This is a whiskey lover's dream and one of Raleigh's most unique drinking destinations. It's quite literally underground as it's in a basement. With little signage the space feels like a natural speakeasy. It's unpolished enough to feel a little sleazy, yet polished enough to never feel dirty. In other words, it has character, and plenty of it. The bartenders were fantastic: knowledgeable, talented, and happy to chat about the spirits behind the bar. Whether you're a serious whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a well-made cocktail, you're in good hands. Being open later than most Raleigh bars makes Foundation one of the city's go-to late-night options, but that shouldn't overshadow what it really is........a great bar at any hour. The atmosphere, the drinks, and the people behind the bar make this a place worth seeking out whether it's your first stop of the evening or your last. read more

Foundation Bar offers a uniquely cool vibe, tucked away in a basement location that makes it easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. The interior features rotating art hung on the walls--which adds a great aesthetic and is even available for purchase if you fall in love with a piece. The drink menu is impressively extensive, and the bartenders certainly don't skimp on the pours; if you aren't a frequent drinker, one strong cocktail will definitely be plenty. The staff is consistently polite and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere makes for a solid night out. The only notable drawbacks are the lack of a food menu, not even offering small bites, and a noticeable smoke odor inside that might bother non-smokers. Still, it's a great spot for drinks and atmosphere. read more

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Came here before dinner and had a great time. Even though it's a speakeasy, it was pretty easy to find. The menu leans heavily toward whiskey and bourbon, with lots of solid options. I had their basil smash, which was refreshing, and the Manhattan--bold with a warm, spicy profile. Pleasant surprise to see Michter's as the special of the night, and it was excellent with smooth caramel and vanilla notes. Service started off a little hands-off since we ordered at the bar, but picked up toward the end when staff came by to check in. Drinks were high quality without being overpriced, and the vibe is relaxed--not at all pretentious. You can definitely come casual. If we had more time, we would've stayed longer or come back for another round. read more

Great drinks the selection of great beverages and staff was a delight. The vibes and atmosphere here is wonderful. I had the Krupnikas flip and the coquito both were smooth and have a great flavorful punchy read more

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Updating my review: Initially I really liked this bar however I went again on a Friday night and had a different experience to where I may not return. It was me and one other person and it took about 15 minutes for our waiter to come to our table to take our order or even speak to us (shockingly this same waiter took a couples order sitting at the table next to us even though they arrived way later). We understood that it was slightly busy since it's a Friday night however it would've been better to at least take our order or bring us water in the meantime while also letting us know we had to wait that long. I grew very impatient and ultimately wanted to leave the establishment altogether at this point. Once we got our drinks (I ordered The Middle Child) they were both way too strong to even take a sip. As a cocktail bar, the drinks shouldn't taste like straight rubbing alcohol. I couldn't even finish my drink because it tasted so bad. read more

Always heard great things about Foundation. This was my first time and it did not disappoint. The ambiance was nice and relaxing, the drinks incredible, and the service exactly what you would want. I loved everything about my first time here and will certainly return. read more

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Very cool basement bar. Friendly staff and creative cocktails. Fun to grab a drink downtown. It's a little dark down there, but it's full of character read more

FOUNDATION - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This place is a true gem!! We stopped in late on weeknight and were treated so well. Kyle took care of us with his coworker Paddy making sure we were comfortable and well informed of our choices. The Foundation is the real deal... dark, artsy, not pretentious in the least. An approachable craft cocktail spot with wine, beer, and cider to boot. There is thought put into every item. I will absolutely return next time I'm in Raleigh and I encourage y'all to check this lounge out, you will not be disappointed!! read more

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Hidden, cool and trendy! The mixologist was super friendly and welcoming. He can make you what her you ask. No good. All cold beverages! read more

FOUNDATION - Salted caramel espresso martini or comparable. Delicious place to cool off from the humid and heat! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Wowser! If you are into craft cocktails, this is a spot to check out. The bartenders are true artists carefully creating mini-masterpieces. The raw walls in the basement establishment made it feel like you were stepping through time. Lack of AC caused us not to stay past one round. It's too bad because we would have gotten the rest of our crew to hang there for a while. read more

