Going through Atlas Tattoo’s artist portfolios, what really stood out were the bold American traditional styles: thick black lines, a tight color palette, and iconic designs that never go out of style.

Some artists that really caught our attention were Jerry Hare and Lewis Hess. Jerry’s really great for traditional American tattoos mixed with comic art and ‘60s-’70s psychedelia, while Lewis’ designs are rooted in comics with Japanese and Western influences.

The shop itself feels like a museum in the best way, with old-school charm radiating from the walls (and even the ceiling!) lined with framed flash sheets. It totally fits for a studio that’s been around since 1998 and continues to honor its roots while staying fresh.

Atlas offers both appointments and same-day call-ins, which we found super convenient, especially when plans shift or inspiration strikes out of nowhere. A lot of folks we talked to also mentioned the convenience of their walk-ins on Sundays.

However, one person experienced poor customer service after a tattoo artist stopped responding during scheduling. Building anticipation only to be ignored is a serious issue with anything. 

Comfortable place with incredible artists.

“Incredible place,comfortable, inviting and some of the best artists I’ve gotten the pleasure of meeting. So grateful to have had Lewis do my piece. My boyfriend got work by the owner! And we flew in from Oklahoma. We called that day when they opened to get a spot. You have to be quick beacuse this place fills up!! We will absolutely be back. Thank you so much!!!”

Genevieve Foerster, Google Review

Been coming here for about a decade and it’s so worth it!

“I have been coming here for different tattoos for about a decade at this point and I can’t recommend this place enough. Every artist here that I’ve spoken with has been very welcoming, knowledgeable, professional, and fun. In those roughly ten years I have had Jerry Ware (co-founder of Atlas Tattoo) do both my left and right arm sleeves and he is the absolute best person and tattoo artist. Very talented, professional, clean, and fun shop all around. Highly recommend”.

Doug Kearns, Google Review

It’s an outdated image to think of tattoos as something only for tough guys with sleeves. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way, and that shift is exactly what we felt at Birdhouse Tattoo.

The artists here showcase whimsical linework and sketch-style designs. We especially loved Rachel’s minimalist pieces with touches of red, and Madi’s vibrant line art that really pops with colors.

We loved how everything felt so safe and comfortable. Many of the artists are neurodivergent themselves, so the studio is mindful of sensory stimulation. You’ll find fidgets, an option to play your own music on headphones, and tattoo machines that would hardly make any noise at all.

Their care doesn’t stop after the tattoo, either. Many found it very thoughtful how they walk you through aftercare, ask your preference for tattoo covers, and make sure you feel supported throughout the healing process.

They’re eco-conscious too. They use biodegradable ink cups, razors, and equipment covers to help reduce plastic waste.

That said, one person did share a frustrating experience during a Friday the 13th event, waiting in line for three hours with no updates, only to be turned away. If you’re joining their events, we recommend coming in early.

Such a comfortable place with all the lovely plants!

“Birdhouse is so comfortable and welcoming with all of the lovely plants and chill atmosphere. It is also a very thoughtful and inclusive environment. Chris was wonderful and responsive when booking. Alia’s art and talent is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Her fine lines and detail technique created such a beautiful tattoo! Plus her kindness made it fun and easy to spend hours together!”

Christina N, Google Review

Loved the design, it was very unique.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with my experience with Michelle. She nailed the design and was super lovely to work. She has a unique style and talent and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!”

Lindsay Hodge, Google Review 

Nature-inspired tattoos are often on our dream list, and luckily, Wonderland Tattoo has a whole book of options.

The studio itself is pretty amazing. It’s an old house turned tattoo parlor, complete with hand-painted wallpaper and natural history-inspired decor. It’s exactly the kind of inspiring space where creativity can strike at any moment.

Many clients have felt comforted by how their creativity is paired with a strong focus on safety. Wonderland provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing, including gently washing with mild soap, applying lotion, and more.

They work by appointment only and encourage signing up for their mailing list to stay updated. Sometimes, last-minute cancellations mean same-day openings get posted online, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.

Still, some have pointed out areas for improvement. One client was impressed with the results until two years later the tattoo began to fade. Hopefully, maintaining consistency will become an even greater priority so everyone can fully appreciate the art for years to come.

I felt comfortable during the whole process.

“I had a wonderful experience here tattooed by the very talented Alice Kendall. The staff and environment are welcoming from the beginning. I felt comfortable during the whole process. They have created a fun and friendly atmosphere that’s not in your typical tattoo shop. Alice has such passion and creative eye with her art. I’m forever grateful to have one of her creations on me forever. Thank you so much!!”

Jordan LaFata, Google Review 

The quality of the tattoo is next level!

“BEST tattoo experience I’ve ever had. The staff are friendly and warm, the owner is amazing in every way, and the quality of tattoo is next level. You can tell they care about creating an inclusive environment for all. Also the shop is decorated so cool.”

