28 Reviews

Fineline Tattoo

New York, New York
General Info
A local favorite since 1976, Fineline is the oldest tattoo shop in NYC! Winner of Village Voice's BEST OF NYC - Come on down and see why Fineline has been the go-to shop for those in the know on the Lower East Side for nearly 40 years!
Reviews
Katherine K.
16 Jul 2019
REPORT
I am beyond satisfied with this tattoo parlor. A friend and I had been searching for a good place to get tattoos in the city for quite a while that wouldn't cost us an exorbitant amount of money. I sa... Read More
I am beyond satisfied with this tattoo parlor. A friend and I had been searching for a good place to get tattoos in the city for quite a while that wouldn't cost us an exorbitant amount of money. I saw some people recommending Fineline and decided to check it out. Particularly, I found Danny's work online and loved it, especially since I tend to like detailed black line tattoos. I called the day of and was able to get an appointment for later in the day. My friend also wanted to get one and another artist, Matt was also available almost immediately for walk-ins. Upon arriving, both artists greeted us warmly and Matt started working on designing my friend's tattoo. He got a black armband with floral designs, which he ended up loving. Matt was super nice and allowed me to sit and chat with him while he worked on my friend's piece. I brought in an ouroboros design for Danny to work on and he did an incredible job. The shading he did was absolutely beautiful and I'm in love with the piece he did for me. He also allowed my friend to watch while he worked on my piece. Overall, I would say this place is well worth it and I would definitely recommend it to others. I personally would come back for another piece! Read Less
Colesy C.
21 Jun 2019
REPORT
angelo was great! very helpful and i love my tattoo! gave me instructions on care and explained how the location may affect my tattoo in the future. overall had an incredible experience, would recomme... Read More
angelo was great! very helpful and i love my tattoo! gave me instructions on care and explained how the location may affect my tattoo in the future. overall had an incredible experience, would recommend to anyone ! Read Less
Ashlee E.
12 May 2019
REPORT
I went to this shop after a recommendation from a good friend. I wanted to get my first tattoo, a small semicolon cat, on my wrist. The shop was clean and the artists were nice (for the most part), ho... Read More
I went to this shop after a recommendation from a good friend. I wanted to get my first tattoo, a small semicolon cat, on my wrist. The shop was clean and the artists were nice (for the most part), however the tattoo I received was garbage. Within a few months it was so faded, you could only make out part of the outline, and there was only a hint of shading. It looked like a smudge of charcoal on my skin. Mind you, it was supposed to be a solid black tattoo.I had also put money down on a second tattoo that I'd wanted as a memorial to my mother, however after the disaster of a first tattoo I received from here, I opted to forgo the appointment and sacrifice the money I'd put down, and went elsewhere. Thankfully I found another shop that both fixed my botched tattoo, and did my memorial tattoo. And they both came out beautifully. Oh, and one of the artists flat out refused to do the tattoo that my husband wanted, despite there being nobody else in the shop, no appointments booked, and plenty of hours left before closing. The guy just didn't feel like doing it. I will not be back. And I have no idea what my friend was thinking when she recommended them. Come to find out that her tattoo aged awfully as well, and is all blown out now. As for me, I would not recommend this shop. Not even for the small stuff. Read Less
David T.
6 Apr 2019
REPORT
Walked in on a Saturday in NYC and got right in. Fast and courteous artists. Thanks for the ink y'all. Would come back again if I'm ever back in NYC
Amy H.
25 Feb 2019
REPORT
Great experience! Walked in at 8pm with a simple concept, got some guidance and tweaks and walked out with a perfect tattoo 45 minutes later and a great price!I highly recommend this studio for friend... Read More
Great experience! Walked in at 8pm with a simple concept, got some guidance and tweaks and walked out with a perfect tattoo 45 minutes later and a great price!I highly recommend this studio for friendly, fair and efficient work. Read Less
Juliet Iskowitz
15 Jul 2018
REPORT
Only the most wonderful talented artists with friendly service and great vibes all around
Willym Weir
25 Apr 2018
REPORT
Extremely friendly staff that is willing to work with anyone and with any budget over $100. Very reasonable service. Very clean and friendly atmosphere. If I’m ever in the city again I will be going t... Read More
Extremely friendly staff that is willing to work with anyone and with any budget over $100. Very reasonable service. Very clean and friendly atmosphere. If I’m ever in the city again I will be going there for more work. Read Less
M R.
