Calling all book lovers in Seattle! If you’re looking for a cozy place to read in Seattle this fall and winter, we have great news for you. A new bar designed for book lovers is opening in Seattle this Friday: The Ink Drinker in Ballard.
Read on for all the details!
The Ink Drinker is a new bar opening in Ballard with food and a focus on books and reading. After the initial announcement a year ago, the bar will finally be opening its doors this Friday, October 24. It is taking over the former Ballard Beer Company space.
The Ink Drinker will offer cocktails, NA options, and food in a quiet environment conducive to reading. “It’s a bistro where you can come, kick back with your latest read, and enjoy a bite to eat and a craft cocktail (or mocktail) with minimal distractions (i.e. no TVs, no blaring music, no clangy pool tables), while surrounded by fellow book lovers,” owner Shelle shared in an Instagram post.
On the bar’s Instagram page, The Ink Drinker notes that it is queer woman-owned and shares an anecdote about how the bar manager “showed up to the interview with a list of cocktail ideas inspired by Sapphic literature.” In addition to literature-themed cocktails, you’ll find bookshelves stocked with books in case you need options. We’re excited to share photos of the space once it’s open!
The Ink Drinker’s hours are not posted yet but you can follow them on Instagram for updates. They also shared in an Instagram post that they plan to be open on Saturday, October 25 as well as this Friday.
The Ink Drinker
Address: 2050 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Opening date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Hours: TBD