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    The Syndicate

    4.7 (20 reviews)
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Syndicate Photos

    THE SYNDICATE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Syndicate

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    Bob K.

    This appears little changed from The Last Word, except for the ambience. The menu looked very similar. The Wife and I really liked the couch we sat on. It was beautifully decked out for the holidays. We didn't have a lot of time before attending the SPARC holy day soiree nearby, so I ordered an Irish coffee. So yum!! Even though we didn't have anything else, I'm sure that this compares well with its previous incarnation. Many of the staff are the same. Looking forward to having the tapas again.

    Cheers
    Kerith H.

    If you're looking for a speakeasy-style hideout with mobster flair, killer cocktails, and bites worth doing time for -- The Syndicate in Downtown Livermore is your spot. From the minute you step inside, the vibe is moody, stylish, and full of character. The menu reads like a rap sheet of flavor crimes -- and we were more than happy to break the rules. Drinks we tried (aka "the reward list"): Sister Ping ($18): Pineapple tequila, Campari, banana liqueur, coconut clarified -- sweet, sassy, and dangerously smooth. My absolute favorite! Frank Costello ($15): Vodka, cranberry-raspberry, topped with ginger beer -- refreshing with a zingy finish. Frank Nitti ($15): Gin, lemon, orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, absinthe spritz -- sophisticated and slightly mysterious. Bonnie & Clyde ($18): Pineapple/lavender pisco, lime, passionfruit, and hot white chocolate cream -- unique, creamy, and floral with a sweet punch. For bites, we went all-in on the "flavor felonies": Palermo Arancini: Housemade saffron, mozzarella, and parmesan risotto balls -- crispy outside, cheesy inside, and perfect with the marinara. Torino Pretzel Board: Giant pretzel served with mixed artisanal meats and cheeses, nuts, whole grain mustard, and bacon beer cheese -- sharable, satisfying, and hits every craving note. Padova Deviled Eggs: We tried both the BLT and Chick-fil-A styles -- creative spins on a classic, and totally worth it. The Watermelon Whisperer Salad: Watermelon, mint, red onion, feta, mango, mixed greens, balsamic -- sweet, tangy, refreshing. My top pick of the night! The Milanesa Muscle: Milanesa steak sandwich with lettuce, tomato, chimichurri, and their signature sauce -- bold, juicy, and absolutely delicious. Service was stellar! Very attentive, friendly, and they really embraced the speakeasy theme. The overall experience felt like we stumbled upon a secret hideout where good vibes and great food are part of the family business. Whether you're stopping in for a drink or laying low with a full meal, The Syndicate is a total hit. I'll definitely be back to keep sampling this "wanted" list!

    Menu
    Chris S.

    The Syndicate is a unique concept that for now leaves much to be desired. Based off their website, it is a mafia themed bar with appetizers, entrees and drinks all based off of mobsters while you sip in red velvet booths and attempts for a speakeasy vibe. Atmosphere: This has the potential for a special experience setting it aside from your standard bar. However, the illusion was broken with various pop music that did not match the theme. If part of the attraction to the venue is sipping an Old Fashioned with the name of a notorious mobster, listening to "watermelon sugar" by Harry styles felt like a contradiction that subtracts from it. Getting "Italian mafia ambiance" off of YouTube would be perfect, or even light jazz or club music would keep that energy better. Drinks: the cocktails were good albeit not quite worth the value. With many of their prices being "premium" in the $18/19 range, and boasting different ingredients like cilantro oil or various liqueurs, they tasted just like a standard cocktail. The drinks attempt to be one of a kind but need some adjusting to hit that mark to warrant the price. Food: We only tried one item, but as far as bar food goes it was pretty good! The Arancini was tasty and seemed to be made previously and given a quick flash fry right before serving but that is completely expected and they were enjoyable. I love a themed venue, and The Syndicate has a lot of potential and I would love to see this place find its stride.

    Bar
    Ellie M.

