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Tattoo by artist Gia Rose from White Oak Tattoo. Photo sourced from White Oak Tattoo

10 Best Tattoo Shops in Philadelphia

Chances are you came across this blog while browsing the internet for the best tattoo shops to check out in Philadelphia.

If you’re thinking of getting a new tattoo in Philly, read on as I will be featuring some of the best tattoo shops to visit in this blog.

Since tattoos are almost permanent, getting the right tattooist who understands exactly what you need is important. Tattoos are also personal and are a way for individuals to express themselves.

I will be sharing the name of the shop, a brief description of their speciality and contact information. These shops offer the best services, have professional tattooists and are able to bring your idea or sketch to reality.

Read on to know the 10 best tattoo shops in Philadelphia.

1. Black Moth Tattoo and Gallery – offers custom design work

Tattoo by artist Philly Steve. Photo sourced from Back Moth Tattoo & Gallery

This is one of the finest tattoo parlours in Philadelphia. The Black Moth tattoo studio also doubles up as a fine art gallery for the local artists.

They offer the highest quality of tattooing done by their extraordinaire tattoo artists. These artists have several years of experience in the industry.

At Black Moth Tattoo, you will get to choose your favourite art from their vast portfolio.

Their expertise is on a range of tattoo style options, from geometric and Japanese, to traditional Americana and black and grey realism.

If you want a custom tattoo, just share your sketch, photo for reference and they will work on it.

Practical Information:

Location: 18 East Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003

Website:

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 1:00pm – 6:00pm

2. No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo – Tribal and custom tattoos

Tribal Chest Tattoo by artist Anna Paige. Photo sourced from o Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo

The name of this tattoo studio is Hawaiian words “No ka oi,” meaning “The very best.” It lives true to its name.

The owners of this shop come from different places and share a strong bond. One of the owners is from Hawaii and brings rich culture and memories from her home.

Together with her husband who is from Philadelphia, the two have worked together to open this unique tattoo shop in 2002.

This shop is a member of the National Tattoo Association and Association of Professional Piercers. Its resident tattoo artists and guest artists have experience in different styles of work, both in large and small formats.

You can visit their website to see the range of tattoo designs and styles they offer. You can also share your custom design with them and they will be glad to make it a reality for you.

Practical Information:

Adults only

Address: 610 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Website:

Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 10 pm |Friday-Saturday 12 pm – 12 am

3. Central Tattoo Studio for traditional, black and grey and watercolour styles

A black & grey realism portrait tattoo by Sean Costello. Photo sourced from Central Tattoo Studio

Another tattoo studio in Philadelphia that doubles as a fine art gallery are the Central Tattoo Studio.

In this studio, the tattoo artist’s main goal is to make a stronger connection between fine art and tattoo art. They have received extensive training in addition to their talent.

This makes them one of the best tattoo shops to visit in Philly.

At Central Tattoo, you can get any style of tattoo you can think of. The designs range from black & grey realism to abstract, watercolour, or highly detailed graphic work.

The artists are not only great at what they do but also friendly and offer the best tattooing experience to their customers.

You can walk in and check out their gallery which features rotating exhibitions from local and upcoming artists.

Practical Information:

Address: Central Tattoo Studio, 171 W Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Website:

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 12 pm-8 pm | Friday and Saturday

12pm-10pm |Sunday 12pm-6pm

4. Seven Swords Tattoo Company- Traditional Art

Photo of Myke Chambers, a tattoo artist at Seven Swords Tattoo Company. Image sourced from Seven Swords Tattoo Company

This tattoo shop is located near the Frankford Ave Arts Corridor in Fishtown Philadelphia. It was built by Myke Chambers in 2014 from scratch.

Here, you will be given the best experience and services. The staff at Seven Swords Tattoo is experienced, use sterilized needles and putting your comfort first.

Additionally, the staff can work on any tattoo design that you present to them. You can also check out their extensive gallery and choose a design they worked on previously.

This studio was voted the best tattoo and piercing in Philadelphia in 2016. It is the best shop to visit if you are looking to get traditional designs.

Its staff provide a wide range of high-quality artwork of all different styles right at your disposal.

