Lucky No. 77: Victory Tattoo NYC opens in the former Hells Angels HQ on 3rd Street

Images and reporting by Stacie Joy

Victory Tattoo NYC is the first permanent retail tenant since the gut renovations were completed at 77 E. Third St. — the former HQ of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

The last of the members and/or their entourage moved out of No. 77 between First Avenue and Second Avenue at the end of March 2019. Until then, the Hells Angels had the clubhouse in their possession since 1969.

The two retail spaces, where the Angels once had their bar, entertainment area and storage space, became available in February after the building underwent extensive renovations. (Several pop-up concepts have leased the other storefront.)

Vic Tamian (below), a tattoo artist and entrepreneur, owns Victory Art and Tattoo in Little Falls, N.J. On the shop's fifth anniversary, Tamian decided to expand and open Victory Tattoo NYC.

Tamian liked the location because of the No. 77 address, "which is a lucky number."  

They were also aware of the building's history, which "only adds to the appeal that a tattoo shop already has." 

Tamian said they messaged the Hells Angels to get their blessing. They got a "hells yeah" in response. 

The shop features apprentice Katie Lau (right, below) and piercer Strawberry Reynolds (left). 

You can find more info at the Victory Tattoo NYC website here.

2021 development watch: 77 E. 3rd St.

Renovations continue at 77 E. Third St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Curiosity remains about this building — mostly because of its former longtime residents and what the newly renovated space will look like, making it a development to watch this year.

As previously reported, No. 77 — the former Hells Angels clubhouse, now owned by Better Living Properties — will be converted into 22 one- and two-bedroom units with an expected price point of $3,500 a month following a $2 million renovation. There was also a report that the ground floor will house two retail spaces. 

The last of the members moved out of No. 77 at the end of March 2019. The Hells Angels had this six-story building in their possession since 1969. 

The Hells Angels reportedly ended up in Throggs Neck, a neighborhood in the southeastern portion of the Bronx. This past summer, two members and an accomplice were charged in the fatal shooting of a rival gang leader. 

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Photo exclusive: Take a look inside the former Hells Angels clubhouse on 3rd Street

• After 50 years on the block, the Hells Angels appear to be selling their 3rd Street clubhouse

• The Hells Angels have left the East Village