Really a great place that knows their theme and sticks to it. I understand they started off just doing Tiki night once a week and it just grew in popularity. They have some great novelty drinks in collectable cups. I think the pirate head drink is terrible but the volcano drink while sugary is really fun! Check this place out! read more

Love the atmosphere here. The drinks were great as well! My general understanding is that if you get here before 9:00 it's going to be relatively quiet - a great place to have a nice conversation, but after 9:00 it really gets busy and there seem to be a good number of groups that come here, so you might want to take your intimate conversation elsewhere at that point. Parking was easy, prices were reasonable, bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. I'd definitely come back! read more

Crazy fun drinks! You walk in to this adorable, intimate, dim-lit tiki bar. It's good for smaller groups. Limited seating. Its' not a very loud and crazy atmosphere. There are so many drinks to choose from! And they are all delicious... and strong. The only con? The wait can be long for a drink - even if it's not that busy. It can take several minutes to make one drink. read more

Fabulous Mai Tais and great atmosphere!

Oh baby! When you enter Foundation you're transported to an alternate universe filled with dark intimate interiors, friendly bartenders, and arguably some of the best tropical cocktails in the 414. I'd recommend the Mai Tai or Demerara Daiquiri, but I'm sure all their drinks are good. Looking forward to our next visit. Keep up the good work Foundation! read more

The place blew me away. The combination of music, lighting and crowd made for an amazing atmosphere. The drinks were delicious and very strong; gives a bang for your buck! Very satisfied and hope everyone gets a chance to try read more

Foundation Bar - Pictured here are "Hell on the pacific" next to a candlelit and a super duper cool tiki heads,which are on every table. - Tiki Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This is a pretty sweet Tiki bar. The only thing they were missing was the jungle storm soundtrack with a volcano, monkeys, and airplane fly by. Instead the music being played was more along the lines of a old Vagas Lounge. I wish this place was smoke free but they have good drinks in fun tiki cups. a slamming Decor with my favorite Puffer Fish lights,. read more

Craving a little island vibe? Want an amazing hand crafted beverage. Wanna get "Rum-dumb"? Authentic décor, fabulous low-lit warm vibe. A perfect start or end to your evening on the town. read more

Foundation Bar - Tiki Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Walking into Foundation is a transitional experience. As soon as the doors shut, you are in this fantastical, colorful yet somehow intimate, deliciously kitchy, Tiki-themed world. The ambiance itself makes this place well worth your time. However, Foundation is much more than simply a pretty face. I love cocktails, but typically am not a fan of Tiki drinks. When I think about tiki bars I think about overly sugary drinks that have almost no alcohol in them and that are made by people who put no care into what they're doing. Foundation is how every tiki bar should be. There is a large menu of 20-30 different tiki cocktails, and all of them are well-balanced. Yes, they're sweet (because, again, these are tiki drinks). However, they aren't sickeningly sweet, and you can easily spend a few hours here with friends having several rounds of delicious cocktails. The biggest negative here is that there wasn't any tableside service when we came on a Saturday night (was in a group of ~8), and ordering at the bar was quite a wait. We definitely would have ordered more if not for having to stand and fight to catch the bartenders attention every time. However, I can't let that stop me from giving this place 5-stars. Not just the best tiki bar I've ever been to, but an excellent cocktail bar, period. Well done, Foundation. read more

Just pure fun. This Tiki bar is one of my faves. Great service and fun drinks. average prices make this a great pick for s good value ( decently priced drinks but great atmosphere!) Recommended read more

This place is fantastic. Reasonably priced drinks that you really only need one or two of to have a great night because man they are loaded with alcohol. The decor is awesome, puffer fish lights, surfboard looking tables, and a cool fish tank (no TVs in the building, be aware). It is incredibly dark inside, but your eyes will adjust in time. It's relatively small so get here early on weekends. Bartenders are super awesome and are willing to help you figure out a drink option if you go off menu (note: rum is king here, don't be looking for much else). read more

One of the coolest places in Milwaukee, you feel like you're in a different world (or at least hemisphere) at Foundation. Hidden in plain sight within a residential neighborhood, you would never guess based on the exterior that this unassuming building houses such a transcendent watering hole. The decor is absolutely mesmerizing and totally trans-locates your spirit from a bitter wintry Wisconsin night to the warm beach on an island far away. The drinks are prepared with deft touch and as you leave you feel as if you just rolled off your ocean-side hammock. read more

