Best Tattoo Shops & Studios in NYC, New York, United States

New York City’s cultural diversity is why it is considered the cultural capital of the world. New York City provides people the opportunity to check out an array of art forms at museums and art galleries. However, New York City was not as accepting of body art until 1997, forcing many talented artists to run appointment-only tattoo studios underground. Today, tattoos have become a legal part of New York City’s mainstream culture.

Tattoos are a symbol of self-expression, confidence, and personal style. But if you wish to wear a design on your skin, it is important to get a tattoo from accomplished tattoo artists who can transform their clients’ visions into magnificent pieces of body art.

New York City is home to professional tattoo artists known for their innovative styles. To help you find the best tattoo shops and artists in New York City, Viking Bags has provided a list of the best tattoo shops in New York City.

Fine Line Tattoo Shop was established by Mike Bakaty in 1976, when New York City was still under the historic tattoo ban still in effect since 1961.

For 21 years, Fine Line Tattoo Studio operated as an underground private studio, offering spectacular tattoos in a hygienic environment. The tattoo shop became legal in 1997 after the ban was lifted. Today, Fine Line Tattoo Shop has become the most prominent and oldest tattoo shop in Manhattan, New York City.

Fine Line Tattoo Shop was run by Mike Bakaty until he passed away in 2014. His son, Mehai Bakaty, has continued to keep his father’s art alive. Mehai Bakaty is a gifted tattoo artist with a knack for American, Japanese, and custom tattoos.

At Fine Line Tattoo Shop, hospital-grade sanitation and sterilization are performed. All tattoo equipment is treated in an autoclave before being used. Single-use needles and ink are used to reduce the risks of cross-contamination and infections.

Fine Line Tattoo Shop does not accept walk-ins for consultations or tattoos. For consultations and appointments, you must first send an email.  

• Contemporary American
• Japanese

• Google Rating: 4.6⭐

Studio 28 Tattoo Shop has a team of three experienced tattoo artists who can apply any tattoo style. Their acclaimed works are neo-traditional, black and gray, and colored tattoos.

Bo Snow has an eye for detail, Jenny creates images of sea creatures, felines, cacti, and fruits, and Anna Rawr specializes in dark themes, colored, and small colored tattoos.

All of Studio 28 Tattoo Shop’s tattoo artists are particular about the quality of their tattoos. They refuse to apply a tattoo design that would not heal properly afterward. Tattoo artists do not apply tattoos inside of the lips, on the ears, heels, palms, or fingers.

Walk-ins are accepted but are limited due to the artists’ busy schedules. If you are visiting New York City for a few days or want to get a tattoo from a guest artist, then it is best to book an appointment.

After each tattoo session, Studio 28 Tattoo Shop’s artists provide easy-to-follow standard and Saniderm aftercare instructions. Studio 28 Tattoo Shop also has an in-house piercer, providing high-quality and safe piercing services.

• Cover-Ups
• Fix-Ups
• Half-Sleeve Tattoos
• Detail

• Google Rating: 4.8⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.7⭐

Established in 1992 by Andrea Elston, East Side Ink Tattoo Shop started as one of New York’s underground tattoo shops. At the time, the shop was frequented by rebels, lone bikers, motorcycle club members, and outcast tattoo enthusiasts who were looking to get motorcycle club, gothic, and motorcycle part tattoos.

East Side Ink Tattoo Shop is now a premium tattoo studio in New York City, featuring brilliant tattoo artists who specialize in all tattoo styles. This tattoo shop caters to everyone’s needs, including motorcycle enthusiasts, hippies, tattoo aficionados, and Oscar-winning celebrities.

East Side Ink Tattoo Shop’s microblading and permanent tattoo removal techniques are quite popular among New Yorkers. To get a new identity or the perfect make-up look, you can make use of the microblading services. If you have any tattoos you regret getting, then you can ask East Side Ink Tattoo Shop to use their laser tattoo removal services.

• Birds
• Watercolor
• Detail

• Google Rating: 4.6⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.6⭐

Allied Tattoo was founded in 2015 by Andy Perez, a popular tattoo artist in New York. She brought together a team of brilliant tattoo artists under one roof.

Allied Tattoo Shop is located in Bushwick, providing high-quality tattoo services for the neighborhood. Allied Tattoo Studio quickly became one of New York’s favorite shops because of its affordable rates. The tattoo artists love to work with clients to finalize a design. They also provide price quotes during consultations so the tattoos stay within the clients’ budgets.

Walk-ins are welcome but artists strongly recommend that you call in beforehand to check availability.

• Tribal
• Traditional
• Bright Colors

• Google Rating: 4.7⭐
• Yelp Rating: 5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.7⭐

Three Kings Tattoo Shop is a well-reputed tattoo shop with seven active branches at the following locations:

• Los Angeles, California
• Denver, Colorado
• North Island, New York
• Brookly, New York
• New York City, New York
• Long Island, New York
• London, United Kingdom

Established in 2008, Three Kings Tattoo Shop has the most extensive selection of tattoo styles. The tattoo artists are great at creating custom designs in the following tattoo styles: anime, Asian, illustrative, tribal, portraits, and fine line.