14 Apr 2018
REPORT
Went there for Friday 13th. Love my new tat and will definitely come back for more!!!
Sonia Rodriguez
13 Apr 2018
REPORT
Love this little tattoo shop,it's been there for 40yrs same owners. Friendly staff wild music and great artists!
David Us
13 Mar 2018
REPORT
Best and oldest tattoo shop in New York
Guy Heckman
20 Sep 2017
REPORT
10 yrs ago (+/-) some of my first ink was rendered on me. The dertail, the finest of shading; Ive had no equal on me since. I was re-awakened to this fact recently when some friends saw me without my ... Read More
10 yrs ago (+/-) some of my first ink was rendered on me. The dertail, the finest of shading; Ive had no equal on me since. I was re-awakened to this fact recently when some friends saw me without my shirt. Mehi! Greetings from N.H. I will likely stop in for more around end of 2nd week of October. Read Less
Jennifer D.
31 Jul 2017
REPORT
Fineline is very clean, organized and the staff is super friendly. My boyfriend and I went in for quick walk ins during a trip to NYC and they were extremely accommodating. I got a feminist symbol on ... Read More
Fineline is very clean, organized and the staff is super friendly. My boyfriend and I went in for quick walk ins during a trip to NYC and they were extremely accommodating. I got a feminist symbol on my neck for $106 and he got a Panic! At The Disco logo for $210. Daniel tattooed me and he was one of the nicest artist I've ever had (and I have three other tattoos). He was so friendly and made me feel at ease. Danny tattooed my boyfriend and he was so detail oriented and calm. It really helped put us both at ease. Definitely recommend and would visit again next time I'm in New York! Read Less
Joel Bomberg
2 May 2017
REPORT
Huge tnx to Danny for my tattoo! I Love it! He did it realy gentle and nice and so perfect! Next time i visit NY i gona go there for more tattoos �
Dianne Pannullo
6 Apr 2017
REPORT
Mehai Bakaty's Japanese designs are the best in NYC
Marius Karlsen
28 Mar 2017
REPORT
I really like this place. Nice place, great tattoos.
Nicola Frazer Ne Williams
12 Jan 2017
REPORT
A huge thanks you to the guys at Fineline for the tattoos they did for me an my mum, fantastic work and a lasting souvenir. The atmosphere in the shop was great we were made to welcome and it was very... Read More
A huge thanks you to the guys at Fineline for the tattoos they did for me an my mum, fantastic work and a lasting souvenir. The atmosphere in the shop was great we were made to welcome and it was very relaxed. Read Less
Dianne Patterson Jackson Pannullo
9 Jan 2017
REPORT
Like his father, the late Mike Bakaty, Mehai is a master of his craft. Let him design your Japanese tattoo. And I swear you really don't experience that much pain with a Mehai tattoo.
Alice Lubic
24 Dec 2016
REPORT
Great artists, great atmosphere. Kind and efficient. A great experience all around
Tracy Gee
6 Nov 2016
REPORT
Love my tiny Manhattan skyline tattoo. Got in as walk in & was done in no time. Thank you guys!
