Disclaimer: What I PERSONALLY get at Black Coffin is just a taste of what they have to offer in terms of style and creative. Please read for further detail and not just judge based off my pictures I like to consider myself an ideal canvas. I do go to an artist with a tattoo, I find someone who loves to do the style I want and give them a concept. Getting my art this way has resulted in pieces I am so proud to wear on my skin. Black coffin offers a unique aesthetic as well as a personal and home feeling. It may not look like home but it FEELS like home. The one on one time the artists put in with you is second to none. You could walk in with an idea and style and there will be an artist there that will love it and absolutely kill it. Anything from fine line to traditional to new school to (what I like to call and what I personally get) the coffin special. I have had the absolute pleasure and honor of being able to work with the most honest, transparent, humble, creative, and proud artist I've ever met. Garrett is someone who has done everything under the sun but understands that if it's not a tattoo he wants to do, it's not going to be the best you can get. There have been several times where I've met someone in public and seen a tattoo and said to myself "That looks like Garrett", sure as shit it always is (I'm an absolute sucker for this man's grey wash). As the owner he has done a wonderful job at funneling clients to his other artists who have their own styles and preferences and been able to build their own amazing reputation. Someday I would love to get a little something from everyone in the black coffin family. I'm incredibly happy to have found Black Coffin. read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

See all

please do yourself a favor and get pierced here! i got the paired upper lip piercings done by Mara about a month ago and then the outer snakebites done by Sarah today. Both piercers made me feel comfortable and at ease (as well as the cool front desk staff and the general vibes) and i felt good about how clean/sterile everything was. I've had some uncomfortable experiences being pierced before and these were the opposite of that. Both piercers took their time marking it evenly and were really nice and attentive, tbh the placement is so much better than i had in mind. i'm glad i trusted the vision. wish i would've come here sooner! read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - pls excuse the swelling - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Myself and a few friends got tattoos together with Layla, who was fantastic. For most of us it was our first tattoo, and she made it an easy, smooth process for all of us. The studio was a welcoming environment, and the music playlist was great haha. I'd go back for a future tattoo in a heartbeat read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

As a huge fan of horror movies since the tender age of 4. Yes 4. I decided I wanted to get a horror themed tattoo. Ah, but who could do it? I read great reviews for this place so I decided to submit my request and waited. I heard back within a few days and was paired up with Garrett who happens to be the owner. As a huge fan of horror himself he was the perfect person for the job. He made me feel comfortable and I had a great time discussing horror with him. I sat for 3 half day sessions and when it was all finished I was so happy with how the tattoo turned out. So much so that I plan on adding to it next spring. The shop is pretty big and there are a variety of different artists so I'm confident that you'd be paired up with the perfect person for the design/work you want done. Can't recommend this place enough! read more

See all

My wife and I were visiting and they got us in right away. They were very communicative and friendly. Our artist was Jake and he was amazing! I highly recommend! read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - This was my tattoo. My wife got the same on her arm. - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

Great place! Awesome vibe. Talented and personable artists. I have been there for 2 different pieces; both times: quick, thorough, pristinely clean and just a great place overall! If it is your first tattoo or 7th... this place is worth it. They make you feel at safe and explain the process And steps so you understand everything completely. I liked that John was very engaged and helpful with size, comfort, pain level.., and the front desk person would come check up on us as well as the artist. They all seem to enjoy working There and together! read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - They put names up too! Kind of a neat and cool touch! - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

My tattoo artist was John Erickson. The tattoo I got here is about fully healed! I'll start by talking about the service. Everyone there was very kind and welcoming! All of my calls and emails were answered quickly. My artist was always on time and had all of the paperwork ready, and me and my boyfriend never had to ring the doorbell more than once. The decor is amazing; tons of different tattoo designs to look at as well as other sculptures, drawings, curiosities, and body jewelry. It was nice to be able to have so much to look at while getting tattooed. As for the sensory experience, it was quite cold in the studio but I credit that to the large windows. My artist did have a heater though! If you have sensitive eyes and come in during the day, I'd definitely recommend sunglasses. The music is generally alternative, and can be loud, but my artist was able to change the music for me (from heavy metal to some more gothic, introspective music.) I can tell from all the different stations that there's a wide variety of artists in this studio, so you'll definitely be able to find an artist that fits your needs! All of them seem very enthusiastic too; a few different artists stopped by a couple times to check out the progress on my arm piece. John had lots of different designs that I absolutely loved, and I would definitely go back to get them tattooed! He has lots of cute pet portraits, and his style is in between cartoony and realistic, and he's not afraid to incorporate lots of color. Me and my boyfriend were able to connect with him on a personal level too, which helped me feel very comfortable here. I really valued the vulnerability we could have with each other. Overall I had an amazing experience here, and will definitely be coming back! read more

