Boston’s best tattoo shops

About as far away from "Mom" as you can get, the artworks created by the tattoo artists at Fat Ram’s run from baby portraits to colorful abstracts. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and certain to turn your dream ink into a reality.

One of the largest tattoo shops in Boston specializing in custom designs and piercings, Pino Bros is also one of the most delightful—its artists are professional, and capable of elaborating on template designs with immense skill. Depending on when you visit, you may be made to wait some time for a consultation, but you're unlikely to come away disappointed.

Friendly, professional and wholly innocent of that cooler-than-thou attitude that often prevails in tattoo parlors, the staff at Regeneration Tattoo couldn’t be better guides to the first-time customer. As an added bonus, they have a great taste in music. Custom tattoos are available by consultation only—note that you’ll have to apply for one in person, as they don’t take reservations by phone.