Three Kings Tattoo Shop strives to guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. This classic tattoo studio is the best place to get a cruelty-free tattoo as they provide vegan procedures at low rates. No hidden or extra charges are included with the vegan tattoos.

Though the tattoo artists at Three Kings Tattoo Shop do not provide price quotes over the phone or via email, you can get an estimate of the total cost of your tattoo during consultations.

• Vegan (optional)
• Illustrative
• Anime
• Asian
• Birds

• Google Rating: 4.9⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.4⭐

By opening the Daredevil Tattoo Shop in 1997, Michelle Myles and Brad Fink promptly celebrated the legal status of tattoos in New York. The shop has become an inspiring center of arts in New York City due to the Daredevil Tattoo Museum next to the establishment.

Daredevil Tattoo Museum has a collection of antique and original tattoos by Sailor Jerry, Samuel O’Rielly, Byurt Grimm, and George Burchett. You will also get to check out old tattoo tools and equipment. A visit to Daredevil Tattoo Shop is always a fun experience, whether you get a tattoo or not.

• Japanese
• American 
• Collection of antique tattoos and equipment

• Google Rating: 4.7⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.3⭐

First Class Tattoo Shop is a one-of-kind tattoo shop in New York featuring renowned tattoo artists from all over the world. With its team of eight resident artists specializing in a variety of tattoo styles, First Class Tattoo Shop is equipped to cater to all their customers’ needs.

The tattoo artists at First Class Tattoo Shop believe in applying tattoos that are true expressions of the self. This tattoo shop provides laser tattoo removal for customers who want to get rid of a tattoo they regret. If you no longer like your current tattoo or want to get a new one, you can have it removed at First Class Tattoo Shop.

• Trash-Polka
• Watercolor
• Abstract

• Google Rating: 4.7⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.5⭐

Established in 2014 by Megan Massacre, Grit N Glory Tattoo Shop is perfect for Gen Z tattoo aficionados. The tattoo studio has a relaxed rock & roll setting with a mission to promote the arts among the youth.

Each tattoo artist at Grit N Glory is proficient in a distinct tattoo style and creates custom designs for customers in his/her signature style.

Grit N Glory Tattoo Shop only accepts appointments and does not welcome walk-ins. You can browse artists’ portfolios, choose your artist, and book your appointment via email. It usually takes about two weeks before you get a response from the artist.

• Custom Art
• Temporary Tattoos

• Google Rating: 4.6⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.2⭐

Established in 2000 by Duke Riley, the East River Tattoo Shop has been providing world-class tattoo services in New York City for over 20 years.

East River Tattoo Shop’s artists are skilled in applying tattoos in all styles. They specialize in creating custom designs inspired by folk art and traditional styles from the 19th century. Sea creatures, tides, ocean waves, sailors, and old sailing ships are recurring images in Duke Riley’s portfolio.

Other artists work on a variety of subjects, including depictions of crustaceans, birds, flowers, and cartoons.

• Sea-Theme
• Sailor Jerry Tattoos

• Google Rating: 4.8⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.2⭐

According to Time Out Magazine NYC, the Electric Anvil Tattoo Shop is the best tattoo and piercing shop in New York City.

Electric Anvil Tattoo has professional tattoo artists known for their experience, precision, and attention to detail. Jeremy Sutton has been tattooing for more than two decades, with his artwork receiving acclaim in Tattoo Artist, Prick, Flash, and Skin & Ink Magazines. Josh Egnew boasts 15 years of tattooing experience, and Josh Monroe has 10 years of tattooing experience.

Many customers return because they like the smooth lines, bright colors, neat dots, and clean outlines of the tattoos.

Walk-ins are welcome for tattoos and piercings. For large multi-session tattoos, it is strongly recommended you book an appointment.

• Realism
• Authentic American
• Japanese

• Google Rating: 4.6⭐
• Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐ 
• Facebook Rating: 4.4⭐

The people of New York City are sophisticated, cultured, and have a deep appreciation for all artistic expression. They enjoy attending various art shows and exhibitions, including tattoo expos and conventions.

Tattoos are quickly gaining popularity in New York City because of the exceptional work being done by resident tattoo artists. Their signature tattoo styles have changed the way tattoos are perceived by New Yorkers.

Due to many artists' stellar works, the tattoo shops mentioned have been getting the attention they deserve. In these shops, you will find cooperative staff, approachable tattoo artists, high standards of sanitation and cleanliness, and affordable rates.

Check out the tattoo shops’ user-friendly websites, social media pages, and impressive portfolios before choosing the New York tattoo shop that offes the tattoo style you want.