The Best Tattoo Shops in San Francisco.

Address: 310 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: 415-861-4048

Website: https://blackserum.com/

Black Serum Tattoo provides custom, fine-art tattoo services and specializes in blackwork, minimal line-art, dot-work, and etching style tattoos. In addition to tattoo services, we sell apparel and accessories. We aim to be the best tattoo shop in San Francisco! Our mission is to take tattooing to the next level, from the artwork to the client’s experience. We want to foster an experience that is rewarding for both the client and artist. Each tattoo is a new piece of fine-art imagined and created specifically for you. Our vision to create a culture around tattoos as an elegant and elevated fine-art form. Brücius is a San Francisco-based, world-renowned tattoo artist known for his distinctive, custom line-work and fine blackwork. He specializes in natural, scientific and medieval illustration as well as tattoos in an etching and engraving style. Brücius worked in fine-art, pursuing drafting, graphic design, oil painting and architecture for over 30 years. He studied Fine Art at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Among his awards and distinctions, he won First Prize at the Biennale International Tattoo Convention in 2015 and was named one of form.ink's "10 Best Tattoo Artists in the Bay Area." He is Yelp's top blackwork tattoo artist in San Francisco. Black Serum is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. Our Studio encompasses a spacious 2500 square feet with 16 foot ceilings and an outdoor garden. We look forward to working with you! No walk-ins. By appointment only.

Address: 1796 San Jose Ave. San Francisco, CA 94122

Phone: 415-825-5318

Website: https://www.streetdreamstattoo.com/

Mike “Triggz” Ramos & Anthony “Ant” Ramos are brothers who were born and raised in San Francisco. Growing up, their passion for art was evident; ranging from drawing, script, airbrushing, graffiti and painting. Mike was even fortunate enough to take part in painting murals in a couple SF neighborhoods. Growing up, they spent a lot of time around the family tattoo business. Their uncle co-owned a tattoo shop that was located in the Mission District for over two decades. Naturally, their love for the art of tattooing began to blossom. When they became of age, Anthony & Mike were both apprenticed under their Uncle and Dad, and worked at the family tattoo business for many years. With each tattoo they incorporate what the client is looking for, while adding their personal twist, and creating a custom masterpiece. They take pride in each piece they do. With their limitless talent, love for art and their drive to succeed, it was only a matter of time until they opened up a tattoo shop of their own. This is Mike and Ant’s dream, hence the name, Street Dreams Tattoo Studio. We are also excited to announce an addition to our Street Dreams family, Jose Lecue & Ramon Reyes.

Address: 1509 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94131

Phone: 415-821-9622

Website: https://www.textattoo.com/

Red Kestrel Tattoo is located in a beautiful and relaxed studio in San Francisco. It is an ideal environment for tattooing, and clients will have their pieces designed specifically for them. Please get in touch to schedule a consultation. Tex is a veteran tattooer with over a quarter century of experience. She opened what was originally named Authentic Tattoo in 2008 as a private studio in an effort to create the ideal work environment for her own practice: An art-centered, beautiful space for creativity, study, and growth, where both clients and artist feel nourished. But as time passed and she found like-minded artists, the need arose for a bigger, more public location. She opened the Church Street shop in 2017 and it has grown into a vibrant, inclusive space that doubles as an art gallery for the tattooers’ other artistic passions. It was renamed Red Kestrel in 2022. Following the incredible challenges of the pandemic, Red Kestrel leadership and artists spend considerable time and effort in educating ourselves, updating our protocols, and building out our space to better suit the concerns surrounding the virus. We operate with a high level of ethical and conscientious awareness and professionalism. Our aim is to keep artists, clients, and the wider community as safe as possible, while creating art and personal fulfillment for everyone involved.

Address: 555 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94112

Phone: 415-731-7468

Website: https://www.oneshottattoo.com/

One Shot Tattoo was established in San Francisco’s inner Sunset District in March of 2003, and has been a favorite destination for Bay Area locals as well as visitors from around the globe. Owner Dave Bobrick credits the studio’s longevity and stellar reputation to the talented artists who have contributed their knowledge and skills to our discerning clientele over the years. Our shop is known for fostering a fun and relaxed atmosphere where egos are best left at the door and our artists take pride in providing each person with a unique and personal experience along with a tattoo that exceeds their expectations. We adhere strictly to all California and San Francisco health department guidelines and all artists are trained and certified in areas of blood borne pathogens, cross contamination and CPR practices as well as all PPE and current Covid protocols. Our bright and open studio will make you feel comfortable and creatively inspired and you’ll leave with a new level of radiance to match your new masterpiece! Come visit us today for tattoos and good times at One Shot Tattoo!

