two people. We definitely ordered too much food. But who can blame us. It is all delicious. Service was good. They didn't rush us through the meal. Always kept water and drinks flowing on the table. Couldn't ask for much more than that. The only thing I would do differently? Skip the break basket. It fills you up way too fast. But it is too good to pass up too! What am I supposed to do?! Come hungry and Enjoy!
(5)
Bri N.

We stumbled in here for brunch today and had the best time! The food was amazing and the bartender Patrick was a hoot! We were a little confused about our bill (which was our fault because we ordered almost everything on the menu) and when we called, the manager John was so kind about looking up our bill for us (even though we were the ones who we're mistaken about something we had ordered.) Although it was not his fault at all, he apologized and fixed "the mistake." That is real customer service people; like old school style. As soon as I realized that the mistake was on my part, I called John back to apologize. He was so kind that it makes me look back on our experience there with wonderful nostalgia....even though it happened today...lol Patrick, John, and the rest of your team: you are doing a great job at Rosebud and we can't wait to come see you again! Thank you so much for a wonderful morning
(5)
Nicole P.

We had brunch outside on Sunday. It was beautiful out, the waiter was attentive, and the coffee kept flowing. Our table was very wobbly, so I just kept a foot on one leg (my kingdom for a cardboard drink coaster). I had eggs benedict with salmon. It was divine, I'd happily eat it for breakfast every morning. A friend had an omelet and loved it. The other friend got the berry white chocolate french toast (not a lover of eggs). It was on challah and absurdly big. I mean, it took up the entire platter and had a LOT of whipped cream. She ate her fill and we both helped, but not even half was gone at the end. This is a colossal waste of (delicious) food. The brunch menu is very small, but everything sounded terrific. It was an enjoyable meal, but the wobbly table plus giant french toast helping/waste knocked off a star.
(4)
Elaine O.

Came here for x-mas day lunch with friends - we all ended up sick. Hate that we paid so much for what was apparently bad food. We suspect it was either (or both) the calamari or the cream sauce on the stuffed mushrooms.
(2)
John M.

We had a dinner party there on July 27. The food was great and the service fabulous! Our waitress gave fantastic service and was very attentive. We were a party of 15 and she handled the group superbly. We ordered some drinks that weren't on the menu and they were happy to create them. The food was delivered to everyone quickly and was excellent. These five stars are richly earned!
(5)
Dan S.

I've eaten at the other nearby Rosebud on a visit before so we popped in here, thinking we'd be impressed. I left with an underwhelming feeling. The food wasn't bad by any means. (The bread with oil & cheese to start is always good, though). The Italian Wedding soup? A-Ok. The risotto special of the day? Tasty yet a little salty and again, kind of forgettable. Have a tough time picturing it just a few days later. Water glasses took a little while to get filled and we were kind of smushed in to our table. There were lots of families eating here which is good if you're traveling with kids; not so good if you want a more adult setting. Prices were average and for the portion, it was a decent value. Overall, if you're in the area, there are better places. You won't necessarily go wrong here; you just may not remember much of it a few days later.
(3)
Grace K.

I came back here on a Friday afternoon because the tortellini carbonara is SO. GOOD. We were able to get seated right away but we were crammed in a corner of the patio right next to a station were the servers were putting dirty dishes- we didn't have a reservation, so, fine, whatever. However, shortly after sitting down, the tube covering one of the rope lights hanging over us fell down on my head. No one approached us or said anything so I just sat there holding the light fixture until we could grab a bus boy and explained what happened. He said "oh." and walked away. We saw our server once the entire time and I noticed the station behind me (on which the servers were packaging up food to go) was covered with dead bugs and flies-gross. Too much seating packed into a small area and inattentive staff. Too bad since the food is great.
(2)
Arnaud W.

Had to ask for the menu to know the prices (NOT displayed outside). Had a sit, fast ordered and served. Bread and olive oil to wait your order. Big salads, quite good as well, not too expensive.
(5)
Nelson M.

Update to previous review: Unfortunately the 5 dollar promotion has come to an end. Hopefully they will start it up again when the weather gets colder. For now, I have shifted my business to Rosebud Trattoria on 445 N Dearborn Chicago, IL 60654 which has a similar 5 dollar burger, but different. Are you wondering how.... click and check out my other review!
(3)
Tim R.

Classic Italian, basement seating or outside. We had been walking all over Chicago, and just stopped in - no reservation was no problem. If you're hungry when you walk in, you will walk out stuffed. We split the eggplant parmesan, with a 2 meatball and sausage side, and that one meal had us both filled to the brim. We were laughing with the family at a nearby table, as they ordered a meal for each family member and had to take home a few pounds of leftovers. Loved it. Well dressed staff, very friendly, attentive service. Water gets filled promptly, food arrives quickly, dessert is offered with a wink because they know you're too full to eat it. If I were local, I would come back often.
(4)
Shaun S.

Nice staff, clean, a little tight on space on Christmas Eve, but it worked. Food was good, but really my knock comes from the portion sizes. My wife ordered the brick chicken, and while warned it takes 30 minutes, nothing was said that it was a WHOLE chicken... seriously, who needs a whole chicken, four potatoes and a bushel of broccoli. With a side order of pasta it would have been enough for the four of us. I suppose we'd go back, but I'd try and order off of a kids menu!
(3)
Annie N.

IMO, Italian is hard to mess up but even harder to make exceptional. I hardly ever find an Italian place I'm fully satisfied with. That being said, Rosebud was below average. We often walk pass here and the outdoor patio is absolutely adorable, so one night after a movie we stopped by late for a quick bite. Sitting outside and enjoying the weather was perhaps the best part of this place. For a Sunday this place was busy, and the street was happening, Yet the food and the service was mediocre. Our server was fine, but nothing personable or engaging. We didn't get silverware and had to steal it from an empty table near us. The food was alright, we order the seafood sample to start, I had the Rigatoni alla Vodka for my main and he had the eggplant parmesan. I thought the seafood wasn't fresh enough for my taste - I mean it didn't give me a stomachache or anything, but it could have been a little more appealing to the eyes (the oysters especially). The sauce that came with it was delicious though. The main course was again, just ok. Pasta was rather overcooked and too soft, sauce was decent. He seemed to like his more than I did mine! Portion was very generous but I'm not sure I'm feeling left over soggy pasta! Maybe it's just me and italian food, but it's so hard to find a good italian spot here. If you're looking for a quick option, sure, but otherwise skip it. Well, perhaps the patio might be a good reason too!
(2)
Carri C.

Kind of disappointing. Really felt rushed by the staff. It was very noisy and too warm. The food was ok, but was uninspired. I live 2 blocks away and I felt this was really a tourist trap and is overrated. They do a very good business as the location is prime for tourists.
(3)
Jordan H.

Great place for brunch. Big portions at a reasonable price. The staff goes above and beyond. Greek omelet was good, not great but good. But caprice salad was fantastic. Highest recommendation
(5)
Bex A.

Perfect dinner date place, their calamari are just so damn good! It melts in your mouth. It is heaven. Their food can be a bit better, my food could've been better. My boyfriend ordered a cheese ravioli entree and he loved it. I had one of their drink specials, it was amazing. The service was superb. I can't wait to be back.
(4)
Jonathan W.

Traditional italian food done well. This place has all the classic Italian fare with great execution. I loved the veal parm. You worry a place like this may be a Olive Garden nightmare but this place seems to still put the love into the food. Some interesting celeb pics in the front entryway
(4)
Mindy S.

The restaurant is so cute, outside seating in a really cool part of town. Mom had the Capresse salad and I had the Spicy Marina Pasta. Good food with a ton of cheese! I love cheese, and I never thought I would say hold back on the cheese, but I have to at this restaurant. I would go back again in a heartbeat.
(4)
Nathan S.

Crowded. Packed. The food is so good everyone is here. The food is worth being a little crammed in. Chilean sea bass is what I had the pleasure of eating. It was so freaking good. The stuffed mushrooms appetizer is the best I have ever had. Squeeze in here and give it a shot, it's worth it.
(4)
Greg R.

It was just excellent. I had the chicken piccata. The sauce was a little thicker than usual with excellent flavor. The side pasta dish had a great sauce on it. My friend had their lasagna. He thought the portion was good for two, but he said it was lighter than he expected, and ate the whole thing. If I lived here, I'd be back.
(5)
Jim K.

In short, I walked in for a brunch. I ordered an omelet. Not so good. Seriously, cooking 101. The service was not very attentive (had to ask a bus to find my waiter so I could get my check). I'll skip this place in the future, and continue to go to the Rosebud on Oak.
(2)
Katie R.

This is a great, old-fashioned Italian restaurant. A friend and her mom were in town, so I was looking for a fun place to take them. I'm so glad that we found Rosebud. We were able to walk in and be seated on a Friday night with no problem despite the fact that it was pretty full. It has a cool atmosphere and we had fantastic service. And the best part was definitely the food. We all ordered pasta dishes, and they were all completely delicious. I ordered the Baked Ziti Genovese - the sauce had the perfect amount of spice. The servings were huge, so we all ended up bringing home leftovers. I can't wait to eat mine tomorrow!
(4)
A S.

Writing a review for this place is kind of a futile exercise since it has long established its name in Chicago. Yes, you can always expect great food here and excellent service. And it is in the most convenient location. Big portion - don't order too much unless you plan on taking it home.
(4)
Ryan H.

Food is okay, everything else is great! I know probly it's a bit biased that as an Asian, I'm really not a fan of Italian food. Their pastas are just okay, my high school spaghetti could be better. Waitress is nice and kind. Both indoor and outdoor seating make you feel relaxing, great dining atmosphere!
(3)
Dominick Q.

I hit this place for a quick lunch between meetings and saddled up at the bar downstairs. The outdoor seating looked prime, and the interior looked a bit antiquated. But then again, so are my jokes so who am I to judge. I did the mini meatball sandwiches (3) which were more enjoyable than expected with the addition of the giardiniera relish. The (hefty portioned) side of broccoli was delicious but heavy on the garlic. Enough to keep the vampires away. Apparently their burger is supposed to be the main attraction, and there's a great deal during lunch - I believe $5. So if you can get a seat outside for lunch, do it. Inside and downstairs for a more quiet, older crowd.
(3)
David P.

Great service, and good food. The only negative, it was a little bland. But, all it needed was a little extra salt and pepper. The blackened chicken was cooked to perfection! I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Jason L.

The food was okay. Had the chicken Parmesan. The good was served with a side of noodles and pasta. It was all okay, nothing to write home about. I have had much better Italian. You can hit the Olive Garden for a third of the price and just as good food. No salad is served as a precursor to the meal, and the bread that was served was somewhat stale. If you are in the area there Are way too many other spectacular restaurants that I don think I would return to rosebud. I ordered a diet coke, $2.50 for an 8 ounce mini bottle with no refills. Not a good place to get drinks and chill....
(3)
Alison A.

Had a reservation for two on a Sat night and had to wait in the cramped lobby a little while. Our table was in the corner so we were kind of away from the loudness but boy, is this a loud restaurant. Very dark, too... could barely read the menu. The service was very good though and the food was pretty good... nothing outstanding. We did love the bruschetta and my husband's spaghetti and meatballs was abundant and tasty but my chicken with homemade pasta was bland. Doubt we'll be dining here again since it was pricey with not so spectacular food and noisy, dark atmosphere.
(3)
Cole D.

Delizioso! Wonderful appetizers, especially the Italian weddin soup. The wine list was fruitful, and our waiter did a great presentation. He was also attentitive from start to finish, as were the water boys. The entrees were as delicious as they looked beautifully prepared. Very filling portions as well. And the two that split a dish had the dish divided for them on two plates when it arrived. The desserts and tea were a great finish. The connoli was perfect and the dessert wine sweet. Upstairs, the ambiance wad appropriate. Just the right amount of lighting. Perhaps it was a touch too loud, but nothing that became a persistent annoyance.
(5)
Moni K.

I am really not a fan of heavy Italian food but I was very happy to find lighter options on the Rosebud menu. For starters I had the Rotolo di Melezane, Pan-fried eggplant rolled with imported cheeses and baked in our rich marinara sauce very filling. Yes I know it sounds filling, but we split it into 3 appetizer portions so was not so bad. Then I was tempted to have the Italian wedding soup which I never had before. It was really delicious and worth trying. For dinner, (here comes my lighter meal) I got the Insalata Caprese Vine-ripe tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, sweet red onion and fresh basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil which was just delicious. All topped off with some Tuscan red wine leaving me very happy and satisfied. Service was impeccable. The decor and whole vibe reminded me very much of Italian Village on Monroe Ave by the Theater District.
(4)
andy a.

nice place to take your parents when they demand "normal" food.
(3)
Brittany F.

Honestly, Im not sure why we ate here. I guess because it was nearby and we were a little rushed so we could have some drinks before a show. The place was super crowded and Im assuming since there were onky two of us, we were seated at the tiniest, worst possible table on the planet. We were practically sitting squuzed between the wall which we were snuggled up on, and the backs of some loud obnoxious business men. This made for a pretty uncomfortable meal. In fact we had to have a stiff martini (which just so happened to be delicious) just to tolerate being in the place. The food was reasonable...not many vegetarian options though. I had the pappardelle with pomodoro. The sauce was flavorful and homemade pasta a plus. He had the eggplant parmesean which was enormous and was very well prepared. Food was reasonable, but not worth the obnoxious atmosphere or price.
(2)
Jennifer S.

Probably one of the best italian restaurants I have eaten at. They hand make their pasta and had excellent service. The menu has a variety of options. It was a bit pricy, but worth it!
(5)
Motta P.

Que Mierda, Visited with my wife and kids on Sunday at 5:00 pm the place wasn't busy at all. I'm going to summarize a terrible experience, no service for the first 10 min, drinks took about 15 min, food was mediocre at best and to top it off my son stayed home from school trowing up all night. Never again !!!
(1)
Kai R.

This is part of a chain / been in Chicago for decades. Restaurant itself consists of a number of different sections - during the summer, go for the patio (covered). Service is very attentive, menu is large, and portion sizes are huge. We had a number of different dishes and all were good. Reliable Italian food (not stellar, but solid).
(3)
Jerry D.

Excellent food with large portions. Nice wait staff. Excellent menu. I had the ricotta dumplings with the spicy arrabiatta sauce. A LOT of delicious food. Agree with others that sharing is a great idea if you can agree on what to eat. Great place for special occasions.
(5)
Team K.

Had a business lunch today, I had the special Chicken BLT on a pretzel roll. Nothing to brag about. The Calamari was very good. Service was to be as expected. Wasn't wow'd.
(3)
Dabney, B.

Being a Chicago resident, I'm not allowed to rate this 5 stars. Everyone can name at least 5 neighborhood Italian restaurants within a two block radius of their respective condo that has food that is just as good or better than Rosebud, I know, I get it. Also this place is for tourists, so we don't go there. Bologna, this place has been top notch since the first time I had it as a tourist, to many years later as a Resident. I make it a point to order the specials now, as I've had everything on the menu over the past decade and a half twice over. This place is great for a date, family members in town visiting, or for a work function. Feel free to come here regardless of the circumstances as Rosebud delivers no matter what. The staff is professional, polite, and are a throwback to the days of customer service that are painstakingly slipping from our grasp with each passing day. The food is fresh and comes in robust portions. Yes, there are many great under the radar Italian places a lot closer in your neighborhood, but don't let that undercut the excellence that is Rosebud on Rush. It's summertime. If you haven't been in a while, head over for dinner or lunch and get an outdoor table. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Craig W.

The food is always quite good here. The only complaint is they have the worst cold dry tough bread. They should maybe try toasting it or better yet get another supplier. They pour a nice glass of wine. The brick chicken is always amazing and enough to split and still take some home. The pasta is quite tasty.
(4)
Vitaliy K.

Good restaurant, tasty pasta, no pizza, reasonable $$
(4)
Will W.

Our food was good, but, not great. Rigatoni ala Vodka was decent. So was the Crab Rissoto Special. My daughter's Fettuccini Alfredo was average.
(3)
Becky M.

While back in Chicago in May I HAD to go to dinner at Rosebud again! I still had fond memories from my trip in 2008! And once again, Rosebud delivered. We ordered the Antipasto Misto which was supper delicious. I loved the sampling of cheeses, meats, OLIVES (most especially the OLIVES), and other veggies. It was the perfect little treat to snack on while enjoying our Gin and Tonics and waiting for the Italian Palooza that was in our near future! I ordered the Lasagna alla Rosebud and spent the rest of the evening and the better part of the next day in a carb comma. SO GOOD. Had I been able to finish my entire dinner, I surely would have licked the plate clean! The tragedy at the end of this amazing feast? My hotel room had no mini bar fridge and the leftovers went to waste. It was a fuckin' crime my friends. A CRIME!
(4)
Paul B.

So I called the restaurant when I got home Monday afternoon. I was still steaming. I spoke to a manager who offered some weak apologies. Before long - said manager was reading my review -off of Yelp - back to me over the phone. He promised that the general manager would be calling me within an hour. The regular manager called me back an hour later saying the GM had no time to talk to me and would talk to me on Tuesday. As I write this - on Thursday - the GM has still not returned my call. So what did we all learn from this? Rosebud is run by arrogant quacks who don't need my money - or yours if you value good service. I wish I could give it less than a star!
(1)
Charlie B.

I have to admit I have just had pasta here once, and it was really good. What I come for is the amazing burger during lunch. It is so tasty, so moist, so huge and just amazing.
(4)
Jessica C.

After walking a very long time looking for a Hibachi grill that seemed to have up and walked away, we found the little gem Rosebud on Rush. It was around 6 pm on a Sunday evening and I was absolutely shocked we did not have to wait for a table. I felt a little dressed down (in jeans) and asked the hostess if that was alright. She said absolutely and had us journey up the stairs to their dining room. I was not all that impressed with the inside of the restaurant and honestly was super disturbed by an mid 30s couple who let their children run rampant, or so it seemed. Their oldest child even fell off the chair at one point during the meal. Very annoying. I ordered the basic cheese ravioli, and even though I was only given six pieces, I felt the ravioli with the Italian bread was just enough. I must say, those were the best ravioli I have ever eaten. The sauce was spectacular and the cheese stuffing was unbelievable. Our food was delivered very quickly. I think we may have waited no more than 7-10 minutes, which was great because I needed to escape the noisy children nearby. The price was very reasonable, especially since I paid only $10 less earlier that day for burgers and chips. If I ever venture out to Chicago again, I will definitely return and see what other Italian creations I can taste.
(5)
Stephen F.

Another reviewer said that Rosebud restaurants serve "consistently good Americanized Italian dishes". Since I couldn't have said it better, I'm just going to quote Masha. My only gripe -- a perennial for me -- is that you're going to overpay at any casual dining establishment in the Viagra Triangle/Gawking Iowan mouth of hell that runs from Division on the north, to State on the west, to the river and lake south and east. The food's fine, but there is simply no reason other than location why Rosebud on Rush entrees should run to $30 or more. If you have the wherewithal to get to Old Town, I expect you'll find better deals for similar cusine in any number of places.
(4)
Chris D.

Good food!! Service is average each time I have gone though. I like to feel special or even wanted, not just as a tip. Great location. Burger I had last time was top notch! Otherwise nothing excessively special of mind blowing in my view.
(3)
Matteo P.