This was such a cute place to end the night! It's tucked away and has a speakeasy vibe inside. The bartenders and waiters were really nice and didn't mind us coming in towards the end of the night. I love how they have a lot of classic cocktails on their menu because a lot of bars don't know how to make the classic drinks. I had the south side and it was delicious. They also make their own soda there which is nice. Definitely recommend if you want a good cocktail! read more

FOUNDATION - South side - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great speakeasy bar, it's underground you might miss walking by. Pretty small inside. Their drink menu is great, but it was pretty loud so it made it hard to hear my partner. read more

FOUNDATION - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great whisky selection and who doesn't enjoy a basement bar? It hasn't changed much in the 6 years between visits and that's a good thing, especially when it comes to whisky. Service and ambiance are great. It's dimly lit but not too much. There's usually a server and a bartender on so you won't be waiting long for refreshments. Parking is hit or miss depending on the day and time but you'll be able to find parking eventually. It's worth a trip... read more

Goth in the sun drink was THE best cocktail I've had this year. Facts! ...the pumpkin seed and nutmeg seasonal bliss :))))))) read more

I went with a group of other grad students to the Foundation for some drinks before our formal. Although we initially got lost (couldn't find the stairs to go down), we did enjoy our experience there. The bartender was kind and provided us waters as well. One thing I didn't love about my experience was the ambiance- personally, I like to see what I'm drinking. It was only around 7 pm when we walked in but it was pretty dark in the bar. Since my espresso martini was delicious, I would come back! read more

FOUNDATION - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Love foundation. High end quality with approachable atmosphere. Great bourbon list is top notch.

The entrance is slightly intimidating but just take the walk down the steps. It's worth it and welcoming. Of course, only if you like a cozy cocktail bar. read more

By far one of the best craft cocktail bars on my go-to list for 2023. The bartender quickly noticed us and cleared our table as people left. I felt an exclusive hidden gem vibe. Very small and intimate. Extremely fitting for the spaces I enjoy. Foundation is tucked away downstairs in a basement-like space. Very easy to overlook. We dropped in for a nightcap. I ordered The Eastside as the bartender suggested. Very good. The bartenders are top-tier and highly experienced. All around good drinks and laid back atmosphere where I enjoyed being in the moment, so much so that I forgot to snap a photo of the menu. It appeared to change, as there were many specialty craft cocktail options. I look forward to coming back soon. read more

FOUNDATION - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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So good .... The drinks we amazing and the service was top tier. Love the fact that this is a speak easy So cute for a date night

Awesome little speakeasy, focused on great cocktails using spirits and other ingredients from NC or, when that's not possible, the USA. Our server turned out to be the owner. He was great and has built a special business. The drinks were excellent. read more

FOUNDATION - Old Fashioned and a dirty martini. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Almost missed this place walking by! Love the vibe of an underground bar. The atmosphere, despite being just after 4pm, was really nice with the dim lights and dark accents. A point of note--they don't carry imports or many dairy-based liqueurs. Very locally-sourced which is nice. I'll start with the good: my drink. I love myself a drink that you would mistake for being juice. Nothing on the menu really screamed that to me so I asked the bartender if he could do something like a Malibu Sunrise? He said he'd see what he could do (no Malibu rum) and he DELIVERED. What he gave me was delicious. It had all the same flavor notes as a malibu but I'm not sure what liquor he used, the burn was very mild. I'd 100% ask for his experimentation again. The bad (the quality of the drinks aside): My SIL doesn't drink, nor has she had any kind of mocktail so this was her first experience. We noticed the menu had a few zero-proof drinks and as she was new she asked for the bartender's recommendation. He replied with the name of one of the drinks (Something with "Tiki") which my brother and I had also recommended as it seemed to be the most sweet rather than a more sophisticated bitters and ginger kind of drink. The ingredients included passion fruit and zero-proof rum. However, the drink she received was NOT that. Seeing as she doesn't drink, she was rightfully worried he'd maybe made something with alcohol. We believe she received the drink with mint in the ingredients and whose name I cannot remember. It had a bit of a spice to it. We're not sure if the bartender mixed up the names of the drinks or what but it didn't match her taste. Nothing to do with the drink itself, just that you may want to confirm the recommendation given matches what's on the menu. Very nice place overall though. read more

