I walked in as a single in mid-afternoon, the place was completely empty. I asked to sit at a booth, and was told booths were reserved for groups. (The waitress was very nervous and was worried her boss would be angry with her.) I wanted to relax and read, so went down the street to a coffee shop for lunch.
Its a cute venue with an off-putting policy.
I'll try it again...sometime....I guess...
I went to this place a couple days ago because of people talking to highly of their food! I ordered my food and when it came out there was MOLD Â on my bread! I brought it up to the waitress (who made me come get my food myself and drinks) and I told her there was mold on my bread! She then gave me another slice which also had mold on it! And to top it off the moldy bread was on top of my eggs! When I got the check nothing was taken off my bill! I was not paying for moldy food! I then brought the check up to the waitress and she said she can only take a dollar off for the bread! I said the bread was on top of my eggs and she said " come on now really"! Â I then said THERE SHOULDN'T MOLD ON MY FOOD AT ALL!! After the waitress giving me a hard time she then took my meal off! I will NEVER go back to this place again! Horrible service and horrible food!
Review Source:I'm giving this place two stars because the actual diner is great. Â Food is good; service is decent. Â However, the situation in the back room bar area is not great. Â The karaoke guy they have there is extremely unprofessional, and if I knew his name I'd write a review for him. Â But Rosebud needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Â Karaoke guy attempted to publicly humiliate my friend over the mic because he couldn't handle a stressful situation, something which any restaurant/bar or entertainment position necessarily entails! Â When someone brings the business of a large party to the bar where you got a gig, you don't swear at her and call her names over the mic in a room full of people. Â You treat her with dignity as she and her friends did you, despite your crappy job performance. Â Save the pathetic power trips for when you're on your own time, not when you're getting paid to serve a function and dozens of people are spending their own hard earned money to have a good time.
Review Source:I've lived in Somerville for several years now and I'm torn up about the fact that I;m leaving. I picked this place for my going away party  because I knew it would have enough space for me and all my friends, and Sunday night is a karaoke night which is a huge bonus.
Unfortunately, the DJ had no idea how to manage the different friend groups that wanted to sing, and the same 4 girls ended up dominating for the first hour and a half. Midway through their reign I approached the DJ about their overrepresentation. He took this as a personal affront  and singled me out as a problem, refused to let my friends sing, and berated me on the PA for suggesting that other people should get a chance.
I had high hopes for this place. I invited a ton of my friends to come out because I thought it was an undiscovered gem in Davis. Turns out, it's not worth discovering.
It's very unfortunate. I used to really like this place. Seems like they've changed staff. We were there the other evening, and the bartender Zack was incredibly abusive to us. There were seven of us in our party. Â We all witnessed it. None of us had ever really seen anything like that. We decided to leave as a result. Â We mentioned it to the door guys on the way out who apologized that it's a common problem; they were super nice and professional. While we were leaving the owner comes over and berates us for complaining about the service; he was very disheveled, and his breath reeked of alcohol, clearly intoxicated. If you read through the reviews here you'll see that apparently it's a recurring problem - not surprising.
We all work in the restaurant service and entertainment industry. There is no excuse for such a lack of professionalism. We will never give them our business again. We will not encourage any small local bands to book there, and we certainly will never include this venue in any of our promotional events. Do yourself a favor and head to Radio or Precinct in Union Square for a good experience in smaller local music venues.
I love karaoke at the Rosebud! DJ Dave has a great selection of songs, and is stern but fair. It gets busy after 9:30ish, so be prepared for a possible lengthy wait time if you get there late. Drinks are reasonably priced and food is good. Also, keep an ear out for special Friday night dance parties and theme nights!
Review Source:I must give warning that we walked into this bar with a large group of people and probably overwhelmed the only bartender working at 6pm on a Saturday evening. Â Since we were all tipping, I argue the guy could have smiled maybe once while we were there? Â He was a bit sharp and rude as well. He was cute one moment and the next I wanted away from his bad mood. Â
If you are looking for a place to have a conversation with someone and have cheap beer, this is a great location in Davis Square. Â They do have live music Saturday nights so it's not a terrible place to be, just hope a nicer bartender is working.
