Foundation

Worth the wait in line because it's never overcrowded. Delicious champagne cocktails!

What the.  Seriously me?  You didn't come here until more than a year after moving to Raleigh.  I'm ashamed of you.

If there has ever been a place that just oozes style and strongly encourages one to have a stiff drink at a leisurely pace, this is it.  Granted, I was there on a Saturday evening and not on a busy Friday/Saturday late night judging from other reviews, so I got in with ease without having to wait, but yep, love this place.  Bars don't get much more ideal than this.  This is the type of place that makes me wish I lived around the corner and that I could routinely stop by, order a cocktail, and read a book.  Super, super cozy, great bartenders, good selection of draft brews, all that good stuff.  Also a nice little seating area outside for those nice breezy Raleigh afternoons.  One of my favorite spots in the area, and I've only been once for about 30 minutes.  I'll be back.  Soon....

Foundation is my favorite little bar in downtown Raleigh!  This bar is in the basement and doesn't hold many people, so there's often a line waiting to get in on Friday/Saturday because they can't go over fire code.  Don't be let down- it's worth the wait!  When you walk down the stairs and pull open the heavy door to enter the lounge, you're soothed by the ambient lighting and cozy atmosphere that is Foundation.  

They have several local draft brews and an extensive bottled beer menu, and their bartenders are super.  Their rotating drafts always have something to please each palette.  The night we went, the Mystery Saison was deeelicious and turned me onto saison brews!  They also have many different signature drinks that looked super tasty.  They pour each drink over hand-crushed ice and mix it without a shaker!  So classy.  We got some of their old-fashioned fried peanuts, which Sara just loved.  They weren't too salty and were unique bar eats.  They have a couple other food items too.