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The cocktail was really good and the vibe is perfect (minus the bright overhead lights that make you look horrible). The waitress kept checking on us almost to an incessant level. The moment we sat down and barely picked up the menu and they walked over, trying to get our order. I always appreciate good service, but there's a fine line between pressuring people to hurry up and place an order and being attentive. read more

Such a cool hidden gem! This bar is built in the basement, and gives a dark and moody private setting as soon as you enter. To find it, look for the red neon sign at ground level + take the steps down! The exposed brick gives it a very speakeasy vibe and the drinks do not disappoint. They are known for their Old Fashioned but they also have a unique variety of craft cocktails! TIP: arrive early on the weekends because there will be a line or be prepared to wait! (But it's worth it) read more

FOUNDATION - a person holding a cocktail with a sprig of rosemary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

First Timer! I got lost at first, didn't expect it to be under ground level. First impression I was surprised, the low lighting, smooth audio and tempo of the place along with the dimmable ambient lighting was nice. It feels very masculine, although it's comforting. Glad my partner & I asked how they made the drinks and what ingredients they used. I appreciate the feedback from the bartender named Ian who was very helpful with showing and telling us how they crafted the drinks even when they ran out of ingredients. Overall, very pleased. Definitely recommend a "guys" night out to have a chat and relax. I definitely recommend you try this place but BE PREPARED... They have authentic liquor. read more

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I haven't been back to the Foundation since I graduated from NCSU years ago, but when a friend and his wife came to visit and wanted to go to The Foundation, it was a nice trip down memory lane for all of us. My fiancé loved the music that was played, and he usually hates most genres of music played at bars. I got one of the meads on the menu to try which was really good, but the drink that wowed us all was Pocket Full of Sunshine, which was a tropical drink that is dangerously delicious as I am someone who doesn't enjoy the bitter taste of anything alcoholic, and can't taste anything other than refreshing tropical tanginess. This drink made my night! Highly recommend for the atomosphere and the drinks! read more

FOUNDATION - Pocket Full of Sunshine - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I ordered all the old fashioned. They have 6 and I drank all of them. This bar might be enough to get one to visit Raleigh but if you happen to be in town, stop by here and order an old fashioned. They have an extensive drink menu that I didn't get to sample as I was so fixated on the old fashioned menu. I had never seen more than two on a menu and so I just had to have them all. I've had a rum old fashioned in the past and did NOT like it , but here Foundation makes you LOVE it. The bartenders were quick to make the drinks, friendly , and closed you out as quick as you'd want after you realize that you need to go home. One of the highlights of my trip to Raleigh! read more

FOUNDATION - The old fashioneds 0, me 3 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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After a nice dinner, I was making my way to the hotel and wanted a nightcap. I looked for some places near the hotel, but didn't get immediate hits. So I started walking to the city and stumbled upon the Foundation. What a happy accident. I went downstairs to an elegant formatted bar with what I came to know as some delicious tasting cocktails. It was a pretty filled room on a Thursday, but nothing you have to wait too long for. I got a coffee drink that's on the seasonal cocktail list. It was so good and Creamy that I couldn't leave without getting another. With the great ambiance and awesome friends I made, can't wait till I'm back in town to enjoy a cocktail at the Foundation again. read more

FOUNDATION - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

The atmosphere, bartenders & drink are ridiculously amazing. It was live at first taste with the Knickerbocker Stanhope cocktail. Definitely a new favorite of mine. read more

FOUNDATION - a close up of a drink in a glass - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

What a cool little spot! Located in a basement with a neon sign by the stairs, this place is an intimate affair with a nice selection of spirits and a creative menu. The bartenders all had great style and know how to work fast! Great for walk up service at the bar, or with a group at a table. They have a patio outside, but there are no servers so you have to go in for drinks. read more

World's best espresso martinis served by Tommy! Great service!! One of the best bars out there in Raleigh!