Vanessa Adams
16 Oct 2016
REPORT
Joe did an amazing job reading my mind, i.e. Interpreting my verbal direction since I have no art skills whatsoever. Clean work, and stunning
Lea Parr
29 Sep 2016
REPORT
I chose this place initially because I think the website is awesome with Craig Jackman in all his glory :) But, I think it's a fantastic establishment after heading over there late one Wednesday even... Read More
I chose this place initially because I think the website is awesome with Craig Jackman in all his glory :) But, I think it's a fantastic establishment after heading over there late one Wednesday evening. I wasn't sure if I was going to get my tattoo done, and I had a limited amount of time (read: about 24 hours) in L.A. But, he managed to fit me in at the very end of the day. I brought in pictures and my ideas, and Craig helped me make it real and long-lasting. Though I wanted something on my feet, he advised me about how they don't last as long because of all the wear and tear that feet get during a course of a day. But after about 20 minutes of conversation and drawing it up, he finished my ankle tattoo in about an hour. It's black and grey, and I absolutely love it! The concept is that I'm bi-coastal, living in Boston but will always consider L.A. my home. I wanted to get a set representing the West and East Coasts, and it helped to have someone help me design the tattoo with that love for L.A. in mind! Now to get that East Coast tat..... Read Less
Blazin' Flattlanders
13 Jun 2016
REPORT
Dale Shmitt did an amazing job. He saved a very large prison piece for me on an extremely short notice. Very cool guy, and is very versatile. Tip him at least $50-$100, he deals with tourist Walk ins ... Read More
Dale Shmitt did an amazing job. He saved a very large prison piece for me on an extremely short notice. Very cool guy, and is very versatile. Tip him at least $50-$100, he deals with tourist Walk ins mostly. have him do something cool that's not your spouses initials or an ny logo, he has mad skills. Worth every penny. If I'm lying, come to Tulsa and burn my house down. Great job Dale. I've made a lifelong connection for any serious work I may need done. Read Less
Desire Robb
12 Apr 2016
REPORT
Got my owl on a cherry blossom tree by Joseph. It is beautiful i am beyond happy. Everyone was nice and friendly. I felt comfortable , joe listened to all my wants and concerns and gave me a great tat... Read More
Got my owl on a cherry blossom tree by Joseph. It is beautiful i am beyond happy. Everyone was nice and friendly. I felt comfortable , joe listened to all my wants and concerns and gave me a great tattoo that my whole family loves. I highly recommend joe and fine line tattoo. Read Less
Bree Antonie Rossborough
14 Nov 2015
REPORT
Came 2 N.Y in 2014 & as I like 2 get a tattoo wherever we travel I had it locked in my mind 2 get a memorium tattoo 4 my Dad (I wear my heart on my sleeve!) & I was NOT disappointed. AWESOME experienc... Read More
Came 2 N.Y in 2014 & as I like 2 get a tattoo wherever we travel I had it locked in my mind 2 get a memorium tattoo 4 my Dad (I wear my heart on my sleeve!) & I was NOT disappointed. AWESOME experience!! Read Less
Rachel Fong
11 Sep 2015
REPORT
After hearing great things about Fineline, I got a diamond outline tattoo on my wrist here. It's just over a month old and the inklines are already bleeding into each other :( also the actual outlinin... Read More
After hearing great things about Fineline, I got a diamond outline tattoo on my wrist here. It's just over a month old and the inklines are already bleeding into each other :( also the actual outlining lines of the diamond aren't even. Would not recommend. Read Less
Alex Jex
10 Mar 2014
REPORT
Love it, very clean and very thorough and they had me dying laughing which helped ease the pain of getting a tatt on my foot. Especially with the two dudes that were on the other side of the desk wher... Read More
Love it, very clean and very thorough and they had me dying laughing which helped ease the pain of getting a tatt on my foot. Especially with the two dudes that were on the other side of the desk where my nails were clenched in. lol. Great job though! Came out better then I expected. Read Less
Johnny Andrew
24 Nov 2013
REPORT
i think about mehai and angelo and mike and danny and joe and i think about Choppo my sweet baby boy...
Lemmybtl
1 Mar 2008
REPORT
I've been going to Fine Line for a few years and they always manage to top the last piece they did. It doesn't matter what artist you work with: Mike, Mehai, and Skull are all great. Highly recommende... Read More
I've been going to Fine Line for a few years and they always manage to top the last piece they did. It doesn't matter what artist you work with: Mike, Mehai, and Skull are all great. Highly recommended if you want to get a tattoo in a traditional shop with no bs. Read Less
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Book an Appointment
Online booking unavailable
Please call
(212) 673-5154
21 1st Avenue
New York New York 10003
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
13:00PM-23:00PM
Tuesday
Tue
13:00PM-23:00PM
Wednesday
Wed
13:00PM-23:00PM
Thursday
Thu
13:00PM-23:00PM
Friday
Fri
13:00PM-23:00PM
Saturday
Sat
13:00PM-23:00PM
Sunday
Sun
13:00PM-23:00PM
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Fineline Tattoo

New York, New York
(28)
21 1st Avenue
New York New York 10003
A local favorite since 1976, Fineline is the oldest tattoo shop in NYC! Winner of Village Voice's BEST OF NYC - Come on down and see why Fineline has been the go-to shop for those in the know on the Lower East Side for nearly 40 years!
