Boston, a city steeped in history and buzzing with modern energy, is also a vibrant hub for tattoo culture. Walk around neighborhoods from the Boston Common to Cambridge, and you’ll see a diverse tapestry of ink adorning people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-timer ready to take the plunge, finding the right tattoo parlor is crucial. You want an artist who not only vibes with your style but also provides a safe and professional experience.
To help you navigate the thriving Boston tattoo scene, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of some of the best tattoo parlors in Boston, MA. From intricate custom designs to classic styles, these studios boast talented artists and a commitment to quality. Get ready to explore the top spots to get inked in Boston!
Holistic Ink
Located in Dorchester, Boston’s largest neighborhood, Holistic Ink is home to three skilled tattoo artists who draw clients from across the city and beyond. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, Holistic Ink specializes in intricate and custom designs, showcasing top-tier needlework. Their website is a helpful resource, featuring an FAQ section that addresses common questions about the tattoo process. Beyond tattoos, Holistic Ink also offers microblading, permanent makeup, and body piercing services, making it a comprehensive destination for body art.
Address: 1261 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02122
Website: Holistic Ink Boston Tattoo Shop
Stingray Body Art & More
Nestled in Allston, Boston’s famously hipster neighborhood, Stingray Body Art & More perfectly fits the area’s eclectic vibe. If you’re comfortable amidst the lively student energy, Stingray is worth a visit. Open seven days a week by appointment, Stingray features three resident artists whose work is nothing short of impressive. From Devin Coley’s vibrant animal-themed pieces to Aaron Girard’s masterful transformations and cover-ups, you’ll be in capable hands at this Allston tattoo parlor.
Address: 386 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Website: Stingray Body Art & More
Boston Barber & Tattoo Co.
Combining two essential grooming services under one roof, Boston Barber & Tattoo Co. in the North End offers a unique experience. Why not get a fresh haircut and a new tattoo in one go? Located in the historic North End, renowned for its Italian culinary scene, this shop was recognized as the Best Tattoo Shop in Boston in 2016 by expertise.com. With two locations, including a second shop in Beacon Hill, Boston Barber & Tattoo Co. provides convenience and quality in prime Boston neighborhoods.
Address: 113 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Website: Boston Barber & Tattoo Co.
Lucky’s Tattoo and Piercing
Catering to everyone, Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing offers a welcoming space with a broad range of services. In addition to tattoos, they provide a stylish jewelry collection, perfect for complementing your new ink or piercing. While they have multiple locations in Massachusetts, their Cambridge shop on Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square is a standout. Home to five exceptionally talented artists, Lucky’s in Cambridge boasts a remarkable portfolio of diverse and high-quality tattoo work, making it a go-to destination for tattoos and piercings near Boston.
Address: 694 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: Lucky’s Tattoo and Piercing
Chameleon Tattoo & Body Piercing
Chameleon Tattoo & Body Piercing brings a cool, counter-culture edge to Harvard Square in Cambridge. This hip tattoo shop provides a refreshing alternative to the area’s sometimes-pretentious atmosphere, attracting a diverse clientele from students to professors. With three skilled artists on staff, Chameleon offers a wide spectrum of impressive tattoo styles. Established in 1995, Chameleon has cultivated a loyal customer base, a testament to their exceptional designs, precise needlework, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Address: 36 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website: Chameleon Tattoo & Body Piercing
The Boston Tattoo Company
With locations in Somerville and Medford, just outside of Boston, The Boston Tattoo Company is a prominent name in the local tattoo scene. Founded in 2004, this company houses over a dozen artists, each with a distinct artistic style. From Irina Shapiro’s incredibly detailed and colorful tattoos to Josh Hagan’s darkly captivating and eerie designs (including a notable Walter White tattoo!), The Boston Tattoo Company offers a diverse range of artistic talents. Exploring their website and artist portfolios is highly recommended to find the perfect match for your tattoo vision.
Address: 260 Elm St #102, Somerville, MA 02144
Website: The Boston Tattoo Company
Seaport Tattoo Company
Open every day except Tuesdays, Seaport Tattoo Company in South Boston welcomes clients with complimentary tattoo consultations. Their three artists showcase a diverse portfolio, ranging from charming and whimsical designs to detailed portraits and lettering. Whether you’re interested in black and gray work, fine line tattoos, or even occult-themed imagery, Seaport Tattoo Company offers a broad spectrum of styles and expertise in the South Boston area.
