Are you looking for the best shop to get your dream inking done in New York City? This post will take you on a tour of the top best tattoo shops to get your tattoo done in the City of New York.
What exactly do you know about New York City? One might be forgiven to think the city is all about the Empire State Building, the beautiful Central Park, and Time Square. But there is more to this city that never sleeps. And when we say more, we mean some of the best tattoo shops and artists operate here.
Thus, if you have always wanted to get a tattoo in New York City, here is a list of the best shops you should consider visiting. Tattoo shops are so numerous in New York City. It is no surprise for a city as famous and modern as it is.
Choosing the best shop to visit will demand some digging and recommendations. This is why we have made this article just for you. These shops are not only occupied by professionals versed in the art of inking tattoos; they combine that with the right attitude, creativity, unique methods, and so much more to ensure you find satisfaction. Now, let’s take you into the world of the best tattoo shops in New York City.
Top Best Tattoo Shops in New York City
1. Allied Tattoo
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Image Source: Instagram
Allied Tattoo is a tattoo brand based in New York City. Their main areas of focus include portraiture, geometric tattoos, watercolor tattoos, and neotraditional tattoos. The studio came into existence in 2015. Andy Perez is the owner of Allied Tattoo, and his desire to fill some gap by availing tattoo lovers of quality services in the vibrant city saw the establishment come into being.
Allied Tattoo boasts of talented artists who are proficient in various forms and styles ranging from simple to complex, from a single session’s inking to multi-session pieces. The artists are ready to help clients turn their abstract ideas into desirable outcomes. The studio boasts a serene environment. Allied Tattoo is located at 48 1/2 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237.
Contact:
- Phone: +13477254861
- Location: 48 1/2 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliedtattoobk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allied_tattoo/
2. East River Tattoo
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East River Tattoo is a tattoo studio whose main area of focus is traditional tattoos. The business is based in New York and has been in the industry for more than two decades. The artists at East River Tattoo are proficient in various forms of conventional designs.
Aside from this, they incorporate 19th-century styles and themes, which give their designs some originality. Among their team is the richly experienced Duke Riley. His works have been displayed in several notable places globally, including the Brooklyn Museum’s permanent archive.
Contact:
- Phone: +18452057709
- Location: 1047 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/east-river-tattoo-107572182646386/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastrivertattoo/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eastrivertattoo
3. Eight of Swords
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Eight of Swords is a tattoo studio whose main area of focus is traditional tattoos. The studio, based in Brooklyn, doubles as an art gallery as well. The artists at Eight of Swords boast varying degrees of experience and are proficient in different tattoo designs and forms. Also available at the studio are t-shirts and art pieces created by the studio’s artists.
One interesting thing about this studio is that they are also into charity. They partake in non-profits events, including The Warriors Fund and the ASPCA. The studio also organizes occasional art exhibitions. Eight of Swords Tattoo is located at 115 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249.
Contact:
- Phone: +19295520230
- Location: 115 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8ofswordstattoo/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8ofswordstattoo/
4. Fineline Tattoo
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Fineline Tattoo is a tattoo brand with a major interest in traditional tattoos and boasts more than 40 years of wealth of experience in the industry. They are one of the earliest tattoo establishments in New York City. The studio first emerged in 1976 when laws against tattooing were still in place and strictly upheld.
Fineline Tattoo continued its operations until 1997 when it was legally opened. At that time, the laws against tattooing had been abolished. Mehai Bakaty is the son of the founder, whom he worked with during those early days. Mehai Bakaty’s pieces have gained him appraised far and wide and exhibited in important galleries and museums.
Contact:
- Phone: +12126735154
- Location: 21 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finelinetattoonyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finelinetattoonyc/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/finelinenyc
5. First Class Tattoo
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First Class Tattoo is a tattoo brand whose main focus areas include portraiture, watercolor tattoos, neotraditional tattoos, and traditional tattoos. The studio is located on Canal Street, New York City. Aside from tattooing, other services at First Class Tattoo include cosmetic services, including lip tinting and brow shading.
The studio’s talented artists are proficient in various tattoo styles and designs, including colored tattoos, black and gray, realistic styles, fine-line images, geometric designs, script, blockwork, and neo-traditional themes.
Contact:
- Phone: +16468600313
- Location: 52 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstclassnyc/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstclassnyc/
6. Fun City Tattoo
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Fun City Tattoo is another tattoo brand based in the city of New York. Its main areas of focus include geometric tattoos, watercolor tattoos, neotraditional tattoos, and traditional tattoos. The studio is a walk-in studio. The story behind Fun City Tattoo’s establishment is quite an interesting one. The shop started in artist Jonathan Shaw’s living room in Manhattan.
Presently, the studio is owned by Steve Pedone, who apprenticed under Jonathan Shaw. Steve Pedone runs the shop with Maxx Starr, his partner. The shop’s reputation is backed by the kind of names on their client list. Miley Cyrus and Kate Moss have visited the studio. Important publications like The New York Times and L’Officiel magazine have also recognized the studio. They are located at 94 Saint Marks Place, New York, NY 10002.