My wife and I walked in Sunday night over memorial weekend looking for a spot to grab dinner at 8PM (prime time). Even though it was a busy weekend, they were able to sit the two of us in 5 mins. My review: This place was amazing! I'm absolutely convinced you cannot beat this place for the variety, price, portion, quality, and taste of the dishes offered. The bread basket showed up immediately and one of the breads offered was a focaccia baked with some tomato sauce. Very tasty! We started off with the bruschetta appetizer. Very fresh tomatoes and great taste. My wife ordered the chop salad. The portion was huge! It pretty much had every vegetable you can think of it. My wife loved it. After the bruschetta, I started off with a house salad (huge portion could feed two), and very old school Italian. A nice light oil and vinegar dressing. I then ordered the chef's special lemon white fish and a side of rigatoni with their house tomato sauce. My order prompted our waitress to stop writing and say, "sir, that's a lot of food." My wife responded with, "Don't worry, my husband can really eat." Oh, and i didn't disappoint. I housed everything that they put in front of me. One of the best meals I've had in a very long time. I could go on describing the dishes in detail, but there's no point. Everything I had was phenomenal. I could have eaten the remaining tomato sauce with a spoon, it was that good. We closed the meal down with the cannolis and some cappuccino. You could scour the internet and yelp trying to look for better places to eat in Chicago, but save your time and just head over to Rosebud. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Kate B.

When I'm in Chicago for business (and usually staying in the Rush/Goldcoast part of town) I always visit Rosebud. This is old-school Italian - no muss, no fuss with white table linens, and staff in black vests. Service was excellent, I got picked on by our waiter in a fun way. I ordered orchiette with bitter greens, garlic and sausage, and it was very good. My husband had a NY Strip that was well prepared, juicy, and flavorful. Place was very busy, but our water glasses were never empty, and glasses of wine were prompt in delivery. Portions were huge - I had enough pasta left-over for 2 more meals. Overall a satisfying dining experience. I would never go out of my way to eat at Rosebud, but when you're in the area, it's well-worth a visit.
(3)
Andrea R.

I was just about to call Rosebud the Gibson's of Italian restaurants, but I see the oh so witty Kristin C beat me to it...and so I guess I"ll just have to come up with my own original review... One of my fiance's friends and his wife took us out tonight to celebrate our engagement- nice friends, huh? They made a reservation at Rosebud on Rush thinking it was some place new since I hadn't reviewed it along with the other 800 businesses I've yelped about. And while new for my fiance I've actually been to Rosebud on Rush many times in the past and am shocked that I"m just getting around to reviewing it now... If you're a lover of Italian food and looking for some delicious pasta (& very large portions) Rosebud is for you. It's not the best Italian restaurant in the city (I personally think La Scarola wins that award), but they do Italian food well....and much better than their sister restaurant, Carmine's! I'm a pasta lover, but always seem to be on a diet so I tend to order fish at Italian restaurants. However, Rosebud on Rush doesn't have many fish entrees to choose from. Well besides salmon that is, but I'm taking a break from salmon right now after OD'ing on it...it's one of the only things I know how to cook! Anyway, I digress...so with no fish on the menu I was forced (and quite happily I might add) to choose a pasta. I remember reading in a recent weight watchers article that when ordering pasta the smart choice is linguine with clam sauce so that's what I went with being the good point counter that I am. However, I'm guessing WW doesn't want you to eat the entire entree! whoops... The pasta was very good (especially the clams on top), my fiance's cavatelli arrabbiatta was even better (although not weight watcher approved), the bread was warm, the baked clam appetizer was tasty, and the service was friendly and fast...so no complaints here. Like I said...Rosebud does Italian well....
(4)
Tony F.

Great food. Pasta done the right way.
(5)
Aliyah K.

Visited Rosebud in May 2009 with Hubby while on vacation and dined with my fantastic girlfriend who lives in Chicago. We had a really nice time here. The service was consistent and well paced. We were given some assitance in chosing a wine and were pleased to sit a while and enjoy the street sights while letting ourselves get hongray! Girlfriend had the Fettucini Alfredo, I had the Tortellini minus the procuitto and Hubby had the Ravioli. Girlfriend's meal was good, but it's pasta and Alfredo Sauce...nothing to write home about. I loved my dish and Hubby's as well. The portions were so generous that we allowed my girlfriend the local to take all leftovers home. Our hotel did not have a fridge with room for leftovers, which has not stopped me before....but I don't need to be gross eating luke warm pasta at 2am. I would go back...BUT with so many other places in Chicago to try I may end up sticking with the yummy memories.
(4)
CatLadyHon N.

Food: At the beginning, they give you bread with oil and parmesan cheese which was delicious. The food was good but not exceptional. I ordered beef ravioli which was good but would not order again. I may just not be a fan of ravioli. The other girls at my table ordered something different - one had a steak which looked and tasted good (I had a piece) and the other girl had some sort of fried chicken, which she says it good. One thing for sure is that the portions are huge! The pricing is on the high side for mediocre and simple pasta dishes. Service: The service was pretty poor on my scale. The waitresses and waiters did not seem friendly. We had multiple people come up to our table to help us so it was a bit unorganized. After we finished ordering our food, it took over an hour to get our meals and no one came up to us to tell us the status of our order. Atmosphere: Outdoor seating is available. It was a nice set up with a fine-dine feel even though it was not a fine dine restaurant. Location: Walking distance for us near north downtown and the Magnificent Mile. Overall, I would probably not return to Rosebuds since there are so many other places to eat in Chicago.
(3)
Jerry L.

It's everything I expected from a good Italian restaurant. The food have good portion (that means, a lot.) and was well served in good quality. Everything we tried so far tasted good, and each dish has its own unique flavor. The price is around 10~20 something which is common and reasonable. Moreover, Their calamari specialty was pretty good if you eat with hot pepper that comes with it. The place is good and some what a little better than other places in many small ways. I will come back for a good time, but yeah, it's NOT like it is extraordinary great or exceptional outstanding. Just good.
(4)
Phil M.

Made reservations and had a great table by the window. Service was excellent. We were in and out in about 45 minutes which fit our schedule great. Food was very good. Not a large selection but definitely worth the visit and we would go back for another meal!
(4)
Anthony F.

So loud! I couldn't even hear myself think. This is not a place to go if you want a nice, quiet, relaxing meal. But the food is good.
(3)
Kimberly H.

Read a lot of reviews on yelp/trip advisor for this place and made a reservation for my husband and i. it was our 5-year wedding anniversary. The place is very busy and loud, which i don't mind so much because restaurants in Italy are the same way AND this place has excellent service...not once were we waiting to have a water/drink refilled and the waitress was very friendly we started off w/ the calamari my husband and i got to a new Italian restaurant, we always try the calamari (if it is offered)...let me say that it was 5 STAR calamari! fried perfectly/ seasoned and oiled correctly...absolutely delicious! DH got the lasagne and i had the chicken basilico (sp)....DH said the lasagne was just like this other Italian restaurant in Rollinsford, NH, Alexander's, before they changed mgmt and absolutely loved it! My chicken was good --- the sauce was good and the pasta it was served with delicious We had a canoli for dessert and i had a cappuccino w/ amaretto so why 3 stars??? i was sick the whole entire night after eating dinner here! i thought i had food poisoning and since we were visiting from out of town, i didn't want to go to the hospital to confirm let's just say it all passed and i was better w/ in 24 hours...but that was a horrible experience and I'm not sure what went wrong. The only dish i ate that my husband didn't have any of was the chicken, so I'm not sure if that was the problem or the whipped cream on the cappuccino... but next time i think i will try Scoozi instead!
(3)
Basil T.

Great brunch, excellent service.
(5)
Michael G.

This is your typical, classy, Italian restaurant. I work for a media outlet and we attended this place based on the suggestion of some well-known sports figures who enjoy a nice, Italian meal. This place didn't disappoint. We went just a couple weeks ago and the atmosphere and ambiance are what you would expect. Dim lights, white tablecloths, but not overtly fancy nor expensive. Just a cozy dining experience. The food was delicious but being an Italian, I'm slightly basis. That being said, I had a very good salad and the Rossitto in a meat sauce for my main meal and it was very tasty. The two people I were with got a chicken dish and a veal dish. The obvious fact: these places didn't go light on the portion size. Huge portions that will fill you up for weeks to come. I really had no complaints. Good, friendly service...maybe the portions could be slightly smaller. But overall, top notch. p.s. great wine selection so make sure you get a glass of vino, at the least, with your meal!
(4)
Shell P.

I ate here last Sunday for the first time. The food was excellent (I had Penne alla Vodka and the Ravioli Quattro Formaggio). However, the service was a bit slow (VERY slow at the end!), and the prices were a bit high. I highly recommend the Penna alla Vodka. The sauce was the right balance of creaminess. Also, the outdoor seating was nice for a Sunday afternoon!
(3)
Nicole F.

I asked our server if he could get me the Chicken Parmisana without the breaded chicken (because I'm allergic to wheat). I gotta give the guy credit, he asked the chef, he said yes, he could make the plate gluten-free, and he did, and it was awesome. But, I could use the service without the attitude. When we ordered our drinks, he tried to upsell us to a bottle, but when I asked a question about the price, he wasn't listening and never told us the price of a bottle. Then, I told him how I was allergic to wheat and he still brought me the 'side dish' of pasta that came with the meal. Whatever. Time to get servers who actually listen Rosebud. Otherwise, your service, and food, would be outstanding.
(3)
Ron H.

Best Italian resturant in Chicago. You must try the Eggplant Salad. Great service and Friday Saturday nights can get pretty packed with over an hour wait.
(5)
Roxana D.

I was in town for a conference, and I had to have dinner by myself. I couldn't find a place to eat, and I ended up here. Suffice to say, I felt so strange eating by myself in a place packed with groups. However, the waiter was SO nice to me. I had the Cavatelli al Forno. I thought portion sizes were large in the south. Wow. I ate about half of it. It was pretty decent, run of the mill, Italian. The waiter offered to bring me more bread with my takeout box. Overall, it was a positive experience.
(3)
Sarah E.

Wait. That's it? Maybe it's that I'm not a huge fan of Italian food. You'll never catch me fawning all over a pasta-laden dish. I had the caprese salad to start and chicken marsala for dinner. The caprese was pretty good. Huge tomatoes, fresh mozz, fresh basil, and an olive oil and balsamic glaze touch when it arrived at the table. The salad was accented with a roasted red pepper and a healthy slice from a raw red onion, which surprisingly, I barely noticed. The chicken marsala was standard issue. That's it. And a bit pricey for standard issue. Also, wtf was that pasta w/ red sauce as my side? Was that supposed to complement my chicken? I'm guessing that this place had it's heyday a while back ... as evidenced by some older celebrity photos in the entrance. I will say that service was excellent. But, I will probably not return for Italian food.
(3)
Misse D.

Have you ever past a restaurant several times and built up this idea about said restaurant? I have always pictured Rosebud on Rush as the ultimate romantic restaurant. Years went by, and yet I never went. Finally, I was invited to Rosebud...for a business lunch. Hilarious. The meal was very good. It is probably one of my places for al fresco dining. While it was a great business lunch, I do hope to head back here for a romantic dinner soon.
(4)
Sarah-jayne M.

Really not that impressed with this place. Bad things - The hostess was pretty snarky and we waited for a good 10 minutes in a cramped lobby area waiting to be acknowledged. Hardly any fish or vegatarian options on the menu. Pasta sides tasted like something I could make at home with a jar of Ragu. Good things - wine was excellent and well priced, Calamari was generous and delish. Valet guy was cool and let us go to another bar and leave our car there. In a city with so many Italian options for dining I'd skip this one and go somewhere better. This one lacks luster.
(2)
Brandon T.

So.. Still looking for the best Italian, and still going to Rosebud to find it. After giving a bad review to the Dearborn trattoria location, which got no response from what I thought were concerned ownership, I found myself at this location. So much better in all regards. Seriously do not hesitate to visit this location after being burned by the Dearborn trattoria one. I can't emphasize enough that this place has regained my trust in Rosebud putting out a solid Italian dinner. Please skip the other, even if it is closer, and make reservations here. Street parking is possible, I promise.
(4)
howie w.

I went for the $5 burger today and have formed the following opinions. 1) the burger is off the charts great. Juicy and cooked to order. 2) Spending extra for the cheese was not worth it HOWEVER 3) spending the extra for the side of fries more than made up for it. Finally, in terms of the wait staff, there were two male servers in the lower level where I dined. Mine had a shaved head (name evades me) and he level of serve was top notch even after I informed him that I was just there for the $5 burger. However there was another waiter, tall and with an accent that had a major attitude when it came to people ordering the burger. I quote....."Are you here for our Italian cusine OR do just come for the burger?" When the party mentioned the cusine, he became lively and helpful. When another party party ordered the burger, his attention to their table was just like his accent.......it faded! I tipped my waiter mightily for his professionalism.
(4)
Tim E.

This is a tough review. I struggle not giving them a four star rating but only because the restaurant to way too crowded and loud. If you are looking for a romantic and quite place, this is not it. They clearly have too many tables in both the upstairs dinning area and bar area. Chicago fire department should recount the chairs. That being said, if you want traditional Italian food, you can't beat it. Their veal and chicken Parm is as good as it gets. Good service. If they would just give you more room to move your elbows, this would be a clear four star.
(3)
Jane R.

This is your typical cheap Italian restaurant hidden by the facade of a classy, high-status restaurant. The food is clearly just cheap ingredients, and the service is poor. They charged me full price for a side salad that I had to order because I'm allergic to the side that regularly comes with the entree. All other restaurants that I've been to just make a substitution, no problem. Pretty class-less on Rosebud's part. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Neil R.

Have dined here many times mostly with large parties.super service, super food, extremely large portions.
(5)
Denise S.

Family in from Belgium and knew that Italians had a strong heritage in Chicago and asked to dine as a classic italian restaurant. I knew I had lots of great options but really picked rosebuds for proximity due to hotel we stayed at, I knew the menu well and knew service would be good. I was not disappointed. They had a long day of traveling and sight seeing and I knew they were hungry, I called ahead and asked for appetizers and champagne to be waiting when we arrived- We had an amazing greeting from host and server and all was ready. They were very patient during the ordering process due to language barriers. Family also requested to drink American Wines to experince something new since they knew Italian wine list well. Server did a great job assiting me in this process. we ordered a wide variety of meals. pasta, veal, seafood and lamb and the whole table was extremely impressed. They felt it was there best meal they had while in Chicago. Thank you Rosebuds for assisting me set up the reservations and accomdating my early requests, champagne, preorder wine etc Do I think it's the best Italian restaurant in town- Hard to answer, and it's personal preference but based on service and the quality of food I had the other night- They get five stars from me.
(5)
Paul R.

The service was fantastic. The food was better. Portions were very generous. We are from Italy and found the meals very original. Noteworthy was the calamari. The best We have tasted in years. If you enjoy pasta this is the place to dine! The waiters will not disappoint you.
(5)
Shradha A.

So I've been to 3 of the Rosebud restaurants (Dearborn, Rush and Division) I like this one the best of all. I like the decor here and the food, especially their home-made pasta. Dearborn = good for lunch meetings. Different menu. Carmine's (near Division) = not good at all. Too noisy and cramped! My pasta was floating in water instead of sauce!!
(4)
Jeanne N.

This was our second visit to a "Rosebud" restaurant, two days in a row! The quality of the food was FIVE STAR at both restaurants! So they most certainly have made a name for themselves that exudes "consistency". Our server, Erica, was professional with a wonderful personality that also remained consistent throughout our time there even though the place was packed even at 9pm when we left. My husband and I are restaurateurs and are pretty critical of the places we eat at. Although we aren't food snobs, we do focus in on service, cleanliness, food quality, and how the flow of operations effects the customer. Friendly, efficient host staff upon arrival! A "good bye and thank you" on your way out the door. The bread/water service came with a smile too! I personally love that! It tells me that the employees have a pride in their restaurant and that they make money! I cannot express enough how fresh the food tasted... the sauces so rich and flavorful. You MUST visit a Rosebud restaurant while in Chicago...if you want to experience authentic, quality Italian food! The only reason I gave Rosebud on Rush only 4 stars vs. 5 stars was because of our pre-dinner experience in the downstairs bar/dining area. I understand that in the big city these restaurants really pack their customers in right on top of each other. I do not like this... but must say that the quality of the food over rides my distaste of practically sitting on a stranger's lap. The bar area had tables pushed right up to the backs of the bar chairs at the bar. Not to mention there is NO standing room around the bar. People still gather there and the customers trying to dine at those particular tables literally have people's hind ends right in their faces at eye level. We watched a particular table get sat twice and both times it took less than 5 minutes before the people just got up and vacated that table. If I had been sat there, on a first visit, I would have gotten up too and probably just left and not returned. So I don't know how smart it is to be greedy with the table seating vs. making the experience comfortable for all. But that is my only negative observation... don't sit in the downstairs dining room :)
(4)
Karen B.

This is one of my favorite restaurants ever. Two words: vodka sauce. I always order off-menu-the cavatelli with vodka sauce. Note that everything here is family style. Do not expect to order a salad and get anything that resembles an individual portion. Pasta portions are way too big. It's never a bad idea to share. The atmosphere is pretty cramped which is a down point. It isn't always easy to get a cab. I haven't been here since Chicago went smoke-free but I can't wait to do so. This was always a pretty smoky place and I'll be very, very glad to see that gone. I've been here with a pretty big group. I wouldn't recommend doing that. Service diminishes greatly with a group.
(4)
Sarah Z.

Rosebud is like the big comfy sweater you want to put on when you're sick and it's cold outside. It isn't fancy, but it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Rosebud has good food - outrageously huge portions - reliable (Carmines, their other locations) - and I always have leftovers for the next day.
(4)
Colleen M.

Everything about this place irks me. I've wound up here on several occasions for one reason or another and am always astounded at how pretentious the service is and, more importantly, how mediocre and over-priced the food is. I know I can be biased against chain restaurants, but I actually came here for the first time when I first moved to Chicago and didn't even know it was a chain. I still hated it. Think of it as an upscale Olive Garden, only the food is twice as expensive and - dare I say it - not even as good. I'm not saying I'm a fan of Olive Garden either (I'm not), but at least they don't try trick people into believing they're eating gourmet Italian food and then charge them up the wazoo for it. I have tried a few things here because it's hard to believe that a place that everybody seems to like so much can be so bad. Specifically, the sausage and pepper appetizer is awful. How do you screw up Italian sausage? Well, they figured out a way: cook it until its bone dry. Awesome. Rosebud is for people who think that expensive Italian food automatically equals gourmet Italian food. Hopefully everyone will learn that this is not the case.
(1)
Ashley A.

My family and I could eat Rosebud's seafood salad everyday. My mom from CA dreams about it, as does my 2 year old daughter. Their $5 lunch burger is my husbands favorite, can't bet the price and it's the best we've had so far downtown.
(4)
Demetrio P.

Wife and I were walking around downtown and decided to try Rosebud. And overall, we like the place. I had the Brick Chicken, which took a little bit of time to cook, but was tasty with some lemon sauce on the bottom. The wife had the special spaghetti with tomatoes and chicken, which was quite tasty. Everything was quite good, from the food, service, and the prices were reasonable as well. I would definitely visit Rosebud again.
(3)
Jonathan B.

Food was OK, same with service. Overall nothing special.
(2)
Santiago A.

The food was excellent. I had Penne alla Vodka and it was one of the best dishes I've had at an Italian restaurant. The Ravioli Quattro Formaggio was also good. I like the seating outside, although the time for that is over until about late March next year. If/when it's nice out, this is definitely the way to go. However, the service gets slow at times when seating outside. The location is also convenient for anyone out shopping on Michigan Ave. and doesn't feel like settling for Cheescake Factory. heh. (no offense to people who like Cheescake factory... this place is just way better. Sure, the menu isn't 57 pages long, but the food tastes better and it doesn't have a perpetual 2 hour wait to be seated.)
(4)
Thomas B.

