Where does one get tattoos and/or piercings in Minneapolis these days?

October 1, 2014 9:20 AM

I'm in this class with some people. For unrelated reasons - but the idea of a tattoo field trip is funny! - we would like to go as a small group to get some tattoo touch-up work and some simple piercings. No one has had work done in the Twin Cities recently and we're not sure where to go.

In an ideal world, we'd find a good, reliable place for both piercings (all ear-related) and tattoos - sort of a one-stop shop. But we can make two trips if needed. We'd like the place(s) to be queer-friendly and to....how do you say this in tattoo language?...not focus on boring generic dudebro work or do primarily punk rock/metal/bodyhorror stuff.

We'd prefer not to go to St. Sabrina's, even though that is probably the most obvious recommendation. Years ago I had work done there and the quality was great and the staff pleasant, but Uptown is so unpleasant now due to gentrification that we all find it stressful just to be there. In an ideal world, this would be a fun trip as well as result in getting good work done. We would consider St. Sabrina's if it's the absolute best option, but would prefer other places.

So anyway - recommendations? Particular people to work with? Places to avoid?

posted by Frowner to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

If you go by yelp, it's seems like you can't go way wrong in the TC. I know you're interested in piercings, but for my next tattoo I'm planning to go to Jackalope (all female artists and awesome work).
posted by correcaminos at 9:39 AM on October 1, 2014

City Pages awarded Leviticus Tattoo in Longfellow as the best in 2013. They do tattoos and piercings.
posted by wocka wocka wocka at 9:58 AM on October 1, 2014

A friend of mine got a gorgeous piece done at Tatus by Koré. Queer-friendly and as far from bro-y as you get, and the pics I've seen are lovely. If you end up there, tell 'em Jeremy from Sun Dragon sent you.
posted by restless_nomad at 10:29 AM on October 1, 2014 [1 favorite]

Leviticus is great. They have an indoor koi pond!
posted by miyabo at 10:38 AM on October 1, 2014

Seconding Jackalope for tattoos! Bambi, the owner, is amazing. She did my husband's sleeve and my back bacon.
If you're willing to travel all the way to Saint Paul Verno at Holy Mackerel is pretty much the best you're gonna get for piercing.
posted by Bacon Bit at 11:51 AM on October 1, 2014

+1 for Koré. A good friend raved about her as "really fantastic, very intuitive, and an accomplished healer. I asked her why she got into tattoo art and she said it was her way of healing. She does a lot of tattooing for women who've had breast cancer and have disfiguring scars. I was quite smitten with her. In a tattoo goddess sort of way."
posted by anderjen at 12:25 PM on October 1, 2014

Sea Wolf Tatoo Company at 1835 E 35th Street, (over by Matt's Bar) has a good reputation. No piercings that I am aware of, though.....
posted by lstanley at 10:03 AM on October 2, 2014