Horrifying experience while trying to enjoy a show. There was maybe 20 people in the bar and a friend brought a gatorade into the bar since she was not drinking. They told her she would have to leave because she brought it there and when she asked why it escalated quickly. The tiny door man on a power trip grabbed her arm, tossing her drink everywhere, and nice red handprint on her arm. She is all of 4' 11" and was not being combative. The door man continually referred to her as a "bi#ch" and "cun#bag" while talking to the manager who seemed to agree with his actions.
Avoid this place at all costs- they are horribly unprofessional and will be getting some attention to find out the names of the manager and bouncer which they refused to give.
If you are looking for a place to get a decent drink in davis, and not run into 85 people you know, rosebud is it! Â Since it's a little hidden it's the sort of place someone needs to clue you in too... and you will be glad they did.
Prices are standard-ish for the Somerville area, but I'm not complaining about a $30 tab for 5 name brand drinks.
Worth the visit, especially if you'd like to catch up/hang out without seeing that mistaken hookup from the time you were 23.
This place is so interesting, so first you walk in and your in a diner, and then you walk through the sketchy back way that looks like it should just lead to the bathroom...but it doesn't. It leads to a bar.
I give this bar 3 stars for the following reasons
1. I wasn't impressed by anything on TAP. I'm totally a beer snob so ignore this comment if your a devoted bud light drinker
2. The music was way to loud. Uh, I know that makes me sound old, but listen, we were the ONLY people in this bar, about 9 of us total and we couldn't even talk with out yelling cause the music was too loud. kind of unnessasary. We LEFT because we couldn't even talk at all.
3. Cover. EXTRA cover even for the band. Yeah right. This isn't a bar I'd ever pay cover for.
The only reason that I frequented Rosebud's was for Tuesday night karaoke with DJ Dave. Â I've been going since I moved to Davis a year ago and often rolled in with a group of 4-8 other karaoke fans. Tonight I had an experience that will forever sour me on this once enjoyable hangout.
It was a twilight zone moment where I experienced a bizarre level of rudeness from both the DJ and the bartender. It started when I arrived and noticed the music was significantly louder than it had ever been. Half of my party (4 people) opted to leave within the first half hour after having approached the DJ and been rudely brushed off. I tried to poliety suggest the music was a bit loud. Same response. I then tried to tell the manager who gestured wildly to the DJ while I was standing there in a particularly untactful way. I was then called out publicly by the DJ who complained that I shouldnt be sitting near the speakers (half the venue is near the speakers).
If that wasn't strange enough, when I went for my second whiskey and coke, the price had gone up. When I called attention to that fact, the bartender treated me like a loon. That was impossible. The fact that someone else had served me that drink. Impossible. I described the other bartender. I must be high. He reluctantly gave me the drinks for the price I'd paid but was visibly disgruntled. Sure enough the other "bartender" surfaced a while later and I pointed him out. The response: "the prices changed and noone told me" and "he doesnt usually wear green". Really? No apology for all but calling me a lying crack head? Not sure I want to return for that abuse. Charlie's has karaoke on Tuesday. Think I'll hop on the T 2 stops and save myself the drama.
Yelp friends;
Are you paying attention? I understand that it's a little confusing, but there are two different Rosebuds, and even though they are in practically the same location and owned by the same people, there is one key difference. One is a diner. One is bar. This review is not for the diner. If you're posting here, yours should not be either.
Got it? Good. We can proceed.
I've overlooked the Bar at Rosebud for years and I'm now regretting it. I've been here once on a pub crawl, and then not again until last nite. Yup, last nite. And it was magic.
It was playing pool and winning, cute bartenders who sometimes refused to take my money, shots at the bar, dancing on the stage with the band, and I really couldn't care less what you think kind of magic. It was the kind of nite that I haven't had since I was in my early twenties.
Sure, on the surface Rosebud is a little plain looking. But anyone with a little experience knows it's not as much about looks as it is about chemistry. And here, they have some to spare.
PS: Remember how much you used to love the Burren? Before the great Tufts student invasion? When you could actually dance in the back room? When you could get a drink at the bar without having to throw an elbow to get there? Let's meet at Rosebud and reminisce, or maybe just move on. It's time.
Food was a tad slow (but it's a small place - be patient), and the food wasn't as delicious as I hoped it would be. The pasta was greasy. The burger was dry. My food was on the salty side too. It has a cute diner atmosphere, and I really really wanted to like it. Maybe I just have a high standard for diner food coming from the south. There are a large portions, but I don't feel compelled to finish them.
