Lark Street Tattoo

I love this place and I love these people. The shop is super clean and everyone who works there is…read moregreat. I would highly recommend this place. I don't want to pick favorites but Whitney is my favorite.

I got a tattoo recently. My first. This is shocking to me still because I've turned this idea over…read morein my head for years. The conclusion was always the same. No. Can't do it. Then, an important occasion came up and I thought, why not memorialize it with a tattoo? Suddenly, the "no" became a "why not?" Then, the next question. Where to have this tat done? Well, if you look it up on Yelp, The Dead Presidents Lounge has rave reviews. So I called up. Next, I was asked to email what I was looking for. The manager took a look at my request and assigned me to an artist named Mel. There are about 10 artists working there. The art that I was asking for was very delicate. It turns out, Mel is awesome but full disclosure, she has a slogan. It's written on a sign in her tattoo room. "Always late but worth the wait." I arrived 15 minutes early. Mel arrived 20 minutes late. No worries. I brought lunch and ate it in the waiting area. I studied all of the sample tattoos on the walls. It was an interesting place with a Hindu vibe. It was explained to me that the business owner is Hindu. When Mel showed up, she arrived in a cheerful burst of energy and she immediately threw herself into the project. She presented me with options. We talked at length. She was very determined to deliver what I was looking for and very understanding. She has mad skills as both an artist and a communicator. She got it. And when she was done, it was perfect. A floral armband with a tiny blue butterfly was designed to look a bit like arm jewelry. The cost was $200. Mel was concerned that I would be in pain but actually it didn't hurt much. She gave me instructions on how to take care of the tattoo so that it doesn't get infected or dry out. As I was getting ready to leave I asked Mel about her thoughts on Asian fantasy animals. She smiled. "So you're already thinking about your next tattoo?" she asked. " I get that a lot." Yup. She got me. After years of putting off getting a tattoo, I may be back soon enough to get a tattoo on my other arm. Thanks, Mel and The Dead Presidents Lounge for your remarkable work.

Tattoo by Christian Minick

Tattoo by Elijah Ortiz

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Tattoo by Elijah Ortiz

Modern Body Art Tattoo & Piercing

4.4(30 reviews)

Certified professionals

30 years in business

I've been to quite a few piercing and tattoo shops but I real appreciated my experience with the…read morepiercer here, Gina. She made me feel really comfortable the whole time and I would not hesitate to return to her. This day, I had my rook pierced (ear cartilage) and it was so quick and easy. I also requested that she change and replace the jewelry in my tragus (another ear piercing). Once she called me in, I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. She is the master piercer here and you could tell she knew what she was doing. The major difference between her and other places, is she will use beautiful starter jewelry. The curved bar she put in my newly pierced rook was a double ended prong gem and I was so excited and I am so pleased. Most places will use a standard barbell and you have to settle with that until it's healed and you can return to have it changed. Since she pierced with this, I am set for years. She also put a beautiful gem in my tragus. I think this is the best place to get pierced in Albany.

I recently was serviced by courtney and in my opinion she was very rude and unprofessional. I…read morethought she seemed very impatient and annoyed with me. It was my very first time and I am not happy. Worse tattoo experience ever!!

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Face in the Trees - Artist - Maddie C

Tom Spaulding Tattoo And Body Piercing Studio

4.4(21 reviews)

1.6 mi

I wanted to get my septum pierced for a while now, but I just didn't know when. I recently moved…read morefrom NYC to Albany, so there wasn't much of a selection of tattoo and piercing studios. A coworker recently had hers redone, so I asked. She recommended Gene-O at Tom Spaulding's. I went there on a whim today, with my boyfriend in tow. It was a last minute decision and I'm glad I did! Gene pierced me without an appointment and I also got a second nostril piercing on the same side that I already had. He's extremely professional and a giant teddy bear, and was making jokes to keep me at ease and he was reassuring.

