Rosebud Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Planning a dinner at Rosebud Restaurants requires an appetite for classic, portion-heavy Chicago Italian-American cuisine. Founded on historic Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy, this iconic dining institution is celebrated for its scratch-made pasta bowls, jumbo prime meatballs, and hand-cut steaks. Whether you are reserving a table at Rosebud on Rush, visiting the flagship downtown location, or picking up carryout in the suburbs, having an advance view of current costs helps you budget your meal accurately.
This 2026 guide breaks down the full Rosebud menu with prices, realistic calorie insights, signature dishes, and practical ordering strategies. Because Rosebud operates as a scratch-kitchen group across distinctive concepts, prices and menu offerings vary slightly by venue. Third-party delivery platforms also apply independent price markups. Always confirm exact dine-in pricing with your server or through Rosebud's direct ordering channels before ordering.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
Rosebud menus emphasize hearty, family-style Italian dining with pasta platters ranging from $23 to $34, shareable appetizers from $16 to $24, and prime steaks or chops from $36 to $68+. Official chain calorie counts are not published because Rosebud operates as a regional dining group. Most diners should expect an average spend of $45 to $75 per person for dinner, though sharing pasta bowls easily provides high value.
Official Source Verification
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Rosebud Menu Prices
Rosebud prepares all menu items from scratch using fresh ingredients. The prices below reflect standard dine-in ranges across primary Chicago locations such as Rosebud on Rush, The Rosebud on Taylor Street, and Rosebud Deerfield. If you are exploring other Italian casual dining chains for price comparisons, see our guides to the Olive Garden menu and the Carrabba's menu with prices.
Antipasti (Starters)
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mama's Meatball | Antipasti | $16.00 – $18.00 | Not published | Sharing (2–3 people) | Single giant beef and pork meatball, marinara, cold ricotta |
| Crispy Calamari | Antipasti | $21.00 – $24.00 | Not published | Table appetizer | Flash-fried tender squid served with lemon wedges and marinara |
| Stuffed Artichoke | Antipasti | $17.00 – $20.00 | Not published | Classic Italian starter | Italian breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil |
| Sausage & Peppers | Antipasti | $18.00 – $20.00 | Not published | Hearty low-carb starter | Grilled Italian fennel sausage, sweet peppers, garlic white wine jus |
| Baked Clams Oreganata | Antipasti | $19.00 – $22.00 | Not published | Seafood enthusiasts | Whole littleneck clams topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked |
| Eggplant Stack | Antipasti | $17.00 – $19.00 | Not published | Vegetarian appetizer | Breaded crispy eggplant, melted fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil |
| Burrata Caprese | Antipasti | $18.00 – $21.00 | Not published | Fresh shared plate | Imported creamy burrata cheese, ripe tomatoes, basil, balsamic reduction |
Insalate & Zuppe (Salads & Soups)
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minestrone Soup | Zuppe | $9.00 – $11.00 | Not published | Lighter first course | Slow-cooked vegetables, beans, and light herbal tomato broth |
| Rosebud Chopped Salad | Insalate | $16.00 – $19.00 | Not published | Sharing or meal salad | Romaine, Genoa salami, provolone, hearts of palm, house vinaigrette |
| Classic Caesar Salad | Insalate | $14.00 – $16.00 | Not published | Traditional course | Crisp romaine, shaved parmigiano-reggiano, garlic herb croutons |
| Iceberg Wedge Salad | Insalate | $15.00 – $17.00 | Not published | Steakhouse pairing | Crisp iceberg wedge, applewood bacon, tomatoes, gorgonzola dressing |
Signature Handcrafted Pastas
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigatoni Alla Vodka | Pasta | $26.00 – $29.00 | Not published | Signature Rosebud order | Tubular rigatoni, mascarpone, crushed tomatoes, vodka cream sauce |
| Cavatelli with Meat Gravy | Pasta | $27.00 – $30.00 | Not published | Comfort food dining | House ricotta cavatelli tossed in a slow-simmered beef and pork Bolognese |
| Rosebud Square Noodles | Pasta | $27.00 – $30.00 | Not published | Heritage pasta fans | Wide flat pasta sheets smothered in rich Sunday meat sauce |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Pasta | $25.00 – $28.00 | Not published | Rich cheese profile | Handmade fettuccine, heavy cream, sweet butter, aged parmigiano |
