Cute coffee shop located in Sierra madre. Service is great. Popular place on weekends. The drinks are really good. We had something with coconut and it was really good. I wish I got it in the larger size. Only downside is there's no public bathroom. Will come back again to try their other drinks. read more

Americano double shot was watered-down, honey latte was room temperature although I specifically asked for extra hot. The breakfast sandwich was average but tasted better with a hot sauce. The carrot cake cinnamon roll looked amazing but was a bit dry and tasted bitter. First time here but I wasn't a fan. read more

Syndicate - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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very boujee, very limited in sizing, only one size available, but cofee was great, what you expect to taste when drinking coffee

Update now that I'm living closer and can frequent Syndicate: Their food is top tier. They make everything in house, even the bread. The ciabatta was so amazingly soft. The flavors on the sandwich were excellent together. Their dill forward potato salad was excellent and unique. Their cookies are HUGE and packed with flavor and great texture. The baristas are all super nice and accommodating. Everything here is just superb, I am floored by what a gem it is. Do yourself a favor and try anything here. read more

I love this place, they have really great food and their specialty drinks are just good all around. GOOD + Speciality drinks. Try them! I haven't had one disappoint. You can even select an option for them to make a unique drink just to your tastes. + Breakfast food. I've had their sandwiches, quiche, and toasts for breakfast on a number of occasions. So, so good. + Pastries. My favorite is their scone. They also have a cheese pie that I want to try! MEH + Breakfast is only served after a certain hour. I've gone here at 8AM only to be told they don't start making food until 9AM. So just check beforehand. + Limited outdoor seating. read more

I visited Syndicate again and had the opportunity to meet Alex, the owner. He was sincere and kind and remembered my review that he replied to. He took the time to explain why there was a possible change to his croissant recipe and let me try their butter and almond croissants. Verdict. Both were delicious. Cooked with crispness and flaky outer layers and buttery, moist inside layers. Delicious. Will definitely go back read more

Syndicate - Butter croissant, buttery and soft layers - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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It's not an understatement to say this is one of the best coffee shops in Pasadena. Seriously good stuff from their coffee to their pastries, this place has got it covered! I love their London Fog and Mood Ring--some good coffee and tea right there. My favorite pastry (when they have it) is the lavender honey scone. It's not too sweet which is totally my vibe. It's also a really cool place to chill. It's in a really cute spot in Sierra Madre. The baristas are always super nice and move the long lines along. Definitely stop by! A W spot! read more

i love this place except for their refusal to let customers use the bathroom. below is a photo of the dirty hands that i had to eat my tuna melt with. and handled the to go lids with when i got my drink. so, that seems really safe as far as health and safety goes... read more

Syndicate - dirty hand and cafe noir iced - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

They have wonderful pastries. The croissants are so buttery you'll think you're in Paris. The morning buns are to die for. Haven't been there for lunch but it's pretty busy so I believe it's good. Very popular in Sierra Madre. read more

Been coming here (semi-frequent) for awhile now, and wow -- what a little gem nestled in the SGV foothills! The coffee is top-tier (they feature award-winning roasters), the food is dynamite (I'm pretty partial to their little-bit-sweet / little-bit-salty yogurt with all sorts of goodies on top), the design sensibility is on-point, but for me -- what makes it stand out the most is the team there ... Everyone here has been so friendly to me; I kind of suck at names (and I apologize for leaving folks out) but whoever helps me at the register, to who makes the drinks, to the kitchen crew -- everyone has been very kind and chill, even when there's a line out the door (which is pretty much whenever I go there) ... Special shout out to Angelo, who always shares awesome knowledge about everything on brew or being offered, and also gives helpful tips on how to brew your best coffee at home. Def my fave coffee shop in the Southland. Treat yo' self! read more

