Rosebud on Rush

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and i will come back as soon as possible
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Pros: oh my god

Cons: good felling

Posted 03/05/09

I saw how busy the restaurant was and read the reviews on here and decided to try this place. Sadly the food was sub par and we only saw our waiter (who's English was barely understandable) when ordering food and delivering the bill. It wasn't even that he was busy, it was that 6 or 7 waiters were standing right outside of the kitchen joking around. The veal we ordered was extremely tough, however that's possible.. The side pasta had the worst marinara sauce I had ever eaten. The bottom line is you would probably be better off with a can of Chef Boy R Dee.

Pros: Outdoor seating

Cons: Expensive, Below average food, Terrible service (and no refills on soft drinks either)

Posted 08/15/08

Food good but not phenomenal and a little overpriced in my opinion. I had the pasta special that was very flavorful with shrimp, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil but it was $30 which the waiter never mentioned. The stuffed mushroom appetizer was excellent. The wine list was very extensive and had a nice selection of wines by the glass. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and it was very busy. Our server was not the most attentive, however, when he was around he was decent. The location is great--right on the corner of Rush & Superior, and it's got a cool outdoor area right on the street.

Pros: Location, atmosphere, food flavor & quality

Cons: Service, overpriced

Posted 07/30/08

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

Posted 07/13/08

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

Posted 05/01/08

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

Posted 02/15/08

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, a 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.

Posted 12/29/07

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

Posted 05/16/07

I went here for new years and one time before. great food great atmosphere great everything. the food is amazing, and the service is even better. a must.

Pros: everything

Cons: nothing

Posted 03/18/07

This is a restaurant you want to sit outside at! We were exhausted from shopping and decided to stop for a nibble and a glass of wine. Our server gave us the best seat and our wine was quick to come. Our food was fresh and extremely tasty with what you would come to expect from a family run restaurant. The eggplant was cooked to perfection and the pasta was a huge portion perfect for sharing.

Pros: good service, excellent food, perfect for people watching

Cons: none

Posted 07/30/06

In a city that prides itself on Little Italy and authentic Italian fare, it is a mystery to me that a place like Rosebud would get high reviews on CitySearch. We were constantly rushed (they tried to remove all three of our courses before we finished) and the bill came within seconds of the desert. The bruschetta featured toast with a slice of cheese and tomatoes on it, and the calamari, like most of the appetizers, was deep-fried bar food. About the only positive was the wine, and the location is convenient. But if your concern is food and a pleasant dining experience, try Taylor Street, west Grand Avenue, or one of the countless family-owned restaurants in Chicago. At least the bathroom attendant was nice.

Pros: Location

Cons: Service, noise, food quality

Posted 07/29/06

I came here for a birthday dinner. Reservations were made for 5 pm. Even at this time, the restaurant was overcroweded and very loud. There is minimal room at the bar to have a drink or enjoy conversation with friends. We were sat in the upstairs dining room. When the server came to our table he did not introduce himself nor did he even smile and did not explain or recommend anything on the menu. He mumbled and didn't talk over the noise in the room. He rarely came to the table to ask for refills on drinks or to even find out if we were enjoying our food. Not to mention the food wasn't even that good!

Cons: Service, Noisy

Posted 07/26/06

Do not order the Lobster...over priced, tough, but the pasta was very good. Average wait, food was ok. Not sure what the big deal is though. If looking for a great restaurant...skip this...do not eat near the Bar....smokers...smells like hell

Pros: good pasta

Cons: poor lobster, smokers at bar

Posted 07/13/06

My mom and I were visiting in Chicago this weekend and wandered into Rosebud for dinner. There was a 45 minute wait, but when we said we had a basketball game to make in 1 hour they made room for us immediately. Not only was our server excellent, but our food was served quickly and tasted amazing! We felt so lucky to trip over this place and will come back when we are in Chicago again!

Pros: excellent food, great service, nice atmosphere

Posted 01/22/06

I have to admit I waited till the last minute to make reservations for me and my family of four as we walked up and down Michigan Ave. plus Rush St. Not to mention it was also New Years Eve. We finally decided to give Rosebud a try. We were seated immediately as we walked in the door. Our appetizer and meal were served extremely quick, and our waiter was excellent. The food had very generous portions and was great. We definitely plan to return.

Pros: Good sized portions, quick service

Cons: Not suitable for chil

Posted 12/31/05

Not much to say about this "well" known restaurant. Service was was horrible- Our waiter was nothing more than rude and condescending. My fiancé and I ordered salads and some appetizers and it took over 45 minutes! The restaurant was not even crowded.
The food was good when it finally came but was not worth the wait or rude service!

Posted 08/12/05

Do not go here! Do not bother making a reservation, it's pointless. You will stand in the same huge crowd of others waiting for their "reservations". The hostess was rude, but I think she was helpless to correct a very bad situation in this place. Our concierge highly recommended it. I'm convinced they pay him to send people there. Don't go!

