Top Tattoo Shops In Norfolk VA

Norfolk, Virginia, has a very rich tattoo history and has a lot of tattoo shops and artists competing for the top position. You’ll find hundreds of tattoo shops in Norfolk VA, all of which have different artists, ratings, and even specialties. The difference in their prices is also obvious. However, when you’re getting a piece of art you’re going to have to live a long time with, avoid thinking about the price. The quality of work the shop provides is so much more important. Also, Here is a list of the top barbers you must visit in Norfolk VA.

Best Tattoo Shops In Norfolk VA

A tattoo shop is mainly judged by how experienced its artists are. The quality of the artist’s works earns the shop a reputation that makes people come back for more. While you once used to ask your inked friends for recommendations on tattoo shops, nowadays you can simply find these reviews online. To make things easy for you, here’s our list of some tattoo shops people love in the area.

Artisan Body Piercing and Tattoo

Number one on our list is Artisan Body Piercing and Tattoo, because of how good the quality of its work is. People have left a lot of positive reviews about this tattoo shop, and former customers always come back when they want new tattoos. 

The tattoo shop is very famous in Norfolk and has won the Pilot’s “Best Place To Get a Tattoo In Norfolk” award twice now. Customers love how informative, and efficient the staff is, and how comfortable they make them feel.

If you’re somebody getting a tattoo for the first time, this is the place to go. You’ll be in and out in no time. 

• Address: 5720 Hoggard Rd Ste B Norfolk, VA

Ocean Mistique’s Norfolk Ink Gallery

Norfolk Ink Gallery is one of the best tattoo shops Norfolk VA has to offer. They have some of the best tattoo artists in all of Norfolk, so it comes as no surprise that the tattoos they produce are all excellent. 

The colors, designs, and artwork are all exceptional, and the best part is that they charge less than anywhere else. Most places charge at least $150+ for even small tattoos, but here the lowest charges are $80. 

Their staff is super helpful and makes sure you are comfortable the entire time you are getting your work done. The tattoos also heal perfectly, and the shop is super helpful about how to take proper care of the ink. 

• Address: 2100 Monticello Ave Norfolk, VA

Rocksteady Tattoo

Rocksteady tattoo is the place to go if you want some high-quality tattoos. The shop does both simple tattoos and large intricate ones. 

If you’re looking to have a small tattoo done you can just walk in and they’ll have you out in 30 minutes. 

Moreover, if you have an idea for a tattoo design, you can run it by their tattoo artists. They have a very skilled team which means they can design a custom tattoo, or fix your design and execute it to perfection. 

We also love how much they care about cleanliness, something that is often overlooked by other places. 

Address: 9651 1st View St Ste D Norfolk, VA

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Port 13 Tattoo

Port 13 is a small family-owned business that is one of the best tattoo shops in Norfolk VA. Don’t underestimate this place because they have a lot of experienced and educated tattoo artists. 

We recommend Mike or Kayne if you’re getting your tattoos done here. They’re both experienced and have very steady hands. Two things every good tattoo artist should have. 

The tattoo artists here also do free touchups for tattoos they’ve done, which is another big plus. Overall, for cleanliness, professionalism, and awesome quality of work, we strongly recommend the place. 

Address: 3201 E Ocean View Blvd Ste 103 Norfolk, VA

The Independence Tattoo

We’ve included The Independence Tattoo in our list because we love their commitment to their art and their clients. The salon is kept clean, and the artists always try to be helpful to you. 

The salon excels in creating, both simple and complex masterpieces with ink. Their artists always try to be professional and ensure you are comfortable at all times. 

Even if you walk into the salon without an appointment, your tattoo is never rushed, and always comes out looking great. If you’re going to get a walk-in tattoo, we recommend you get there early.

Address: 952 W 21st St Norfolk, VA

Tender Heart Tattoo

The people at Tender Heart Tattoo aimed to create a space that was open and comfortable for everybody, and they succeeded. Once you step inside the salon you are hit with the welcoming atmosphere and everybody there is super supportive. 

When getting your tattoo you are made comfortable, and they are super cool about doing the design you want. No judgment on the design or your pain tolerance. 

Address: 729 Granby St Norfolk, VA

Otzi Tattoo Agency

If you’re looking for detailed, realistic tattoos, Otzi is the place to go. They only operate by appointment, but the wait is worth the gain. 

Once you have a design in mind, the first desk will tell you which artist suits you best, depending on the artist’s strength and your requirement. This ensures your design is executed to perfection on your skin. 

The thing we love best about Otzi is how honest they are with you. If they can’t meet your needs, they’ll refer you out. They don’t waste your time or compromise on the quality of their work. 

Address: 1130 Boissevain Ave Norfolk, VA

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Commonwealth Tattoo Gallery

This custom tattoo gallery and studio is the perfect place for people who want their art to be unique. Here, you’ll find art from countless tattoo artists, after which you can choose the one you want to work with.

Their artists create custom designs for each customer and are beginner friendly too. All of their artists have tattoo licenses from the state of Virginia and work together to create some amazing works.

The gallery specializes in realistic tattoos, Japanese tattoos, irezumi, neo-traditional tattoos, traditional tattoos, old-school tattoos, and black and grey tattoos. They have some artists that deal with walk-in clients. However, their best tattoo artists work on an appointment basis only.

Address: 804 B Granby St, Norfolk, VA

Sean Karn Tattoos

People know tattoo artist Sean Karn from Otzi tattoo agency. However, he also has his own shop where he works. People love the quality of his work, and how chill he is throughout the process.

