Dave knew things about my tattoo I didn't even know I wanted. Great service, aftercare, timelessness, respectfulness and knowledge of his craftsmanship. For the occasion I requested two pieces on my lower forearm. He assisted me with every detail, from sizing of both the art and font of lettering. making sure the art was historically accurate, and well fitted to my form. He gave me tips on both the placement and color scheme for my piece. I have art on my body from Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and I'm proud to collaborate with ACE Tattoo to add another piece. read more

He forgets about appointments, doesn't give what the customer requested, and even when customers have clearly asked if the price was START TO FINISH he says one thing then doesn't honor the price. Overcharges and thinks he can scare customers with his gun. read more

Davy wavy did my first tattoo and 16 years later I still receive Complements on it. Lots of tattooers do not have any artistic talent but David has a true eye for tattoo artistry and how tattoos should lay on someone's body. read more

Ace Tattoo - Leg tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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I'm an actual client who's had work done for over decade. Not someone that read a nextdoor post, copied it's one sided caption and pasted it on Dave's business. Come on, this is someone's lively hood. This man has put down some intense Japanese traditional artwork on me that I still get asked by strangers "who did that? It's amazing! Did you get that done around here?" And to their disappointment I have to inform them that I travel to CA because Dave's the only artist who has and will work on my arms. At ace you don't get some kid that's never left the west coast and pulls up some pic off a Google image search. You get an actual hand drawn piece of art and high quality ink you can't just buy anywhere. Dave's personality and world seasoned intellect makes my day long sessions so much more enjoyable. Looking forward to finishing my other sleeve soon! read more

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Communication is awful! I was quoted for the FULL piece and on day of, only 1/5th of the piece was completed. And then I was charged for the full piece price. When I spoke over the phone and came in person, I was told 500 for everything only to be later told after my appointment that it was 500$ per sitting and that it was "my fault for not knowing" when it was never explained to me! Will definitely be going through another shop for the rest of the piece, extremely unprofessional. Afterwards, received a voicemail cussing me out and telling me it's all my fault and that I'll be back once I realize my fuck-up. What a great way to encourage repeat customers! read more

DIDN'T WASH HIS HANDS AT ALL after going to the bathroom multiple times in the session- which is already gross, let alone DURING A PANDEMIC

Dave is the man , he did an amazing cover up for me in august and I am still very happy with my tattoo. read more

Ace Tattoo - Cover up - Tattoo Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I went to Ace to get my first tattoo, I think it was 2001. I dropped by the shop once or twice to see how things were, and spent a good amount of time talking to Dave prior to getting the work done. About Dave: he's an inspired artist whose interests are diverse and deep. I've seen his work range from photo-realistic to old school, script to tribal. One of the things that is really notable about Dave is that he won't let you make yourself look like an ass. If you're 18 and want to get your boyfriend's name scratched into your neck, don't even bother stopping by. If you are looking for a piece of artwork that you'll be as stoked to show off in 15 years as you are today, Dave's your man. If you're interested in having Dave do some work for you, I recommend you stop by and rap with him for a bit ahead of time. That's really a good practice generally when it comes to tattoo artists, and with Ace you'll get a good idea of the breadth of his skillset just by spending some time at the studio. Dave takes walk ins, but that doesn't mean he's got lots of gaps in his schedule. I've never been in the shop when there hasn't been someone in the chair or getting ready to be, but if you show up and have the time to stick around, you'll likely get in the queue. read more

Ace Tattoo - Sailor Jerry Wolf - Tattoo Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Dave knew things about my tattoo I didn't even know I wanted. Great service, aftercare, timelessness, respectfulness and knowledge of his craftsmanship. For the occasion I requested two pieces on my lower forearm. He assisted me with every detail, from sizing of both the art and font of lettering. making sure the art was historically accurate, and well fitted to my form. He gave me tips on both the placement and color scheme for my piece. I have art on my body from Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and I'm proud to collaborate with ACE Tattoo to add another piece. read more