Monday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Tuesday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Wednesday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Thursday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Friday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Saturday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Sunday
13:00PM-23:00PM
Katherine K.
16 Jul 2019
REPORT
I am beyond satisfied with this tattoo parlor. A friend and I had been searching for a good place to get tattoos in the city for quite a while that wouldn't cost us an exorbitant amount of money. I sa... Read More
I am beyond satisfied with this tattoo parlor. A friend and I had been searching for a good place to get tattoos in the city for quite a while that wouldn't cost us an exorbitant amount of money. I saw some people recommending Fineline and decided to check it out. Particularly, I found Danny's work online and loved it, especially since I tend to like detailed black line tattoos. I called the day of and was able to get an appointment for later in the day. My friend also wanted to get one and another artist, Matt was also available almost immediately for walk-ins. Upon arriving, both artists greeted us warmly and Matt started working on designing my friend's tattoo. He got a black armband with floral designs, which he ended up loving. Matt was super nice and allowed me to sit and chat with him while he worked on my friend's piece. I brought in an ouroboros design for Danny to work on and he did an incredible job. The shading he did was absolutely beautiful and I'm in love with the piece he did for me. He also allowed my friend to watch while he worked on my piece. Overall, I would say this place is well worth it and I would definitely recommend it to others. I personally would come back for another piece! Read Less
Colesy C.
21 Jun 2019
REPORT
angelo was great! very helpful and i love my tattoo! gave me instructions on care and explained how the location may affect my tattoo in the future. overall had an incredible experience, would recomme... Read More
angelo was great! very helpful and i love my tattoo! gave me instructions on care and explained how the location may affect my tattoo in the future. overall had an incredible experience, would recommend to anyone ! Read Less
Ashlee E.
12 May 2019
REPORT
I went to this shop after a recommendation from a good friend. I wanted to get my first tattoo, a small semicolon cat, on my wrist. The shop was clean and the artists were nice (for the most part), ho... Read More
I went to this shop after a recommendation from a good friend. I wanted to get my first tattoo, a small semicolon cat, on my wrist. The shop was clean and the artists were nice (for the most part), however the tattoo I received was garbage. Within a few months it was so faded, you could only make out part of the outline, and there was only a hint of shading. It looked like a smudge of charcoal on my skin. Mind you, it was supposed to be a solid black tattoo.I had also put money down on a second tattoo that I'd wanted as a memorial to my mother, however after the disaster of a first tattoo I received from here, I opted to forgo the appointment and sacrifice the money I'd put down, and went elsewhere. Thankfully I found another shop that both fixed my botched tattoo, and did my memorial tattoo. And they both came out beautifully. Oh, and one of the artists flat out refused to do the tattoo that my husband wanted, despite there being nobody else in the shop, no appointments booked, and plenty of hours left before closing. The guy just didn't feel like doing it. I will not be back. And I have no idea what my friend was thinking when she recommended them. Come to find out that her tattoo aged awfully as well, and is all blown out now. As for me, I would not recommend this shop. Not even for the small stuff. Read Less
David T.
6 Apr 2019
REPORT
Walked in on a Saturday in NYC and got right in. Fast and courteous artists. Thanks for the ink y'all. Would come back again if I'm ever back in NYC
Amy H.