Contact:
- Phone: +15165585764
- Location: 94 Saint Marks Place, New York, NY 10002
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funcitytattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funcitytattoo/
7. Inkstop Tattoo N.Y.C.
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Inkstop Tattoo N.Y.C. is a tattoo brand based in New York and whose main area of focus is on traditional tattoos. They have been in existence for more than two decades. The artists at the studio all boast varying degrees of experience in the inking industry. Duly licensed by the Board of Health, Inkstop Tattoo runs a lab with weekly Autoclave testing.
The studio makes use of fresh needles for each session. Inkstop Tattoo has been recognized and profiled by notable media brands, including MTV2 and Mad Magazine. The studio is located at 43-01 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101.
Contact:
- Phone: +15165860172
- Location: 43-01 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkstoptattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkstoptattoonyc/
8. Kings Avenue Tattoo – Manhattan
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Kings Avenue Tattoo is another unique tattoo brand based in New York and whose main area of focus is on traditional tattoos. They boast of a vast team of both world-renowned resident and guest artists. Tattoo artist Mike Rubendall is the founder of Kings Avenue Tattoo. He has over two decades of experience in the industry and has more than 50 awards to his name.
He has appeared as a judge on the TV show Ink Master. Various notable media brands have also profiled Mike Rubendall. Aside from tattooing, Kings Avenue Tattoo also runs its apparel, hats, and other accessories. The shop is located at 188 Bowery, New York, NY 10012.
Contact:
- Phone: +12124315464
- Location: 188 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsavetattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsavetattoo/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kingsavetattoo
9. Lark Tattoo
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Image Source: Instagram
Lark Tattoo is a tattoo studio located in Westbury. Its main areas of focus include portraiture, watercolor tattoos, traditional tattoos, and piercings. You can find the profiles of their team of artists on their website. Bruce Kaplan, who has a BFA from Parsons School of Design, is the owner of Lark Tattoo.
He has been tattooing in the industry since 1989. Aside from tattooing, the studio also has clothing, jewelry, and aftercare creams available for sale. They also offer body piercing services and laser tattoo removal to clients.
Contact:
- Phone: +15167945844
- Location: Westbury, NY 11590
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larktattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larktattoo/?hl=en
10. Majestic Tattoo NYC
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Majestic Tattoo NYC is a tattoo shop based in New York. Its main area of focus is on traditional tattoos. The brand is owned by Adal Ray, who has more than two decades of experience in the industry. Adal Ray is well-known for his fractal and psychedelic tattoos and his all-around professionalism.
He is also a painter, and the studio plays host to many of his art pieces. Majestic Tattoo NYC is located at 430A Pulaski Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221.
Contact:
- Phone: +12124313323
- Location: 430A Pulaski Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majestictattoonyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/10885228/majestic-tattoo-nyc/?hl=en
11. New York Adorned
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New York Adorned is based in New York, where it operates. The tattoo shop’s main areas of focus include traditional tattoos and piercings. Clients are expected to prove their eligibility age-wise by providing a government-issued ID before sessions can be held.
The studio is out of bounds to children. Aside from tattooing, the business also engages in trading items such as jewelry and other accessories. These items are available for purchase through their online outlet.
Contact:
- Phone: +12124730007
- Location: New York, NY 10003
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/new-york-ny/new-york-adorned/57635569090
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newyorkadorned/?hl=en
12. NYHC Tattoo
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Image Source: Instagram
NYHC Tattoo is another tattoo studio in New York and is of great repute. They have been in the business of inking tattoos for more than a decade and a half now. Vinnie Stigma of Agnostic Front and Jimmy Gestapo of Murphys Law were the original owners of the NYHC Tattoo.
Although the business is now under new ownership, its core values remain intact. The studio is open for appointments on all days of the week. The studio boast of a team comprising six talented artists whose impressive portfolio and profiles can be seen on the studio’s website.
Contact:
- Phone: +12129790350
- Location: New York, NY 10002
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyhctattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyhctattoos/?hl=en
13. Rising Dragon Tattoos
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Rising Dragon Tattoos is a New York-based tattoo shop with a focus on traditional tattoos. They have been in the business for more than 30 years. It prides itself as one of the first few authorized tattoo shops in lower Manhattan. The studio has won a couple of recognition, including being voted one of CBS Local’s Top 5 Tattoo Parlors of NYC.
Their cast of artists comes from diverse backgrounds and geographical areas. The artists at Rising Dragon are proficient in different styles and designs, including Japanese themes, portraitures, black and gray, colored, and Polynesian Maori tribal. The studio is located at 51 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011.
Contact:
- Phone: +12122558288
- Location: 51 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdtnyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingdragontattoos/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rdtnyc
14. Studio 28
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Studio 28 is a tattoo studio located in Westbury. Its main areas of focus include portraiture, watercolor tattoos, traditional tattoos, and neotraditional tattoos. This tattoo shop has long been in the business of inking tattoos. The brand was established around 2010. They boast of talented artists with various recognitions and a varying wealth of experience in the industry.
The studio ensures that all safety, hygiene, and medical protocols are being upheld. Its rigorous work ethic, talented artists, and professionalism earned it Citysearch.com’s Best Tattoo Studio of NYC.
