Is this in Chicago? If so, I would put Chicago in your heading because NYC also has Carmine's.

Sorry-the ones in Chicago.

Thank goodness you were talking about Chicago. I don't know Rosebud's but I wondered why anybody doing Rush would want to go to Carmine's. It's noisy and wild enough as it is!

ttt

The menus are very similar because they are owned by the same people (who also own Rosebud on Taylor). I recently had a great meal at Carmine's, I always go to the Rosebud on Taylor so I have only been to Rosebud on Rush once many years ago.

Another reasonable Italian place on the same stretch is Cafe Luciano, I've also had an enjoyable meal there.

Make reservations whichever one you decide to go to, esp if a weekend night.

I like the atmosphere and food better at Carmine's. The chicken parm is the best anywhere.

Another vote for Carmines...definately better atmosphere.

I would probably choose Carmines - BUT I think chicago has lots of better choices for Italian resturants

Have you tried cafe Settimana(I am assumeing you live here)?

O sorry - I did not read that you wanted to be in that area.

SPIAGGIA and CAFE SPIAGGIA are also very very good and in the area

Coco Pazzo is pretty close and I liked very much as well

Actually try Maggianos instead, esp. if you are looking for a more reasonable cost. We have eaten at all 3 and I do believe the best value is with Maggianos IMHO.

Patrick,

That was the first thing that "popped" into my mind when I read the heading.

Still laughing. I suppose that dates us a bit.

AL

JES & swalter518: Thanks for your help! What do you mean by "better atmosphere?"
Jacketwatch: Glad you suggested Maggiano's. I had that in mind also, but hadn't heard much about it.
To all replies: Thanks for your input-Fodorites are wonderful people!

Just looked on Maggiano's website and saw that they are a chain. While looking for locations near to NW Ohio, I found one in Troy, Mich. near Somerset Collection where I'm going shopping soon! Hope to try that one before coming to Chicago in November.

No offense to jacketwatch, but I would definitely pick the others above Maggiano's. It is a chain and while some dishes are good (not great) most are very mediocre at best--although the atmosphere is very charming (checkered tablecloths, dark wood, banquets, etc.
In terms of what I mean for atmosphere for Carmine's vs. Rosebuds: the former is a bit warmer, darker with a traditional old time feel while the latter is very bright, a bit sterile, and somewhat tacky with the colors, chairs, etc. (in my opinion). The restaurants are only a few blocks apart, so if you wanted to check them both out before making a decision, that would be easy to do. The food has always been delicious at Carmine's while I have had mixed at Rosebuds--one time excellent, and the next time so-so.
I did feel the atmosphere took away from it too.
There ARE a ton of really great restaurants to choose from, but these are Chicago traditions you don't find everywhere else. Both have photos of celebrities who have dined there through the years which are fun to look at. I think Oprah recently took
Bono (from U2) to one of them after her show. Just a little aside

JES: Thanks for clarifying-we like the "old world" atmosphere. Have seen both Rosebud on Rush and Carmine's on the exterior and both seemed appealing, but we'll be going to Carmine's. I know there are many other great Italian restaurants in Chicago, so I guess we'll just have to keep coming back until we try them all!

IMHO I would not be too dissuaded by the "chain" tag. The food is very good there. Again we have been to all 3 and Maggianos, to us, has the best bang for the buck. Carmines and Rosebuds are a fair amt. more. Not much is cheap in the Rush St. area BTW. Whatever you choose you will be fine. Cheers, Larry