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Best Tattoo Parlors In The Boston Area

Getting a tattoo is a pretty big commitment. Sure, these day tattoos can be covered up or lasered away. But who wants to think about how to get rid of ink they paid good money to get? Forget about the possibility of tattoo regret and start your experience off right. Going to a well-known reputable tattoo artist will save you in the long run.
ferry street ink
(Photo from Ferry Street Ink Tattoo)

Ferry Street Ink
8 Ferry St.
Everett, MA 02149
(617) 389-8280
www.ferrystreetink.net

Not only has this place achieved its fair share of accolades, happy clients rave about every aspect of their tattoo experience at Ferry Street Ink. From the artistry of the designs to the friendly comfortable service and clean comfortable parlor, this is truly an A-plus experience. Ferry Street Ink is easy to get to from Boston or surrounding towns, and is well worth your trip.

Related: Best Tattoo Parlors South of Boston

Redemption Tattoo
2094 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 576-0097
www.redemptiontattoo.com

If you're talking tattoos in the greater Boston area, the name that will continually come up time and time again is Redemption Tattoo. This place has also scored a number of local 'Best Of' wins, including the WBZ-TV A-list winner in 2007. The shop prefers people walk in for consultations and appointments. And come prepared to leave a deposit when you book your appointment.

Always & Forever Tattoo
565 Mount Auburn St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 744-1740
www.alwaysandforevertatoo.com

Always and Forever Tattoo has three talented artists working in a variety of styles in one of the safest, cleanest tattoo parlors around. It offers gift certificates, which makes it the go-to-place if you have a tattoo addiction. Always and Forever is also shop where walk-ins are always welcome. That being said, one of its specialties is full large-scale tattoos. For that kind of work, you'll want to make an appointment.

Related: Boston's Best Places For Ear Piercings


The Painted Bird
567 Fellsway
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 393-8282
www.thepaintedbirdtattoo.com

The Painted Bird is a fantastic tattoo parlor where you can take care of all of your ink and piercing needs. The shop features fantastic tattoo artists, knowledgeable piercers and a full shop of all of the jewelry, aftercare products and balms you could possibly need. This shop goes out if its way to work with all clients with all budgets. For piercings, you can easily just walk in, but if you're thinking of a large-scale tattoo project, you might want to make an appointment.

Pino Bros
(Photo Credit: Pino Bros.)

Pino Bros Tattoo
1100 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 250-9903
www.PinoBrosInk.com

Tattoo parlors come and go and artists often leave and pick up at different shops. But Pino Bros is as close to a tattoo institution as you'll find in a state that's only allowed tattooing since 2000. Its nearly dozen artists represent every style of tattooing you can imagine. If you have a set design in mind, you are sure to find an artist at Pino Bros who can accommodate your vision. Each artist sets their own hours and policies so it's best to look at their online portfolios so you can find the artist you want.

Renee Mallett is the author of several books about art, culture, and New England. She was the owner and director of an art gallery and has written about arts and entertainment on a national level for several print and online journals. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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