manhattan’s Oldest Tattoo business
Above photo by Sally Davies
OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE BAKATY FAMILY SINCE 1976
Born in the midst of the underground atmosphere of New York City’s ban on tattooing (which existed from the early 1960s until the late 1990s), Fineline Tattoo NYC worked to establish itself from 1976 on as one of the very few underground / illegal / appointment-only tattoo parlors that offered professionalism in artistry, craftsmanship, and hygiene.
Above photo of Mike and Mehai Bakaty by Lynne Burns.
Fineline was originally operated out of a private loft, on the infamous Bowery in the heart of the East Village, until 1997 when the city finally lifted the 30 year ban on tattooing. Fineline Tattoo NYC was relocated to the First Avenue storefront. Mike Bakaty passed away in 2014.
In 2020, Mehai Bakaty started operating Fineline as a private studio.
Amidst the trend towards boutique and attitude-heavy parlors, Fineline is a welcome throwback to the old school, no-nonsense street shops of days gone by. Come on down and see why Fineline has been the go-to place for those in the know on the Lower East Side for over 40 years now.
Ready to Make History?
You can request an appointment through our secure booking site.