Address: 575 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone: 415-552 4353

Website: http://www.idlehandsf.com/

 If you have a specific tattooer you’d like to work with please contact them directly through the “artists” link in the menu. Please select “Covid Guidelines” for more detailed information or select Appointments for our next available appointment. Owned and operated by Holly Ellis since 2007, Idle Hand has been a distinct presence in the Lower Haight for over a decade. We offer custom artistry in a professional environment, which reflects the deep and storied history of tattooing in San Francisco. While staying true to the roots of tattooing in SF, we also work to push the envelope of our craft by constructing individualized adaptations of classic work in an environment which promotes the creativity of artists and clients alike. Whether you walk in and browse our over five hundred sheets of flash, spanning a century of tattoo history, for a piece of art that you need to have, or make an appointment to consult with one of our artists for a more individualized piece, we’re happy to leave our mark on you.

Address: 1309 20th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94122

Phone: 415-753-9648

Website: http://eyeofthetigertattoo.com/

Eye of the Tiger Tattoo was established in 2013 by SF native Salem in the heart of the City’s Sunset district. Inspired by the song that we all know so well, Eye of the Tiger Tattoo is a vision made into a reality for its founder Salem. Eye of the Tiger Tattoo was founded on the concept that we can all fight like tigers, and in doing so we rise like the phoenix from its ashes to keep our dreams alive, no matter what the challenge. Eye of Tiger Tattoo is home to a collective of talented artists who share a comradery like a tight knit family. The atmosphere of our studio is serious when it comes to the standards and the high quality of art that we create, but we also love to keep things fun and offbeat making for a one of a kind tattoo experience. If you are getting a tattoo done with us you’ll more than likely spend your session laughing along to our shared shop humor and leave with some new compelling information/inspirations to add to your own repertoire. As a collective we focus on making sure that the needs of our clients are met as a first priority. If you have discovered our shop then we believe that you were meant to be here. We are blessed to have some of the most inspiring clients out there who have become an intrinsic part of our Tiger community, which we are always open to expanding. A long time artist and traveler, Salem’s colorful and well traveled life is expressed in the shop’s essence in many ways. All of the artists’ different backgrounds, experiences, and influences create an awesomely eclectic mix in the studio. With a combined 75+ years experience the Eye of the Tiger Team is capable of doing a vast variety of different tattoo techniques and styles. Whether it’s a design straight out of your mind, or a custom piece created together with you and your artist, weTiger promise to make sure the quality and results of our work are tailored to your visions and stand the test of time.

Address: 228 Columbus Ave San Francisco, CA 94133

Phone: 415-277-7204

Website: https://www.dream-masters.com/

We are a small custom boutique tattoo shop that was originally founded in 2006 in Ulricehamn, Sweden. We started with a mission, that expanded to our HQ in 2010 to the heart of the tattoo industry - San Francisco, California. At Dream Masters, we strive to create a truly unique experience for our clients. We start with an in-depth consultation to eliminate the "tattoo regret factor." We draft a custom digital design version of your tattoo idea on a picture of you. This is the best way to envision how your tattoo will look before you get it! That innovative process eliminates any doubt, insecurity, and enables the client to better understand how their tattoo project will look - a major improvement from traditional tattoo designing techniques. We know that each client is unique and requires special attention. As such we spend quality time to connect with our clients for a better understanding of who they are in order to create the perfect design for them. Our goal is to produce timeless tattoos through a meaningful experience. We are stranding away from fashion-inspired and spur of the moment pieces. The Dream Master's process ensures our customers are comfortable and excited during their time here.

