History and Ink: New Kings Avenue NYC Tattoo Shop on Bowery
Truth be told, this California-raised girl quite often gets an itchin’ to pack up and move to other parts of this big, beautiful world. And while I do savor the mild temps and beauty of springtime here on the west coast, send me news of a grand tattoo establishment opening on the eastern seaboard and it’s hard not to book a flight out of here. Especially when the new shop encompasses such a rich history and is paired with the understanding of what it takes to run a first-class ink slinging ensemble. Enter the new Kings Avenue NYC Tattoo location, sister shop to the world-famous Kings Avenue Tattoo in Massapequa, Long Island.
The new Kings Avenue NYC dwelling resides in the Bowery, a small neighborhood in the southern portion of the New York City borough of Manhattan, known as home to the legendary CBGBs club and the Bowery Ballroom.
Having recently opened its doors on April 1st, this new location offers tattoo collectors splendid eye candy and tranquility, in addition to primo ink work. With a gorgeous open-loft floor plan, framed paintings decorating the walls, oriental carpets, and black glass chandeliers, the surroundings are as exemplary as the tattooists who work in the shop.
Founded by award-winning tattooist, Mike Rubendall, and his associate and fellow tattoo artist, Grez, the pair has worked hard to offer supreme service and a comfortable atmosphere to its clients. Lucky tattoo enthusiasts who visit Kings Avenue have a wealth of talent and styles to choose from, with resident artists: Matt Beckerich, Justin Weatherholtz, Shaun Nel, Brian Paul, Kevin LeBlanc, and Sara Schor. Also keep an eye on the calendar as guest artists such as Tim Hendricks, Chris O’Donnell, and Henning Jorgenson will be working at Kings Avenue NYC; as well as “celebrity” tattooists like Chris Nunez (Miami Ink) and Kat Von D (LA Ink).
If you are in proximity of the Big Apple, drop by and see what I’m talking about for yourself. And if you are like me and don’t have instant access to Kings Avenue NYC, make it a point to mark your calendar and save your pennies for a trip out to see some of the best in the biz.
Located at 188 Bowery at the corner of Spring Street.
Open from 12 pm to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday & 1 pm to 7 pm on Sunday.
Phone: (212) 431-5464
*You can check out portfolios of Kings Avenue artists here and keep up with the latest by visiting their Facebook page.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:49AM