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

KukePuluke

KukePuluke is a semi-regular at Foundation.

August 19, 2017, 6:42 PM

I like this place. The neighborhood is nostalgic for me cuz across the street I shared a double storefront with 4 others as our art studios, way back before Foundation existed.
Our studio space is the Kabob Hut and Foundation is fantastic.
Everytime I return I appreciate it more, as I've visited more bars all over the place....most don't compare well to this jewel box!
The time I reviewed this place it was VERY BUSY, and service was lousy, but subsequent visits have shown it to be fine. The drinks are excellent, and the prices reasonable compared to my visit to Tiki To in LA.
The 3 of us had a superb time sitting around a surf board shaped table, sipping superb concoctions, enjoying our conversation AND the Exotica playing loud enough to hear and soft enough to enjoy EVERYTHING!
Nice to visit my birthplace. So glad this is here. Highly Recommended!

Tige

Tige is a semi-regular at Foundation.

July 31, 2017, 1:57 PM

If you walk into Foundation during the day, after your eyes adjust to the fabulously dim light inside, prepare to leave River West and enter the south Pacific. The vibe inside of Foundation is sublime. You can just feel the stress exit your body as you settle in.

The drinks are always great. Mixed with care and expertise. The bartenders are always friendly and quick to help with drink suggestions.

The decor is as good as it gets. Tikis, lights, surfboard table, the "Ladies Lounge". It's all so good.

The music is 99% of the time solid exotica. I have heard some bosa nova but it really worked.

Just go. Most Milwaukee beer is over rated. Our best tiki bar is not.

GeekyTiki

GeekyTiki has visited Foundation.

May 29, 2017, 8:29 PM

Everything good that has ever been said about Foundation is 100% true. Excellent drinks, perfect atmosphere, friendly and helpful bar staff, Tikis EVERYWHERE ! It is everything a good Tiki bar should be.

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