Rosebud Randolph — Restaurant in Chicago

Update: I went back and spoke with their GM Anthony. I explained everything that happened and he was extremely apologetic and kind. I wish we were able to have spoken with him from the beginning and much of our problems probably would have never existed. Thank you for your kindness Anthony.

Original: This restaurant was recommended to me with high regard. However, my group and I were immensely berated by their manager Cameron and received subpar service from Paula. Cameron was aggressive towards us, refused to speak without raising his voice or interrupting us, and blamed us for misinformation and bad service. The experience was horrendous. Reservation: Easily able to make over the phone and received a text with confirmation. Bar: The drinks were absolutely delicious. Food: I ordered the Short Rib with Polenta. The short rib was flavorful. I switched out the polenta for potatoes, and they were dry and cold. Miscommunications and service: Prior to ordering, I asked a server if I could switch out the polenta for another side, and she stated yes. I asked Cameron the manager, if he could describe if the short rib meal was bone in and if the polenta was creamy or squares. He described the meal, and again I asked if I could switch it out for mashed potatoes, and he stated yes. When Paula came to take my order, I let her know I’d like the short rib and the switch; she stated no they do not make any adjustments to the food and the polenta could only be left off and I would have to order the potatoes. Cameron came over and let her know the switch would be fine. It doesn’t seem to be clear when food can and cannot be adjusted. The 3% charge was removed. I asked Paula if she could bring everyone their checks. She stated yes and left. Maybe 20 minutes later, she comes and asks if anyone wants desserts. I stated she’d have to ask everyone, but could she bring the checks. She came back with one check and lays it down, walking away. When she came back we asked about receiving individual checks, and she said it could only be split three ways. At that time we asked for a manager, because when the reservation was made I was not informed of this policy, it is not on the website, it is not on the menu, it was not stated when we sat down, nor was it divulged when I asked for everyone’s individual checks. The manager Cameron comes to the table, and again we asks for our individual checks. He states the checks can only be divided up to six ways, which again is inconsistent with Paula’s statement. We ask why was this information not stated before. He then proceeds to state that it is our responsibility to inform the restaurant if we want separate checks, it is our fault and the Toast system will not allow for individual checks. He then walks away as another person was asking a question. He comes back with a newly printed check and pen, stating he would “help” us figure who had what. He was at the end with our elderly members, and when he was asked about the tax, he said since they keep asking questions and being rude, you all can figure it out, and walks away again, standing at the computer staring at us. Myself and another party member goes over to him, to see if he can show us through Toast everyone’s individual amount. I stated that I work with the Toast system, and it does in fact allow you to split by seat. As we are at the computer, I showed him the split button and then he stated it does allow the split, but they are not going to do it because it would take too long to run individual cards. Which again is incongruent from his earlier statement. I tried to say that we were willing to pay with one card, but wanted to see the individual amounts, so we could Zelle the person paying; however he was yelling and every time I spoke he would interrupt. As one of the party members paid, he walked away saying he had other guest to attend. His behavior was shameful. Our treatment by that manager is...

This was quite the experience. I booked this a few days in advance of my wife's birthday. It was relatively easy to book, lots of slots so I was excited. I mentioned it was my wife's birthday in the reservation and looked forward to going.

We got there on time and it took 20 extra minutes to be sat, what is the point of having a reservation if I still have to stand around for 20 minutes past my time. Normally this wouldn't be an issue but we had a show at the Chicago theater that evening, about 2 hours after the reservation, plenty of time to eat and get a drink.

One thing that bothered us was that there were 4 tables along the street window that were not up to the quality of the restaurant. They were pretty much in the bar and it felt like you were at a hole in the wall pizza parlor, not the Rosebud. We saw people who had reservations were sat there. Luckily that wasn't us, but if it were this review would be significantly lower.

Our table wasn't much better, we were sat behind the bar in a place I will colloquially call "the pit". We were shoved into a booth that was maybe a half step above a community table, it was right by the kitchen and the music here was atrocious. They were blaring bad country Christmas music. Now I know it is the season but we went to a different bar after our show and they at least had quite more classy Christmas music. It had us laughing at our table about how ridiculous it was.

The table themselves were far from "fancy" with gaudy gingham tablecloths and the staff sprinting around us with forks and replacement tablecloths it felt like we were at a portillos, not the elegant dinner I had hoped for.

The food was fine but everything took forever, from the time of our reservation it took an hour to get our food, we had multiple waiters because they were so busy, there was no note of the birthday or anything special offered. I don't expect free food but some recognition, somebody at some point just saying happy birthday would have been nice.

I know the restaurant doesn't have control over the clientele but it was extremely distracting and once again, lowered the atmosphere of the restaurant that we were sat in "the pit" with people in completely different stages of dress. We were dressed nicely for the theater, fine clothes, there were others in similar levels to us, but at the same time we were surrounded by t-shirts and ripped jeans, hoodies, and middle school and high schoolers. It really took away from our moment. There was an upstairs to the restaurant apparently, other special guests got to go up there. We were left wondering what did we do wrong to not get the upstairs and why were were relegated to the pit.

Food was good, not worth the price, wine was good, servers were nice but clearly unhappy with how busy it was. I feel like I could have gotten a better dining experience at the...

Seriously disappointed in our lunch today. The food was delicious and the portions were generous EXCEPT for the clams. The baked clams were noted as a Rosebud specialty. We got them. They smelled funky. Don't know what it was - maybe cheese, maybe old clams... I ate one. All I tasted was breadcrumb. If there was a clam in there I missed it. For a $20 appetizer and six clams I wouldn't recommend.

The service was APPALLING. From the minute we walked through the door you'd have thought we were being greeted by the Maitre D of Chez Quis from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It wasn't that busy and he was alarmingly frazzled. The restaurant had three tables sat at 11:55 pm when we arrived for our six-person reservation. He told us he had to "get a table ready". They were just opening. What wasn't ready? The lunch rush hadn't even started.

While we were waiting for him to gather his wits and get us a table, I walked into the empty dining room and found a server who was standing there doing nothing (because there wasn't anything to do yet). I asked where I could find the restroom. He said, "upstairs". We were standing in the dining room. There was no visible "upstairs". I asked how to get there. He turned to adjust a chair at a table and dismissively said, "stairs or elevator". I had to locate those things myself.

When I returned everyone in my party was seated and had water. Appetizers had been ordered. The server greeted me promptly and asked for my drink order. Then everything stopped. Appetizers came about 20 minutes after we ordered them. We had been waiting for a late guest so we didn't order our entrees until after the appetizers arrived. Our server, who'd been attentive at the start, seemed aggravated by us. The lunch rush had started and he was probably busy, but I don't think that's an excuse. He told us the specials and when I asked what "Tuna Pepper Salad" was he seemed genuinely put out that he had to explain it to me. His demeanor didn't change. I found him to be quite snarky by the time I asked for the check. Half our party had to leave for a 1:30 meeting (our reservation was at 12) and the rest of us were left to pack up leftovers and pay. I was surprised by a few unexplained "surcharges" on my bill. But I couldn't find the server to ask questions. All together it added up to about $10. I considered taking it out of the gratuity, but I didn't. I tipped 20% on the pre tax total which I understand these days is the bare minimum.

Clams aside, everyone loved their lunch. The portions were large. The salads were very fresh. The pasta, salmon, beef, and scallops were amazing. However, we all agreed we wouldn't be back. Maybe we'll go to the Rush Street one again someday but Randolph Street needs some serious attitude changing and better signage for...