Little Italy legend serves up hearty Italian specialties in a cozy, comfortable setting.
Close to the United Center
Private dining
Delivery now available
Old world elegance is reflected in the stylish decor of legendary restaurant, The Rosebud. Celebrities, tourists and locals alike flock to Taylor Street for a taste of Rosebud's signature Italian dishes. Huge portions of scrumptious selections include sausage and peppers, perfect chicken vesuvio, square noodles, and baked clams. An exceptional selection of wine helps to round out an outstanding meal. Rosebud on Taylor delivers both food and hospitality in generous portions!
After nearly 30 years, it's still good, hearty and garlicky. The original in the chain of local Italian eateries, The Rosebud goes for a cozy living-room feel with a dining room with faux-wood-paneled walls, low ceilings and library shelves. An oversize portrait of Ol' Blue Eyes, wine glass in hand, complements the feel of Old World Italian hospitality. The menu boasts range of Italian specialties (caprese salad, fettuccine Alfredo, linguine with clams) and Rosebud signatures (homemade cavatelli, chicken Vesuvio). Homemade noodles make all the difference in meaty, baked lasagna, and pasta portions are big enough to feed the whole family. End with a delicious, liquored-up tiramisu.
living on the north side of Chicago, it was a little adventure to come down to the UIC neighborhood for our dinner at rosebud. however, the location was easy to find and parking was not an issue at all. we were there on a saturday evening and found metered parking across the street. we had a very enjoyable experience at the restaurant, from the service to the appetizers to the main courses to the atmosphere of the restaurant. the restaurant is dimly lit, with dark wood walls and paneling. we sort of got the vibe that we were in an 'old' Chicago establishment, which was neat!
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This UIC neighbourhood restaurant is totally overated, you would think that because the price is high, they would have a delicious food, wrong ! Not only that the food just taste average, you also have to wait for your order for quite a while. I have to admit they have big portion, but that's the only thing they can be proud of. The dessert are so sweet in taste but not delicious at all. There are many other choices of Italian restaurant in the area some are cheaper but better in taste. I will never go back again and I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 18 reviews
on Citysearch)
Best Italian in Chicago (so far)
By njs29
I have tried quite a few Italian restaurants in Chicago (Dinotto, Trattoria Roma, Club Lago, Bice, Quartino's). I found out about this place after reading revieiws for Spiaggia and Coco Pazzo. The cheaper cafes of these two (Spiaggia Cafe and Coco Pazzo Cafe) offer prices comparative to Rosebut and are highly recommended, however, I have not yet been to either.
The Rosebud offers family style portions, so for two people, one dish and one or two appetizers is more than enough.
Many reviews complain about the poor service. I would say taht the service is attentive, however, our server, Vita, was not as friendly as we may have liked. But keep in mind, the servers at The Rosebud are not 20 somethings bouncing around the restaurant like eager bunnies looking to please you and checking on you every 5 minutes. The service at Rosebud was good, not exceptional, but what I will be going back for is the food.
I had the Eggplant Parm and my wife had the Rigatone a la Vodka. Both were amazoing and we had enough leftover for dinner the next day. The eggplant parm was probably the best i have ever had.
Ambiance is good: dimly lit, and nice wood panel decor. Not the most romantic place since there were plenty of large tables (great for families) with kids, but the
restaurant was quiet enough for a romanttic dinner.
Street parking is available (be sure to pay the meter and leave receipt slip on your dashboard) but most people elect to use the valet. I recommend making reservations and opt for the tables by the Taylor st windows!
Overall, I highly recommend this place!
Pros: Lots of great food (family style dining) at a good price. Cons: parking may be hard to find.
Posted 08/01/08
Wonderful food, excellent service
By StevenMichaels
My wife had the Ciapono and I had the Eggplant Parmigiano. Both were enormous portions, the eggplant thinly sliced and baked (not pan fried), delicate and delicious. The presentation on the Ciapono was appealing, and the calamari in the Ciapono was the tenderest I have eaten in a long time. We had the Ensalada Caprese, thick slices of tomato and delightfully fresh mozarella, topped with a thin slice of sweet onion and roasted red sweet peppers, and of course the fresh basil and tasty aged balsamic. We ate on a busy Saturday night, but service was brisk and attentive without being intrusive, and speed was consistent with meals made from scratch. A delightful authentic Little Italy experience, such as Chicago is known for.
Posted 06/07/08
Horrible service, Outstanding food
By margolis
I'll keep this short and simple. My brick chicken was amazing. His pasta side and chicken Marsala was great. Our beverages were outstanding. OUR WAITER WAS THE WORST EXAMPLE OF SERVICE EVER IN THE HISTORY OF MAN. I WANTED TO POKE HIS EYES OUT WITH MY FORK. HE RUINED OUR SPECIAL OCCASION WITH HIS FUMBLING INEPTITUDE AND COMPLETE LACK OF INTEREST IN OUR TABLE. WE WILL NOT RETURN!
Pros: Excellent food Cons: Horrible service
Posted 03/15/08
Classic Italian
By Celstrial
I wanted to try the original location, never had any of the other Rosebuds. Made reservations a week ahead of time, had a window-side table. Great antipasto plate, classic caprese salad. All the pasta plates are classic, well made, perfectly seasoned. On the table were veal marsala, shrimp broccoli shells, and rigatoni with vodka sauce, everything was great! Generous portions, good times. Classic cannolli and creme brulee for dessert. Can not express how simple yet wonderful everything was. Highly recommended.
Pros: classic italian, reasonable prices, good ambiance Cons: none
Posted 11/10/07
Great
By lauraflower
Food is awesome. Service is good too. Try the mushrooms for an appitizer. They are almost as thick as steak. If you go on a day you can sit outside, you will really enjoy it very much.
