Best Tattoo Shop & Body Piercing Studio in Arlington, TX

Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon has served Arlington and the Dallas–Fort Worth area since 2012, delivering custom tattoos, advanced tattoo cover-ups and professional body piercing. Led by Pistol Pete — The Emperor of Tattoo Cover-Ups™ — our Arlington studio is known for original artwork, experienced craftsmanship and taking on difficult tattoo projects other artists may turn away. Whether you’re searching for the best tattoo shop in Arlington, a skilled tattoo artist near you, or a professional body piercing studio, our goal is simple: create work you’ll be proud to wear for life.

Choosing the best tattoo shop in Arlington isn’t about who says “best” the most—it’s about experience, artistry, reputation and the ability to deliver when the work is difficult. Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon has built its reputation through more than a quarter century of tattoo experience, custom artwork, advanced tattoo cover-ups and clients who travel from across Texas, the United States and internationally to work with Pistol Pete. From first tattoos and detailed custom pieces to major transformations and failed cover-up corrections, every project is approached as individual artwork—not a copy of someone else’s tattoo.

Our Arlington studio serves clients throughout Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Fort Worth, Irving, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Midlothian, Waxahachie and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Whether you searched for a tattoo shop near me, tattoo studio in Arlington, tattoo parlor in Arlington, or simply want an experienced artist you can trust, Pistol Pete’s gives you one place for custom tattooing, advanced cover-ups and professional body piercing.

A great tattoo shop should be judged by more than advertising. Before choosing an artist or studio, look at the quality of healed and finished work, the artist’s experience, originality of the portfolio, cleanliness and professional standards, client reviews, and whether the artist has proven experience with the type of tattoo you actually want.

At Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon, we encourage clients to look closely at the work. Bring us your idea—not another person’s tattoo to copy. If you want roses, bring photographs of real roses. If you want angels, bring references to statues, sculpture or other real-world imagery. The goal is to understand your vision and create something specifically for you.

Anyone can call themselves the best tattoo shop. The better question is whether their work, reputation and history support the claim. Before choosing a tattoo studio, look beyond a few polished photographs. Read client experiences, study the artist’s portfolio across different types of work, and pay attention to how long the shop has consistently served its community.

Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon has served Arlington since 2012, while Pistol Pete brings more than a quarter century of tattoo experience to the work. Our reputation has been built one client and one tattoo at a time—from first tattoos and custom pieces to difficult corrections and advanced cover-ups.

We believe clients should be able to see the work before trusting us with theirs. That’s why our portfolio includes real examples of custom tattooing, detailed artwork and transformations completed for our clients.

The best tattoo shop for one client may not be the best for another. What matters is finding a studio with the experience and services needed for the work you actually want.

At Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon, clients come to us for original custom tattoos, realism, black and grey, color, fine line, portraits, sleeves and detailed one-of-a-kind designs. We also specialize in advanced tattoo cover-ups and corrections for existing tattoos that require more than simply placing a larger design over the old work.

Our Arlington studio also provides professional body piercing, giving clients one established destination for tattoos and piercings in Arlington and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

For specialized work, explore our Custom Tattoos, Tattoo Cover-Ups, Tattoo Portfolio, and Professional Body Piercing pages to see the service that fits what you’re looking for.

A strong tattoo shop should be able to show more than fresh tattoos photographed immediately after they were finished. Look for healed work, consistency across different projects, original designs, experienced artists and examples that demonstrate technical ability over time.

Pay attention to how the studio handles consultations as well. A professional artist should understand what you want, explain what will and will not work, and create a design around your body, your ideas and your goals rather than simply copying another person’s tattoo.

For difficult projects such as tattoo cover-ups, corrections or existing scarred and damaged work, experience becomes even more important. These tattoos require planning around what is already in the skin—not simply creating artwork on a blank canvas.

How do I choose the best tattoo shop in Arlington, TX?

Look at the artist’s actual portfolio, healed work, experience, cleanliness, client reviews and whether the artist has proven experience with the type of tattoo you want. For specialized work such as cover-ups, make sure the portfolio shows genuine examples of that specialty.

Do I need to bring a tattoo design with me?

No. Bring your idea and references that help communicate the subject, style or feeling you want. We prefer references of real subjects—such as actual roses, statues, animals or other imagery—rather than copying another person’s tattoo.

Does Pistol Pete’s accept difficult tattoo projects and cover-ups?
Yes. Advanced tattoo cover-ups, corrections and difficult existing tattoos are a major part of Pistol Pete’s work. Cover-up projects require an in-person consultation so the existing tattoo and skin can be properly evaluated.

Does Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon also offer body piercing?
Yes. Our Arlington studio provides professional body piercing in addition to custom tattooing and advanced tattoo cover-ups.

Your tattoo should be something you’re proud to wear—not something you settle for. Whether you’re planning your first tattoo, a completely custom piece, professional body piercing, or need help correcting or covering an existing tattoo, Pistol Pete’s Tattoo Saloon is ready to help you determine the right next step.

Visit our Arlington studio at 717 W. Division St., Arlington, TX 76012, or contact us to get started.