Allentown, Pennsylvania · The Queen City
Our curated list of the 3 best tattoo shops in Allentown, PA. Ranked by Google reviews, local reputation, and our team's research. Updated for 2026.
1740 W Allen St, Allentown, PA 18104
A perfect 5.0 across 162 reviews, seven days a week — and it doubles as a working art gallery, which tells you how the shop thinks about the craft. Walk in for the art, leave with a plan.
The latest close of any shop in our rankings — 9pm, five nights a week — paired with a 4.8 across nearly 200 reviews. The after-work appointment that doesn't require taking a day off.
614 N 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104
Three days a week, 2pm to 7pm, and still a 4.8 across nearly 200 reviews — a schedule that narrow usually means the books stay full on reputation alone. Plan well ahead.
Sherry May Ink in Palmer Township holds a perfect 5.0 across more than 200 reviews, and Ethereal Fawn Tattoos in Allentown matches the 5.0 across 162. For the largest review base, Obsidian Tattoo and Piercing Parlor in Bethlehem carries a 4.8 across nearly 400 reviews.
Most studios set a shop minimum of roughly $80-$150 for small work, with hourly rates commonly in the $150-$250 range depending on the artist's experience and waitlist. Large custom pieces are quoted per project at consultation. Tipping your artist 15-20% is customary.
Consultations and appointments are the norm at the top-rated studios, and several of our picks keep deliberately narrow hours — Quillian is open just three afternoons a week — which usually signals a full book. Call ahead; flash days and walk-in availability vary by shop and season.
Match the artist to the style you want rather than picking the closest shop. Review portfolios for healed work in your style, confirm the studio's sterilization and licensing practices, and treat the consultation as a two-way interview — a good artist will tell you honestly if your idea needs rethinking for how it will age.