Which is the best tattoo shop in the Triangle? Readers picked the winner

Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or your tenth, it’s important you go to the best shop when getting ink.

The News & Observer wanted to know what readers think is the best tattoo shop or parlor in the Triangle, and the voting — from an original list of 18 — has ended.

Readers have picked Welcome Tattoo in Durham as the best tattoo shop in the Triangle.

Here’s what to know about Welcome Tattoo

Welcome Tattoo is the manifestation of the career-long goal of Kohen Meyers, co-owner of Welcome Tattoo.

“Opening a tattoo shop in my hometown has been a goal of mine since I first started tattooing,” Kohen Meyers told The News & Observer.

“I wanted to create a shop that has a solid team of talented tattooers, happy customers, clean and friendly vibes. I’m proud to say that has become a reality.”

Meyer is one of five tattoo artists in the shop, including David Victor, Jacob Porter, Eric Ayala and Matt Evans.

Each artist has over a decade of experience and has a unique style. If you are not sure what you want, they offer a wide selection of flash for customers to pick from. They offer “Walk-In Saturdays” every Saturday, when customers can get a simple tattoo without an appointment.

The best way to contact them is to text or call 919-808-8606.

Runner-up: Easy Tiger Custom Tattoo

In second place is Easy Tiger Custom Tattoo, also in Durham.

Easy Tiger Custom Tattoo is the home of the tattoo duo, Max Shafer and Mike Wheeler. The name of the shop is inspired by a prohibition bar, the Blind Tiger, and motorcycles.

Shafer and Wheeler do not call themselves tattoo artists. Instead, they call themselves “tattooers” because they say it is about making a tattoo for someone else and incorporating the ideas of the client.

The duo says they take their work very seriously and “specialize in what you want” by taking the time to design tattoos that will not only look good after a few days, but in the long run.

They promise to provide a positive and creative environment for all customers and will tell you the truth so that you get a good tattoo.

The shop is appointment-only by calling or texting 919-699-6774 or emailing easytigercustom@gmail.com.

Here is our original list of our top 18 tattoo shops in the Triangle.

Apex Tattoo Factory

Apex Tattoo Factory is the only tattoo shop on this list that is located in Apex. They are an appointment-only shop and offer tattoo and piercing services. The artist uses eternal and dynamic ink for his custom and high quality designs.

• Address: 500 E. Williams St., Apex
• Contact: (919) 924-7778, djfatjax@ymail.com
• Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Noon-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday Noon-9 p.m., Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
• Info: apextattoofactory.com

Ascension Tattoo

Ascension Tattoo is a tattoo shop in Chapel Hill. The shop only offers tattoo services, and walk-ins are accepted on certain days. It is recommended to make an appointment, and make sure to have your deposit ready when making the appointment.

• Address: 215 N. Columbia St., Chapel Hill
• Contact: (919) 240-5452
• Hours: Open everyday from Noon-6 p.m., except Thursday
• Info: ascensiontattoonc.com

Conspiracy Ink

Conspiracy Ink is a tattoo shop in Raleigh, established in 2010. They offer a wide range of services and sponsor local charities. They offer custom tattoos, body piercings and commissioned artwork. The tattoo artists charge $140 per hour with a $50 minimum, but they offer a first-responder discount.

• Address: 328 W. Morgan St., Suite A, Raleigh
• Contact: (919) 526-6581
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 2 p.m. until appointments are complete – usually 8 or 9 p.m., Closed Sunday & Monday
• Info: conspiracyinktattoos.com

Dogstar Tattoo Company

Dogstar Tattoo Company is the oldest tattoo parlor in Durham. It was established in 1997 and are owned and operated by women. Walk-ins are accepted but there is no guarantee on the wait time. As well as tattoos, they offer a variety of piercing services with 14k and 18k solid gold jewelry with gemstones.

• Address: 807 E. Main St., Suite 6-101, Durham
• Contact: (919) 682-0000, dogstartattoo33@gmail.com
• Hours: Monday & Thursday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
• Info: dogstartattoo.com

Double Deuce

Double Deuce is one of the few tattoo shops in Cary. They take your wants and transform them into a well-defined visual story. It is an appointment-only shop and is currently not doing piercings.

• Address: 937 North Harrison Ave., Cary
• Contact: (919)481-4445, Doubledeucetat2@gmail.com
• Hours: Noon-9 p.m. everyday
• Info: doubledeucetattoo.com

Easy Tiger Custom Tattoo

Easy Tiger Custom Tattoo is a tattoo shop in Durham established in 2018. Their tattoo artists provide a high energy environment. They offer custom tattoos by appointment-only. For the artists, “quality is policy.”

Electric Blue Tattoo

Electric Blue Tattoo is a tattoo shop in Raleigh. The studio also doubles as an art studio. The artist, MJ, specializes in a range of tattoos from black and gray to color and realistic to traditional. They are an appointment-only studio, so no walk-ins are accepted.

Hillsborough Street Tattoo

Hillsborough Street Tattoo brought together many artists from all over the United States to Raleigh. The staff likes to provide a relaxed and fun atmosphere within the shop. On staff, they have 3 tattoo artists and 4 piercers. Tattoos are appointment-only, but no need for an appointment for piercings.

Mad Ethel’s Tattoo & Piercing

Mad Ethel’s Tattoo & Piercing is a tattoo and piercing shop in Raleigh. They were established in 2012 with two separate locations offering a wide variety of services. They are one of the only tattoo shops in the area that offer tattoo removal and lightning services in the Triangle.

Phoenix Tattoo

Phoenix Tattoo is an appointment-only tattoo parlor in Raleigh. They promote local charities on their website. Each tattoo artist charges $180 per hour with a $80 minimum.

Ratatat Tats

At Ratatat Tats, a tattoo shop in Cary, they offer custom-design tattoos. The artists are technically trained. Each tattoo artist has a private room and maintains a sterile environment in each room. There is a $50 minimum deposit that goes towards the total.

Red Leaf Tattoo Studio

Red Leaf Tattoo Studio is a tattoo shop located in Cary. The artists all have unique styles and specialties. They also offer cosmetic tattoo services and scalp micropigmentation.

Revelation Ink

Revelation Ink is a solo tattoo studio in Wake Forest. The tattoo artist/owner is inspired by the quote by Wyatt Earp: “Fast is Fine, but Accuracy is Everything.” He offers free touch-ups for the first three months. After that, the shop’s minimum will apply, which is $50. The shop is currently cash-only.

Sacred Mandala

Tattoo Asylum

Tattoo Asylum is a tattoo parlor in Durham. Their artists specialize in various specialties like cover-up tattoos, cosmetic tattoos and professional tattooing. They offer piercing services as well.

Triple Moon Tattoo

Triple Moon Tattoo is a small tattoo shop in Glenwood South. They have five tattoo artists and have 25 years of combined experience. Each artist has their own style, so it is important to take a look at their portfolios before making an appointment. There is a $100 minimum for all tattoos.

Warlock’s Tattoo

Warlock’s Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Raleigh. They were established in 1984, and originally were in Oklahoma until 1990, when they moved to North Carolina. They offer private booths for their tattoo artists. There are 150 years of combined experience within the shop.

Welcome Tattoo

Welcome Tattoo is a tattoo parlor in Durham. They specialize in precise and original designs. The artists aim to bring the clients’ ideas into reality with their designs. They use vegan ink for all their tattoos. Walk-ins are only allowed on Saturdays, and there is an $80 minimum for all tattoos

This story was originally published June 13, 2023 at 7:30 AM.