See all

I got an amazing fine line tattoo from Kelly Do!! It was my first tattoo and it was the best experience I could've eve had!! I would definitely go back to her! read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

I've had four piercings done by Thomas White and I adore them. He walked me through jewelry details and when it came time to pierce he explained how everything would work and cracked some good jokes to calm my nerves. I 100% trust him and will forever go to him for piercings. After the piercings were done he explained to me how to clean it and the healing process. There was no bs, he was very honest about how each one would heal. He also sent me home with a pamphlet about each piercing and a mist to use to clean them. read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Septum piercing and two nostril piercings done by Thomas White. - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

The shop cancelled a piercing 10 minutes before the scheduled time due to staffing issues. I am curious how a customer would not be notified that their appointment is canceled until after they have checked in. Poor customer service in my opinion. read more

Got tattooed twice here so far, both times by John Erickson. Dude is amazing, he works well with his clients, is super communcative and did a beautiful job on both of my tattoos. He's easy to talk to and get along with - could not possibly recommend him or this shop more! read more

A truly trustworthy shop! I've definitely found my go-to tattoo place in the cities. I got my first large, custom piece done here by Jesse Skaggs. In true millennial fashion, I found him via social media after hearing about the shop from a coworker. I was blown away by his work and wanted a piece ASAP. The experience did not disappoint, from start to finish Jesse (and Black Coffin staff) was helpful and welcoming. My tattoo came out beautifully and I definitely got my moneys worth. I cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Color - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

I have nothing but great things to say! Pirate-Piercing did a phenomenal job making me feel comfortable and colored my jewelry to my exact liking (pink !!). Everything was super clean and professional,l. The atmosphere also gave off a gothic-chic that makes you feel even cooler for being there. Pricing was reasonable and the quality was high! If I could give my experience a 6 star review I would !! read more

What I love about this tattoo shop is the atmosphere of it feeling like a family reunion every single visit. Every artist is kind and super knowledgeable and fun to be around. The open layout is great for people watching and enjoying all of the rad artwork and Knick knacks on the walls and surrounding areas. I've only been worked on by Jesse Skaggs so far but I plan to have other artists work on me as well! Anyone you talk to will help you form your general ideas of "what To get," into unique masterpieces whether small or large. I highly recommend this shop! read more

See all

This shop has such a great theme throughout. The vintage black coffin in the waiting area is the icing on the cake. Garrett has worked hard to improve and expand the shop he started with a few years ago, creating a great experience for clients. Everyone is friendly, professional, knowledgeable, understanding and welcoming to all. read more

TW: racism, xenophobia, transphobia This is a long read but it all needs to be said- I've had a few tattoos done here with the artist 'The Carol'. It's taken me some time to process what was said and what would be the best way to confront this problem so this is why I'm now writing this review. Our interactions at my previous appointments were fine but this last time around about one hour before we were finished she brought up the issues going on in Afghanistan (she kept saying Iraq rather than Afghanistan which also shows that she wasn't informed enough about the topic to be saying this so confidently to begin with)- she made a concerning statement- quote 'they're all coming over here and not working, not paying taxes, and we're giving them money and handouts and idk how to feel about that' unquote. which I responded passively with 'well honestly it's a tragedy what's happening over there' hoping she'd dismiss the conversation but instead she chose to respond with word for word 'well let's hope another 9/11 doesn't happen' (this was also the day after 9/11). It made me uncomfortable and was in a position where I didn't know how to respond in the moment with her having a needle in my arm. After that conversation ended she eventually brought up Kaitlin Jenner and said 'I felt bad for Kris, can you imagine waking up one day and your husband all of a sudden wants to be a female? What the hell is that like I didn't sign up for this'. although Kaitlin Jenner is not an ethical person that does not give grounds to say something as offensive and insensitive in regards to her transition or gender identity. What Carol said came from a place of entitlement/privilege as well as a lack of education/exposure to these communities and topics. What was said were racist, xenophobic, and transphobic comments which may seem minuscule to her or pass it off as 'just an opinion' but they are statements that perpetuate a harmful stereotype that continues to influence and insight violence against these communities long term. I'm speaking up to let others know that Carols chair is not a welcoming or safe space for lgbtq+ people or people outside of the white/white passing heteronormative spectrum due to the ignorance I witnessed. You are entitled to your opinion but when you vocalize it you are not exempt from the social consequences of making those controversial, disrespectful, and frankly disgusting statements. I hope this can be a lesson that what she says matters and it affects people and it affects her business as well as leaves an impression on the company as a whole. Considering how comfortable and loudly she felt saying these things to me with other workers and clients in the same space leads me to assume that she is not being held accountable at work by her peers for the things she says. Your employees are the face of your business and i don't feel like anyone has confronted Carol about these issues which makes her peers complacent/not allies which in turn makes this establishment an unsafe/unwelcoming environment for people in these marginalized communities as a whole. I will not be returning as a client. read more