| Linguini with Clams | Pasta | $31.00 – $34.00 | Not published | Traditional seafood pasta | Whole littlenecks and chopped clams in garlic white wine or red sauce |
| Penne Arrabbiata | Pasta | $23.00 – $26.00 | Not published | Spicy pasta lovers | San Marzano tomatoes, garlic cloves, crushed red chili flakes |
| Gluten-Free Pasta Mod | Pasta Mod | +$4.00 | Not published | Gluten-sensitive guests | Substitutes gluten-free penne into most non-baked pasta sauces |
Secondi (Chicken, Veal & Seafood)
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Vesuvio | Secondi | $30.00 – $34.00 | Not published | Chicago food history | Bone-in half chicken, white wine, garlic, oregano, peas, Vesuvio potatoes |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Secondi | $29.00 – $33.00 | Not published | Classic comfort order | Breaded cutlet, marinara, melted mozzarella, side of spaghetti |
| Veal Marsala | Secondi | $34.00 – $38.00 | Not published | Savory veal entree | Tender veal medallions, cremini mushrooms, sweet marsala wine reduction |
| Veal Limone (Piccata) | Secondi | $34.00 – $38.00 | Not published | Bright citrus profile | Pan-seared veal cutlets, caper berries, white wine lemon butter sauce |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | Secondi | $26.00 – $29.00 | Not published | Hearty vegetarian entree | Layered fried eggplant, whole-milk mozzarella, tomato sauce, side pasta |
| Salmon Oreganata | Secondi | $36.00 – $40.00 | Not published | Lighter seafood option | Broiled Atlantic salmon fillet, seasoned breadcrumbs, lemon-herb butter |
Prime Steaks & Chops
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center-Cut Filet Mignon | Carne | $52.00 – $62.00 | Not published | Lean, tender steak | 8 oz to 10 oz hand-cut tenderloin, charbroiled with natural jus |
| Bone-In Prime Ribeye | Carne | $62.00 – $68.00 | Not published | Rich marbling & flavor | 20 oz to 22 oz Prime bone-in cut, charbroiled with roasted garlic butter |
| Double-Cut Pork Chop | Carne | $36.00 – $42.00 | Not published | Traditional chop fans | Thick broiled chop served with sweet or spicy pickled vinegar peppers |
Contorni (Sides) & Dolci (Desserts)
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vesuvio Roasted Potatoes | Contorni | $10.00 – $12.00 | Not published | Classic garlic side | Thick potato wedges roasted in white wine, oregano, and poultry jus |
| Sautéed Garlic Spinach | Contorni | $10.00 – $12.00 | Not published | Lighter vegetable side | Fresh spinach leaves flash-sautéed with sliced garlic and olive oil |
| Sautéed Broccolini | Contorni | $11.00 – $13.00 | Not published | Green vegetable pairing | Broccolini stalks with garlic oil, sea salt, and crushed chili flakes |
| Side of Meatballs (2) | Contorni | $12.00 – $14.00 | Not published | Pasta add-on | Two smaller house-made meatballs served in warm marinara |
| Rosebud Tiramisu | Dolci | $10.00 – $12.00 | Not published | Traditional finish | Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with sweet whipped mascarpone |
| Classic Cannoli | Dolci | $9.00 – $11.00 | Not published | Crisp sweet bite | Crisp pastry shell piped to order with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips |
Popular Menu Items
Rosebud built its reputation across Chicagoland on consistent, oversized portions and rich sauces. These dishes appear regularly on dinner tables across all locations:
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mama's Meatball | A single softball-sized meatball packed with garlic and fresh ricotta | $16.00 – $18.00 | Not published (scratch recipe) |
| Rigatoni Alla Vodka | The benchmark Chicago vodka sauce: velvety, mascarpone-rich, and heavily portioned | $26.00 – $29.00 | Not published (high calorie density) |
| Chicken Vesuvio | A signature Chicago recipe combining braised chicken, garlic wine jus, and crisp potatoes | $30.00 – $34.00 | Not published (comfort entree) |
| Cavatelli with Meat Gravy | Tender ricotta dumplings that catch every spoonful of slow-simmered Bolognese | $27.00 – $30.00 | Not published (heavy meat reduction) |
| Bone-In Prime Ribeye | Steakhouse-level char and heavy marbling without visiting a separate chophouse | $62.00 – $68.00 | Not published (prime cut beef) |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
This dish defines the Rosebud experience. The rich tomato cream sauce clings cleanly to wide-tube rigatoni, delivering deep flavor that easily satisfies two diners when split.
Mama's Meatball + Broccolini Side
Ordering the single giant meatball alongside complimentary bread and an $11 side of sautéed broccolini provides a complete, protein-rich dinner for under $30.
Chicken Parmigiana (Shared)
Rosebud's breaded cutlet is massive and comes plated with a full side of spaghetti marinara, making it simple to split between two siblings or family members.