Literally slowest service ever. Usually only one bartender working for a place filled with people. Jerks at the door. Waited about 20 minutes and still couldn't get a drink. Don't recommend. read more

I recommend the mai-Thai, it was delicious! This is a great spot to experience a laid back ambiance with relatively inexpensive , well made cocktails. The staff was super friendly, drinks got me buzzing! Check it out for yourself! read more

The vibe here gets 5 + stars! I felt like I was in a different part of the country! I absolutely loved it! The drinks get 3 stars... a little too boozy with average flavor (the Kill Devil and Mai Tai). My fiance and I agreed that we would definitely take out-of-towners here for a visit (but would get different drinks). read more

I love bars that blow your mind the second you walk in. On the outside Foundation seems like just another Riverwest corner bar. Walk inside, and it's a Tiki village. And there was bonus impact because I first came here in January on a 2 degree night, it was so tropically warm inside. I have yet to have one of the signature drinks here, so basically I'm digging this place solely on decor and atmosphere. The beer I had was fairly priced, and the staff was friendly in explaining some of the drinks to some of my friends I came with. The clientele seems to be mostly Riverwest locals, a little bit younger and hipster friendly. Have to go back soon! read more

This place is the benchmark for any future Tiki bar I go to. The bartenders are perfect, the atmosphere is perfect, the drinks.... the drinks, I tell you, I've never had drinks as good in my whole life. I'd suggest the Blue Hawaiian or the Lonely Virgin. read more

Foundation Bar - This place amazes me every time. I tried the Pirates Grog and man did I feel like a pirate. - Tiki Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Oh my gosh I love Foundation. Possibly the coolest bar I've been to in Milwaukee and I mean cool. The decorations are spot on. The menu is extensive and the drinks are tasty. You can pay more to get a take-home mermaid glass which of course I did. My one and only complaint is they don't have an outdoor seating area beyond the front sidewalk area. But ignore that last comment if you haven't been because you should be out the door right now on your way to Foundation. read more

Alright, sometimes when I review I want to channel Hemingway and Tolstoy into my fingers to properly express the joy I experience at a particular location. Granted, I had an inside line on Foundation because I met a Foundation bartender on a boat cruise the night before, but that doesn't mean that I alone can get the deluxe experience. Bottom line: certain bartenders at this place CARE about their craft. They advise going on a Monday because it isn't as crowded and you can learn about the history of what you're drinking. Talk to Cliff or Michael about the drinks they are creating and you will get a wonderful explanation of history and flavors. If God forbid they move on to somewhere else, try to find someone else who loves rum drinks as much as they do. I had a couple things were incredible. First, Michael made me a fabulous drink called the "Shrub." It was a rum drink made fresh nutmeg and cinnamon as well as steeped berries for flavor. If I got that wrong, I apologize, because I was little drunk for the explanation. I was told that the recipe dates back to the 1600s and the only thing different about it was the ice in the glass, which they didn't have back then. I LOVED the drink, and so did the several other people at my table who tried it. Cliff had us explore the world of rum a bit further when he dropped off a delicious spicy rum drink with a cinnamon stick in it that he said dated back to the 1950s or so. I don't recall the name, but it had layers to it after you took a sip that was a bit of an adventure all in of itself. Extremely artistic. I had no idea Foundation had it in it. I was here a few times before, but I did not have this experience. It just shows that if you go on the right night, ask the right questions, act like you wanna know more about the passion and craft of the bartenders... that you can expect the world. I have been to some great cocktail lounges in Chicago and New York and this places best stacks up with the best in any major city. Hands down. Can't say enough. Bravo. read more

The only thing that sucks about this place is that there's always something new to try, so I end up having, like, three drinks and feeling by like canned ass the next day. Worth it. read more

This is hands down my favorite bar. My rule of thumb is to always try the seasonal special drinks on the chalkboard! Also more enjoyable on weekday nights and for happy hour when it's not busy. Super knowledgeable staff: they know all about their booze. read more