We visited Rosebud on Rush last weekend and were not disappointed. I made an eight o'clock reservation on OpenTable and were seated at like 8:01pm. Before that, we enjoyed the downstairs bar where they served some killer martini's. The service was excellent and the food divine. Plenty of leftovers too as the portion sizes are very generous. If there were any negatives at all, it would be the noise level. This is not your place for a quiet romantic dinner at the prime dining hour. Instead, it's perfect for people watching and taking in the noise and bustle of a busy Italian restaurant right off Michigan Avenue.
(4)
Al C.

Ate here while in chicago for a long weekend house hunting... This place was a couple of blocks from our hotel, so we decided to give it a try. It was solid. Not omg amazing, and not sucky. The man had chicken parm and a caprese salad, i had penne arrabiata and a salad (i forget which one). The service was great and the food was good. Would i go out of my way to return here, probably not. Enough said.
(3)
Kay M.

Delicious food. Very cozy and romantic atmosphere. Elena was our server and she was fantastic and very attentive. I would definitely go again and would recommend to anyone that loves Italian.
(5)
Megan G.

The boyfriend and I stopped by here for lunch on Saturday and were disappointed to discover Rosebud has no lunch menu on weekends. That meant our options were limited to the $20+ entrees from the regular menu or salads/appetizers. Neither of us wanted to tackle the enormous Rosebud entrees, so calamari and soup/salad it was. Side note - they also don't have a kids' menu. I overheard a father asking about that and he was told his daughters could split a normal entree. Way to contribute to America's childhood obesity epidemic, Rosebud. Rosebud starts you off with some fantastic, warm bread with olive oil and parmesan. This was, honestly, the only part of the meal I felt was exceptional. My minestrone soup was not impressive at all and the calamari and my eggplant salad were just okay. For around $50 for lunch for two (after tax and tip) I didn't feel the food quality justified the prices though I do realize you're paying for the location. I will say that service is excellent, if perhaps a little overly attentive. The restaurant was fairly empty on this day, but I swear no more than 5 minutes went past without someone dropping by the table to be sure everything was okay. I'd rather restaurants err on the side of too much service rather than too little, though - so thumbs up for that.
(3)
Elizabeth F.

My friend and I were visiting Chicago for spring break and were staying near Rosebud . She had a craving for risotto, and when we found that this place had it, we had to eat dinner here! It was pricey but worth the splurge for our last night in Chicago. We went on a Wednesday night at around 7:30pm and we didn't have to wait for a table, even though the place looked pretty full. The downside was that the table was in a dark area and we were very close to the tables next to us, so you and your neighbors can hear each others' conversations. Although pricey, the food was excellent! They immediately brought us some bread and olive oil with parmesan cheese. The entrees are huge and would be enough for 2 meals. I had the chicken marsala, which was amazing. It came with a side of pasta in a marinara sauce, which was also tasty, though not the best marinara that I've had. My friend really enjoyed her risotto. If you're in the mood for an extra splurge, I recommend the prosecco! The location is also nice for grabbing a meal before or after shopping on Michigan Avenue.
(4)
Kourtnie W.

First of all, I live for Italian Food. When my family and I stumbled upon the Rosebud on Rush during some Christmas Shopping, we were nothing but satisfied. This place is excellent. They start you off with fresh bread and olive oil with parmesan cheese, which I thought was odd at first but now I LOVE it. The salads are delicious- my personal favorites are the house salad w/ bleu cheese crumbles and the caprese salad. As for entrees, their portions are hugely generous which is great if you enjoy leftovers like I do. My personally favorite is the Tortellini alla Carbonara. It's a typical Carbonara pasta with peas, proscuitto, and mushrooms but the cream sauce and the Tortellini pillows make it amazing. I also enjoy the Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and I have been with many people who have had and loved the Lasagna. It is HUGE. Anytime I have company in town, I bring them to the Rosebud. One time a year or so ago, we made a reservation that must have gotten over looked so we had to wait in the bar for 15 minutes (which wasn't bad at ALL!) and to make up for it, our server brought us an entire sampler platter of all their desserts as a surprise at the end of our meal. The waiters there are always friendly. I highly recommend the Rosebud on Rush or Carmine's (one of their sister restaurants- similar if not the same menu) to anyone who is looking for great Italian food!
(5)
Brandon S.

The food is excellent. The service is great. I ordered something that was not on the menu and they were happy to make it. There is a very good wine selection, and the atmosphere is nice.
(5)
Debbie E.

Had a great meal and the service was very accommodating. Caesar Salad with sardines to start with and the Veal Parmigiana. Largest baby cow I've seen on my plate in a while. It was very succulent, with lots of sauce and cheese melted on top. Had two glasses of Kim Crawford Sauv Blanc to top it off. Yum. I was dining on my own and the waiters gave me the right amount of attention. For single diners sometimes waiters give too much or too little. Subtract 1 star since I thought it was overpriced and the cannoli had pistachios in it.
(4)
Kevin A.

WHAT'S ITALIAN FOR 'MEH'? The food? Good, but not life-changing. Try the eggplant parm and the meatballs. The portions? Ridiculously large. The restaurant? Packs you in like sardines. If there's a fire climb out a window. Plastic bag tying skills? Amazing! How do they do that? Bottom line: Good, but uninspiring; in no rush to go back.
(3)
Rachel H.

Reservations made it easy. Unfortunately, our server wasn't very attentive. There were a couple if managers that made up for it though.
(4)
J G.

Came here with my cousin around 6ish on a Saturday night and we were seated right away! Sweet! We got to sit outside, which was nice =) So I don't know much about the ambiance of the restaurant inside. Both of our dishes were huuuge. My cousin had the eggplant and I think she could make 3 meals out of it. Everything was delicious and service was prompt. Our first serving of bread was hard as a rock, but then I asked for more and it was much better, warm and soft! Its a little overpriced (both our meals were about $16 each), but I think I'll definitely go back sometime.
(3)
DA X.

Some of the most delirious food i have eaten in years. 5 of us enjoyed every dish. Not inexpensive, but wonderful.
(5)
Ryan W.

Loved every minute of it! Definitely going back the next time we're in town. The rigatoni alla vodka was fantastic. Be sure to save room for dessert too. Their coffee and tiramisu was killer!
(4)
Annie G.

I would go back to Rosebud on Rush just for the bread and olive oil they bring out before you get your meal. It's so good that they should charge for it. I hope they never do. I curse myself everyday for not eating outside when I went there. The people outside looked like they were having so much fun. Alas, it was starting to rain and I wanted to be dry (and kind of cold) inside. Next time.
(4)
Phaic N.

The atmosphere's very country-club-esque. And the food's not that much better. Service was friendly and prompt. But that alone doesn't make for a good restaurant.
(2)
Liz G.

The food is just wonderful here. We ordered the brushetta for an appetizer--classic and tasty! I had the ziti and husband had the veal. For dessert we split the chocolate cake. Everything tasted amazing, my only complaint is that we were seated between the bar and kitchen--so annoying!
(4)
Renee L.

mmmm so so good! I love this place. Bread and olive oil is so simple yet so delish. The calamari is very good, and their alfredo sauce is pure decadence. The portions are quite large but hey, I'm not complaining! They make great left overs. And I like sitting in the dark dining room, it kind of feels cozy and warm. Overall, I think the food here is quality and an ok value too.
(4)
Gaby F.

This is a tourist staple. You can wait 2 hours on weekend night or walk in on a Monday... It's a factory. Classic 'today we have a very nice everything' - with red sauce. Awful. They just get you in and out. Avoid.
(1)
Steve W.

Ate here for dinner and had absolutely fantastic service. They were very accommodating when we moved our reservation from 7:30 to 9:00, then back to 7:30. When we showed up at 7:05 they had us seated in 5 minutes, and they were packed! (the whole thing made me feel like I had some pull.....which couldn't be further from the truth). Unfortunately the food wasn't as exemplary as the service. I had a caprese salad and the rigatoni alla vodka; both were good but neither were fantastic. I don't recall what my wife had, but she felt the same; enjoyable but not one of all time greats. Overall worth trying again, but probably after I give some other Italian locations a try first.
(4)
Adrienne B.

I went here on a Tuesday night and the place was packed but getting a reservation a few hours before was no problem. We had a toddler with our group and they were accommodating in this regard (bringing out a child sized portion despit no official kids menu). The food was good but the restaurant was extremely loud! The noise factor may keep me from going back soon.
(3)
John M.

This was the best cheeseburger I have ever had. Even better was it was during the lunch special and was only $5, including the crispy fries. Add a beer and you have the perfect meal. The wait staff was super friendly. We sat upstairs which was nicely adorned. Right around the corner from miracle mile on Michighan. This restaurant will always be on top of my list to visit anytime I'm in Chicago.
(5)
Jeannette L.

Rosebush on Rush is one of my favorite italian restaurants. t's comfy and cozy, just like having a family dinner at home. We love the authentic italian food they offer on the menu and the eggplant salad is a must try!
(4)
Rena K.

ok, I LOVE this place! We were seated inside, which is den-like and cozy. Our waiter had an Italian accent which made me feel like this would be an authentic Italian experience. Our waiter brought us crusty bread and olive oil to start. The olive oil was quality, something you don't see a lot when restaurants normally skimp on it. It was green, pure, extra virgin olive oil. Delicious, and I know my olive oil, being of Greek descent. The olive oil just shows the caliber of the quality at this place. I ordered tortellini carbonara. WOW it was AMAZING! Seriously, the best that I have EVER had. It was a little pricey, but I think it was totally worth it for the quality of food, service and atmosphere; This is no olive garden! I highly recommend it.
(5)
kari j.

This place is overpriced and overrated. My boyfriend and I had soup, caesar salads and terrible service. Our server was snobby and inattentive. Meanwhile she was very attentive to the table next to us, catering to their every need. Our salads took an hour to come out, which is a ridiculous amount of time if you ask me. She never apologized for the wait, but did apologize to the table next to us for their wait. When our food finally did arrive we never saw her again except when she passed by to help the party beside us. We sat outside and when it began to sprinkle she offered to seat the other table inside and completely ignored us. The food wasn't that great. My boyfriend requested that they hold the anchovies on his caesar, but sure enough a big fish adorned salad was brought to the table. Our server realized the error and brought out the same salad she had plucked free of chovies, but she missed one. Oopsie! She never returned to offer refills, nor did she ask if we enjoyed the meal. Overall this place was a HUGE disappointment.
(2)
Peter L.

$5 Rosebud burger for lunch on weekdays. Huuuge burger on a pretzel bun, perfectly cooked, grease-all-over-your-face good. For serious, freaking amazing deal. Comes with a hefty side of fries or sweet potato fries... and free bread, bonus. Service was great -- they know that without the burger deal no one would be there for lunch anyway.
(4)
Kristin C.

Rosebud for me is like the Gibson's of Chicago Italian restaurants. It attracts tourists, is right on Rush and is always packed. I will take Gibson's over Rosebud (or a good hunk of steak over pasta) any day but when an out-of-town guest suggested "Italian somewhere near the Magnificent Mile" I knew (after some helpful Yelper's recommendations) Rosebud would not disappoint. There are a lot of fish dishes on the menu which always makes it a little harder for me and my "no sea creature" policy. In the end, here I opt for pasta because there places I would rather get steak (see above). Last Saturday I had a dish with shell pasta, olive oil, garlic, broccoli and snausage. The snausage was crumbled - not fatty which made for a lighter more delightful dish. The house salad I thought was OK - too much dressing. The service was a little TOO rushed for my liking and the wine we had was a bit suspect. I didn't order it but it was Lindemann's, a brand or two above what we drank in college. All in all, a good place to take a visitor because in Rosebud's service I trust . It doesn't compare to some of my favorite Italian places in Chicago (or in Boston's North End - Mama Mia!) but for this area I wouldn't shoot down a visit.
(3)
Andrew C.

We had a wonderful meal...cavatelli was al dente and the risotto was tasty. Our kids had the ravioli and spaghetti with meatballs, both basic dishes but yummy. We enjoyed great service. The bread and EVOO both were fine.
(4)
Michael R.

It's quite sad that this restaurant garners such rave reviews. Have people not ever had GREAT Italian food in the city? (The Italian Village in the South Loop, O'Fame in LP, Zia's Trattoria on the NW side, Tucci Benucch in the Bloomingdales building -- I could go on -- all blow this place out of the water). There is no ambiance whatsoever, unless you find dining in a cramped basement enjoyable. The food is at best, mediocre. The alleged "homemade" pasta tasted store bought and was not "al dente" but undercooked and flavorless. The worst, however, is the service. Unresponsive waiter and a downright rude manager who tried to bait me into an altercation because when he initiated a conversation, asking me how I liked my meal, I told him the truth. I had to ask him to leave my table. Can you imagine? They were so unwelcoming and hostile I thought I was on a hidden camera show. After this odd-ball experience, we went across the street and had a wonderful time at The Peninsula Hotel. They know how to treat people with class and respect and they have a wonderful chocolate buffet and live jazz. It helped wash the memories of the Rosebud out of our minds and off our palates.
(1)
Shawn F.

I visited Rosebud On Rush during my first visit to Chicago and it served as a nice taste of one of the city's better eateries. The place was bustling on that Monday night, and although the tables inside were immediately available, an outdoor patio seat required a wait of about fifteen minutes. My companion and I opted to dine inside. Settling down into our seats on the second floor, we were served with a small assortment of breads. For our main course, I ended up ordering the Linguine Fra Diavolo, comprised of strand pasta in a spicy, white-wine marinara sauce, and shrimp. It was extremely tasty. While my overall experience was quite favorable, there were a few nits that prevented me from giving Rosebud on Rush a full five stars. For example, while the service was relatively attentive (albeit a tad snobbish), for some reason we were never offered a copy of the wine list. Overall, I would certainly go back to Rosebud the next time I'm in Chicago, provided I'm in the area and there isn't some other restaurant that I really want to try out.
(4)
David M.

OK, I am an east coast person, but I travel to Chicago four to six times a year. Let me first say that Chicago is one of the best restaurant cities in the world! Just about every time I am in Chicago, I make it a point to visit Rosebud on Rush. It is a fun place, has great Italian food, and is always consistent. A particularly fun time I had was the night before the 2009 Chicago Marathon. So many runners were there doing the traditional carbo loading thing! I just came back for two nights last month while in town as well! As you can tell, I would highly recommend Rosebud on Rush! And oh... by the way, if you are there and see me before the 2010 Chicago Marathon, please come over and say hello!
(5)
Ken G.

Stopped by at 11PM on Friday night and they were gracious about seating and serving us. Great food and good service all the way through desserts. I saw them seating a few couples a half hour later . Definitely a place to remember for late night dining.
(5)
Krys J.

This location is always busy but will seat you immediately if you have a reservation. The interior is slightly cramped but generally the service is pretty good. If you are going to Rosebud to look for the ambiance and service, I would recommend the Taylor St. location. But if you just need a convenient way to fill your need for their Cavatelli al Forno (like I often do), this location is for you since all of the Rosebud locations offer amazing food, that is always consistent.
(4)
Rika K.

Very trendy. Kind of a hip place to be, but always busy, hard to get a table and impossible for more than 6 without a reservation. Food isn't that good. If you want to be seen and be part of the buzz go here, if you want awesome italian food, save time and money and go to Volare.
(2)
Maddy L.

This review is for gluten free peeps. I ordered a dish with the gluten free pasta, excited to get a gluten free italian meal. I got a dish with clams and tomato sauce, the sauce was excellent, really tasty. The pasta was crap though, I cook with brown rice pasta at home which tasted much better then this. I don't think they cooked it long enough, it was hard and difficult to eat. The waiter informed me it would be extra and when we got the bill I find out I paid $4 extra for horrible pasta! I was not happy. Also, most of the appetizers have bread crumbs so you have the salads to choose from besides the gf pasta. If you are gluten free, I wouldn't recommend it, but it's a great place for those who can have gluten.
(3)
Scott Y.

Warning on the back: This meal was consumed after a 15 hour work day and almost no food. Warning on the front: Martini and bottle of wine were consumed during the meal I was craving some good eatin when my cousin took us to this place. The menu was what I like ~ great selection of veal, pasta, salads, entrees. Verdict ~ Damn Good. Try the veal chop (it was literally a brontosaurus chop - imagine it being thrown into the back of Fred Flintstone's car and tipping over the car). The bolognese and vodka sauces were all quite flavorful and subtle. Prices were on the higher side but it was well worth it.
(4)
Michael S.

First place we ate in Chicago. Service was solid, but too busy to be exceptional. Caprese salad unremarkable. Presentation of segundo was uninspired but the pasta well-prepared. I expect the only reason this was recommended by the concierge at aforementioned hotel was due to relationships, not high quality. If this is the least crowded thing on the street, you won't be dissappointed. Don't take anyone here to impress, however.
(3)
K S.

The service was so-so. Friendly but kind of slow. The place was a little cramped and therefore was very loud. The food was pretty average and wasn't really worth the price. Why 4 stars then? THE BEST martini I've ever had. Would love to just sit at the bar and drink one right after another (except they were $14 each!).
(4)
A M.

We ate outside and they don't take reservations for outside so we were told 40 mins. We walked around block for 15 mins and when we came back they had called our name and so we had to wait another 40 mins. I love Italian and wanted this to be the go to place but we were disappointed in service. I try not to let that inhibit me but it wasn't good. Very forgetful. Like taking my drink for a refill then forgetting to bring it back (twice.) Just things like that. Food was ok. Atmosphere was very nice with a outdoor seating area that is very good but overall not superior.
(3)
Kristy R.

It's not often you just stumble upon greatness. That happened to me at Rosebud on Rush. I have been to the other Rosebud's for lunch & happy hour (Rosebud Prime's kobe hot dog - insane) and was always a happy camper. My experience at Rosebud on Rush definitely kept the momentum going. It was a cold windy lunch hour and my boyfriend and I were meeting for lunch, but before we could decide where to go, we got into a huge fight on State. "Just go wherever!" I declared. We passed a noodle joint and then, there on the corner was the trusty Rosebud name. "Here," I said, somewhat skeptical of the vinyl sign advertising $5 burger baskets. We went inside and the hostess led us into the warm, dim lower level dining area. Our waiter immediately served bread and oil, which was nice. The crowd was mostly business-lunch types, with a few regulars eating their meals at the bar. A couple of Michigan Ave tourists had stumbled in as well. We somewhat guiltily ordered the burger basket, it seemed a bit inappropriate for the white-tablecloth setting. Our waiter obliged, you could tell he was sick of serving burger baskets all day. We ordered some drinks to go with the meal, and this is where they make up the loss on the baskets, but not any more ridiculous than elsewhere. When our food arrived it was: 1. the largest burger basket I have ever been served and 2. delicious. 10 oz of medium rare (they cook to order) beef with just the right condiments served on a pretzel bun. It comes with a HUGE portion of french or sweet potato fries and stone ground mustard and spicy ketchup. The food was excellent, the ambiance terrific, and our server was prompt and courteous. We will definitely be back, not just for the best lunch time deal in the city, but to try out the pasta dishes. Two friends have already recommended the cavatelli with vodka sauce. Oh and our little tiff? Rosebud soothed that over in one lunch hour better than a year in couples therapy. Whoever said burgers were bad for the heart had obviously never been to Rosebud's.
(3)
Emily M.

Rosebud on Rush is the best! I went there for the hundredth time last night and even though it was close to closing time, my husband and I still received the best service and delicious food possible. This restaurant is gorgeous from the inside and then combining that with delicious food and amazing service, this place is a star!
(5)
Mara S.

