For this post I researched every Nashville tattoo shop. I drew on personal experience, reviews, what services they offer, how long they have been in businesses, and how professional their establishment appeared. It’s obviously impossible to visit each shop and experience their work personally. However, we can definitely see what people are saying about the results – real customers don’t lie.
There are a number of things to consider when choosing where to get a permanent tattoo. We took these into consideration when selecting the best tattoo shops.
First, is cleanliness. Do they take the time to adequately sterilize all equipment and encourage customers not to touch jewelry? Are they certified as a tattoo artist? You must be certified in the state of Tennessee. If they offer piercings, are they APP certified?
It’s not uncommon to get some sticker shock when shopping for a tattoo or piercing. Remember, you’re paying for the artist, a tip and the stud. It’s good to clarify these details before you go.
You should also remember to check the availability. If you are in the mood for a tattoo or piecing, it may be the case they can’t just walk in. Call before you go.
Best Nashville Tattoo Shops
Pride and Glory
181 Reviews | Rating: 4.7/5 | Address | Website
Pride and Glory are located downtown in SOBRO just a couple blocks from Bridgestone (you can see it from their driveway) and across the street from Margaritaville hotel. The staff/artists are very friendly and professional, providing great conversation and tattoos.
They offer walk-ins every single day accommodating tourist, large groups, locals and clients from all over. They have been downtown since 2014. The shop provides a really cool modern yet rustic/industrial atmosphere that gives a warm Nashville feel.
They are in an old Nashville warehouse re-done with beautiful barn wood, epoxy floors, huge garage doors, comfortable lobby and individual booths for privacy. Open everyday 12-9pm except Monday & Tuesday.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Walk-ins welcome
Most recent Google review: This was the most wonderful tattoo experience from start to finish! We were immediately greeted with a warm welcome, provided honest feedback about our tattoo idea, and connected with an artist. All of the artists and staff appeared to be genuinely happy and helpful. Our artist, Francky, made the tattoo process comfortable and collaborative. He was polite, funny, and answered all of our questions! Highly recommend going to Pride & Glory in Nashville—We will definitely be back!
Icon Tattoo
491 Reviews | Rating: 4.6/5 | In Business: 22 years | Address | Website
Icon Tattoo is a shop that we highly recommend from personal experience. First, the customer service is outstanding. They will give you an explanation of all your options. In the case of a piercing, they will inform you of the quality and the story behind how it’s chosen. When you get the piercing you have a lot of options about the metal, stones, and the way that the backs made.
Sanitation at Icon is very important, they won’t let you touch the jewelry.
Overall they are flexible and kind.
Available Services:
- Tattoo
- Piercing
- Implant grade titanium.
- Solid 14k and 18k gold.
- Walk-in services available.
- Appointments available.
Most recent Google review: “Very clean and professional!! Aaron did a fantastic job adding on to existing tattoo and helping come up with a great idea to add to it as well. Went in as a walk-in and was taken care of quickly. I would definitely recommend Icon for all your tattoo needs!!”
Black 13 Tattoo Parlor
250 Reviews | Rating: 4.7/5 | Address | Website
Black 13 Tattoo Parlor are a custom tattoo parlor that has been voted the “Best Tattoo Studio” for 13 years in a row in Nashville Scene’s “Best of Nashville” Readers Choice Awards.
Established in 2008, Black 13 Tattoo Parlor is located in Nashville Tennessee and offers a clean, comfortable upscale environment with the finest artistry and customer experience. B13 artists include Ryan Thomas, Steve Pearson, Brad Dozier, Nathan Fisher, Courtney O’Shea, Luke Baxter, Cole Armstrong, Danielle Jeanne, Chris Holbert, Daniel Hughes and Evan Davis. The main goal of Black 13 is to provide a wide array of quality work and exceptional customer service for clients all within a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Available Services:
- Tattoo
- Walk-in services available.
- Appointments available.
Most recent Google review: I recently had an appointment with Danielle! She was the epitome of incredible. I have never felt so secure and important to any tattoo artist who was doing my tattoos. She was kind, efficient, and open to my vision. The front desk team of Nicole and Danielle were the very definition of kindness and were so welcoming to me. The studio was beautiful and so inviting. This was one of the best decisions I could have made. I am so happy and can’t say enough nice things about this wonderful team.
One Drop Ink
690 Reviews | Rating: 4.9/5 | In Business: 11 years | Address | Website
Award winning tattoo shop in North Nashville.
