Category icon

Foundation

Cocktail Bar and Whisky Bar$$$$
Raleigh
Save
Share
8.3/10
221
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Daniel
    "My favorite bar in Raleigh"(3 Tips)
    Andrew R.
    "Or skip the eggy mix, and get an Old Fashioned."(8 Tips)
    Susan M.
    "Try the Tom Collins or do it Mad Men style with an Old Fashioned."(4 Tips)
    Mary B.
    "Favorite cocktail in Raleigh: the Charleston Sour at Foundation."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon71 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • cocktails
  • good for dates
  • charleston sour
  • trendy
  • romantic
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Pax W.
    Pax WhitfieldJanuary 5, 2014
    One of the few bars in Raleigh that I don't feel is making some compromise to appeal to a wider swath of folks. The result is one of the few places in town I genuinely like without reservation.
  • Melissa Ashleyheart icon on user image
    Melissa AshleyApril 12, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Making my way through their unique and quality cocktail list, but so far loving Tom Collins + South Side. Come in for an intimate, conversation friendly bar! $1 membership on weekends required.
  • Conner H.heart icon on user image
    Conner HobsonNovember 10, 2014
    I asked about the $5 cocktail menu that someone on foursquare mentioned and it doesn't currently exist; however the drinks are well worth the money. The woodwork in here makes for great ambiance.
  • Robert B.heart icon on user image
    Robert BelcianoApril 17, 2016
    If in Raleigh, this is definitely a must stop for a quick drink. It is set in the old Raleigh Times building, so pretty cool history/atmosphere.
  • Jim H.heart icon on user image
    Jim HerrickApril 6, 2014
    If you love natural flavors in a hand-crafted drink made by an educated bartender, you will really enjoy this place.
  • Jasminheart icon on user image
    JasminSeptember 2, 2018
    The King's Mountain Gimlet is top notch if you're a gin drinker 👌🏼
  • Tom J.
    Tom JMarch 13, 2012
    Imbibe Magazine recognized Foundation for pouring some of the Best Contemporary Cocktails in the South in their March/April 2011 Southern Issue.
  • Brandon 🍣🍶☕️
    Brandon 🍣🍶☕️December 26, 2015
    I'll be honest. The fact that there is no cell service in this basement bar is nice. Best whiskey selection in Raleigh.
  • Katherine M.
    Katherine M.October 20, 2015
    "House-made colas and syrups are mixed into cocktails like the Sweet Home Carolina (Cruzan light rum, sweet potato simple syrup, an egg and autumnal spices; $10)." --NYT 36 Hours Read more
  • William V.
    William VaughanFebruary 11, 2016
    Quite the cozy place to hide for a beer out and about. Perfect place to go to escape the huge crowds!
  • Rodney
    RodneyJanuary 20, 2013
    Drinks are something special here. I wish I could remember the name of the one made with kudzu jelly. At first thought it was too tart, but now wanna try again!
  • JessC ⚓heart icon on user image
    JessC ⚓August 27, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Become a member and visit often. Unique drinks and atmosphere that attract only the coolest people in Raleigh.
  • Joseph S.heart icon on user image
    Joseph SilversAugust 17, 2015
    Great seasonal cocktails, and their whiskey ginger is the best in Raleigh.
  • Sera L.
    Sera LewisMarch 2, 2019
    Been here 10+ times
    Excellent, old school cocktails, in a fabulously old school cellar.
  • Todd W.
    Todd WilliamsSeptember 2, 2014
    Great bar. Excellent bourbon list. I would go with the Old Fashioned. Perfection.
  • Kheart icon on user image
    KFebruary 16, 2016
    Loved the space but service took a while. Bartenders not paying attention and focused on talking to bar patrons.
  • V B.
    V BryanApril 5, 2012
    Awesome specialty cocktails. Bourbon list that makes you want to slap yo mama! Get the Tar Heel if you like soda drinks.
  • Esther W.heart icon on user image
    Esther WallaceJune 30, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Bring your membership, and be ready to drink beverages you can't get anywhere else on Fayetteville St.
  • Todd B.
    Todd BukerMay 2, 2012
    Not a lot of room, but a great bar all around. Great selection of whiskeys and unique cocktails.
