Best Tattoo Shops In San Francisco

“Norina is an amazing tattoo artist! She was incredibly accommodating and communicated with me in great detail before our appointment, which made me feel comfortable and well-prepared.

During the appointment, she was absolutely wonderful. She worked efficiently while maintaining incredible precision and attention to detail. My tattoo turned out absolutely gorgeous, and I couldn't be happier with it.

Everyone who sees it compliments it, and it's definitely one of my favorite tattoos. The color is rich, dark, and beautifully saturated. I can't wait to come back and get more pieces done by her. Highly recommend!“

“I’ve been to Mission Ink twice now. The first time a few years ago to get a “Courage The Cowardly Dog” tattoo in color from Guilherme, and I returned recently to get two nostril piercings from Jake.

My tattoo experience with Guilherme years ago was an awesome experience. He’s genuinely nice, knowledgeable, and heard me out on minor changes I requested. Out of all the tattoos I have, I get compliments on this one the most.

My recent experience with Jake was also extremely positive. I had both sides of my nostrils pierced 10+ years ago and had a poor experience both with the artist and the outcome of the piercings not (visually) aligning. Jake not only heard me out, but did severallll checks before we agreed on the placement. He was also kind enough to write down the specifics of the current jewelry and next steps for follow-up care.

The shop itself feels super clean and everyone I’ve interacted with there is extremely helpful and friendly. I cannot recommend Mission Ink enough.“

“Great people, they take time and be patient with you until you get what you expected!“

“Sasha is the BEST! She’s the Good Witch of piercing!
I went in wanting permanent “set it and forget it” backless studs for my 2nd & 3rd holes that had basically healed up. Sasha helped me choose the jewelry then she painlessly reopened my old holes and placed the new mini stack. I’m so thrilled and excited to have found 13 Bats. Thanks Sasha! 🖤“

“This place is so great! I came in for a belly piercing that I thought was closed. A couple of other places would’ve re-pierced me for additional communication, but he just reinstalled it for me!

It was not painful and he was so communicative. I’ve had several piercers but he’s the best I’ve seen! Going to def be back for the rest of my other piercings“

“Seventh Son is one of the best shops in the bay. Max May just did a super cool yokai on my leg. Flavor for days.“

“Walked in today at 12:30ish. I had no appointment and was no issue. Dora immediately provided the best customer service. She shows care and compassion for her work. Always nice to experience an individual who takes pride in what they do. Dora kept the conversation going and made me feel extremely welcomed. She did a fantastic job, can't be happier with the results. She did all this while I was holding my 7 month old baby on my lap the whole time. I know the shop wasn't expecting to hear miss racheal today when they came into work, but no one made a big deal of it. I am super thankful to the entire staff and Dora's amazing patients with my son. Sorry for the messy crackers on the ground he left behind.

Been two years now. And the tattoo still looks the same as day one! I have several tattoos all over and this is by far held up and looking the best! Highly recommend!“

“Such an amazing experience! Sany and Mariel are both such sweet people! Super easy booking, easy to find, great atmosphere! Would give it 10 stars if I could. Wish I was from the area because I would definitely have a lot more tattoos done here!“

“I had a tattoo done they're 2001 it was a 9-11-01 tattoo did awesome job I still have it they are awesome“

“I cannot recommend Svetlyo and Dream Masters Tattoo highly enough. I came to Svetlyo for a very special memorial piece for my dog using ink infused with her ashes. From the first consultation, he handled the process with the utmost respect and professionalism. The artwork is stunning, and the technical skill involved in the shading and detail is incredible. Knowing my dog is now a part of this beautiful art means the world to me. If you want an artist who truly cares about the meaning behind your ink, Svetlyo is the one.“

“Very clean facility and such friendly staff! Chris was great very knowledgeable about the ear anatomy and did my piercings painless.“

“My first tattoo was acquired here at the hands of a very talented artist, InkCache. She was phenomenal throughout the entire process, from booking to aftercare and really helped me to feel comfortable and knowledgeable for my first tattoo experience. Her art speaks for itself, and the Mythrium space is crazy good. The whole vibe is chill and quiet and just all around relaxing. The other artists are equally amazing and everyone loves to see your new work and show off their own! Very friendly, they all make you feel at home with them. I HIGHLY recommend getting work done from any of these artists (though I AM biased to InkCache)! I traveled over 1,700 miles just for this and it was worth every penny spent and more!

Additionally, I forgot to leave this review before I left San Fransisco, but now 2 months later, the tattoos are still stunning and have healed beautifully thanks to Cache's work and aftercare instructions!“

“Amazing experience from beginning to end . 💯 recommended. Beautiful energy“

“Warm vibes the whole way through, and that goes for everyone in the shop. Taylor did my piece: sharp listener, clear communicator, talented eye, welcoming of discussion, and just a good dude. I left Tuesday *very* happy.“

“I have already reviewed Clayton at the other location in Oakland, at I Love You Tattoo on Piedmont. I went to this location to get my 26th tattoo. I'm gonna do a second session at the end of summer to get the shading and color done. This piece was so well done, that it healed with just over a week. Clayton has been super faithful and easy to communicate with. Super flexible on pricing and sizing.“

“Adel was wonderful. He was kind and listened so well. I can’t wait to go back!“

“I got a great piece of flash at this shop. The tattoo artists were very friendly. My tattoo looks awesome and I’d definitely go back.“

“If you want timeless art from an master-level artist in a warm, professional environment, Holly Ellis and her shop are as good as it gets.

I’ve been getting tattooed by Holly for 9 years now—9 tattoos total, ranging from flash to complex custom pieces—and I can’t recommend her or her shop highly enough. Holly’s craft is extraordinary. Her linework is sharp and her color and shading are unmatched. She has an efficient yet gentle hand, and she offers thoughtful guidance on design and placement to ensure every piece sits perfectly. Tattoos from her heal and settle like a dream—in fact, my oldest piece from nearly a decade ago still looks almost as fresh as the one I got last weekend. (I do wear my sunscreen and take care of my skin!)

The shop itself is impeccable, filled with inspiring art, and always has good music to help you grit through a session. Above all, it’s a safe, respectful, and genuinely inclusive space. The entire crew is friendly, supportive, and genuinely excited about the work being done.“

“Good people good vibes good time. Amazing artwork. Definitely a good spot whether it's your first or 31st tattoo. I will be back soon for my next artistic addition to the temple that is my own“

“@kwon_tattoos ( Eugene) is so talented and gentle . I had a vision he said let me work this up and give you some ideas . It was a mother daughter - tattoo and he exceeded my expectations. But more than anything, it was painless I didn’t know that could be possible . I will definitely do back and know you are in good hands if you go as well .“

“Super friendly staff even at 11pm! So nice and understanding and helpful. Got two quick tattoos with Asher who was great. Can’t wait to come back.“

“Got There At a Good time Still had A Great Tattoo while I saw today, Two different Back pieces being worked on, Thats What We like to See.“

“Got my first tattoo with Theo at this shop and it was a wonderful experience. He talked me through the design and process very clearly and I was able to share the thoughts throughout the whole process. During the tattoo, he was super helpful and patient with all the last minute changes and breaks I needed. Highly recommend him because he’s equally kind and talented!“

“I got tattooed by Paul sand @p.sand_art here at diamond club and it was the best experience I’ve ever had getting tattooed the shop was so cool and clean, everyone there was so nice, not to mention the perfect tattoo I got from Paul. I’m already thinking the next one I’m going to get from him thanks Paul thanks junii thanks diamond club tattoo !“