Oh wow, where do I begin!!! I can not begin to explain my HORRIBLE experience here at Ace Tattoo. I wanted to get a simple small tatt, in which i begin to shop around via calling around to get a price. What first drew me to this place was the warm greeting whenever the phone was answered. I explained what i wanted and was told to come down and we could discuss a pricing. I decided to go in tonight. I was greeted by David, he was very welcoming and knew who i was from our previous phone convo. I asked if he any fonts that I could look through to get an idea of what words I wanted. He responded, that there are thousands of fonts but what do I really want .....um........ok I'm lost. usually when a customer comes in and pretty much has an idea of what they want, you usually try to work with them. We began to discuss the other tattoos that I have and he instantly tried to sell me into getting a huge tattoo . That was NOT what I came in for and explained such. He began to sketch something out and I wasn't feeling the direction that he was going, because AGAIN the image was HUGE. I explained that I wasn't really trying to go that route and he instantly got offended. At this point, other customers enter the building...... He shut down completely and pretty much rushed me out of the place. I explained that I pretty much just want something small and could I look at the fonts you have, he pretty much THREW the books at me, and stated, "Sure if you want something dull and boring." I still can't believe how RUDE, OPINIONATED (which is such a horrible trait to possess as a tattoo artist), IMPATIENT, and just a plain SMART A** for no reason David was. Time is money, we all get that but there is NO reason why one has to treat another human being with such disrespect when I'm trying to break bread with you. Furthermore, I will NEVER be back and will be SURE TO SPREAD THE WORD TO ANYONE who asks! read more

I passed by Ace Tattoo as I was searching for a studio to do a sleeve for me. The guy behind the counter (I'm guessing is the owner and operator) greeted me nicely enough. What made my experience here go south wasn't anything bad about the artist or his work but the clientele for the studio. As I was brainstorming with the artist. A younger customer, maybe 16-17 years old, started asking me if I was a gang member and proclaiming which gang he was part of. If an establishment is ok having potential customers questioned by gang members then more power to them. Safe to say, I decided not to get a tattoo from Ace Tattoo. read more

OK so it's been like 13 years maybe less since I got my tattoo from here but hey at least I remember my experience like it was yesterday! So I was about 18 and I had my tattoo in hand ready to make it permanent! I heard from a friend that this artist, (ace) was really good and pretty funny too! So he first didn't believe that I was legal and I had to show him my ID, just because he was being funny! No problem for me though becuase that made me feel like he takes care of his business! Ok so after making his copies of the tattoo design and making sure that it was in the perfect spot he finally sat me in the chair and tried to seduce me, lol, i'm serious, but that fell over when he remembered how young I was, LMAO! i took the pain like a champion for my first tattoo, he only charged me $150 for a big headed tweety bird that is on the inside of my calf, some people say I paid too much but I say it was well worth it! Let's not talk about the way my mom yelled at me for having a billboard for Warner Bros. on my leg, LMAO! read more

Ok so I've read the other posts, some good and some bad. Lets skip the personal drama and get down to tattoos. I have a couple of tats already and do my research. I've been tatted in Oakland, SF, Dallas, and Bangkok and have discussed at length with the artist what I wanted and have tried to let their artistic juices flow. I did a consult with Dave, he had all of these great idea's that I wasn't to sure about. He said come back in a couple of days I'll have somethin drawn up. When I showed up he flips out the most amazing drawing of Hanuman the Monkey God, that I had ever seen, dude you can put that on me. He says yup sit down. And that was the begining of an amazing realationship. Ok we started that one he has other crazy Ideas as to what is next and I just have to work harder so I can pay for all this. Price was awesome and my tatts are rockin. Thanks dude read more

