The Best Tattoo Shops in NYC 2011

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There comes a time in everyone’s life when all they want to do is pay someone to draw a permanent, painful picture on their body with an electrical needle gun. More likely than not, the emotions New York makes you feel while in her presence will inspire you to get a tattoo or two. New Yorkers have very little flesh-colored skin on their bodies, but interestingly enough tattoos were actually illegal in the state from 1961 until 1997. The art was forced underground for 36 years due to a Hepatitis scare. OTP has uncovered the best tat dens and artists in New York City. Take a shower, gather some courage and let these guys draw on you until you bleed.

Oldest

Fineline Tattoo

This is the longest legally (with a tinge of early 70′s illegally) operating shop in Manhattan. A father and son joint, at Fineline you get a good bit of history with your tat. Pops (Mike Bakaty) was part of the underground tattoo subculture, working out of a studio in the Bowery during the ban. If you get a large piece done, Mike can give you the rundown of what being a tat badboy is all about. It’s also pretty cool to see father and son tattooing side-by-side.

Most Popular

New York Adorned

This place is a one stop shop for body modification. They carry an insane amount of quality jewelry and do both piercings and tattoos. Should you feel like getting a hole punched in your face in conjunction or instead of a tattoo, this is a great place to be (ask for Colby). The prices are steep (quality of work aside, their popularity drives up the cost) but their track record is near perfect and most everyone leaves happy.

Best Bird Ya’ Heard

Lalo Yunda at Sacred Tattoo

While Lalo can poke a lot of animals into your skin, get him to hurt you with the bird. His creations are realistic and have a lot of character. Wings, feathers and beaks, Lalo etches some quality birds. Off the skin, Lalo is a Colombian, artistically educated, painter and his work, is quite moving. Sacred Tattoo is a clean, beautiful studio space in the heart of Soho and home to more than a handful of talented artists.

Horror

Paul Booth’s Last Rites Tattoo Theatre

If you’re looking to get work done in this genre, Paul Booth is the man of men (the Rock Tattoo King actually, according to Mudvayne). People come from far away lands to get his needle to their skin. His world famous Last Rites Tattoo Theatre will scare the bejesus out of you (it’s like being inside a horror movie set). While you’re crapping your pants, Booth will create the deadest of the undead, warped alien babies, skulls, bones and twisted bloody beauty like you’ve never imagined. Of course, this fame and talent comes with a large price tag but if you can scrounge up the money, it will be a tattoo experience your nightmares will never let you forget.

Star Wars Nerd Tats

Red Rocket Tattoo

Before you came to New York you hid your undying love for Darth Vader and friends. At Red Rocket, you can finally express your need for nerd. Figure out which character you like best (we know it’s difficult, Yoda is a good default) and make an appointment with Vinny Romanelli. We’re not sure when Star Wars and tattoo artists combined forces but Red Rocket Tattoo is a good place to let your geek show.

I Think I’m Turning Japanese

Invisible NYC-Troy Denning

While the song is about masturbation, Troy Denning is all about Japanese tattoos. Koi fish on your back, Geishas on your ass, dragons on your man parts, whatever your flavor, this guy will hook you up. His rates begin at $150 per hour and the studio (with a contemporary art gallery) will surely get you in the mood for ink.

Portraits

Anil Gupta-Inkline Studios

Your dog croaked before you left home? We’re sorry. Good news is you can get his portrait tatted on you by Anil Gupta, the master portrait artist of New York City. Portraits are difficult to master on skin an

d Gupta has it down cold. He put the angel on Pharell’s neck and Kelis (a portrait of her) on Nas’ arm. For this reason, he’s booked 6 months in advance. But should you be lucky enough to have him do work on you, know that he’s very spiritual about tattoos so that dead dog better mean a whole lot.

Best of Brooklyn

Saved Tattoo

Scott Cambell is the famous guy at this place so if you want something done by him, you will have to wait in line with the others. In our opinion, everyone at Saved is extremely talented and if you get too itchy for a tat to wait, talk to Michelle Tarantelli. Girl’s got some skill. Her tats are very detailed, colorful and full of character. Saved is in the middle of Williamsburg, so if you can’t get inspiration inside the studio, take a peek around the block, chances are the covered passersby will get your tattoo thought bubbles a’poppin.

If you want to go willy-nilly on tattoos and just get the cheapest one around, there is a strip of shops in the East Village on St. Mark’s that will do the trick. Even cheaper, get a Sharpie and draw skulls on your arms all day long. To bring home a tattoo souvenir that you’ll be proud of for the rest of your life, go to any of the places above. Otherwise, you might as well just buy a miniature statute of Lady Liberty and call it a day.

Written By: Anna Starostinetskaya

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