True Legends 

The following tattoo parlors have been operated by some of the most talented 
and inspirational pioneers in the industry. If you want to get inked by a true 
legend, check out these famous shops.

1. Bert 
   Grimm’s World Famous Tattoo Shop: TattooArchive.com reports that 
   for over 70 years, "Bert Grimm was a fixture in the tattoo world." Originally 
   from Oregon, Grimm traveled to shops all over the U.S. and eventually settled in 
   Long Beach, CA, when he opened the World Famous Tattoo Shop, "the oldest 
   continuously operated tattoo parlor in the continental United States." The shop 
   was sold in 2004, but the Grimm legacy lives on in Shaw’ 
   Tattoo Parlor in Houston, TX, which is still operated by the descendants of 
   Bert Grimm’s nephew.


2. All or Nothing 
   Tattoo: Award-winning artist Brandon Bond started out working at 
   tattoo parlors all over the U.S., but he can currently be found at the All or 
   Nothing Tattoo Shop in Atlanta, GA. Recognized around the world for his 
   colorful, precise and innovative designs, Bond is also the owner of Strangehold 
   Publications, has tattooed rappers Nas 
   and Kellis, made an appearance on TLC’s LA Ink and has "artwork…featured in over 
   500 international tattoo arts publications," according to the shop’s 
   website.


3. Tattoo 
   Lou’s: Long Island, NY’s legendary Tattoo Lou’s celebrates its 50th 
   anniversary this year. The original Tattoo Lou Rubino opened the studio in 
   Queens, NY, but eventually moved out to Long Island. His son, Lou, Jr., helps 
   run the shop today, along with experienced, award-winning artists like Irish Jay 
   and Erick Alayon.


4. Gill Montie’s World 
   Famous Tattoo Mania: Gill Montie’s Tattoo Mania now sits on a 
   street in the small town of Beaumont, TX, near the Texas-Louisiana border. Back 
   in the 1980s and 90s, however, Gill Montie was a fixture on Hollywood’s Sunset 
   Strip, where he tattooed 
   celebrities and founded the InkSlingers Ball, a popular tattoo 
   and body art convention. Even though Tattoo Mania is no longer a part of 
   Hollywood’s crazy nightlife scene, the shop is still committed to creating 
   quality designs for their loyal customers.


5. Lowrider 
   Tattoo: The website for Jose Lopez’s Lowrider Tattoo is a modest, 
   humble tribute to its founding artist, a Mexican immigrant, who, despite being 
   wheelchair-bound, has become 
   one of the most lauded tattoo artists in the nation. Located in Fountain Valley, 
   CA, Lopez now works with four other artists in his shop and is about to open a 
   second studio in Riverside, CA. In addition to tattoos, Lopez also creates oil 
   paintings and is considering designing a clothing line.

Celebrity Shops 

Celebrity is no stranger to these tattoo parlors, whether it’s because of a 
cable TV deal, award-winning staff or a high-profile clientele.

1. Hart and 
   Huntington: Hart and Huntington’s tattoo studios were famous even 
   before they were featured on A&E’s reality show Inked. 
   Shops in Hawaii, Cabo, Orlando and Las Vegas attract tattoo enthusiasts from all 
   over the country, who are dying to get tatted up by Carey, Jenn and the rest of 
   the crew. If you’re a fan of the show but want a less permanent souvenir of the 
   series, check out H&H’s online 
   store, where you can find T-shirts, hoodies, shot glasses and other 
   memorabilia.


2. High Voltage 
   Tattoo: TLC’s LA 
   Ink has introduced the rest of the world into the wild and crazy world of 
   the Los Angeles tattoo industry. Unique, upbeat cast members like Kat Von D, who 
   boasts nearly half a million MySpace friends and followers, let the world watch 
   while they ink all kinds of clients, including celebrities. During filming of 
   the show, however, the shop is open during very limited times, so check out 
   their website before you go.


3. Miami 
   Ink: Before there was LA Ink,  there was Miami Ink, also known as 
   305 Ink. Kat Von D’s appearance on TLC’s reality show started out in Miami, 
   before she headed out West and took the camera crews with her. Miami Ink owners 
   Chris Nunez and Ami James also own the Love Hate Lounge in South Beach.


4. Shanghai 
   Kate’s: In upstate New York, Shanghai Kate’s welcomes anyone from 
   Howard Stern to Pearl Jam. 
   Featured on NPR, in Inked Magazine, and at the NYC Tattoo Convention, Kate 
   Hellenbrand is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late tattoo artist 
   Norman Keith Collins, or Sailor 
   Jerry. Kate sells souvenirs, cards, stencils and other commemorative items, 
   all designed by Sailor Jerry, on her online store.


5. Rising Dragon: 
   New  York city’s famed Rising Dragon tattoo parlor features world-famous artists 
   who specialize in intricate designs like classical Asian-centric creations and 
   large scale underwater seascapes. Visitors should also check out the shop’s 
   staff of permanent "guest" artists like Horisei from Yokohoama, Japan and Su 
   Houston.


6. Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock 
   Social Club: Named one of Citysearch’s 
   Best Tattoo Parlors in Los Angeles, the Shamrock Social Club sits on Sunset 
   Blvd. and was featured on A&E’s 2006 series of Inked. Artists like Mark 
   Mahoney, Danny Romo and Andrew Farmsley contribute to the laid back atmosphere 
   and attract celebrities like Britney Spears and Fred Durst.

Before you decide to stroll into any old tattoo shop to get inked this year, 
do a little research on the studio and artists you’re about to trust with a 
needle and your quivering skin. If you’ve got the budget to splurge on a 
celebrity artist whose business is to create award-winning, 
unique designs while keeping a clean, safe shop, take a look at this list of 20 
of the world’s most famous tattoo parlors, from Japan to theSunset Strip. 

International Stars 

From Japan to Paris to Malta, these artists are famous in the industry for 
creating unique designs and giving visitors an authentic experience of local 
genius.

1. Horiyoshi 
   III: In 2005, Time Magazine’s Best 
   of Asia issue named Horiyoshi III the best tattoo parlor and artist in the 
   Orient. An apprentice to "the legendary tattoo artist Yoshitsugu Muramatsu," 
   Horiyoshi III sets up shop in Yokohama, Japan, where he inks his customers with 
   traditional designs like "peonies, koi, tenyo (she-angels) and the like." Before 
   you line up at the door for one of these exclusive tattoos, get ready to open up 
   your wallet. Time reports that full body tattoos can cost as much as 
   $20,000.


2. Tattoo 
   Peter: Stop in for a visit at Amsterdam’s famous Tattoo Peter for a 
   souvenir of your rebellious vacation. 
   The historic shop is owned by Eddy Wertwijn, who dedicates his designs to Pier 
   de Haan, the man who founded the tattoo parlor 
   after leaving the Navy in the 1940s. Classic tattoos from Tattoo Peter include 
   tributes to the days when sailors populated the shop, looking for designs of 
   ships, anchors and pinup girls.


3. Triple 7 
   Tattoo: Though a native of Holland, Tommie 777 has traveled to 
   Brazil, Argentina, Amsterdam, Great Britain and Germany to perfect his famous 
   tattoo artistry. The Triple Seven Tattoo Shop is located in Ahaus, Germany, near 
   the German-Netherlands border, but according to the company’s website, Tommie is 
   currently "splitting his time hammering ink into skin between Great Britain, 
   Holland and Germany, doing all sorts of guest work in various shops."


4. The Tat 
   Shack: If you happen to be in Malta during your next vacation, stop 
   in at the Tat Shack to check out the latest designs from international award-winning 
   artists Deano and Ghiller. Like most of us, however, you’re probably stranded on 
   the mainland and will have to settle for browsing through their website to see 
   the featured tattoo of the month, buy custom merchandise and more.


5. Kustom 
   Tattoo: Paris is arguably no longer the European center for 
   vagrants and starving artists, but the alternative lifestyle is still welcomed 
   in the French capital. Specifically speaking, Kustom Tattoo on the Avenue de la 
   Republique is an intense but professional tattoo parlor that has been recognized 
   in publications like Tattoo magazine and Tatouage.

Under-the-Radar Parlors 

Just because a tattoo parlor isn’t featured on a hit TV show doesn’t mean it 
doesn’t produce quality work. From Houston, TX, to Detroit, MI, these shops fly 
under the radar of the general public but are still must-visit shops for any 
tattoo fanatic.

1. Bob Tyrell’s Night 
   Gallery: Detroit native Boy Tyrell has been featured in 
   publications like Tattoo Society, Skin & Ink, and other tattoo-related 
   publications in the U.S. and abroad. 
   After working at Eternal Tattoos in Detroit, Tyrell opened up Night Gallery and 
   travels to conventions and events all over the U.S. and in Mexico.


2. Sunset Strip 
   Tattoo: Hollywood’s Sunset Strip Tattoo is a Los Angeles staple, 
   like washed-out celebrities and beachwear as streetwear. Artists Bill, Dave, 
   Greg, Mike, Paul and Rob are discreetly featured on the company’s website, 
   letting select images describe their designs and experience for them. E-mail any 
   artist for more information.


3. Johnny Jackson’s 
   World Famous Texas Body Art Tattoo Studio: From the grotesque to 
   the historic, Johnny Jackson and his team of artists create all kinds of 
   portraits and impressions for their customers. The tattoo shop is located in 
   Houston, TX, where tattoo and piercing model Mizuz Inkaholik welcomes customers 
   as they wait for sessions with award-winning artists, including guest artists 
   like Doctorlind from Denmark, Lenny 
   Renkin, Darrin White and more. The shop typically has a three week waiting 
   period, so go ahead and book now.


4. Apocalypse 
   Tattoo: Seattle’s Apocalypse Tattoo is a popular destination for 
   those looking to get tatted up, but it has so far remained relatively low key. 
   Walk-ins are still welcome, and despite the award-winning team of artists, the 
   shop puts the customers first, making sure "that you will find the perfect 
   design for your tattoo."