Get inked: Tattoo parlours of Toronto
No, you're not imagining things. Tattoo shops are popping up all over Toronto, as the demographic of cool kids looking for expert body artists continues to grow. Whether it's a Kensington legend or a fixture of Yonge and Eg, here are some of the top tattoo parlours in Toronto to get inked.
Pearl Harbor Gift Shop
24 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J9It’s one of the best tattoo shops in the city and also one of the most interesting and unique. The retro store signage and floor-to-ceiling flash display are irresistible eye candy, with a large collection of WWII artifacts lining the walls. The resident artists here are owners-partners in the business and design their own graphics in-house. The talented team is up for anything: script-writing, traditional, bodysuits, black and grey portraits – you want it, they’ll create it. You can book an appointment but they’re cool with walk-ins, too.
Definitive Studios
2-584 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1R1Veteran body artist and shop owner Monika Mitchell draws from years of experience and makes it a priority to thoroughly explain every step to her clients. Tattooing and piercing generally describe what they do here but Monika and her three associates also specialize in intricate work like microdermal anchoring and body jewellery. They also do post-procedure follow-ups.
Seven Crowns Tattoo
3-2499 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H6It probably caught the neighbourhood off-guard when Seven Crowns moved into midtown, but it’s a sign that ink has mainstream acceptance beyond its fringe beginnings. The shop’s website boasts of the best work in the city and welcomes both newbies and serious ink fiends. The six resident artists have interesting backstories and lengthy resumes in the field. They’ll share many a fine tale to help drown out the buzz.
Toronto Ink
580 Danforth Rd, Scarborough, ON M1K 1E3Book a free consultation before you decide when and where to get that soaring eagle embedded on your body. Toronto Ink’s sleek and modern studio has a strong commercial flavour backed by a commitment to customer satisfaction. The highly trained staff includes not only talented tattoo artists but specialists in tattoo cover-up, alteration and removal. They also perform laser hair removal.
Pravda Tattoo Parlour
1275 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7The shop in Bloordale Village is a riot of colour – almost anyone’s idea of a classic tattoo shop. Bright sample designs cover the walls and make for a fun browse. Artist Pawel does striking work in the Sailor Jerry vein with vivid inks and classic iconography. Jude does a mean coat-of-arms while Brandon, Spencer and Jordan also have great old-school chops. Book an appointment or drop by.
Tattoo People
1071 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G8This business was born in the owner’s native South Korea before he migrated to Canada and set up a third branch, this Annex location, in 2014. Khan J comes at body art from the design and cultural viewpoint, specializing in bold custom work with heroic Japanese themes of samurai and floral patterns in full torsos and sleeves. Customers appreciate the shop’s bright, modern ambiance and emphasis on care and cleanliness.
Imperial Tattoos Inc
569 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M1A place for purists, Imperial exclusively does tats and has the experienced pros to make your vision a reality. Behind the unpretentious storefront is a team of five artists with an impressive body of work. Veterans Paul Samplonius and Ronan Gibney have close to 40 years of combined know-how. Call or drop in to book a free consultation. An $80 deposit is required prior to your sitting and is applied to your final bill.
Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop
880 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M5Their Bloor West location is the second for this well-established studio with a history dating back to 1990. The artists have changed over the years but the current staff covers a range of specialities from stock design and custom ink to piercings and dermal and microdermal anchors. They attract repeat business from a loyal customer base. The open storefront is part of an exciting revival in street-level retail near Ossington.
Passage Tattoo & Body Piercing
473 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5This popular shop in the Church-Wellesley village enjoys a great reputation for superb artistry and outstanding hospitality. Everyone on staff has that special knack for making customers feel comfortable and winning their trust. Online reviews consistently rave about the skills of resident artists Kevin, Tyson, Joey and the rest of the Passage team. Customers also give high marks for studio cleanliness and reasonable prices.
Sal's Tattoo & Barber Shop
390 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S7You’ll rarely hear a discouraging word about the artists and atmosphere at this Chinatown studio. Loyal clients say Sal’s gets everything right from the basics of hygiene, customer service and professionalism to the bonus stuff like friendly conversation, personality and artistic integrity. You’re asked to put down a non-refundable $40 deposit when you make your appointment. Ask for Greg, Dreegz or Matt.
