We’ve been going to Chicago for years – usually just for the weekend but we’ve taken extended trips, usually staying on the Magnificent Mile or in the Loop. One restaurant we repeatedly passed by but never checked out is Rosebud on Rush. A few years ago we finally made a reservation and had dinner at the Rush Street location and we were instantly hooked, and we make it a point to visit Rosebud once or twice a year. In addition to two bustling levels indoors, there’s outside dining at sidewalk tables that are closed off in the winter and kept warm with patio heaters. We enjoy sitting outside during the warmer months.
With nine locations in and around Chicagoland, the Rosebud group was founded in 1974 by Alex Dana and features Italian and steakhouse dining. Pasta dishes are made with housemade pasta and sauces that are out of this world. A signature dish is the pappardelle, broad noodles with a rich marinara sauce, not always on the menu but always available. Cavatelli, rigatoni and oven-baked pastas are flavorful without being too overloaded. Our son enjoyed the chicken Vesuvio on our last visit. The chopped salad is plenty for two or three (ask for garbanzo beans as they no longer come on the salad), and save room for the spumoni bomba, Italy’s classic three-layered ice cream in a chocolate shell. And Johnny, the manager, makes sure everyone’s having a great meal.