Syndicate Ferndale

140 Vester Ave, Ferndale
(313) 314-7220

Recent Reviews

Sort by
brian laux

I've been here a few times now the menu is rotating. The Blackened Tuna Steak is absolutely amazing! I've had it 3 times. It comes with a sweet potato puree which is not to sweet and compliments the tuna perfectly. Along with a Chipotle type butter that is nice and Smoky flavored. The Steak Frites is really good, I had it medium it was very tender perfectly cut pieces added some sort of caramelized onions which made it excellent, The onions complimented the steak very well. The arugula salad was good. We had a few different mixed drinks from the menu they were all tasty including an off menu drink that was very good. For dessert we had the chocolate mousse with strawberries. It was good, could have been a little more flavor popping. Portions vary depending on what you get, overall I feel like the portions are pretty well sized for the price/flavor experience, this is not your everyday place for average Joe, this is for fine dining or wealthy. Our bill was over $200 with tip. Staff is very kind (shout out to Kate!) Owner is very kind and knowledgeable about drinks and their menu even though it's rotating. Service was quick, possible slower service if at capacity. Bar is small but nice.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Noah Brazel

Ridiculous 20% automatic gratuity paired with some of the slowest, most inattentive service I’ve experienced. For groups of 8 or more, you’re forced onto a single check. From the start, our server dropped off a screw-top bottle of wine in a bucket and walked away—we ended up pouring it ourselves. Not exactly difficult to open, but apparently too much effort here. Food arrived cold, and the only thing hotter than the patio was the sound of staff complaining within earshot.

The patio may have been nice, but the overall experience was anything but. I later met friends at another spot in the area, shared what happened, and they echoed the same frustrations—they haven’t returned either.

I want local restaurants to succeed, but this one simply doesn’t deserve it. Places like Birmingham continue to thrive because the service is professional, the drinks are well-made, and guests aren’t gouged with auto-gratuity for poor service. Ferndale deserves better.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Lizzy McCormick Urlaub

Our favorite place to go on date nights! The drinks are amazing, the food changes every season, and the servers are so wonderful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Erin Boumansour

Syndicate is fantastic! The food is creative and delicious (the crab cakes, chicken satay, lavender feta whip, and flatbreads were all amazing), and the cocktails are just as good. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and makes you feel completely taken care of. Every visit is a great experience—highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Alex Von Mach

Amazing!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ila Konja

Leah was the mixologist and Luna our server. Both ladies were AMAZING! Great service and great food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kyley McConkie

Luna was the best server I’ve ever had. She was so kind and knew everything about the menu. The vibes were immaculate. Drinks were all hand crafted and out of this world amazing, definitely made with love. Food was exceptional. I had passion fruit ceviche, charcuterie board and steak frites with a chimmichurri sauce and truffle fries. Hands down one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. They are seasonal menu and make everything in house. There was dancing in the back. Highly recommend for any occasion

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Scott W

This place is trying to be fancy and has the prices to match but does not live up to the high google rating. Very disappointed in the food quality, especially for the price.

J Cam

Great vibe, great food, and space is attractive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Miracle Reason

Stopped by with friends who had previously.went for a birthday and enjoyed it. Super cute ambiance, house music vibes. Shout out to Brian and Jessica who took care of us.

Deco Daisy -4/5 very complex yet cohesive.

Hemmingway breakfast (cocktail of the moment- rum, lime, apricot jam)- 5/5, delicious, refreshing tart and sweet.

NA Expresso martini 3.5/5- tastes like straight coffee missing something to make it more interesting.

Overall, great experience. Loved the late night deals (offered 9p-close). Would definitely return when I visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Atampreet Singh

20% tip and 3% credit card fee mandatory, doesn't matter your group size, paired with $15-18 per drink in a tiny 12 oz glass!

Really soured by establishment's decision to charge mandatory tip but not have the staff treat us any special.

They are just bringing out the drinks, there is no small talk, no extra welcoming effort.

Will not be returning....

Adam

The drinks here are actually quite amazing though pretty pricey. The deduction of two stars is for adding a credit card charge at a bar on top of already pricey drinks. That is ridiculous.

6-7 update. They now also add 20% tip automatically even if it's just for two people. That is absolute stupidity that's not how tipping works. Another place like the Oakland room where I'm going to decide if I ever want to come back again. Drinks are good but that's a disgusting culture.

Jennifer Jensen

Service was outstanding! Drinks were delish with the exception of the Syndicate old fashioned. It had a great presentation but not a great taste. Ordered 5 items from the menu and some were great and a few just ok. Overall we would return. Definitely had a vibe similar to Victoria's in Oxford. Follow us @ mnjinthemitten on IG and FB

Luxury Chaos

Devilish eggs, filet cooked to perfection, and cocktails that double as a show. The Violet Stratosphere comes with a golden elixir that literally dances on your tongue. 10/10 experience at Syndicate — no notes.

Meow Mixxx

Great service - friendly people. Smiling faces. Great music. Great options. + free tampons in the bathroom - an inclusive place that is the vibe I’m looking for

Loading...