Curtis Knight, Google Review 

Icon Tattoo won our hearts with the wide variety of specialties they bring to the table, from old traditional American to Japanese woodblock-inspired and fine-line florals. It’s honestly the kind of place that sparks even more ideas.

The clients we spoke to loved their ornamental and color work, highlighting the versatility and creative range you can expect from this studio.

The space itself is incredible. It has this Western mysticism vibe, which gives off a unique feel. 

But what stood out the most was how many people mentioned feeling genuinely welcomed. This really adds to the comfort and safety clients feel while working with the artists.

And speaking of care, Icon doesn’t just leave you after the tattoo is done. They provide clear, helpful aftercare instructions, so you know exactly how to keep your piece looking its best. That extra attention just ties the whole experience together.

We just wish some artists would be more accepting of clients’ ideas. One client shared a negative experience with a custom piece, saying their ideas were disregarded.

While we are impressed with the artist’s talent, we believe it’s important to accommodate clients’ ideas as much as possible, especially for custom works. It’s their skin after all.

They interpreted my idea perfectly!

“I have hand tattoos from Soko at Icon, and they’re some of my favorite tattoos. I had such a lovely experience working with them, they interpreted my idea perfectly and offered multiple variations on the design. They were also a very kind and considerate tattooer, and made sure I was comfortable and checked in with my several time. I’ve suggested them to several of my friends and they’ve all had great experiences too! 10/10”

Katy Bisby, Google Review 

Full of talented artists that work in a variety of style.

“Alena has done all of my stomach tattoos and more besides. Icon is a great shop full of talented artists that work in a variety of styles, and as a tattooer in Portland I’ve referred tons of people here. The atmosphere is friendly and fun, the space is beautiful, and the tattoos are great.”

Kirsten Holliday, Google Review 

We recently visited Upshur Tattoo Company in Portland and found the experience to be highly professional yet welcoming. From the first consultation, their team showed genuine interest in our tattoo ideas, took care to discuss placement, style, and aftercare in detail—and made us feel comfortable the entire time.

When it came to the actual tattooing process, the studio’s standards were clear: clean, respectful, and focused on quality. The artist we worked with explained each step, kept the workspace tidy, and checked in with us about comfort and clarity. The artwork we received was beautifully executed with sharp lines and smooth shading, and the finish looked even better than we had hoped.

One practical point worth noting: because the studio specializes in custom designs and takes time with each client, booking ahead is definitely wise. If you go in expecting a quick walk-in flash piece, you might find the wait or consultation requirement a little longer than that. But if you’re willing to invest the time, the result—and the service around it—is well worth it.

In short, Upshur Tattoo Company offers a tattoo experience that combines artistic integrity, client care, and professional standards. We left feeling very pleased with our new piece and confident that we’d chosen a strong studio for our body art.

Classic never dies, and that’s exactly the vibe we got at Grizzly Tattoo. Their styles range from traditional tattoos to black and gray pieces, and even some indigenous-inspired art. 

We heard a lot of praise for their shading and lining, and we can see why after looking at their portfolio. They really bring the vision to life with impressive detail.

We really liked the place, the inside is bright, with lots of natural light and high ceilings. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the city, which is super convenient. If you’ve got friends waiting for you, they can easily hang out at the nearby spots.

Many clients also appreciated that Grizzly welcomes walk-ins, making it easier for folks to stop by. 

We also liked that their pricing feels reasonable, with a $100 minimum and hourly rates ranging from $150 to $200 depending on the artist.

We just hope they’ll improve their scheduling system. There were a few reports of appointments being canceled due to mix-ups, even if the appointment was scheduled months in advance.

Just got my third tattoo! I really enjoyed their creative process.

“Just got my third tattoo from Tyler yesterday. Cannot say enough good things about the shop and Tyler specifically. Very easy to work with, sent him some reference photos and he came up with a great one-off design that was exactly what I was hoping for (similar to my other two tattoos I got from him a few years ago). Shop is very clean and welcoming, price was very reasonable, and I really enjoyed his creative process and communication. If you’re looking to get work done in Portland, swing by Grizzly.”

Nathan Frechen, Google Review

Outstanding fine-line detail and shading!

“Tyler designed and inked my first tattoo for my right forearm. I am extremely proud of it and love showing it off. It is more exceptional than I could have imagined. I have had nothing but outstanding compliments on the fine-line detail, shading, execution and subject matter. He was a thoughtful consultant, and we tried different sizes and positions until it was exactly right. After a fair amount of on-line research, I definitely chose the right place and artist. I have one more tat in mind and you can bet this is where I will be returning. I will also add that it is an outstanding value for the very high quality and precision.”

Robert Hicks, Google Review