    A must! This place is so cool! For anyone who is Mob enthusiast or is down for some interesting drinks this is the place for you! The menu is centered around some of the most infamous mob bosses. The drinks are tailored around the gangsters alleged crimes. The menu is made to look like a crime file. Unique!! The service is good, our servers explained some of our options and offered their opinions. They do serve food so it's more than just a speakeasy. I don't have much input on the food, my party only had a few appetizers. They did say they were good though. They do offer non-alcoholic drinks that are presented nicely. I would suggest this spot host some trivia nights, mob related of course. Fun fact, the mob had a heavy influence in on the union and construction industry. It would also be great if they played music that fit the era...like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and others. Even if they just sprinkled it in here and there. I'll definitely be recommending this place! Keep in mind this place is tucked away near the Bankhead theater. Be sure not to miss it!!

    Arlyne Brickman
    Nicole M.

    Went to The Syndicate post-performance. Since it is right next to the Bankhead, this was super convenient. The entrance is appealing, with fire features that double as heaters. Great to stand next to on a chilly evening Insidevis nicely appointed, with plush furniture. The backlit bar is beautiful. It's a space is someplace you want to be. All the drinks are named for gangsters and associates, and the staff dress to fit the theme, but any kitsch ends there. The Mocktail I had was solid. And all the drinks we saw coming from the bar is were gorgeous. We opted to have chocolate cake. It was moist, not too sweet, and nicely presented. Although we skipped alcohol on this visit, the drinks seemed interesting. So did the food menu. The atmosphere would be good for a date, and the outdoor patio ( on a warmer day and a bit earlier in the evening): seems perfect for cocktails with friends. The staff was friendly, and parking is easy if you use the garage it's next to. Definitely recommended pre or post show. Worth a visit all on its own.

    Matt R.

    Excellent service, cocktails, food and upbeat music. Louis was my bartender and he was funny, personable and friendly. I highly recommend the "Frank Nitti" (playful gin martini) and the "Bonnie & Clyde" (excellent pisco sour twist). There are no wrong choices at The Syndicate.

    Cocktails
    Kristina M.

    We were so excited to check out the revamped Last Word now The Syndicate. They've done a nice job transforming it into a speak easy vibe. They've done decor is chic red and black with 1940s inspired sconces. The menu thoughtfully created and clever. The menu is simple--sandwiches. The cocktails numerous and tasty. We will definitely return.

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    1 year ago

    Such a good time whenever we go! The speak-easy vibe is so fun. The food and cocktails are always great.

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    10 months ago

    Delicious food just steps away from the Bankhead Theater. Nice atmosphere and wonderful service.

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    Let's start by saying that this is not my first choice for a Friday night social engagement. Mostly…read morebecause I don't like crowds, downtown hangouts, open seating, food with live music, loud music unless it's a concert-only event, etc. So why was I at this happenin' downtown P-town spot on a Fri night? Because my friend's band (shoutout to Bored of Directors!) was performing and of course that means I'm there to support him. The scene was everything I would normally avoid like the plague (or the "razor throat" strain of Covid-19 as it may be). Nevertheless, this place is cool! Very chill, not pretentious at all. Glad I scoured previous reviews so I knew what to expect: go past the front door and tables, down the alley to enter at the backyard; order drinks at the left side of the bar, food on the right. Picnic type tables scattered about for shared seating. "Stage" area set up in the corner. The beer selection was great, servers were friendly and helpful (and patient with us newbies). We did not have food so I can't comment on that. The band was awesome and played a mix of songs from 1970s thru 2000s. People were dancing, singing along. It was a great night! Not something I would choose to do if Bored of Directors wasn't playing, but when they come back around, I wouldn't hesitate! So go, have fun! There was a birthday celebration happening at a few of the tables in the front yard. Guests looked to be in their 30s to early 40s so I'm guessing that's the regular clientele here. Oh, and we found parking across the street in a center where a lot of businesses are. Some of the spots are reserved for the businesses but there are plenty that aren't. Or you could just risk the wrath of the Pleasanton PD and hope you don't get ticketed or towed. And of course, designate a driver before imbibing!

    The Syndicate - speakeasies - Updated May 2026

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