Came in for a new septum ring when my old one fell out by accident the day prior. Eugene was an…read moreabsolute sweetheart!!! He checked on me multiple times to make sure that I was alright and had a very calming presence. The place is very homey, no fuss, and what you get is what you get. Totally recommend.

Tom Spaulding Tattoo And Body Piercing Studio

Tom is a master of very fine linework!

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Shocker Tattoo Company

4.9(13 reviews)

I decided after months of putting it off that I wanted to finally get my nose pierced. Shocker…read morerequires masks and for you to sign a contract tracing sheet, which I think is fantastic. I stopped in after calling ahead by about half an hour, and we got started. I was nervous - I have plenty of tattoos, but only ear piercings - and I must admit, it was painful. I prolly wouldn't do it again. And I unfortunately - and humiliatingly - passed out right after David pierced my nose and put in the jewelry. I thought I was prepared, but I guess I wasn't, lol. Thankfully, he was absolutely awesome. He caught me and had me lay down for a while, brought me water and a lollipop to help with my sugar levels and kept checking on me to make sure I was okay. It took me about 20 minutes to get back to normal, and he was so patient and kind about it. That really meant a lot. If I ever get another piercing, I'll definitely be going here.

Sean was nothing but amazing! I wanted to add onto a rose tattoo I had gotten last year. Not only…read moredid he blend the old with the new perfectly, he created a true work of art. I trusted him to do what he thought would work, and was NOT disappoiI would definitely recommend this place!

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Done By Sean

Kreative Ink

3.7(3 reviews)

It was a last minute decision between me my boyfriend and my cousin to come here, the place is…read moresuper cool, tiny. The first thing that caught my eye was the case of beer that everyone in there was drinking. I'm not 100% sure if the person who did our piercings was drinking, but i would like to believe not. Secondly, the place reeked of weed. The people in there are very nice the piercer/tattoo artist was calm at first. Though, one thing i noticed which he did for all three of us, is he set up the station WITHOUT gloves on and used a dull...sharpie...(not body safe ink) to mark our piercing. He did not check with us on the placement and he just went in and pierced it immediately upon marking. I went first. I just got my nostril pierced. it was quick and it went well. then my cousin, got her septum. because they didn't have a flat table to lay down on, he had her sit in a chair upright, and she pulled back on him, which was of course on her, though, he didn't use clamps the first time around, because he couldn't find them and didn't want to spend the time looking he ended up piercing her nostril by accident as well the (first time). he was very kind and cool during all this considering the situation. He redid her septum and it went well the second time. he use the clamps this time around and it went well. He was definitely frazzled after that. Then my boyfriend; he got his nostril pierced and the needle was quick, he got it through, but for some reason, he couldn't get the piercing in. he struggled for quite some time until he finally decided to just re pierce it. he struggled for what seemed like 10 mins trying to get the stud in, but he finally got it in. After all this, we've probably occupied about 30-40 mins of his time. and the only reason i mention this is because he was the only person doing the tats and piercings, and he had another guy waiting to get tattooed who was already in the chair before we got there with the stencil already on. Overall, all of our piercings looks great. and for myself, i had a good experience here, but my cousin and boyfriend, they would say otherwise.

Very professional, I was nervous but the piercings were quick and relatively pain free! So glad I…read moredecided to stop by! Thank you!!

By lzj_ink

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Pinpoint Art

5.0(2 reviews)

7.2 mi

I have had three pieces done by Celtae and I could not be happier! Celtae takes her time with…read moreeverything to make sure it is perfect. Prior to the appt she will sit down with you to discuss shape, size, thickness, font etc to make sure its perfect for you. She will look at the piece on your body in various lighting and positions to make sure it looks good in different aspects. The shop is so pretty and clean. Celtae has also had an apprentice with her the last few times I was there who was very kind as well! I am really happy that I have found Pinpoint art and cannot wait to continue to get more work done here!

I've gone here to Celtae a couple times now and I love her work!! She's super friendly and makes…read moreyou feel very comfortable. I'll keep going back to her and Jasmine for as long as I can!

