The Cocktail and Tattoo Crawl: NYC’s Best Bars Near Tattoo Parlors
New York City has long been home to two of the world’s most enduring subcultures: craft cocktails and tattoos. Both are forms of self-expression, deeply rooted in history, artistry, and rebellion. While one tells a story on skin, the other tells a story in a glass.
For those who appreciate both fine ink and fine drinks, a cocktail and tattoo crawl is the perfect way to experience the city’s best tattoo studios while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you are celebrating a fresh piece of artwork or simply immersing yourself in NYC’s vibrant nightlife, these bars—located inside or next to top tattoo parlors—offer a seamless transition from needle to nightcap.
Why Cocktails and Tattoos Belong Together
The connection between tattoos and drinking culture goes back centuries, from sailors marking their travels in ink while downing rum to underground speakeasies where tattoo artists worked in secret. Today, the pairing has evolved into a sophisticated blend of artistry and craftsmanship.
Why pair a tattoo session with a cocktail crawl?
Celebrate the experience – Commemorate a new tattoo with a well-earned cocktail.
Embrace NYC’s creative culture – Both tattooing and mixology are forms of artistry, and NYC excels at both.
Discover unique spaces – Many of these bars and parlors share a design aesthetic, from vintage nostalgia to sleek modern minimalism.
A carefully planned tattoo and cocktail crawl ensures that every stop offers both visual and flavorful inspiration.
NYC’s Best Cocktail Bars Near Tattoo Parlors
Fine & Dandy (Flatiron) – A Hidden Cocktail Lounge Inside a Tattoo Studio
Located inside the renowned Fine & Dandy Tattoo studio, this cocktail bar offers expertly crafted drinks just steps away from some of NYC’s best tattoo artists. The vibe is dark, intimate, and slightly mischievous—perfect for those looking to combine high-end tattoo artistry with craft cocktails.
What to Drink:
The Black Ink Manhattan – A twist on the classic, infused with black sesame and bitters.
The Highball Revival – A light, refreshing whiskey highball with house-made soda.
Pair It With:
A fine-line tattoo or classic black-and-grey piece from one of Fine & Dandy’s celebrated resident artists.
This spot proves that tattoos and cocktails are two sides of the same artistic coin.
The Johnson’s (Bushwick) – A Laid-Back Cocktail Lounge Next to Three Kings Tattoo
Located just down the street from the legendary Three Kings Tattoo, The Johnson’s is a retro-cool cocktail lounge with a dive bar soul. With its vintage leather booths, neon lights, and a laid-back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind before or after a tattoo session.
What to Drink:
Frozen Painkiller – A creamy blend of rum, pineapple, coconut, and nutmeg.
House Old Fashioned – A no-nonsense classic, smooth and balanced.
Pair It With:
A bold, American traditional tattoo from one of Three Kings' artists.
The Johnson’s is ideal for those who want a low-key, post-tattoo celebration with good drinks and even better people-watching.
Skinny Dennis (Williamsburg) – Whiskey and Honky-Tonk Next to Flyrite Tattoo
Williamsburg’s Skinny Dennis is a honky-tonk dive bar known for its live music, affordable drinks, and whiskey-heavy menu. Just steps away from Flyrite Tattoo, it is the perfect spot for those who love classic Americana culture, from flash tattoos to stiff whiskey drinks.
What to Drink:
Bourbon Sweet Tea – A dangerously drinkable house specialty.
Pickleback Shots – Whiskey and pickle juice, a classic pairing.
Pair It With:
A bold, neo-traditional or flash-style tattoo from Flyrite Tattoo.
For those looking for a no-frills, Southern-inspired cocktail stop, Skinny Dennis delivers.
The Belfry (East Village) – Craft Cocktails Near East Side Ink
Tucked away in the East Village, The Belfry is a cozy, dimly lit cocktail bar with an eclectic drink menu that ranges from classic Old Fashioneds to creative, herbal-infused concoctions. Conveniently located near East Side Ink, this is an ideal spot for those who want a polished cocktail experience before or after getting inked.
What to Drink:
Spiced Pear Negroni – A fall-inspired twist on the classic Negroni.
Blackberry Sage Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and muddled blackberries with fresh sage.
Pair It With:
A fine-line or Japanese-style tattoo from East Side Ink’s world-class artists.
For those who appreciate thoughtful cocktails in an intimate setting, The Belfry offers a perfect complement to a tattoo session.
How to Plan Your Cocktail and Tattoo Crawl
For the ultimate tattoo and cocktail adventure, consider these tips:
Book a Tattoo Appointment in Advance – Walk-ins are great for small pieces, but if you want something custom, schedule ahead.
Start with a Light Cocktail – Avoid heavy or sugary drinks before getting tattooed, as they can make the experience less comfortable.
Hydrate and Eat Well – A full meal and plenty of water before a tattoo session will help prevent lightheadedness.
Celebrate Responsibly – Many tattoo shops will not ink clients who have been drinking, so save the strong cocktails for after your session.
Take It Slow – Plan your route so that the cocktail stops complement, rather than rush, your tattoo experience.
Bring the Cocktail and Tattoo Experience to Your Own Event
For those who love the tattoo and cocktail culture but prefer a private event setting, Art of the Cocktail offers custom mixology experiences that bring this high-energy pairing to life.
What We Offer:
Tattoo-Inspired Cocktails – Drinks inspired by classic tattoo motifs, from Japanese-style matcha highballs to bold, whiskey-heavy Old Fashioneds.
Live Cocktail Demonstrations – Watch expert mixologists create intricate, artful cocktails.
Custom Cocktail Menus – Whether inspired by black-and-grey realism or traditional Americana tattoos, our menus can reflect any style.
A Social, Hands-On Experience – Guests can mix their own drinks under expert guidance, just like artists creating tattoo flash sheets.
Whether for a corporate event, birthday, or creative gathering, this experience blends NYC’s tattoo and cocktail culture into one unforgettable night.
A Celebration of Ink and Spirits
The connection between tattoos and cocktails is more than just aesthetics—it is about personal expression, creativity, and tradition. Whether sipping a handcrafted cocktail inside a tattoo parlor or raising a glass to commemorate fresh ink, these experiences reflect the soul of NYC’s nightlife and artistic spirit.
For those looking to explore the city’s best tattoo-friendly bars or bring that energy into their own event, the right mixologists and the right ambiance can create an unforgettable fusion of craft and culture.
