# Tattoo shops in University District, Seattle

> 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.

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.

## Studios in University District (4)

- [Black Dolphin Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/black-dolphin-tattoo) — 5228 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 · (206) 666-4708 · https://www.blackdolphinseattle.com
- [Pierced Hearts Tattoo Parlor](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/pierced-hearts-tattoo-parlor) — 5307 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 · (206) 729-0200 · https://www.piercedhearts.com
- [Deep Roots](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/deep-roots) — 4517 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 · (206) 633-2639 · https://beststudioever.com/pages/deep-roots-seattle
- [Mind's Eye Tattoo](https://seattle-tattoo.org/studios/minds-eye-tattoo) — 5206 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 · (206) 522-7954

## FAQ

**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.