Sam AlvarezYou wouldn’t buy a vintage guitar in Music City without checking the frets first, so why leave your next piece of permanent art up to chance?
Getting a tattoo is a massive commitment. To walk out of the shop thrilled with your new piece, you need to walk in with absolute confidence.
In a city where the ink scene is as loud and vibrant as its nightclubs on a Saturday night, finding an artist you can genuinely trust can feel overwhelming.
You need a place that respects your time, your vision, and most importantly, your safety, whether you’re a first-timer hunting for a flawless fine-line design or an enthusiast seeking a custom, expansive sleeve.
To help you navigate the options, we analyzed portfolios, hygiene practices, and local feedback to highlight standout spots whose healed work perfectly matches their fresh portfolios.
Here are the studios for the best tattoos in Nashville, where you can ink with confidence and book your next session with zero regrets.
How much does getting a tattoo cost in Nashville?
Budgeting for your body art in Nashville starts from $100 for tiny symbols to $1,000+ for complex sleeves. Pricing changes depend heavily on the complexity of your design and the artist’s level of experience.
| Size or Session Type | Estimated Rate |
| Shop Minimum (Tiny symbols) | $100 to $200 |
| Small to Medium Pieces | $150 to $450 |
| Hourly Rate (Large custom projects) | $120 to $200+ |
| Full-Day Session (Complex sleeves) | $500 to $1,000+ |
1. Black 13 Tattoo Parlor
Website: https://www.black13tattoo.com/
Address: 1313 Dickerson Pike
Contact: (615) 750-3741 | [email protected]
Schedule: Tues-Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Black 13 Tattoo Parlor takes the guesswork out of booking your next session. Specifically, they completely remove the stress of trying to figure out which artist can actually pull off your specific idea.
A dedicated customer service team matches your concept with one of its eleven specialists, much like how a tasting menu is curated to suit its target audience.
And because those artists get to pour all their energy into the art itself, the results speak for themselves. Recognized for fifteen years by the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Readers’ Choice Awards, the shop backs up its reputation with high standards.
Their strict use of organic and vegan-friendly inks guarantees clean materials for your skin. But using the best ink on the market is only half the battle; how that ink is applied determines how it will age.
The artists prioritize readable lines and smooth shading engineered to look crisp, long after the healing process.
Unfortunately, while the studio accommodates walk-in designs five days a week, locking in a custom piece with a resident artist often requires a wait of up to four months.
Also, booking requires a strict non-refundable deposit, making it essential to finalize your schedule before claiming your spot.
Customer Reviews
Super friendly and professional
Danelle did great. My wife and I wanted to do a same day matching tattoo without an appointment and they worked me in without one. Super friendly and professional and would recommend if you’re in Nashville.
- Brandon Heimericks | Google Review
Excellent job on the mandalas on my arm
This tattoo shop really tries to earn your money. Cleanliness and professionalism is exceptional. The front desk is exceedingly friendly and accommodating. Nathan Fisher has done an excellent job on the mandalas on my arm. He did me a big favor in doing a coverup on my left arm, and turned it into something that looks visually appealing. Everyone at the shop is friendly and welcoming.
- Preston Childers | Google Review
2. Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co.
Website: https://hhtattoonashville.com/
Address: 137 2nd Avenue North, Suite 201
Contact: (615) 928-6822
Schedule: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. offers an elevated, pristine environment that ditches the intimidating parlor stereotype. At this lifestyle studio, the rebellious energy of founder Carey Hart’s motocross background meets high-end custom tattooing.
But don’t let that premium atmosphere fool you into thinking they prioritize flash over substance. Artists here focus on collaboration and longevity, engineering tattoos with bold lines and proper saturation designed to age well.
Notably, the shop sets clients up for successful healing by providing comprehensive aftercare kits and detailed, step-by-step instructions directly at the counter.
And once you’ve got your aftercare sorted, you’re in the perfect spot to go show off your new ink. The 2nd Avenue location also places you right in the heart of downtown, steps away from Broadway’s entertainment district.
However, booking here means paying a premium for their brand and prime location, which translates to higher hourly rates than other shops. Additionally, the bustling tourist atmosphere might feel commercialized for those seeking a quiet, private session.
Customer Reviews
Highly recommend!
Mat Moreno did a fabulous job on my iris tattoo. It was a very enjoyable experience from beginning to end. This has become one of my favorite tattoos that I have gotten of a state flower so far. Highly recommend!
- Allison Ostenberg | Google Review
Won’t go anywhere else to get tattoos
For the last 3 years my father and I travel from Pennsylvania and get a tattoo here from Tarik. This year we convinced my Uncle to get his very first tattoo done by Tarik of his beloved dog Joby. The tattoo came out beautifully. Tariq is not only an amazing artist but a kind, compassionate human being. Each time we visit H & H we treated like family which is why we won’t go anywhere else to get tattoos.