My favorite bar anywhere, and by extension and merit, my favorite tiki bar. Cannot say enough about the owner, Don Nelson, and his dedication to quality and authenticity. From the decor, featuring wonderful pieces from local, renowned artist Dave Hansen (Lake Tiki), to the music (exotica, lounge, Polynesian and other island music, and sometimes torch standards), to the live entertainment (ranging from The Exotics, the owner's band, to Cocktail Preachers, to live tiki carving and floor shows)--every bit of what goes down in here is on point. Critiki gives Foundation an 8.7 tiki rating, which is high praise indeed. Don is a great ambassador and promoter of tiki culture, and it really shows. It's a destination for fellow tiki enthusiasts around the world, yet somehow Foundation also simultaneously manages to be many Riverwesters' favorite regular corner bar. I think that's wonderful, that everyone is comfortable here. My husband and I bring a revolving group of friends here once a month, in our own little extension of what was once "Tiki Tuesday," from Foundation's days as a mainly punk-oriented bar. To the drinks. The true measure of a quality tiki bar. First, the staff I've met are lovely and friendly, very dedicated people. They strive to hit the mark with each drink they make. Now, there's plenty of beer and wine and standard drinks at hand, but tiki drinks are special because they're crafted with care. From the housemade infusions to the extensive and fresh ingredients, to the crazy good rum selection, to the end result, a proper tiki drink is a complex thing to be respected. It takes time to do it right, and if you're hopping around all impatient and wanting the bartender to hurry up already, you're doing it wrong. I recommend settling down and enjoying the pace and vibe of the bar. There's no need to stress about it, take a load off. That's what tiki is for, after all. Chill. :) What they produce here can stand up to anything anywhere. A Mai Tai is the standard by which a good tiki bar is judged, and you'd be hard-pressed to find better. They pride themselves on the authenticity of this drink, and it's consistent, every single time. I'm working my way through their expansive tiki drink menu and only have a few things left to try. It's been a pleasure to take such a tasty excursion, with drinks often served in a classic variety of tiki mugs and bowls, often available for purchase to flesh out your home bar collection. You've got a mix of classic tiki drinks, those with their own spin, and intriguing, delicious specials to stretch the palate. I've been to my share of tiki bars, but many have been to so many more than I have. The consensus is clear--Foundation is a treasure not to be missed. read more

How did it take me so long to discover this tiki paradise?! The drinks are fun, fiery, and fantastic. Came here on weeknight and was able to take advantage of the uniquely cozy seating areas, which are non-existant on busy nights. Great place to drink away the winter blues. read more

I've been here multiple times, and recently took some out-of-towners visiting from LA and SF. They all raved about the drinks, the atmosphere, and the reasonable prices! I agree. I love coming here, especially on a quiet weeknight, where you've got more room to spread out and have good conversation & a solid cocktail. The menu has a wide variety for all tastes - from sweet and fruity to pretty boozy. Perfect spot for a date or with a group of friends. Cheers! read more

Great attention to Tiki detail. Friendly, skilled bartenders that crank out drinks quickly. Best Mai Tai in Milwaukee. A few neighborhood regulars sitting near the door drinking beer so you don't forget you are in Milwaukee not a tropical island. Love the pufferfish lights over the bar. read more

This place is AMAZING. Beautiful Tiki decor, cool music and great service. Contrary to Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago (another Tiki Bar), Foundation is affordable and not pretentious at all. Drinks are delicious!!! read more

Super cute tiki bar in riverwest! We went there for a friends birthday and the drinks or vibes didn't disappoint. Be sure to get there early, they have a small capacity! read more

This is the best goddamn bar in Milwaukee, and possibly the best bar on the North Coast. The Foundation occupies a place in my liver heretofore held only by my locals of 8 years in Champaign-Urbana - the Esquire and the sadly-defunct Blind Pig - and the forever-to-be mourned Point in Atlanta. read more