Permanent marq tattoo

1.0(1 review)

Worse place ever. Do not trust your skin this guy. Ruined my tattoo, not a professional.read more

From the owner: Hello potential customers, Permanent marq is a realistic tattoo artist specializing in realistic…read moretattoos. Very laid back guy and fair with pricing , you wont be disappointed! Make your appointments and get your permanent marq!

Red dragon outline tattoo done by Permanent MarQ!

Forearm tattoo done by Permanent MarQ! Get your quote today!

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Angel tattoo done by Permanent MarQ!

Resolute Tattoo

3.9(7 reviews)

3.7 mi

I have been going to Dan for over a decade and every piece looks new…read more He and Holly are friendly, knowledgeable, professional folks who can guide you through the entire process.

Quality artists, good people and a clean enviroment. I have been recieving tattoos from these…read moreartists since they opened. I highly reccomend consulting. You wont be disappointed. Keep your eyes open for some of their events and raffles!

Tattoo

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The Curly Wolf Tattoo Club

4.2(5 reviews)

0.1 mi

Had a great experience here while getting a small tattoo! My friend/tattoo artist recently moved to…read morethis shop and I was excited to check it out! It's a small shop, ground level on Lark. It is easy to get to and they have a couple parking places - huge plus for this area. It's super homey inside with plenty to look at while you are laying down, unable to move, and in slight discomfort. Really had a quick and easy experience getting my custom tattoo. They have great service, clean environment and quality tools and such. Kate did a great job on delivering what I wanted to represent my love; my dog. Would certainly recommend Kate and this shop.

Despite the dangerous crowd that has grown on the business end of lark street in the recent year I…read morecontinue to enjoy and feel safe being tattooed at the curly wolf. Not only do the artists here do phenomenal work they also are amazing about making sure I feel safe before and after my appointment. They do a great job of policing the area around their business as a 28 year old local woman this effort is much appreciated Ask for Sean he is an incredible artist !!!

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Custom tattoo by Kate

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43 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Amy R.

8 years ago

I have been a regular customer here since this shop has opened. Not only am I treated with absolute respect and dignity each and every time I enter the building t-bone has become a dear friend. What started as a small little tattoo has become a entire sleeve. I am faithful to him and trust every suggestion that he makes. I recommend this shop to anybody who asks me. In fact many of my closest friends frequent the shop just to say hi to there artist. Each artist takes time to get to know each guest that they have the honor to express their artistic talent on. I am proud to be a customer of lark Tattoo as well as a friend to Tom "t-bone" Martin. I would never consider letting anyone tattoo me. That is a completed sleeve, the next has already been started thank you lark Tattoo!!!!! For those who are even considering a permanent expression of art stop by for a consultation it will cost you nothing and give you the opportunity to meet some of the mast gracious and friendly talented people who actually care about before, during and after they are finished!!!!!!!!!! If only I could convince them to let me wear one of their t-shirts lol lol Much love and appreciation Tom read more

Rich H.

15 years ago

I highly recommend Lark Tattoo in Albany...they are clean, professional and truly exceptional artists (unfortunately, traits I have not always found in other shops over the years). I strongly and unconditionally recommend Geoff...he has a vision and way of thinking that helped me figure out what I wanted, what would look good and would achieve my desired results. He was not a "hired gun" simply drawing what I told him to...he worked with me, made suggestions, took mine and told me, honestly, his thoughts. I did a cover-up sock (pictured) that is a work of art. I've also had other pieces done by Geoff (back, other leg) and Kyle (stomach/rocker)...and been nothing but ecstatic with the results. I have friends that have used some of the other artists at Lark and gone back for more...proving you can't go wrong with any of the artists at Lark. Also, as mentioned below, Lark Tattoo does NOT do piercings...so the review below about the bad piercing is posted incorrectly on this page. read more

Gavin H.

