Los Angeles is one of America's thriving hotbeds of imaginative body art.  If you can think of a design, there's a cutting-edge tattoo artist in LA who can take that design to its ultimate fruition somewhere on your body.  Sounds too good to be true?  It sort of is.  That's because there are so many different tattoo parlors in contemporary Los Angeles that it's often difficult to decide which one's right for you.  Here's some of the best places in the LA area to get your ink done:



-Tattoo Asylum-

64 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291-4102
Phone: (310) 450-1073

Tattoo Asylum is one of the best, cleanliest, most professional tattoo parlors in the country.  For starters, their artists all have years of experience in the tattooing business.  What's even better:  their artists clean their tattooing implements right in front of you before you get your tattoo.  This all adds up to a great experience in a hip, vibrant atmosphere.  The only possible downside is that newbies might be a bit intimidated by the "tough" look of the artists.  But, after all, you're going to get a tattoo, not a cup of tea.



-Mark Mahoney's Shamrock Social Club-

9026 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069-1819
Phone: (310) 271-9664


Mark Mahoney's Shamrock Social Club is, as its name suggests, an Irish owned and operated tattoo parlor.  Many believe that the only reason this establishment
is famous is because of Mark Mahoney's semi-fame within body art circles.  That simply isn't the case.  The other reason that this place is so renowned is the fact that they just plain do a great job.  One tip when it comes to actually getting an appointment with Mark Mahoney:  call well in advance.  He's booked solid for a long time and the waiting list is only getting longer.



-Studio City Tattoo-

11032 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: (818) 769-4049

Studio City Tattoo is one of the Los Angeles area's finest tattoo shops, despite its somewhat hokey pirate theme and decor.  The artists are all certified, the place is immaculately clean and sanitary, and the prices are moderately fair.  Also, on certain days of the year this shop offers a discount on any pirate-related tattoo work.  Of course, getting a pirate tattoo because it's on sale is a bit of a stretch for most people, but there are plenty of people who flock to Studio City Tattoo just for the privilege.  In any case, whether you're looking for a pirate tattoo or any other design, this is a perfect place to visit.


OTHER NOTABLE CONTENDERS:



-True Tattoo-

1628 N Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90038
Phone: (323) 462-4745



-Zulu Tattoo-

165 S Crescent Heights Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (323) 782-9977



-Body Electric Tattoo & Piercing-

7274 1/2 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7667
Phone: (323) 954-0408