This is my 2nd time ever going to a tiki bar and I was expecting a large hut like building, but instead the place is located in a brownstone like house. This place is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover because the place on the inside is really nice and a really really good size. Came on a Sunday night and it wasn't busy at all. They have about 5-7 beers on tap, all craft no domestic which was a beautiful thing for me. There is no food here and all drinks. Now they have about 20 different tropical drinks here and I only had two but those two were strong as a weightlifter. The two drinks I had was the tonga punch (whatever positive great excellent words you can think of describes this drink. The standard for all tropical drinks if you ask me) and the royal Hawaiian (really good but super strong). This place also has a excellent staff and overall this place is a place to come to for drinks and a good time (also some drinks come in special mugs/cups and you get to keep the cup ). read more

This place rules. So hard. If you're in a hurry, don't come here. Service can be slow, but they're all hand made drinks and they know what they're doing. Missionary's Demise, Kill Devil, Mai Tai. So many great drinks. Come here with friends and forget that it's 10 degrees outside. Excellent! read more

The puffer fish lights really spook me. I'm afraid that they are real, taxidermied puffer fish. Is this possible? Last night I got in an argument with my significant other about those lights. If they were once living puffer fish I will be very upset. I looked up pictures of puffer fish online today, and they look just like the lights! Maybe a Beachcomber cocktail will settle my nerves. Or maybe not. read more

very unique and well decorated.

Where the hell do I start? How about when I walked in, I almost hit my head on a friggin PUFFER FISH LAMP!? Incredible. This place rules. I'm not much of a froo froo umbrella cocktail guy, but if it comes in a pirates head? I'll take 12. Probably some of the best cocktails I've ever had in my entire life. I think I'm actually gonna go there right now. Not kidding. read more

Checked this place out for the first time last time I was in Milwaukee. Unbelievable decore, and even better drinks. Complete with cheesy glass for purchase with. Love the lamps made out of blowfishes. Tikki heaven for anyone who enjoys tikki bars.... read more

Comes wrongly advertised. Should be categorized as a gay bar considering the clientele. Or maybe everyone is Tom Cruise in a closet. No biggie, just levels of expectations. Solid beers on tap tho, and some cool lounge spots, and the theme is kinda cool and they've got a good vibe.. Should have known to read the signs before walking in. read more

This is a Tiki Bar! And a great one at that! And in Milwaukee? How cool is that? The drinks are strong if not a bit pricey but they ARE hand crafted so ... read more

One of those places you walk into and instantly love. Wasn't expecting a tiki bar based on the name, but it is wall-to-wall kitschy tropical decor. I had the Blue Hawaiian, which was scrumptious. The bartenders were a little slow to take our order, but ultra friendly and fun. I felt welcome: probably one of the only bars where you walk in and feel like everyone is glad you're there! Would love to go back. read more

This place doesn't mess around. If you like rum, this is your heaven. Came here late on a Saturday night and promptly found a table. Browsed the menu and then waited and waited. Guess there isn't a server on weekends...or at all? Once we figured out the groove we were fine though and had no problem ordering our drinks at the bar as the turn-around was pretty quick. I had some drink in a blue mermaid cup that I got to keep (its primarily why I ordered the drink) and a blue Hawaiian, my husband had a zombie. I can't remember the name of my mermaid cup drink but dang it was stroooongggg and I LOVE rum but it was a bit hard to drink (looking back I should have had the blue Hawaiian first). Blue Hawaiian was absolutely delicious, the zombie was just that...glad we cabbed it. Staff was also super helpful in calling a cab for us at the end of the night. If in the MKE area, check this place out! read more

As a card-carrying tiki-phile, I make it a mission to go to any new tiki bar that I can find. With that in mind, my wife and I took a weekend drive up to Milwaukee to see the city and check out Foundation. I am so glad to say that it is completely worth the drive up. Foundation is one of the best tiki bars I have ever been to, and it truly needs to be seen to be believed. The facade of this place hides one of the best decorated tiki bars ever. The drinks were expertly crafted and delicious. I have been recommending this place to anyone who will listen and I cannot wait until the next opportunity I have to go check it out again. read more

My wife doesn't like bars much at all. She plans to bring all her work friends back here to her "new favorite place" next weekend. "WHO KNEW?" that she would like a Tiki bar? I did. Puffer-Fish lighting, wicker hanging monkeys, fish nets full of glass ocean floats, candles, and exotic decorations covering every square inch of the interior. If driving, please drink tall exotic drinks responsibly. Or better, enjoy your stay and ask the bar-keep to call ya a cab! read more