FOUNDATION

Outstanding bar with great service. Rance is the best bartender ever! I love it here and can’t wait to come back. No food just delicious and flavorful cocktails. They are inside the sip n stroll area so you can take your drink to go!

You are missing out on an amazing place. Quaint. The drinks are very good. But the people are great. Thank you And tip our bartenders. The drinks are great. The beer on tap is great and cold as well!!!!! Glad we found this place.

Great hand-made craft cocktails. Huge bourbon selection. Owner is very passionate about providing innovative and extensive selection of spirits and cocktails. Small hideaway in the center of town.

The bartender was extremely friendly and helpful with explaining the menu. The summer 2024 cocktail The Peach Man was great, with the peach being more on the tart taste which mixed well. The peace was sourced locally from a farmers market. Great place to meet up for conversation.

The best mocktails in the city are done here. Drinkers of course also have plenty to choose from, but if you don't they gotchu here.

I was surprised to find this bar located literally below street level, but once I walked through the doors it made sense. The moody lighting paired with neons, and the jazz-y painting paired with 80s synth pop music never should have all worked together, but it totally did. The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly, and went out of their way to accommodate us and our questions. And the drinks were delightful after a long day waking around. We loved this spot!

While the selection is impressive at foundation the staff will upsell everything. A simple request for makers mark on the rocks turned into a $90 bill for 2 oz, and the bartender justified it by the fact that I had access to a menu, but the whole problem was from where he thought I was pointing. If a bartender won’t give you an acknowledgement that you’re ordering a $45 shot and then blame the customer. It’s a sign to spend elsewhere. They had 6 people in the bar, it was not busy. Bad service to otherwise good night.

You might not find this on a list of best cocktail bars, but it should be listed. The cocktail menu isn’t super long, but the bourbon and whisky list is fantastic. And the bartenders are great and personable. Turns into a local vibe later at night when other industry people get off work.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Bar service was excellent as always with drinks to match. Go to is always a whiskey sour but the other cocktails are outstanding too. Only gripe is the door guy (beard long hair glasses). Literally looks like a normal guy hanging out at the outside counter and is incredibly rude if you walk down the stairwell without him even saying anything about checking IDs. Then tells you exactly where to stand and not to do that to him. How about don't tell me where to stand, make your presence known to individuals coming to the establishment , and not be a bell end saying you're tired so you have an excuse to be rude. Love the bar and bartenders, door guy needs to go.

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.

This is a great little hidden gem in what appears to be downtown. The staff is very knowledgeable about cocktails and spirits here. I felt like I got an education. It was so nice chatting with the staff about this city.

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

Cool underground bar with relaxing environment. My friend and I walked by this place on our way home from dinner and decided to get another drink. The bar is downstairs with a few tables and bar seating. It was a Monday night so we were the only ones there for a bit. Their menu is vast with signature classics, favorites from the years and fall favorites. I got a drink with vodka, cucumbers, lime, ginger which was so refreshing and different. The ginger adds a kick at the end, while the lime and cucumber adds a freshness. The drinks are expensive, but worth it!

Stopped by Foundation for some after dinner cocktails. It's a super cute, basement level bar that is decorated with some great local art. The bartenders were really friendly and certainly craftsmen at their art. This is a skill I wish I had but sadly do not. I don't remember the name of the cocktail I had but it was so wonderfully designed - if anyone from Foundation is reading this it was dark purple, came in tall skinny glass - what was this drink? Anyway, this place is awesome. Come here.

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.

Great underground cocktail bar in Raleigh. Super vibey lighting inside, bartender was great too. Cool local art on the walls, dim lighting, and great cocktails.

visiting Raleigh for work, fun little bar that we ran into, though wasn't really that crowded on a weeknight, almost closer to empty actually. good spot, little hidden

A bartender recommended this place for good cocktails. We were not disappointed. Our waiter recommended the drink with the whole egg. I was nervous but it was amazing.

Found this great underground bar. Cool vibes. Great bartenders that can make anything you wish.

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.

Lol the sign out front said something along the lines of "we don't get yelp reviews". I don't know why it said it but I decided I would write one. We got a few signature drinks: east side Ricky and the Charleston sour. I had two other drinks, one was lime based and the other is orange juice based. Unfortunately, I don't remember the names but they change the menu often. When you walk in it is a small room with brick walls. Everyone is super nice and they were constantly busy while we were there.

Bartenders are very knowledgeable, n very chilled to hangout with. Customers service is on point, will be back when I'm in the area. If your looking to go out for drinks or have an after dinner drink I highly recommend

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.