15 years ago

I have 7 tattoos on my body. 3 of them from a parlor in Croydon, South London UK. The other 4 from Lark St Tattoo. Richie Van did all but one of them. Here is the bottom line. They are Clean. Professional. Sterile. Polite. Accommodating. Helpful. Friendly. Thoughtful. Artistic. Fun. Great For The Price. Popular. Busy. I am running out of words to say. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone getting a tattoo, either for the first time or not, to go here. I even had a tattoo from the UK improved by Richie. I have asked for some tough requests and LST fulfilled every time. When you are having something put on your body that really is for life, you need it to be right first time as you envisioned it, imagined it, requested it. LST does that and exceeds. So please, shop around, look around, for a tattoo artist and parlor. You can be rest assured, no matter what you do, you will end up at LST every time. read more

Erin L.

9 years ago

I was grateful to discover for myself that Lark Tattoo's LOCAL reputation for being a clean, professional, fun place to collaborate with great artists on finding the right tattoos was 100% deserved. Kara Kniffen worked tirelessly to come up with a piece that reflected a certain particular style that I was looking for, and then to find a way to merge four elements into one cohesive piece in a beautiful way. I enjoyed the days in the shop with Kara as she made the whole experience a fun and memorable time. I was happy to return with my husband a few months later for his first tattoo, and hope to be joining my daughter there soon to get more for myself! read more

Annie D.

17 years ago

A professional, clean, well-run tattoo shop. The staff are helpful and really create a positive tattoo experience. I've been to four shops in the Capital District area and this is my favorite. Richie is an experienced, friendly, talented, patient tattoo artist. He does excellent work -really clean lines, good details and great shading. I have six tattoos and the one that receives the most compliments was done by Richie because of the fine details. Don't waste your $ at those shops littered on Central Ave., you'll have the ink for the rest of your life, so spend the time and effort checking out one of the great artists at Lark Tattoo. read more

Kristen K.

12 years ago

My husband and I are frequent customers and have nothing but wonderful things to say about the artists at Lark! I have been tattooed twice by Geoff and three times by Kara, my husband has been tattooed 8 times by Kara. We have very large, smaller, grey scale and color pieces by them and they're all exceptional. Every artist there is very talented, everyone who works there has always been so friendly and we love the atmosphere. We live a bit out of the area now and haven't been back in a while but we plan on going back, I can't say enough good things about them. You won't be disappointed!! read more

Emelia K.

15 years ago

I have 3 tattoos from Lark, and I've never had a bad experience. Melanie did my two latest ones and she was wonderful. She came up with the perfect design for both of them after getting an admittedly vague description of what I wanted. She's a very talented artist and sweet person. Both of the people working the phones at the front desk area I met were very personable and fun to talk to and the whole place has a great atmosphere. I can't wait to go back and more work done. I recommend Lark Tattoo to everyone I know. My dad even went there for his first tattoo! read more

Molly C.

11 years ago

Lark tatoo is simply amazing! Not only did the give me the coolest cartridge piercing ever & tat my bestie with a killer moon, but they go above and beyond to support their local community. Recently, they were kind enough to donate to the Caitlin Clancy Memorial Golf Tournament in support of the Guilderland High School Scholarship Fund. In doing so, they helped provide scholarships to senior students in the Guilderland Central School District. We are so grateful to have businesses like this in our community, who choose to give back and spread goodwill. read more

Bellanca F.

8 years ago

Kara was amazing. Not only is her artwork itself incredible, but her demeanor, kindness and professionalism are second to none. I enjoyed the experience and I know I'll enjoy her beautiful work for years to come. I would highly recommend a visit to Kara, but you'll have to call to make an appointment. Kara is such a popular artist that her schedule fills up quickly. It doesn't take forever to get on her schedule, it just takes a little pre-planning. Thank you, thank you, thank you Kara and Lark Tattoo for a fabulous experience. read more

Kimberly S.

12 years ago

I really enjoyed my experience at Lark Tattoo. I worked with Kara and I would definitely recommend her, especially for those who are getting their first tattoo like I did. I was prepared to pay a pretty penny. People had told me Lark was expensive, but it's because they're the best. I didn't think my tattoo price was too bad. Granted it was small and only one color, but I still paid less than I thought I would. I definitely want another tattoo and I will absolutely go to Lark to get it done. read more

Betty Jean S.

