Inkwell
Old Port, Portland
Bar in Portland, United States
Book with PearlWhy go
Choose Inkwell for polished cocktails in a cozy, smart-casual hotel-bar setting, especially when the night needs an easy first drink or a softer late-evening landing. At $$$, it makes the most sense for atmosphere-led drinks rather than a food-focused plan, and the walk-in-friendly setup keeps it low-friction for first-timers in Portland.
About Inkwell
Inkwell in Portland is a thin-data venue for planning purposes: the details are its $$$ price tier, smart-casual dress code, and listed opening hours.
A Portland venue with $$$ pricing
The clearest planning detail is the price tier: Inkwell is listed at $$$. That makes it a better fit when the group is comfortable with a higher spend, rather than when the main priority is finding the lowest-cost option in Portland.
The dress code is smart casual. Clean, intentional clothing is the safe lane; there is no need to assume formal attire unless the venue’s own current guidance says otherwise.
Go when the hours fit your plan
Inkwell’s hours include 6:30–11 AM every day. It also has afternoon or evening hours Tuesday through Saturday: Tuesday through Thursday from 4–10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 2–11 PM, and Monday and Sunday limited to 6:30–11 AM.
Those hours are the most useful way to plan a visit. Friday and Saturday offer the latest closing time, while Monday and Sunday are morning-only in the schedule. For broader planning around the city, use Pearl’s Portland bars guide, Portland restaurants guide, Portland hotels guide, Portland wineries guide, or Portland experiences guide to build the rest of the plan around it.
What to expect before you go
- Choose if: the verified $$$ price tier and smart-casual dress code match the kind of Portland stop you want.
- Skip if: you need confirmed details about cuisine, a specific drinks program, awards, reservations, or a detailed menu before committing.
- Price read: $$$.
- Dress: smart casual is the guidance.
- Planning note: check the current schedule before going, especially because Monday and Sunday are listed as morning-only.
For other ideas, compare Inkwell with other Portland options based on the kind of outing you want.
Planning details
- Location
- 119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
- Website
- thepresshotel.com/inkwell
- Phone
- (207) 808-8800
Venue details
Ambiance
Stylish and relaxed, with cozy vibes and a unique vintage-newsroom feel that evokes Portland's creative culture.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Format
View
Accessibility
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Cocktail Bar
- Late Night
- Closes by Midnight
- Music
- Background Music
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Where to Go If This Does Not Fit
If the goal is a more defined cocktail-bar night, choose The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club or Blyth & Burrows. If the group wants food to drive the decision, cross-shop The Highroller Lobster Co. or Crispy Gai instead.
Bar context
How It Compares
Choose Inkwell for ease. Against The Highroller Lobster Co. and Crispy Gai, it reads less like a food-led plan and more like a flexible stop near the center of Portland's dining traffic. That makes it useful when the group has not committed to a full meal format.
For a more intentional drinking night, The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club and Blyth & Burrows are stronger cross-shops because they give the evening a clearer bar identity. Inkwell is the easier move when convenience beats ceremony.
Cuties is the comparison to make when the choice is about mood rather than a full dining agenda. Pick Inkwell for a central, practical stop; pick one of the more defined peers when the venue itself needs to carry the night.
Explore Portland
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Inkwell guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Inkwell
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Inkwell | Portland | No published awards |
| The Highroller Lobster Co. | Portland | No published awards |
| Crispy Gai | Portland | No published awards |
| The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club | Portland | Pearl Recommended Bars |
| Cuties | Portland | No published awards |
| Blyth & Burrows | Portland | No published awards |
How Inkwell Portland compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inkwell open late?
Inkwell’s latest closing time is 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Tuesday through Thursday list evening hours until 10 PM, while Monday and Sunday are listed from 6:30–11 AM.
Does Inkwell have happy hour deals?
Plan around the $$$ price tier and check the venue’s official channels for current offers or changes.
What's the best time to go to Inkwell?
Use the listed hours to choose a time that fits your plan: 6:30–11 AM daily, 4–10 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 2–11 PM Friday and Saturday.
Is Inkwell worth the prices?
It depends on whether the $$$ price tier fits your budget. If price sensitivity is the main concern, compare it with other Portland options before choosing.
Is the food good at Inkwell?
Check Inkwell’s current official information if the menu is a deciding factor.