I went to Rosebud last night, Monday, for a business meal. I have been there before for a more romantic meal as well, but last night is fresh in my mind, so... It wasn't crowded, so we had a great seat and were able to talk without having to shout over the crowds. I can see how, if the restaurant is crowded, it'd be hard - the tables are fairly close together. Our meal was delicious. We ordered three appetizers that were excellent - the bruschetta was the best I've had, not that I am a bruschetta connoisseur. I appreciated that the courses were appropriately spaced, especially since we had so much food coming our way. All of the food was tasty and I left feeling stuffed and satisfied. We ordered a couple of bottles of wine for the table - \we were interested in one Chianti that they were out of and I was impressed with the waiters suggestion of a "better" wine at a cheaper cost. Overall a nice experience.
(5)
Gunner F.

How this place bills itself as a romantic restaurant that serves authentic Italian food is beyond me. A better description would be a tourist trap churning out boderline food. Luckily, we had reservations, so we quickly bypassed the annoying crowd forming near the door looking like they were waiting for Miley Cyrus to come out. I guess it wasn't a surprise that our eggplant appetizer was near tasteless. It might have been better if they had bothered to actually warm it up, but hot food doesn't seem to be a priority there...our calamari app and both entrees were luke warm. I would seriously choose the Olive Garden over this place next time.
(2)
A F.

I can't believe I'm giving this 5 stars. To be honest, my expectations were not high for what I perceived to be a tourist-centric restaurant too close to the Mag Mile/Ohio/Ontario tourist sweet spot to possibly hit any high notes. Furthermore, I had a somewhat less pleasing experience a couple of months ago when I felt shunted to the lower level bar area where the ambiance is less than pleasing and the noise and packed-in feel made me want to run for the exit. But 5 stars it is. I have to give this Rosebud its due. We were seated in the upstairs dining room in the corner window table looking down at the brisk business being realized by the fake purse vendors poaching the queue to get into Gino's. Rosebud was, as usual, filled to capacity. Our table server was definitely on top of his game, and he was attentive and responsive to our sense of timing. The house specials that day were a subline risotta (asparagus, baby shrimp, parmesan) and a fantastic pounded veal chop Milanese. I forced a wine marriage with an Erath Pinot Noir (I have an unhealthy obsession with the Oregon Williamette Valley pinot noirs, but I am in a 12-step program to expand my wine appreciation horizons outside of this region so please be patient with me). Some in my group of 6 dove into the cavatelli preparations and didn't come up for air until they were full to bursting. One proclaimed the Chilean Sea Bass her "best ever." While the food was certainly wonderful, the customer service was equally so. Given that Rosebud is a very busy restaurant, it amazes when service attributes excel. While the cynic in me wonders if I had benefited from a perfect storm of sorts, I will definitely return to see if the perfect dining experience can be replicated.
(5)
Candace M.

Each time I've been to Rosebud, I've enjoyed the food and the service. You get generous portions and you will definitely have to bring food home. Great place to go to for Italian food.
(4)
Erin J.

I had a bunch of people in from out of town over the summer who wanted get some authentic Chicago experiences. So I decided that we should eat at Rosebud. There were about 10 of us with kids of various ages mixed in. I hate being the one who finally has to decide where to eat in a big group of people who are indecisive about where to eat, but I'm an Aries and we're decision makers so... As we pulled up, the valet told me not to scratch some Mercedes or something waiting to be parked. One of my friends said "We don't want any scratches on this car either." (I drive a 2002 Chevy Cavalier 4-door sedan, so what!) I thought that was funny! Anyway, I think I'll make this short. The food was okay - nothing great. The service was okay - we had to wait sometimes and it was not busy. The temperature was nuts - it was summer and I was freezing! They were good about accommodating food requests. There was a lot of unfinished food on the table when everyone was done and nobody wanted doggie bags. Hmmm. Anyway - I thought it was overpriced (as did my out of town guests who paid for the meal) and kind of a let down. I think we should have gone across the street to Giordano's. I don't believe the hype. I totally agree with Kevin A. who said, "What's Italian for Meh?"
(2)
Lisa A.

I've been to Rosebud several times and I think the food is amazing. The service is A+ and the prices are reasonable. You'll get some great portions no matter what you get. Expect to take food home and if you can't find anything do try the pasta you can't go wrong. The waitstaff does tries to make wonderful suggestions on the off chance you have questions. During the summer months you'll love the outdoor seating. If you're from Chicago or just visiting I highly recommend hitting Rosebud up. If you're going there during the weekend make a reservation, it'll save you time.
(4)
Jannie L.

We were told to try something with red sauce by family and concierge's at the hotel we were staying nearby. Absolutely the best eggplant parmesan!! It just melted in my mouth and the red sauce was superb. The waiter was very helpful and service was attentive. My husband had my eggplant parmesan for desert!
(5)
Gabriella W.

Love, love, love this place. We always make it a point to eat at Rosebud on Rush! Awesome food, great staff, and love the atmosphere.
(5)
Justin N.

Better the second time around. Food and service was superb. I got the Chicken Vesuvio and my girlfriend got the Tortellini alla Carbonara. The chicken was good, the sauce was a little thin, I prefer a thicker sauce to go over my chicken and potatoes. The peas were an interesting addition the dish, I usually don't enjoy peas, but they were cooked well. The Tortellini alla Carbonara was amazing. The sauce was just right and the addition of prosciutto was good!.
(5)
Greg P.

Great meal. Great Atmosphere.
(5)
Nina F.

pro's - excellent and authentic italian food - large portions - romantic atmosphere con's - bread tasted like it was reheated - 30 min wait to be seated on a wednesday night around 830 - valet left an hour after we got there so we had to go get our keys an hour in and walk to our car (rather than valet picking it up for us) definitely make a reservation before you come here. It's well worth the wait, but really? who wants to wait?
(4)
emily b.

i think i should stop "going out" for italian. i can't seem to get excited for it, i feel like i spend to much money on it, and i leave feeling too full of it. that being said, if italian is your thing - then yes, this is fine. tourist-friendly location, generous portions, awesome service, (i'm biased on the service note... i only came here to visit a friend who was waiting tables that night), and decent food. much past that? skip it. go be adventurous. step outside your culinary-comfort zone and see what else is out there besides gnocchi and cannolis.
(3)
A M.

I'm glad this place is my 100th review! We were stubbling around Michigan Ave. trying to find a place to go for lunch, probably minutes away from ending up at whatever TJ McFunsters or the like was nearby when we found this place like an oasis in a concrete desert. Megan said her client suggested this place. I'm guessing everyone who visits Chicago is told to go to this place. We would have preferred to sit outside, but the wait was too long. Nevertheless, got a good seat upstairs in short order and our server was there in seconds. Okay, water is poured now it's time to get down to business. I think the prices for the lunch menu are extremely reasonable, especially given the huge portions. I ordered a chardonnay, reasonable price and decent flavor. Lisa had a delicious rasperry martini, not to sweet. And, the others had beer. I ordered the chicken vesuvio. This was a great piece of chicken breast, moist served with a lot of peas and plenty of garlic. This is probably one of the healthier options. Lisa had a great pasta with vodka sauce and added chicken. The sauce was delicious and they were happy to let you choose whatever pasta your little italian heart desired. Megan and Dave stuck with spaghetti and lots of italian sausage meat type things with deep flavorful red sauce. I have never ordered spaghetti and meatballs at an italian place, but I think it's because I've rarely had this traditional dish served so well. The dessert was pretty unmemorable, but the lunch was a lot of fun, with great food and service and plenty of social lubricant.
(4)
Stephanie K.

I love going to Rosebud in nice weather and enjoying the outdoor seating. It's a great place to people watch, yet not too crowded where you feel like you're blocking the sidewalk. The food is great and it comes out before you can say "Gratzi."
(4)
Elizabeth H.

I have to say that this is my absolute favorite Italian place in the city. The eggplant salad is seriously out of this world (even meat eaters would enjoy it)! I've tried to make it at home many times, but it just doesn't compare. The eggplant rotolo is the best appetizer on the menu. The rigatoni alla vodka rocks! They're always willing to add in ingredients that I want into the pasta. Great service, out of this world food, fantastic place to eat anytime!
(5)
Liz L.

I had visited another Rosebud branch called Carmine's on N. Rush and had a pleasant experience, so I was expecting the same from this branch. I was thoroughly dissatisfied, however, with my experience. First of all, what is wrong with the inside dining room? There are very few tables, flies flying around, and it's FREEZING. Seriously, I thought I was going freeze before finishing my lunch. We ordered the baked clams, tenderloin sandwiches, and carbonara. The baked clams... Seriously, if you're a restaurant charging 7.25 for six clams, that's 1.20 per clam, you can afford to give something more than clams the size of my pinky fingernail. The tenderloin sandwiches were very plain, something I would get at an average family restaurant. The carbonara was decent. However (yes, unfortunately there is a however), the waiter assumed that we would be splitting the entrees and after carrying out the tray he spent seriously five minutes with us staring at him awkwardly splitting the dishes onto three separate plates with just a normal fork and spoon. Number 1. We didn't ask you to do that. Number 2. If you're going to do it, have the kitchen do it with appropriate utensils so you don't make the food get cold! Easy to say I won't be returning. Sadly, my unsatisfying experience is preventing me from returning to the other Rosebud chains.
(2)
J D.

We had a quick lunch here and enjoyed ourselves. I had the caprese ravioli, which was so-so, but my wife had the cheeseburger, which was VERY good. The burger came on a fresh pretzel roll with nice, thick, crisp veggie slices and quality beef. I ultimately mooched about half of the burger for myself at considerable personal expense (two backrubs and a foot massage). Prices were reasonable and service was good, although we did visit at an off-hour between the lunch and dinner rushes. I wouldn't come back for the Italian food -- it's quite forgettable -- but if you have a craving for a good burger, check this place out.
(4)
Allyson C.

It was ok for the atmosphere and for sitting outside in good weather and watching Rush Street. The food wasn't too good though. I had a huge portion carbonara and it was just all cheese and no flavor. Also tried my friend's chicken parm and wasn't impressed.
(3)
Jane F.

If you like good Italian food...this is the place to go. There was a gang of us that showed up here. The service was excellent...the food...ample and delicious. It's in a great neighborhood...A wonderful experience for all. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here...and will be back
(4)
Elizabeth C.

To the Women who compares this to Olive Garden, it's okay, we get it your from Orange County California. You probably think Uggs, Ed Hardy and Juicy Couture sweats are cool too. Anyway this is a classy Italian joint as are all Alex Dana's restaurants. The food, service and ambiance always make for a delightful dining experience.
(4)
Jennifer H.

We've loved the food each time we've gone. It reminds me of Garozzo's in Kansas City - same style of food. Yum. I despise red sauce most places I visit, but I could eat the sauce with a spoon. Yummy. Great atmosphere. My dad is a huge calamari fan, and he said it was cooked to perfection.
(5)
kit k.

I have been going to rosebud for 20 yrs on taylor....I had one of the worst meals I have ever had in my life this afternoon...I was told by my gf not to say anything becasue she would be embrassed....What has happend to this place? It was great....I will not be going back ever.
(1)
Patrick N.

this place is just ok. if you want an italian lunch in chicago that is quick and very safe as far as food goes, rosebud on rush is a decent choice. the fare here is not unlike the italian food you can get at pretty much any low-mid level italian restuarant in the country. basically, if you are from out of town, maybe look for something a little more unique, chicago has too many food choices to eat at a typical place like this.
(3)
Heather H.

Have always had a really nice meal here, good wine selection, good expresso, attentive staff, fun atmosphere. Always pretty crowded, but the service has never suffered. I always have leftovers for the next day, really generous portions of pasta!
(4)
Chris M.

As always, this place is a treat. The food is outstanding. Delicious chicken marsala, chicken vesuvio, fillet mignon portabella, spaghetti carbonella, cheese ravioli. I'm a frequent visitor, and I will continue to do so after this last experience. Classy atmosphere, classy music, classy attire, and outstanding food. I give this place two thumbs up for sure. I would recommend this to anyone taking parents our for a birthday or anniversary, or even just for a nice romantic date.
(4)
J B.

I had SUCH an amazing time here! Before moving to the city, a girlfriend and I stopped in after a long day of dancing in the park and shopping the Mag Mile. We were famished! The hostess told us it would be at least 45 minutes until we saw a table. Not bad considering it was a gorgeous spring evening at the beginning of the dinner rush, but our stomachs were a little anxious. They suggested we try the bar downstairs. We took the advice and tried. Much to our dismay (yet later to be revealed, benefit), there were no seats. While discussing whether or not our stomachs would implode waiting for a table, one of the hosts downstairs started to chat us up. Seeing that we were on our way out, he asked if we would be opposed to sitting outside. We answered not at all, we'd rather prefer it with the beautiful weather. He asked us to wait a moment. After checking the tables, we were assured we would have a table in 15 minutes. The alternative being fast food, we figured the offer could not be beaten. 5 minutes later we were sitting at a table on the corner. Perfect spot if you would've asked us. The host introduced us to our server, and the two of them were extremely attentive the entire night. I should tell you, my girlfriend and I were not and are not made of money, nor did we look it, so I assure you it wasn't that that brought the attention upon us. I'm not sure what was, maybe we looked like two doe-eyed tourist. The only thing I can say is that the wait staff was one of the best I've had in Chicago. Either way, the service was excellent. I was in the mood for a Sangaria. They, of course, are not a Spanish restaurant and do no serve them. After the server joked with us about my little craving, he helped us each decide on a good wine, only to surprise me by going back and having them MAKE me a sangaria. Our entrees were absolutely delicious. The whole night was perfect. Since then I have brought a few more groups to this place. Though service has not been replicated, I feel that experience is really hard to top. Every server I've had there has been attentive, and the food has always been worth the trip. I highly suggest this place!
(5)
Daryl E.

I gave Rosebud the fourth star for the service. It was excellent. I thought the food was good, but not great. I had the totellini carbonara, which came in a creamy sauce, which didn't strike me as authentic carbonara. My companions both had the special they were serving, a lobster ravioli. They both loved it. It also came with a plentiful amount of shrimp. The portions were a bit large, but that's hardly something to complain about. Not a great place for conversation, as it is LOUD in the dining room. The overall experience was nice and I'd consider a return trip.
(4)
Bateman P.

I love Italian food, so when a friend requested that I take her to Rosebud for her birthday I was a bit excited. I usually shy away from anything on Rush because of the over priced food, terrible club scene, expensive parking, and tourists galore. The dining room is located down stairs and is quite small. There is a big bar along one wall for which we were seated right next to. We were looking for privacy so this was a plus because we felt tucked away but the bus boys and wait staff frequently had to shimmy past us to get to the other tables. Not a huge deal but was a bit distracting. The service was quick but poor. We had a middle aged lady who I could tell just did not want to be there. She spoke very broken English and I could not understand the specials at all. I asked her to repeat some of what she had said and she acted like I asked her for $20.00. The only way I could give her a pass is if she was Italian, in an Italian restaurant, trying to speak English. Never the less she did recommending a nice bottle of wine and took our order correctly. The food is fantastic. We started with the fried calamari plate. I have had better, crispier calamari elsewhere but this wasn't bad. What was nice was that they knew we were sharing the appetizer so they took the liberty of splitting it up onto two plates. The entrees came out soon after, just like clockwork. My friend had the "special" cheese stuffed ravioli with vegetables and shrimp for which she loved. I too thought it was good but did not get to sample it until the next morning in leftover form. I chose the Veal Saltimbocca. This is my favorite of all time Italian plate. It consists of veal cutlets pounded thin with prosciutto and fresh sage, sauted, topped with mozzarella and served in tomato and white wine sauce with a side of pasta. They made it perfect. I'm going to give this Rush Street staple two stars because of the bland server. I know I eat late and I didn't even arrive until almost 9:00pm, but the whole time we felt rushed to eat and get going, After we finished our meals the server basically "cut us off" from ordering anything else by bringing over the bill. What was the rush on Rush St.? I understand she needs to get home and it was getting late but if given the chance I would have not only ordered another bottle of wine, but desert. Hello!!! Up sell and larger bill means a bigger tip! And yes, I am ignorant enough to tip on alcohol. Even as we were leaving they were still seating people. For a restaurant with a good reputation and great real estate they should have better service. My server might be more comfortable at an IHOP, or Navy Pier. Food was great, service was bad, they do have valet parking, and it is very pricey. I'm trying to find a reason to dine on Rush Street but this isn't it. No matter how tasty the food is, presentation is everything in dining.
(2)
Terri N.

I used to grab lunch at Rosebud when I worked at Neiman's. The food there is great! Most people tend to go there for their chopped salad, but I usually get their pasta. Their porkchop is awesome! Oddly enough, even their burgers are great. The staff are always so nice and helpful when it comes to ordering. Their wine selection is wonderful. I enjoyed this particular Rosebud (downtown) then the one in Naperville.
(4)
Jason P.

Amazing Italian food is all you need to know. Like Thunder P said, you should expect to tip very well here because this is genuinely one of the best places I've gone for service and food. an altogether excellent experience. Go on your birthday and you will get free dessert, which was not expected at all. Tiaramisseu was awesome. The nightly chef special has never disappointed me, and the ravioli melt in your mouth like cotton candy.
(4)
Kate M.

LOVE the food! My personal favorite is the rigatoni alla vodka- SO delicious! I think the service is fine- food served piping hot, attentive waitstaff. They also have an excellent wine selection. It is dark and crowded, but to me it is worth it!
(4)
Bob S.

I'm a fan of the Rosebud restaurants, and Rosebud on Rush is the excellent. You can't beat the location, the inside, the waitstaff, and of course the out of this world food. Everything from chicken Parm to some great pasta dishes you won't find at Olive Garden. I've taken many die hard Italians here, and they walk away very impressed. I love the chicken or veal parm. I've also tried a wonderful pasta with an oil based sauce with fresh brocolli and sausage!
(5)
Kris C.

I went to Rosebud after hearing such great reviews about it. We all got the lunch special, which is the Rosebud Burger (comes with fries) all for $5 each - keep in mind this special is only on weekdays between 11am and 3pm. I kid you not this was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The meat was high quality and the fries were great too. I also love spicy food, so I asked if they had hot peppers to have on the side, and they not only brought me a whole bowl of them, but they had them sauteed for me without even asking, which was great. The service was really friendly and quick, and the atmosphere overall was relaxed and low-lit. Since we got the lunch special, I know that's not typical as far as the price range of the whole menu goes. The price range does go a bit higher, but considering the high quality of their food I can look past the price range when deciding whether to come back again...which I definitely plan on doing! If you love a good burger then definitely try this place. You'll miss out if you don't.
(5)
Dave S.

Two things about me that you may or may not know: 1) I am all about a good value 2) I don't throw five star ratings out very often. Little did I know about this place as it was a spur of the moment decision to go here for dinner. Everyone speaks of a wait here for a table. we had no wait and we were seated immediately. The tables were spaced close together but I did not feel cramped at all. Our waiter was friendly and very attentive. the minestrone was very good and my Fettuccine Alfredo was probably some of the best that I have tasted. We split a piece of the white chocolate coconut cake which was amazing. The portions were larger than I expected and for the price you really could not beat it. They really exceeded my expectations since I was really expecting overpriced and underportioned. We did run into a little glitch here. The busboy took my girlfriend's leftovers in order to wrap them up to go. He ended up losing them (the dirty rat bastard punk). We informed our waiter of the situation and he had the kitchen make up a fresh half order for her so she could take it home. Once again they went over and above what I expected. These guys will definitely be seeing me again as they really Wowed me and I am not all that easy to Wow!
(5)
Jackie R.

The best thing about this place is that when you order pasta, they bring it out in a metal tub suitable for catering. Youre going home with 3 days of left overs. mmmm mmmm. They actually had to bring a stand to set my pasta on bc it wouldnt fit on the tiny table. Its kinda romantic and cozy inside too. Despite trying to shovel 3 days worth of food in your face.
(4)
steve k.

