The Yawning Portal is a famous inn and tavern located in the Castle Ward of Waterdeep. It’s named after the large well in its common room – the tip of a sunken stone tower – which descends into the mazelike dungeon of Undermountain. Treasure seekers from across the Forgotten Realms meet in the inn’s common room to plan their own delves. A signboard that simply reads “The Yawning Portal,” hanging on chains from a black iron pole above the front door, announces the entry to the inn.

The Yawning Portal is a large Inn located on Rainrun Street in Waterdeep’s Castle Ward between Waterdeep Castle and Snail Street. A stone building with a slate roof, the Yawning Portal offers guest rooms on the three upper floors. Well-worn boards covered the floor, but the main impression is of comfort. Rich blue tapestries decorate the wood-paneled walls of the taproom, which consists of a bar and tables of stout wood. 

Common Room. In the tavern’s taproom tables and chairs litter the floor, and dozens of thirsty patrons shake off the day through the application of strong ale and good company. Two balcony levels overlook the main taproom, reached by sturdy wooden staircases. Comfortable guest rooms adjoin these balconies.

Well. The common room is dominated by the 40- foot diameter open well. This shaft plunges 140 feet to the first level of Undermountain and is ringed by magical torches. A rope-and-pulley mechanism is used to transport adventurers into the dungeon.

Stage. A travelling theater group has constructed a stage at one end of the common room with draped curtains and a painted backdrop. A small, curtained off dressing room lies behind the stage.

Trinkets. Dozens of curios hang from the taproom walls: mysterious statues, bloodied banners, unidentified sigils, and much more. Adventurers returning from Undermountain give these trinkets to the proprietor as trophies for surviving the dungeon.

Prices. Food and Drink is Moderately Priced. Entrance down the Entry Well to Undermountain costs 1gp per person. The fee for getting hoisted up again is 2gp per person.