Black Dolphin Tattoo
Editor’s pick5228 University Way NE · University District
Fine LineAmerican TraditionalWalk-ins
Seattle neighborhood · 4 studios · 14 artists
Tattoo shops in University District
Student energy on The Ave, two light rail stations and cheap eats
Quick answerUpdated October 18, 2026
The University District surrounds the University of Washington and centers on University Way NE, known as The Ave, where several tattoo and piercing studios sit among inexpensive restaurants and shops. Two light rail stations, U District and University of Washington, make it easy to reach. It suits students and anyone who wants a car-free trip.
- Students
- Budget-friendly
- Transit-friendly
- Walkable
- Studio cluster
4 studios in University District
Pierced Hearts Tattoo Parlor
Editor’s pick5307 Roosevelt Way NE · University District
Open dailyWalk-insPiercing
Getting tattooed in University District
The Ave is lined with inexpensive restaurants, bookstores and shops that cater to UW students. The U District Farmers Market sets up on The Ave between NE 50th and 52nd streets every Saturday, year-round, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tattoo and piercing studios sit on and near The Ave and Roosevelt Way NE. In a neighborhood full of first-year students, remember the rule: you must be 18 to get a tattoo in Washington, no matter what a parent signs. Piercing age policies are set by each studio.
U District Station, on Brooklyn Avenue NE one block west of The Ave, and University of Washington Station, next to Husky Stadium, serve the 1 and 2 Lines. Street parking in the core is paid Monday through Saturday until 8 p.m., and until 6 p.m. on the edges. For a healing-friendly afternoon, the Burke Museum and the Henry Art Gallery on the UW campus are indoors and nearby.
Artists
Tattoo artists in University District
14 artists work at University District studios in the directory. Each profile comes from the studio’s own website and links back to it.
Names, roles, styles and photos come from each studio’s own website, and every profile links to its source. Professional information only. How artist profiles work
Just outside University District
Slave To The Needle
Wallingford, Seattle · 0.5 mi
Slave to the Needle is a tattoo studio at 403 NE 45th Street in Seattle. The site lists Japanese, traditional, neo-traditional, and realistic tattoos, and says its artists do custom work. Tattoo bookings are made by phone or in person.
Open dailyAmerican TraditionalNeo-Traditional(206) 545-3685View
Bellwether Tattoo
Wallingford, Seattle · 1.1 mi
Bellwether Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Seattle. The studio offers custom tattoos, photorealistic tattoos, portraits, and black and grey tattoos.
Black and GreyRealism(206) 633-6210View
Eastlake Tattoo
South Lake Union, Seattle · 1.3 mi
Eastlake Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Seattle that offers work in neo-traditional, geometric, and black-and-grey styles. The shop is appointment-only and offers consultations for tattoo projects.
Neo-TraditionalBlack and Grey(206) 324-0428View
Matt Hildebrand Tattoo
Wallingford, Seattle · 1.3 mi
4501 Interlake Ave N
Not confirmed open(206) 295-6085View
Altar
Roosevelt & Maple Leaf, Seattle · 1.4 mi
Altar is a tattoo studio in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood. The studio describes tattooing as an art form that honors both its physical and spiritual aspects, and offers intuitive tattooing.
(206) 714-8455View
University District tattoo FAQ
How many tattoo shops are in University District?
We list 4 tattoo studios in University District, Seattle, including Black Dolphin Tattoo, Pierced Hearts Tattoo Parlor, and Deep Roots.
Can a UW student under 18 get a tattoo in the U District?
No. Washington law makes it a misdemeanor to tattoo anyone under 18, and parental consent doesn't change that. Studios check government-issued photo ID before every tattoo. Piercing is different: each studio sets its own policy, and many require a parent or legal guardian present with ID for anyone under 18.
Which light rail station is closest to The Ave?
U District Station, on Brooklyn Avenue NE one block west of The Ave, is closest to most of the neighborhood's shops and studios. University of Washington Station, next to Husky Stadium, is better for the south end of campus. Both are served by the 1 Line and the 2 Line.