- L M | Google Review
3. Nashville Ink
Website: https://www.nashvilleinktattoo.com/
Address: 330 Commerce Street
Contact: (615) 454-6112
Schedule:
- Mon-Thurs 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Fri-Sat 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Nashville Ink keeps its doors open late right in the heart of downtown. Late-night weekend hours draw in spontaneous crowds looking for fresh ink or a new piercing after a night out.
Also, the shop accommodates walk-ins seven days a week. But just because you’re walking in on a whim doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.
The studio houses a large team of award-winning artists. You might see one artist pulling crisp, minimalist lines while another packs vibrant, realistic color into a larger piece across the room.
And no matter which artistic style catches your eye, you can relax knowing they take your health seriously. The shop maintains a strict, observable standard of cleanliness for both tattooing and body piercing.
However, getting to the studio requires navigating dense downtown traffic, and you’ll likely need to pay for premium off-site parking nearby.
Customer Reviews
We love them so much!
Sean was amazing! He was a super chill cool guy and made my tattoo experience definitely one to remember! My husband and I got matching tattoos that Sean did and we love them so much!
- Tiffany May | Google Review
I absolutely love my tattoo and get so many compliments on it!
Sean did an amazing job on mine and my friends’ tattoos! We came in as a big group, and he tattooed four of us. He has such a light hand—barely felt a thing—and the fine line work is beautiful. I absolutely love my tattoo and get so many compliments on it!
- Serena Goodell | Google Review
4. Safe House Tattoo Studio
Website: https://www.safehousetattoo.com/
Address: 4303 Gallatin Pike, Suite 102
Contact: (615) 866-9810 | [email protected]
Schedule: Tues-Sat 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Safe House Tattoo Studio prioritizes an artist-centric philosophy to create a highly collaborative environment. By intentionally avoiding the typical intimidating parlor vibe, they maintain a bright, cozy space that immediately puts clients at ease.
That stress-free vibe carries straight into the planning phase. Visitors aren’t rushed into chairs as their team structures every appointment around a thoughtful design process.
They have a supportive approach that results in custom tattoos built with solid foundations engineered to age cleanly.
Additionally, they offer a dependable daytime schedule for clients seeking midday sessions. During consultations, the artists actively collaborate on placement and sizing to match the natural flow of your body.
However, the shop operates primarily by appointment, and many popular resident artists book out weeks in advance. Since they close at six in the evening, scheduling can require some coordination for professionals working standard daytime hours.
Customer Reviews
The BEST tattoo shop in Middle TN!
Absolutely the BEST tattoo shop in Middle TN! Clean, friendly, efficient, skilled and affordable!! Carrie does amazing work with fine lines and has a very soft hand. She’s professional and nailed my idea for design. We will be back in April!
- Cara Martarano | Google Review
The work speaks for itself!
What an experience! From the initial consult, to the final product, I could not be more satisfied. I got my tattoo by Eli Draughn, and trust me, he’s the artist for you. He worked with me through postponements and design changes, and was kind and professional throughout the entire process. Even sitting in the lobby, you can feel the good vibes of this place and the work speaks for itself!
- Julia Miller | Google Review
5. Pride & Glory Tattoo Parlor
Website: https://www.prideandglorytattoo.com/
Address: 510 Representative John Lewis Way
Contact: (615) 712-6239 | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Weds-Sat 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pride & Glory Tattoo Parlor operates out of a transformed old fire station right in the center of Music City. The exposed brick and industrial layout create a distinct, physical setting for your session rather than relying on a manufactured vibe.
That authentic, no-nonsense attitude perfectly matches how the team actually runs the shop. Operating since 2014, the artists actively guide clients through the entire process, starting with the exact stencil placement and finishing with clear aftercare instructions.
They accept walk-ins daily on a first-come, first-served basis, making the shop a reliable stop for visitors hoping to collect a piece of Nashville art.
However, you should be aware that the parlor is completely closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and they close early at 5:00 PM on Sundays. This operating schedule requires careful planning if you’re trying to secure an early-week appointment.
Customer Reviews
15/10 recommend!
Codey did a great job on my tattoo, I went on a wednesday at like 1pm and it wasn’t busy at all, everyone at the front desk was very nice and the environment is cool and friendly. They’re also very fairly priced unlike some of the other “tourist trap” parlors. 15/10 recommend!
- sav coffman | Google Review
This is the place to get your tattoo in Nashville!
We had such a fun time at Pride & Glory Tattoo! There were 11 of us in total getting tattoos, and the whole process was incredibly smooth and efficient — we were all in and out in just two hours. The staff was so friendly and helpful, and the shop itself was spotless, modern, and welcoming. 10/10 — this is the place to get your tattoo in Nashville! Plus, it’s conveniently located just down the road from Margaritaville and only a 10-minute walk from Broadway.
- Krista Sheldon | Google Review
