Best Nashville Tattoo Shops

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 business, 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 piercing, 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 is 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 tourists, 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, a comfortable lobby, and individual booths for privacy. Open every day from 12-9 p.m. 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 are 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 are 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 is 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 are 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 three sisters and I went in together to get tattoos from Christin. She was so fast, and the tattoos turned out beautifully! It's 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 diverse 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 aftercare instructions, which I really appreciated. It is a 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 in connecting us with each tattoo artist who 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 are 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 five different tattoos for our family Christmas together. @billy_gale didn’t blink once. He was like, “let’s go!!” All five 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. It's 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. He was 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. 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 seven 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 four 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 nine 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 throughout 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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