I can't help but think of Citizen Kane's last words.
Roseeebuuudddd...
Literally 10 years I have been eating at this diner, though I have not lived in Boston for years. Â I always make it a point to stop in for at least one meal while visiting friends.
I have always enjoyed the all aspects of this place, there is a certain, dare I say, American Old School atmosphere. Â The place is small, and while waiting for a table, expect to stand outside either in teh heat or the freezing cold. Â You suffer, but you suffer with everyone else waiting and it seem sto form a common bond, and you will find your self making 10 minute friends with all of those around you.
Once inside for a meal you will find the menu basic, but with enough to make any person happy, except maybe Vegans. Â I normally stop by for breakfest, and have always enjoyed my food, Â They waitress actually listens when you order, and my snobbish ordering of eggs over medium has always come out over medium, which is rare in other resturants. Â The food is filling, and the atmospher is casual, BUT if it is a bust morning on the weekend expect to eat and then get out. Â there is always a wait and once you are done, it is not a place to sip coffee. Â Unless there is no line, then enjoy the refills.
There is also a full bar that I have taken advantage of more than once. Â The bartenders do not make fancy drinks, they do not cater to silly requests. Â Go in, order your Gin and tonic, you will get a lime, and enjoy. Â I have never been cut off, and have never flinched when I recieved my bill. Â
This is the place to go for food in all of the Boston area on a casual morning as far as I am concerned.
Yay! I'm a fan.
Passed this place at Honkfest today, glad we did! We sat in the front, which looks like a trailer from the outside. A great diner experience - we got coffee, a burger, and wings. The staff was super friendly and helpful; when the kitchen fudged our order of wings, our waiter immediately fixed it for us. He checked on us frequently and made sure we had everything we needed.
Oh and the strawberry rhubarb pie was YUMMERS.
Service 9/10
Food 9/10
Ambiance 10/10
I love this place. Â Giant omelettes, cranky old, fun ladies swearing, hanging out at the counter. Â Fantastic! Â Come in hungover without washing last night's make up off for maximum diner enjoyment.
The service was friendly (see above: cranky, fun, old ladies) who were sassy but adorable. Â The food was quick, which is always a good thing on a holiday weekend when no other brunch spots are open. Â Also, very tasty! Â I got an eggbeaters omelette with peppers, onions, and salsa in it and it was really tasty. Â Also, coffee was good and fresh. Â Price was cheap. Â Dorian got the veggie omelette and took half of it home because it looked like it held at least five eggs and half a farmer's market inside.
I'll be back again, next time when I can't live without some pancakes because they looked gooooood!
One of the best paces in town to see live music. Lounge-y vibe and bar food available. Eat pizza while seeing bands? Yes, please-
The only drawback to seeing a show at The Rosebud is the pool tables.
Unknown fact(?): parking at the winter Hill Bank and Century Bank nearby is free after the 8 p.m. at least I've never had a problem in Winter Hill Bank's lot. One of the bouncers told me he parks in the Century Bank lot.
Didn't eat here. Review is for venue + bar service only!
One of the last real stages in the area (you people and your penchant for DJs are driving out all of the live music venues, so quit that!) and I was pleasantly surprised after I was invited to a show where Diamond Mines were playing with Sarah RabDAU...
It's divey, but I like that. Wine was $7/glass which is not exactly dive price, but the service was good and the bartenders are excellent at reading lips (necessary because the sound is up so high). Bonus points for the semi-enclosed smoking area which means you don't have to be out on the sidewalk (with the pleeebs) and you can shelter a bit from the rain if it's bad, but I'm sure the non-smokers aren't thrilled with the masses huddled there since it's the entrance. Oh well-- it's a rock show; get over it.
One question: why are the pool tables covered? When can you use the pool tables if not on a Friday night?
I really want to like this place. It's got everything I want ...except one of the nastiest bartenders I've seen.  She is HORRIBLE. If you don't get a drink that  you've ordered, you'll probably get 86'd from the bar for asking where it is. The giant goon at the door will be more than happy to lumber over and toss you out based on her (the bartenders) call. Must be great to be able to hold a customer service job and not have to take your medicine for personality disorder.
