The Livermore

The cocktails are wonderful! The food is definitely not. Most people around us came for drinks and headed elsewhere to eat… and now I know why! The staff is very nice, down to earth and prompt with refills. They clearly don’t handle food orders often as evidenced by confusion and several missed dishes. The bruschetta was bread soaked with tomato water, and the risotto with chicken liver was way too irony and the arborio rice was under done. The meatballs were average. The chocolate coffee dessert was quite good. Definitely go for the drinks, but take a short walk somewhere else for dinner!

The building sits on the corner of Baum Blvd and Highland Ave with the address being on Highland Ave. This building houses the restaurant portion and the Cloakroom (the event portion). The only place I saw «Livermore» anywhere was above the Highland Ave. entrance that I’ve read in others’ reviews is not accessible. Weird.
This is a small restaurant but looks inviting and warm.
The menu has few options, but more than the Cloakroom side. They are Italian options I learn quickly and the menu has lots of Italian wording and Italian wines listed. I had to ask about ingredients and wines. I’m ok with that but it caused me to expect a higher level than what was delivered both in presentation an quality of taste.
We ordered and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, we ask when our food might be ready. We’re told «2 minutes». That appeared to be code for «Oh, shoot; we forgot so tell ‘em 2 minutes and it’ll be ready in 10». It seemed that way.
Food arrived in 2 large white bowls. When I see that I immediately think «microwave». May or may not be true but the food could easily have been. Mine was a pasta with red sauce, cheese, (and pesto and sausage but I wouldn’t have known that except it was listed on the menu). It was meh — bland and so average for a dish that I had to ask what a word was on the ingredient list only to be told it was a cheese. Not impressed with looks or taste. When I order a pesto dish it’s because of the pesto. And pesto is not usually buried in red sauce. My husband ordered risotto with liver, mushrooms. He said his stomach was upset by all the pepper they used. When our host asked us how we liked our dished, we were honest. She did graciously offer to take care of our bill so she might have taken something off it. I wasn’t paying attention as my husband paid.
If the dish is going to be so average, then use English words and ingredients; otherwise, do the dishes some justice with eye-​catching appeal and taste. And, don’t take so long in the kitchen. Note that the same kitchen is shared between the restaurant side and the Cloakroom side.
On the positive side, they don’t accept gratuities according to their menu notes; their staff is paid a salary.

When this spot opened a few years ago it was super edgy. The back was a cool concert space and the bar was speakeasy themed. Constantly packed on Friday nights it was a warm social oasis to the winter weather. I was a little bummed because they don’t have a fully stocked bar so the drinks they can make are limited to the menu but the menu was decent enough.
I went a few Fridays ago at 9:00 and to my dismay the place was completely empty! Literally 3 other people were standing around. I ordered a drink in hopes of buying some time to figure out my next move. It tasted like an orange soda with well vodka. Why would anyone put that on a menu?! I was heartbroken. This place had such potential but just couldn’t pull through. No more hip yuppy crowd here, the fame of this location has fizzled fast.

Sorry Livermore but you should have stuck with the cocktail bar idea. The whole restaurant thing with limiting people to reservations is just lame. There’s a pizza place next door, stick to the custom drinks. Won’t be going back.

What started as something great, and a weekly haunt has turned in to something I don’t go to anymore.
What was a small neighborhood unassuming but high-​quality cocktail bar is now trying to be an Italian restaurant.
The place that I could go out with my neighbors randomly on a Tuesday night, banter with the bartender while drinking delicious, custom libations is now closed on all of the days and times I even think of going.
The door I walked into is closed.
The staff I loved is gone.
The welcome seat-​yourself atmosphere was replaced with a host, a «do you have a reservation? No?! Well, let me see if we can seat you…» pretense.
The oysters are gone.
The website is now a 404.
Who knew such an amazing place could self-​destruct in such a depressing way. :-(