25 Feb 2019
REPORT
Great experience! Walked in at 8pm with a simple concept, got some guidance and tweaks and walked out with a perfect tattoo 45 minutes later and a great price!I highly recommend this studio for friend... Read More
Great experience! Walked in at 8pm with a simple concept, got some guidance and tweaks and walked out with a perfect tattoo 45 minutes later and a great price!I highly recommend this studio for friendly, fair and efficient work. Read Less
Juliet Iskowitz
15 Jul 2018
REPORT
Only the most wonderful talented artists with friendly service and great vibes all around
Willym Weir
25 Apr 2018
REPORT
Extremely friendly staff that is willing to work with anyone and with any budget over $100. Very reasonable service. Very clean and friendly atmosphere. If I’m ever in the city again I will be going t... Read More
Extremely friendly staff that is willing to work with anyone and with any budget over $100. Very reasonable service. Very clean and friendly atmosphere. If I’m ever in the city again I will be going there for more work. Read Less
M R.
14 Apr 2018
REPORT
Went there for Friday 13th. Love my new tat and will definitely come back for more!!!
Sonia Rodriguez
13 Apr 2018
REPORT
Love this little tattoo shop,it's been there for 40yrs same owners. Friendly staff wild music and great artists!
David Us
13 Mar 2018
REPORT
Best and oldest tattoo shop in New York
Guy Heckman
20 Sep 2017
REPORT
10 yrs ago (+/-) some of my first ink was rendered on me. The dertail, the finest of shading; Ive had no equal on me since. I was re-awakened to this fact recently when some friends saw me without my ... Read More
10 yrs ago (+/-) some of my first ink was rendered on me. The dertail, the finest of shading; Ive had no equal on me since. I was re-awakened to this fact recently when some friends saw me without my shirt. Mehi! Greetings from N.H. I will likely stop in for more around end of 2nd week of October. Read Less
Jennifer D.
31 Jul 2017
REPORT
Fineline is very clean, organized and the staff is super friendly. My boyfriend and I went in for quick walk ins during a trip to NYC and they were extremely accommodating. I got a feminist symbol on ... Read More
Fineline is very clean, organized and the staff is super friendly. My boyfriend and I went in for quick walk ins during a trip to NYC and they were extremely accommodating. I got a feminist symbol on my neck for $106 and he got a Panic! At The Disco logo for $210. Daniel tattooed me and he was one of the nicest artist I've ever had (and I have three other tattoos). He was so friendly and made me feel at ease. Danny tattooed my boyfriend and he was so detail oriented and calm. It really helped put us both at ease. Definitely recommend and would visit again next time I'm in New York! Read Less
Joel Bomberg
2 May 2017
REPORT
Huge tnx to Danny for my tattoo! I Love it! He did it realy gentle and nice and so perfect! Next time i visit NY i gona go there for more tattoos �
Dianne Pannullo
6 Apr 2017
REPORT
Mehai Bakaty's Japanese designs are the best in NYC
Marius Karlsen
28 Mar 2017
REPORT
I really like this place. Nice place, great tattoos.
Nicola Frazer Ne Williams
12 Jan 2017
REPORT
A huge thanks you to the guys at Fineline for the tattoos they did for me an my mum, fantastic work and a lasting souvenir. The atmosphere in the shop was great we were made to welcome and it was very... Read More
A huge thanks you to the guys at Fineline for the tattoos they did for me an my mum, fantastic work and a lasting souvenir. The atmosphere in the shop was great we were made to welcome and it was very relaxed. Read Less
Dianne Patterson Jackson Pannullo
9 Jan 2017
REPORT
Like his father, the late Mike Bakaty, Mehai is a master of his craft. Let him design your Japanese tattoo. And I swear you really don't experience that much pain with a Mehai tattoo.
Alice Lubic
24 Dec 2016
REPORT
Great artists, great atmosphere. Kind and efficient. A great experience all around
Tracy Gee
6 Nov 2016
REPORT
Love my tiny Manhattan skyline tattoo. Got in as walk in & was done in no time. Thank you guys!
