Whether adding a new tattoo to your collection or thinking of getting your first, finding the right tattoo shop and artist is essential to be happy with the finished product. Luckily, San Francisco has many amazing tattoo shops with talented artists, unique styles, and specializations.
When choosing a tattoo shop, you want to consider if you’re looking for work from a specific artist or have a vision that you need someone to bring to life. Plus, many shops are appointment-only, so plan ahead if you want to visit a particular studio. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to finding the best studio for you, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for tattoo shops in San Francisco that will help you bring your vision to life.
1. Idle Hand Tattoo
This Lower Haight tattoo shop has been tattooing since 2007 when it first opened. The shop offers 500 sheets of flash tattoos, spanning a long history in San Francisco. The shop is home to 7 artists who all bring their unique artistry to tattoos. Idle Hand is cash only and requires a minimum of $150. Walk-ins are welcome every day if you’re feeling spontaneous.
📍575 Haight St
2. Gold Leaf Ink
Gold Leaf Ink aims to create a peaceful environment for its guests while creating beautiful tattoos. The founder, Regina “Push” Estrada, focuses on intricate line work and uses occasional color in designs. If you love Regina’s designs but aren’t ready for a tattoo, you can purchase prints of her work at the shop or online.
📍1755 Market St
3. Moth and Dagger
Moth and Dagger has been operating since 2009 and has three artists ready to bring your vision to life. The shop has a $200 minimum, and all artists charge $300 an hour. The shop is by appointment only.
📍 610 Bush St
4. Masterpiece Tattoo
This appointment only specializes in realistic, portrait, and 3D tattoos. The shop’s founder specializes in portraits and can copy an image from a photograph or make a design with depth to make it appear 3D. To see examples of previous work or get a price estimate, go to Masterpiece Tattoo’s website for more information.
📍766 Geary St
5. Rose and Thorn Tattoo
This mission tattoo shop has five artists who create a range of designs. The shop welcomes walk-ins and is open daily from 12:00 to 7:00 pm except on Wednesdays. Plus, on August 26, 2023, you can get a flash line tattoo for $100 to $300.
📍 2063 Mission St
6. Haight Ashbury Tattoo and Piercing
This tattoo and piercing shop is located in the vibrant Haight Ashbury neighborhood and is open from 12:00 to 7:00 every day except Wednesdays. The shop is multi-purpose, and you can also get a range of piercings. The shop is the oldest in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood, and the jewelry is created by local artists.
📍 1701 Haight St
7. Eye of the Tiger Tattoo
Eye of the Tiger is located in the Sunset and welcomes walk-ins and appointments. The shop requires a $100 minimum and charges $250 an hour. The shop encourages clients to work with artists to create their designs.
📍1309 20th Ave
8. Picture Machine Tattoo
Picture Machine has been a part of the SF tattoo scene since 1976. The tattoo shop is open for long hours every day, from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, except on Sundays when it closes at 10:00 pm. The shop has a reputation for creating quality tattoos from well-known artists.
📍5124 Geary Blvd
9. Proper Tattoo
This mission district tattoo shop focuses on creating the perfect environment for guests to enjoy their experience. The shop is focused on fostering creativity through curated music while creating a laid-back vibe.
📍3150 18th St unit #276
10. Black and Blue Tattoo
Black and Blue Tattoo is a women-owned shop that was established in 1995. The queer-run and inclusive shop was recently declared an official SF legacy business for its long history in SF. Plus, there are up to 10 artists to choose from to create your new ink.
📍 381 Guerrero St