Tattoo Parlors in CT – 11 Best Tattoo Shops in Connecticut [2024]
There is no shortage of tattoo shops in Connecticut. But, with so many tattoo parlors to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right one.
Since tattoos are permanent, it’s not a decision you want to take lightly. Fortunately, I was recently in the market for some new ink and put together a list of all the most reputable tattoo shops in CT.
Best Tattoo Shops in CT
1. 12 Tattoos & Body Piercing – Groton, Connecticut
12 Tattoos & Body Piercing is one of the best tattoo parlors in CT. It’s owned by Steve Tefft, who won season 2 of Ink Master, but there are also a number of other skilled tattoo artists who work here.
This tattoo shop really puts an emphasis on quality so that they can give each client a unique work of art. Plus, the environment here is very clean and relaxed, making for a great overall tattoo experience.
- Address: 500 Bridge St, Groton, CT
2. Keys on Kites Tattoo & Gallery – New Haven, CT
Keys on Kites Tattoo & Gallery is another highly-rated tattoo shop in CT. Found in New Haven, this artist-owned studio specializes in a variety of tattoo styles. Each design is tailored specifically to the individual, which ensures that your new ink fits your taste.
The shop is extremely clean and professional, going as far as to offer hospital-grade sterilization to provide extra safety. In addition to tattoos, Keys on Kites does really good piercing work as well, offering a variety of body piercings to clients.
- Address: 869 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT
3. Black Hatchet Tattoo Co. – Wallingford, Connecticut
Black Hatchet Tattoo Co is one of the Connecticut tattoo shops found in the New Haven area. The shop originally opened under the name Painted Soul Tattoos but rebranded in 2018.
There are nearly a dozen tattoo artists that work here, each offering different styles, and all of them are extremely talented. The quality is simply top-notch. Black Hatchet Tattoo does laser tattoo removals as well.
- Address: 1056 S Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT
4. The Lucky 7 Tattoo Studio – West Hartford, CT
The Lucky 7 Tattoo Studio is a popular tattoo parlor in CT, located in West Hartford. They offer a wide range of tattoos, including traditional, illustration, color, and black & gray realism. All the artists are super friendly and very professional.
This is one of the tattoo parlors that accept walk-ins, however, I recommend booking an appointment in advance. Aside from tattoos, the shop is known for its piercings too.
- Address: 248 Quaker Ln S, West Hartford, CT
5. Three Roses Studio – Fairfield, Connecticut
Three Roses Studio is a great tattoo parlor in Connecticut that specializes in both Japanese and American-style tattoos. Frankie Frieri, the owner, also does other styles of tattooing, but those are his bread and butter.
The tattoo shop does mostly custom ink, so you can bring your ideas and they’ll help you turn them into some cool tattoos. Aside from getting a tattoo, this place is also a neat art gallery. You can find Three Roses Studio in Fairfield, Connecticut.
- Address: 1177 Post Road Lower, Level C, Fairfield, CT
6. Bent N Twiztid Tattooing – Willington, CT
Bent N Twiztid Tattooing is a great place to get a tattoo in CT. The artists here are lesser known, but their high-quality standards speak for themselves.
All of the tattoo artists here are able to create original designs from scratch, but they also have plenty of guides and examples of past work to choose from. If you have a past tattoo that you’re not happy with, Bent N Twiztid Tattooing also offers tattoo cover-up services.
- Address: 15 River Rd, Willington, CT
7. Creative Instinkts Tattoo & Piercings Studio – Bridgeport, CT
Creative Instinkts is one of the tattoo parlors in Connecticut with multiple locations. You can get ink from them in Bridgeport, Milford, and Shelton (although Bridgeport is their flagship store).
The artists here are known for their high-quality tattoo designs, which is clear from their rave reviews online. Plus, the staff here is very friendly and welcoming, making for an enjoyable experience. Creative Instinkts Tattoo & Piercings Studio makes a point to adhere to all the local health regulations, ensuring the equipment is sterilized and clean.
- Address: 138 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT
8. Body Art & Soul Tattoos – New Haven, Connecticut
Body Art & Soul Tattoos is one more CT tattoo shop located in New Haven. The artists here are very talented and have years of experience designing high-quality custom tattoos. Regardless of the style of tattoo you want, there’s an artist here that can do it.
The tattoo studio itself is very clean, and the staff is always friendly. If you’re considering getting a tattoo and you live in the New Haven area, you should definitely check out Body Art & Soul Tattoos. They also have other tattoo studios in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay.
- Address: 920 State St, New Haven, CT
9. Brass City Tattoo – Waterbury, CT
Brass City Tattoo is a great place to get a tattoo near Waterbury. It’s located in Oakville, which is only a few minutes away from the city. This isn’t the most well-known tattoo shop in the state, but the artists do good work at a fair price.
The artists here are really good at realistic and American traditional tattoos, plus you can often get your ink done the same day without an appointment. In my opinion, this is a very underrated Connecticut tattoo shop. They don’t currently have a website, but you can follow the artists on Instagram or any of their other social media accounts.
- Address: 1760 Watertown Ave, Oakville, CT
10. The Edge Tattoo – South Windsor, Connecticut
The Edge Tattoo is a highly-reviewed tattoo shop located in South Windsor. This is another example of an excellent tattoo shop in Connecticut that flies under the radar. The tattoo artists that work here are talented and very knowledgeable about their craft.
The studio is clean and the staff is easy to work with when booking your tattoo appointment. If you live north of Hartford, you should consider getting your next tattoo here. This is one of Connecticut’s top tattoo studios in the northern part of the state.
- Address: 986 Sullivan Ave, South Windsor, CT
11. Shamrock Tattoo Company – West Hartford, CT
Shamrock Tattoo Company is a CT tattoo parlor located in West Hartford. If you’re going to get something tattooed on your skin, you should make sure you like the design first. And, the artists here work hard to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
The studio also pays special attention to cleanliness as artists do their best to provide the safest and most comfortable experience possible. The atmosphere in the studio is great, plus the tattoo prices are very reasonable.
- Address: 281 Park Rd, West Hartford, CT
Tattoo Parlors in Connecticut – Final Thoughts
Those are CT’s best tattoo parlors. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your 10th, you can’t go wrong with any of these tattoo studios. Many of these spots offer walk-in sessions, but it’s always best to set an appointment ahead of time.
That way, the artist has time more time to come up with a personalized tattoo design without feeling rushed. Your tattoo will always come out better that way. It will also give your tattoo artist more time to work, so you’ll be more comfortable while being inked.
If you’re looking to get some additional body art, check out the article I wrote about the best piercing shops in CT.