There are eight resident artists, each with their own style, loads of skills and experience.

Practical Information:

Address: 2580 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA

Telephone: (267) 319-1910

Website:

5. Cresson Street Tattoo – creative tattoos

This is a family-owned tattoo shop that was established in 1995. It took a short hiatus and was reopened in 2014.

Since its establishment, Cresson Street Tattoo has been providing its customers with exceptional tattooing services. The customers are both local and from out of state.

As an award-winning tattoo shop, its artists are professionals, experienced and friendly. In addition to their inking services, the artists are also great at scar-covering.

When thinking of getting inked, you would always want to go to a shop that makes you comfortable. Well, Cresson Street Tattoo artists are up to any task and prioritise you.

Practical Information:

Address:  4371 Cresson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127

Website:

Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week

6. Hunter-Gatherer Tattoo specializes in conventional tattoos

Photo by Matheus Triaquim on

This is one of the newest tattoo shops in Philadelphia. You may be wondering why it made it to the list. Well, its founder Troy Timpel, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Additionally, he owns several other tattoo shops in Philadelphia. At this shop, you will get to choose your favourite design from its wide selection of previously done work.

If you are in need of a custom design and do not have your own, you can book an appointment with one of the artists. They will work with you and give you your desired design or style.

What’s more, the resident artists in this shop are all licensed by the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Practical Information:

Address: 4510 Walnut St, Philadelphia

Website:

Opening Hours: Open at noon – 7 days a week

7. Eastern Pass Tattoo Co.

If you’re looking for a tattoo studio that is a perfect mix between old-school and contemporary tattooing, then Eastern Pass Tattoo is where to go.

This tattoo studio is founded by a local expert tattoo artist Scott Bakoss, who has decades of experience in the industry.

Additionally, the resident tattoo artists are also highly experienced and educated to provide the highest levels of service.

Some of their best artworks are artistic and classical, newest styles, trends, as well as the old school inspiration.

At Eastern Pass Tattoo, cleanliness and safety are top priorities as well as providing the clients with the best possible tattoo experience.

The staff are friendly, welcoming and approachable.

Practical Information:

Address: 1625 East Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148

Website:

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 12-8 pm Sunday: 12-6 pm

8. Philadelphia Eddie’s Chinatown Tattoo for traditional tattoos

Photo by Lucas Lenzi on

This is one of the oldest tattoo shops in Philly established in 1952 and is very popular among tattoo lovers and artists.

Here, you can choose different tattoo styles, or share a custom design and they will gladly work on it. The artists here are talented, professional and offer insights should your design need adjustments.  

This has made the studio one of the most reputable in Philadelphia. While here, just know you are in good hands, literally.

They also have guest tattoo artists that visit the shop occasionally.

Practical Information:

Address: 904 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Website:

9. White Oak Tattoo Co. – All Tattoo Designs

Tattoo by artist Gia Rose from White Oak Tattoo. Photo sourced from White Oak Tattoo

The White Oak Tattoo is run by a talented lady called Gia Rose. She is one of the most renowned artists in Philly and is always in high demand.

To get inked by her, you have to book well in advance. Gia has another studio in New York.

At White Oak, the designs are vast. You can get ornamental, neo-traditional, feminine, and animal work, and sometimes a combination. She has specialized in all the styles.

As an artist, Gia uses her art to tell a story, therefore, having elaborate skin art is her forte’.

Visit her for a custom design, whether it’s just an idea or on paper and watch her do her magic.

Practical Information:  

Website:

10. Frequency Tattoo Company American Tattoo – Traditional Tattoo, Portrait Tattoo, Custom Tattoo

This shop was established in 2014 and has been one of the best places to get inked.

Their shop is clean and maintains high standards of clinical hygiene. To top that up, they have offered outstanding customer service.

The resident talented artists work with each other to design unique custom styles. This team have several years of experience combined.

Here, the customer is king/queen and they value the aesthetic value and safety of every one of them.

Practical Information:

Address: 4038 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129

Phone: (267) 331-8804

Website:

Opening Hours: Open to appointments only