Laurels

Best Tattoo Artists
in New York City

2020

We scored 1,750 Tattoo Artists in New York, NY and Picked the Top 19

Here are the Picks:

Why These Tattoo Artists?

Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored New York City Tattoo Artists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

Our Selection Criteria:

1. Availability

Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.
2. Qualifications

Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.
3. Reputation

A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.
4. Experience

Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.
5. Professionalism

Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

Last Updated: October 29, 2020

Allied Tattoo

Allied Tattoo provides tattooing services in the Brooklyn area. The shop was set up in 2015 by two long-time artists and employs a number of additional tattooers whose work can be seen on the company site. Walk-ins are allowed, but calling for an appointment is recommended, and the studio accepts only cash for payment. A $50 deposit is required when an appointment is made.

Brooklyn, NY 11237

Website Facebook

(347) 725-4861 Website

Body Language Tattoo

Body Language Tattoo is an Astoria tattoo studio.The shop works with artists who care about the details and keep clients informed during their procedure. Body Language also regularly asks clients for feedback to improve their business and client experience, and state regulated health standards are enforced. Tattoo cover-ups as well as piercing services are also available.

Astoria, NY 11106

Website Facebook

(347) 808-0497 Website

East River Tattoo

East River Tattoo has been tattooing New York clients since 2000. The shop performs custom designs in various styles but is known for using themes from maritime folk art and 19th century traditional styles and usually incorporates antique nautical charts, wood cuts, engravings and scrimshaw into designs. Duke Riley has 23 years of experience and has had his work exhibited in museums around the world including the Brooklyn Museum's permanent collection.

New York, NY 11222

Website Facebook

(718) 532-8282 Website

Eight of Swords Tattoo

Eight of Swords Tattoo is a Brooklyn tattoo shop as well as art gallery. The shop's artists have decades of experience and offer their own styles as well as custom, detailed work. Artwork from various artists and t-shirts are also for sale. Eight of Swords has regular art openings as well as annual charity events for non-profits such as The Warriors Fund and the ASPCA.

Brooklyn, NY 11249

Website Facebook

(718) 387-9673 Website

Fineline Tattoo NYC

Fineline Tattoo NYC brings 40 years of experience to New York tattoo clients. The shop first started in 1976 when tattooing was still illegal and is still frequented today by loyal fans who love the friendly staff and attitude. Mehai Bakaty worked alongside his father through the ban until 1997 when Fineline was opened legally. Mr. Bakaty's work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and via the media such as on The Learning Channel.

New York, NY 10003

Website Facebook

(212) 673-5154 Website

First Class Tattoo

Located on Canal Street in New York City, First Class Tattoo focuses on artistic designs and custom pieces. The studio's artists offer design specialties that include full color or black and gray realistic styles, fine-line images, geometric designs, script, block work, and neo-traditional elements. First Class Tattoo also provides cosmetic tattooing, including lip tinting and brow shading. Once the tattoo is complete, the artist wraps the area in a protective bandage.

52 Canal Street
New York, NY 10002

(646) 998-5203 Website

Fun City Tattoo

Fun City New York has been a New York tattoo studio since 1976. Present owner, Big Steve, has 13 years of experience in the business and is known for his speedy execution of various design styles such as black and grey, American traditional, and Polynesian tribal. The studio has guest artists visit from time to time as well as its own in-house tattooers, and clients can get further information on them all via the website.

New York, NY 10002

Website Facebook

(212) 353-8282 Website

Inkstop Tattoo

Inkstop Tattoo has been a New York tattoo studio for almost 20 years. The shop's artists each have decades of experience and can create custom designs. Inkstop is certified by the Board of Health, uses new needles for every tattoo, and has a certified lab perform Autoclave testing every week. Inkstop has been featured in numerous media such as MTV2 and Mad Magazine, and customers must show proof of being 18 or older.

New York, NY 10009

Website Facebook

(212) 995-2827 Website

Kings Avenue Tattoo

Kings Avenue Tattoo is a legendary tattoo studio in New York. The studio has numerous resident as well as guest artists who are known all over the world. Founder Mike Rubendall himself has been tattooing for over 20 years, has won over 50 international awards, and has been widely featured in the media, both in print and on TV shows such as on Tattoo Wars and as a judge on Ink Master. Kings Avenue also sells various clothing, accessories, and a line of hats designed by Mr. Rubendall.