Dave is a great artist and I love the piece he did for me. And I will be going back for more. But beware if you want to flip through a book and pick something out on sort of a whim; Ace is probably not for you. It's always a great idea to have a good idea of what you want before walking in the door and you can trust Dave to be honest about weather it will be a good tattoo. The key word there is "trust", I trust the dentist to know what she is doing because of her years of expertise and practice. I had a few conversations with her and did a little homework before picking my dentist and urge everyone to give that much respect to a tattoo. Dave is honest about what will make a good tattoo and what is correct given the style \ piece and will make suggestions to be sure it is the best possible tattoo. And I trust Dave to do the same great work he always has. read more

I had one tattoo done by dave, I had originally wanted a single black rose and stem on the inside of my arm but when i went in to get the tattoo done he had drawn two large black roses without the stems to go on my inner arm. At first I was hesitant but after having this tattoo for a while I absolutely love it. Dave is an awesome guy and he doesn't bullshit you he will tell you straight up what looks good and what doesn't because he has been an artist for such a long time. Trust the artist instinct it usually pays out. If you can't handle an up-in-your-face attitude don't go to Dave because you probably can't handle his tattoos either. read more

Was an honor getting inked by Dave today, gave him a loose idea and he did the rest knocking out of the park and beyond. We got along like to old friends chopping it up the entire time. With Dave resistance is futile so just listen to his creative greatness. What a great experience. Cheers Mate. read more

Thank you Dave for all the beautiful art you do. May the force be with you. read more

Ace Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cerrito, California

If you are looking for a great artist that will listen to everything you have to say about what it is you are looking for in a piece of art work and then make that happen through a dynamic discussion and decision making process, then David is the one for you! If you are unsure of what you really want, he can help you figure it out, just being willing to engage in a dialogue. He'll ask probing questions, look at photographs and fully explore the meaning behind your new ink before ever considering starting the piece. If you have no idea what you want, are being impulsive or just want to pick something out of a book then this may not be the place for you. Impulsive clip art is not what David does, try one of the shops on the Berkeley strip if that is what you are looking for. David accepts cash only, is well worth the fee, remember...you are paying for his time, just like any other profession...the fee is for his time...not the amazing art you will keep with you always. If you flake on your appointment and put down a deposit the deposit will not be returned. You will literally be paying David to sit twiddling his thumbs instead of doing what he wants to be doing...creating amazing body art. read more

I got my first tattoo in 2001 from Dave. I now have 11 tattoos and have gone to Ace for ALL of them. Dave is a great artist and friend. He really cares about making sure you leave his shop with the right tattoo for you. If you respect him, his time and talent, he will respect you and be happy to work with you. Be sure to check your attitude at the door, oh, and turn off your cell so he won't have to kick you out. I can't imagine going anywhere else to get tattooed. I love each and every one of my pieces. Dave continues to impress me with his talent and intuition, even after 10 years. I couldn't be happier to have stumbled across such a great artist! read more

REMIX!!! Now here's the real deal. ACE IS RAW, REAL HONEST, AND SWEET... Here is where dreams come true... a coverup, an original, something sacred to your soul.. a memory to take to your grave.. or ashes to set free from the top of a mountain when your dead and gone. ACE is a cat on the cool side of funky.. a man that knows his stuff.. He not only listens.. he hears.. he reacts... I am honored to have had him Tattoo me.. other than my DARLING husband of 32 years.. ACE is the only person to handle me and with such respect. I am a mature woman of 61.. knowledgeable enough with life's secrets and smart enough to know when a FOOL IS A FOOL.. and when a GENIUS IS A GENIUS. NOTE: go to see him with a vision.. share that vision.. and together your vision becomes reality. ~Angela T. read more