I work in the village and have never had an issues with my order until today. I ordered a breakfast burrito, some pastries and a coffee. They gave me a pager letting me know when my food is ready. I received my pastries and coffee. Still waiting after 10 minutes for my breakfast burrito. While other people who came after me already got their food. I finally went up to the gentleman who was making the coffees and asked him about my breakfast burrito. He went to check and my breakfast burrito was sitting on the counter by the cash register. He brings it to me, doesn't even say we are sorry. Thank you for waiting. It was our mistake. Nothing! I said to him, "I wonder how long it has been sitting there?" He responds with, "no longer then 2-3 minutes!" How would he even know if no one knew it was there in the first place? He was not friendly at all. Blah attitude. The pastries and coffee are good. The service is not up to par with the good food. Hire people with good people skills and people who actually like their job. After reading some of the reviews, it seems like this is a problem for this business. As much as I like their food and coffee, I will not be coming back to this business. read more

If you want a great cup of coffee in a very cool atmosphere, syndicate coffee shop is your place. Great coffee in Sierra Madre, delicious coffee bakery items and great staff. Super friendly and they make an epic cafe mocha! You will love this coffee shop in Sierra Madre!!! Coffee- 10 stars Coffee snacks - 10 stars Vibe - 20 stars ( very cool place) Staff- 100 stars!!!! read more

Syndicate - Syndicate Neon. What's yours current? After their coffee- it's gotta be jolt!! - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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The pastries are so good it should be illegal. I don't know what kind of magic they're creating back there, but it's casting a spell on me.

Nestled in the village of the foothills surrounded by serene and lush green space. Stands a shop where a group of individuals with a common interest of the magical berry that brings a stimulating effect to us humans and it's way of life. I can honestly say there is true craftsmanship in every cup that is poured. I started off with their specialty drink which is called the bolt and this little taste of heaven had caramel hints with Chardonnay oak and a magical touch of sea salt at the end. All these flavors combined made this first experience a memorable one but there was one more drink that caught my eye and that was the honey latte. So after my first sip the sweet taste of agave left me smacking my lips without the actual stickiness of honey and it's smooth taste was just the right amount one can ask for. Before I knew it I was starring at two empty mugs and feeling a little sad but glad that happened to come across this gem in the foothills. The atmosphere is super chill during the week and on weekends is when this place pops off. The service and baristas were definitely on point and that's my take on this coffee spot, Peace out... read more

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Syndicate has long been a lovely place to get coffee and baked goods, not large on hospitality, but for a walk in/walk out place- nice stuff! we have recently joked that as their hospitality has declined (now hard wood benches have replaced more comfortable seating options) their next step might be upward facing tacks on the wood to ensure patrons not rest for more than a brief moment... But alas-- things are shining brighter for this establishment, enter Porter. We were greeted with a warm hello and a sweet smile, which required a double take. We continued to order and she continued to be kind and hospitable, embracing her role within the "service" industry! We were pleasantly surprised and hope she continues up the ranks and spreads her contagious gracious manner to everyone who works there! Yay Porter! (breakfast burrito, excellent, cinnamon roll- superb, lavendar scone- Both drinks were enjoyed with gusto) read more

I am so happy to have found this place just by driving by. It is a gold mine! Everything is made with high-quality, delicious ingredients. I have been there 3x in the past week since discovering this gem. I order an iced matcha latte with oat milk and lavender syrup. They house-make their lavender and vanilla syrup. Plus, it's not overly sweet at all. It tastes perfect. Their bakery items are my favorite. They are all fresh and baked to perfection. I have tried the chocolate croissant, jalapeño cheese scone, and chocolate chip sea salt cookie. Nothing has disappointed. In sum, Drinks are delicious Pastries are amazing Customer service is great High quality ingredients Need to try their sandwiches next! read more

Syndicate - Chocolate croissant. Iced matcha latte w/oat milk and lavender - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