I've never personally been tossed, but I have witnessed it more than once.
 So if you like to reward bad behavior or just miss getting treated like sh!t from an abusive parent. This is a great place to have an uneasy drink or 2 and perhaps enjoy a band...while looking over your shoulder.
firstly, i am writing this review based on the one time i went here. the following review also should explain why i never plan to return; unless riots break out and im out looting businesses i hate.
i went here one night cos it was a friends birthday, and this was the agreed place. i drank maybe two beers, while karaoke was going on. lovely people sang lovely songs, while i enjoyed the company of my friends.
however, this is where the night turned & i debated jumping the bar. somewhere around midnight the bartender (who has my visa), leaves the bar to sing a song before karaoke was over. this did not bother me cos i figured it would be for whatever one song was playing. ...i think she sang like five songs. i didnt see her again for over an hour.
this makes me want to kick an orphan for the following reasons; 1. i cant get served if youre the only bartender and youre away from your station. 2. cos you were absent from doing your job for so long, i missed last call. (along with others). 3. i cant even leave this establishment that i would like to burn down cos you still have my visa.
final word; this happened back in october & im still heated about it. do the math. awful.
As far as local bar concerts go right now, I think Rosebud is one of my favorites. Â With the closure of Harper's Ferry; Rosebud, The Middle East, and Great Scott are my three top places for shows. Â Let's also remember before reading on, this is not the Rosebud Diner, this is the Rosebud Bar & Grill (located behind the diner). Â I will review the Diner later as they do have some pretty good diner food.
Bar service is always good, especially when it comes to hard alcohol. Â For the price of a single shot (perhaps even a little cheaper), I always find myself with almost, if not a full double shot. Â This is unheard of anywhere, especially in the city. Â When I order a Jameson shot anywhere, I generally expect a tiny shot for 8-9 bucks. Â Here, I get a double shot for 7. Â How can you beat that? Â They have all the beers I would normally ask for, although if I'm in a PBR mood, I would rather it out of a can (they only have it on draft). Â Something about the aluminum can makes it taste better than it really is!
The food here is pretty good. Â It's general and generic bar food. Â They make a tasty burger and their bar pizza is pretty good. Â I have to say, if you are coming to Rosebud Bar & Grill, you are more here for drinks and music than anything, but it's nice to have some good bar food available.
As far as shows are concerned, they do have a pretty small venue, but it allows you to get up close and personal with the band. Â Considering the size of the place, the sound is pretty damn good as well. Â You really get a good mix of music and vocals here (which seems hard to pull off at many places this size).
Overall, this is my new favorite place to go in Davis Sq.
Years of living at second homes like Sligo, Redbones, Anna's and Dave's, yet ne'er had I known this sly guy lurked behind its boxcar facade. Whodathunk the second sign for Bar and Grille referred to things other than the diner stools where lonely older men eat lonely breakfasts and the flat piece of metal that forcibly mingles bacon fat, home fries, eggs and oily vegetables?
Well, it does exist, has a pool table, live music, photo hunt with boobies and a doorman.
The fare is standard (having eaten there and forgetting completely what I ordered should be an indication) and the drinks ride between Posto and Sligo, both in geographical position and price. It's a solid, rounded nightspot that seems to sit firmly on the fence between dive and debutante; deviant and dashing. And the muddling of identity leaves me wondering "Where am I?" followed automatically by "What am I doing?"
Go to a masquerade. Make across-the-room eye contact with someone whose mask has antique charm. Slowly walk toward them, smiling coquettishly/boyishly as the anticipation builds. Meet in the middle, saying not a word. Now imagine that someone removes their mask to reveal the most average person. Neither ugly nor ravishing, just a person. The mystique gets sucked out of the room, which is a shame because with any other circumstance, you may have struck up a conversation. Instead, you're looking at the other masks around you.
I'll go back for a friend's band or if invited to a group gathering; otherwise, I'm sticking with their neighbors.
I went to a local show here. Â My main beef is with the worst bartender ever.
I was asked twice what I wanted to drink. Â I ordered. Â The bartender served multiple other customers before returning to me. Â Then she asked me what I wanted forgetting I had already order a single beer.
This happened twice.
Then she tried charging me for extra drinks I didn't drink when I closed my tab.