I'm torn in rating this place, because I've had a wonderful experience, and a really shitty experience. I came here with my mom for my first tattoo, with the intention of getting a hibiscus flower in black and white. He looked me straight in the face and told me no. At the time I was a little skeptical of being pressured to get it in color, but I'm really glad I was. It turned out fantastic. It's been 2 and a half years, and it looks amazing. About a year later I came back for my second one, with a larger project in mind. I wanted ivy vines from the top of my foot up my entire calf. He seemed kinda on edge, and in a shitty mood, so i asked if another time would be better. He said no, that it wasn't a problem. I walked out of there feeling proud of it, and well worth the $600 i spent. a few weeks past however, and the color started to run under my skin and fade really bad. I went back, as he had told me he would do a touch up for free. He didn't do really anything, and told me there wasn't much he COULD do. As time passed it started looking really bad, and I didn't want to show it off anymore. After having three artists tell me the same thing, that it was unfixable, I had lost hope. I finally found a great guy who only charged me $200 to add detail, color, and fix the blurred lines. He took his time and did an amazing job, it doesn't even look like the same tattoo. Dave is a great guy, with a great personality, and I'm sure he was just having a bad day. However, that bad day resulted in me having a shitty piece of work on my leg forever, and he shouldn't have even done the tattoo if he wasn't feeling it. and It was WAY overpriced. read more

I put a down payment to get my tattoo and showed up the time and day I was goig to get my tatto and he was not there the only thing that was there was a note on the door saying he was on vacation. A big rip off! So I went to the tatto shop in the mall and they did a lot better and Dave is rude. read more

I do not like this place ..i came in for a tattoo told him what i wanted..he took my $ 100.00 for some crappy drawing of what he wanted to put on my back...told me some bull story of why MY tattoo won't look good... i would look somewhere else...! I went to another shop down the street, they asked ME what I wanted !!! and stuck with it... it suck how people try to be the best..but they kill thier biz, when they force the wrong tattoo... if ACE TATTOO try's to charge you $100.00 for a drawing...tell them..i'll give you $ 20.00 it only takes 1 time read more

Ok its been years and I finally get to let it out I came to Ace's for my 1st tattoo when I was 17 he didnt even ask me for ID but ehh who cares right I thought I was lucky lol. I asked for a SF giants symbol and not only did I have to endure his rudeness during the whole damn thing you would think by the way he talked his tattooing would atleast make up for it.. but no way it didnt every tattoo artist I come across agrees it was a crap job. Seriously wanted to slap him after it was done. I dont suggest this place for someone gettting their 1st tatt I only recomend this place for like Pirate/sailors/bikers that can go toe to toe with his rude attitude blah hate this place read more

I'm beyond picky with everything where I rely on someone else doing permanent work, especially when it comes to my body. When looking for a proper tattoo artist it's not only the work that needs to tip-top, but I have to be trusting in the person holding the needle, and most importantly I have to be in a comfortable environment. From the first moment I met David roughly one year ago, I could tell he was my kind of guy. One thing that really struck me was the fact he wont tattoo anything he doesn't like, which as an artist myself, I highly respect. My initial judgment due to that was that he takes pride in his work, and that a finished piece is not only an source of income for him, but it's his art - his passion. That alone means you can expect a fantastic outcome. That's the type of man I let control the needle that places lifelong ink under my sink. David greets people as people, not a wallet. But if you come in disrespectfully, you will be ignored. Thus proves his work to be an art, not an income. I believe a tattoo artist shop reflects their work ethics and personality. You wouldn't get a tattoo done from someone in a messy, unorganized shop, would you? I hope not. Davids shop, to me, resembles all the essentials; Tidiness, organization, comedy, seriousness, and further more a sense of 'home'. It's a stress free environment that any rational person would seek when they are being put through pain. My cover up came out a complete success and I love it! David is the fuckin' man. ----------------Ignore the few pussies with their negative reviews. They just don't understand and were probably offended by his "rudeness"; aka honesty. I find it comical that one Woman wrote in her review: "...OPINIONATED (which is such a horrible trait to possess as a tattoo artist)..." How can opinion be a horrible trait? David is a ARTIST, and a true ARTIST wont do ART he/she doesn't like. THAT'S an ARTIST. David doesn't do his ART only for others, but he also does it for himself. He comes to terms on something he and the costumer will both enjoy so he can use push his potentials to the limit. Everyone knows a true ARTIST does ART to please themselves., and everyone knows an ARTIST does better when he/she actually likes what their doing! I can't help but respect that. Hails to my man David! Continue the good work! read more