Syndicate - a new coffee house and bakery in our village. It has an unmistakable positive vibe and modern music playing that suits the 20-30 client very well. All ages support the new coffee bar at the expense of the other traditional coffee house called Bean Town. There are approximately 20 staff buzzing all about and you can watch them mix the dough and make the pastries in front of your eyes which was clever and engaging. The young baristas have a nonchalant attitude and are so laid back. They do make eye contact when you are ordering so that is good. The space occupies a corner spot with half exposure to the street through large windows and sits next door to a sushi restaurant. It is ideally located in our small mountain village close to where all the cyclists unwind after a Saturday 50-mile ride. It is definitely the new cool place to hang out and be seen. They extended their footprint with blue matching tables and petite chairs in front and across the large bay windows on the boulevard. The owner is a professor of philosophy at the community college and he is a big believer in giving young people a job and a second chance. I picked up his sympathetic attitude and he attracts good workers, no slackers and happy customers. Unlike Poppy Cake and dying Bean Town, this is the most popular place to be and be seen. Alex, the owner created delicious pastries, affordable coffees and a huge selection with a very friendly setting. This service business is very difficult to do. I noticed there are several generations present, young, mid 30's 50's and 80's who enjoy the indoor and outdoor space. The boss dresses like his workers in super casual t-shirts and slacks. Nothing flashy just super chill. I show up with my laptop and usually order the same thing every time since I am not a coffee drinker. When I stayed close to closing time, the young lady at the counter said, "Here, would you like another pastry on the house? We are going to close in 10 minutes. I was shocked at her generosity. The service attitude is so relaxed but the line moves quickly and nobody is complaining. I like the positive attitude. If I am locked on my laptop solving a problem or researching something, nobody bothers me and the chatter does not get too loud. It smells really good inside and I always feel uplifted after visiting the place. They make a really good Denver burrito with the best homemade salsa. It is enough to serve two people so I usually split one with my swim buddy Jeff Porter after swim practice at the Rose Bowl at 8 am. We respect each other's space and enjoy the energy there. Sometimes the music may be unrecognizable but that is ok because I know I am represented by their 30 something age group. It is a different generation and I guess that means always new to me. Imagine you could change something about the environment. What would you change? What effect would it have? Why? if I asked them to play smooth jazz music, it would upset too many in the room. The vibe is not smooth jazz. It is modern and somewhat techno. It is striking to see how the owner achieved a balance and still draws from all age groups. I noticed they do experiment with recipes and always willing to try new ideas. In this fashion, they are always innovating. - Tom Brady, Sierra Madre read more

Love everything here. People are very friendly, coffee is good and their pastries are amazing. Would recommend their danishes and croissants, probably the best ones I had! They are very savory and has the nice flaky texture! For drinks, the bolt and the ganache mocha are my top drinks. Update: they have bagels now and sandwiches. I love Lebowski and salmon sandwiches! They were bomb!!! read more

Syndicate - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

The vibes are good, but the coffee is really expensive for what it is. For these prices, I'd expect much higher quality coffee. They also sell beans, but just like the drinks, they're all really expensive and usually stale. read more

Awesome coffee shop with great coffee and some good pastries too! We got the bolt and the peppermint noir and both were very tasty. read more

Syndicate - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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I live close by so I supported this small local coffee shop here and there. Service is great! Nice staff and good view of mountain and the space is light and modern. But $8 for a cup of latte with way too much sugar syrup and $4 for a mini pumpkin loaf... I'm not sure. And this is super subjective... but rock/heavy metal music in a coffee shop where I was trying to get work done? No thanks. read more

Today was my first time at Syndicate. My husband had some questions about the menu and the cashier was so friendly. He explained all about the menu and how a lot of the items are made in house. We ordered the coconut coffee, breakfast sandwich, and breakfast burrito. All very delicious! My husband accidentally spilled my coffee and they made us a new one at no charge. Fantastic customer service! We found our new favorite spot in Sierra madre. read more

Quality coffee served here! Came here with a friend after a bike ride and tried their nitro cold brew. The coffee itself is 5/5 and I was glad to be able to sit outdoors (they have both indoor and outdoor seating). Giving Syndicate 4/5 stars instead of 5 because their menu is pretty expensive, even compared to other great coffeeshops these days. Since it's local to me, I'll definitely be going back in the near future and look forward to updating this review when I do! read more