Big food is not necessarily better food, and Rosebud proves the point. The two of us were served enough food to easily feed a family of six. Huge portions of calamari, followed by giant salads, then three mammoth slabs of saltimboca - with a side of pasta - for each of us. Unfortunately, nothing was really worth writing home about. Even the signature tiramisu disappointed. A slab of congealed something (not marscapone) about 6 inches high topped an average tasting bit of the actual cake. It might have been an off night, but I'd sure investigate my options before going back.
(2)
Kathryn M.

Two words: Classy and delicious! I love the feel of the restaurant, romantic and dark. Our server was fantastic. He helped us pick out a nice bottle of Prosecco and was extremely attentive. I had rigatoni alla vodka. I love vodka sauce and this was great. All of the sauces are made in the restaurant. My brother had fettucini with italian sausage and his girlfriend had one of the specials which was a fettucini with shrimp and asparagus. We all loved our meals. Large portions, definitely enough for heavenly leftovers, in fact, I think I'll have mine for lunch today. Anyway, we also ordered desert. We ordered raspberry sorbet (best I've ever had), and chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was good, but not the best I've ever had. Overall, the food was excellent, the server was attentive and efficient, I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Amy B.

I was so disappointed with my experience at Rosebud on Rush. We made a reservation, but arrived a little early, so we spent a few minutes at the bar. The bartender was very, very attentive and friendly. We were seated promptly and our waiter was good. I ordered the "square noodles" and would have to say they were nothing special, and really not that good. Honestly, my husband and I both thought they were not much different than a can of ravioli. The portion was HUGE and I ate a few bites and left the rest. I was so disappointed by how blah my dish was that I wanted to leave. Complete disappointment. My husband ordered the chicken vesuvio, and asked for boneless chicken instead of the bone-in as listed on the menu. The chicken was moist and tasted good, but again, it was nothing extraordinary, especially not for over $20. The food was really underwhelming. The wine was good, and that was about it. The bread was really nothing special, either. On top of the food being way below my expectations, the entire restaurant was FREEZING. I kept my coat and scarf on, as did several patrons around me. The woman next to me commented on how drafty it was (we were in the basement). The restaurant is dim, and I thought it was a nice atmosphere, our service was good, but I was hoping for great Italian food in Chicago, and sadly, this was not it.
(2)
Douglas R.

Good food, with a nice atmosphere. Put it on your possible pasta list.
(3)
a w.

This is probably the best Italian I have had in the city. Its at a great location and makes for a wonderul evening. Great date spot!
(5)
Chicago Gal G.

We had a wonderfully romantic meal here. Given a corner table in the back of the restaurant it was quieter and special. Our waiter was outstanding and the food was really really good. I had the pollo milanese and my husband had the shrimp scampi. I loved that my dish was topped with an arugula salad. Prices are a little steep so I gave it four stars instead of five. Would have loved to try their soup but did not want to pay extra for it.
(4)
Jared L.

This place has really good Italian food, and we had a really good bottle of wine with our meal. For the area, prices are very reasonable. However, the waiter was kind of arrogant in the beginning, though he got better. Overall, I'll be coming back, though this place isn't any better or worse than all other similar restaurants in Chicago.
(4)
Manny F.

"I had the world' most amazing pork chops, and it rejuvenated my love for the 'pig'. The meal was amazing and so was the service. I liked the whole place overall and the price was nice for the occasional nice meal."
(4)
J V.

Ditto what Greg S said. Their only claim to fame is large portions of mediocre stuff.
(1)
Leang E.

I was here for a business lunch, and it was a very late one at 3:30pm. So, there will be some things that will probably be out of the norm in this review. Of course, it wasn't packed at the time we were there. We also sat outside, and it wasn't ridiculously hot or too bright. The bread there is a little stiff for my own taste, but I somehow managed to scarf down four pieces of it. Keep in mind that I had only a muffin at 9am, and that I'm naturally a big eater. I had a house salad that was pretty decent, and then I also had the chicken marsala. That was a little on the sweet side. It also came with a side or red sauced pasta which was pretty good. I didn't feel it would be right to order dessert since I was already stuffed, was on the company dime, and didn't want people to think I was a pig. I suppose it really wouldn't matter, because my terrible business etiquitte seems to resurface when I'm famished. I guess as long as it doesn't affect getting work done! The portions and the price are very reasonable. I'm not sure if I'd come here again for lunch. I may suggest another place if I'm downtown looking for Italian.
(3)
Erin B.

I absolutely love this place. While you have the option of dining inside, I always opt to wait a little longer and sit outside. It has a great canopy, and always provides a great view to people watch! We went here on a Saturday night, and were quoted an hour wait, in reality, we waited about 15 minutes. The Riesling was delightful, and reasonably priced. I had the pork chops, while my friend had the square noodles, we ended up sharing. Both meals were awesome! We'll definitely be back!
(5)
H K.

The food was gross. The waiter was rude.... The free bread was the only thing that was good.
(1)
Ramon R.

Don't take the kids here. The servings are too large and too expensive. I took one (age 9) here and she prompty went to sleep, spilling her drink as her head hit the table and wasting a steak that must have cost $26. The food is fine but nothing to write him about...
(3)
Dana P.

My favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago! I've tried most of their pasta dishes and every entree is fabulous! Rosebud also has great service and the atmosphere is perfect. If you are looking for a dining destination for a nice date try Rosebud on Rush!
(5)
Kira L.

I love Rosebud- it's such a great Italian restaurant and I love bringing out of town guests here. I can't get enough of their vodka tomato pasta- it's to die for and the tiramisu and other desserts are worth stuffing yourself for - they are lick the plate good.
(4)
Ebru Y.

Great experience for a valentine's day dinner. Though we had reservations, we waited over half an hour, but I am not mad because we weren't the only ones who had made reservations, I mean it was v-day so i'll give them that. The service was very professional and fast. I have to agree with some other reviews, my bread was pretty hard too...not sure why. Square noodles dish was very delicious. It's a little on the pricey side, for me this restaurant is a place I'd most likely go for special occasions, not on a weekly basis or something. Valet parking is a plus for those of us who hate looking for a meter in downtown!
(5)
Ashley W.

I love this upscale Italian restaurant. Everything here is good and I mean everything! I've had pasta, fish, chicken, salad, and I had nothing but compliments for all their food! It does get a bit loud on the weekends so I try to come here during the week. It's also a great place to grab a salad for lunch!
(4)
Walter H.

Keep a good hold on your personal belongings. We had dinner outside and my wife had her purse stolen. When we informed the manager he told he thought the people on the sidewalk looked suspicious.
(1)
Emma L.

I love Italian food and Rosebud on Rush ranks high on the list of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city. Every pasta dish I've had here has been amazing so you can't go wrong no matter what you order. I also recently discovered it's a great place to get a salad for lunch.
(4)
Becky A.

I have been to Rosebud on Rush 4 times since moving to Chicago and it has always been a go to for visitors or a great meal. Until tonight. The service was abhorrent. We waited over 10 minutes until the waiter came to even take our drink order, another 20 for our appetizer. Then, while we were eating our appetizer, the waiter came over to inform my dad that the dish (just a normal pasta dish) was out and he needed to choose another pasta. I suggested the square noodles because I've always liked them when I've had them. About 10 minutes later, the waiter came back to inform us that they were out of square noodles all together. This to me was unacceptable. Our waiter blamed the marathon, which is a crappy excuse. So, all three of us ended up having to order something that was our second choice. To make it up, our waiter offered us one dessert for three of us. But, when my mom ordered the veal piccatta it was AWFUL and incredibly salty. My dad ended up not even getting what he had ordered the third time and the waiter simply said, "That's my fault." and did nothing to try to remedy it. Finally as we were leaving (Again, nothing had been taken off the bill, which to me was unacceptable in a restaurant like this), the waiter came up to my dad asked where the signed credit card slip and basically accused him of being a thief. When I said to the manager on our way out that it was the worst restaurant experience I had had in a long time, he just shrugged and said "Sorry." and then mumbled something about the marathon making them busier than usual. Bottom line, I will have a very hard time going back again, which is a shame because I've had good experiences, but tonight was simply HORRIBLE.
(1)
ali a.

Great food, and great atmosphere. There are definitely some other Italian restaurants in Chicago that I like better, but this is a great one in a great neighborhood. I would advise you to make reservations on the weekend. I've had no problem getting in during the week though.
(4)
elizabeth n.

Rosebud on Rush has an intimate atmosphere and is always crowded, but don't let the crowds intimidate you. Make sure to have a reservation and you'll be seated right away. Start out with the baked clams and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. The Rigatoni alla vodka is phenomenal and the desserts are amazing! The service is great and the location can't be beat.
(4)
Melissa S.

My friend bought me here instead of her planned restaurant of Le Colonial, since the original is in SF (which I've been to a few times). She said that Rosebud was one of her fave restaurants and it was quintessential "Chicago" (with its adjunct bar, multiple TVs with sports playing, prerequisite live music for better or for worse). The Italian food was quite rich & delicious (they had the BEST olive oil I've ever tasted - so fresh and fruity) and the portions were HUGE. My friend and I split the steamed mussels in garlic and wine broth for appetizer and this cream based pasta with peas and prosciutto for our main entree AND we still had leftovers. These aren't SF prices or proportions (Thank goodness). Overall, I thought the place was too old crowd and a little cheesy for my personal tastes - there was middle aged guy playing cheesy music (think: lionel richie & mark anthony) at the piano. Three & half stars.
(3)
Michael C.

Good food, great service. A restaurant staple. I had he veal piccata, which was excellent. My friends ordered me Colman's Mustard, our waiter brought me a bowl of it. BRAVO.
(4)
Joe S.

There is one meal, and one meal only to order here. My five stars are based on only ONE dish. The housemade ribbons bolognese. These flat noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, just the right chew. The sauce is so flavorful, you'll think you were in New York. Kick it off with whatever appeteaser you fancy, have a caesar salad(very good version), and order the flat noodles. The carbonara touted in other reviews is good, but the Ribbons are where it's at. I've also heard that Sinatra liked it here. He didn't have the greatest taste in cuisine, but he knew a good hang, that's for sure. Swing, baby.
(5)
Ren H.

This is easily one of my favorite Italian restaurants! The food comes in enormous proportions and is very reasonably priced! The salad is huge and has a ton of stuff in it which I love and the pasta is superb! The restaurant is really big so there's never a huge wait :)
(5)
Liliana S.

Great food, great location, friendly and helpful staff. what I love about Rosebud is that the food has never really disappointed me. Its pretty typical cuisine with a great wine list. Its perfect for large parties as well as something more intimate.
(4)
Kelli M.

The outdoor seating area is pretty nice...off Michigan Avenue so it's not too crowded and far enough south on Rush street that it's no hassle. The food is typical Italian and very good. Actually not too expensive for being located in this area.
(4)
Brandon T.

Rosebud is a very interesting piece of architecture. Towards the interior, you get to see a cramped room full of seats and chairs, of course. Then, there is the kitchen. Ah, who is cooking? Chef Emiril? Mario Batali? No chance. I personally don't know them, and just don't know them to begin with; not at all. But, all I can say is that last time I stuck my fork into the steak, which was a first for me at this restaraunt, I must say, it was very good. It was probably one of the best meals I have had. To accompany recent meals with a review, I am guessing around two; the burger and spaghetti. Now, both of these meals were great as well. However, I had a problem with the waiter, but before then, the seating arrangement. Speaking of that, let's not forget the price. It can tend to be a tad bit pricy when it comes to a few things. Logic will tell you this when you take a peak at the menu. Nevertheless, this is a good restaraunt; I recommend it. By the way, if you can snag it, get seating on the second floor.
(4)
Anna G.

We frequent this place a few times a month. It's our favorite place in town! The bolognese is great, so is the tortillini carbonara! Enjoy!
(5)
Kristin A.

Cute authentic feeling Italian restaurant. Food is good. Plan to spend a decent amount of money here. The ambiance makes up for what the food lacks.
(4)
K M.

I think this place is a little overrated - I've always heard great things about it, but the one time I tried it, there was a really long wait (which is fine if the dinner turns out great!) and then when we were finally seated, we had a wobbly table! We said something to the server but nothing was done about it. It also took them forever to get us drinks, and they forgot to bring out an appetizer. The food was good but not outstanding for the price, and the service was annoying enough to ruin the experience. Which is too bad because its a nice outdoor space! I'd go to Carmine's up the street or Tuscany on Taylor for better food and service.
(3)
Hratch P.

I'm gonna have to agree with Ramon R. on this one. I found the Rosebud disappointing given its prices and reputation. I took a client here for a business dinner and regretted it. The food was good but not great, the wine recommendation was dead wrong, the atmosphere was ok (although I think the outside patio is much more pleasant), and the service was actually pretty bad. Good place but nothing you can't get for a third the price in North Beach back in SF.
(3)
Peggy W.

The food is very good but they rush you. We were there on a Sat night and even with taking our time to order-we were out of the restaurant in less them 90 min. They asked what we wanted to eat before they even asked what we wanted to drink. Not relaxing at all.
(2)
R K.

this place is great! chicago has so many great restaurants, and this is one of them. each time i'm in chicago i stop by rosebud. great italian food!! i'm so glad a colleague of mine introduced me to this place. be prepared to have a wait and be a little cramped once seated.
(5)
Doug p.

i love this place, supposedly was one of sinatra's favorite restaurants. try the carbonara it is easily the best one i have ever had . . only thing i would warn against is the house red wine is lousy, but they have a great list, so treat yourself to the next one up
(5)
Julia B.

I haven't had a bad experience here yet! The staff is so friendly and welcoming! Everything that the servers recommended was excellent! I really like coming here in the summer because they have a nice outdoor seating area. The inside is huge which offers a lot of seating options and room for big groups!
(4)
Katie H.

When we got there for lunch there was a wait so we went downstairs to the bar while we waited. They must have been understaffed that day because when our table was ready we had to wait a long time for the bartender to give us our tab to pay. When we finally got to sit at our table (outside) we had to wait awhile for the server. It took a long time from when we initially sat down to get our order in. After waiting so long we were starving and dove for the bread as soon as the waiter came back with the olive oil- which we had to wait for while the bread was sitting there staring at us, while we wanted to eat it, but not without olive oil or butter. It took awhile for us to get our food (we both got pasta dishes with same sauce, one was Risoto and one was Fettuccini) but when we did get our lunch, it was soooo good! I would give 5 stars for the food, but the wait for the food was grueling. I understand that it will be busy on Saturday at 1:30pm for lunch but we didnt see our waitress much and the food took forever to come.
(3)
D.J. C.

This place is a joke!! It's a very, VERY basic red sauce spot with poor service! The only strong point is it's location, off the Mag Mile. I stayed at the Peninsula and came it for a late dinner. The very basic salad appetizer took 45 mins, both my server and I were dumbfounded by the delay. I ordered my entree to go because I didn't want to eat dinner at midnight in the restaurant! Im from NYC, and dine regularly in some of the best restaurants across the country, this place doesn't compare to the worst Italians spots I've been to, but the prices rival the best!! This restaurant benefits from its location, and serves a very tourist crowd who enjoys Chef Boyardee! Ps. I'm writing this review as I wait 2hrs for my entree, which I've now asked to go!!! DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR YOUR TIME!!!!!!
(1)
Sharyn M.

Quick review strictly merited on the extremely courteous attentive staff. Had an important meet there this afternoon. The Rosebud granted us privacy and exquisite service along with a beautiful atmosphere. Had only soup and bread during the interview ( Italian wedding soup ) nicely done. Cannot wait to try Rosebud for a dinner experience. The menu Offered many seafood enticements. Thx to Dane and Mr Host ( name?). Very accommodating. Will be back!
(5)
kathy a.

I love this restaurant because I can always count on a great meal. I dont care what you order it is always good. The service has always been very professional.
(4)
Sue S.

We were staying at a hotel close and had decided we wanted Italian for dinner. Did some research and chose Rosebud on Rush. My husband and I appreciate a good Italian meal. From the moment we walked in, we not only received superb food, but also phenomenal service. The wait staff went above and beyond to make our experience pleasant. Francisco was our waiter and he was exceptional. The food was absolutely delicious. My husband claims it was the best chicken parm he has ever had. I had the rigatoni all a vodka and it was incredible. The prices are as you would expect given driving sizes and quality of meal (18-25 per entree). If we find ourselves in Chicago again we will be sure to be back again.
(5)
Saad A.

I have no idea about their food but i went to get togo coffee as yelp send its coffee and tea and the dont even have to go cups
(1)
Jennica S.

I love fine Italian, and this place did not disappoint. Extensive wine menu, my boyfriend and I shared glasses of the $9 white zin and Merlot so we could splurge a bit more on our meals. He got baked ziti and I had baked cavatelli. Both were delicious and huge helpings, he forced his down but I took about half of mine to go and the leftovers were just as good the next day. We were hoping to sit on the closed in patio that we saw people dining in the evening before, but they were in the process of opening it for spring so we got seated upstairs. Kind of dark and definitely loud with lots of families enjoying meals, but a comfy experience nonetheless. I smelled lots of fish meals coming from other tables, but we stick to pasta. Definitely a good dinner!
(4)
Justin O.

Great location near Magnificent Mile shopping. Outdoor seating is a must on a mild Chicago evening. Though there are other seating options to choose from (downstairs, upstairs). I started off with meat lasagna accompanied with a sangria. The lasagna was a hearty portion and served piping hot. The pallet was satisfied. It was a mild evening in downtown Chicago to enjoy the red sangria. I will have to admit though that it tasted more like an Italian soda instead of a sangria. Wasn't strong enough, but still quenching. Dinner was finished with a cannoli cake. Mmmmm. All the ingredients of a cannoli, but in cake form. Freshly prepared, very moist, and satisfied the sweet tooth! Service was excellent and the waiter regularly checked in on the table. He had a great sense of humor as well. This place is worth revisiting.
(5)
Madison P.

Classic Italian. I was expecting some good, carb-loaded food, and that is what I got. The service was quite quick for being a restaurant downtown on weekend at prime dinner time. I had their house minestrone soup and the caprese salad. All of it was delicious!
(3)
Scott M.

Brunch Potatoes were delightful! The waiter was awesome, very thorough and knew what he was doing. Ordered the sausage benedict for brunch. My sodium levels just rose up just typing this. Luckily, the amazing parm potatoes saved it, plus my friends bacon.....totally amazing. I can't wait to visit here for some Chicken Parm or Lasagna in the future.......but for breakfast/brunch time, I'm just hitting snooze and going back to sleep.
(3)
Mary-Jane A.

Really great Italian food and huge portion sizes, even the desserts were huge. Nice atmosphere and the place was packed.
(4)
Kristen K.

Was always a fan of Rosebud on Rush and my last visit there was ok (see other yelp).............. had a gift card and went on a cold snowy Sunday night to grab a meal around 10pm at this location Rosebud Rush - bar area in the basement needs an update on the dÃ©cor but the bartender and rest of staff very nice and make you feel welcome My date and I split two meals - both were excellent spicy pork chop and potatoes (pork chop calabrese I think it's called) homemade wide noodle paste with red sauce (was the best red sauce I have had in awhile) Maybe the one on Taylor Street did not do it for me last time I went but the Rosebud on Rush was excellent - I will be back to this location!!
(4)
Lise S.

Great location and easy to get to if you are downtown. Traditional Italian restaurant, great service, great food and you won't be disappointed. Recommend making a reservation - it's a popular spot! ;-)
(4)
Olivia K.

YUM. This place is amazing. The pasta is great, and I love the atmosphere. I have been to a lot of Italian restaurants around Chicago and this is one of my favorites! I don't have much else to say other than I would highly recommend this place.
(5)
Diane D.