Pros: none

Cons: pointless reservation

Posted 08/06/05

Called a few days ahead for res'n (9p), got there 8:51p (we had big party). 1st hostess outside was useless & indifferent. Inside hostess was unapologetic that we'd have a 30-40 min wait. Asked us to wait in downstairs bar, but that was filled w/other waiting patrons, leaving the crowded noisy sidewalk (terrible for family or romantic dinner). What a buzz kill. When I checked in again w/hostess at 9:05p, she points at clock on the wall and says "uhh, didn't I already talk to you?" UNBELIEVABLE! This level of service & cattle-herding type of restaurant is embarrassing to Chicagoans. They should send their staff to restaurant training/hospitality school to learn manners and good service! Only come here if you want to WAIT to eat AVERAGE food in a BAD TOURISTY environment.

Pros: none

Cons: rude hostess/mgr, long wait, a"who cares" attitude

Posted 05/24/05

The food is no biggie and there are far better restaurants in the "Rush St" area.

Posted 05/10/05

Although reservations were made, I was not seated until an hour and a half after my reservation. The hostesses were cold and unfriendly, the waiting area was extremely crowded, and the hostesses continued to tell waiting guests and walk-ins that the wait would be "about five mintues." The food was mediocre but my waitress was welcoming and warm.

Cons: Hostesses, Crowded, Cold (bring a sweater

Posted 12/21/03

Amusing waiters - to the point of almost being annoying, but Rosebud is nothing to brag about. Insane crowds for below average food. If you want a great Italian meal, head to Volare. But skip this restaurant, unless you want to be treated like a visitor. The menu is tempting, but again - nothing truly amazing. We were able to sit outside, which was nice. Lastly, we waited 40 minutes to be seated, even though we had a reservation.

Cons: Food, Long Wait, Crowded

Posted 10/16/03

9-2-03 I was to meet my mother for lunch at 1pm I arrived at 1:05 and gave the hostess my name she told me that my mother had not arrived yet so I chose to wait just out side the door.
30 min later my cell phone rings its my mother asking me where I am as she has been waiting for me ever sense she was seated at 12:55 the restaurant offer no apology!
9-17-03 we arrived at the restaurant about 8pm the hostess took my name and said it would be about 20 minutes I asked if we could wait in the bar she said that would be fine.
At 9:15 I go to the hostess and inquire how much longer it will be and she says we have seated everybody who gave their name!

Pros: can't think of one

Cons: dirty glasses, Bad customer service , long wait

Posted 09/17/03

I have no idea why this palce is so popular. Friends took us there on a Saturday night and the restaurant - which is on three floors, was over flowing. Despite our 8pm reservation (we were there at 7:40), we weren't seated until 8:20, but that's forgivable. What was not forgivable was the quality of the food and the prices. The portions are huge but I'm a beleiver of quality, not quantity. My veal was accompanied by pasta and a tomato sauce (almost all entres seemed to be accompanied by that and it didn't really go togther). NO vegetables - not even for garnish were served (a soup or a salad was an option). The service was okay. Our waiter was a little odd, but helpful. All in all, while I had a nice evening, it was because of the company, not the dining expereince.

Cons: prices, food quality, overly crowded

Posted 08/28/03

My boyfriend and I went to Rosebud for my birthday, we went fairly early in the evening around 4:30. There was no one there so the staff had all there attention focussed on us, which was a bit uncomfortable. The food was very good, and you get plenty for your money. I would recommend it but later in the evening.

Pros: romantic ambiance

Cons: sometimes rude staff

Posted 04/02/03

The restaurant offers aomantic atmosphere, excellent food and timely service. We visit Chicago every February and always make it a point to dine here.

Pros: good food, great service, big portions

Posted 02/04/03

Their portions are huge. Make sure bring big appetites. Don't order the grill squid. Be careful, they charged the bottle water. This place has better lighting than the one on Taylor Street. Service need to be improved.

Pros: tasty food, reasonable price, nice room

Cons: poor

Posted 11/17/02

FOOD: ok, just passable. Either they are doing something right or people just have no clue about food. SERVICE: Fabulous!!! We were charmed by the two elegant Italians (real ones!) Carlo & Antonio. They lend real class and real Italian-ness to the place. They made for a memorable meal...

Pros: charming italians

Cons: so-so food

Posted 10/10/02

Terrible experience. Hostess told us we'd wait 30 minutes, we waited 1.5 hrs. Waiter got our wine order wrong twice and could hardly speak english. We finally cancelled our dinner and left.

Pros: Nice location

Cons: Bad service

Posted 08/26/02

I ate at Rosebud last Saturday night, and for openers, it was an extremely noisy experience. There's nothing intimate about this place! My salad was garnished with a cured olive that was rotten, and I mean rotten! My veal dish with provolone cheese melted on top was essentially tasteless. Provolone is a very tasty, smoky-flavored cheese, and this cheap substitute tasted like nothing, and certianly did not compliment the veal. The seating was very cramped, and the service was helter-skelter. I really don't need this kind of dining experience.

Cons: Crowded, Poor quality food, Noisy

Posted 06/18/02