Syndicate is everything that I would expect and hope from a coffee shop. The energy in there is always high and the baristas are so friendly! It's a great place to hang out or to get some work done. The coffee is arguably the most important part.. and it's the best part of Syndicate. I noticed they sell Cat & Cloud beans along with their merch and I knew instantly their coffee was going to be delicious. I usually get the Plain Jane, but most recently I tried their Coconut Head latte and it was perfect. The coconut cream was so rich but didn't overpower the coffee at all. Might be my new go-to order :-) They have a variety of other drinks too, which I've heard are a hit or miss depending on who you ask, but I can guarantee the coffee will always be a hit. As of May 2022, they've just started having a limited weekend special for their rose pistachio cinnamon rolls. I saw on their Instagram and had to give it a try. The outside was a little dry, but once you got to the inside of the bun it was moist and super flavorful and delicious! I've heard good things about their other pastries so I will be back to try them. Overall, this is pretty dang close to a perfect coffee shop. It's a little pricey, but most coffee shops are nowadays. But I'd say this one is worth it! read more

They have great coffee and it is worth the wait! Amazing customer service! While we were waiting Alex game my 4 year old a hot wheel car. The iced bolt coffee is my go to order. read more

Syndicate - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

7:30am Thursday, party of me Clean and bright. Black paint, stainless steel, wood grain, tile. Cool chill vibe. .Seating. Six plus two (outside) 2 tops, one of the indoor tables with an additional bench for cozy grouping. One large 5 seat table. .Staff. Staff is calm, helpful and friendly. .Taste. So I came for the croissant, be aware that they are turning out baked goods as the day progresses. There is no midnight shift cranking for a fully stocked case by opening. I searched for signs of croissants then stepped up to order a Bolt latte (caramel and smoked salt). Delicious add ins made in-house (syrups, cara I was told croissants were 20 minutes out. I immediately said yes please and I'll wait. Tasted the cheddar jalapeño scone. This is not like a drier scone texture, the texture and tenderness is more like a biscuit. Delicious. Fresh chopped jalapeños not canned. Mine didn't have much heat/ spice so heat level probably varies. Bolt latte lovely to behold, caramel goodness with that hit of salt at the end of each sip. Don't forget to lick your latte 'stache! Had to ask for my pending croissant but other than the longer than 20 min wait it is a thing of beauty. Layers of buttery crisp. Ham and cheese. Not a giant portion but you know that good butter be requirin ducats. read more

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I've been coming here since this place opened, and as much as I didn't want to fall in love with the place, I did. The croissant is what suckered me in, I've really never had a croissant better than the croissant here. Yes I have been to Paris,France (many times), Australia (where is now claimed to have the best), And even had some great ones in St. Petersburg Russia surprisingly. But Syndicate gets my vote for the best. Just when I thought this place had all of the best pastries, cakes, sweets and lattes they rolled out savory items: Smoked meats combines with an innovative twist -on their croissant. A Must try! read more

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I placed the order on the phone and picked it up myself. Loved the food and coffee. I ordered the lox bagel and almond milk iced latte. The bagel is made in house and so is the lox. Alex was super helpful! read more

Syndicate - Iced latte with almond milk - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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I had previously been slightly underwhelmed by Syndicate, in particular their croissants, but lately everything has been spectacular. The croissants are now on par with Poppycake's. read more

Went for a snack and was blown away. Didn't have something in mind to order but noticed in the display case a muffin looking pastry. We asked what that was and was explained it's a "morning bun" like a twisted croissant with cinnamon and sugar. With the first bite it brought me back to my trip in France and the perfect pastries we had. The weekend after we made another trip for the morning bun. Sadly they were out but tried a strawberry danish and wasn't disappointed. I don't think you can go wrong with any of their pastries. Perfect flakiness. Got their iced matcha tea latte which was also tasty. Also friendly staff. I'm a total fan of this place! read more