I first went to see Dave 8 years ago after a family tragedy with an idea for a really dark and gruesome idea for a prominent piece. I still thank him for talking me down and giving me a really great homage to a loved one. I have been back for 12-15 sittings since then and love the man. He does great work and will not do a piece that he won't be proud of. Go in with a good idea of what you want and accept the fact that he is going to do it better than you had planned. He won't just slap something you bring in on wherever you want it. He'll work with the design to make it fit your personality, shape and size it to flow with your body and other work you may have and will detail the shit out of it. If you're like one of the one star rating douche bags here who thinks the customer is always right, can't handle the opinion of someone who knows their trade and gets butt hurt easily then this shop is not for you. If you're 18 and want something on your neck or your boyfriend's name on your left tit he will not do it because there are a lot of people in line to get something done that isn't stupid. If you've got some bread and want a quality piece of work... yeah, this is your shop. read more

When tattoos are becoming a dime a dozen, there are few other places that still keep tattoos a true form of art.David is such a great guy. He takes his time to understand what you are looking for and hand drawing the piece so each piece is unique. The tattoos that I have gotten from him are absolutely amazing and turn heads where ever I go. I will never go to any other artist. read more

Ace is the Man plain and simple. Get your ink done here if you want it done right. He tries to get to know what you're about before he puts them on so it's a real personal experience for sure. He takes the time make it right. read more

I went to Ace Tattoos and had the worst time getting a cover up done. I had talked to David for an hour and set up an appointment and price set to have my cover up done. My girl went in a day or 2 before my scheduled appointment to find out that he had nothing done of the cover up we talked about. Then the day of my appointment he told me he forgot about my tattoo and just thru a sketch together. I told him that's not we had talked about. Then I was told if I want to reschedule it would be 2 months before he could do anything. I sit down for 4 1/2 hours on the 1st session. Then he tells me it needs to heal up and he would go back for round 2. We set a date to start round 2 of my tattoo. The day comes and I go in for the 2nd round and after another 4 1/2 session he has the balls to ask me for another $700, but yet from start to finish was $700 and color and all. I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO THE CON ARTIST EVER AGAIN. NO STARS NO STARS NO STARS. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY WITH HIS NON LISTENING TO THE COUSTMER ASS. read more

This place is phenomenal. Ace does great work at a great price. He fixed two tattoo I had done 7 years ago on east coast. They looked like hell Ace did a cover up and tied everything together on the theme I was going for. Highly recommend Ace tattoo if its your first or covering. Does great work and has a great attitude. read more

David can lay down a solid tattoo! I've been there twice now to get some work done and each time I've been very happy with the beautiful detail that's been put into my tattoos. The placement he chose of both tattoos really complimented my arm and each other. He's got a great eye for that sort of thing, and after all, it's his job! He has spent some time in Japan and has a background in traditional Japanese tattoos. He's not some egotistical run of the mill tattoo artist kid just looking to make a quick buck, he's legit and a real sweetheart, though he's not afraid to tell it like it is. Perfect, because that's just how a tattoo artist should be. read more

I had ace touch up and incorporated a new tattoo on my old small one. It came out Great! Listened to what I wanted and went to work. The man has skills and enjoys what he does read more

Dave is the man! His work can't be beat! I have several wonderful pieces of art from him. He did a few lilies on my shoulder a few months back and I can't tell you how many compliments I get almost daily. My current back piece is in progress and is already exceeded my expectations. He really takes his time to get to know you and your personality before he starts sketching. His original pieces can't compare to any. He books up quick so make sure you get on his books well in advance. You WON"T be disappointed. read more

