February 14, 2019
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
True Hand Society, 2345 East Susquehanna Ave. in Fishtown.
So, you're thinking about getting some fresh ink and wondering where's the best place in Philly to go. In the City of Brotherly Love, you'll find tattoo shops in almost every neighborhood.
Below are our picks – in no particular order – for the top shops in the city. We've included panoramic photos of the locations, plus photos of some of the artists' work, too.
Scroll through and start planning your next tattoo.
Location: 610 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo, 610 S 4th St. in Queen Village.
The unique décor, from the clouds on the ceiling to the palm trees, gives the place a relaxing atmosphere you won't find elsewhere in Philly.
The artists mainly do custom designs, but there is a selection of flash sheets, too, and walk-ins are welcome.
Location: 621 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Philadelphia Eddie's Tattoo, 621 S 4th St. in Queen Village.
It was founded by Crazy Philadelphia Eddie, born Eddie Funk, who became a legend within the tattoo world.
Check out the shop's current artists here.
Location: 44 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
"Tattooing is by appointment or impulse," according to the shop, which has a classic tattoo parlor vibe.
If you're looking to go big, you may want to go to Olde City Tattoo. The shop's artists do a lot a larger pieces.
Location: 2345 E. Susquehanna Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
True Hand Society, 2345 East Susquehanna Ave. in Fishtown.
It's home to eight tattoo artists, each with their own style, available by appointment only.
Location: 208 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Black Vulture Gallery, 208 E. Girard Ave. in Fishtown.
The shop's group of versatile tattoo artists take both appointments and walk-ins.
Location: 1835 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148
This is the shop that inked the tattoo of Gritty as a a deity – possibly the first tattoo of the mascot. It was veteran artist Scott Bakoss who did the work.
Eastern Pass is located above vintage/thrift store Jinxed in East Passyunk. The shop recommends those who want inked stop in, check out the studio and meet the artists before booking an appointment.
The studio also takes walk-ins if time permits.
Location: 2580 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Seven Swords Tattoo Company, 2580 Frankford Ave. in Kensington.
There are eight resident artists, each with tons of experience and their own style.
Location: 1345 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Fishtown's Art Machine Productions is both a tattoo shop and art gallery. There are 10 resident tattoo artists.
Fun fact: Tattooer/owner Tim Pangburn was featured on TLC’s "America’s Worst Tattoos" where he fixed bad, old tattoos.
Location: 4038 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129
Located in East Falls, Frequency is home to four tattoo artists who do custom designs. Tattooer John Howie, who has a fine arts background, owns the shop.
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