Needless to mention as the years go by my art work still hasn't changed (only i), and what's even more amazing and one major thing that I forgot to mention is Dang's shading! His style is very unique, i kid you not, i can kind of spot his work. I was out of town and I noticed someone's ink, and I am not the type of person to compliment or say anything if i don't think it's nice (like my momma said "if you don't have anything nice to say, just shut up"). But i couldn't help but think to myself it looks kind of familiar and maybe it could be from AD,and sure enough it was. I'm telling you, amazing shop with awesome people! You will not regret coming here. Dang is DANG good (yea, kinda corny there). Just keep in mind pictures don't do his artwork justice, you just have to see em in person and judge yourself! read more

It all started about 3 years ago when my mom passed away, i wanted to get a tattoo as a tribute to her. I went around looking for a good tattoo artist and estimates all over the bay area. Finally my play sister told me about AfterDark. I went for an estimate but didn't get anything done because i was underage. I love that they're so strict on the customers' age. but 3 years later i came back with the money saved for my tattoo. I originally talked to Dang but got referred to Steve. HANDS DOWN i freakin' LOVE Steve! i gave him all the elements i wanted in my tattoo and it was all there and then some! Steve went a little crazy on my dragon, it went from a mere dragon on my left shoulder to a back piece taking up my entire left side. i told him uhhh i aint paying more than what i already paid you and he said i went a little crazy but im not charging you more, i like the dragon like this! haha needless to say, these tattoo artists value their art and they're def. not gonna put some ugly ass shit on you. While gettin' tatted Steve will tell you stories to put your mind at ease so you don't think about the pain. He'll try his best to make sure you're comfortable! The Dragon represents my mother, the lotus represents a beautiful struggle, the purple orchids is my mom's favorite flower, the saying is "Con Thuong Me Suot Doi" (i love you mom for the rest of my life), blue waves on the bottom because my mother loved the ocean, and flames to represent the fire in her eyes. The way Steve drew out everything and how everything is incorporated almost made me cry when i first seen it. Steve really listened to me and understood the reason why i wanted this tattoo. REMEMBER GOOD TATTOOS AINT CHEAP & CHEAP TATTOOS AINT GOOD. read more

Afterdark Tattoo - one more session before i'm completely done so stay tuned! - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been thinking about getting a tattoo for about 8 years now. And I never have the nerves to get it done. I am scared of needles in general. But no day I decided to just come in to get a tiny heart to get over with it. I made an appointment with Vi Nam. When I enter the place, I was greeted by Dung (the owner). Everyone here was really friendly. While waiting for my tiny heart (picture attached in the their photo album) I've decided to get a phrase on my shoulder. I don't know what have gotten into me. But I was pretty nervous. When I sat down with Vi Nam, he gave me a lollipop for comfort. In about 10 minutes, he was done with my shoulder tattoo. I was pretty surprise it was done that quick. And most of all, it wasn't as painful as i thought. Overall, I highly recommended Vi Nam. He listens to what you want and make sure you're comfortable with it. I think I am addicted. I already thinking of what to get next. Make sure you ask for Vi nam. Happy Tattooing :) read more

Afterdark Tattoo - Heart tattooed by The best..VI NAM - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Even though it looks empty, this place is a good location to get your first tattoo! (Like myself, haha!) Dang is real quick and gentle handed. Very reasonable prices as well. My tattoo is looking great! read more

Afterdark Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

A waste of my time and money. I wish I never came here. Do your research and find a respectful artist who will actually listen to you.

I came here years ago a bit tipsy and wanting a tattoo. walked in waited a bit and got a dragon tattoo drawn on me with a sharpie that extends from the elbow to my shoulder...huge piece. It was going to be the first session as the tattoo guy (Steve) could only finish the outline of the dragon. during the tattoo, for about 3.5 hours, I was pretty much sleeping. woke up when the tattoo guy told me it was done. he wrapped it up and sent me home. the next morning, i looked in the mirror and the dragon was F'd UP!! the scales on the dragon was uneven...I mean ALL the scales were ALL in different sizes, the eyes looked one way while the nose pointed elsewhere, and the lines of the tattoo was also uneven. WOW! Horrible tattoo and I couldn't believe that this guy calls himself a artist?? Doesn't even have common artist skills at all. I went to my regular tattoo artist in Seattle to finish some other work on my other arm about a month later. When I took off my shirt and sat down in his chair...the first thing he asked me was "Wow, who did this to you? Let me know and give me a gun and I'll go shoot him for you." Finally I had my Seattle tattoo guy to cover up the F'd up dragon with another dragon. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone...not even to my enemies!! Trust me from first hand experience... read more

Tattoo-on-a-whim is not normally a good idea, and I'm reminded of it when today I decided to spend my whole paycheck on a new one, and I began the search for the right one. Warnings start like this; "I was a little drunk, and I asked for 'art' tattooed on my butt, instead, it said 'fart'!" However, when one JRC and I stumbled in on a blunt and a severe high from finding new cowboy boots at Thriftown....the whim said get a name tattooed on you! The dude listened to what I want, and went at it. He made me nervous at how confident he was. Then he went at it freehand. No purple transfer. Freehand. At least the needles were new. The shit is so amazing. I LOVE all my tattoos, but this one is so important to me, cuz it's from a true East Oakland shop, done in classic calligraphy, and I'm from the East. REPRESENT! I rock my dog's name on my forearm. "Jackson" read more

