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Rosebud - Taylor Street

1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
$$$

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Master Critic Review

Rosebud - Taylor Street 8.3
Little Italy / University Village
On Taylor Street, The Rosebud is a longtime Italian institution where baked meat lasagna sits alongside square noodles, vodka rigatoni, and old-school plates. Its lasagna is classic in style—stacked, cheesy, and marinara-forward in portions that often go home as leftovers.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked Lasagna, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Spaghetti with Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 6.5 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Decades-old Taylor Street icon where baked lasagna and square noodles define the red-sauce comfort playbook.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic Little Italy pasta.
When to visit: Early evenings and weekends; book ahead for peak times.
What to order: Baked lasagna, rigatoni alla vodka, fried calamari starter.
Insider tip: Plan on sharing or boxing half the lasagna—portions are heavy, and saving room leaves space for dessert or espresso.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taylor Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight during peak dinner hours. Limited paid lots within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate – lively during peak times but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on time and group size.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of pasta and appetizer options that can be made or are already vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited – most pasta and sauces include dairy or egg; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Limited accommodation; some dishes may be modified, but gluten-free pasta is not always available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something classic and comfortable rather than trendy — the warm, old-school feel works well for relaxed conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early or on weekdays, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours. Reservations are strongly recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — it’s a family-friendly Italian restaurant with approachable pasta dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. Best for kids around school-age and up.
Best For
Better for: Classic, red-sauce Italian comfort food in generous portions where tradition and familiarity matter more than trend-chasing.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian, ultra-quiet fine dining, or extensive vegan/gluten-free choices.