Doesn't Recommend

thedoglvr

Joined 5 years ago

Definitely an 'ish' experience. 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).

Doesn't Recommend

paindore

Joined 6 years ago

Good service but terrible food. 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.

Recommends

vegitoboi

Joined 7 years ago

Well...at least it's not Olive Garden =). 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.

Recommends

mickey38

Joined 6 years ago

Great Chicago restaurant. 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.

Recommends

sadieruns

Joined 7 years ago

Excellent food. 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.

Doesn't Recommend

bernstein21

Joined 7 years ago

There are better Italian restaurants.. 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.

Recommends

ej20

Joined 7 years ago

Terrible Service and Mediocre Food. 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!

Recommends

lucyw

Joined 7 years ago

Touristy, average food. 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

Recommends

citymeg

Joined 7 years ago

A Wonderful Find!. 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!

Recommends

gasparprios

Joined 7 years ago

Last meal of 2005. 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.