The first couple of times I went to The Livermore in the early days, I found the bartenders to be friendly and interested in talking about the cocktails and how they’re made. Good experience then.
The last 2 times in recent months I went to the Livermore, however, the bartenders seemed to be aloof hipsters who made it seem like they were doing you a favor by taking your order, making your drink and delivering it. Admittedly, I was not sporting a Boy Scout shirt, a trucker’s hat or interesting facial hair so this may have colored my reception. The last time we went there, we were greeted with social indifference and my fiancée got a 3 ounce (no exaggeration) pour of a $ 12 glass of wine and I ordered an Old Fashioned ($ 14). The bartender, in front of me, poured about a half ounce of one rye whiskey (Dickel) then threw out the bottle and finished the drink with a different bottle of rye whiskey (Rittenhouse). When I confronted him about this he said «Well, I ran out of the first one so I finished with a different one. It will still be a good drink, man». No further explanation or apology and when we got the check, no monetary acknowledgement/​apology either.
I don’t know how much of this has to do with the lack of incentive generated by the no gratuity policy, but I do know that I will never go back to this establishment and I will advise any of my friends who value quality drinks, a relaxed customer-​driven atmosphere, and a bare minimum of respect from their servers to look elsewhere. I think the management needs to clean house.

We had the oddest and most uninviting experience at Livermore the other night. I honestly wish I had read the recent reviews posted by the others because my experience was similarly disappointing.
The 2 people in our party that arrived first had apparently been asked by the bar staff to move from the middle of the bar to the ends, so as to leave room at the bar to accommodate bigger groups. (The irony of this unfolds later). I was the 4^th person to arrive, and as I was saying hello, putting my coat away, and essentially getting settled before sitting down at the bar, the staff urged us to take a table for 4 behind us. We declined, saying there were more people joining us. The staff pressed us to take the table again, explaining that they were no longer a cocktail bar, and that there was a strict ‘no standing’ policy at the bar. Sensing that this was not going to be a good venue for a big gathering, I made the call that we would finish our round of drinks and food here (since people had already ordered both), and then move on to another place.
So we remained at the bar, but now, aware of and accommodating to the ‘no standing’ policy, we were seated, waiting for our orders, and mulling our next destination. Then, a fifth friend walked in. While we all stood up to say hello, the bar staff was clearly disturbed and again, asked if we would move to the tiny table for 4 (even though we were now 5 people). I immediately explained to the newcomer that they didn’t want us standing around the bar, and I got up and told the group to move to the other side of the bar, where we could all SIT around the corner, and still talk to each other while we waited for our pending orders.
Amazingly, the staff told us we couldn’t sit there. To which we incredulously asked, so, you don’t want us to stand, but you don’t want us to sit? Again, they tried to move us to the 4 person cocktail table, and mumbled something about not wanting a large group to sit at the bar. This — after they had tried to move the first 2 people in our group to the end of the bar so as to be able to accommodate bigger groups at the bar? Truly bizarre! We clearly were unwanted, and this place wasn’t worth another ounce of effort. We paid for everything we had ordered (some of which was yet to come out) and left.

I go here all the time for happy hour. From 5 – 6 they have $ 5 cocktails and half price small plates of delicious Italian food. You really can’t beat that. The cocktails are made well and they have just enough on the menu to keep me interested. The food is delicious, and it’s not very often that you get food this great with happy hour prices, but there you go.

I’m not sure about this concept. I’m sitting here in a virtually empty, beautiful restaurant with palpably bored waitstaff. None can be bothered to smile. The restaurant serves a fixed menu for brunch so I have no choice in my lunch. This would be fine if A) there was at least a choice of an a la carte item or two or B) if the server spoke audibly enough so that one could hear what was on the day’s menu.
The first course was comprised of two scones, both uninspired but fine enough. These were followed by a plate full of admittedly delicious — I mean, really nutty and smooth — prosciutto with a dollop of fresh ricotta. Figuring out how I was expected to eat it was interesting… do I schmear the prosciutto in the cheese? Do I wrap it around one of the accompanying bread sticks? No matter — it was tasty even if a bit strange.
Now I’m working on an absolutely perplexing salad of bitter greens, sliced radish and leeks. Raw leeks. Who in the heck eats (or serves) raw leeks? A more thoughtful or interesting dressing would help, but as is I kind of feel like I’m trying to eat a bowl full of stock veggies.
(Oh, man. The music just cut out and it is sooo quiet in here. This is a little awkward.)
My fourth course of quiche and a meatball has arrived. It is also a bit confusing (quiche and a meatball?) but it is supremely delicious. The crust on the quiche is flaky and just perfect, while the custard is light as air, flavored with thyme and reminiscent of Thanksgiving. It may be the best quiche I have ever had. As for its friend Meatball, it too is quite good. The meat mixture includes ground mortadella, which imparts a unique flavor that — you know what? — isn’t half bad with a forkful of quiche.
The final course of two slices of cake — one lemon and one spice — has been packed to go because I am stuffed and also because I kind of want to get out of here. So, briefly, my take-​aways:
1. Please don’t serve raw leeks.
2. Maybe have a chalkboard out with the day’s selections so diners know what they’re in for?
3. Smile, people! You’re salaried, and there’s some tasty prosciutto in the kitchen. Maybe snag a slice or two and cheer up a bit?

I was a pretty regular visitor here for over a year, stopping in probably close to once a week on average (usually to grab a post-​dinner cocktail with a friend). It was one of the first places I would take any friends from out of town; the drinks were excellent, the vibe was relaxed, and they seriously had the best bar staff. There were several regular bartenders who were always super friendly, informative, and seemed to actually care that their patrons were enjoying themselves and their drinks.
Shortly before one of my best friends moved out of the city, we made it a point to stop in. We found that the Highland Ave. entrance was locked, which was odd. We were redirected to the small entrance around the side, and knew something was up. Upon entering, we were greeted by a hostess and informed that there had been «some changes» and that they were now a full-​service restaurant. We asked if we could just sit at the bar and order a cocktail, and were told with snarky attitude that that probably wouldn’t be possible without a reservation. She did disappear behind the weird thick curtain that now hid the main room and returned to tell us that she could «probably» squeeze us into one of the corners. In the meantime we had glanced over the menu only to find that the cocktail list was reduced to less than five lackluster choices. This, combined with the weird interaction that had occurred, caused us to decline her offer and leave to find a drink elsewhere.
Now, I’m not lowering my rating so severely due to a change in concept. Change can be good, and obviously the owners can do whatever they want – it’s their place, after all. My intention is not to whine just because I happened to like the way it was before. I can’t say I understand it though, considering this place seemed super successful (the few times I went late on a Friday or Saturday, it was packed). Also, it doesn’t seem to make sense as a restaurant. There are about four tables; the rest is all bar counters.
Pittsburgh Magazine posted an article in early June announcing the changes. The article also suggested that the staff (who, as I mentioned, were part of the reason we loved this place) were not given advance notice of the changes, and that the majority moved on or were let go. That was unfortunate to hear. And everything I have heard just sounds shady.
I posted a link to that article on Twitter to show some other friends who enjoyed going here, and in turn I was literally blocked by the Livermore. Bizarre, right? I started to look around on Twitter, and found that a few others had posted the article. In one case, the Livermore (publicly) referred to one of the people who posted it as a «f*cktard» which is a really curious approach to PR. Sorry, but I can’t support that kind of business.
Maybe it’s not fair to give one star considering we didn’t even stay long enough to try the food. But I feel it was certainly earned through these bizarre experiences. The food could be amazing, but unfortunately I have no intention of trying it and supporting this or Bar Marco, given the circumstances.

Came here for a No Menu Monday serving Haitian food to benefit the HAS Haiti. It was basically different variations of rice and beans, but they were very tasty. The featured cocktail was a rum punch that had grapefruit and pineapple in it, and it was very good. The whole meal was very filling. The vibe is pretty classy and is mostly older people, so my 20-​something friends and I didn’t quite fit the scene, but it was still a fun night.

