Rosebud on Rush

We were taking a walk downtown and walked by this restaurant. We were piqued by the fact it had outdoor tables and italian flavor. Due to the short Chicago summers, we wanted to try an outdoor restaurant. I had gone to Rosebud in Highland park, IL, and it was pretty good with great waiters. So I expected to get that here as well. Well, that didn't really happen.
First, we were seated right in front of the kitchen area - where they brought dirty dishes. Not that we minded that, but it was very noisy there and lots of waiters coming in and out and brushing past our chairs. I guess their area of seating is limited due to lack of room, but they should not seat people right next to the kitchen. But other than the kitchen the view was nice with the street right there, and the birds and people bustling about. Then we were served bread without any oil or butter by the busboy. After some time, no waiter came and we finally had to ask the busboy to bring our waiter. He came and was nice but very rushed. I understand a place can be busy (it wasn't that busy) but there still should be a sense of cordialness and pleasantry when a waiter greets and serves a table. The soup was very good, but the main courses were average. I could have probably eaten this at Olive Garden or Tuscany, or even TGIF Friday's. I got the Chicken Vesuvio which was not bad but like I said, nothing out of this world. I had to ask 3-4x the waiter to bring my refills for my soda.
So overall, I think this place is overrated and the service could definately be better. We will not be coming back here.

Pros: Outside ambience
Cons: Poor service, felt rushed and neglected, average food

I had a terrible experience at this restaurant sitting next to someone the waiter proudly said was a "celebrity" - he wasn't anyone famous as far as I was aware- but the reaction...or should I say, non-reaction by the staff at this restaurant was a real disappointment. This "celebrity" was drunk, rude and terribly offensive insulting others at nearby tables. The staff was fully aware but chose to ignore the situation. No apologies, no concession on the check and no thank you when I got up to leave. All this and the food was very average....I could've had the same meal at a mall food court and saved myself the torture. This restaurant is over rated- I'd take a pass if I were you and go somewhere where everyone is respected and ill mannered patrons are shown the door regardless of their "celebrity" status. Best recent dining experience in Chicago is Hugo's Frog Bar (great crab legs and lobster), Chicago Chop House and BICE...they each know how to treat their customers and the food was phenominal! a far cry from Rosebud...uck

My boyfriend took me here for Valentine's Day, so I wasn't surprised at all to find it busy. With that in mind, this may have been a completely different experience if it were Tuesday at lunch. However, we were seated late for our reservations, our server wasn't terrible, but not great. He didn't have too many tables but wasn't particularly attentive (only came to get our order and give the dessert options and our check). I am a former waitress and tip very well as a result, but I would have not given more than the standard 15% - maybe 20% because it was Valentine's Day. The tables are literally just wide enough to walk sideways between in order to access seating on both sides, but I was knocked in the head numerous times by guests and servers passing behind me - and my seat was as close to the table as I could get it. When our food came, mine was better than average, but my boyfriend's chicken dish was dry and had a 'fishy' taste to it - as though the pan used to cook the chicken had just recently been used for seafood and not adequately cleaned (there was no seafood in his dish).

Pros: rapid refills by support staff on drinks, good dessert
Cons: crowded/cluttered set up, questionable safety of space for walking, not accessible

A friend had suggested this restaurant after reading good reviews, but had never been there himself. What a disappointment. Although the service was adequate (mind you the waiters were more interested in watching a sports game on TV and the maitre d' was overcompensating) we were all disappointed with the quality of the food.
The greens were wilted and set on the plate in a disorganised manner; the baby back ribs were chewy and of poor qualtiy, the sauce was too sweet and felt artificially thickened; and the fish was bland and overcooked. The wine list is adequate but on the pricey side. The least expensive is a 375 ml bottle for $30. A wine by the glass sells for $9 and up.
I know this place is reknowned for its steaks but they range from $30 to $48, la carte. If the rest of our choices had been up to par, we would have gladly gone back to taste the beef. But after this disappointing meal, I doubt we will ever set foot in this place again. Too bad.

Pros: Decor.
Cons: Quality of the food, overpriced.

I don't remember where I heard about this restaurant (maybe on the Food Network or something) but when I found out that there was a location near where I was shopping (around Water Tower Place) I just had to check out this place for myself. Despite some of the feedback from the other reviews, it was...good, but nothing "special". The woman at the front desk seemed to be on a personal call when I walked in for the first time. I asked for a table and just said "Just walk right in", but where, upstairs or downstairs (yes, there are 2 levels to this location). But that aside, the food and service was really good. I remember that my first go at this place I had a dish which I believe to be Orecchiette with Sweet Sausage and Broccoli. I never had something like that prior to coming here and was impressed (bit salty though). I think now I've been to this location about 3 times, but never to the main location on Taylor St. (the one where it was said Sinatra used to go to when he was in town). Go ahead, give it a try. It's a good place to eat after all your hard work shopping and a better place if you're on a date...just be prepared to shell out a little more $ than expected.

Pros: Good food and wine, waiters and waitresses were helpfuland knowledgeable, Good view from upstairs window seats, Valet
Cons: Bit overpriced, Valet, Front desk not professional, Menu inconsistant