Vanessa Adams
16 Oct 2016
REPORT
Joe did an amazing job reading my mind, i.e. Interpreting my verbal direction since I have no art skills whatsoever. Clean work, and stunning
Lea Parr
29 Sep 2016
REPORT
I chose this place initially because I think the website is awesome with Craig Jackman in all his glory :) But, I think it's a fantastic establishment after heading over there late one Wednesday even... Read More
I chose this place initially because I think the website is awesome with Craig Jackman in all his glory :) But, I think it's a fantastic establishment after heading over there late one Wednesday evening. I wasn't sure if I was going to get my tattoo done, and I had a limited amount of time (read: about 24 hours) in L.A. But, he managed to fit me in at the very end of the day. I brought in pictures and my ideas, and Craig helped me make it real and long-lasting. Though I wanted something on my feet, he advised me about how they don't last as long because of all the wear and tear that feet get during a course of a day. But after about 20 minutes of conversation and drawing it up, he finished my ankle tattoo in about an hour. It's black and grey, and I absolutely love it! The concept is that I'm bi-coastal, living in Boston but will always consider L.A. my home. I wanted to get a set representing the West and East Coasts, and it helped to have someone help me design the tattoo with that love for L.A. in mind! Now to get that East Coast tat..... Read Less
Blazin' Flattlanders
13 Jun 2016
REPORT
Dale Shmitt did an amazing job. He saved a very large prison piece for me on an extremely short notice. Very cool guy, and is very versatile. Tip him at least $50-$100, he deals with tourist Walk ins ... Read More
Dale Shmitt did an amazing job. He saved a very large prison piece for me on an extremely short notice. Very cool guy, and is very versatile. Tip him at least $50-$100, he deals with tourist Walk ins mostly. have him do something cool that's not your spouses initials or an ny logo, he has mad skills. Worth every penny. If I'm lying, come to Tulsa and burn my house down. Great job Dale. I've made a lifelong connection for any serious work I may need done. Read Less
Desire Robb
12 Apr 2016
REPORT
Got my owl on a cherry blossom tree by Joseph. It is beautiful i am beyond happy. Everyone was nice and friendly. I felt comfortable , joe listened to all my wants and concerns and gave me a great tat... Read More
Got my owl on a cherry blossom tree by Joseph. It is beautiful i am beyond happy. Everyone was nice and friendly. I felt comfortable , joe listened to all my wants and concerns and gave me a great tattoo that my whole family loves. I highly recommend joe and fine line tattoo. Read Less
Bree Antonie Rossborough
14 Nov 2015
REPORT
Came 2 N.Y in 2014 & as I like 2 get a tattoo wherever we travel I had it locked in my mind 2 get a memorium tattoo 4 my Dad (I wear my heart on my sleeve!) & I was NOT disappointed. AWESOME experienc... Read More
Came 2 N.Y in 2014 & as I like 2 get a tattoo wherever we travel I had it locked in my mind 2 get a memorium tattoo 4 my Dad (I wear my heart on my sleeve!) & I was NOT disappointed. AWESOME experience!! Read Less
Rachel Fong
11 Sep 2015
REPORT
After hearing great things about Fineline, I got a diamond outline tattoo on my wrist here. It's just over a month old and the inklines are already bleeding into each other :( also the actual outlinin... Read More
After hearing great things about Fineline, I got a diamond outline tattoo on my wrist here. It's just over a month old and the inklines are already bleeding into each other :( also the actual outlining lines of the diamond aren't even. Would not recommend. Read Less
Alex Jex
10 Mar 2014
REPORT
Love it, very clean and very thorough and they had me dying laughing which helped ease the pain of getting a tatt on my foot. Especially with the two dudes that were on the other side of the desk wher... Read More
Love it, very clean and very thorough and they had me dying laughing which helped ease the pain of getting a tatt on my foot. Especially with the two dudes that were on the other side of the desk where my nails were clenched in. lol. Great job though! Came out better then I expected. Read Less
Johnny Andrew
24 Nov 2013
REPORT
i think about mehai and angelo and mike and danny and joe and i think about Choppo my sweet baby boy...
Lemmybtl
1 Mar 2008
REPORT
I've been going to Fine Line for a few years and they always manage to top the last piece they did. It doesn't matter what artist you work with: Mike, Mehai, and Skull are all great. Highly recommende... Read More
I've been going to Fine Line for a few years and they always manage to top the last piece they did. It doesn't matter what artist you work with: Mike, Mehai, and Skull are all great. Highly recommended if you want to get a tattoo in a traditional shop with no bs. Read Less
Is this your business?
CLAIM IT HERE
Incorrect information? Let us know