Tattoos will never go out of style — not as long as bikers, convicts, performers, military folks, Japanese yakuza, and other edgy types are around. Parents and prospective employers hate tats, and that’s enough recommendation for some. Others see the skin art form as worthy of study on its own aesthetic merits. Drop into the Tattoo Archive some weeknight after work (it’s open every day but Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.) and meet one of the latter group, master tattoo artist and tat historian C.W. “Chuck” Eldridge, whose collection of memorabilia is worth a visit even if you’re not quite ready to put the needle to the hide. Chuck, a loquacious sort, will be happy to explain the fine points of a “Pharaoh’s horses” design, or help you choose between, say, a Statue of Liberty or Che Guevara for your bicep. But call first — most work is done by appointment.
Readers’ Pick for Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor: Zebra