Address: 4539 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94112

Phone: 415-466-6260

Website: https://www.thehelmsf.com/

A labor of love, The Helm was born from a dream to create a tattooing space that extends beyond the traditional confines of what a shop can or should be. The Helm is a Covid baby, established by Katie Gray in 2020 amidst the Covid19 pandemic. From its inquisition, the foundation has been laid on cultivating a space that is welcoming, inclusive and to our best efforts; calming. It’s inquisition was inspired by a strong belief in community and the importance of creating a safe space that facilitates both personal and artistic growth. The Helm’s founder, Katie, has spent over 12 years in tattooing, and has been a practicing artist for over 20 years. While having the opportunity to be a full time crew member at New York Adorned (NYC), Blackheart (SF) and ATAK (SF) among others, Katie has also maintained a personal fine art practice, showing her work on both coasts in solo and group shows. She also holds a BA from UC Santa Cruz and an MFA in Sculpture from California College of the Arts. Tattooing however plays a central role in Katie’s artistic practice as a modality that transcends the elite spheres of fine art and engages in the everyday of our life and culture From many years working bicoastal, internationally and guesting at a multitude of shops, Katie has taken pieces from all parts of her travels to provide a well curated experience for the clients as well as crew at The Helm. When you visit the shop you’ll find The Helm is adorned with individual works of art collected from some of the most influential people currently working the intermediate space within tattooing and contemporary art making. The works chosen focus on uplifting and supporting voices in tattooing who historically may have been suppressed or simply overlooked, as well as other inspirational and notable artists. The crew at The Helm have been hand picked not only for their artistic talents, but for their ethics within the practice of tattooing. We also keep a full time guest list open for artists who share similar professional trajectories. The Helm contains a few collaborative retail lines with LGBTQIA+, womxn, BIPOC, POC craftspeople and are very much open to future collaborations.

Address: 620 S Norfolk St San Mateo, CA 94401

Phone: 650-558-1922

Website: https://godspeedtattoo.com/

Godspeed Tattoo was originally opened in 1998 by “Turtle” who had moved to San Mateo for a brief period. After apprenticing under Turtle for a short time, Kevin Marr was offered to buy the shop, as Turtle decided to move back to the East Coast. Nick Bergin began working with Kevin in the Summer of 2002 and is the current shop owner. We aim to provide our clients with a clean, sterile, and friendly environment. We have made it our mission to provide our clients with amazing work, and friendly service. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID to get tattooed. We do not do body piercings, tattoos only. We love creating unique, custom drawn designs for our clients. Whether it’s something to express love for a partner or child, or maybe someone special you’d never want to forget. Something traditional or something you’re passionate about. Tattoos can express who you are and be deeply personal, or they can be a fun, unique piece of art. The possibilities are endless. What’s your story? Let us express your story, your dreams, your passions in hand drawn, custom body art. At Godspeed Tattoo, we are passionate about the traditions of tattooing and the stories told with body art. We are all well versed and experienced. Please take a look at our work to pick who may fit best for what you’re looking to do. To see more artwork on Instagram, click on the artist’s name.

Address: 765 Clementina St. San Francisco CA, 94103

Phone: 415-551-7766

Website: https://www.seventhsontattoo.com/

Seventh Son Tattoo is one of San Francisco’s premiere custom tattoo shops, providing high quality tattooing in a relaxed atmosphere. Seventh Son has been a fixture of San Francisco’s vibrant SOMA district for over ten years, with a clientele made up of locals and international travelers alike. At Seventh Son we strive to provide a friendly, approachable, professional atmosphere to match the high level of tattooing that has become our signature. Our artists are skilled in a variety of tattoo styles, specializing in traditional Japanese, black & grey, floral, bio-mechanical, ornamental and illustrative. The accomplished artists here at Seventh Son provide a personalized experience in a private yet welcoming environment. We have become known for our distinct approach to tattooing which elevates creative expression while simultaneously honoring tradition. In an ever-changing landscape of tattoo trends, we believe in pushing the envelope without sacrificing the importance of timeless, enduring tattoos. - Staff will be wearing masks at all times, and disposable gloves will be worn during all contact with skin and during all cleaning and set-up procedures. - We are utilizing fans and vented windows to maximize airflow in the space, as well as strictly limiting the number of staff and clients. - In the main work room, a maximum of 5 clients will be seen at one time, ensuring a minimum distance of 6 feet between work stations. - Screens or dividers will be strategically placed around work stations. - We provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the shop and multiple sinks to promote frequent hand washing. - The staff will be vigilant in evaluating our own personal health, and will not work if we are showing any symptoms of illness. - Our staff is utilizing all the necessary PPE both inside and outside of the shop, to protect ourselves as well as our clients. - HEPA filtered air purifiers will be placed throughout the room. - We can provide a touchless payment system if preferred by the client. - Extra time will be allowed between clients to allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting the work areas. - A professional cleaning service will be deep cleaning the space regularly in addition to our daily cleaning schedule.