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This place is slow so don't go if you are in a rush! But the coffee is the best in town. I also really like the food they serve. Good quality and fresh. Highly recommend. read more

delicious food and coffee, staff is always incredibly friendly helpful and cool. Also LOVE that they ditched the QR code menu and have a paper one to look at instead. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get new tables for outside, ive lost countless drinks on them because of their rickety nature. is anyone else having this problem? it's like resting your drink on a drunk daddy long legs. when the slanted window ledge is looking like the safe place for your drink, oye! an old messed up card table would be better! read more

This place was so cute! I got the "mood ring" where the barista picks the drink and he made me a spanish latte! It was delicious definitely recommend! read more

A new coffee shop in Sierra Madre! Hidden amongst the many amazing small businesses in Sierra Madre, look out for this coffee spot! Still in their soft opening phase, it has a very relaxed feel and vibe that is welcoming to all. Upon entering, I was captivated by the smell of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee. Nothing more I could want on a Saturday morning. The seating arrangements are still coming along, but shouldn't be a problem because it's recently spacious for a business in Sierra Madre. My son has a blueberry muffin that lasted about 30 seconds before it was gone. I chose a puff pastry with ricotta cheese and peaches on top. It was excellent and tasted like it was made by a famous bakery. I could tell the baked goods here are extremely well made. My cold brew was also out of this world! Definitely could taste the fruity notes from the beans used in the cold brew and believe they brew by the toddy method. Had to get a refill before I left! (Not sure if they do this for cold brews, but I heard the guy behind me asking for a refill on his hot brew and the owner says they give $1 off on refills). I personally didn't get that deal so maybe it's just for hot coffee? All in all, great experience, great people, great food, great coffee. syndicate! read more

Syndicate - Peach pastry with ricotta cheese - Bakeries Near Me - Sierra Madre, California

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Needed a small caffeine fix and decided to try it out. I got an iced mocha, which was very good...not too too sweet, which I appreciated! The owner(?) also gave my toddler a cookie, which I snuck a bite of for myself...it was a cranberry/nut cookie and it was really good!! ...and this is coming from a chocolate chip cookie girl The employees were genuinely kind. The floorplan is open and there seemed to be an outlet by each table inside. Parking on the street or behind the establishment. A nice addition to the Sierra Madre community! read more

I have been seeing this cafe daily when going to and from my son's school for pick up and am glad we were able to stop by and give it a try today! The shop is located in charming Old Town Sierra Madre area and has a lovely store front. Location itself is okay sized but their is limited seating available currently which could change considering this is a "soft opening." Parking is easily found within fair distance and the ambiance is very relaxed inside. Upon entering we were greeted and the employee took the time to tell us about the different pastries available. There was a man making pastries that was visible as well which my son and some other kids found entertaining. The drink menu had a variety of tea and coffee options. I ordered an iced honey latte with oat milk which I found very refreshing and lightly sweetened. My son had a tea that he was okay with (he likes things very sweet) and I'd likely just get him a pastry and glass of water next time. We both had pastries: my son had a fruit tart he really enjoyed and said the creamy part tasted of banana. I enjoyed the croissants with honey cream and peaches on top which was delectable. I made sure to let the employees know everything was amazing and cannot wait to see their full menu sometime in October. We will definitely be back and tell friends about the place. read more

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Didn't try their food but coffee was good. Will come back again to try their food items. Staffs were friendly. The place is small and cozy with outdoor seating. read more

The latte and food is incredible. The reason for the 3 stars is the wait. I order online 15 minutes before I get there and then wait another 20 mins. I watch every person that has just walked in and they get their drink. I have to go up and ask what's going on, and they say it's coming up. I keep watching every single person who walks in and orders, get their drink before me. I am still waiting as I write this. It's really horrible service. I am a loyal customer who has had enough.... read more

This has been my favorite coffee shop for the past year. I found it randomly while I was returning a package nearby and I'm glad I did. The coffee and food are amazinnnng and the people that work here are super friendly/kind. Highly recommend! read more

This place is very good. Atmosphere, food, coffee, service, all good. Had the avocado toast, which was delicious and has lots of nice veggies. My latte was also very good. Husband had the bagel Tony Curtis thing, which looked delicious. Seating is outside. Do wish they opened a little earlier though. read more