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Philadelphia

Tattoo parlours
Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock

The best tattoo shops in Philadelphia to get inked right now

Looking for fresh ink? Get a quality piece at Philly's best tattoo shops.

Written by Tim McManus & Tonya Russell
Written by: Drew Lazor
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It only makes sense that the mural capital of the world would also have an epic tattoo scene. For ages, South Street was the place to go for creative ink, but in recent years, quality shops have popped up in up-and-coming Fishtown and even on the city's outskirts. 

From Fishtown to South Philly, a new generation of world-class artists has picked up the needle, bringing a wide range of styles and experiences. With establishments catering to the artistic and obscure, Philly has a tattoo artist for every enthusiast. Here are the 15 best tattoos in Philadelphia.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Philadelphia

This guide was updated by Philadelphia-based writer Tonya Russell. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Best tattoo shops in Philadelphia

1. Art Machine Productions

If Fishtown has an epicenter, this shop may be it. Art Machine Productions sits on the coolest stretch of the hippest street in this ever-rising neighborhood. But this artist’s collective didn’t follow the scene, they created it. What began as a private studio in the neighborhood moved to its current 2,700-square-foot location in a rehabilitated warehouse on Frankford Avenue in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. Their nine resident artists cover the full gamut of styles—an intentional choice not just to ensure that every conceivable customer need is covered, but in the communal spirit that their artists will learn pieces of the craft from one another.

2. Crown and Feather Tattoo Co.

This elegant space on Martha St. in Kensington specializes in fine line, Japanese and illustrative tattoos. Their fine line work, particularly, is second to none in detail. Founders Andrew Robinson and Dylan Carr have assembled a team of 15 artists, among the city's most sought-after and difficult bookings. They’re also social media stars. The shop’s TikTok account has one video with nearly 10 million views on its own, and most of the artists have sizable Instagram followings. Crown and Feather is worth the wait for a signature piece. If you won’t, someone else will.

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3. True Hand Society

  • Shopping
  • Tattoos and piercings
  • Kensington
  • Recommended
True Hand Society
True Hand Society
Photograph: Jen Woodruff

Situated in a 150-year-old church in the heart of Fishtown, True Hand is a tight operation established by tattooer Mike Ski and designer Jessie Jay. The appointment-only body-art operation, home to eight artists, doubles as a graphic design studio that contributes logo, branding and concept work to local and national businesses—from pizzerias and breweries to cafes and clothiers.

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4. Eastern Pass Tattoo

  • Shopping
  • Tattoos and piercings
  • East Passyunk Crossing
  • Recommended
Eastern Pass Tattoo
Eastern Pass Tattoo
Photograph: Courtesy Eastern Pass Tattoo

Sitting on a row better known for its fine dining and old-world shopping, Eastern Pass is an eight-artist setup specializing in Japanese- and American-style body art. Just a couple blocks down from the “Singing Fountain,” it’s the premier tattoo shop operating along the ever-growing East Passyunk corridor in South Philly.

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5. NoKa Oi Tiki Tattoo

  • Shopping
  • Tattoos and piercings
  • Greater Philadelphia

A quick glance at this shop’s one-of-a-kind tropical facade, complete with a grass-skirted island girl saluting the sun, might suggest a place that pours Polynesian drinks. In reality, it’s a full-service tattoo and piercing establishment (and occasional art gallery) that’s been a part of the Philly scene since 2002. NoKa Oi, which translates to “the very best” in Hawaiian, features a rotation of a dozen resident and guest tattooers. In the South Street tradition, they are happy to accommodate walk-ins.

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