Available Services:
- Specialize in all skin types
- Piercings:
- Nose, ears, septum, tragus, belly, lip, labret, tongue, nipples, cartilage, eyebrow and more.
Most recent Google review: This tattoo parlor is amazing!! my 3 sisters and i went in together to get tattoos from Christin. she was so fast and the tattoos turned out beautifully! really confident line work and perfect shading. she was also patient with us when we wanted the placement of the tattoo drawing changed before she started. the atmosphere of the parlor was also really comfortable and everyone was so nice! thank you ONE DROP INK!!
Safe House Tattoo Studio
222 Reviews | Rating: 4.9/5 | In Business: 10 years | Address | Website
Opened in 2012, Safe House Tattoo brings a divers group of great tattoo artists to Nashville.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
Most recent Google review: Best tattoo experience by far. Christopher Cousins reached out to me soon after filling out the easy form and he was able to get me in way sooner than expected. He had drawn up something for me I never would have thought of and it was amazing! He made sure I was comfortable the whole time and was very clean. I’m so in love with my new tattoo! Christopher was also very thorough with after care instructions which I really appreciated. Super cool place and amazing people. I’ll be coming back for sure.
Electric Hand Tattoo
159 Reviews | Rating: 4.9/5 | Address | Website
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Aftercare
- Walk-ins available
- Appointments encouraged
- $100 minimum
Recent Google review: We had a great experience. Justin was so wonderful connecting us with each tattoo artist that matched our styles. The artists Maddie, Ben and Matt were so talented and professional.
Island Tattoo
52 Reviews | Rating: 4.9/5 | In Business: 4 years | Address | Website
Started in 2019 by Kirk George and Jay Quarles, Island Tattoo Nashville is a high-end custom tattoo studio.
Most recent Google review: Kirk did an amazing job with my tattoo! He was very responsive and easy to communicate with, leading up to our appointment. The shop was comfortable and clean. And most importantly, the art is top notch. I couldn’t be happier with my tattoo. Thanks Kirk!
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- No walk-ins and no same day appointments
- Bookings are made 1-2 months out
- $400 minimum
Most recent Google review: Kirk did an amazing job with my tattoo! He was very responsive and easy to communicate with, leading up to our appointment. The shop was comfortable and clean. And most importantly, the art is top notch.
Music City Tattoo
41 Reviews | Rating: 4.9/5 | In Business: 18 years | Address | Website
Opened in 2004 on Music Row in Nashville.
Available Services:
- Custom tattoos
- Appointments and walk-ins
Most recent Google review: When you live on the West Coast but meet an awesome guy named Mike and his beautiful wife Laura, you start traveling to Nashville to get tattoos. I’ve been having Mike tattoo me for the last 5+ years and each tattoo is amazing. Mike not only has the gift of gab, but he offers a chill, Zen like environment to just “be” in. Great work, great environment, worth every penny. You won’t find a more personalized, professional and friendly tattoo experience in Nashville.
Art Immortal Tattoo
434 Reviews | Rating: 4.8/5 | Address | Website
Two locations in Portland and Madison, Tennessee.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Piercings
- Microblading
- Appointments
- Walk-ins
- Aftercare
Most recent Google review: For Christmas my family went in to get 5 different tattoos for our family Christmas together. @billy_gale didn’t blink once. He was like “let’s go!!” All 5 tattoos were smokin’ hot!! You will not be disappointed with Art Immortal Tattoos!! Ask for Billy Gale!
Titan Tattoo
391 Reviews | Rating: 4.8/5 | In Business: 12 years | Address | Website
Opened in 2010, Titan Tattoo won the Expertise.com Best Tattoo Shops in Nashville award for 2022.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Piercing
Most recent Google review: My sister and I came in for a tattoo this afternoon as walk-ins. There were others ahead of us, but the front desk personnel were welcoming, responsive, and helped ensure our wait was as short as possible. We ended up working with Paul, who did a wonderful job giving us exactly what we asked for at a reasonable price. He was personable and enjoyable to work with. We couldn’t be more pleased and we’re incredibly impressed with this Paul and this shop. 10/10 recommend 🙂
Archangel Tattoo
300 Reviews | Rating: 4.8/5 | Address | Website
High quality tattooing and piercing.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Body piercings
Most recent Google review: Scooby pierced my ears and it was virtually painless. He took the time to explain the procedure and aftercare in detail. Very friendly, clean, and professional staff. Well worth the drive. I would highly recommend this shop.