  • Andrew R.
    Andrew RomanFebruary 20, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Have some Coffee and Pie. It's not food; it's their best drink yet. Or skip the eggy mix, and get an Old Fashioned. Both rock
  • Susan M.
    Susan MarshFebruary 15, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    Foundation has, hands down, the best $5 recession cocktail menu around. Try the Tom Collins or do it Mad Men style with an Old Fashioned. You won't be disappointed!
  • Meredith B.heart icon on user image
    Meredith BabbJune 1, 2015
    Amazing cocktails, amazing service.
  • McKinney B.
    McKinney BrownDecember 27, 2013
    The "Tarheel" was incredible. REAL ginger ale made in-house.
  • Jorge G.
    Jorge GomezJuly 6, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Everything is awesome....but don't leave without trying the peanuts!!!!
  • Lindsay
    LindsayNovember 27, 2011
    Be patient! Worth waiting to get in. Also get a drink with ice cubes. You will see why.
  • Bryan Y.
    Bryan YountJuly 19, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    The drinks are unlike any I've had elsewhere. Get any of the drinks with egg whites in them. Trust me on this!
  • Bryan S.heart icon on user image
    Great whiskey spot, but only American whiskey and bourbons
  • Miha C.
    Miha CApril 9, 2011
    Cute atmoshpere, great selection of wines (on tap) and they carry a lot of local beers
  • JessC ⚓heart icon on user image
    JessC ⚓May 27, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Say hi to Laura White. Also, gin lovers pleaseee give the Seven Seas Sour a chance. Won't disappoint.
  • Megan T.heart icon on user image
    Megan ThayerSeptember 9, 2015
    Cool vibe! Their sangria is yummy!
  • h
    hMarch 20, 2015
    Cozy, underground, mostly local beers
  • Andrew B.heart icon on user image
    Andrew BlackburnJanuary 20, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Best gin and tonics in Raleigh. I dare you to prove me wrong.
  • Mandeep B.heart icon on user image
    Mandeep BalApril 28, 2015
    Great bar! Large bourbon collection
  • Daniel
    DanielDecember 27, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    My favorite bar in Raleigh and a great place for drinks and conversation.
  • Liz J.heart icon on user image
    Liz JohnsonAugust 16, 2016
    Summer sangria is awesome!
  • Jessi R.
    Jessi RogersApril 11, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Order a Tom Collins. Carrie is awesome!
  • Glenna A.
    Glenna AshleyJune 11, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    The staff is the best! Get the ginger slinggggg!
  • Micheleheart icon on user image
    MicheleJune 17, 2017
    Great cocktails
  • Jimmy F.
    Jimmy FarrowMarch 24, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    You absolutely must try the Country Thyme cocktail.
  • Bill T.heart icon on user image
    Bill TraversSeptember 28, 2013
    Beer tent good!
  • Jen C.
    Jen CurrierAugust 31, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Olde Hickory Hefeweizen, jalapeño infused vodka, lime juice, and honey.
  • Paul N.heart icon on user image
    Paul NovareseAugust 9, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Great bartenders
  • Rebecca D.
    Rebecca DixonOctober 18, 2013
    Great spot for cocktails with Frienfs....
  • Lauren C.
    Lauren CollaltoJuly 10, 2011
    The Charleston Sour and the Tar Heel are great.
  • Matt Davisheart icon on user image
    Matt DavisApril 17, 2017
    Good drinks, good atmosphere
  • Kelly L.
    Kelly LJuly 17, 2012
    Get the Root Beer Flip No.3! It's freaking amazing!
  • Mary B.
    Mary B.September 11, 2011
    Favorite cocktail in Raleigh: the Charleston Sour at Foundation.
  • Evan K.heart icon on user image
    Evan KinneyAugust 25, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    Ask Betty for a Misha's Wrath. You won't regret it.
  • Penny A.
    Penny Ashley-LawrenceJanuary 17, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Spicy rum and their cola. When the bring the first one, go ahead and order the second.
  • Walter J.heart icon on user image
    Walter JohnsonApril 5, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    The whiskey gingers ate the ish
Photos187 Photos