Delicious! I had cheese ravioli with shrimp. My husband had Zuppa di Mare. He loved it. I loved it. We loved it. We heard this was in the middle of the Viagra triangle but I haven't seen anything yet to substantiate those claims. But then again, it's only Thursday.
(5)
Dean W.

Traditional Italian classics and steak. Went in with high expectations and we weren't disappointed. The fried calamari was very good, tho not the best I've ever had. The Italian Wedding soup was very good. I had Veal Saltimbucha which was excellent! My daughter had a pasta dish that was huge and excellent. All the portions were huge, enough for two or three. We didn't finish anything we ordered, there was just too much. We finished off with the Italian Wedding Cannoli Cake which was fabulous! The service was outstanding as always. Take your wife and/or girlfriend, they will love it!
(5)
Emily C.

This place is "a-ok." There are definitely better Italian restaurants in the city. I always get the seafood salad (ask for the olive oil / dressing on the side - it's usually too much) and it's great...a huge portion. I veered off the other night and got the special - a filet with shrimp. The shrimp were really good, but the filet was fatty. I also ordered a side of steamed spinach, but it came out drenched in oil. I must say the service was excellent. We seem to come a lot for work so I'm sure I'll be back, but I wouldn't choose it over any other restaurant in the city. 47/365
(3)
Nina I.

My first experience here was takeout and it wasn't what I expected. I had the house pasta. It was cooked well and the sauce was tasty however I had payed for extra jumbo shrimp and all I got were poorly washed, barely flavored, pieces of meat with tails.. and they gave me 3... Whaat??? From that one time I'm dubious to give this place another chance...
(2)
M G.

Solid but unspectacular. Good if you don't have to wait in line but not worth a special trip. Food is good service is good. Noisy and crowded on the weekend.
(4)
Rebecca C.

The only reason we came here was because it was St. Patty's day and Chicago was crazy as you could imagine, and we were starved. This was the only place without an insane line to wait - although still about an hour - we figured it would be worth it. They had a bar inside to wait which was a nice option. They also have outdoor seating as well. When we were seated, we were brought upstairs to a more dark and private looking room than I had imagined from outside. And I remember it being packed with people (that's a good sign) and really, really loud. With waiters hustling and bustling by, and chairs packed so closely together - it was more of an adventure for eating. The prices were kind of expensive, one of our groups meal was $40 for food alone! (WTF I would've been saying!) But we picked our meals wisely and I got the penne vodka sauce (yummy) and hubby got the gnocchi (even better choice of course). The bread and crackers they give at the beginning are pretty tasty. I missed the Shrimp Arugula dish on the menu, which I tasted a frend's and was really a breaded shrimp salad thing (can't remember the exact name) but the shrimp were huge and it was so tasty. I totally wished I had gotten that. We really couldn't hear each other, which was a shame on our last night together in Chicago. But the food was good enoiugh it kept us occupied. And the servers didn't do anything noticeably wrong, since I can barely remember the guy. Overall, a positive experience, nothing so exceptional I'd go back, but nothing to really complain about either. If the food is good, that is all that matters.
(4)
Lauren S.

Went here while in town- good simple Italian food. Classy environment, enjoyed their caprese salad and gluten free pasta. Not sure or not if I'd go back but it was good.
(3)
Nicholas H.

We ended up here on a Sunday for brunch. The service was awful and food was the same. Listening to the waitstaff argue with each other throughout our entire meal was less than desirable.
(1)
Kelsey S.

Ate here with a group of 10 downstairs last weekend. The restaurant was very accommodating given that most of our party came from a football game and we were over an hour late for our reservation. The food was decent Italian food and the portions were HUGE. Bartender downstairs was very nice and was very generous with his wine pours. Good place to come with a big hungry group!
(4)
Jim L.

My wife has been here several times and has been hoping for the opportunity for the whole family to go for quite awhile. We had friends visiting us in CHI and it was my wife's 50th birthday. This was the place she wanted to go. So we did. It was on a Friday night. My first impression was that they accepted WAY too many reservations for the speed they can turn tables. We spent about 15 minutes elbow-to-elbow in the vestibule with others who had reservations. It was EXTREMELY crowded once we got our seats, as well. The tables are too close together for the amount of customer and server traffic trying to share an aisle to bring food, visit the restroom, etc. We sat downstairs and my first observation was that there was only one exit out of a very long, very crowded room, especially with how narrow any exit would be in an emergency due to how close together the tables are. I may be a little more picky about this than most people - I deal with fire egress codes as part of my job, and what to do in an emergency was at the back of my mind throughout the whole meal. My second observation was they they don't serve a carpaccio appetizer. In my opinion, any Italian restaurant that doesn't serve carpaccio should just throw in the towel and make room for the next Chinese place. Sorry, but that kinda ruined the meal for me a bit as well. There were five of us. Nobody had any complaints about the food. I had the Rosebud lasagna and it was good. The portion was more than I could eat, which is obviously better than the other way around. Service was good as well, but very rushed due to the massive amount of people they were pushing through. Neither of these make up for the crowd, noise and rushed dining in my opinion and it didn't make for a very good birthday celebration for my wife's 50th, which I am still a little miffed about. We probably won't be back unless it is at a time when it is obviously not very crowded. Even then, we'd probably just try another place we have never been. The options in the area are virtually endless.
(3)
Rebecca P.

While in town for a girls weekend Rosebud on Rush was suggested to us as an "Old Chicago" Italian joint. Well...they hit it on the head! The restaurant is cozy, quaint, lower ceilings, very old-school feeling. We were ushered downstairs and waited at the bar (which was again, cozy and cramped). Great drinks, fun staff, and elbow-rubbing atmosphere! Our small table seated 5 of us snugly. Again we had plenty of fun drinks, great service, and the food was fantastic. I split the alla vodka and it was delish. We didn't do dessert but they also looked inviting!
(4)
Sally R.

I love coming to their weekend brunches. Tip- get there when they open cause their brunches are popular! Avoid the crowds! Enjoy!
(3)
Sopla R.

This was the second in the Rosebud family I've frequented in the last six months. Our first was Carmines. Which I'll review on another day. It was Saturday night, used open table for reservation, arrived and were promptly seated upstairs in a duex that was sandwiched along a long line of 2 tops. Seriously, this chain of all of these restaurants really make sure they are getting top dollar for their real estate. We're not big people and could barely cut our food without someone brushing us or banging into us. Doesn't exactly make for a nice experience. To be noted, we were and never really are ever in a hurry when we are having a nice dinner out.. so even though our waiter literally did not get our drink order to us for 20 minutes after we sat down..with no appetizers ... it was a tad bit long to wait for just a beverage.. Oh well, onto to the food... We opted for no starters and just straight to dinner. I ordered the Pork Chop and he the Alfredo. We were in no hurry and just into relaxing and I'm sipping my wine. When along came our food (yes, 10 minutes after the wine) OK we'll go with that. Except, when I tried to cut into my chop it was clear this was going to be a feat. When I bit into it.. it confirmed my suspicions. it was super tough and chewy and lastly REALLY dry.. YUK. my so tried it he agreed. Our waiter was flagged down and I very politely said sorry but I can't eat this (and thinking to myself, it's $32 for this thing, it HAS to be better!) our server promptly took it away asking what my next preference was? I said, I really wanted another Chop same thing (because the accompanied sauce was excellent and was really looking forward to it this time I asked for a nice "medium" he agreed and came back about 7 min later and told me that the kitchen relayed to him that they prep these ahead of time and cook to a MW and that they were out of that chop but could sub another one (that was a different sized cut) I said fine to that as long as they gave me the same accompaniments. Meanwhile, I'm thinking to myself? Really? a. they cook them MW and then b. they admit to that? It all made sense as to why a thick cut pork chop came within 10 minutes of ordering it and WHY it was so tough and dry. So basically the chef told them the truth. I understood the "prep" part to a degree.. but you are selling a $32 dollar thick cut pork chop and cooking them off ahead of time to a MW??? I could almost see a MR THEN putting them back on the grill for a "medium" or even MW if that's how the guests really wanted it.. but I doubt that most "restaurants who charge $32 for a chop are pre cooking them to MW and thinking this is OK.. that just told me the chef didn't have a clue...As if this was not bad enough, while we were waiting for my do over" I sampled the Alfredo.. it was really bland..the sauce itself was creamy and the pasta was cooked correctly but it was bland. No nice garlicky or cheesy taste. Weird. I suggested some salt and pepper and obviously, at this point, we're not going to send this back too..so NOW, I'm thinking that the "do over" will not take so long because they will just pull off one that is cooking and give that to me (which is what most restaurants do if it's an item that you have a few on your grill of) so that you can not have one diner eating and the other waiting for your mistake...but it ended up that this time, it took another solid fifteen minutes to cook and so he just stopped eating until I got my food which meant his food would be cold in addition to bland now. When I got the 2nd do over back, it was now 2 pork chops (although not as thick because they had apparently ran out of that one by now) but hey, I didn't care because I was hungry.. well guess what? These 2 smaller chops were WELL DONE TOO!! Although, not as well done as the first one but well done still :( We mentioned this to our waiter just as feedback clearly not going to send it back a 3rd time.. our waiter comped a glass of wine and was gracious enough but he should have asked me how I wanted my Chop cooked in the first place this may have alerted the chef that MW or WD would be unacceptable to me thus avoiding the whole do over thing in the first place.. At this point, I'm not sure if I would frequent any of them again. And if I did, I'd probably just do a lunch or something not too pricey so I wouldn't be disappointed in spending $100+ on a meal for 2p.
(2)
Aleks S.

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(1)
Tina L.

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(3)
Kep P.

We were in Chicago for the week and made reservations to dine here. We requested outdoor seating so we could experience the outdoor ambiance of beautiful Chicago. We arrived and gave our name to be told to, "wait, while we check if there is a table". Wait... what? Isn't that why we made the reservation? Well..whatever there ended up being one anyhow. It took 5 minutes for a server to acknowledge us after we sat. Another 10 minutes for my wine to arrive and an additional 5 mins for our orders to be taken. Just very slow service... 1st disappointment of the evening meal. First, we ordered the calamari with marinara. It was cut way to thick and was difficult to chew. It had a very rubbery consistency to it. 2nd disappointment.... As our entrees, we ordered the fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and the house pasta with a side of meatballs. Well, the meatballs were never brought to the table and we decided against asking for them as long as they were not on the bill, which they weren't. The server obviously was not detail oriented when listening for our order. Unfortunately this was not shocking. The house pasta was okay... nothing grand about it. The fettuccine alfredo was horrible, though! Who ever made it did a very poor job. It was all cream! There was no balance of cheese and cream. It was extremely bland and watery. I've never been so disappointed with an Italian entree before in my existence! 3rd disappointment... To top it off the server took my boyfriend's meal away without asking if he was finished or even asking to box it up. Just quickly picked it up with nothing said and walked away! We were both shocked. I was optimistic that he'd bring it back boxed but it never happened! 4th disappointment... The setting was romantic but the diners on the sidewalk smoking next to the outdoor seating was disgusting. We were sitting out there to enjoy ourselves and instead we're being inundated with disgusting and unhealthy cigarette smoke while we're eating! 5th and final disappointment....! We were hugely misled by reviews and disappointed. We will not be returning when we revisit Chicago.
(2)
Tim S.

The first time we were ever in Chicago we just stumbled upon this place. We were just walking around we were really hungry and just walked into the closest place to eat - fortunately for us it was Rosebuds. However, there was a nearly 2 hour wait, which is understandable considering the day, time and the fact we obviously had no reservations. We waited no more than 45 minutes before we got a table. I decided to try a tuna special, and it was absolutely wonderful. Cooked perfectly and a great flavorful crust on the outside. The next time we went to rosebuds, I had another good meal, I went the pasta route this time. But the reason I bring this visit up is because it was exceptional service. We were seated, and before our meal came the manager came by and asked us to move to the next table over to accommodate another larger party. Not only was the table better (the view outside was nice), but they comp'ed us a dessert for moving as well! I certainly would not call this the best food in Chicago, but the ambiance is wonderful, the service is great, and the food is quite good. I will be back here no question to have a nice quiet meal out.
(4)
Kevin W.

This place is ok but the food is overpriced and if you want a side order of Karen Carpenter or Hall and Oates singing tired Christmas tunes with your breakfast this is your place.
(2)
Heather W.

Have always liked this place. Three of us were able to grab a table during a busy lunchtime rush-outside. Primo people watching. I had the Pollo Bracciola. This was cooked perfectly. The chicken could've used a little more oopmh, but it was overall very well done. The pasta was amazing. One of my cohorts had lasagna and the other the caprese salad with some meatballs (she raved about it). I did get a taste of the lasagna. You think you've tasted one, you've tasted them all, but nope. This was SOME GREAT lasagna! Another thumbs up for a great lunch place in Chicago.
(4)
Macy H.

I love this place, classic red sauce Italian food. Their portions are so big, which is nice because it is a bit pricey. Worth every penny though. Their food is delicious, I recommend the caprese salad and ANY entree.
(5)
Virginia B.

Food is amazing portions are huge!! Our meatballs were the size I softballs! Service was fabulous and friendly definite return when I'm back in Chi town
(4)
Suffrock M.

I get better italian at home, but what made our dinner here so poor was the awful service. Our waiter took our order, then didn't bother showing up again until he presented our bill. In the meantime, a busboy twice tried to remove my plate while I was still eating and no one came to refill our drinks. I really felt like they were annoyed that we were even there. The food is not good and the service is nonexistent. Go anywhere else. If I could give it zero stars I would.
(1)
Sofia L.

Less than mediocre. This is almost as calling .... Taco Bell a Mexican restaurant. Everything is drench in either cheese or garlic. Pasta is mostly overcooked, store bought, and bland. Nothing is fresh.
(1)
Jen W.

We came here on a recommendation from a friend. My friend told me that he came here to eat and was told that he would have the veal. We didn't get that recommendation or experience, but we did have great food. This isn't far from the shops on Michigan Avenue and has a very neighborhood feel. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. The night we went for dinner, it looked like the outdoor seating was pretty full. We opted for the air conditioned interior and had no wait. The interior is dark, packed with tables and a bit noisy from servers buzzing about tables and customers. It is perfect for small groups, but I saw a large group of 10 get seated right next to us. This place serves really large portions of very good Italian food. We started with the garden salad dressed with a vinaigrette (mine was just a little too heavily dressed). A perfect start to the meal. We continued on with the Chicken Milanese and Spaghetti with Meatballs. The chicken was lightly breaded and fried to perfection. It was topped with mild arugula, red onions and tomatoes. It was a perfect summer meal. (I should have not ordered the salad). The meatballs were large baseballs of tender, perfectly seasoned meat. It was a nice compliment to the spaghetti. After a couple of glasses of wine and a huge meal, we had to pass on dessert. I'd definitely come back and try other items on the menu. What a fun place to come to unwind and enjoy Italian comfort food.
(4)
A L.

I have been here quite a few times for both lunch and dinner. The food is so delicious ESP their skirt steak Gorgonzola salad. Their meatballs and stuffed mushrooms are so delicious. Their food is always perfectly cooked and good. However, their service is very slow and some waitors not so friendly. But the food makes up for it, I just tip less for ok service. The patio is always a nice atmosphere, the inside is very 70s 80s and needs updating. But like I said the food makes up for all the flaws.
(4)
Jen H.

Run of the mill, archetypical Chicago touristy you-know-what-to-expect restaurant. You know what's on the menu, you know it's going to be loud, you know the service will be pretty good and the portions pretty big. A safe choice. You won't miss, but you won't be blown away, either.
(3)
Elise G.

Absolutely delicious shrimp scampi! Huge, plump shrimp and some of the best I have ever had. Delightful atmosphere...we ate outside on the patio. The wait staff was very accommodating. Downstairs it looked like I would be seeing Tony Soprano sitting in a booth.
(4)
Peter H.

The service was great. I had a traditional eggs Benedict, which was very good. They didn't over sauce it with hollendaise like some places do. The complaints were that it didn't say it came with a side if potatoes, so I almost ordered.some. Also, the price of the French press is a bit much. Lastly, yelp should list this as being more expensive than they do. I wouldn't consider it three dollar signs.
(3)
Michael J.

I visited Rosebud On Rush while in Chicago for a conference. Our group had a reservation for 10, but ended up with one extra. Rosebud was very quick to grab an extra chair and accommodate, but it made the already-over-crowded dining room feel even smaller. The decor of the restaurant was very Chicago swank, but the volume and commotion of the dining room didn't have the same feeling. The assorted breads were good but not great, and the accompanying olive oil was less than stellar. I ordered one of their specials - the Seafood Linguine for $38. The pasta was absolutely average, the sauce was above average, and the seafood was lifeless, had no taste, and mostly overcooked. Our server was around often during the meal, but when it came time to get a check things went downhill fast. From the time we were all finished eating (plates cleared and off the table), it took 45 minutes to take care of our check. If I'm going to pay $38 for a Seafood Linguine special, the food should be good, the service attentive, the atmosphere comfortable, and the experience enjoyable. That definitely did NOT happen, and I won't be back.
(2)
Moira W.

We were a party of 13 and went for my aunt's 75th birthday. Lana, our server, was amazing. Very attentive and patient with all the orders and questions. The food was delicious - with 13 of us we had a varied sampling from pasta to fish. The chicken parmesan, my son told me was terrific, and the sea bass some of the older folks ordered was nicely done. Thank you Rosebud and Lana for a wonderful family dinner!
(4)
David N.

They were able to seat my party of 4 immediately. The waiter and manager were both pleasant and fun. The Fettuccine Alfredo was spectacular. I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Paul I.

Had the veal saltimboca and friend had the Linguini Alfredo. Mediocre. Not like I remember them. Had a pasta fruit Di mare here some time ago. Was excellent. Great service though. Could be better considering the price. Not sure I will return
(2)
Marsha S.

Party of 6 for dinner. Had reservations and were seated quickly with our requested round table. Our food was very well prepared and very tasty! Good service and atmosphere !!
(5)
Kori E.

We came here for Sunday Brunch after church with my parents and grand parents and the experience was drawn out and not that great. We started with the Sausage and Peppers and that was the best part of our meal. The sausage was very flavorful and was in a great garlicky sauce. I then had a cup of the minestrone soup (TINY) for $5! A little over priced in my opinion. My mom and I both got the Romano Crusted Chicken salad and it was gross. The chicken was great, but the salad itself was soggy, had zero taste and was unappealing. Two others got the mini steak sandwiches and I think they were OK, but not anything to write home about. I was pretty disappointed in our experience there. I would definitely check out some of the other Rosebud's before heading back to this one...if ever...
(2)
Leslie S.

Rosebud on Rush (or any of the Rosebud restaurants, for that matter) offers your average Chicago Italian dining experience. The restaurant is very dark - I've had to hold a votive candle up to my menu to read it! It can also get quite noisy with so many large groups dining there, so it's hardly an intimate dining experience. I never find the staff to be overly attentive or willing to accommodate guests. The food is what you would expect - ubiquitous red sauce on nearly every pasta dish (or a mysterious parmesan cream sauce if that tickles your fancy). When it comes to the pasta, you'll find familiar staples: cavatelli, linguini, ravioli, spaghetti, etc. The portions are fairly large, so you won't go hungry no matter what you order. The meat dishes feature saltimbocca doused in cheese (really? Since when does saltimbocca come with cheese?), chicken in a sad marsala sauce, and breaded parmesan shrimp scampi (yikes! What happened to sautÃ©ing the shrimp in butter and white wine?). I'd stick to the pastas, truthfully. The restaurant often has a wait because it's so close to the touristy part of Michigan Avenue. Honestly, it's not worth waiting. You can easily make a same-day reservation on OpenTable if you really want to get into Rosebud. If it came to food alone, I'd give Rosebud on Rush three stars, but this particular location's atmosphere is depressing, and the service is just not that stellar, so two stars it is.
(2)
Kate M.

