Good news for the bookworms of Ballard: The Ink Drinker is getting ready to open its doors this Friday at 2050 NW Market St.
Owner Shelle announced her plans to open The Ink Drinker over a year ago in the former Ballard Beer Company space. Now, after what Shelle described as “an agonizingly slow process” of obtaining permits and redesigning the space, she’s ready to open on Friday, October 24.
Shelle describes The Ink Drinker as a place 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.”
The book-loving vibe extends to all parts of The Ink Drinker, as their newly hired bar manager “showed up to the interview with a list of cocktail ideas inspired by Sapphic literature,” Shelle wrote in an Instagram post.
“As they used to say WAY back in 2023, this person understood the assignment (Hey, I like the classics. They’re epic). We’re very excited. Like, “new book in our hands at the checkout stand of an indie bookstore” excited.”
The Ink Drinker’s hours aren’t yet available, but if you drop by Friday evening, you’re likely to catch them open.
Photo: Google Image Capture September 2025