The 9 Best Tattoo Shops in CT in 2024

If you’ve been looking for some great tattoo shops in CT, you’ve come to the right place.

As someone who’s covered in quite a bit of ink, I’ve got my share of quality pieces.

I’ve also gotten a couple of pieces in the past that were less than quality and needed some reworking.

Let’s just say I know quite a bit about what makes a tattoo shop quality.

Fortunately, Connecticut has plenty of great tattoo shops to choose from.

From the awesome tattoo parlors around the sub base in Groton to some of the big city shops in the New Haven and Hartford areas, the tattoo shops in CT on this list are the best of the best.

The talented artists who work at these shops have created some amazing works of art – I’ve personally seen finished pieces from each and every tattoo shop on this list.

The 9 CT tattoo shops on this list are not listed in order of greatness – and I’m not just saying this because I don’t want to piss off a bunch of tattooed people.

Each and every one of them has more than a few very, very talented artists on staff.

So, let’s get right to it.

The 9 best tattoo shops in CT

Tooth & Nail Tattoo – Naugatuck

Tooth & Nail Tattoo in Naugatuck has some of the best tattoo artists in Connecticut on staff.

From portraits to neotraditional illustrations, there’s someone here that can handle just about any tattoo request.

The owner, Court Mello, has an amazing gallery of work that she’s done, and she’s available for bookings, as well.

You can also get cover-ups done here, as well.

Address: 175 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770

12 Tattoos – Groton

If you’re familiar with military towns, you already know that they are the best places for 2 things – high and tight haircuts and tattoos.

Since talent tends to go where the business is, you should expect to find some great tattoo shops around the submarine base in Groton.

This isn’t your typical military-town tattoo shop, though.

You know what I mean, the ones that specialize in writing people’s names on their backs or drawing tribal armbands.

This place is amazing. Some of the best tattoos I’ve ever seen have been done at 12 Tattoos.

From portraits and animals to flowers and landscapes, you can get anything you want done here and it’s going to be quality.

Address: 500 Bridge St, Groton, CT

Shamrock Tattoo Company – West Hartford

The Shamrock Tattoo Company advertises itself as the “Gold Standard of Tattoo”, and it definitely lives up to its tagline.

If you’re looking to get a sleeve or a full back piece, I suggest you take a look at the galleries for the artists who work here – they’re more than capable.

This is one of CT’s tattoo shops where the artists are happy to collaborate with you to create a tattoo that’s exactly what you want.

Address: 281 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119

Red Skies Collective – Groton

I tried not to put more than one Groton tattoo shop on this list, but excluding this CT tattoo shop would be a crime.

The artists on staff here have created some of the best color tattoos and portrait tattoos you’ll ever see.

Stop by or look online at the gallery – some of the portraits are just nuts.

Address: 175 Thames Street, Groton, CT 06340

Rebel and Rose Tattoo Studio – Westport

Sometimes when a woman wants a tattoo, she’s more comfortable getting it done by another woman.

If this is you, you need to check out Rebel and Rose Tattoo Studio in Westport.

This woman-owned and operated tattoo shop specializes in body tattoos, make-up tattoos, and piercing.

Each of the talented artists that work here, including the owner, Amanda Mas, have extensive portfolios for you to browse before you choose who you’d like to do your ink.

This is one of the tattoo shops in CT that sells gift certificates, too.

So, if you know someone who’s been wanting a tattoo, there’s a gift idea for you.

Address: 155 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880

Black Hatchett Tattoo – Wallingford

I really debated whether or not to put Black Hatchett at the top of the list.

Since this list is not in order of greatness, however, I’m just going to say that this is definitely one of the best tattoo shops in CT, if not in all of New England or beyond.

Black Hatchett Tattoo has a large staff of amazingly talented tattoo artists to select from when booking your appointment.

Just look through each artist’s portfolio. Each one is fantastic.

This shop also offers tattoo removal.

So, if you got something regrettable a while back and you now want to have that tattoo removed, you can get that done right here.

Address: 1056 South Colony Road, Wallingford, CT 06492

Burning Hearts – Hamden

Burning Hearts in Hamden is one of CT’s most recommended tattoo shops.

The artists here can do anything from cartoon-esque pieces to skulls to full-back tattoos and sleeves.

They also have a dedicated piercer on staff who’s qualified and experienced to perform all sorts of body and facial piercings.

Address: 2357 Whitney Ave. Hamden, CT 06518

Hope Gallery – New Haven

Hope Gallery in New Haven has high standards for its hires. There isn’t a single artist who works here that I wouldn’t personally book.

Seriously, just look through the galleries.

Portraits, comics, animals, landscapes, flowers, skulls, and creative calligraphy – the artists at Hope Gallery will be able to give you the tattoo you’ve been wanting.

They also have some merch and wall hangings in their shop that feature artwork by Hope’s tattoo artists.

It’s a great way to support local artists.

Address: 835 Woodward Ave, New Haven, CT 06512

Black Velvet Ink – Stonington

Black Velvet Ink in Stonington is by far the best tattoo shop in the area.

The owners are educated in fine art and it shows in their personal work, as well as the work of the rest of the staff.

This shop is one of a few that will tattoo minors ages 16 and 17, as long as a parent is present.

Black Velvet is open by appointment only and it’s always a good idea to call ahead if you’d like to come in and speak to someone or check the place out.

Address: 22 Bayview Ave, 65A, Stonington, CT 06378

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There you have it – the best tattoo shops in CT.

Is your favorite tattoo parlor on this list?

If not, what is it? Where is it? What artist there do you recommend?

Let us know in the comments!

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