My friend and I were looking for a day drink during pandemic time and we went to this place! I had no idea where we were going. We were just walking down the street and then my friend points ahead and says, where do you wanna sit? Now, in social distancing time, Foundation has set up shop on the street. There's a group of socially distant metal tables with a menu plaque on top that designates the seating area. We sat down and one of the bar attendants immediately came over to greet us. He was wearing a mask and speaking from an appropriate distance. Their COVID rules are parties of up to 4 only, wear a mask until you get your drinks and put them back on when you're done and don't mingle with other parties. There's a time limit on the tables too. The menu is online only now and there's a QR code where you can find it. They also have a menu board where you can find their beers on tap. I perused the menu. It's very cool but these aren't the typical drinks you find at the bar. They seem to feature a lot of bourbon drinks. The good thing is that the bar attendants are right there to answer questions and they were very nice and open. They checked on us multiple times as I took my time with the menu, before finally settling on the drink. Most of the drinks were 12 bucks, which I don't think is bad for specialty cocktails. The presentation was so nice. I wish I took a picture. The ice was great, these sturdy ice blocks. Presentation is part of the experience. I got the Buzz's Girlfriend which was sweet and smooth, not overly sweet. I felt like it was the perfect amount for sipping and chilling. Being on the street, it was easy to people watch and because downtown is quieter now, it was still easy to talk. I think it will be nice to go here even by yourself because it felt very chill, like a coffee shop. I think this will be a cool place to hang for another few weeks, just make sure to bundle up when it gets colder. Overall, I felt very comfortable. The staff were great, they thanked us a lot and made sure we were well taken care of. Will definitely return next time I'm in the area and try something new. There's a lot of choices on the menu!

If you like rum and coke, vodka and cranberry, gin and tonic or any combination that requires fewer than 3 ingredients and no chemistry, this is not the bar for you. I'm sure you could order what we but the menu was so thoughtfully composed, it would be a shame not to try one of the items. This spot is for people who appreciate a well crafted drink. It screams speakeasy for several reasons. It's located down some stairs (so you might miss it if you're not looking), it's sorta dark and has tons of character, and it's intimate with not a lot of seating. It gives off a vibe of exclusivity without being pretentious. The bartender helped with that by being very nice and helpful. It was pretty full but he managed to keep everyone occupied with a drink all with a smile on his face. And the one drink I had, 75 Butchers in Town, was indeed yummy. While really good, and understandable based on ingredients used, the drinks are a bit pricey. So while I wouldn't sit here and drink for hours, I'll be back to have a few more.

Foundation is excellent. This is one of the best cocktail bars in Raleigh. They have a great bourbon selection & a good old fashioned. I also recently had a South Side which was really good. The cocktails are around $11 which is pretty typical. I love the pimento cheese & crackers too & only $4.

THIS PLACE!!! Drinks were amazing and Cheyenne was the best mixologist EVER!!! Highly recommend!

Foundation is definitely a whiskey bar so if you are not a fan of whiskey, this is not your spot. Boyfriend and I stopped in to try a few of the cocktails (not sure what took me so long to try this establishment but better late than never?): Tarheel: tasted like an overpriced rum and coke Kill Devil: this cocktail tasted good but did not stick out in my mind Part-time Optimist: terrible, order this if you like a lot of hops.. I was not optimistic while drinking this beverage though. Basil Smash: our favorite cocktail of the night but our standards were not high We were debating ordering one more cocktail but decided not to since none blew us away. The spot itself is chill but the cocktails are not worth the price compared to other options around the area.

Obviously you come here for a proper cocktail. The whiskey sour with egg white did not disappoint. Nice atmosphere that is intimate and inviting. Charged a $1 "membership" fee. A girlfriend joined us and had to wait outside, even though there were two empty seats at the bar and nowhere near capacity.

This was probably my favorite experience in Raleigh. It's dark and cosy, and the bartender was nice. I was surprised by how big the cocktail menu was. I did not have the experience that others described with a cover charge/membership fee or forms to fill out, so maybe that's changed in recent months. I forget which drink I had, but it was a little bit sweet and perfectly balanced, with egg white on top. It was good enough that I got the same thing for my second drink. Highly recommended if you're trying to impress people in Raleigh, or if you just want a good drink.

Great cocktail bar if you want something a bit different from your usual vodka + soda. Sit at the bar for an even better experience. Some of my favorite times here have been asking the bartender what he/she recommends. If you can't find it that's because it's downstairs! It's near Anchor Bar (to the right of it if you're looking at the store facades) and down stairs. There's usually a chalkboard outside near the entry steps.

Love love love this place. Such a cool little hole in the wall. You walk down some stairs and you feel like you are in an underground room. It has stone & brick walls with a soft glow for lighting. It's casual but nice, could have been pretentious but no it is friendly and cozy. It's pretty small so we sat at the bar. The bartenders are awesome. Kyle and another bartender(can't remember his name but know he is from Ohio) were such fun! They make these crazy drinks. I was nervous because sometimes I think unique drinks can be a bit strong tasting but when I told them I prefer sweeter drinks they were spot on with the drinks they made for me. So delicious, and I can't believe I didn't take a picture because they were also works of art. These bartenders don't just want to make drinks that taste good on the palette, they want their drinks to awaken all your senses. They use all kinds of herbs, fruit & flowers to garnish off your drinks. It's such a interesting place to grab a drink. I highly recommend this bar.

I have been meaning to write this place up for a while. It is my favorite bar in Raleigh by a long shot. The drink list is fantastic - lots of twists on classics, original recipes and just overall a great mix. Prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of spirits. For how intricate the drinks are this is not a pretentious spot which goes a very long way. The basement vibe is nice - the bar can get cramped when busy but it's worth it.