Came here on a Saturday night at about 11pm. Didn't find much something I had a taste for on the menu so I asked for a Cosmopolitan. Lady told me they ran out of cranberry juice so they couldn't make the drink. What cocktail bar runs out of cranberry juice, that's a cocktail essential!!! read more

FOUNDATION - Kinky - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great drinks and great service. The mixed drinks were superb, and their drafts were delicious. My only gripe is charging a grip of money for Evan Williams. They are hidden, so look out for their signs. read more

Great drinks and great food pop up from @FineFolk They're also doing togo cocktail mixes just provide your own liquor to the perfectly mixed cocktail. Friendly staff and great service. read more

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I have been wanting to go Foundation for years. I finally got a chance and thoroughly enjoyed my cocktails there. I liked that the server could answer my specific questions expertly and I then knew exactly what I wanted to order and that I would enjoy it. I would probably go here more except I feel slightly claustrophobic in the basement location. This should not deter you if you don't have claustrophobia! read more

Wow! Legit Old Fashioned! Whiskey Sour (w/egg white) Amazing! Best I've ever had! You must do this. Oh, and get a house made Cola. Busy Thu night and the Bartender was on it! read more

I think I've been to Foundation enough that (1) it's time to write a review and (2) I am a fan. You'll discover the bar walking down Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, there's typically a chalk board sign posted out front recommending you check out the space/bartenders and a few patio seats. Otherwise, the inconspicuous stairs leading down to the speakeasy style cocktail bar have no signage. Friday and Saturday nights are typically slammed, sometimes with a line out the door. However, my word of advice, visit on Sunday! They open at 4pm, they have their standard cocktail list for $9 (regularly $11) and they have a rotating menu from Longleaf Swine BBQ (highly recommend) popup. You'll almost always be able to find a seat at the bar, which improves the experience exponentially as you'll be able to chat with the bartenders (as long as it's not too busy) and watch them in their element. Since they have a seasonal menu, their cocktails rotate. If you're never been, I'd recommend trying one of their seasonal drinks, since they are all fantastic. If nothing sounds great (doubtful), you can request a custom made cocktail. But, if you're a regular, you may just keep returning for their amazing whiskey sour (the best in downtown Raleigh). I also highly recommend the South Side, King's Mountain Gimlet or the Daiquiri. And if all else fails, they have an incredible list of bourbon, whiskey, moonshine and vodka, a couple bottles of wine and draft beer. read more

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Tonight I visited Foundation which is a cool under street level limited seating cocktail/speakeasy bar. The atmosphere is cool and low key ( music is balanced for everyone) the mixologist are well informed and friendly. My server was Kyle who made me a play on A Red Hook, very Rye forward. Very spice, complex and a little aromatic on the back end. read more

FOUNDATION - Red Hook by Kyle - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Downstairs on the side of a building and very easy to miss but totally worth the effort of finding. Our bartender Cheyanne was super knowledgeable and acommodating to finding something everyone in my group would enjoy. Definitely recommend it! read more

Really liked this small underground bar. Their specialty cocktails are delicious and the bartenders are very friendly. I especially enjoyed the whiskey drink called To the Mattress. Its right downtown, easy to get to a restaurant for dinner after the drinks at Foundation. read more

FOUNDATION - Drink menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Went to this bar on a Friday night around 7:00pm. The bar area was full, but we were able to sit down at a shared table. We were able to order drinks from the waitress and the drinks took a average amount of time to get to us. I ordered the Tai Dai and the King Mountains Gimlet. I thought the Gimlet was better and proceeded to get that drink 2 more times. Cocktail prices are average. There is also snacks that you could order if you'd like. When we left around 9:30 the bar was starting to get more crowded, but you could still walk around easily. read more

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