26 Best Tattoo Shops in San Francisco, CA
Discover the top-rated tattoo shops and artists in San Francisco, California. Compare ratings, styles, and hours all in one place.
26
Total Shops
4.8 / 5
Avg Rating
15
Styles Available
San Francisco has a rich tattoo history rooted in its sailor and counterculture heritage, and today the city's shops reflect that layered identity — blending old-school traditional work with cutting-edge fine line, geometric, and illustrative styles. Neighborhoods like the Mission, Haight-Ashbury, and the Castro are home to some of the Bay Area's most sought-after artists. Browse InkLink's San Francisco listings to compare ratings, styles, and contact info all in one place before booking your appointment.
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26 shops
Not rated
San Francisco Tattoo Co.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Tattoo Co. is a traditional tattoo parlor in San Francisco, specializing in custom tattoo art. They aim to provide a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for clients to get high-quality, lasting body art.
TraditionalBlackworkJapanese+1
Website
Closed
Miss Phoenix Rose
San Francisco, CA
Miss Phoenix Rose is a trusted tattoo shop business located in San Francisco, CA, committed to providing exceptional services that exceed expectations.
No website or socials found
Closed
vinny valdez
San Francisco, CA
This page is dedicated to booking tattoo appointments with artist Vinny Valdez, who works in San Francisco, CA. The process involves filling out a form, email communication, and a required non-refundable deposit for sessions.
Website
5(89)
ClosedIan Reynold Tattoos
San Francisco, CA
Ian Reynold operates a private tattoo studio in The Mission, San Francisco, specializing in tattooing. He offers a tranquil and safe space for clients to get custom tattoo artwork.
Fine LineBlackworkFlash Tattoos
Website
5(2)
Huahine Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Huahine Tattoo is a trusted tattoo shop business located in San Francisco, CA, committed to providing exceptional services with professional staff.
No website or socials found
5(3)
ClosedA.P.Glenard Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Black Needle Tattoo is a trusted tattoo studio in Oakland, specializing in a diverse range of custom tattoo styles. They are committed to custom artistry, experienced artists, and a safe, inclusive environment.
+1 415-494-9840WebsiteInstagram
TraditionalRealismFine Line+2
5(1)
ClosedJess Koala Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Jess Koala is a tattoo artist since 2016. She operates from a private studio space within Castro Tattoo in San Francisco.
TraditionalBlackwork
Website
5(6)
ClosedBen Matthews Tattooing
San Francisco, CA
Ben Matthews Tattooing is a tattoo studio offering tattooing, flash designs, and specialized services like coverups and repairs. The studio showcases a diverse portfolio.
Flash TattoosBlackworkCover-Up+3
PiercingsWebsite
5(1)
ClosedLegend Ink SF
San Francisco, CA
Legend Ink is a private tattoo studio in San Francisco, led by father and son artists Peter and Isaiah Bogdanov. They specialize in crafting unique, large-scale custom tattoos, including intricate cover-ups, and advanced paramedical tattooing.
RealismBlackworkCover-Up
Website
5(19)
Q Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Black Flamingo Tattoo is a tattoo studio featuring artist Q (Quiana), who specializes in custom designs, flash, and art commissions.
IllustrativeBlackworkFine Line+1
Website
4.9(1070)
ClosedCleopatra INK Tattoo & Piercing San Francisco Studio
San Francisco, CA
CleopatraInk is a business operating a San Francisco studio that specializes in providing professional tattooing and piercing services. The website offers information about their studios, services, and a gallery of their work.
BlackworkRealismPiercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.9(57)
ClosedDiamond Club Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Diamond Club Tattoo is a professional tattoo studio founded in 1991 by Junii and Bill Salmon, celebrating over 30 years in San Francisco. They offer high-quality tattoos in various styles, by appointment only.
TraditionalNew School
Website
4.9(191)
ClosedDream Masters Custom Tattoos Sweden
San Francisco, CA
Dream Masters Custom Tattoos is a professional tattoo shop located in San Francisco, recognized as a top tattoo company in the area. They offer custom tattooing services and feature a team of artists.
Website
4.9(78)
ClosedOne Shot Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
One Shot Tattoo is a professional tattoo studio in San Francisco with over 20 years of experience, specializing in high-quality artistry. They are dedicated to bringing clients' visions to life in a clean and welcoming environment, also hosting renowned guest artists.
TraditionalNeo-TraditionalBlackwork
Website
4.9(19)
ClosedThousand Stroke Tattoo 千觸刺青
San Francisco, CA
Thousand Stroke Tattoo Studio is a tattoo business, prominently featuring artist Oliver Wong. The website includes a tattoo gallery and information about the artist.
