Small simple venue. Two stories and a private smaller stage area upstairs. The drinks are strong and the smoke is loud. But it's a nice venue for seeing small concerts because there's no bad seat in the house. Parking is either on the street if you're lucky or in a lot about two blocks away!
Review Source:I used to have lots of friends that were members here and I would visit this venue often. Â This can be a fun place with its Asian theme and lots of nooks and crannies to hide away in. Â They have some nice wooden carvings of naked ladies in here that are cool. Â This place is alright but there are certainly better private clubs in NOLA. Â As time passed most of the people I know realized that they really didn't get a lot of value out of their memberships so they dropped out. Â Personally I prefer being on the ground floor for shows at House of Blues and I really don't like being stuck up in the balcony area.
Review Source:Normally, I would find myself on the other side of the velvet ropes at places like this, but a friend "put me on the list" to see her girlfriend's jazzy lounge band, Soulkestra, play a few sets. Â So I have visited the Foundation Room three times, and surprisingly I was able to set aside the anti-elitist hang-ups that accompany my low birth and actually enjoy myself there. Â
In fact, it was not until my third visit that I learned during a conversation with one of the paying members that this was actually a private venue. Â I just assumed it was HOB's attempt at an "intimate jazz venue." Â While I would not pay money to purposefully seclude myself in a private bar, as my life is thankfully devoid of paparrazi and hangers-on, I can certainly see the appeal. Â The barmen are pros, the drinks are properly stiff, and there is a stairway leading to a private-access balcony overlooking the HOB main stage. Â
The lounge's decor is wall-to-wall neo-opium den chic, complete with a replica "Reclining Buddha" statue on the hearth of the artificial fire. Â There are plush couches and lounge chairs and even a bottle-service area that I assume is an anti-malarial quarantine because its semicircular booth is partitioned with mosquito netting. Â Most impressive to me, however, was the carpeting, which a manager explained to me was actually not carpeting per se but dozens and dozens of Persian rugs stitched together to cover the entire lounge.
There is typically a pretty constant stream of mini-skirted "woo girls" and the untucked-oxford shirted men that tend to surround them. Â If that's your thing, well go get em, tiger, but you'll have to plunk down the coin. Â As for me, I'll just enjoy a couple gin drinks and some good music in this cool, relaxing lounge. Â 3.5 rounded up.
I was recently invited by a member to this private room. Considering it is part of HOB, I was amazed at the un-coporate vibe. The bartenders will friendly, relaxed, and helpful but not in an overbearing way. The drinks are strong and the music is chill. The atmosphere is sexy and cozy. There are multiple private nooks and rooms around the lounge. All the decor is from the far east and authentic. Having lived there for some time, it immediately brought me back with the carpets, tapestries, and statues. Although I shouldn't splurge on such indulgences, I am highly considering membership.
The only complaint I have is that football was being shown on the projector. While I am a fan, it just didn't fit the feel of the room- there are plenty of sports bars in the city for that! I wish they were playing some old classic movie instead.
Man oh man. Â This has to be one of the neatest spots in New Orleans.
I got to check this place out, thanks to a friend who is "in the know". Â This is basically an exclusive club type place that is located right above the House of Blues. Â It's dimly lit, sofas are everywhere, they are cozy corners with tables that you can sneak off to and it's decorated like only a super secret hideout can be, with cloth on the walls and interesting art everywhere.
I totally "get" why membership to this place is so expensive ($1,000/year for just the "Bronze" package). Â This is one of those places where the New Orleans elite come to relax without fear of being bothered or harrassed. Â Also, there is naturally no photography allowed inside.
I didn't get to experience any of the food...maybe one day. Â It's just neat that I can say that I have actually been inside this "inner sanctum".
If you don't feel special after leaving here just by experiencing this space, then check your pulse! Â The private elevator ride up (with escort) "to be saved" and the stained glass windows are alone an experience. Â My favorite is the prayer room, a quiet little nook away from the main room which tends to get loud on concert nights. Â This room has incense burning and posh pillows on the floor with low tables and every kind of god you can imagine to pray to along with an insane amount of candles. If you haven't eaten here, DO! Â The Lobster martini is out of this world and something you should have in your life. Â
I agree with the other other reviewers that the only thing this Foundation Room is lacking from Vegas is the view. Â But it quite honestly speaks to the "hidden" feel that the city of New Orleans gives you anyway. Â The keyword for the foundation room? "indulgent."
ridonkulously nice space. i seriously want the number of the interior designer because it's the perfect combo of amazing and spooky. Â
bartenders are friendly and helpful. Â drink prices aren't bad (6 usd for a bourbon and soda.) Â
the only downside: that same sewerage smell in the main room at the hob has found it's way into the ladies' room here.
Great hangout space with a unique feel. Â If you have been to the foundation rooms in other cities this one is just as great but without the view that the Vegas foundation room offers. Â The dinner menu has great options and is executed well. Â It's also a great location to meet up with friends, birthday parties, or to just have a few drinks before your next stop.
Review Source:This member's only hideaway with a private entrance into the House of Blues music hall is unlike any other restaurant/bar/lounge in New Orleans. I've been to the Foundation Room twice and was blown away both times by the ambiance, service and food trifecta. If I were the NOLA Community Manager, this is definitely where I'd host an Elite party!
An elevator takes you up to the crystal corridor that leads to the Foundation Room. The lounge, dining room and prayer room are all exquisitely decorated in Eastern influenced style and the walls are draped in rich, colorful fabric. Seductive lighting and plush sofas and dining chairs add to "get relaxed" atmosphere. The Prayer Room is said to be adorned with Tibetan temple artifacts.
The dining room intimately seats 45 and I especially like the booths with curtains you can close for privacy. Service is relaxed and casual, very refreshing for such an exclusive venue and I imagine an homage to southern hospitality.
The upscale bistro menu is full of excellent choices but nothing I'd describe as unique. Not a knock, the food is fantastic, but don't expect innovative dishes or breathtaking plating.
I have no idea how much a FR membership costs but am grateful to have friends who are members! If you ever get an invitation to go, say yes, you'll have a great time.