Tattoos are a way to express yourself and reflect your thoughts and feelings. Your design can be deeply meaningful and bring you comfort, or it can look edgy and cool. But not all tattoo artists and shops are equal, which is why opting for reputable studios and skilled professionals makes a big difference. If you want to get inked with your first piece or want to add to your collection, the right people can leave you with artwork that you will be proud to show off. New York City is filled with longstanding and seriously impressive tattoo shops specializing in several styles and custom designs. For some, walk-ins are welcome; others require a lengthy waiting list to get seen by your favorite artist. To bring the tattoo of your dreams into existence, contact one of these incredible locations.
1. East Side Ink Tattoo
Body art is a way to express yourself, and East Side Ink Tattoo is where you can find the perfect, unique piece to do it. It is one of New York City’s oldest tattoo shops, opening in 1992. Originally known as the go-to place for bikers, it now appeals to a wider market, even boasting that they have inked some of the most popular musicians and actors. They have a gallery of some of the celebs they have worked on if you want to give it a browse. This is the ultimate spot for those who wish to have custom designs. East Side Ink Tattoo has an impressive selection of artists to choose from, allowing you to browse their portfolios and styles before booking an appointment.
Address: 88 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212-477-2060
2. Rising Dragon
Rising Dragon has been around since 1984, establishing itself as one of the oldest, coolest, and most welcoming parlors in New York City. It also has an impressive history, becoming one of the first legal shops in lower Manhattan. The location is convenient, situated between Union Square Park and the Meat Market area. They have employed tattoo artists specializing in several styles, including Japanese, Realistic, and Portrait designs. These are highly skilled individuals who will produce high-quality, custom designs. The minimum price for a small tattoo is $100, and custom designs that require multiple sessions are priced between $190/hour and $200/hour. You can give them a call to find out more about their prices, tattoo artists, and availability.
Address: 51 West 14th St. Suite 2R New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-255-8288
3. First Class Tattoo
If you are looking to get inked in a tattoo studio with an excellent reputation, consider First Class Tattoo. This is a parlor known for its excellent quality, with artists employed from around the world. They specialize in artistic, custom designs, with styles including Neo-Traditional, Water Color, and Fine Line; there is something to suit most tastes. The minimum price is $250, and each artist will have a slightly different hourly rate, which you can find out by contacting them. They also accept walk-ins. As a bonus, the shop offers laser tattoo removal if you want to get rid of a previous piece or make room for something new.
Address: 52 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (646) 998-5203
4. Ink Nation Studio
Located in the heart of New York City, Ink Nation Studio is a shop that has been featured in several publications already. It was founded by Darwin Enriquez and Zhimpa Moreno with the idea that “Ink unites,” a concept many body art enthusiasts would agree with. The location is unbeatable, giving you a view of New York from their terrace. The large, modern, and clean workspace is fitted with the latest technology, and Ink Nation Studio has an impressive team of tattoo artists to help you create your ideal tattoo. It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, and you can give them a call to make an appointment.
Address: 56 W 45TH ST Fl 18, New York NY 10036
Phone: 917-261-6936
5. Nice Tattoo Parlor
If you want a tattoo that you can show off proudly, then a visit to Nice Tattoo Parlor can help you find what you are looking for. The shop minimum is $200, and the price will increase depending on the size, detail, and placement of your chosen design. Currently, anyone is welcome, but the shop has a team of all-female tattoo artists who ink primarily women, making this a comfortable location for any woman who may be reluctant to go elsewhere. You can find all the information you are looking for on their website or use their Contact Us page for any questions or requests you may have. They are open seven days a week from 12 pm to 7 pm, but it would be a good idea to book an appointment well in advance.
Address: 177 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: +1 646-883-6417
6. Bang Bang Forever
You may have heard about Bang Bang Forever because this is a tattoo parlor that celebs have favored. Owned and operated by legendary tattoo artist Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, who has tattooed the likes of Cara Delevingne, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and LeBron James, all in interesting locations, you can get your very own design inked at one of these New York City studios. There is an impressive list of tattoo artists to choose from, sourced from around the world, who specialize in the highest quality work. The shop is open six days a week from 1 pm to 9 pm and is closed on Mondays. Contact them on one of their phone numbers or email.
