The Best Tattoo Shops in Chicago

I came from out of town to get a couple tattoos here, and the shop owner Julia made me feel SO welcome and comfortable. I can’t wait until I have an opportunity to come back 🩷🌈⭐️ I would recommend this shop, Julia, and the artists who work here a million times over.

No exaggeration, best tattoo experience I’ve ever had! Julia went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, offering me plenty of water and even snacks. Whenever I asked for small tweaks to the design, she listened enthusiastically and said “of course, it’s your tattoo.” I could tell she really cared about creating a great experience, on top of a beautiful tattoo. Totally raised the bar for tattooing experiences for me now. Thankful for this souvenir for my first time in Chicago! I’ll be coming back to Good Omen any time I visit again.

This was my third time getting tattooed by Mira and my second time at Oleander! Every experience has been incredible. The shop is super lovely and welcoming, with a really comfortable design and layout. Everyone is really sweet and understanding.
Booking with Mira is super easy and straightforward, and getting the tattoo itself is like a dream, from placement to aftercare! I feel really at ease, and would absolutely recommend Mira to anyone!

I had a great experience with Anna! I felt very nervous walking in for my appointment because of a hectic afternoon, but became immediately calmer when I walked into Oleander and met Anna. The shop was so cute with a relaxing, welcoming vibe (so nicely decorated and lots of snacks and tea right up front!!) Anna was very kind and made me feel at ease about the tat. I appreciated her dedication to detail and ensuring the placement and design of my tattoo were perfect. Once we got to the actual tattooing, she had a very light hand and it was not nearly as painful as I was expecting for the tender placement that I picked. I just listened to my music while she worked, and it was awesome! I’m super happy with the final product, and my overall experience. Will definitely plan to get another tattoo with Anna again 🙂

Very professional shop with experts working here. Have gotten 3 tattoos from Harlan Thompson over the years. Harlan is friendly, extremely professional, and takes great pride in his work. Just as welcoming for my first tattoo in 2018 as my 3rd in 2023.

The studio is really nice, clean, and spacious with cool artwork all over the walls. There weren’t more than like four people in there during my 2.5 hr appointment which made it feel very calm.

Allie was great and made me feel welcome/comfortable. He was patient, communicative, and made sure I was happy with the design. I am thrilled with my tattoo. Thanks again!

Jarek is your tattoo artist to go. Professional very attentive to details. Makes it the whole process fun enjoyable. Definitely an artist no doubt. I flew from Canada just to have him do a special tattoo for me. The shop is upscale clean and organized. Thanks for a great tattoo Jarek.

Viktor’s artistry is nothing less than outstanding! His creative designs earned us some trophies from the Chicago tattoo convention this year (1st place black and white sleeve). I am extremely fortunate to have Viktor as my tattoo artist and I’m looking forward to getting a back piece from him next.

This picture is only a small part of a much larger wildflower half-sleeve piece that Polly has been working on for me for around a year. She’s been my exclusive artist for a couple of years now, and it’s been the greatest tattoo experience I’ve ever had. Polly has her own studio, which makes the process so much more relaxing. She’s got all the amenities you need: music, television, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. I really appreciate how much work she puts into making her space and the experience comfortable for all people. She’s located near an incredible taco joint, too, if you’re sitting for a while and need a break! I love that Polly really considers how the art will look when my body moves and how much effort she puts into the art in general. I would (and do!) recommend Polly to everyone.

Polly was professional, patient and kind throughout the whole process. Very happy with my tattoo. Polly is amazing. I will be back for more work from Polly at society tattoo.

I had my tattoo done by Jason. He did a Japanese tattoo on my back. I told him what I wanted and he came through with an awesome design. Jason Is very creative, professional, very clean and very patient with me. I just want to thank Jason for giving me an advice. I was gonna do a small piece but I took his advice otherwise I would regret it today if I didn’t listen to him. It’s nice to have an artist that really cares. The rest of the staff are very nice too.

Alex is amazing tattoo artist! Very professional I was a bit scared but he talked to me and by the time I realized it he was done. Definitely recommend! I also got another tattoo at the shop with his apprentice Joshua and he was good! Very patient!

Been coming to Brian for about 13 years now, well before he opened his shop. Pure talent mixed into an awesome human being. Hires great people and couples with a beautiful shop and awesome atmosphere.

Thank you so much Scott Fricke for my first tattoo in over 13 years. I now have 3 tattoos from you and now my oldest kid is coming in for her first from you. Thank you so much for helping me (needle phobe, but major art lover) get a piece that means so much. Can’t wait for my next, I know I can do it now.

The best shop in town. Chris (@killabunz) is the man! Always crushes my tattoo ideas and is the easiest to work with. Everyone in this shop is super chill and will work with you to make sure you have a good tattoo experience.

Great tattoo shop. Friendly, warm, professional, and never make you feel pressured or rushed. My artist was Allie Sider, he perfectly captured the face of my first cat. It turned out so beautifully realistic it brought tears to my eyes when I saw the finished product. I would highly recommend him. Not only is he extremely talented and experienced, he’s also hospitable and kind. Really makes the whole experience that much more special. 10/10

One of the best experiences I’ve had. Angela is pro at what she does. I had the Serenity Tattoo done after sis pass. Angela took time with me and I ended getting such a beautiful tattoo. Definitely check out!

If you are looking for someone who is extremely aware of the field and all things tattoos, Angela Koscal. If you are looking for an artist who can take all of your ideas out of your head and draw it out for you and make it look even better than you imagined, Angela Koscal. There is nobody better. Every time I tattoo with her I learn something about skin care and tatting etc. She never ceases to amaze me with her talent. She has been doing this for about 18 years and it’s truly her calling. I will for sure be getting much more work done with her. She has a great energy and vibe as well.