There are a few things Nashville does exceptionally well.
Live music. Neon lights. Honky-tonks. Hot chicken. Rooftop bars. Making you completely forget what time it is.
And tattoos.
If getting tattooed is part of your Nashville plans, we’re all for it. In fact, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. Nashville is located right on historic 2nd Avenue, just a block from Broadway.
But there’s one important thing to remember before you start making your way through the honky-tonks:
Tattoo first. Broadway second.
Can You Get a Tattoo After Drinking in Nashville?
Here’s the short answer:
No.
If you’ve been drinking, wait to get tattooed until you’re sober.
And when we say that, we don’t mean “just don’t get drunk.”
We don’t mean “one drink is probably fine.”
We don’t mean “I had one a couple of hours ago, but I feel completely normal.”
When it comes to alcohol before getting tattooed, there isn’t a magic number you should try to stay under.
Come in sober. Get tattooed. Then let Nashville be Nashville.
Why Alcohol and Tattoos Don’t Mix
We get it.
You’re in Nashville. Broadway is right there. Somebody has already suggested shots, somebody else bought matching cowboy hats, and the itinerary you made three months ago has officially stopped mattering.
That’s part of the fun.
But getting tattooed is still a permanent decision, and you want to be completely clearheaded when you make it.
You’re choosing the artwork. You’re deciding on the size and placement. You’re approving the final design. You’re talking with your artist about the process, price, and aftercare.
That deserves your full attention.
Alcohol can also contribute to dehydration and increased bleeding, neither of which is something you want to add to a tattoo session.
So keep it simple.
Sober for the tattoo. Nashville afterward.
Already Been Drinking? Save the Tattoo for Later.
Maybe you weren’t planning on getting tattooed.
Then you walked past Hart & Huntington.
Or somebody in your group said, “You know what would be awesome?”
We know where this is going.
Spontaneous tattoos can make some of the best Nashville memories, and we welcome walk-ins every day. But if the Broadway portion of the day has already started and you’ve been drinking, don’t try to squeeze the tattoo in between bars.
Come back when you’re sober, rested, and hydrated.
Broadway isn’t going anywhere.
Neither are we.
Make the Tattoo Part of Your Nashville Plans
If you already know you want to get tattooed while you’re in Music City, working it into your day is pretty easy.
Grab breakfast or lunch. Drink plenty of water. Explore Downtown. Come see us while you’re sober and feeling good. Get the tattoo you actually want from an artist you trust.
Then you’ve got the rest of Nashville waiting outside.
Just remember that a fresh tattoo needs to be taken care of. Listen to your artist, follow the aftercare instructions they give you, and protect your new tattoo while you’re out exploring the city.
Because the goal isn’t just to leave Nashville with a great story.
It’s to leave with a great tattoo, too.
Looking for a Tattoo Shop Near Broadway?
That part is easy.
Hart & Huntington Tattoo Nashville is located at 137 2nd Ave. N. in Downtown Nashville, just a block from Broadway.
You can literally make getting tattooed part of your Downtown Nashville experience without disappearing across town for half the day.
Walk-ins are always welcome, and if you already have something specific in mind, you can also book ahead and reserve time for your tattoo.
Not sure how Nashville walk-in tattoos work? Check out our Walk-In Tattoos in Nashville: What to Know Before You Go guide before your trip.
What Should You Do Before Getting Tattooed in Nashville?
Nothing complicated.
Show up sober.
Eat a good meal beforehand.
Stay hydrated.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
And bring any reference images or tattoo ideas you’ve been thinking about.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out. That’s where your artist comes in. We’ll talk through the idea, placement, size, and design with you before anything becomes permanent.
The important part is that you’re comfortable, clear-headed, and ready to make the decision.
Do You Take Walk-In Tattoos Near Broadway?
Absolutely.
Hart & Huntington Nashville welcomes walk-ins every day. Availability depends on the artists working, how busy the shop is, and the size and complexity of what you want tattooed.
If you’re planning something larger or more detailed, booking ahead is always a good idea.
But if tattoo inspiration hits while you’re wandering Downtown Nashville?
Come see us.
Just make sure it hits before the bar crawl does.
Take Home a Better Nashville Story
There are plenty of souvenirs you can bring home from Nashville.
Boots.
T-shirts.
A cowboy hat you somehow thought looked incredible at midnight.
And probably a camera roll full of videos you don't remember taking.
But a great tattoo?
That one sticks with you.
So if getting tattooed is on your Nashville list, do it the right way.
Come in sober. Work with one of our artists. Get something you'll be proud to wear long after your trip is over.
Then go make some more Nashville memories.
Tattoo first. Broadway second.
Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. Nashville
137 2nd Ave. N. #201
Nashville, TN 37201
Walk-ins are always welcome, or book an appointment ahead of your visit.