When it comes to the “best of” most people think of New York. Just like many big cities the heaving metropolis is home to a huge tattoo community. New Yorkers love their tattoos and the city has always had a big interest in arts and “cool factor” which makes it the perfect location to find a selection of the best artists and a wide array of different shop vibes. When it comes to NYC’s history of ink their first shop dates back to the 1870s in the Bowery, and while it was technically illegal to tattoo here until 1997 that hasn’t stopped the industry.
Daredevil Tattoo
141 Division St, New York, NY 10002
An American Traditional shop that is also a tattoo history museum. The walls are covered in traditional art by some of the industry greats including Sailor Jerry and Sam O’Reilly with antique machines and sideshow banners from when tattoos were “entertainment”. Daredevil artists stick to their roots with clean lines, bold colors, and an atmosphere that is no fuss. Located in Chinatown, it’s far from cheap but you’re coming here for the experience as well as the art.
Last Rites
325 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Anyone in the tattoo industry in the past decade has heard of this shop. Home to the iconic and dark art of Paul Booth this place is far from scary. Booth is a living legend who has worked on many celebrities and specializes in artwork that is reminiscent of H.R. Giger.
Bang Bang
328 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
A hipster paradise that specializes in minimalist and micro tattoos. This is the celeb “must be” place to be seen with many celebs gracing the location with the owner Keith McCurdy as their chosen artist. He’s not the only celeb artist here, most of the crew are too which is what makes the interior so surprising. With bare walls and bare concrete floors it almost looks like they moved in before they were finished decorating. The effect is intentional, with the tattoo and your interaction with the artist going above any “atmosphere” that the décor could create.
Saved Tattoo
426 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
With a typical Brooklyn vibe this shop has a chill feel and an artsy interior. Its co-owner Scott Campbell was briefly on the show Whole Glory where clients would stick their arm through a hole and he would tattoo a surprise design on there. This is an artistic and creative studio with many different artist’s work on the walls and skilled artists in the chairs.
Eight of Swords
115 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
With an amazing instagram feed the work here is phenomenal. The shop regularly has guest artists from all over the world with an old school vibe and an in studio gallery of art that regularly changes. It’s worth coming just for the art alone and all paintings are for sale. The shop is pretty busy so a consultation is important and you’ll want extra time just to enjoy the scenery anyway.
White Rabbit
121 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
A shop that has the typical tattoo vibe and a self proclaimed “agressive” décor that really does look like thousands of other shops. The studio itself is relatively chill and so are the artists. They have a selection of custom art and are proud to offer vegan inks across the board no matter what style you’re looking for or at which artist. There’s almost a spa-like quality of the place and you’ll be put at ease with their great customer service too.
