Overview

The Inkwell Coffee House, nestled within the historic Ioka Theater building at 55 Water St in Exeter, NH, offers a compelling blend of tradition and modern comfort. This coffee shop honors its location by weaving local heritage into its identity, creating a unique ambience enriched by picturesque views of the Squamscott River from its balcony. The setting invites a pause in a busy day, whether you're seeking a quiet retreat or a lively meeting spot.

The menu at The Inkwell emphasizes expertly crafted espresso drinks, showcasing locally roasted beans that speak to the quality and care poured into each cup. Espresso aficionados will appreciate the nuanced flavors in offerings like the signature Ink Shot, a spirited blend of real maple syrup and espresso served on ice. Beyond espresso, the selection spans from comforting mochas and organic chai lattes to inventive Red Bull infusions that provide a fresh twist on classic energy drinks.

The café’s baked goods complement the drinks, featuring rich pastries and sweet muffins, with local favorites such as the Butternut Spiced Latte evoking seasonal warmth and familiarity. While the food options lean toward light fare and snacks, they enhance the overall experience, inviting leisurely mornings or casual afternoon breaks.

Inside, the space is modern yet unpretentious, with a practical design that includes a compact hallway and a “box” style layout. Despite this, the café’s ample seating and a dedicated laptop bar reflect an intention to serve both casual visitors and those seeking a productive environment. Free WiFi and accessible facilities cater to a diverse audience, including remote workers and locals looking for a welcoming spot to connect or unwind.

The Inkwell also captures the local spirit through service: friendly, efficient staff who add warmth to the experience without overshadowing the relaxed atmosphere. Though seating can fill quickly, especially mid-morning on weekends, the vibrant buzz adds to the café’s charm rather than detracting from it.

Ideal for coffee lovers, creatives, and community members alike, The Inkwell Coffee House balances a reverence for Exeter's cultural roots with the contemporary rhythms of café life. Its strategic riverside location, quality offerings, and thoughtful layout make it a noteworthy destination in the region’s growing coffee scene.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Stephen Priest
Dec 11,2025
4/5
I read about the Inkwell in Littleton, NH in the online magazine Only In Your State. I was surprised to learn they have a cafe in Exeter and it is located in the recently renovated Ioca Theater building. I visited the theater once as a kid and my last visit I went with a friend to see "Finding Nemo". The light fixture out front was in danger of falling so sadly, it was removed. The inside looks new ???? but the front hallway feels narrow. The cafe has a box look to it but the view of the Exeter River from the balcony is wonderful! Even with the morning chill in the air, people were sitting outside. I enjoyed my Butternut Spiced Latte which is a Thanksgiving holiday special. I could taste the brown ???? sugar How come you taste so good?! Err, sorry ! My Morning Glory, muffin (?), was very sweet and I had to eat it with a fork. At 9:40 AM on a Saturday, BOOM !, the cafe filled up with people! A few people walked in, took one look at the line and walked out. So go early if you want your before lunch coffee! Plenty of choices for flavor shots. Pastries and cookies available. WiFi available. I think the bathroom belongs to the building and is unisex. Plenty of room for a wheelchair . I am curious enough to visit again and I recommend a visit.
William Cheng
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Excellent cafe with good coffee, an expansive seating area, and a nice scenic balcony overlooking the Squamscott river. There's a good variety of baked goods and lunch items that I haven't tried yet, but want to. Staff is friendly and efficient. I used to see movies on a regular basis at the old Ioka Theater, so it's extra special that this place has opened in the same building.
Annabelle Lecter
Dec 11,2025
4/5
Amazing latte - .a thing of beauty! GREAT service from the woman who rang me up, very friendly. Wish there was more seating. Not a study or work place when I went. Only one outlet for the laptop bar, the laptop bar itself is a very cute idea. Wonderful place to get a good cafe beverage regardless of the seating and the for options for cafe food looked good. Would be back.
Robert Garfield
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Delicious coffee, tea, and pastries in a beautiful setting. With stunning views and sounds of the flowing river off their back patio, and a casual and comfortable contemporary setting inside, you’ll want to stay all day to try the vast variety of well crafted drink options especially their espresso based drinks using locally roasted coffee.
Olga Shestopalova
Dec 11,2025
5/5
I'm so glad we got another coffee shop in Exeter! It doesn't quite have the homey vibes of D2, but it's spacious, the coffee and pastries are great, and it's nice to have many cafe options. I'm excited for the outdoor terrace area to open in the summer! This feels like a great place to work from, and they even have dedicated seating for those working, and free wifi. Presumably they have lunch here as well, but when I went (granted it was morning), that wasn't out yet.
Chip Kimball
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Went for the first time about 2 weeks ago and let me say, what a great departure from your normal coffee house atmosphere! Quiet and quaint, sophisticated and VERY clean. Loads of treats and finger foods to choose from. And the coffee is great! But for me, the best part was the deck outside overlooking the water. Talk about peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable. This place is everything a coffee drinker wants. I will 100% be becoming a regular here!
Devon Skerritt
Dec 11,2025
4/5
Great vibe and coffee. Can be swarming with people especially when Phillips Exeter Academy is in session. But the deck is amazing and it's a warm, if busy, place to meet people or work. There is a bit of an issue apparently with people waiting for drinks. It's not Starbucks but the order and go culture seems, by Inkwell's signage and modest counter space waiting for orders, seems to cause a logjam. But it's popular for a reason.
Bob Mantegari
Dec 11,2025
5/5
New Favorite Coffee shop - back deck is extremely relaxing, great atmosphere and a perfect cup of coffee

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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