10 Best Tattoo Shops & Parlors in America

The first American tattoo shops date back to the 19th century. Martin Hilderbrandt introduced Americans to body art by opening America’s first tattoo shop in New York City during the 1870s.

Over the centuries, growing popularity and acceptance of tattoos has resulted in an increase in tattoo shops across America.

Modern tattoo shops are friendly, creative spaces with relaxed environments, accomplished artists, eccentric designs, vibrant colors, captivating imagery, and eager clients.

Besides fresh tattoo designs, these parlors offer other services, including cover-ups, touch-ups, piercings, and tattoo removal treatment. Each tattoo shop has a team of artists who specialize in various tattoo styles, ranging from abstract, trash polka, watercolor, realism, photorealism, new-traditional, flash art, old school, American traditional, Japanese traditional, black and gray work, etc.

To help you find the best tattoo parlors, Viking Bags has provided a list of the 10 best tattoo studios throughout the United States.

Mission Ink Tattoo shop has six tattoo artists, each qualified in different tattoo styles. Based in San Francisco, this shop offers the best designs at affordable prices. This tattoo shop specializes in traditional Japanese designs, black and gray tattoos, realism, and flash art. If you are on a budget, then Mission Ink is the place to be.

Founded by Nik Lucas, Art Collector is a small tattoo shop quickly becoming prominent in Los Angeles. Lucas and his junior tattoo artist, Viktoria, are responsible for all the tattoos, so you may want to secure your appointment as early as possible. Both artists are adept at creating a colorful piece, a dark bold tattoo, or a mix of both.

Founded in Hesperia by Niko Hurtado, the Black Anchor has since expanded and now has a branch in Los Angeles.

Black Anchor is the place for you if you love realistic black and gray portraits or colorful tattoos. Besides portraits and colored images, the parlor has artists with expertise in all tattoo styles.

Established in 1996, Elm Street Tattoo Shop is the best place to get body ink in Texas. Take advantage of the free consultations to perfect your tattoo design before the stencil is placed on your skin.

The tattoo artists practice different styles and create unique designs for each client. Rather than capitalize on short-lived trends, the artists create unique pieces as a testament to their dedication for their clients and the art of tattooing.

Celebrities such as Lil Wayne, Dwayne Wade, and Karol G got their tattoos from Till the End Tattoo studio. And you can too.

Tattoo artist Tatu Baby is skilled at converting your ideas into unique designs. She is also an accomplished female artist in America’s elite tattoo culture. Getting an appointment with Baby would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. But don’t be disappointed if you don’t because the other tattoo artists at Till the End Tattoo are equally creative and well-trained.

Established in 2005 by internationally renowned artist Mike Rubendall, the Kings Avenue Tattoo shop is the best place to get a tattoo. With more than 20 years of tattooing experience and 50 awards under his belt, Rubendall knows what the clients want.

Besides the owner, this shop has 13 highly trained tattoo artists that specialize in American traditional, Japanese traditional, realism, and black and gray. But if you have a custom design in mind, the creative artists will make sure to create a timeless tattoo for you.

Originally based in New York, the Kings Avenue Tattoo now has a branch in Durham, North Carolina. So, the next time you plan a vacation in New York City or go on a motorcycle trip to North Carolina, make sure you come back with a tattoo.

At Regeneration Tattoo, each artist follows his/her specific appointment schedule. The artists’ independence and creativity is reflected in their extraordinary work. At Regeneration Tattoo, you can email an artist directly for consultations and appointments.

From custom designs, color realism, portraits, black and gray, geometric patterns, traditional designs, and floral tattoos, Regeneration Tattoo offers the best of each style.

Founded in 2004, Boston Tattoo Company is the most popular and highly reputed tattoo shop in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally just a tattoo shop, this establishment also helps with piercings.

Boston Tattoo Company is a team of 20 twenty tattoo artists that excel in realism, color realism, floral tattoos, neo-traditional style, Japanese style, flash art, and modern designs. Custom tattoos are also available on demand.

Certified Tattoo Studios offers high hygiene standards, unique designs, and fun experiences. Around 2006, this award-winning tattoo shop specializes in all tattoo styles, including lettering, scripts, geometric, watercolor, cover-ups, fine lines, tribal, illustrative, portrait, and abstract.

With a team of over twenty professional artists, the shop has the right design and artist for everyone.

Including a laser tattoo removal service, you can improve an existing tattoo or get a new design.

Are you a tattoo enthusiast looking to get your first tattoo? Does the posh political environment of Washington D.C. keep you from getting one? Or do you think it is impossible to find a tattoo shop in the capital of the United States?

Well, the answer to all of your questions is Embassy Tattoo Shop. Pay this place a visit and you will instantly fall in love with its simple tattoo designs, forms, and styles. However, because Embassy Tattoo Shop is so popular, you might have to wait a couple of months before you can get your tattoo.

If you want to get one from a reputable tattoo shop, free tattoos are not an option. However, newer artists may offer a free tattoo to practice their work and add to their portfolio. Keep in mind that there is a high chance of the design becoming messed up, requiring you to pay for expensive tattoo removal treatments.

Tattoo artists discourage detailed tattoo designs in small sizes for the following reasons:

• The outlines of small tattoos fade easily
• Cramming ink in a limited space affects design quality. Colors tend to mesh together, creating a messy/blurry image
• Simple tattoos heal and age better

You can easily find well-reputed local tattoo parlors offering reasonably priced tattoos in your local area. Simply avoid popular tattoo parlors if you wish to save money.

There are plenty of opportunities to tell your artist that you don’t like the sketch. That is what consultations are for. Be polite, but don’t compromise. If you have to look for another artist or leave your security deposit, then do that. It is far better than having a displeasing image etched on your skin forever.

Yes, it is a thoughtful idea for a gift. But only for someone who already has tattoos or is passionate about getting one. Don’t pressure your friend or family member into getting one.

The tattoo shops mentioned in this article provide first-class tattooing experiences. If you find it difficult to pick any one of them, choose a tattoo shop near you or one that specializes in your favorite tattoo style.

It is encouraged you visit the official websites and Instagram pages of the tattoo shops you are interested in. Take your time going through the portfolios and work of any artists you are interested in before making your decision. Read reviews and conversation threads, connect with people who got their tattoos from popular tattoo parlors, ask for referrals, and then make an appointment.