Address: 380 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127
Website: Seaport Tattoo Company
Fat Ram’s Pumpkin Tattoo
With a name that’s hard to forget, Fat Ram’s Pumpkin Tattoo in Jamaica Plain is definitely worth considering. Owned by the artist known as Fat Ram, this no-frills shop focuses on the art of tattooing. The collective of artists at Fat Ram’s excels in exquisite and often abstract tattoo designs. Their shared portfolio demonstrates their mastery of intricate linework and unique artistic approaches, making it a destination for those seeking distinctive and artistic tattoos in Boston.
Address: 374 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Website: Fat Ram’s Pumpkin Tattoo
Empire Tattoo Boston
Empire Tattoo Boston boasts a wide range of featured tattoo styles, including Portrait, Black and Gray, New School, Cover-Up, and Color, showcasing their extensive capabilities. Beyond their Boston-area locations in Somerville and Quincy, Empire Tattoo has expanded to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with a combined team of 40 artists across all locations. If you’re looking for cover-up work or a tattoo in a specific style, Empire Tattoo Boston offers a large and talented staff with diverse expertise.
Address: 151 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: Empire Tattoo Boston
Pino Bros Ink
Pino Bros Ink, located in Cambridge, is an upscale studio with a team of ten busy and talented tattoo artists ready to bring your tattoo ideas to life. With such a large and diverse staff, Pino Bros Ink offers a wide spectrum of tattoo styles, all executed with skill and artistic consideration. For those interested in unique techniques, explore artist Ian Adams’ portfolio to discover pointillism, a fascinating and intricate form of tattoo art.
Address: 1132 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: Pino Bros Ink
Redemption Tattoo
Redemption Tattoo in Cambridge’s Porter Square is home to seven tattoo artists with a collectively impressive and “badass” portfolio. From striking black and white portraits to vibrant and realistic full back pieces, Redemption Tattoo showcases legendary ink work. If you’re seeking bold, high-impact tattoos, Redemption Tattoo is a studio to consider in the Boston area.
Address: 2090 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Website: Redemption Tattoo
Odyssey Wellness Tattoo
Odyssey Wellness Tattoo in Brookline stands out with its deeply meaningful mission. Owner Darlene DiBona opened this studio with a focus on areola reconstruction tattoos for breast cancer survivors, providing a vital service in their healing journey. While offering traditional tattoos as well, Odyssey Wellness Tattoo’s service-oriented approach and commitment to supporting breast cancer survivors make it a unique and compassionate choice for getting inked near Boston.
Address: 68 Harvard St Suite 4, Brookline, MA 02445
Website: Odyssey Wellness Tattoo
Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery
Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery in Cambridge provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, designed to make clients feel at ease. The shop’s interior embodies the classic tattoo parlor aesthetic, and their six artists demonstrate clear talent in their diverse portfolios. Beyond the tattoos, Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery offers a down-to-earth and friendly environment, enhancing the overall tattoo experience.
Address: 2374 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Website: Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery
Visible Ink Tattoo Studio
Visible Ink Tattoo Studio in Malden brings quality tattooing outside of Cambridge and Boston proper. With a team of seven artists, Visible Ink focuses exclusively on tattoos, ensuring their expertise in ink work. Known for their impressive portfolio and commitment to tattoo artistry, Visible Ink Tattoo Studio is a solid choice for those in the Malden area. Note that Visible Ink is a cash-only business.
Address: 689 Broadway, Malden, MA 02148
Website: Visible Ink Tattoo Studio
Ghost in the Machine Tattoo
Ghost in the Machine Tattoo in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood positions itself as a premier “international destination shop.” Their team of seven tattoo artists boasts over a century of combined experience in the industry. Additionally, Ghost in the Machine Tattoo regularly hosts talented guest artists, bringing in diverse styles and expertise. For a studio with a strong reputation and a wide range of artistic perspectives, Ghost in the Machine Tattoo is a noteworthy option in Boston.
Address: 571A Washington St, Brighton, MA 02135
Website: Ghost in the Machine Tattoo
Ink Jam Tattoo Studio
Ink Jam Tattoo Studio in Arlington, just outside of Boston, offers a welcoming and community-focused environment. Owned and operated by Jim Quinn, who has 20 years of experience, along with two other artists, Ink Jam has a friendly, “mom-and-pop” feel. Notably, Ink Jam Tattoo Studio actively supports veterans through fundraising initiatives, making them a tattoo parlor with a strong community spirit and commitment to giving back.
Address: 12 Park Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
Website: Ink Jam Tattoo Studio
Choosing the right tattoo parlor in Boston is a personal journey. We encourage you to explore the websites and portfolios of these studios, connect with the artists, and find the perfect place to bring your tattoo vision to life. Boston’s tattoo scene is rich and diverse, and with a little research, you’re sure to find the ideal Boston MA tattoo parlor for your next piece of body art.