If you’re getting tattooed here, we recommend jaimeson for you, especially if you want a custom tattoo. Jaimeson takes your rough idea and makes a great tattoo out of it. Not only is the Guy talented, but he also makes sure you are satisfied with his work.

Both Sean and Jaimeson make great conversation and make sure their client is educated. This not only takes away the stress of getting tattooed, but the information helps you in the long run.

Address: 130 Boissevain Ave, Norfolk, VA

Cleveland Street Tattoo

Named after the street it is located on, this tattoo place does wonders for its clients. The shop specializes in black and grey, realism, traditional art, neo-traditional tattoos, and coverups.

They also refresh old, faded tattoos so that they look new. The shop is well-lit, clean, and well-maintained. There is plenty of parking outside too.

However, the real gems of the shops are their tattoo artists, all of which not only experienced but also skilled. They do excellent work, first drawing the pieces, and then tattooing it.

Address: 4978 Cleveland St, Norfolk VA

Altered Bodies

Altered Bodies isn’t as famous as the other places, but people that have been here loved it. This is one of the few tattoo shops in Norfolk VA that take on extremely complex and difficult designs. 

People also love how accommodating the staff is, how comparatively cheap the rates are, and how fast you get your work done. 

Address: 950 W 21st St Norfolk, VA

People love how she does permanent eyeliner alongside other services like micro-blading and massages. The salon is always very clean, and her work never has any complications in the Long run.

Regina can also cover acne scars, burn marks, and other imperfections on the face with skin-colored ink. This is especially beneficial for trauma survivors who want a fresh start.

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•  Address: 4486 Pleasant Ave Norfolk, VA

Slow Ride Tattoo Gallery

Located in the heart of Norfolk, the slow-ride tattoo gallery has been giving people acclaim-worthy works of ink for a Long time. The gallery takes pride in its work and tries its best to ensure customer satisfaction.

Their tattoo artists are extremely talented and work closely with clients to make their ideas into reality. We loved how clean the gallery is, and how convenient the location is. We recommend this place to everybody that avoids busy tattoo studios because of how hectic they get. This place is very laid back and peaceful.

• Address: 115 W 25th St Suite B, Norfolk, VA

Valhalla Rose Tattoo

The staff at Valhalla Rose Tattoo is extremely talented and helpful. They do some amazing artwork, and the best part is, that they teach you how to take care of it afterward. 

For tattoos, we recommend Ryan, who has 18 years of experience, Ash with her 8 years of experience, or Jesus, who is a customer favorite. You also get 10 mins of a free consultation from their tattoo artists through their website. 

Address: 2310 E Little Creek Norfolk

Places Near Norfolk

Norfolk has a lot of tattoo shops, but a lot of them exist outside of the city as well. If you’re somebody willing to travel a little to get your dream tattoo, here are a few places in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Virginia beach is 20 minutes away from Norfolk, and Chesapeake is 10 minutes away.

Ghost Ship Tattoo

Most places are famous for their special artists, but Ghost Ship Tattoo is famous for its walk-ins. Steve does most of the walk-in tattoos, and the guy is incredibly talented. 

Not only is he fast, but he’s also very professional and light-handed. Exactly what you want in a tattoo artist. 

Address: 515 London Bridge Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia — 20 minutes from Norfolk

SaltWater Tattoo

SaltWater Tattoo may be a new shop, but the artists inside have 40 years of combined experience tattooing people. 

People love how open to conversation the artists are, and how good their suggestions are. Their rates are also very affordable. 

Address: 1479 General Booth Blvd Virginia Beach, VA— 20 minutes from Norfolk

Sandbridge Tattoo

People love how creative the team at Sandbridge Tattoos is. Additionally, unlike other tattoo places where the decor can be intimidating, this place is lightly decorated. 

They have some excellent tattoo artists, the best of which work on an appointment only. However, the wait is worth it, because the pieces they create are truly excellent. 

Tommy Altman is the owner and lead tattoo artist of the shop. His appointments are gone months in advance. Still, the shop has four other tattoo artists you can get, all of which do excellent work.

Address: 2336 Elson Green Ave Ste 108 Virginia Beach, VA— 20 minutes from Norfolk

American Tattoo Art

Award-winning artists work in the American Tattoo Art studio. All of these artists work in a private room so their clients are comfortable, and create some amazing pieces of art. 

People love how nice the front desk is about scheduling your work. They also like how each tattoo artist takes out the time to know you and makes suggestions to improve your designs. 

Address: 1721 Laskin Rd Ste 112 Virginia Beach, VA— 20 minutes from Norfolk

Electromagnetic Tattoo

Located 10 minutes away from Norfolk in Chesapeake, electromagnetic tattoos are a favorite amongst Norfolk residents. The tattoo parlor has experienced artists that know exactly what they are doing.

You’ll love this place if you’re getting a tattoo for the first time. The inside is clean, warm, and welcoming, which puts people at ease. The staff is helpful and is very considerate of people that find the process painful.

If you’re somebody looking for custom tattoos, you’re in the right place. Not only are their artists really good at sketching your ideas, but they also have some pretty helpful suggestions to give.

Address: 1005 Canal Dr. Chesapeake, VA — 10 minutes from Norfolk

Conclusion

These are all the best tattoo shops in Norfolk VA. You should have an amazing time at any of these. However, different shops have different specialties. Even tattoo artists have different styles. If you have an idea in mind, check the portfolio of the artists and then decide on which one suits your needs best. Never go cheap on the ink either, because good work costs good money. In addition to their exceptional tattoo services, the Norfolk area is also home to some fantastic thrift stores for those looking for unique, one-of-a-kind finds. Here are the best thrift stores in Norfolk VA.