Foundation
Cocktail Bar and Whisky Bar$$$$
Raleigh
"Or skip the eggy mix, and get an Old Fashioned."(8 Tips)
"Try the Tom Collins or do it Mad Men style with an Old Fashioned."(4 Tips)"This is my favorite bar in Raleigh."(2 Tips)
"Favorite cocktail in Raleigh: the Charleston Sour at Foundation."(2 Tips)
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71 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- good for dates
- charleston sour
- trendy
- romantic
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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.Upvote4Downvote
Pax WhitfieldJanuary 5, 2014One 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.Upvote7Downvote
Conner HobsonNovember 10, 2014I 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.
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Robert BelcianoApril 17, 2016If 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.UpvoteDownvote
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 moreUpvoteDownvote
Jim HerrickApril 6, 2014If you love natural flavors in a hand-crafted drink made by an educated bartender, you will really enjoy this place.
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Brandon 🍣🍶☕️December 26, 2015I'll be honest. The fact that there is no cell service in this basement bar is nice. Best whiskey selection in Raleigh.UpvoteDownvote
Tom JMarch 13, 2012Imbibe Magazine recognized Foundation for pouring some of the Best Contemporary Cocktails in the South in their March/April 2011 Southern Issue.Upvote2Downvote
JasminSeptember 2, 2018The King's Mountain Gimlet is top notch if you're a gin drinker 👌🏼
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William VaughanFebruary 11, 2016Quite the cozy place to hide for a beer out and about. Perfect place to go to escape the huge crowds!
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RodneyJanuary 20, 2013Drinks 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!Upvote1Downvote
Todd WilliamsSeptember 2, 2014Great bar. Excellent bourbon list. I would go with the Old Fashioned. Perfection.UpvoteDownvote
Excellent, old school cocktails, in a fabulously old school cellar.UpvoteDownvote
Joseph SilversAugust 17, 2015Great seasonal cocktails, and their whiskey ginger is the best in Raleigh.UpvoteDownvote
Become a member and visit often. Unique drinks and atmosphere that attract only the coolest people in Raleigh.
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V BryanApril 5, 2012Awesome specialty cocktails. Bourbon list that makes you want to slap yo mama! Get the Tar Heel if you like soda drinks.UpvoteDownvote
Bring your membership, and be ready to drink beverages you can't get anywhere else on Fayetteville St.Upvote5Downvote
KFebruary 16, 2016Loved the space but service took a while. Bartenders not paying attention and focused on talking to bar patrons.UpvoteDownvote- 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 rockUpvoteDownvote
Bryan Smith - Pravada PhotographyApril 24, 2014Great whiskey spot, but only American whiskey and bourbonsUpvoteDownvote
Todd BukerMay 2, 2012Not a lot of room, but a great bar all around. Great selection of whiskeys and unique cocktails.Upvote1Downvote
McKinney BrownDecember 27, 2013The "Tarheel" was incredible. REAL ginger ale made in-house.Upvote2Downvote
Everything is awesome....but don't leave without trying the peanuts!!!!Upvote4Downvote
LindsayNovember 27, 2011Be patient! Worth waiting to get in. Also get a drink with ice cubes. You will see why.UpvoteDownvote- 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!UpvoteDownvote
Miha CApril 9, 2011Cute atmoshpere, great selection of wines (on tap) and they carry a lot of local beersUpvoteDownvote
My favorite bar in Raleigh and a great place for drinks and conversation.UpvoteDownvote
Best gin and tonics in Raleigh. I dare you to prove me wrong.UpvoteDownvote
The drinks are unlike any I've had elsewhere. Get any of the drinks with egg whites in them. Trust me on this!Upvote4Downvote- Say hi to Laura White. Also, gin lovers pleaseee give the Seven Seas Sour a chance. Won't disappoint.UpvoteDownvote
- Olde Hickory Hefeweizen, jalapeño infused vodka, lime juice, and honey.Upvote1Downvote
The staff is the best! Get the ginger slinggggg!UpvoteDownvote
You absolutely must try the Country Thyme cocktail.UpvoteDownvote
- Mary B.September 11, 2011Favorite cocktail in Raleigh: the Charleston Sour at Foundation.UpvoteDownvote
Ask Betty for a Misha's Wrath. You won't regret it.
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Get a Double Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Maple Old Fashioned.UpvoteDownvote
192 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 4:00 PM–2:00 AM
(919) 896-6016
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Dining Options
Bar Service, Take-out, Delivery
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 8.3
"Awesome drinks! Very unique cocktails. Will be back."
LJ Talker - 8.2
"The bartenders are great and the drink selection are top notch. The place is so cool. Low lit lounge type feel. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a place with a chill scene, great music...."
Rusty Parrino - 7.2
"Beautiful decor! Great drinks!"
Crystal Irby
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