10 Iconic Seattle Tattoo Shops To Visit For Some Fresh Ink
Every Seattle tattoo shop has its own unique vibe.
Seattle has no shortage of tattoo shops with talented artists in every neighborhood. It can be intimidating to walk into a tattoo shop, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, many Seattle tattoo shops pride themselves on providing a friendly, welcoming environment for all. Whether you like the vibe of an old-school tattoo parlor that has traditional flash lining its walls or you want to get a hand-poked tattoo in an artist’s private studio, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in Seattle.
We rounded up some of the most popular and iconic Seattle tattoo shops in one convenient list for you. Many of these tattoo shops welcome walk-ins, but some are appointment-only. Plenty of Seattle tattoo artists are happy to do a flash or custom piece for a walk-in client. However, there are also just as many tattoo artists who require you to get on their books weeks or months in advance. If you’re not sure, it’s best to call ahead or send the shop a message first.
If an artist you like isn’t available, save this list so you can schedule an appointment with them in the future! And always remember to do your own research and ask any questions that you have in order to make sure that the tattoo shop and artist you go to are the right fit for your needs.
In no particular order, here are 10 of the top tattoo shops in Seattle:
1. Artful Dodger Tattoo, Capitol Hill
Artful Dodger Tattoo is an award-winning tattoo shop located in the central, hip neighborhood of Capitol Hill. Check out their website or Instagram to book.
Location: 617 E Pike St
Hours: 12pm – 9pm daily
2. Hidden Hand Tattoo, Fremont
Hidden Hand Tattoo is a tattoo shop in Fremont that is open daily for both walk-ins and appointments. They offer an extensive library of flash designs that you can choose from. They are also doing a flash fundraiser on Sunday, May 22nd from noon to 8pm to benefit a tattoo artist battling cancer. Get a tattoo for a good cause!
Location: 702 N 35th St
Hours: 12pm – 8pm daily
3. Nightshade Tattoo & Plant Shop, Queen Anne
Nightshade in Queen Anne is a hybrid store that combines two of the things Seattleites love the most: tattoos and plants! Although they don’t take walk-ins, you can make an appointment to get a tattoo when their books are open. In the meantime, it’s worth visiting the shop to check out their inventory of plants, gifts, and curiosities.
Location: 615 Queen Anne Ave N
Hours: 12pm – 6pm Wednesday to Friday; 10am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday
4. True Love Tattoo, Capitol Hill
True Love Tattoo is a queer-owned tattoo shop in Capitol Hill that promises a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. They ask that you call or email them for artist availability.
Location: 421 E Pine St
Hours: 1pm – 9pm daily
5. Seattle Tattoo Emporium, Capitol Hill
Established in 1941, Seattle Tattoo Emporium is Seattle’s oldest tattoo parlor. It is a traditional walk-in tattoo parlor, which makes it ideal for getting a spur-of-the-moment flash piece.
Location: 1508 Boren Ave
Hours: 11am – 9pm daily
6. Slave to the Needle, Ballard and Wallingford
Slave to the Needle Tattoo is an award-winning tattoo shop with two locations in Seattle. They often are able to take same-day appointments and walk-ins but it is best to call or email them ahead of time.
Locations: 508 NW 65th St (Ballard); 403 NE 45th St (Wallingford)
Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
7. Emerald City Tattoos, Lake City
Emerald City Tattoo has artists specializing in traditional, illustrative, psychedelic, and full-color tattoos. You can email the shop for an appointment or call about walk-in availability.
Location: 12332 Lake City Way NE
Hours: 1pm – 7pm Wednesday to Sunday
8. Laughing Buddha, Capitol Hill
Laughing Buddha in Capitol Hill offers tattoos as well as piercings and body jewelry. They are currently offering tattoos by appointment-only so check out their website or Instagram to see which artist you would like to book.
Location: 1121 E Union St
Hours: 11am – 9pm daily
9. Jackson Street Tattoo Company, Pioneer Square
Jackson Street Tattoo Company is a centrally-located tattoo shop in Seattle that welcomes walk-ins every day. Check out their Instagram or website for more information.
Location: 208 S Jackson St
Hours: 12pm – 8pm daily
10. Supergenius Tattoo, Capitol Hill
You can walk in and get a tattoo any day from one of the 13 artists at Supergenius Tattoo located in Capitol Hill. Check them out here.
Location: 1419 10th Ave
Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily