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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.
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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. 
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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.
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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."                                                                                                            
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