Victory Tattoo
221 Reviews | Rating: 4.8/5 | In Business: 8 years | Address | Website
Opened in 2014 in great locations at West Nashville and Marathon Village.
Available Services:
- Tattoo
- Walk-ins welcome
- $100 minimum
Most recent Google review: Great shop filled with a lot of talented artists. Very organized and communicated with me every step of the way. They worked with my schedule and helped me find the appt that worked best for me. And when I arrived I was greeted by a friendly face and worked with Mia to get the desired size of my tattoo. I felt comfortable and well taken care of from the get go and was blown away by the end result.
Artwerks Studios
197 Reviews | Rating: 4.8/5 | Address | Website
Located in South Nashville and founded by Louie Lopez, they have 7 full time artists. They offer piercing services and offer high end, custom jewelry.
Available Services:
- Custom tattoos
- Airbrushing
- Piercings
- Framing
- Screen printing
- Original art
Most recent Google review: I gotten all of my tattoos here. Great experiences every time. I’ve used a few different artists. It’s an easy process to book, staff is always super cool. Prices are good. Adam is great. Excited for a new one next week!
Adventure Tattoo
125 Reviews | Rating: 4.7/5 | Address | Website
Located in East Nashville with 4 artists and the occasional guest artist.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Walk-ins welcome
Most recent Google review: I went in yesterday for a couple fairly spontaneous Valentine’s Day tattoos, and had a great experience ♥️ The staff is super friendly – Danie at the front desk got me in with Deya for a walk in, and both ladies were super sweet. Deya is a fairly new artist, but does an amazing job. She made me feel very comfortable, especially since she was doing my first larger, visible tattoo on my arm.
Nashville Ink Tattoo
1123 Reviews | Rating: 4.6/5 | Address | Website
Just a 3 minute walk from the Ryman Auditorium with 9 artists.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Piercings
- Walk-ins welcome
- Largest selection of jewelry in Nashville.
- Aftercare
Most recent Google review: My husband and I are very impressed with Nashville ink!! Darren and Sean were amazing with us. Very professional. They both made us feel comfortable and were excited to do our tattoos. They were very sanitary with everything. Very clean!! A tattoo is forever and the tattoos were done very well. The lines were clean and as you can see in the pictures they are very talented def go to Nashville ink!!
Lone Wolf
252 Reviews | Rating: 4.6/5 | Address | Website
Starting in 1999 Lone Wolf won the Best of Nashville Scene, Best Tattoo Studio award for 11 years in a row. They are known for their cleanliness, professionalism, punctuality, quality, and value.
Available Services:
- Custom tattoos
Recent Google review: The staff was incredibly professional and helpful from the consult to the finished piece. As soon as Kelly Kipp started setting up, I knew that she was going to be my artist for some time. She was meticulous in the placement tools and the setup of her machine. I knew then that my tattoo was going to be done right and was not disappointed.
Kuston Thrills
202 Reviews | Rating: 4.6/5 | Address | Website
Providing custom tattoos since 2007 in a clean sanitary environment with two locations in Nashville.
Available Services:
- Custom tattoos
- Walk-ins welcome
Most recent Google review: Great experience! Went with my sister to get matching tattoos celebrating our Dutch heritage. Forrest was great through the whole experience and did really good work. I will definitely be back!
Battleground Tattoo
178 Reviews | Rating: 4.6/5 | Address | Website
Located in Franklin, Tennessee since 2009. They believe in doing the best custom work and encourage you to be as involved as possible in the creative process.
Available Services:
- Custom tattoos
- Aftercare
Most recent Google review: From the consult to the day of tattooing, the service was professional and personable. My piece was along my spine and included a difficult cover up. I really wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with it but Will was beyond patient with me and did an excellent job.
Tattoo Co.
402 Reviews | Rating: 4.5/5 | Address | Website
A 3 minute walk from the Johnny Cash Museum. They believe that today’s trends better still be amazing tomorrow. So while we have the talent and skill to create just about anything you can dream up, they have the heart to make sure you’ll love it down the road.
Available Services:
- Tattoos
- Aftercare
Recent Google review: Mel is an amazing artist. I have gotten 2 tattoos from her and they are both gorgeous. She is great at making you feel comfortable and works collaboratively to help you realize your tattoo dreams. I won’t go to anyone else for my future tattoos.
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