Address: Locations are at 62 Grand Street NYC and 328 Broome Street NYC
Phone: 646-918-7021 and 212-219-2799
7. Soho Ink
Soho Ink has been in the tattoo industry for 50 years. This is a great place to go if you want high-quality inkings and people who have decades of experience. The shop is open every day from 11 am to 8 pm on Monday to Saturday and 12 pm to 8 pm on Sunday. How much you can expect to pay depends on the size, placement, detail, and chosen artist, but the shop minimum is $200. If you have a preferred artist in mind or are waiting for a guest artist, you can get in touch and get put on the waiting list. The shop also accepts walk-ins, but availability is limited.
Address: 285 Lafayette St. New York, New York 10012
Phone: 646-370-3000
8. Electric Anvil Tattoo
Electric Anvil Tattoo employs artists with decades of experience and specializes in various styles. This includes Japanese and Americana imagery, American Traditional designs, clean lines, and bright colors. The shop also offers a different concept, which is great if you cannot decide what body art you want; you use $100 for a token to place in the “Get What You Get” machine, which picks the piece. Edgy and cool, this is the place to go if you have something different in mind and want a memorable experience.
Address: 648 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11238
Phone: 718-636-6360
9. Three Kings Tattoo
Three Kings Tattoo has several locations, including one in New York City. The shop was founded by Alex McWatt and Matthew Marcus, who has been in the business for over 20 years. Tattooing was only legal in New York in 1997, and these friends found what was missing in the tattoo industry and formed a shop that makes clients feel good and leave with great-looking body art. Their goal is to approach tattoos with the motto that they are for everyone. This makes for a very positive and welcoming environment and tattoo artists who have been employed to offer a wide range of different styles. They are open seven days a week from 11 am to 9 pm, and they accept walk-ins. To get an idea of price, work with them to find out, but this depends on size, placement, detail, and chosen artist.
Address: 343 East 10TH Street, New York, New York
Phone: 212-505-8287
10. Studio 28 Tattoo NYC
Studio 28 Tattoo NYC is your go-to place for high-quality custom tattoo designs. The studio is clean and has a welcoming atmosphere and a selection of artists to choose from who are dedicated to customer satisfaction. There is a wide range of styles and techniques to choose from, and although it can be challenging to estimate the cost, the shop minimum is $150, and there’s an hourly rate of $220. Quality is important, and for this reason, they do not ink the sides of the fingers, palms of the hand, inside the lip, and the bottom of the feet. It is advised to book an appointment ahead of time because it gets very busy, but they take walk-ins between 1 pm till 6:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday; their doors are open from Monday to Saturday from 1 pm to 8 pm. Availability can be limited.
Address: 108 West 28th St. 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001
Phone: (646) 370-6509
11. Daredevil Tattoo
Daredevil Tattoo opened in 1997 right after tattooing was legalized in New York City; it was banned in the 60s because of a hepatitis outbreak and was only legal again in 1997. New York City has an interesting history involving body art, and there is also The Daredevil Tattoo Museum collection featuring artifacts throughout this time. At this shop, you will be able to choose from several artists who specialize in different styles, letting you find something that best suits your preference and complements the design you have in mind. There is a $100 shop minimum, and appointments can be booked online. Price can vary depending on your chosen artist, the detail, placement, and size of your piece.
Address: 141 Division St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: +1 212-533-8303
12. Inked Shop NYC
Inked Shop NYC specializes exclusively in tattoo art and was established by Inked Magazine. The shop has earned itself a fantastic reputation and considers celebrities like Post Malone and Nick Cannon among its clientele. There are both resident and guest artists to choose from, specializing in different styles and with decades of experience behind them. They offer walk-ins, available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but it is recommended to book ahead of time if you have a specific artist in mind for your tattoo. Inked Shop NYC is open from 11 am to 9 pm and waiting to create your next inking.
Address: 150 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011.