Also the layout here is the worst for shows. Â Piss poor service is inexcusable in a college town where 10000 people are waiting to steal your job...
FAIL
The first time I walked into the Rosebud Bar and Grille, it was 4:30 in the afternoon and I was attempting to visit the diner out front. Multiple doorways and my usual level of confusion led me to stumble into the B&G.
Upon entry, I was met with:
a) the stink-eye from several seedy-looking regulars
b) INTENSE regret
Abort! Do not look anyone in the eye and BACK. OUT. SLOWLY.
Disaster averted. Phew.
This Saturday night, I intentionally entered the 'Bud B&G. This time, I was pleasantly surprised to be met with:
a) Steve the bouncer
b) No cover (thx Steve)
c) Live music
d) Cheap drinks
e) Nude Photo Hunt
f) Room to breathe
g) KENO!
The crowd seemed slightly older; but, let's be serious, I bring my own friends/party/fun. Â Not the greatest bar I've ever been to, but I'd stop by again if I found myself thirsty in Davis and not up for the crowds at neighboring spots.
So I had heard that there was a bar behind the Rosebud Dinner, but had never been in there until last night. The place was awesome. Really cool lighting/atmosphere, plenty of seating, big screen tv's, two pool tables. Extremely nice bartender, and on Tuesday's they have free pool. Didn't get any food, but if it's the same cook as they have at the dinner it will be great. Drinks were $3.50 for a Bud, $10 for a pitcher of PBR. The bartender said they also have live music. Very awesome place.
Review Source:I recently stopped in here for a beer and was surprised at how quiet this place was. Yes, it was a Tuesday evening, and yes the location is a couple of blocks away from Davis Square, but I figured there would be more than 8 people... Maybe no one knows it exists? Regardless, the service was friendly, and I ended up talking to everyone at the bar like it was my own neighborhood pub. I would stop in here again, but only when in the mood to read a book/newspaper at the bar...
Review Source:Have to agree with the other reviews, I am amazed every single time in here that there is not more of a crowd in this spot behind the diner.
-In Davis
-Cheap drinks
-Good food
-Lots and lots of space...we get a table every time
-Borderline dive/locals bar...Keno and a claw machine with porn for prizes
We usually come here for some beers on random Friday nights with some decent music playing and have a good conversation about anything. Â I love this place.
Saturday night with horrible service, mediocre food and music that was not accessible. I was there with a group of 5 and no one came to our table until we flagged someone down 15 minutes after we sat down. Food was basic pub food. Music was bizarre and loud. For a Saturday night and a $5 cover, it was not a good experience. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because I have stopped in for a drink late on a Friday night and it was chill.
Review Source:I went to the Bar & Grill for the first time this Saturday night. Â I loved it! Â We were the only ones eating dinner there at 6:30 and there were a few people eating at the bar and watching football. Â
First off, I loved the spare, quasi-loungey atmosphere. Â It almost reminds me of the 60s somehow, but still very modern. Â It's perfect for groups without having to steal chairs from other tables, etc. Â I was thinking it'd be good for my upcoming birthday gathering. Â There was music playing but not so loud that you couldn't hear the person next to you. Â Kind of perfect. Â There's also a juke box. Â There are TVs a-plenty for any sports viewing occasion. Â I have already decided it's going to be my official Sox bar come March and April. Â
It's pretty much bar food and comfort food fare but excellent quality! Â If you want pizza and drinks or onion rings and sliders and beer/cider, this is your place. Â I like that they have the bar food menu but also borrow a bit from the Rosebud Diner and offer some more substantial entrees. Â So, for example, you could bring your visiting parents and they could eat "real" food. Â I'm a pizza freak and I loved their pizza. Â Yum!
The waitress was delightful, attentive and mixed me up a "girly" cocktail when I said I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for.
I also appreciated that my special needs cousin who was with us  was treated just as normally as anybody else.  That was really nice.
I can see why, at this time, the Grill won't really attract the younger 20 somethings. Â It's just not that kind of place, though I'm sure it could be if they all started flocking there. Â But it's perfect for the 30 somethings! Â I really want them to stay in business because it's a good alternative to the crowded bars or the more fancy (yet delicious) Sagra. Â
Overall the vibe is friendly and cool. Â The waitress told us that there are different nights - trivia, karaoke, soul, live music, etc. Â Seems like something for everyone. Â Yay! Â New favorite place!
