With its unshakable tie to criminal, gang, and rock n’ roll culture, tattoo art has remained quite taboo in society up until the last decade, where tattoos have gained substantial amount of popularity from the streets to Hollywood. These days, everybody and their mother is jumping in line to get inked. So whether you’re thinking about going to get your first, second, or fifth, take a look at our list of top tattoo shops in the US.

San Francisco is home to a multitude of tattoo parlors some of which are the best in the country. Blackheart Tattoo opened in 2004 and with a combined sixty years tattooing experience among the artists, they provide some of the best work in the city. Everlasting is another great shop and home to the famous Mike Davis, who has a waiting list about a mile long. Idle Hand is also a great shop with really good artists giving great work in everything from flash to portraits.

Mr. Cartoon is one of the most exclusive and talented tattoo artists in the world leaving his famed custom pieces on everyone from gang bangers to famous rappers. Mr. Cartoon owns and operates his private tattoo studio in Downtown Los Angeles and works by appointment only and charges by the piece not the hour. If you are serious about getting a one of a kind piece contact the studio at tattoos@mistercartoon.com. Six Feet Under, Studio City, Vintage Tattoo, and Zulu Tattoo are all highly regarded in the LA area.

If you’re in New York, Fly Rite Studio in Brooklyn is home to talents like Elio Espana and Steven Huie who do good work in all styles especially Americana and Traditional Asian. Eastside Ink, Addiction, Invisible, and Red Rocket are also all highly recommended studios.

Deluxe Tattoo in Chicago, Studio 21 in Las Vegas, and the famed Miami Ink are also all high caliber spots to get your ink on. If you can’t get to or afford one of these locations then check out the artist books at your local shops with the most discerning eye. Just because they’re open doesn’t necessarily mean that they are good.