New York, NY 10012

Website Facebook

(212) 431-5464 Website

Lark Tattoo

Lark Tattoo is a Westbury tattoo studio. Bios of all artists are listed on the site as well as aftercare instructions, and customers can purchase clothing, body jewelry, and aftercare creams. Laser tattoo removal is also available. Owner Bruce Kaplan has been tattooing since 1989 and has a BFA from Parsons School of Design. Minors will not be allowed to receive tattoos, and parental consent is needed for all piercing.

Westbury, NY 11590

Website Facebook

(516) 794-5844 Website

Majestic Tattoo NYC

Majestic Tattoo NYC provides tattooing services in New York. Owner Adal Ray has been a painter and tattoo artist for over 20 years, draws each custom tattoo by hand, and takes care to place designs appropriately to each client's unique anatomy. Clients often come to the studio for Adal's colorful, modern designs, especially for his fractal and psychedelic tatttoos, and his paintings are also on exhibit in the shop's gallery.

New York, NY 11221

Website Facebook

(212) 431-3323 Website

New York Adorned

New York Adorned performs tattooing and piercings in the New York area. Customers must prove they are 18 years-old or older via a government-issued ID, no more than one person can accompany clients for a procedure, and children are not allowed. The studio will not tattoo people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pregnant, or breastfeeding. The company also sells jewelry, home items, and other accessories via the online store Love Adorned.

New York, NY 10003

Website Facebook

(212) 473-0007 Website

NYHC Tattoo

NYHC Tattoo has been a New York tattoo studio for over 15 years. The shop was originally opened by Vinnie Stigma of Agnostic Front and Jimmy Gestapo of Murphys Law, and is today still loyal to its hardcore name via new ownership. Clients can look through the various design styles from the studio's six different artists on the studio's site, and appointments can be made seven days a week.

New York, NY 10002

Website Facebook

(212) 979-0350 Website

Rising Dragon

Rising Dragon has been tattooing New York residents for over 31 years. The studio was one of lower Manhattan's first legal shops and offers custom designs by local artists as well as by guest tattooers from numerous countries. Customers can request styles such as Japanese, full color, portraits, black and gray, and Polynesian Maori tribal. Rising Dragon was listed as one of CBS Local's Top 5 Tattoo Parlors of NYC.

New York, NY 10011

Website Facebook

(212) 255-8288 Website

Rivington Tattoo

Rivington Tattoo opened as a tattoo shop in New York in 2011. Owner Ethan Morgan made his name on the West Coast and has won over 30 awards for his work. Mr. Morgan has tattooed celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne and worked at other NY studios such as Mike Rubendall's Kings Avenue and then Eastside Ink. Mr. Morgan works along two other artists at the studio.

New York, NY 10002

Website Facebook

(212) 256-0281 Website

Studio 28

Studio 28 has been performing tattoos and piercings in the New York area since 2010. Clients appreciate the inviting and clean atmosphere as well as custom designs by artists who have years of experience as well as awards to their name. The studio sterilizes all tools and ensures that artists follow strict guidelines and complete bloodborne pathogen training. The shop counts over 5,000 happy clients and was voted the best tattoo studio of NYC by Citysearch.com

New York, NY 10001

Website Facebook

(646) 370-6509 Website

Triple Diamond Tattoo

Triple Diamond Tattoo is a Brooklyn studio which offers custom tattooing. The studio's website lists contact information as well as sample work for the three resident artists and displays photos of some of the boutique's offerings for clients to browse. The shop also sells jewelry, oddities, natural specimens, and antiques including Triple Diamond's own rings, The Human Molar Ring, The Skull Ring, and The Arrow Ring.

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Website Facebook

(718) 222-2925 Website

Village Tattoo NYC

Village Tattoo NYC is a New York tattoo shop. Patrons come to the studio for its precision, attention to detail, and ability to create whatever expression and design a client desires. A full gallery of tattoos can be found online as well as aftercare instructions, and customers can book an appointment on the site as well. Village Tattoo also performs piercings and sells silver and gold body jewelry, rings, bracelets, pendants, and chains.

New York, NY 10012

Website Facebook

(212) 475-3708 Website

White Rabbit Tattoo Studio

White Rabbit Tattoo Studio offers tattooing services in New York. The location is popular for its calming decor, and the studio uses 100% vegan products and ink. Brief bios and a portfolio for the artists can be viewed online as well as an info sheet for clients. White Rabbit Tattoo was featured on CBS New York as one of the best tattoo shops in NYC and was a Top 10 studio in NYC on The No Money New Yorker.

New York, NY 10002

Website Facebook

(212) 228-1803 Website

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