What a great place to chill! The Livermore has a totally Italian menu (odd because of the English name) but the desserts were delicious. Keeping with my tradition if desserts first, I was impressed that they were so interesting and simple and delish! I will be going back for dinner!
Walking in the front door was a little confusing but once you realize that it’s ok to step into the kitchen to get to the door it made you feel like you were home. To the left, you walk into a bar that had a San Fran feeling about it. Low lighting, romantic dark chandeliers, old books and bottles of whiskey, wood bars and tables, decorated the room and made it so cozy. If you sit opposite the bar looking out the window you get a view of the Presby church on Baum which I had no idea was that gorgeous before visiting the Livermore!
On to the desserts, I had the goat cheese, lavender, mint panna cotta… ummmm. yum. I mean panna cotts is every where but these guys can play. The flavor medley, perfect.
Next I had the olive oil and polenta cake. It was like grandma’s poke cake where they poke holes and drizzle a lemon simple syrup over it. It was truly delish with its fresh whipped cream and crumbled pistachio topping.
All I can say is go. Go now.

I used to go to The Livermore quite a bit, starting a year ago (literally it’s been a year — FB reminded me yesterday). The staff was always great, and they had amazing small bites that were to die for. The cocktails used to be great too. I think they’re trying to change the concept, but I personally don’t like it.
Now, the old front entrance off S Highland is locked, and you have to come in off the side street from the kitchen. It seems strange personally and a tad bit unwelcoming.
Now, you aren’t supposed to tip… I heard it was a similar concept at their sister site (Bar Marco). That’s fine, but now the servers don’t seem to have a personal investment in you. We arrived on Friday night around 10:30 PM and they told us last call was at 10:45. It took a long time to get our first drink and by the time we got it we couldn’t order another. Maybe it’s just me but that sounds like an early last call. The menu seemed different too… It just seemed to be lacking the cocktails I once loved…
Now I don’t ever want to go back. I don’t know what happened but it is an empty shell of its former self.

This past weekend was my third visit, and if it wasn’t my last, it’ll be close to it. They changed their concept since I was here last, or so they announced at the door. Which gave me hope that the wonderful cocktails with the dreadful and clueless service would be a thing of the passed. I hoped in vain.
Their remodel involves the absorption of the Shadow Lounge next door, and also, for some reason they have stopped using the beautiful new doors they installed, and you must now enter through a narrow kitchen corridor. Not only is this confusing and unmarked, it adds the very unsanitary step of having people walk through the food preparation area which, as one of our party pointed out, is a bright line health code violation. Ew.
The new plan was extensively explained at the door, including their no tipping policy. (to match Bar Marco) I understand the upside of the policy, and its potential to change, but what we saw was its downside, with a staff that neither knew nor cared about what they were serving, as they no longer had a stake in the issue. Much more surprising was the lack of cocktails. The Livermore is no longer a cocktail bar, its only claim to fame, but now does tapas, wine and beer.
The tapas were not bad, though both pricey and quite basic, they were tasty and reasonably well portioned. If those had been added to the cocktails, and the staff properly trained, they would have been moving up. Sadly, the same cannot be said about the beverages. The wine list contains just three reds and three whites, which I at first thought was a very gutsy move. Serving such a small selection requires a great deal of faith in you ability to choose. Sadly the wines, and we tried 4 out of six at the recommendation of the bartender, ranged for poor to downright unpleasant. All the wines were refrigerator cold, but even after warming they were harsh cheap wines, well below the price point or atmosphere of the place.
I admit, I didn’t want to write a review like this. I wanted to see that they had realized they needed to improve training but had a good concept in place. Instead, they abandoned the concept, left the poor training in place and reopened with a new and less inviting concept. We can only hope that someone takes control of this place before it sinks altogether. Such great potential in that spot!