This was recommended to us by a bartender at another restaurant. It's in the basement level so it may be a little hard to find. It was pretty busy on a Saturday night, but we were able to grab a table. We weren't sure if we had to go to the bar to order, but someone came and took our order. We just had one round of drinks and chose what the bartender recommended and they were very good. They have a pretty extensive cocktail list, so there should be something for everyone.

First time visiting Raleigh in a while so we went exploring downtown. First stop was here at Foundation. Built into the foundation of a building, you descend a flight of stairs to front door, which opens into a speakeasy-like bar area. Very small and intimate, they have a LOT of bourbon, whiskey, and scotch offerings, wine on tap, and a handful of draft beers as well. I had the classic Old Fashioned. It was great! Strong, but not overpowering. The crowd favorite of the night was the Lincoln's Kick. It was some sort of bourbon cocktail with a charred marshmallow on top. The marshmallow cut the bite of the bourbon and added a sweet accent. So delicious. Wish we could have stayed longer, but there were more bars to check out.

Meets friends here for a drink. My friends loved the crafted cocktails and I enjoyed the draft IPA. The staff/owners were knowable and educational with the whiskey and bitters. Great place to grab a drink and chat.

Great hidden spot. Best cocktails in Raleigh, with friendly staff. The only downside is that it is so dark it's hard to see inside.

Over the years, Foundation is still one of my favorite spots to get a quality drink! Regardless if liquor, wine, or beer is your thing, they have an excellent selection of it all. While they are known for being a whiskey bar (and they have plenty of that) I usually get a seasonal cocktail or a glass of wine. My husband likes their whiskey ginger's because they make their own ginger ale for the drinks, which has the perfect amount of kick to it! Beyond the drinks themselves, the atmosphere makes for a great experience. Walking down into the bar from Fayetteville St into a basement doesn't sound very inviting, I get it, but it feels very homey and welcoming. The bartenders have always been friendly and attentive, I've never had to wait or fight for their attention. We'll continue to go back again and again!

My favorite speakeasy in Raleigh! I was very skeptical with the pricing, but found myself buying one after the other. The drinks are exceptional, unique, and personally crafted. The attention to detail was excellent. The bartenders were very personable and took the time to explain the available drinks. This is our #1 place

This is the most inventive bar in all of the Triangle. And it's not even on street level, nor will they won't let too many people in the door (so there can be a line outside) and it's my favorite secret to tell the world about. You will not get a rum and coke here. Instead you can have gin with local jam and a tarragon sprig or some such nonsense, with perfectly square ice cubes, in a perfect glass. They have drinks with a yolk, drinks with a white. These are the fanciest of the fancy in Raleigh. And I've never had a drink there that I thought I either paid too much for or that the bartender did not give all the love a dedicated pastry chef would give to my dessert at a 5 star restaurant. It's small, dimly lit, hard to find a table, and pricey, but if you like fancy drinks, fancy beer and even fancy peanuts (or Escazu chocolate) and you haven't been here, you're missing out.

A cool basement bar with deals on Sunday nights? Count me in. We came following a concert in downtown Raleigh, and enjoyed the nooks and crannies of this bar. While there's seating at the bar, I'd suggest grabbing a side table if you can. Drinks are a little pricey, but since a lot goes into them it makes sense. Bartenders are nice, and the locals are definitely aplenty.

Popped in tonight for some cocktails and this place is the real deal! Inconspicuous and underground, we walked by the place a couple of times before noticing the neon sign! Walk down the stairs, pull open the heavy door and you feel as if you're entering a private speakeasy. It's a cozy, dimly lit space with a handful of thick wooden tables scattered around the bar. And if that doesn't work for you, they've also got some tables at street-level on the sidewalk. Foundation puts a lot of love and care into its cocktails, they're focused on NC ingredients and alcohol, very cool. One of the few places I've seen with moon shine! (Can you give me a yee-haw? :) Interesting spins on classic cocktails along with a handful of wines and beers. Not a huge menu but enough to keep you happy! The drinks are not cheap (about $10) and not for everyone but if you care about your libations and want a cool environment to toss it down in, Foundation should be at the top of your list! About as urban as you can get in Raleigh, check it out if you can find it! Nuff said...

Went back here again! Can't Get Enough! South Side is the best drink I have ever tasted. I still believe this is just the coolest bar I have ever been to. I love the atmosphere and the bartenders are super friendly and super attentive. It also helps that they are super hot. Dear manager, I have a birthday coming up! Wink, wink!

Very cool underground bar. If your not looking for it you probably won't see it. No natural lighting inside, but enough small spot lighting to be comfortable. Friendly and attentive staff. Tons of of premium whiskey and a few moonshine choices. Helped us craft a custom 125 proof moonshine mule. It was both strong and delicious. Our tender said, after trying the drink before serving, "it has that shine taste without the kick in the face". Since it was an off-menu item, he proactively offered to replace it if we didn't enjoy it, but it was delicious so that wasn't necessary. Not a ton of seating inside but there's more outside. Inside is the place to be though. Definitely recommend.

Stopped by to start off our anniversary. Amazing service and top quality drinks for a great price!