Booked with Amy Jean for a small piece on my ankle. Spoke to her through Instagram, which I find super convenient. She was very kind and helpful when it came to choosing design and placement (it was my first tattoo ever). The space is clean and very inviting. Super cool gothic atmosphere and awesome art everywhere. Definitely recommend Amy and Black Coffin in general! read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

My go to place for any tattoo needs!! I love all the artists and their work is always worth the price, plus everyone is always friendly !(:

If you wanna get ripped off, be my guest. Watched a kid get his first tattoos, he got 4 small words on his arm that took like an hour for 310 dollars! And she told him this after the tattoo. I've had tattoos that took an hour and a half with actual detail that cost me 140. I was gonna get four names on my ribs that would have taken 40min-1hr and she tried charging me 300 dollars saying " ribs are much harder." Just go to a nice place with an appointment and set prices. read more

Amazing service. Friendly artists. Quick and fantastic work. Definitely coming back. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and was very satisfied with how the artists were willing to work with me an give me exactly what I wanted. read more

Owner garret has been tattooing for 17 years, the shop is clean N sanitary. Garret is great with fine lines! Overall great spot.

Went in to see Garrett the end of Jan, I had 5 tattoos already and looking for another. With recommendation of my son, I talked to Garrett and end up doing the tattoo on the inside of my right arm and it is by far the best on I have and by the way I am 73 years old and will go back to have him do another one. If you are looking for a tattoo go to Garrett he is great and his entire staff trust me you will love it. Jim S. read more

Mad about how crooked some of the building are bc all I asked for was simple straight lines and she couldn't even do that so idk about this place Marisa did mine and the line work was terrible read more

Black Coffin Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - St Paul, Minnesota

I went in for a small script tattoo as a walk in and Marissa made sure everything was just the way I wanted it even though it was small. She let me know that since I had scar tissue it was going to hurt more there and walked me through the whole process. She made me feel comfortable and when I stopped her halfway through because I wasn't feeling well she got me water and saltines and checked in with me through the rest of the tattooing process. Over all an extremely caring tattoo artist and will absolutely go back to her. read more

Garrett was great! I just completed chemo and radiation for breast cancer and wanted my first tattoo. I called about a consultation and he asked what I was thinking. I explained it was the Finnish word for strength. He said he was a Finnish and I should come in when I could. He designed my tattoo with a really nice suggestion along the way! I love it. Great guy! Great place!! read more

I've had a couple tattoos done with the staff at Black Coffin Tattoo and last night my brother got his first tattoo with Garrett. I really like this shop. The staff is really great, the art is fantastic and overall a wonderful experience. If you are looking for tattoo check out the artists and make your appointment. read more

This is a Great shop.. And Justin Wainner is a Great artist.. I've gotten several tattoos.. But Justin has been the first to "design" a tattoo for me.. And.. Ask Me my input.. It turned out Fantastic.. And.. I'll go back for his work Again!! read more

Marissa did an awesome job on a rose for the back of my upper arm! Nice, solid line work and great color work. I would highly recommend stopping in and checking out Black Coffin Tattoo! read more

I recently went to the shop to get a lip tattoo. I called ahead to make sure I was able to get a lip tattoo as not all artists will tattoo it. When I got to the shop it was a struggle for the receptionist to find anyone to even say yes to doing the tattoo when finally a man named Garrett said yes when no one else would take it. This made me feel pretty uneasy but Garrett made me feel comfortable with him doing the tattoo so I decided I would go through with it. He ended up doing what I thought was a great job. I understand that lip tattoos can last like three days or forever, it depends... but I'm truly convinced this was not my skin taking the ink, it was the process of the tattooing that caused my lip tattoo to fade away in about 3 days. Garrett used a special slower moving smaller 'tattoo gun', after doing further research almost all tattoo artists use the normal faster moving tattoo gun to do the lip tattoos which results in a possibly messer writing but a longer duration of having the tat. which i assume most people would choose as it is inner lip and a permanent tattoo.... Garrett gave me his card as i was leaving the shop and told me to text him and give him updates on how the tattoo was doing. I sent him photos along with a text that asked.. "what could we do differently next time if i end up getting it redone" not targeting him or the shop and i didn't get any reply.. Super bummed and wouldn't recommend going here for lip tattoos or any if you want decent customer service. read more

I completely love this tattoo parlor. The atmosphere, the artists, and the artwork all deserves five stars. I am currently getting my second piece done by Alex and I cannot wait for the finished product. I would highly recommend Alex for your next piece and you will not be disappointed. read more