9 years ago

I have been going to this shop since 2002. I've never had a problem with anyone there. All of the artists and staff have been kind and helpful. I've never gotten a bad tattoo or had any complications or scarring. The shop is clean. My artist has always opened new needles in front of me from sealed packages and uses disposable containers of ink that he discards when he's done. The caliber of artwork in the portfolios of the various artists is second to none. I can't recommend this shop enough. read more

Derek C.

8 years ago

In 1993 Tom T Bone did an amazing job on my tattoo. Over time, naturally the tattoo faded and needed to be touched up. I recently met with Tom again to complete the touch up. I am 100% satisfied with Tom's work in the result of my touch up. The staff ( Sabra) was courteous, friendly, and professional. The process to see Tom after 25 years was seamless for making an appointment to the actual sit-down work you did. I was just as satisfied in 2018 with the Lark Street Tattoo as I was in 1993.. read more

Bella W.

15 years ago

A great place to get a tattoo! With a wonderful staff of visionary artists, they're at the top of their game. When I had my consultation for a cover-up, they were able to give me several options to choose from, and had the integrity to tell me if my idea would work or not (it would not). They want you to have the best tattoos because it's their good reputation on the line. I had to take off one star, because the parking's a hassle, but otherwise Lark Tattoo is amazing! read more

Kristen M.

15 years ago

T-Bone did two of my tattoos, one large backpiece and a large one on my thigh and I just had my third one done by T-Bone a couple days ago. The tattoo was of my mother and it is so lifelike it's almost as if it is her. The shop is great - outgoing artists, fun atmosphere and extremely clean and well kept. I recommend all of my friends who want a tattoo to Lark Tattoo. I've never been disappointed. read more

Nicole Z.

15 years ago

Yesterday, I got my fourth tattoo by t-bone and it was a great experience. The area was across my ribs, and he made it almost painless, with his experience he is very light handed and very talented. He did complicated script with shading and it came out beautiful I could not be happier. I would recommend this shop and this artist to anyone who is interested in getting a tattoo. yay Lark Tattoo! read more

David L.

14 years ago

Went here for my first tattoo not really knowing what to expect. I was immediately greeted by friendly service at the front desk and I got an appointment scheduled with the artist Kirby. When I went to get the tattoo done he did a quick, clean and professional job talking me through the entire process. I would definitely recommend Lark Tattoo to anyone interested in getting a tattoo. read more

Justin D.

178

9 years ago

I went here for my first tattoo and I couldn't of been happier with the service and professionalism of everyone I encountered. Kyle, who did my tattoo, was patient with me while I peppered him with dozens of questions in my nervous state, and did a great job calming me down and making me believe that the tattoo would go smoothly, which it did. I look forward to coming back again! read more

Michele R.

5 years ago

I went to Lark Street Tattoo for my first tattoo. The girl, Sabe, at the front desk was very helpful. The artist that helped me was TBone. He was fabulous. Very professional and understanding. He used a picture I sent him and it turned out perfect. I will definitely go back if I get another tattoo and I highly recommend his shop and him. Michele Rickert read more

Maura S.

14 years ago

i just got my first tattoo at the lark shop done by t-bone. the entire experience was awesome. T-Bone was very professional yet very personal. when i wasn't sure of the initial font chosen, he offered to draw an origional lay out which turned out beautiful. i felt very comfortable and well taken care of. i will absolutley go back to T-Bone for my next piece. read more

Kim S.

8 years ago

Absolutely love Lark Tattoo! Pretty sure it's my designated spot whenever I'm in Albany and looking for ink. Everyone here is amazingly nice and takes care of you no matter what you need. I was tattooed by Shelley as a walk in along with my other two friends and she had no problem tattooing all three of us right after the other. 110% would go back again! read more

Lark Street Tattoo - tattoo - Updated September 2026

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