Rosebud restaurants to me scream business dinners and out-of-towners. Not that that's a bad thing! Just not places I frequent. We had a very good dinner last night, I totally fell off my food wagon and ordered the penne bolognese. It was delicious. I don't think I've ever had anything here that wasn't. It's your typical Americanized Italian food, but they do it well. The tiramisu was ordered to go and the remainder of our entrees packed up to go. There was clearly some confusion among the staff and the manager came over to tell us "I'm very sorry, but the busboy accidentally threw out your food, he didn't know it was to be wrapped up. Here's what I can do, I can either A) comp your dessert or B) have half orders of your entrees made up for you to take with you". We choose to wait for the half orders. After the manager walked away I said quietly to the table "The correct answer is C) comp our dessert for making us wait *and* make us half orders to go". A minute or two later the manager explained he was comping the dessert for making us wait and apologized again. I'm impressed with the level of service. It's exactly what I'd expect from a high end restaurant. Honestly, more than I expected from Rosebud.
(4)
Fred A.

I come to the RSNA meeting annually and this place has the best Italian food in the world. Their spaghetti and meatballs is a classic and quite possibly the biggest meat balls in the word. Been to Rome, Florence, and Italy and I would fly to Chicago for Italian. Their olive oil is so good, the manager gave me a bottle. Their eggplant salad with arugula is amazing. Come hungry and leave in a food coma.
(5)
Cindy H.

I came here on a Sunday night with a friend. We chose to sit outside on the side of the restaurant so that we could enjoy the people watching and the nice weather outside. Our server started us off with bread and an olive oil and parmesan cheese mixture. I can't say I've had that together on bread before, but it was good, though I still prefer plain old butter. Then we shared a house salad. When they ask you if it's okay to chop, they literally mean chop up the entire salad lol. And for an entree we shared the lasagna, which was sooo good!!! I was so full even though my friend and I shared the salad and lasagna. Be careful to watch your step if you're sitting outside--I forgot both times when I got up and ended up stumbling out of my chair haha.
(5)
Carol L.

There are 11 different Rosebud restaurants throughout Illinois that have varying menus. I came here for the famed burger on a pretzel roll. First of all, let me say that it would be nice to know what the cut-off between lunch and dinner is. The burger is only offered for lunch and I came too late! Wahhh!!! BUT, I ended up having the most awesome seafood salad! The Rosebud Insalata di Pesce features fresh calamari, scungilli, octopus and shrimp tossed in olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and parsley, and topped with Italian vinegar peppers, celery and black olives. I had my salad with freshly ground black pepper. This colorful and refreshing salad has a nice mixture of flavors. The portion of seafood is very generous. It's a lot actually without any greens to cut it. I was amused by the seating. Outside, it's more informal with wicker chairs and oil tablecloths. Inside, it's wooden chairs and white linens. They sat my touristy self outside. The service was inconsistent. I got water and my hot sourdough roll right away, but I had to wait awhile for some olive oil for dipping and the menu.
(4)
Nancy H.

Finally tried the Rosebud burger, which was named one of the best Chicago burgers many years ago. They've been running a $5 promotion on weekdays (currently, from 11 AM - 3 PM). It is a large chunky patty on a pretzel bun. You get to choose the cheese ($1 extra), and you might be able to request sauteed mushrooms and/or onions. The burger patty itself is impressively flavorful! I would go back for the $5 burger since I live in this 'hood. We also got the cannolis for dessert, and they were the BEST cannolis I've ever had! They came 2 per plate, at least 6" long each, and were decorated very nicely! There were chocolate and caramel sauces drizzled on the plate, which probably isn't traditional, but it tasted like an awesome cannoli sundae!
(4)
Mahsa T.

Once you've been to one Rosebud restaurant, you've been to them all. Identical menus, identical taste. Just like Carmine's, Rosebud serves up consistently good Americanized Italian dishes. I ordered the Cavatelli al Forno (ricotta dumplings in marinara sauce covered in cheese). I needed some protein to go with my giant portion of carbs so I substituted meat sauce for the marinara. The dumplings were fresh and delicious, the meat sauce was a bit spicy, but overall I was pleased with it. My friend liked his Vitello Marsala (veal cutlets in marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and side of pasta). He was not as impressed with his Caesar salad, which came with large pieces of lettuce (not chopped up) and was a bit too light on dressing. The reason I'm giving Rosebud fewer stars than Carmine's is that service here was spotty and the upstairs dining room was really small and cramped. Our server would come around too often when we were trying to decide what to order, and then disappear for long periods of time and then reappear when it was time to order dessert. We skipped dessert because we were both too full. The portions are huge and I had to take leftovers home.
(3)
Patrick S.

Went on valentines day and I Previously would have given them a 5 star rating. The food is amazing but my experience this past Friday was OK. For one thing, I went to heat up my leftovers and found that we were given the wrong food, I don't know how that happens.I also had to sit in a chair that was in an isle and was constantly being brushed by the staff and other customers. I will come back but I thought higher of rosebud before.
(3)
Terry S.

An outstanding bill of fare and very reasonable prices are complemented by prompt, if somewhat inattentive, service. Al fresco dining adds to the appeal with the corner view in downtown Chicago making the experience something to appreciate all the more. This would be a five star rating had our server not assumed that, since I tip the scales at 200 lbs, my request for a Coke with no ice must have been a call for a diet soft drink. YUCK! Nothing quite like starting out your dining experience with the stagnant chemical swill they call "artificial sweetener" to get your taste bud's attention. It wasn't until the blend of veal and beef sauce beat back the bitter NutraSweet after-taste that I could actually begin to enjoy my meal. Again - YUCK!!! Just freakin' ask.
(4)
Kelly P.

Just had dinner at Rosebud's after reading the reviews. The reviews were correct about the huge portions. None of us could finish our meals and my teenage son can put away a lot of food. But he even had to request a doggie bag. We split the house salad which was a typical Italian salad. I had the eggplant Parmesan which was great. My husband had the best linguine with clams, it was full of clams. He couldn't even finish all the clams. Unreal. My son had the fettuccine Alfredo and said it was very good. We sat in the basement and thought the atmosphere and service were both great. The bread wasn't very good as other reviewers have mentioned. We were too full for dessert so I can't comment on that. Prices were typical of what we would expect. Meals around $20. I would definitely recommend it as the food was great.
(4)
Anont T.

my fiance and i had a nice dinner at Rosebud this week. we called a few hours ahead of time, and were able to get a table on a nice saturday night in the city. moreover, we showed up ~15 mins. early, and put our names in with the hostess for an outside table. after waiting only an extra 5 mins., we were seated at a great table on the north side of the restaurant! our waitress Elena was great. she knew that we were trying to eat healthy, while still having big appetites. she recommended a salad with a side of meatballs - the recommendation was perfect! the only downside to the experience was the number of mosquitoes buzzing around our table. an OFF candle would have been nice. overall, we had a great dinner and a great hostess in Elena!
(4)
Ronnie L.

Dude, I feel like I just feasted like a king and I have like 5 pounds of brick chicken still left with a bunch of bread that I will be feasting on later. So... Jessica was our server and she was phenomenal. She was very cool and listened to my rambling and indecisiveness patiently. I usually never know what the hell I want in a restaurant, because my brain is under the impression that it wants to try everything. That's great for a buffet, but not so good at a restaurant that you have to pick something. ;) She suggested the Salciccia something or other and, of course, I wanted it spicy. So I asked if they could spice it up a bit. They totally did, adding some jalapenos and spicy cherry peppers and I was happy as hell when I tried it. My friend is from The Asian side of the world and had never tried anything like this, and he totally dug it. Good suggestion from Jessica.. Soooo. But then I realized I was full. Seriously. A little bread, some sparkling mineral water and half of 5 big pieces of sausage and some peppers and I was like, "Whoa dude, I'm full." But I ain't goin out like some sucker punk bitch. I came there to EAT. And so I orderd the brick chicken, and of course I had to make things difficult and get a side of pasta sauteed in a little garlic and olive oil. apparently Jessica hooked that up too. Look, I'm service industry too, and as you can see in my reviews, I tend to be a little bit of a stickler for good service. This was a great experience. I am full, fat, lazy and about to listen to music and play video games before sitting in the hot-tub before bed. I wasn't sure about Rosebud, but for sure I wanted to try it, and the food, service and the fact that I feel like I just had a kings meal totally own. What makes this so good is that I really haven't had a good night out to eat in a long time. I have been spending a lot of time working, so this was totally cool and worth being that dinner out.
(5)
Chris L.

This place is really cute and looks like a little house. After finding out that Giordano's had a 45 minute wait, we waited 20 minutes to get seated here. We were the last table that sat outside and it was cold! Service was pleasant and the portions were large like the other reviewers said. I had the square pasta with marinara and pretty good. Nothing too memorable. My friend had the Italian wedding soup and the portobello sausage marinara dish that was too salty for her (well, then again, she complains about everything!). The olive oil was really good but the bread was not memorable. Probably would not come back unless craving pasta. Would like to try Giordano's across the street ;o)
(3)
Jason S.

Holy Brunch! Wow, they had great food. Went there for Saturday morning brunch and was blown away. They even had French Press Coffee. I would go back here for sure.
(4)
Diana R.

Great Pasta plates and Salads. Their Salad dressings have plenty of oil; recommend ordering the dressing on the side. Homemade pasta is the best; recommend Pappardelle alla Rosebud or Cavatelli al Forno. Seating: Patio and Indoors, both are good. Over all good service, and delicious food. Highly Recommend.
(4)
Jack W.

This is a very formal "old-school" Italian restaurant with lots of tables, elegant waiters, and so on. I enjoyed the food and the service, but it's a bit to formal to pop in by yourself for a meal. Great for large parties.
(4)
Beth A.

My daughters and I ate dinner here for the 2nd time. Took my husband, son and friends here for their first time. Did NOT disappoint!! All of our meals were wonderfully delicious!! As expected! Staff was very friendly and helpful!! Arrived a little late for our reservation because of the weather, but they still accommodated us. A BIG THANK YOU for that!!!! Most definitely recommend Rosebud for anyone who wants the best italian food and great hospitality to boot!!
(5)
Raph V.

food was phenomenal however the service was ehhh.
(4)
Neil D.

Sunny Sunday Afternoon on Memorial Day weekend and the sidewalks were on Overload .My wife and I decided to go for lunch at the the Hotel peninsula cafe but there was a Half hour wait,decided to cross the street and go to the Rosebud on Rush.Big Mistake.......this is my third visit and never had a decent meal.Took 50 minutes after ordering to get our meal which sucked.Mediocrity always prevails at this so called Italian Restuarant.
(2)
Tanya K.

Ordered two salads and calamari. The salmon spinach salad was delicious. So, technically the food is worthy of five stars BUT, our waitress was pretentious, as though she believed she was a model/actress waiting tables in LA just until her big break comes along. Also, we had to wait 45 minutes for our salads. It was 2pm on Tuesday, May 29, barely anyone was seated in the outdoor area. I may visit a different location solely based on those salads, so delicious!
(2)
Paul K.

Pretty good Italian place, and open late, until 11PM. They bring you a free bread basket that has a lot of different selection; had the Italian wedding soup for an appetizer (very good) and the bolognose, which the switched from Penne to Linguine for me- also very good. The portion were large, I couldn't even finish my main couse. Would go back.
(4)
Jenn C.

Good food, nothing special or fancy to me. I usually just get lunch here and always seems consistent. The cob salad is yummy with shrimp and chicken.
(3)
Lisa P.

Diehard Italian food lover visiting Chicago for Nth time; was hesitant to go to what appeared to be a touristy restaurant perhaps. Turned out to be the best meal I had over my four day visit. Don't judge by the neon sign outside. Give it a whirl.
(5)
Robyn T.

Rosebud is a place that I've walked by about 1000 times and always wondered about. I finally went this weekend. The front by the hostess desk was super chaotic and crazy but we had reservations and got seated right away. I really hate places that make you wait even when you have a reservation so this was much appreciated. The atmosphere is very charming: dimly lit, clean crips linens, and dark leather and wood. Also our server was a very pleasant woman who was pretty attentive but not overbearing. As previous reviews have mentioned, the bread, oil, and parmesan is REALLY good, and we tore into it right away. The sad part is, this was the best part of our meal. The orders in our part of 3 consisted of lasagna, veal parmesan, and cheese stuffed chicken over cavatelli. We each dove into our meals and they were pretty good. Nothing outstanding, but good. Then we sampled each other's plates. Still the same flavor. Huh? 3 different plates, 1 taste. We discovered that no matter what is ordered, you're simply stuffing yourself with marinara and garlic. It's just packaged differently. It was like Olive Garden's neverending pasta bowls but about 3 times as expensive. Did I hate it? No. But with Chicago's plethora of awesome restaurants at our disposal, I probably won't be back.
(3)
Marty C.

Well Chicago is known for their terrific restaurants and this one was no exception. Wonderful Italian food and great wine selection. Well known for their food for a very good reason.
(4)
Yoie L.

Came to this restaurant twice with the BF last year. First time we came for our anniversary mostly because I was lucky and won a $100 gift certificate from Restaurant Week. We got to dine al fresco and watch all the tourists lined up outside of Giordano's across the street. Honestly I wasn't impressed with my dinner. We started off with Rosebud's Insalata di Pesce. It was quite fishy tasting even though it was advertised as fresh seafood. We also shared the pasta of the day and the Filetto Portobello (a pan-roasted filet served in marsala wine sauce with portobello mushrooms and steamed broccoli). These main dishes also left me disappointed. I guess nothing beats a real authentic Italian dish from the Italian Market in Philly (I highly recommend Villa di Roma but that's another review). Second time I had some money left over on the giftcard, and we wanted to try the notorious $5 burger for lunch. Hmm it was delicious! Fries were also tasty. I don't think $5 can buy you a better burger and fries lunch in Chicago. This time we sat inside and the decor was swanky. There are much better places in Chicago for Italian food, but go for the burgers. Your stomach will thank you!
(4)
Megan S.

FANTASTIC. My boyfriend's dad demanded we come here while he was visiting. I left at the end of the night not only stuffed but still craving it at the same time. Everything was fantastic
(5)
Scott O.

We went for my partner's birthday which is always a chore being on Valentine's Day. This wound up being one of the best birthday dinners we've had in 12 years. We were seated downstairs in a cozy corner. The wine list was superb. There's an old-fashioned feel to many of the dishes: my partner's Caesar salad came with anchovies and I was able to get baked clams. Plus, the clams had a sauce on the plate that was heavenly; we used a half of our bread to sop it up. The Brick Chicken that I had was outstanding and my partner's carbonara was perfect. A great evening.
(4)
Adrienne K.

F A N T A S T I C !! DELICIOUS !! Delicious! Delicious!! Great price point, comfortable and warm ambiance, phenomenal flavors!
(5)
Billy D.

Excellent meal. I had chicken parm which was good. My wife had sausage and pepper soup which was incredible and she also had the fried eggplant salad per the waiters suggestion. She ordered better than I did but both were great. Service was good and was a great experience.
(4)
L T.

Went here a couple nights ago. It was awful. We had friends in from Houston and I was so ashamed to show them this place out of all the places we could have gone to. Our server was an older man and blatantly rude. He was obviously too busy and acted very annoyed with any questions. "Have you been here before? NO? fine, Ill tell you our specials tonight" what?#$% He acted annoyed that we asked him to split our bill and put the bottle of wine on our bill, one of our friends is in AA and doesnt drink. Sorry we don't want them to pay for our wine. Seriously? Is that really asking too much? It wasn't like we asked them to split it 4 ways. He was a joke of a server. If I remembered his name I would probably post it so the business would know how poorly he represented them. My dish was the clam pasta with spicy tomato based sauce. It tasted like spaghetti in tomato juice. My husband tried a bit and was disgusted. I probably had two bites and would have told my server I wasn't happy except he never bothered to see how I liked it. Jerk. I heard this place had amazing Italian. Not my experience at all. I will never go to this place again.
(1)
Pat H.

For me this is another forgettable Italian restaurant in Chicago. Been there a few times and there isn't a dish that stands out in my mind. I want to be a fan of this place but i just can't be. The food is just ok at best. The decor / atmosphere is average. The service has been good each time I've been there. Maybe I had too high of expectations going into it? But I can easily think of better Italian restaurants in this city that is filled with them. Choose wisely.
(2)
Danny G.

Make no mistake, this place has average to below average burgers and they are not $5 even though it says that still have the infamous lunch special on there website! They are $13 burgers and they are anything but special. I can think of no less than 67 better places you could go for a much better lunch experience. I went here for lunch with a co-worker and we were bestowed with pathetically slow service, a waiter that could care less, and a meal that fully deserves maybe the worst review I have given any restaurant. We also had the grilled calamari which was chewy and tasteless... though I think this about most calamari. When I showed the waiter that they still advertised the lunch special on their website he responded by saying he would have to contact the "web people" to get it taken off. He also said they haven't had the special for 3 years which is false because I was there last year and got lunch special that is highly advertised. Pathetic! Unresponsive! Overpriced! Embarrassing! Expletives!
(1)
Debrin S.

OMG. Nothing "typical" about this classic Italian restaurant. Classy but not pretentious- table cloths, low lighting, nice decor, ambiance is better outside as inside was a bit busy/rushed. BUT that did not impede the excellent attentive service! There are definitely classic American/Italian offerings however, the execution & quality is evident from the 1st bite. And as I always say: a sure fire way to really know if the food will be good is by the bread. I am a bread snob! Their bread was crusty yet airy & very fresh! Nice V olive oil & Parmesan cheese to accompany it as well. I had the Chicken Milanese Salad- served w the traditional arugula salad- HUGE & crispy but light w a perfect acidic balance. Ample wine list & below average prices. The food, service, ambiance, and over all experience was a real pleasure!
(5)
Rochelle K.

I always loved coming here with my friends, but last night I found a giant fuzz in my rigatoni alla vodka that my friend and I split. We had each only taken a few bites of our food when I found it. The waitress got the manager, and he came out and took our food away without even offering to replace the entree. He asked us if we would like dessert and that was it. We were not charged for the rigatoni, but they charged us for everything else and didn't even replace the entree that we didnt eat!! My friend ended up getting a taco on her way home! To make matters worse the manager seemed really annoyed with us. I never write bad reviews, but this was very disappointing. I won't be going back here..
(1)
Sharren S.

I was really excited to take my friend to Rosebud since it is a famous Italian restaurant near northwestern Hospital. Unfortunately my experience there tonight was below sub par. The waiter was awesome and this review has no reflection on him and his performance. The food was just gross. The mussels were grotesque and smelled bad. The chicken Marsala was too sweet like a bad sweet and sour sauce. The only food items that were good were the house salad and bottle of wine. Upon returning to the Hospital we both got sick. Need I say more?
(1)
Jim U.

Ok but not great. Service was marginal sitting outside (no drink orders taken, once we gave them, :10 to get 2 Cokes). Food is what you expect, heavy Italian cooking. Nothing wrong with it just average.
(2)
Stacey Z.

