Last updated October 26, 2026 · ranked from 756 Google reviews · How we rank
This guide to tattoo shops in Traverse City, MI keeps the focus inside city limits: every listed shop is in the city itself. Truth Seeker Tattoo leads the list with a 4.9 Google rating from 254 reviews, followed by Pinups & Needles at 4.8 from 256 reviews. Front Street Tattoo ranks third, with a 4.7 rating from 123 reviews. Across the eight entries, Google ratings range from 4.6 to 5.0, while review counts range from three to 256. Pokey Robinson, LLC holds the highest rating at 5.0 from three reviews; Pinups & Needles has the largest review count.
1Truth Seeker TattooIts Google listing carries a 4.9 rating from 254 reviews, while the supplied reviews describe careful craftsmanship, designs developed from customer ideas, and positive first-tattoo experiences.
2Pinups & NeedlesPinups & Needles holds a 4.8 Google rating across 256 reviews, listed on Google as tattoo and piercing shop.
3Front Street TattooReviewers describe matching cherry tattoos by Nicole Wickenden, a coverup that transformed an older piece, and sibling tattoos by Matt Stafford incorporating parents’ handwriting.
Its Google listing carries a 4.9 rating from 254 reviews, while the supplied reviews describe careful craftsmanship, designs developed from customer ideas, and positive first-tattoo experiences. Several reviewers specifically praise Jake’s attention to detail; others note the studio’s cleanliness and comfort. Located downtown at 525 W Front St E, the shop requires appointments and lists wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance.
Detailed custom work
Clean, comfortable studio
Appointments required
“Had the privilege of starting my sleeve with Jake Shafer. Not only was he unbelievably professional, but the detail and craftsmanship he puts into his work is insane. Jake absolutely saw the vision when I approached him with my ideas. D…”
Pinups & Needles holds a 4.8 Google rating across 256 reviews, listed on Google as tattoo and piercing shop.
Custom tattoo designs
Client comfort praised
LGBTQ-welcoming shop
“Go to Rae for your tattoos!!! She has such a light hand! She’s super sweet and makes you feel so comfortable. She makes the time fly by so fast too! She is so understanding about moving designs around until you love them! I highly recomm…”
Reviewers describe matching cherry tattoos by Nicole Wickenden, a coverup that transformed an older piece, and sibling tattoos by Matt Stafford incorporating parents’ handwriting. Another first-time client praised a quick, professional, clean experience with a premade design. Those specific accounts, alongside a 4.7-star rating from 123 Google reviews, support its placement. Located at 502 E Front St, the shop serves adults 18 and older and lists a $100 minimum.
Personal commemorative tattoos
Coverup work praised
Clean shop feedback
“What an amazing experience at Front Street Tattoo! Nicole Wickenden did matching cherry tattoos for me and my two kids, and she was absolutely incredible, both as an artist and as a person. She was so sweet and made the whole experience …”
Traverse City Tattoo holds a 4.8 Google rating across 58 reviews, listed on Google as tattoo shop.
Appointment only
Aftercare guidance
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
“Aaron got me in quick and on short notice! Perfect tattoo, perfect experience for my first tattoo! Gave alot of attention to detail, more so than I had anticipated. My tattoo turned out a hundred times better than I anticipated. Highly r…”
Alchimia Tattoo holds a 4.6 Google rating across 37 reviews, listed on Google as tattoo shop.
Custom and flash
Longevity-focused approach
Appointments required
“Absolutely love love love Jesi and her Tattoo Shop. I’ve been working with Jesi long before she opened Alchimia Tattoo and she has maintained a level of professionalism hard to beat! The shop is clean, welcoming, and cozy. Jesi always st…”
Christine Marie Permanent Makeup and Tattoos holds a 4.7 Google rating across 13 reviews, listed on Google as tattoo shop.
Fine line tattoos
Permanent makeup services
Women-owned studio
“Got my eyebrows done and I couldn't be more happier with the outcome! Christine is super nice and does great work. Environment is super cozy. Overall a great experience.”
Work at Christine Marie Permanent Makeup and Tattoos? Get your badge
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each tattoo shop is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the Traverse City category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
Tattoo Shops in Traverse City, MI: common questions
Which tattoo shops in Traverse City, MI offer walk-ins or require appointments?
Front Street Tattoo’s business description offers both appointments and walk-ins, and a reviewer describes getting a first tattoo as a walk-in. Truth Seeker Tattoo and Alchimia Tattoo list appointments as required. Traverse City Tattoo at 221 Garland St Ste t explicitly operates by appointment only; call 231-680-0357.
Where can I get tattooed on weekends in Traverse City, MI?
Alchimia Tattoo lists Saturday hours of 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday hours of 11 a.m.–8 p.m., with appointments required. Front Street Tattoo lists Saturday noon–8 p.m., Northwoods Tattoo Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Pinups & Needles Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Which tattoo shops in Traverse City, MI also offer piercings?
Pinups & Needles offers professional piercings alongside custom tattoos. Northwoods Tattoo has a full-service body piercer as well as five tattoo artists. Front Street Tattoo explicitly states that it does not offer piercing services.
What payment and minimum-charge policies do tattoo shops in Traverse City, MI list?
Front Street Tattoo states a $100 shop minimum and accepts credit and debit cards. Alchimia Tattoo lists cash-only payment. Pinups & Needles, Truth Seeker Tattoo, Traverse City Tattoo, and Christine Marie Permanent Makeup and Tattoos accept credit and debit cards. Northwoods Tattoo also accepts NFC mobile payments.
Which tattoo shops in Traverse City, MI list accessible entrances and parking?
Pinups & Needles, Truth Seeker Tattoo, Traverse City Tattoo, and Northwoods Tattoo list both wheelchair-accessible entrances and wheelchair-accessible parking. Northwoods also lists a free parking lot, and Pinups & Needles lists on-site parking.
1
