Carmine's
The best place to see and be seen. Carmine's offers generous portions of authentic Italian fare in a comfortable Gold Coast setting
(312) 988-7676
1043 N Rush St
(at Bellevue Place)
Chicago,
IL
60611
41.901751
-87.628001
Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11am-11pm
Fri-Sat 11am-12am
Sun 11am-10pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 6.08.09

What People Are Saying About Carmine's
The Owner
Carmine's
Owner
You never know who you'll bump into at Carmine's. This hot spot is a hangout for everyone from celebrities to tourists and locals alike. Heaping portions of mouthwatering Italian cuisine, excellent wines, live music and an upbeat atmosphere keep customers happy and the restaurant buzzing sun up to sun down. Inside, seating on two levels provides conversation-friendly dining upstairs, while the lower level is the place to be for live entertainment, Monday through Saturday. An even more sought after seat is on the canopied patio which provides the best people watching in the city. Despite the mesmerizing parade of people strolling along Rush Street, the food is the real star at Carmine's. A rotating menu features seafood, chops, and renowned signature pasta dishes which epitomize the Rosebud experience of stellar food and generous portions.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
The dining room is comfortable, attractive and bustling. With its Gold Coast/Rush Street location and upscale supper-club setting, Carmine's sets quite a stage. The clubby, dark bar/dining area attracts a sophisticated, thirty- and forty-something crowd. In keeping with the Rosebud family dynamic, the menu is Taylor Street Italian fare, from chunky minestrone and house specialty chicken Vesuvio to satisfying zuppe di mare overflowing with perfectly cooked seafood and linguine in a tomato white-wine broth.
User Reviews
geebabs9199
June 21, 2009
Every time I am back in Chicago, I love to go to Carmines for the great food and atmosphere. This past Saturday was really disappointing!!!! We made a reservation for 8 people at 8:00PM several weeks ago. We arrived 10 minutes early, and were told we would be seated in 10-15 minutes. That came and went & every time we checked status up front, the hostess was very rude & said either "5 -to-10 minutes more' or 'i will find you when you table is ready". About ten "5-to-10 minutes" later, we were finally seated for our 8PM reservation at 8:50PM!!!! Seems to be some extremely poor management going on there these days; there were several people in the same situation. I am quite disappointed b/c I really loved this place & my linguini & clams was no where near as good as it has been in the past. Unless they can turn things around, I will have to find a new place to go back to when visiting good old Chiicago!!!
read full reviewoldhomewbl
June 13, 2009
I loved every minute at this place - until they walked us into the overflow seating in the "tent". The time spent in the bar with the live music beforehand and the food itself made up for a very subpar dining atmosphere. If we'd been in the main restaurant, it would've been 5 stars and superb.
read full reviewAnonymous
October 15, 2008
carmines is the excellent place to celebrate special occassions. it an italian restaurant that serves great pastas and fish. my favorite i the toretellini carbonara and the chilean sea bass is really good according to my friends. it is a bit pricey but you get large portions and the food is excellent.
read full reviewThe Details on Carmine's
The Extras:
Listen to live piano or jazz music in the bar Mon-Sat from 8pm till close.
Know Before You Go:
The restaurant offers more than a dozen different cigars ($7-$21), though smoking is allowed only in the first floor bar and dining area.
Where to Sit:
Seasonal outdoor seating at the Carmine's sidewalk cafe makes for interesting Gold Coast people-watching.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Private Rooms, People Watching, Business Dining, Live Music
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Bar; Section
Message from Carmine's
- Lunch and dinner
- live music on weekends
- Signature pasta dishes
You never know who you'll bump into at Carmine's. This hot spot is a hangout for everyone from celebrities to tourists and locals alike. Heaping portions of mouthwatering Italian cuisine, excellent wines, live music and an upbeat atmosphere keep customers happy and the restaurant buzzing sun up to sun down. Inside, seating on two levels provides conversation-friendly dining upstairs, while the lower level is the place to be for live entertainment, Monday through Saturday. An even more sought after seat is on the canopied patio which provides the best people watching in the city. Despite the mesmerizing parade of people strolling along Rush Street, the food is the real star at Carmine's. A rotating menu features seafood, chops, and renowned signature pasta dishes which epitomize the Rosebud experience of stellar food and generous portions.