I have loved this place ever since it opened. I’ve never had a bad drink here, and I find it fascinating to watch the incredibly hipster staff make them with so much attention to detail. I love the way they serve you a glass of bubbly when you first get in.
I also really enjoy the food — you should definitely consider ordering snacks to go with your cocktails! They rotate the menu so it’s hard to keep up but everything has been delicious.
What keeps me from giving it 5 stars? The prices. The price of even standard drinks (e.g. a gin and tonic) is a little high for my liking. I would come here all the time if it were just a tad less expensive! I still come here at least once a month because I just can’t resist.

Extremely welcoming and knowledgeable staff! Nice atmosphere as well.
We arrived early, so we had the whole place to ourselves for a while. The staff was very friendly in assisting us with our decisions.

Arrived at 8:30pm on a Saturday for early drinks. Place wasn’t crowded, but that quickly changed — place became PACKED at 9:30 as people filtered in. Get there early and snag a table if you can!
Cocktails and specialty drinks are $ 9 — $ 14 and range from classic (manhattan and old fashioned) as well as some other favorites (vesper). Bartenders will also craft a specialty drink upon request (I told them «vodka and not too sweet» and they delivered!). Cool vibe, cool people and delicious drinks. Not what you’d expect from this area, but the folks from Bar Marco delivered.

I have been to the Livermore twice now, once on a Thursday towards the evening when it opened, and now again on a Saturday night.
I was there with a girlfriend of mine after just having dined at Casa Rasta next door.
It’s a neat space and owned by the Bar Marco crew, so they have extended the model of craft mixology with premium ingredients.
It was crowded but not brimmed, [it was 10:30pm so this may change throughout the remainder of a Saturday. I ordered a whiskey sour with the added non-​required egg white ingredient. The mixologist was good enough to ask which version I preferred.
Now to outline the common criticism of the bar: It’s too popular!
Each of our drinks took 20 minutes to get to us and another 15 minutes to get the attention for the final bill. Usually, this is a death-​sentence for a popular bar however the Livermore will get a pass.
As the model serves craft drinks only [no soft drink products in the vicinity] a drink will take a minimum of 3 minutes to make from start to finish + ordering time + adding the drink to queue [cash register] + delivery. this averages to at least 5 minutes a drink per customer.
At a rate of 15 – 20 intended orders over a span of 30 minutes will make it impossible for this bar to deliver a premium drink in a «manageable» popular bar delivery time of 10 minutes or less [can you tell I am writing this review during MBA Operations class??]
However! This system is perfectly acceptable when you are visiting the Livermore during an off-​peak time. The atmosphere is lovely and the décor is appropriate and the bar tenders have seemingly lost their Bar Marco snob attitude in their commute from the Strip District.
Conclusion: Go to this bar for delicious drinks either to start off the night on Fridays and Saturdays or during the weekdays. — Will be returning there myself during that timeframe.

I really really wanted to give this place a great rating bc I was really excited about it. Unfortunately, I’ve been waiting 30 minutes for a drink so far and it’s still counting. I totally understand that these drinks are super involved to make. However, they are woefully underprepared for a busy Saturday night. With a bar packed to the brim and a live show next door, they have only two bar tenders working the entire place. It took me at least 15 minutes to even get looked at by the bartender and after I gave her my order, she was so busy doing other orders and drinks that after another 15 minutes she had forgotten my order.
Update: after another 10 minutes I have gotten my drink. They are delicious drinks. However this place needs WAY better management and more bartenders.
I really wish I could give more stars bc this place reminds me of my favorite places in DC. But alas, 40 min is too long to wait for a drink.

Very similar to it’s counterpart, Bar Marco in quality of cocktails, but with every aspect of the bar a little simpler. The cocktail menu is pared down to classics and the food menu is really just snacks and nibbles.
The space is very similar to Bar Marco, but the décor seems to lack the finish that Bar Marco has. Good place for a laid back drink on the week nights, which is probably the biggest draw for me! Love that there are more options in the East End for craft cocktails! There’s also plenty of street parking.
Service was also very attentive and friendly, so no complaints here. Just remember that this isn’t Bar Marco, so the bartender isn’t going to concoct a different cocktail each time. They’re more than happy to provide suggestions, but they do have the menu of cocktails for a reason.