Contact:
- Phone: +16463706509
- Location: New York, NY 10001
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio28tattoo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio28tattoos/
15. Triple Diamond Tattoo
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Image Source: Instagram
Triple Diamond Tattoo’s main area of focus is traditional tattoos. The studio is based in Brooklyn and has been delivering quality services to customers for quite a while now. The brand boasts of three talented resident artists.
Their profiles and major works can be found on the studio’s website. Aside from tattooing, the shop also trades in jewelry, natural specimen, antiques, and other items. Triple Diamond Tattoo is located at 257 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Contact:
- Phone: +19295529389
- Location: 257 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triplediamondtattoo/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplediamondtattoo/
16. Village Tattoo NYC
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Image Source: Instagram
Village Tattoo NYC is a tattoo shop based in New York. The studio’s main areas of focus include traditional tattoos and piercings. Their website contains a portfolio of exceptional tattoo works. Clients can also make appointments and assess aftercare instructions on the website.
They also offer body piercing services aside from tattooing. They have some items on sale, such as silver and gold body jewelry, rings, bracelets, pendants, and chains. Village Tattoo NYC is located at 175 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012.
Contact:
- Phone: +12124753708
- Location: 175 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyctattoovillage
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/village_tattoo_nyc/
17. White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
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Image Source: Instagram
White Rabbit Tattoo Studio’s main areas of focus include watercolor tattoos and body art. They are based in the city of New York. You can find White Rabbit Tattoo Studio’s artists have their profiles and portfolio on the studio’s website.
The studio has received some recognition for its work and professionalism. CBS New York profiled it as one of the best tattoo shops in NYC and was a Top 10 studio in NYC on The No Money New Yorker. White Rabbit Tattoo Studio is located at 121 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002.
Contact:
- Phone: +12122281803
- Location: 121 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiterabbittattoonyc/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiterabbittattoostudio/
18. Bang Bang
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Image Source: Instagram
Bang Bang is a tattoo shop operating in New York. They are famous for the famous people who have acquired their services. Among the celebrities that have visited this tattoo studio are the likes of Rihanna, Odell Beckham Jr., Cara Delevingne, and Adele. This elites only proves that owner, Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, is well sought-after in the tattoo industry.
The studio also has other fine artists who are also talented at what they do. Thus, if you want a nice tattoo in New York, Bang Bang is waiting to attend to your tattooing needs.
Contact:
- Phone: 212 219 2799; 646 918 7021
- Location: 62 Grand Street, New York NY 10013328; Broome Street, New York NY 10002
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BangBangTattoos/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bangbangnyc/
19. Sena Tattoo
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Image Source: Instagram
Sena Tattoo is a unique tattoo studio based in New York. Its main area of focus is in traditional Japanese tattoos. Sena Tattoo’s focus on Japanese themes shouldn’t be of any surprise. The tattoo industry in America has always been influenced by ancient Japanese heritage and techniques.
These Asian themes include imageries like koi fish, fu dogs, dragons, tigers, snakes, waves, and wind. Many tattoo shops that focus on such themes, but Sena tattoo does it better.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 212-966-5151
- Location: 229 Centre St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/senatattoonyc/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senatattoonyc/
20. Nice Tattoo Parlor
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Image Source: Instagram
Nice Tattoo Parlor is a tattoo shop based in New York that lives up to its name. The tattoo artists at the parlor are friendly and ready to attend to clients. The studio’s atmosphere adds its calmness to the friendliness of the staff.
Nice Tattoo Parlor mainly specializes in minimal line tattoos to more detailed, inventive tattoos. Thus, visit Nice Tattoo Parlor if you want to get inked at a nice place in New York and by nice artists.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 646-883-6417
- Location: 177 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nicetattooparlor/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicetattooparlor/
FAQ
1. What time can I get a tattoo in NYC tattoo shops?
It depends on the shop. Some tattoo shops accept clients by appointment only. Thus, it is better to research any shop in NYC and be sure whether they accept walk-ins.
2. How much does getting a tattoo cost in NYC?
Tattoos are of different forms and complexity. The simple ones will cost less than the complicated ones. And charges vary from one tattoo shop to another. You can check any shop’s website or social media handles to see if prices are listed.
3. Are there any laws one should be aware of concerning obtaining tattoos in New York City?
There are not many laws. But the one we think is most vital is the one concerning age. In New York City, you have to be up to 18 years of age to be eligible for a tattoo. Minors aren’t allowed to obtain one.
Conclusion
Many special tattoo outfits are operating in New York City. It is hard to know which will meet your taste. The ones we have profiled in this article are proficient at delivering quality services, and all boast great teams of talented artists who have vast knowledge and experience in the field. However, it would help if you understood that certain tattoo studios might not meet your tastes and demands, no matter how great.
Thus, it is advisable to double-check any tattoo studio you have in mind and be sure they can meet your demands. How can you go about this? Go through their websites and read about their vision, areas of interest, styles, and team of artists if available. If they have any social media handles such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, ensure to check them.
Check their customer reviews to see what those who have patronized their services are saying. And if you are close to their outlets, visit them to see what they have on offer before making any decision.