Phone: (212) 381-1760
13. Five Points Tattoo
Five Points Tattoo wants to offer clients a great experience, and it does this with its versatile staff. They specialize in several styles, including Japanese and fine line artwork, and are ideal for your first time getting inked or for a body art enthusiast. Co-owned by tattoo artists Chris Garver and Ami James, here you can get a custom piece created seven days a week. It is open from 12 pm to 8 pm every day.
Address: 127A Lafayette Street, New York NY 10013 (Between Canal St and Howard St)
Phone: (646) 545-3300
14. Red Rocket Tattoo
At Red Rocket Tattoo, you can choose from ten resident artists specializing in various styles. You can also keep tabs on their latest news and see which guest artists are available. This is a fantastic location for your body art. Although price depends on several factors, including size, detail, and placement, the shop minimum is $100; this is more affordable than many other New York tattoo shops. For pieces that are larger or require multiple sessions, the cost is $200 per hour. Red Rocket Tattoo is open from Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but not all artists will be available, so it is advisable to book an appointment ahead of time.
Address: 78 W. 36th St., 3rd Floor New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 736-3001
15. Uncharted Tattoo
Finding the right tattoo artist and a shop that makes you feel welcome and comfortable is essential before getting inked with your chosen design. Uncharted Tattoo could be just the place you have been looking for. Located in a clean and safe environment, the shop was opened in 2017 in Bryant Park, Manhattan, by shop owner and tattoo artist Yang Lee. Lee has more than a decade of experience and is incredibly versatile, focusing on American and Asian traditional techniques. Together with his small team, they can help you find a tattoo you will want to show off. The shop is open seven days a week from 12 pm to 10 pm, and walk-ins are welcome. Or contact them to schedule an appointment and discuss any questions you may have.
Address: 1024 6th Ave., Fl 3, New York, NY 10018
Phone: 917-261-7028
16. Fun City Tattoo
If you want to feel relaxed, comfortable, and most importantly, welcome, then head to Fun City Tattoo. It is the oldest tattoo shop in Manhattan, co-owned by ‘Big Steve’ Pedone, who is well-known and respected, having inked many famous faces; he is still available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, by appointment only. The location is open seven days a week, with regular hours between 12 pm and 10 pm, and walk-ins are welcome. One of the best things about this shop is the motto they follow, which Big Steve himself states: “Our goal is to make our clients happy. No ego, no attitude, just a good positive mental attitude with a hint of sarcasm.” It sounds like a fun place, right?!
Address: 94 St Marks Place, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 353-8282
17. Sacred Tattoo
Sacred Tattoo is one of New York’s oldest shops and was opened in 1990. It is located in one of Manhattan’s most interesting neighborhoods and has opened its doors to a wide range of clientele, giving them a memorable experience and ink that they can be proud of. They pride themselves on their professionalism and are a sought-after shop. Depending on availability, they accept walk-ins, and although prices vary depending on the chosen artist, detail, placement, and size, you can expect to pay around $100 for small tattoos.
Address: 424 Broadway, Second Floor, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 226-4286
18. Ruben Barahona (Graveyard NYC)
Ruben Barahona is a well-known and respected tattoo artist who opened Graveyard NYC in New York City in 2017. This shop prides itself on its excellent craftsmanship and customer service, with artists including Barahona himself. Barahona is an incredibly talented artist and has been perfecting his craft for decades, opening his first shop in 2013 in Antigua, Guatemala. He specializes in several styles, creating a unique mix of fine art, pop culture, realism, and abstract surrealism.
Address: Graveyard NYC – 179 East 3rd St 10009
Phone: 347-879-3092
VISIT: Ruben Barahona (Graveyard NYC)
19. Kings Avenue Tattoo
At Kings Avenue Tattoo, there is a wide range of tattoo artists to choose from, with their specialties including Traditional Americana, black and gray tattooing, Portraiture, and Realism. Mike Rubendall founded the shop, and they are dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind pieces that can allow the wearer to express themselves and leave after having a fantastic experience. There is no set cost, with prices depending on several factors, but there is a shop minimum of $150. There are two locations in Massapequa, New York, and Manhattan. Walk-ins are allowed, but it is always advisable to book ahead of time to ensure availability.
Address: 188 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
Phone: +1 212-431-5464
20. CJ Tattoo
CJ Tattoo is located in New York City’s East Village and is open seven days a week from 1 pm to 7 pm. It was founded by CJ, a celebrated tattoo artist recognized for his Asian style designs. This has made the shop a go-to destination for various styles, including Japanese, Realism, Watercolor, and Fine-Line. You can also view the artist’s portfolios online and see which one best suits the vision you have in mind. You can book an appointment ahead of time or try your luck and see if there is any availability as a walk-in customer. Prices start at a minimum of $100 but differ depending on placement, detail, size, and artist.
Address: 103 St Marks Pl, New York, NY, 10009
Phone: 646-898-8746
21. East River Tattoo
East River Tattoo has an impressive following on social media, and you may have spotted some of their work there. If not, you want to check them out the next time you are in Brooklyn. Located on the historic Greenpoint waterfront, this shop was founded by Duke Riley in 2000. You can book an appointment with Duke, who has been tattooing since 1993, or one of the other artists, any of whom could help you bring your vision to life with a custom tattoo design.
Address: 1047 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: +1 718-532-8282
22. Uplift Tattoo
Uplift Tattoo is highly rated amongst its clientele and has employed some of the best tattoo artists in New York City. The shop is located in SoHo and specializes in fine line tattoos, but can also do other styles, including ornamental and geometric, allowing you to find something to suit your preference and a custom-made design. They are open daily and take walk-ins. Prices start from $200 minimum and $300 for hourly rates.
Address: 497 Broome St. New York, NY 10013
Phone: +1 917-864-8654
23. 6 Skulls
If you are curious to see what the artists at 6 Skulls can do, browse their gallery online. This shop is open every day of the week and can create body art that’s big and small, simple or detailed, and loud and bright. The prices vary depending on the size, detail, placement, and chosen tattoo artist, but start at $100 for the arms and legs and $150 for other body parts. There is also a minimum hourly rate of $200. To get a more accurate idea of how much your body art will cost, you need to contact them for a free consultation. This can be done through email or in person.
Address: 329 6th Avenue, New York NY 10014
Phone: 212-414-4114
24. InkStinct NYC
InkStinct NYC is another shop to have on your radar. Known for creating modern designs and custom tattoos, this location wants to bring your creativity to life in the form of body art. The studio is open every day, from 11 am to 6 pm, Monday through Sunday. If you have a piece in mind and are looking for a place to get it done, this could be the shop you have been looking for. Browse through their gallery online and see if the artwork appeals to you!
Address: 43-04 30th ave.Astoria, NY. 11103
Phone: 347-649-1315
25. Hand of Glory
Hand of Glory was established in Brooklyn, New York City, in 2001, and specializes in custom designs. Founded by partners Craig Rodriguez and Anna Sea, the shop has become known for its skillful merging of colorful traditional tattoos with modern elements. Rodriguez is a tattoo artist held in high regard and was one of the first people to get his tattoo license in New York City after it was legalized in 1997. The starting price for tattoos is $200 and $200 for hourly rates, but this price can vary depending on the project and the chosen artist. The shop is closed on Wednesdays and open Thursday to Tuesday, 12 pm to 8 pm.
Address: Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY
Phone: 718-832-5020
FAQs
How much do tattoos cost in NYC?
There is a minimum shop price for most tattoo shops in New York City. This usually starts at $200 and can increase depending on your design's size, placement, and detail. Some artists will also charge a higher rate. To better understand the price involved, you can contact the shop beforehand and discuss the piece and the location for it that you have in mind.
Where do celebrities get tattoos in NYC?
There are several celebrities who have gotten tattooed in various New York City tattoo shops. Some of the most well-known locations for this include Bang Bang Forever, Inked Shop NYC, and East Side Ink Tattoo. These shops are chosen based on the location, the skill of the tattoo artists, and the style they specialize in.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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