Chances are if you live in the Bay Area, you're either already tatted or you're contemplating getting one (sorry mom!). After deciding to go under the needle, it's time for the hard part: choosing where to go. Whether you're going for something traditional or modern, graphic or delicate, one of these shops is sure to have the artist who can give you what you're looking for. Happy inking, friends, and don’t forget to tip!
San Francisco
Via Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio
(610 Bush St // Union Square)
If you’re looking for something less traditional, Moth and Dagger has artists skilled in everything from illustration to realistic portraiture. They have a number of flash events throughout the year, some of which raise funds for various charities, so you can get inked for a good cause.
(177 Valencia St // Mission)
Black Heart was founded over a decade ago, and it’s since gained a well-deserved reputation as an awesome shop to get traditional work done. Whether you’re looking for a piece in color or some sick blackwork, the artists here will have you covered – literally!
Via Seventh Son Tattoo
(765 Clementia St // SoMa)
Boasting nine artists in a large SoMa studio, Seventh Son Tattoo is a solid spot for traditional Japanese tattoos and black and gray work alike. Each of Seventh Son's artists has their own distinctive style, but the quality of their work makes them stand out above the rest.
(700 Lombard St // North Beach)
Founded by tattoo legend Ed Hardy, Tattoo City is the place to get tattooed in North Beach. Although Ed is retired, his son Doug has carried on his legacy, along with an impressive team of talented artists. If you're lucky, you might still catch Ed dropping by!
Via Idle Hand
(575 Haight St // Lower Haight)
This flash-filled tattoo shop in the Lower Haight knows a lot about tattoo history and creative evolution. They’re known for their traditional work and their “Get What You Get” events, where you can choose a piece from their book of flash for $100 - $300.
(4025 Judah St // Outer Sunset)
Tuesday Tattoo has a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, as well as friendly artists dedicated to finding the tattoo that’s right for you. It’s a great place to get tattooed in the Outer Sunset, especially if you’re feeling some first time jitters.
Other great shops:
East Bay
Via Old Crow Tattoo
(5250 College Ave // Oakland)
Old Crow is owned by award winning tattoo artist Hannah Wolf, whose books fill up months in advance. If you just can’t wait to be tattooed by one of the resident artists at this shop, they have tons of guest artists on the calendar that you can set up an appointment with as well.
(1960 San Pablo Ave // Berkeley)
One of the first woman-owned tattoo shops in the Bay Area, Sacred Rose has been cranking out custom work and regularly expanding for more than 20 years. With 13 artists and apprentices, you’ll have plenty of styles and price points to choose from.
Via Instagram
264 14th St // Oakland
If you're tatting the pain away in the East Bay, be sure to stop by Diving Swallow. The shop hosts an array of guest artists and specializes in creative custom designs.
(348 17th St // Oakland)
Opened in 1998 by legendary Freddy Corbin, this shop is known for their black and gray, script, and traditional work. It’s located in downtown Oakland just a couple blocks from Lake Merritt, and has another offshoot shop called Tattoo 13 on Telegraph Ave.
Other great shops:
South Bay + Peninsula
Via Humble Beginnings Tattoo
(982 The Alameda // San Jose + 2241 N Main St // Walnut Creek)
If you're looking for skilled artists who specialize in high quality Polynesian tattooing, Humble Beginnings is the spot. With two locations and 12 artists, you’ll have plenty of great options for getting inked.
(1053 E El Camino Real // Sunnyvale)
Dawei Zhang, owner of Dawei Tattoo, is a talented and experienced realistic artist, and one of the best tattooers in the Bay. Set up an appointment at this shop if you’re looking for some large and lifelike ink from a seasoned pro.
Via Paw Tattoo
(502 2nd Ave // San Mateo)
If super tiny, super realistic tattoos are your jam, you have to check out Jia at Paw Tattoo in San Mateo. These tats come with a hefty price tag, but are guaranteed to be cute as can be (and yes, as the name suggests, she specializes in animal portraits).
(221 Jackson St // San Jose)
Get your next tattoo and some sweet merch from this shop, tucked away in Japantown in San Jose. The artists at State of Grace specialize in everything from traditional style to geometric blackwork, and they even do cosmetic tattooing too!
Other great shops:
North Bay
Via Hot Ink Tattoo
(818 Marin St // Vallejo)
This studio is home to five artists with styles ranging from supersaturated neo-traditional to minimalist geometric. In other words, no matter what kind of tattoo you’re wanting, you’ll find someone to make it happen at Hot Ink.
(2371 Gravenstein Hwy S // Sebastopol)
Housed inside an artist collective, Mike Pritchett’s tattoo studio is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the adventure. Mike’s work is colorful and unique, and we promise your experience will be, well, unmatched.
Via Spider Murphy’s
(1006 Lincoln St, San Rafael)
Spider Murphy’s has been around for over 20 years, and they’ve published two books of flash and been featured in numerous magazines during that time. Traditional tattoos are their specialty, and they’re widely known for their professionalism.
(1066 4th St // Santa Rosa)
Another North Bay shop with a lengthy history, Monkey Wrench has been part of the Santa Rosa tattoo scene since 1995. Traditional tattoos, realistic pieces, and blackwork are all in their wheelhouse, as is having a sense of humor.
Other great shops:
Written by Katherine Andrews
