Best Tattoo Shops In The Twin Cities

Inking an image permanently onto your body is sort of a big decision. And there is something particularly embarrassing about a bad tattoo; it's like a persistent faux pas that just grows uglier over time.To help prevent such regret-generating ink stains, I've compiled a list of the best tattoo shops in the metro area. The list isn't meant to be a definitive, end-all piece of community journalism, so feel free to write a shout-out to a store you love.

Update: We've created a new compilation of our favorite tattoo shops in Minnesota. Find our picks here.

Uptown Tattoo

614 West 27th St.
Minneapolis
uptowntattoo.com

I got my first tattoo at Uptown. And before my arm had stopped bleeding, I wanted more. Uptown's atmosphere is relaxed and cozy (in a tattoo-y sort of way), and the artists are easy to work with and uber-talented.

Ink Lab

919 West Lake St.
Minneapolis
inklab.com

Since 1995, David Dettloff, the founder of Ink Lab, has used his background in fine arts to tattoo the Twin Cities. Dedicated to the progression of the artform, Dettloff runs Ink Lab with a group of award-winning artists who give the shop a warm, inviting vibe.

Electric Dragonland

923 Main St.
Hopkins
www.electricdragonland.com

Run by Shahn Anderson, the past president of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Electric Dragonland has a history of inking high-quality, custom tattoos to customers at home and abroad. The shop boasts over 300 hundred awards and even the privilege of tattooing Don Shelby.

Saint Sabrina's

2645 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis
www.saintsabrinas.com

Bucking the trend, St. Sabrina's offers great customer service without the stereotypical tattoo shop attitude. St. Sabrina's offers a clean, friendly and comfortable environment -just what you want when you're getting Marty McFly's face permanently stained on your skin. Tattoos are fun. And getting them should be too.

Holy Mackerel

196 Forbes Ave.
St. Paul
www.theholymackerel.com

This award-winning custom tattoo and piercing shop is all about harvesting creativity. The artists at the shop not only want to show off their creativity, they want to bring it out in their customers as well. In other words, Holy Mackerel works hard to get you a unique tattoo.

Steady Tattoo

714 Washington Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis
steadytattoo.com

Since its inception in 2000, Steady has grown steadily - no, make that rapidly. Steady now has a team of five artists who do craft custom and ready-made designs.