" Cheap tattoo's are not good and good tattoo's are not cheap!". Vi Nam did my tattoo and he did a great job! I had a dragon done on my forearm with a reverse tribal in the background. I plan to go back after my tattoo heals for a cover-up of a bad tattoo I had done while in college. Vi was the best! He took his time and the final product came out better than I dreamed! I will always go back! A great shop with great people! read more

I love this place! I had my first tattoo done here many years ago. I got my husbands (back then boyfriend) lol name tatted on my back right shoulder. Then he got my name on his wrist. After that I've been back, I had my dolphin, my astrology sign all done by them. My husband got his scorpion on his arm, a raider shield, a cross in memory of his brothers, and an aztec. All his were done by Steve. He is great. Always has a good story to tell and does excellent work. We will be back here whenever we need a new tattoo. Best in the Town!! read more

After years of wondering what I wanted as my tattoo that could represent or symbolize something with a meaning, I finally decided on a lotus. I went in earlier to just set an appointment but I guess it was my lucky day ! Vi had an opening so I got mine done today and I love it ! The atmosphere was warm and they're sooo funny ! They're nice too so it made me feel at ease, * double thumbs up * !(;o read more

Afterdark Tattoo - Lotus flower - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

So let me just say Pat was THE BOMB! I pulled up at 10:52 a.m & had to wait a little bit after the opening time but that was okay. Pat opened & immediately asked how he could help. I wanted to get my husband to be's name & he got right to it. The sketch he did was so precise & beautiful. I knew this was going to be a good experience. While back there he was so kind & even funny. Did my tat in about 30-40 minutes too so that's additional brownie points! I LOVE the end result & will return here if I get anymore work done. This same shop pierced my tongue when I was 19 & I never had an issue with it till this day (I'm 27). Thanks Pat, I'll be sending all my folks your way! read more

Afterdark Tattoo - Pat hooked me UP! - Tattoo Near Me - Oakland, California

Highly recommend Vi if you don't wanna regret your permanent tattoo~~~Reasonable price and Vi is very patient on adding every detail on my tattoo:3 I think he is also good at feather~~truly professional cuz he rather spent an extra hour to perfect my tattoo!!!!!! read more

See all

I love this place I reccomend it to all my friends I trust them I got my first tattoo at a horrible place that will remain nameless and had a horrible experince with it. But I went to after dark for my 2nd tattoo and they got me hooked!!!! Then I went to get 3 more tattoos there great I've had my tongue belly and eyebrow piecerd there there good guys very professional.. would recommend this place new needles everytime safe and clean!!!!! Great artists read more

Dope ass tats!!! got one last week by V!! it was super clean!!! been gettting tats for years at another place that went out of bizness so i looked around found this place and this place is def the place to go to!!!! very impressed with the work!!! im def doing back there!!! read more

I got my 1st tattoo in El cerrito and I hate it. So by the time I got the itch for my next tattoo I just walked into afterdark. The guys are so cool he walked me threw the whole process and drew the artwork right in front of me. So it was a wrap after that I have 5 tattoos from them I have had my tongue, eyebrow and belly pierced by them too.. Great place I recommend it to everyone. Definitely not that douche bag atmosphere I got at the other tattoo place!! read more

My personal tattoo artists for over 18 years. Great people, great tattoos. Located on International Blvd., it's not hard to find at all. Looking for quality work..... Look up AfterDark Tattoos! read more

I got my lion on my shoulder done with Deng and he really has an ability to draw on the skin in a way to make the art fit your body I really love what he did to make it blend in with my other arm piece as well. He's a really cool guy and has a lot of experience. I would definitely recommend him to anyone! read more

Khoa does a fantastic job on my piece! I decided to get a quote from Marilyn Monroe on my thigh and he gave me some tips Yet, he helped me pick out a font for my quote, at the end it turned out really nice! He's very sweet and funny making sure I'm okay. What I love about him he's very focus and takes his time on my tatt! I shall see you again Khoa! Well done Khoa! read more

Today, my friend went in for a tattoo for her beloved dog who recently passed away, prior to that we received an consultation plus an appointment to fits our need, and we got the 1sr session done, the while process Dang the owner make us feel comfortable and extremely easy, also his art works are beyond excellent, not only we will be back for 2nd session in 4 weeks, another friend is also scheduled to be there to get some work done from this master of art! Highly recommend!! Solid 5 stars plus! read more

I'm currently pregnant and thinking about getting a fourth tattoo to celebrate the arrival of my lil one, so i turned to yelp. I received a tattoo from Dang here over 4 years ago and was thoroughly impressed! When I saw there were only 2 reviews i knew i had to write one, can't believe it took me this long! He did my last name on my lower back (thats right, a "tramp stamp") in very specific caligraphy. He took a look at my sketch and went at it. He was so confident, as others have mentioned, and made me feel super chill throughout the whole process. When he was finished he was so impressed with his work, he took a pic of it and said he was gonna post it up somewhere. Haven't been back so don't know if that happened, but it made the work feel even more meaningful. The shop ain't fancy hipster, but i liked that and it was clean and reasonably priced. My tattoo is still in great shape years later, no fading. I highly reommend this place and will likely return for my next piece. read more