Salmon Oreganata
Broiled fresh Atlantic salmon topped with light breadcrumbs avoids the heavy cream bases of the pasta section, delivering lean protein and omega-3s.
Chicken Vesuvio (Bone-In)
A true Chicago culinary staple, Rosebud pan-sears half a chicken with sweet peas and rosemary garlic white wine sauce over tender potato wedges.
Penne Arrabbiata (Add Sausage or GF Pasta)
The fiery Arrabbiata sauce is naturally dairy-free and vegetarian, but easily accepts gluten-free penne substitutions or grilled sausage add-ins based on preference.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Navigating an upscale-casual Italian restaurant without overspending requires understanding portion sizes. Rosebud designs its main courses to be generous, which creates practical value opportunities:
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Pasta + House Salad | One $26 pasta plus a $14 Caesar salad easily feeds two adults | Some locations charge a modest plate-split fee | Ask for extra plates rather than a kitchen split to avoid surcharges |
| Minestrone Soup ($9–$11) | Scratch-made, thick vegetable and bean broth served with warm bread | May not be enough food on its own for dinner | Pair with an antipasto meatball for a sub-$28 balanced meal |
| Penne Arrabbiata ($23–$26) | The lowest-priced pasta bowl on the menu with identical large portioning | Contains noticeable red pepper heat | Ask for grated pecorino cheese tableside to balance the spice |
| Carryout Catering Trays | Half-pans feed 8–10 people at $14–$18 per portion | Requires advance notice (typically 24 hours) | Order half-pans of Rigatoni Vodka directly through Rosebud's catering desk |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Rosebud Restaurants does not maintain a public chain nutrition portal or list calorie counts on its menus. Because the group operates as an independent regional business under the federal 20-location chain threshold, it is not legally mandated to publish lab-tested nutrition facts.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Pastas (Vodka, Alfredo) | Prepared with whole butter, heavy cream, mascarpone, and aged cheese; estimated 1,100–1,500+ kcal per bowl | Indulgent meals or split orders | Low (Official figures unverified) |
| Tomato-Based Pastas (Arrabbiata) | Significantly lower in saturated fats than cream sauces; estimated 750–1,000 kcal | Lower-fat dining | Low (Estimates only) |
| Charbroiled Steaks & Seafood | High-protein, lower-carb profiles; request butter finishes on the side | Keto and high-protein diners | Medium (Standard meat cuts) |
| Vegetable Contorni | Fresh broccolini and spinach sautéed in heart-healthy olive oil and garlic | Nutrient-dense side dishes | Medium (Basic produce preparation) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Cross-contact with gluten, dairy, and eggs is common in Rosebud kitchens due to the constant preparation of fresh pasta, flour dredging, and baked dishes. Diners with severe allergies should always speak directly with the kitchen manager or server.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Sensitivity | Ask for gluten-free penne (+$4.00) with marinara, Arrabbiata, or vodka sauce | Kitchens handle dry flour; not suitable for guests with severe celiac cross-contact risks |
| Dairy-Free / Lactose Intolerant | Order grilled steaks, salmon, or penne pomodoro with explicit "no butter, no cheese" notes | Butter and parmesan are standard finishing elements in pan reductions |
| Vegetarian | Eggplant Stack, Eggplant Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Penne Arrabbiata | Confirm with your server that the chosen pasta sauce does not incorporate meat stock |
| Tree Nut Allergies | Check desserts (cannoli, specialty pastries) and seasonal pestos | Notify service staff immediately regarding nut cross-contact protocols |
Special Menu Sections
Lunch vs. Dinner Offerings
Select locations, particularly suburban venues like Rosebud Deerfield, offer weekday lunch service. Lunch menus feature smaller portions of signature pastas, Italian beef sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, and flatbreads at prices roughly 20% lower than prime dinner rates. Dinner menus place a stronger emphasis on prime steaks, chops, and large shared platters. If you enjoy midday dining alternatives across classic casual chains, review our breakdown of the Rose Garden menu.
Catering & Family Trays
For group gatherings, office meetings, or family celebrations, Rosebud offers half-pans (serving 6 to 10 guests) and full-pans (serving 12 to 20 guests) for carryout:
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigatoni Alla Vodka Pan | Half-pan or full-pan of signature vodka rigatoni | Priced per pan; ~35% savings per portion vs. dine-in | Family events & parties |
| Sausage & Peppers Tray | Sliced Italian fennel sausage, bell peppers, white wine garlic sauce | Priced per pan; bread included | Buffet-style entertaining |
| Chicken Vesuvio Pan | Braised chicken pieces, potato wedges, sweet peas, garlic jus | Priced per pan; available boneless or bone-in | Hearty group dinners |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
- Diners budgeting dinner before visiting: Know the exact price spread between $26 pastas and $68 steaks to avoid surprises on your check.
