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Best Tattoo Shops In OC

laguna tattoo 610 header
(credit: Marcus Arroyo)

Museums and boutique galleries are not the only places to find art in Orange County. With dozens of expert ink artists, these tattoo shops beautify OC one body at a time. At these specialty tattoo shops, many customers develop long-term business with specific artists as well. Cleanliness, professionalism and expertise define each of these shops, yet each one is unique unto itself. Whether it's the first or one hundred and first tattoo, customer satisfaction is virtually guaranteed at any and all of these Orange County tattoo parlors.

outer limits tattoo YELP
(credit: Peg P./Yelp)

Outer Limits Tattoo
2981 Bristol St., Suite B4
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 241-8287
www.outerlimitstattoo.com

Located at the Camp on Bristol and Baker Streets in Costa Mesa, Outer Limits Tattoo houses a half dozen tattoo artists and two body piercers. This location is sister to the Long Beach Outer Limits that boasts being the oldest tattoo shop in the United States. This industry experience shows in the sheer numbers of customers these shops draw. Clients rave about the ink they acquire at Outer Limits, and much of the shop's business comes from repeat customers coming back for more. To avoid an hour or more wait, appointments are highly recommended though. Weekends at Outer Limits are very busy, so consider visiting during the week if time is needed to talk yourself into your first tat.

white lotus tatoo YELP
(credit: Stephanie G./Yelp)

White Lotus Tattoo
24781 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 768-5020
www.whitelotustattoo.net

Serving the southland since 2005, White Lotus Tattoo is one of the highest rated tattoo parlors in Orange County. With a half dozen resident artists and a handful of piercers, the White Lotus is sure to have something for anyone interested in any kind of body art. Famous for its clean, sanitary shop and its friendly, approachable artists, this is a favorite for first-timers to come and get all of their questions answered and fears relieved before getting inked. Walk-ins are welcome, but it's best to set up an appointment to ensure the best tattoo or piercing experience possible at the clean and serene White Lotus Tattoo.

OC Tattoo YELP
(credit: Kim N./Yelp)

OC Tattoo, Inc.
7134 W. Garden Grove Blvd.
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 899-1144
www.octattoo.com


No tattoo is too big or too small for OC Tattoo, one of Orange County's most top-notch shops. Veterans and first-timers alike are encouraged to stop by and get ideas or ask questions from the friendly and experienced artists. Whether it's tribal, Asian or traditional American designs, the artists at OC Tattoo can carve whatever the customers ask for. Clients can also bring in their own designs or let an artist create a custom composition unique to the individual customer. With nearly a dozen artists and countless tattoo ideas from which to select, OC Tattoo is the safest bet for body art satisfaction. 

Related: Best Sunglass Shops In Orange County

laguna tattoo
(credit: Stephen Crome)

Laguna Tattoo
656 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-3702
www.lagunatattoo.com

Located in perhaps the most art-centered city in Orange County, Laguna Tattoo in Laguna Beach creates masterpieces of body art. Carving up OC since the early 1980s, Laguna Tattoo boasts being the oldest tattoo shop in Orange County and houses highly reputable artists specializing in custom designs. The folks at Laguna Tattoo pride themselves in their customer service and approachable atmosphere, so first-timers and walk-ins are welcome to come in and ask questions. These trusted artists frequently have customers set up appointments for custom work designed specifically for each individual client, though prospective customers can also bring in their own tattoo designs for the ink experts. With such a long-standing reputation and decades of experience, Laguna Tattoo turns all of its customers into walking works of art.

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(credit: JAMS studios)

Olde Tyme Tattoo
2900 Brea Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92835
(714) 671-9529
www.oldetymetattoo.com

Open since 2009, Olde Tyme Tattoo has quickly become one of the go-to tattoo shops in Orange County. Priding themselves in skillful versatility, the handful of artists at Olde Tyme can paint virtually any size or style of tattoo. Bring in a photo for a tattoo reproduction or browse traditional American, Asian, sports team logos and other styles, as well. Customers rave about the professionalism and high-quality carving done by the friendly and welcoming staff. Reluctant clients, rest your fears. The artists at Olde Tyme Tattoo will take time to answer any and all questions, and leave all customers looking and feeling great.

Related: Historic Walking Tour Of OC

David McDonald is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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