INK & BARELY: WHERE TATTOOS AND BREWS FLOW

INK & BARLEY

Where tattoos and brews flow

Words & photos by Carmen Macri

As you stroll through the bustling streets of Downtown St. Augustine, it’s easy for certain spots to fade into the background, overshadowed by the grandeur of old Spanish architecture and the looming fort. But for those who slow down and take a closer look, there’s a white brick building tucked away at the corner of San Marco Avenue and Joiner Street. And in my opinion, it’s one of St. Augustine’s finer hidden gems – Ink & Barley Tattoos and Brews.

Two things that usually don’t go together, at least not simultaneously that is. But for Jenna and Jarrod Boyter, no two things made more sense, like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, and now … tattoos and brews.

Jenna has been a tattoo artist for over nine years, previously setting up shop at Electric Chair Tattoo in St. Augustine before she eventually left to start her own private studio. By then, she had built a loyal clientele, and her business quickly expanded beyond what she had expected. After a few years, she decided it was time to find a bigger shop to accommodate her growth. During the same time, Jarrod, who was working in the service industry, was interested in opening his own beer shop. The two jokingly brought up how much easier it would be to find a place together — and thus the idea was born.

Apparently, it’s not easier finding a zoning spot in Historic St. Augustine that would allow both a brewery and a tattoo shop under the same roof, that is until they found the tucked-away white brick building that screamed home.

“Our biggest struggle was finding a space that would allow it, and then finding a landlord that would not think it was a wild idea to have a tattoo shop in a bar,” Jenna shared. “Then we found the space, and it’s been perfect. We love uptown, and we really feel like it’s a nice community to be a part of.”

Walking into Ink and Barley, I was immediately met with the friendly face of Jarrod Boyter standing behind the busy bar sporting a graphic t-shirt of what can be assumed is his dog “Hunky.” The deep red-brown hues of the wooden bar top mesh perfectly with the lush greenery surrounding it — and Jarrod’s bright smile. Behind him are the eight beer taps that stay on a constant rotation, though they admit to always keeping at least one “pickle beer” on draft. Jarrod likes to keep the brews local, though Jenna did admit that if Jarrod sees something unique from out of town, he will try to get his hands on it.

Past the bar to the left is where Jenna and her four colleagues work their magic. Due to conflicting schedules, I was not able to see the tattoo shop in all her glory as the team was currently breaking down their stations to head to the Jacksonville Tattoo Convention for the weekend. But looking at the bare bones of the studio was enough to know they cherish their aesthetic. Just beyond the studio, you’ll find a cozy, dimly lit lounge adorned with tapestries and tattoo art, offering a perfect spot for customers to unwind with friends. Two long bar tables stretch along the left side of the forest-green room, right next to a TV strictly playing Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department,” while a sofa is nestled against the back wall. They also boast a spacious back patio, often the scene of live music and lively events.

“And so it’s become like a cute little family of people that hang out here,” Jenna shared. “Sometimes it can feel really intimidating walking into a tattoo shop. But here you can come in without getting a tattoo. You could order DoorDash, get a beer, sit back here, get a feel for the vibe, meet the artists and hang out.”

As an artist, Jenna is always seeking growth and new challenges. In this career, she believes there’s always something to learn, whether through guest spots at other shops, attending seminars or conventions. As a female artist in a field once dominated by men, she feels it’s essential not only to stay inspired but also to inspire other female tattoo artists, both aspiring and established.

“It’s been a funny thing because my husband is like a heavily tattooed guy. So whenever he’s in the shop, people will walk in and immediately think he’s the owner or he’s the tattooer,” Jenna explained. “So it’s something I’ve always dealt with, but we’re really lucky here in town that Ms. Deborah (owner of Ms. Deborah’s Fountain of Youth Tattoo & Body Piercing) kind of paved the way. So it’s really cool to have her as an inspiration. Sailor Cher’s [Tattoo and Body Piercing] been here in town forever, so we have really cool women role models to look up to.”

The Boyters’ unique shop has been gracing the streets of St Augustine for almost two years now with whispers along the grapevine that they may be expanding their business once more (wink, wink). With two popular businesses under one roof, it seems likely that one might overpower the other, but Jenna reassures that the two work in perfect harmony.

“We’re both equally passionate about both things and support each other. When someone’s getting tattooed, I’ll talk to them about what kind of beers they’re excited about. And while he’s serving people, he talks about what tattoo artists we have,” Jenna shared. “It works well together without overpowering the other. And we do have a lot of people who come in, and maybe they just want to sit and have a beer so you don’t have to do everything, you know, you can just enjoy bits and pieces of it too.”

And “no” to answer the question I know you’re all wondering: no beers before a tattoo appointment. Seems like common sense, but it’s worth mentioning. To keep things running smoothly, the Boyters have to follow a set of rules and regulations. No heavy drinking, no alcohol for clients (until after their session) and the two businesses must stay separate. So, no booze inside the tattoo studio. If you’re visiting a friend getting inked, you can wave hello through the plexiglass window next to the bar if you cannot set your drink down for a few minutes.

Be sure to check out their Instagram page for brew updates and booking info at @inkandbarley.