- Groups planning shared meals: Discover which items-such as Mama's Meatball and Rigatoni Vodka-are built for two or three diners to split.
- Out-of-town Chicago visitors: Identify historic regional favorites like Chicken Vesuvio and classic Taylor Street meat sauce.
- Delivery and carryout customers: Understand how third-party app markups inflate entree prices compared to ordering direct carryout.
- Dietary-conscious guests: Learn how to navigate scratch-made Italian sauces with gluten-free penne substitutions and dairy-free modifications.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Apply these practical recommendations to enjoy high-quality Chicago Italian dining while keeping your final tab manageable.
- Split pasta platters between two diners. Rosebud portions are noticeably larger than standard dining courses. Pairing one pasta with a shared salad comfortably satisfies two adults.
- Request bone-in for the Chicken Vesuvio. While boneless cutlets are available, bone-in chicken yields a significantly juicier texture and enriches the signature garlic wine pan sauce.
- Order carryout directly to bypass delivery app surcharges. Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats mark up Rosebud menu items by 12% to 25%. Call the restaurant or order via their official Toast portal for standard pricing.
- Book weekend reservations well in advance. Prime-time tables at Rosebud on Rush and Carmine's fill up quickly from Thursday through Sunday. Secure spots on OpenTable 1 to 2 weeks early.
- Ask about daily market fish and steak cuts. Rosebud regularly runs off-menu butchered cuts and fresh seafood features that offer excellent seasonal quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food does Rosebud serve?
Rosebud serves traditional Chicago-style Italian-American cuisine, including scratch-made pastas, giant meatballs, Chicken Vesuvio, prime steaks, seafood, and hearty red-sauce classics.
How much does an average meal cost at Rosebud?
Dine-in dinner generally costs between $45 and $75 per person without alcohol. Splitting appetizers and pasta platters family-style can lower the spend to approximately $35 to $45 per guest.
Does Rosebud have an official calorie or nutrition menu?
No. Because Rosebud operates as a regional dining group with fewer than 20 locations, it is exempt from federal calorie disclosure mandates and does not publish official chain nutrition metrics.
Does Rosebud offer gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Most Rosebud locations offer gluten-free pasta substitutions (typically penne) for an upcharge of around $4.00 on compatible pasta sauces. Because kitchens handle flour, cross-contact is possible.
What is the most famous dish at Rosebud?
Rosebud is best known for its softball-sized Mama's Meatball, creamy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and historic Chicago-style Chicken Vesuvio served with roasted garlic potato wedges and sweet peas.
Are Rosebud pasta portions large enough to share?
Yes. Rosebud is recognized for generous, family-sized pasta platters. A single bowl of rigatoni or cavatelli is easily shared between two diners.
Do Rosebud menu prices vary by location?
Yes. Flagship downtown Chicago dining rooms, such as Rosebud on Rush, have slightly higher prices than suburban branches like Rosebud Deerfield due to differences in downtown overhead.
Does Rosebud offer a weekday lunch menu?
Select locations provide a condensed weekday lunch menu featuring smaller pasta portions, meatball sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads at prices lower than the prime dinner menu.
Can you order catering trays from Rosebud?
Yes. Rosebud provides half-pan and full-pan catering trays of its signature pastas, sausage and peppers, and chicken entrees for private gatherings and corporate events.
Are delivery prices higher than dine-in prices at Rosebud?
Yes. Third-party delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub add proprietary markups of 12% to 25% on menu items in addition to service and delivery fees.
What is Chicken Vesuvio?
Chicken Vesuvio is an iconic Chicago Italian dish featuring half a chicken braised with white wine, garlic, oregano, and sweet green peas, served alongside roasted, sauce-soaked potato wedges.
Does Rosebud have a dress code?
Rosebud operates under an upscale-casual dress code. Smart casual clothing is standard; athletic wear, beach attire, and flip-flops are discouraged across dining rooms.
Conclusion
Rosebud Restaurants remains a Chicago culinary institution by pairing old-school Italian-American hospitality with generous portions of Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Chicken Vesuvio, and prime butchered steaks. You can maximize your dining value by sharing oversized pasta platters family-style, opening with a single shareable starter like Mama's Meatball, and ordering carryout directly through official channels to avoid third-party delivery markups. Because menu selections and prices adjust between downtown and suburban venues, verify today's exact menu with your server or through Rosebud's official digital portals before dining.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
