Foundation

Foundation began as a punk bar, and around 2004 began a conversion into a punk tiki bar at the prompting of manager Don Nelson. Today the bar has left its punk roots behind, and has completed the metamorphosis into a beloved and completely punk-free tiki bar. It is chock full of tikis, many carved by local tiki artist Lake Tiki. The menu is full of traditional and modern tropical drinks, served in tiki mugs.

In 2017, a fully tikified vacation rental was added above Foundation, the Captain's Quarters

Foundation Captain's Quarters

Milwaukee, WI

Hotel/Motel

Comments

jenkudu

jenkudu has visited Foundation.

March 19, 2018, 7:14 AM

This place is like a dream come true! Decor and drinks are fantastic. The location is in a neighborhood house bar, which is one of the things I love most about Milwaukee. We drank until we collected all 4 souvernir tikis. It was a fun and blurry night..... luckily Collectivo had some really strong coffee the next day.

Raider273

Raider273 has visited Foundation.

March 17, 2018, 10:53 AM

Wife and I visited on Sunday, March 11,, 2018, during a grand tour of tiki bars stretching from Milwaukee to Smyrna, Tenn. Stayed upstairs at the Foundation BnB; a fantastic location and that best way to get from bar stool to bed!!

Foundation is located in a non-descript neighborhood and the building looks kind of like someone's house. We actually drove past it before doubling back! However, walking through the front door is akin to being transported to another world.

The decor is amazing, nice and dark with objects and details everywhere. Drinks were strong and well done. Staff was super friendly. Easy to understand why Foundation rates so highly.

NeilSmith

NeilSmith has visited Foundation.

September 23, 2017, 11:36 AM

When we booked our trip to Chicago, a friend said we couldn't miss the chance of going to Foundation, although we didn't have a car rental, the friend arrange for us to get the Metra to her house, then her friend borrowed his Fathers car and drove us all across the state line the whole 90 miles for two drinks at Foundation, which was totally worth it.
When we arrived I couldn't believe where it was and what it looked like from the outside, and on walking through the door, it felt like we had walked into someone's home bar, it had such a great intimate feel, so homely, I imagined how it must feel going in there when the temperature outside drops to below freezing.
The decor, exotica music, drinks, and service were all equally amazing. Don was Bartending and he was an excellent host, this was by far the best Tiki Bar we visited during our Chicago vacation. They also have a great signature Tiki Barrel Mug too, and stunning Air BnB.
Thank you

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