Dave is an amazing artist. No a copy-cat or stencil man. If you know what you want and want someone to work with you to come up with art you'll be proud to show off for decades than Ace Tattoo is right. Dave did a tattoo for me 15 years ago and it still looks great and I get lots of compliments on it. I recently had him do another and it is also wonderful. Make the time to go by and discuss your art and ideas, make an appointment; this thing's with you for life and Dave will help you choose well. read more

Ace is one of the craziest and funniest people I have ever met. We went in to get some work because we had seen some big Japanese style work he had done on a friend that was amazing. Our friend said he would talk a lot of mess, but I was not ready for what a wildman he is. I think if anyone else had said all the crazy things he had said I would have fought him. He insulted us for hours, and we couldn't quit laughing. He did great tattoos on all of us, and they are super bright. We get tons of compliments on them all the time. I tell people..."Only go to Ace, but be ready for him to talk crazy!" His shop is super clean and he has a bunch of medical equipment he uses. He acts like a fool, but he knows his tattooing. Tell him Jared sent you. read more

I don't like the bad reviews that people passing by the shop have written about David (Ace). If they had taken the time to talk to him and tell them what they wanted it would be a different story. David has a great since of humor and is a great guy. It's not his fault if people walk into his shop and get offended by every word that is said. The shop is a street shop and David does bad ass work. I have taken the time to get to know him and have let him get to know me, and as a women I feel very comfortable in his shop and with him. I just received another tattoo from him today and it is a beautiful piece of artwork. Being in his shop means hanging out with a good friend. Art takes time so if your in a rush this is not the experience for you. David takes the time to get to know you so the art work he gives you is a reflection of you. Out of all my tattoos Davids stands out as the best pieces of work because he is an artist first. Oh one more thing the person who wrote the review about David and said that he took her $50.00 dollar deposit is not telling the truth. David is true to his word because his word is his business. FYI read the reviews of people who have gotten to know David and received work from him, not the people who talk to him for a couple of minutes and think they know who he is. read more

I never thought I would have a tattoo! I went to Ace a few years back with a friend who was getting a tattoo there. Being there is a one of a kind experience, and I recommend you simply stop by and talk with the owner, David. Shopping for a tattoo online is a bad idea. Go meet the person who is going to mark you for life. David has a strong place in tattooing. He was taught by some serious tattoo masters, and works from a place of tradition, though he can take a tattoo as far-out as is sensible. He makes sure that the tattoo will last a lifetime, and as he says, "It's the only thing you take with you." I was so impressed with the quality of the work from Ace that I started to consider getting a tattoo. Again, I never pictured myself with a tattoo. I did my research, and saw that Ace's portraits are among the finest being done. It's been three years since that first tattoo, a portrait of my daughter (that turned out PERFECTLY) and I have four from Ace so far. He's there later in the week (W-S) so give him a call, and make your way down. He will help you make a great choice, and design your tattoo around YOUR ideas. Just be ready to listen, because if you have a BAD idea, he will be honest, and try to take the GOOD elements of your idea and work with those parts of the plan. So, don't be in a big hurry, it's a process. He's a strong personality, and his sense of humor is deep. If you take the time, and meet David, you will be glad you stopped by Ace. read more

Ace is off the hook! Can't wait to get my sleeve started this year. He never fails to create beautiful art, and he'll keep you laughing the whole time. Give him a holler. read more

Dave did a fantastic job on my new tattoo!!! I Told him what I was looking for and how much I wanted to spend, and he designed a tattoo just for me. He has really great ideas and is excellent with colors. I will be going back to get some of my older tatts redone. He is very creative and customer friendly. When you go listen to his ideas and let him choose your colors. You won't be disappointed. read more

This is my second cover up i have done w/Ace. 1st one was awesome. This current back peice he is doing for me is outta control . I have learned my lesson. I will NEVER go any place else. He knows his stuff. He is straight forward and the prices are great for the master peice u get! Extremly clean too. Very happy with my peices. VERY read more