Rosebud Bar and Grill is.. well, I'm not sure. Weirdly unpopular might be the best term -- it's been open since April and this weekend was the first time I'd ventured in -- judging from the very small number of reviews for a place right in Davis Square, I'd say that's probably true for a lot of people. So what's the problem?
I'd say what Rosebud needs is a bolder angle-- it's not clear what sets them apart from the other places in Davis. They don't have the BBQ snacks and beer list of Redbones, they don't have the pub feel like the Burren, they don't have the couches and cocktails of Orleans or the people-watching *ahem* goodness of Joshua Tree.
Not to say that it's bad -- on the contrary, everything is there for Rosebud to be a Davis Square institution -- it feels like a more upscale version of Razzy's without the crowds: decent beers on tap, clean bar, large dining area, super friendly bartenders, and Newtowne-esque food/beer deals ($14 PBR pitcher + cheese pizza, anyone?).
A friend and I came here and split a pitcher of Harpoon Winter and a plate of chicken nachos, which was good enough, amply sized, and reasonably priced. Sweet!
Rosebud just needs more people! It looks like they're trying to get stuff off the ground with live music, trivia, etc. and I wish them all the best! Definitely a great place for quiet conversation over some drinks with friends, but with the big space and great Davis location, it could be sooo much more!
Worth a visit, especially with a big group, but be warned -- you should be prepared to bring the party, since for whatever reason, it seems like it's not quite here yet.
This place is truly outrageous....truly truly truly outrageous. Â
Empty and clean, yet bursting with a certain glimmer of seediness, we sat at the almost empty bar and watched a Tigers game (a VERY rare find in Boston!). Â They had my heart right there. Â Add cheap beer and computer trivia for a complete mind blowing experience. Â
Simple and cheap are my two favorite things, but Rosebud Bar might knock "simple" out of my top two.
agree 100% with Brendan B. The new menu is awesome, the bartenders are even more awesome, and on a Friday night it's not full of lame people like many other places in Davis. Actually, the crowd of locals and rosebud diner waitresses only adds to its charm.
They have a lot going on different nights of the week: trivia, karaoke, live music, a DJ, and even country music on Sunday nights!!
Seriously I almost didn't want to write this review because I don't want people to find out about this place; it feels like my own little hangout. But at the same time I'm not sure how long they can last with the sparse crowds they're attracting now, so definitely check it out, you won't be disappointed! well...unless you are looking for da club where you can grind up against a stranger in the dark and get overpriced watereddown drinks while you listed to shitty music... it's pretty much the opposite of that, in a very, very good way!
The needs of a bar and the needs of its patrons have a very brief window of commonality--which is to say, the owners would cringe at why I had a wonderful time here this past Saturday night. Â Which was? Â Because the place is brand spanking new and relatively empty. Â My charming companion and I could actually hear each other at 9pm with nary a strain or a squint, and Amy, the adorable bartender, actually had the time and energy to concoct me "something girly."
We four (us two, Amy, and the band booker) shared a cigarette as the rain came down in buckets upon our awning, and truly, you've never wanted a place to succeed like they do. Â Live bands (included a desperately-needing-a-soundcheck Bon Jovi cover band) haul in their equipment nightly, karaoke and trivia are in the works, and apparently their pizza is pretty spiffy. Â We got an extra drink for our yelping troubles. Â
We get them at the cusp of their virtual anonymity. Â We get all the quiet and the attention. Â We want to be on their side, would it not impede our own. Â In other words, come help them succeed, but not too soon. Â A quiet bar is such a freaking blessing.
Located behind the Rosebud Diner, Rosebud Bar and Grill is a hidden up and coming night spot in Davis Square. Â It is not very well announced from the street, and not yet widely advertised, but it exists... just follow the little walkway on the right side of the diner car, and you'll find it.
Rosebud Bar and Grill, is a very spacious dining and drinking location. Â The staff is friendly, and themed nights provide great opportunities for dancing, karaoki-ing, or just mingling. Â Especially on the weekends in Davis, it is nice to leave the packed-like-pickles bars behind, and have some room to breathe.
Since they haven't started advertising yet, there is hardly ever a crowd, but expect them to get busier in the weeks ahead...