I went to Rosebud on Rush on Saturday, March 16th which happened to be one of the busiest days of the year in downtown Chicago as it was the celebration for St. Patrick's Day. Chicago has a serious drinking problem so they always celebrate on the Saturday closest to the holiday so everyone has a day to recover and nurse their achy hangovers. I was set on going to Giordono's, which is next door as I was visiting all the way from sunny Long Beach, CA and wanted some iconic deep dish pizza. But I scratched that plan as soon as I heard there was an hour and a half wait just to be seated for 2 people. Can you say tourist trap? Anyway, my best friend, being a Windy City local quickly directed us to Rosebud saying it was one of her favorite restaurants. We walked in and were greeted & seated immediately. We were seated upstairs in the dimly lit dining area. I loved the old school, gangster, Chicago vibe! It felt like Al Capone could of hung out here. The food was excellent and just what I wanted after a morning of too much beer and Jameson. We ordered the sausage & peppers for an appetizer. If you like sausage, this appetizer is righteous. For my entre, I had the chicken alfredo pasta. Wow, was it tasty! I don't want to know what my calorie count for the meal amounted to... after all, no one comes to Chicago to eat healthy. The house chianti was also great. The service is attentive. Rather than be suckered into the touristy, overrated pizza joints, head to Rosebud and enjoy the swanky, old school vibe with some comfort Italiano!!!
(4)
Travelin- M.

+ cozy setting, - average food, nothing special I've been to the Rosebud with a larger crowd and someone else chose the restaurant. A couple of days before I was looking up restaurants in Chicago and the chain had a good reputation but have to say I total
(2)
Michael K.

Dined at Rosebud on Rush for the first time tonight, and the only really good thing I can say is that we got a table outside on Friday night with only a 15 minute wait. Perhaps that should have been a clue about what we were about to experience. Nothing was really bad, except the service. We were served our salads before we had napkins or silverware. The main course arrived only moments later, leaving little time to eat our first course before our entrÃ©es began getting cold. We had to ask for basic things multiple times, like olive oil for our bread or parmesan cheese for our pasta. The food was ok, but not great. The arrabbiata sauce was so mild it was indistinguishable from regular marinara. Portions were ample. There are many better Italian places in Chicago. Next time, we'll choose one of those over Rosebud.
(2)
Dian C.

Great evening. Meal was delicious and appreciate the kindness the staff showed to celebrate a birthday! We are repeat patrons and will be back soon!
(5)
Drew B.

yay it was the boomdiggity!!!
(5)
Terry K.

The ambiance is good, service isn't too bad but the food is mediocre at best. Their sauce was either out of a can or the Chef didnt know how to sweeten the tomato sauce. The lasagna was the size of the plate and worse then a froze lasagna from the super market. Horrible Horrible food. Kind of pissed i wasted my money here.
(1)
Michael L.

Rosebud is a great Chicago Italian restaurant chain. You'll always get great food at any of their locations. I recommend the sausage and peppers and the chicken Marsala
(4)
I M.

I love this place! I eat here every time I come to Chi-Town! I love the seafood salad. Can't get he same salad in most places, so I look forward to it here. I wish I had a bigger stomach, so I could eat an entree as well. My daughter had the chicken Marsala, which was also very good. Will be back next year for another round!
(5)
Sam H.

Great Italian food in downtown Chicago. We had a party of 15 and they were very accommodating especially that we had to push our reservations and hour later. The place was packed and yet they accommodated our request. Food was delicious and our waitress was courteous and knowledgeable. Veal Marsala was awsome!
(4)
Travelling O.

Service excellent!!! Tight tables and dark inside the restaurant. we had to use the flashlight app in our phones to read the menu. We started with the eggplant appetizer which was the best we've ever had as far as eggplant goes. For dinner, we had the tortellini carbonara, lasagne, meat ravioli and cheese ravioli. The tortellini and meat ravioli were phenomenal. The parmesan cheese was not freshly grated, it was the cheap kind, but that did not affect our enjoyment of the tortellini. We were too full after dinner so we ordered dessert to go. We got a slice of the white chocolate coconut cake. It was moist, but also just ok. We gave four stars just for the eggplant and tortellini which were both superb.
(4)
Kimber L.

This restaurant had the best service of all the places I ate at while visiting Chicago! We had a party of 4 and we were 30 minutes late for our reservation. However, they took us right in and seated us (we did call them as a courtesy) We promptly recieved warm Italian bread and oil. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the dish I ordered but it was ricotta dumplings in tomato sauce topped with mozzarella cheese. The dumplings were fantastic!. The tomato sauce was perfectly balanced. If I had to say one negative thing it would be that there was almost too much cheese on top of my pasta - but hey I like cheese and the 6 miles of walking I put in today will offset it. I also liked that fact that the restaurant wasn't blaringly loud. You could actually have a conversation with other people at the table.
(5)
Ken M.

Yum!!! OK, this place is a touch cramped and always super busy, but, there's a reason for that - the food is outstanding! I had Veal Francese and it was the best I've eaten in years. Perfectly prepared, tender, nicely flavored. I asked them to make my pasta a side of angel hair with the lemon butter sauce instead of the usual penne with marinara. No problem with a substitution here. Wife had cheese ravioli with bolognese and it was to die for. This place has the best Italian around with generous portions and reasonable prices. Service was also top notch. Highly recommended
(4)
FRANCO P.

I wish i could rate the food BUT we never got there the service was so bad. After hearing so much of this place, we were excited to eat here. We were sat at what could have easily been the poorest small two top up against the wall in rather empty restaurant. We were instantly brought water and a basket of bread. That's where the service ended. Literally sat for ten solid without oil, butter or menus, even after requesting them to two different staff members. We finally decided to get up and go and then were chased down and begged not to leave. From what we saw the food on the other tables didn't leave us wanting. Seems like an old school place with a lot of history that has run out of steam if you ask me.
(1)
S S.

I've eaten here about 6 times and they never disappoint. Always crowded but theyre efficient. Chicken Marsala is wonderful, but everything is. Great for lunch too.
(4)
Drew B.

Usually come here for afternoon drinkies and snacks and recently tried the formal dinner service on the second floor. I was the last to arrive in our three-top, and the waitress seemed annoyed I was late and directly tried pushing wine and food on me. When I said I wasn't ready, she took WELL OVER SIX MINUTES to explain entrees and options. During her schpeel, my friends and I actually looked at each other in confusion...We didn't know if we were listening to a speech or about to enjoy dinner. Although I appreciate attentive service, It is not required for you to pour wine in my glass every time I take a sip, nor ask me 12 times (no really, 12 times...) how my entree was. Anyway, the food came and mine was meh meh...I can't remember the name of what I had, Something pollo...my friends had the mushroom sandwich (or something) and loved it! I took away three stars because the waitress was overly attentive to a point where it disrupted my dinner.
(2)
Andrew D.

I just posted a review on my amazing meal at Gibson's last night, but the night before I was treated to another amazing meal at Rosebud! The food was amazing and the appetizer stuffed mushroom caps were the best. The flavor was wonderful and had a spot of sweet wine as an after taste. I would definitely order those over again. The meatballs were huge and had an excellent taste. For my entree I had the Veal Parmigan (can't believe I can't spell this). In any event, the dish was cooked perfectly. However, there was so much of it, you could easily split your meal with a friend. I am a big boy and only ate half of the meal. I was stuffed and kept forcing it in. :) Delicious! I would highly recommend this if you are in the mood for Italian with a cool inviting atmosphere.
(5)
Anna P.

To be honest, despite living about 3 blocks away from this place I avoided it like the plague for a couple of years because I assumed it was just another tourist trap with overpriced, bad food. Boy was I wrong! I went on a whim one night when the bf and I were craving some down-home Italian food, and it was amazing. Expensive, yes, but amazing. First, we went on a Friday night around 7pm and (naturally) were told there would be a 45-minute wait to sit outside so we went inside and got some drinks to start. Lo and behold, less than 10 minutes later our name was called and we were seated outside! They have a really nice outdoor seating area if you can get into it. Second, our waitress was super adorable and legit Italian. We ordered the mussels to start and they were really excellent, with just the right amount of spice. I ordered an AMAZING pasta dish - the "cavatelli arrabbiata" which was SO GOOD. Perfectly spiced tomato sauce, perfectly made pasta, perfectly yummy in my tummy. We were way too full for dessert (although that came later when I craved some ice cream, hehe) but got some drinks. I asked for an iced coffee drink with amaretto and the bartender whipped me up an EXCELLENT post-dinner beverage. Perfect end to a perfect meal. So all in all it was decadent but totally worth it and I'd go back in a heartbeat! Especially if I weren't paying ;-)
(4)
Julie S.

They have Sunday brunch at 8. We walked from my friends' condo by the Water tower and got there at 820. They let us on, brought us coffee and were so nice. The French toast ( made with luscious Challah bread) was enough food for 6 people. The omelette was huge, too. The food was scrumptious and the service impeccable.
(5)
Emily J.

Rosebud on Rush is by far one of my favorite Italian places in Chicago. I have tried several different meals, including Fettuccine Alfredo and Lasagna, and just can't get enough of it! I see a few comments on here about how expensive it is but you have to remember this is downtown in a prime tourist location, so I think the price is understandable. I think this is a great place to take parents or for a date. I've been with groups of friends when parents were visiting, and I've taken my own and they love it. I'll definitely be back to Rosebud's again.
(5)
Ben B.

Warm atmosphere, great food, but a little pricey and the waitstaff leaves something to be desired. I had the square noodles, which were delicious. I liked dipping my bread in the leftover sauce. (The bread was a little tough, though.) I suspect the waiter removed our bottle of wine before it was empty... If you've got money to burn, it's a nice place to go, but I think you can find better value for your buck.
(3)
Sadie T.

We finally found this place at 3pm on a Saturday after searching for a restaurant that didn't have a 1-2 hour wait (I guess in Chicago you always wait for a table...). My companion and I shared the eggplant appetizer (think manicotti with eggplant instead of pasta). Delicious. We also got house salads. I ordered iced tea and they gave me a whole glass bottle of fancy tea (no mixed powder stuff).
(4)
Nic B.

I was there in 7/2012 and thought the food was amazing, but I had to wait eventhough we had reservations and the wait wasn't 5 minutues, It was more like 30. For that , I took away a star.
(4)
Kim R.

When other reviewers say solid and reliable please, please do not read this as boring. It just means that each time you walk in, you KNOW you will get really great classic Italian food. The kind that makes you feel extremely happy and so glad to be out with your family, a nice glass of red wine in hand , looking around the table and being grateful for the pleasures in life. I guess that really is the definition of "comfort food". I make sure to visit Rosebud whenever I'm in town and have always ordered the pasta dishes. Their wedding soup is top shelf and the "potato cavatappi" I had recently ordered were the gnocchi that dreams are made of....... The only negative comment is that it can be quite loud at dinner and I have had a much more relaxed and calm meal during their lunch hours.
(4)
Caroline A.

I'm giving it 3.5 stars. Adam and I had dinner here last night. It was good, but not great. The pastas and hearty dishes are fantastic. Do not get the chopped salad. I repeat - Do not get the chopped salad. It was... eh... bad. I barely made a dent in it because it was HUGE and not very good. I asked for the dressing on the side, and it was a pool of olive oil with some spices in it. We had the stuffed mushroom caps as an appetizer and they were amazingly good. I could have eaten four, and would have been set for dinner. They come out hot swimming in a pool of broth, and are just heavenly... and probably terrible for you. Adam had the Chicken Parmesan. Seriously - the size of the entree could have fed four people. I had a bite of his pasta and it was perfect. Ok. I had two bites. Overall, I don't know if I'd come back. This is food coma type food, and I'm really trying to avoid that. Service is excellent.
(3)
Nancy T.

Oh my gosh...this place is BASICALLY like a more expensive version of Olive Garden - and dare I say it, it's not even as good!!! The portion sizes are enormous, which I believe they use to cover up the mediocre quality of their food. I ordered the specialty homemade square shaped noodles with meatballs, while my bf ordered the veal parmigiana. We both probably only ate about 1/3 of our meals because they were so gigantic, which I wish they had warned us about! But seriously, the taste of the food wasn't great at all...in fact, it was very plain; again, this place was ridiculously pricey for the quality of the food. We didn't even bother ordering dessert because we were so stuffed and disappointed in the food. I'd rather make my own pasta at home out of box, thankyouverymuch!
(2)
Mark B.

Outstanding food and attentive service. The Rosebud family of restaurants has never disappointed me. Penne ala Vodka is wonderful. You must eat at this establishment.
(5)
Nat M.

easy to plan reservations good lively ambience. quieter upstairs, louder downstairs good staff, although very busy average drinks above average food
(4)
Mickey A.

I went here for lunch with a former colleague for one of our "haven't seen you in awhile catch-up" lunches. For a 12:00 PM lunch reservation, we were seated were right away and found the place not to be overly crowded. We knew ahead what we wanted, and we ordered as soon we got situated at our table. I had the chicken Parmesan which came with a side of pasta. I loved the chicken: just right amount of crunchiness, cheese and sauce. The pasta, set on a separate plate, was so-so. The marinara sauce was a little watered down. My friend requested a special dish for dietary reasons: grilled salmon with a side of vegetables. We didn't see it on the lunch menu, but they were able to accommodate with no problems. We were quite happy with the food and service and wouldn't turn this away as part of our regular places for lunch.
(3)
Peter K.

My friend has been talking up Rosebud for a while. He said that they had $5 dollar burgers, so we decided to head on over there for lunch today. When we asked our waiter about the $5 burger special, he told us "we haven't had that special in over two years!" My friend pulled up the Rosebud website on his phone to show the waiter that he was mistaken by showing him the website, which clearly advertises the $5 lunch special, but all the waiter did was give us an empty, soulless expression. Then he said "I'll have to tell them to take it down." That was kind of shady but we got the burgers anyway seeing as how we already walked over there from work on this freezing, below 0 day. The burger is more than fine for $5. However a $13 burger it is NOT! Burke's Primehouse has a $12 burger that is leaps AND bounds better! Benny's Chop House has a better burger and its only $10! For $5 bucks this would have been great, but in no way, shape or form was this burger worth the $13 we spent! Add to that the shadiness of the wait staff and it gets a meager 1 star rating from me. Wish it were better, but there are so many other places that are more worthier of your hard earned money.
(1)
Kenny K.

Rosebud on Rush is the epitome of a fantastic Italian restaurant experience. The service is speedy and accurate, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is nothing short of outstanding. The building itself screams old-style Italian classic. The dark wood, low lighting and white table cloths all make for memorable Italian dining. Rosebud on Rush is a family favorite--we always make a point to visit at least once during every Chicago visit, and it's the meal we all look forward to most. Great service, atmosphere, food and overall experience.
(5)
Jeff K.

Great food. Service was slow and our waitress was not very good. We were always waiting for something.
(4)
Michelle F.

I can't speak to authenticity, but the food was quite good. My only suggestion would be to serve the bread warm. Our server was friendly and just the right amount of attentive, there when we needed her every time.
(4)
David R.

A few years ago, I saw Rosebud on a list of Chicago's greatest hamburgers, and finally got around to checking them out on Saturday, when I was really craving a good burger. One problem--they don't serve their lunch menu on weekends. Fuckers. I politely asked if they could make me a hamburger anyway, but, after checking with the kitchen, the waiter informed me that allegedly they only have the meat on the premises Monday through Friday. So I was stuck ordering off the dinner menu. I went with calamari fritti, Italian wedding soup, and the caprese salad. The soup was decent but too salty--C+. I didn't finish that, but mostly because there was so much other food. The portions here are more than generous. The caprese was well balanced except for slightly too much onion, and of course at this time of year you can't get decent tomatoes around here; B+ on that. The calamari was the star of the meal: very lightly battered and fried, cooked perfectly, and served with a bland marinara and a tangy cocktail sauce. Plus the portion was large. The atmosphere was classy and sedate with good natural light, which was perfect for us on a Saturday afternoon when we wanted to enjoy some holiday cheer downtown but avoid the major crowds. Also, I really liked our waiter, who was attentive, warm, and friendly without being obtrusive.
(3)
Martin H.

We had a really disappointing experience here on Christmas eve. Made reservations a week or so in advance. Though reservation was for 3, were seated at a table for 6 in the upstairs section, right at the doorway to the kitchen. When we asked to be moved we were, but there was definitely attitude. No biggie, wouldn't have ruined the evening. But then the service was terribly inattentive. Waiter was pleasant but think he just had too many tables. Food was good, but after waiting 15 minutes for a coffee refill, I flagged down a busboy and asked for check. We live in the neighborhood, but probably won't go back.
(2)
Kris L.

Don't go here if you like a soft drink. They serve you a tiny 6 oz bottled diet coke for $2.50 with no refills?! Also our pre meal bread was hard and stale. I had spaghetti and it was fair. Pizza place across the street is 10 times better.
(3)
Jacob C.

Awesome Italian! We were told to go here by a retired Chicago police officer and hid wife and we were not disappointed. Everything was great and the prices were not bad for that type of quality. I would suggest making reservations and asking for a table not in the middle of the room.
(4)
Kristen X.

I come here often to have my fav. linguine with clams...my all time favorite. great atmosphere, mostly i like to sit outside, can get busy, customer service is great here and they are very knowledge with wines.
(4)
Ethel I.

Very dissapointed. It use to have a good name. I ordered the scottish salmon. Terrible and very blah. I was so excited to go because they use to be good, but what a let down. Very pricy for food not so good. The restrooms were terrible. It smelled like sewer. the smell was horrible. Also the stall doors need a paint job. They charged almost forty dollars for a fish and my expectations were a little higher.
(2)
Hillary L.

I really dislike waiting. In the South, I felt that I rarely had to wait on a Friday night at a restaurant - or maybe it's because I was eating at the same time as all of the old people. Apparently you should make reservations on Friday nights - all of the restaurants a friend and I wanted to eat at had extremely long waits - except for Rosebud. They could seat us once we got there (I called ahead 20 minutes before we wanted to show up). They give you great olive oil and fresh bread while you decide. We decided to split the fish special that night - it was tasty and the portion size was definitely enough for two. Come here if you want to bring back meals for next week's lunch or share so you can try other things as well! The prices are reasonable for the portion size. While this won't be a go to place - if I think I can't wait another hour to eat on a weekend and didn't have the foresight to make reservations - I would come here again.
(3)
Mickey F.

Great food Friendly and welcoming the Bar is the best kept secret ask for Tony the Bartender he will make you feel welcome. They have a nice craft cocktail menu and a wonderful selection of wines by the glass!
(5)

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Address : 720 N Rush St
Chicago, IL, 60611
Phone (312) 266-6444
Website https://www.rosebudrestaurants.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 11

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Rosebud on Rush

720 N Rush St, Chicago, IL, 60611

Rosebud on Rush Menu

Antipasti

Zuppe

Insalate

Contorni

Rosebud Favoriti

Pasta

Le Specialita

Healthy Meal suggestions for Rosebud on Rush

Antipasti

Zuppe

Insalate

Contorni

Rosebud Favoriti

Pasta

Le Specialita

Tanya K.

Paul K.

Jenn C.

Lisa P.

Robyn T.

Marty C.

Yoie L.

Megan S.

Scott O.

Adrienne K.

Billy D.

L T.

Pat H.

Danny G.

Debrin S.

Rochelle K.

Sharren S.

Jim U.

Sadie T.

Nic B.

Stacey Z.

Travelin- M.

Michael K.

Dian C.

Drew B.

Terry K.

Michael L.

I M.

Sam H.

Travelling O.

Kimber L.

Ken M.

FRANCO P.

S S.

Drew B.

Andrew D.

Anna P.

Julie S.

Emily J.

Ben B.

Kim R.

Caroline A.

Nancy T.

Mark B.

Nat M.

Mickey A.

Peter K.

Kenny K.

Jeff K.

Michelle F.

David R.

Martin H.

Kris L.

Jacob C.

Kristen X.

Ethel I.

Hillary L.

Mickey F.

A S.

Ryan H.

Dominick Q.