Website
4.9(1287)
ClosedMission Ink Tattoo & Piercing
San Francisco, CA
Mission Ink Tattoo & Piercing is a tattoo shop located in the Mission District of San Francisco, CA, offering both tattooing and piercing services. They are actively hiring new tattoo artists and welcome guest artists.
+1 415-400-5785WebsiteFacebookInstagram
Piercing Studio
Piercings
4.9(35)
ClosedRed Kestrel Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Red Kestrel Tattoo is a private, custom tattoo studio located in San Francisco, offering custom tattoo art by Tex and her team. They emphasize quality artwork, integrity, and professionalism, creating custom designs for each client.
Website
4.8(111)
ClosedIdle Hand Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Idle Hand Tattoo is a tattoo shop located in San Francisco, offering walk-ins daily and specializing in tattoos. The shop features a team of resident tattoo artists.
TraditionalPortraitFlash Tattoos
Website
4.8(14)
ClosedProper Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Proper Tattoo offers a personalized tattoo experience in San Francisco, specializing in styles. With over 10 years of experience, the studio focuses on providing attentive care to each customer.
TraditionalJapaneseGeometric+1
Website
4.8(53)
ClosedRitual By Design
San Francisco, CA
Ritual by Design is a studio run by Sabreena, a South Asian tattoo artist and professional mehndi artist based in San Francisco. She specializes in tattoos inspired by traditional Pakistani henna designs, also offering mehndi appointments.
Fine LineBlackworkIllustrative+2
Website
4.7(48)
Undrgrnd
San Francisco, CA
UNDRGRND is a San Francisco-based tattoo collective established in 2018, dedicated to providing top-quality tattoo work in an inclusive environment. They operate by appointment only, with artists handling their own bookings.
Website
4.6(124)
ClosedBlack Heart Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Black Heart Tattoo is a world-renowned shop established in 2004, known for its multi-generational talent and custom tattoos. It is a welcoming neighborhood shop that aims to inspire both artists and clients.
Website
4.6(27)
ClosedNorth
San Francisco, CA
North SF is a tattoo studio in San Francisco featuring tattoo artists Anna Chernova (Horror Tattoo) and Konstantin (strokin dark). They specialize in creating unique, custom, freehand, dark, and surreal tattoo designs.
SurrealismRealismBlackwork+1
Website
4.4(201)
ClosedHaight Street Tattoo and Piercing
San Francisco, CA
Haight Street Tattoo is a historic tattoo and piercing shop in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury, established in 1992. They offer custom tattooing, along with body piercing and jewelry, welcoming walk-ins.
TraditionalPiercing Studio
PiercingsWebsite
4.3(57)
ClosedPicture Machine Tattoo
San Francisco, CA
Picture Machine Tattoo is a historic tattoo shop in San Francisco, founded in 1976 by Pat Martynuik. It has a long legacy of producing high-quality tattoos and attracting talented artists in an unpretentious environment.
Flash Tattoos
Website
4.3(12)
ClosedStudio Kazoku
San Francisco, CA
Studio Kazoku is a tattoo shop opened in 2018 by world-renowned tattoo artist Jill "Horiyuki" Bonny, offering a wide range of tattoo services. They accept both walk-ins and appointments.
Japanese
Website
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tattoo shops are in San Francisco, CA?
There are 26 tattoo shops listed in San Francisco, CA on InkLink Tattoo Finder. Browse all of them above to compare ratings, styles, and services.
What tattoo styles are popular in San Francisco?
Popular tattoo styles in San Francisco include Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Realism, Japanese, Blackwork. Use the style filter above to browse shops that specialize in your preferred style.
How do I choose a tattoo shop in San Francisco?
Consider factors like Google ratings, specialty styles, pricing, and location. Each listing above includes ratings, services offered, and a link to the shop's full profile with hours and contact information.
Tips for Choosing a Tattoo Shop
Check reviews and ratings. Google ratings and review counts are a great starting point. Look for shops with consistently high ratings and a large number of reviews for the most reliable picture.
Review portfolios. Every reputable tattoo artist maintains a portfolio. Visit their website or social media to see examples of their work, especially in the style you want.
Consider specializations. Different artists excel in different styles — from traditional and Japanese to fine line and realism. Choose a shop where artists specialize in the style you're looking for.
Visit the shop first. A clean, professional environment is essential. Look for proper sterilization equipment, individually packaged needles, and a generally welcoming atmosphere.
Ask about pricing upfront. Most shops charge by the hour or by the piece. Get a clear quote before starting and understand the shop's deposit and cancellation policies.