“A creative city like New York that spurs a hotbed of art is also host to some of the most popular tattoo parlors in the world.”
The first-known female tattoo artist, Maud Stevens Wagner, began her work in her work touring in the early 20th century, and now we are living in a time where women have more tattoos than men. The women of Passerbuys have sent in their most recommended places to get some body art done that has also attracted a list of some high-profile celebrity clientele but also neighborhood locals. Featuring legendary New York spots like Saved Tattoo in Williamsburg where NYC passerby, Tamara Santibanez, tattoos full time, this list captures some of the most popular and cult-favorite places to get tattoos in the city.
Saved / Williamsburg
Recommended by Tamara Santibanez, Lexi Cunningham, Ariel Roman, Katie Garcia, Lauren Servideo
With NYC passerby, Tamara Santibanez, as one of the tattoo artists at Saved since 2010, this spot is the most recommended place to get tattoos done. After checking out Tamara's style and profile on Passerbuys, go on and visit Saved. The tattoo parlour carries the same artistry that serves its high-profile client list for some of the most elite artists in the city.
Visit Saved at 426 Union Ave
Fleur Noire / Williamsburg
recommended by kayla tanenbaum
This year-old tattoo shop in Brooklyn is being celebrated as an entirely immigrant-run tattoo shop and art space that does not close its doors to anybody. Celebrating body art, Fleur Noire prides itself with having a diverse and multilingual team for those customers who are more comfortable speaking to someone in their native language.
Visit Fleur Noire at 439 Metropolitan Ave
Rose Tattoo Parlour / Williamsburg
recommended by Ariel Roman
In accordance with its name, this tattoo parlour specializes in offering tattoos of the traditional American kind, like roses, skulls, or snakes. There's nothing to be intimidated by, however, with its storefront as an ode to it formerly being a tombstone shop. There is a $100 minimum.
Visit Rose Tattoo at 382 Graham Ave
Smith Street Tattoo Parlour / Carroll Gardens
Recommended by ariel roman
This neighborhood joint in the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn, Smith Street Tattoo Parlour has been a popular spot for foreigners who come to explore the new brand of Brooklyn. As reported in the New York Times, visitors from Japan, Australia, and Belgium have come here to get inked before they travel back home with some new body art.
Visit Smith Street at 411 Smith St
Flyrite Tattoo / Williamsburg
Recommended by Holly Mitchell
Flyrite Tattoo has been called a mainstay in the Brooklyn tattoo scene and has worked in many popular art events throughout the city, including its artists who have participated in the New York Art Book Fair.
Visit Flyrite at 492 Metropolitan Ave
West 4 Tattoo / Greenwich Village
Recommended by alyssa coscarelli
If you pay attention to tabloids or paparazzi photos online, you've probably seen the spot in the background of some popular celebrities who have walked out of their doors. West 4 Tattoo is located in Greenwich Village, and while it may be difficult to book an appointment with an artist here, it may be worth it given the pop stars and models who have gotten inked here before.
Visit West 4 at 163 W 4th St
Allied Tattoo / Bushwick
Recommended by Beth Garrabrant
In a neighborhood like Bushwick, where graffiti art covers almost every wall and an art scene that is blossoming, it's only right for a tattoo parlour to exist in this spot.
Visit Allied at 48 1/2 Grattan St
Evil and Love / Greenpoint
Recommended by Kia Tavernier
This affordable spot to get inked has been around for almost the past five years to serve the creative community and neighborhood that it inhabits. The shop minimum is $90.
Visit Evil and Love at 211 Franklin St
Three Kings / Greenpoint
recommended by Lauren Nostro
If the music news editor at Genius, Lauren Nostro, recommends this spot for getting inked, then it must be the spot for some of the most impressive clientele in the New York music and art scene to get any kind of art done.
Visit Three Kings at 572 Manhattan Ave
For more recommendations in nyc, visit the Passerbuys Map
Words by Jessica Joyce Jacolbe