Infinite stars! I had an excellent experience at Black Vulture, starting from the initial consultation all the way through the 2 sessions of tattooing and subsequent healing process. I will 100% be back here in the future (already planning my next one....or two...or three - it's truly an addiction). Hoode did an absolutely incredible job on my tattoo. His style is so unique and his details/lines/dimensions are super refined and on point. Seriously, check out his work. Next time I hope to get a color tattoo by him - his color work is fantastic. I got a black and grey tattoo this time. I was a particular pain in the ass client because I had specific photos I wanted him to work off of. Not only was the subject of my tattoo impeccably transferred from multiple composites of the original photos to his depiction of it, but the extra shading/filler and surrounding framing/outline were all products of his imagination and were done beautifully. I sort of had an idea in my head of what it could have possibly looked like before he drew it - let's just say he exceeded my expectations tenfold. The tattooing itself was super streamlined and efficient and I felt comfortable and at ease the entire time (bonus: there's so much cool artwork/artifacts on the walls to keep you distracted). Watching Hoode work is a display of someone who genuinely cares for each and every piece that comes before him and I could tell he sought perfection, adding details and shading here and there until it was up to his standards. Booking the tattoo was easy and Hoode made sure to keep me updated by email often about any schedule changes or open slots for appointments, especially since I had 2 sessions. Not only that, but he also gave me thorough instructions on after care for the healing process. I've never had a tattoo heal so wonderfully. The quality of the work here shows in the final product (I've attached a photo of my tattoo). I will absolutely visit back and I encourage everyone to check it out if you're looking for a stellar, top notch place to get a tattoo. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Taken a day after I got the tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My friend and I came in today as walk ins. Everyone was super nice and friendly, but we have a couple things to point out. I had Tom Taylor, and what I asked for was some small text on my back. On his website it is clear that he is a talented artist, but there were of course no images of his work with text. It was a concern for me that I did not have any text/line work of his to go by but he re-assured me that he could do it. When I saw the stencil I pointed out that one word looked bigger than the other, but I was assured that it wasn't. I knew something looked off but I trusted his expertise. Now it is tattooed, and it is clear that one word is significantly bigger. Some of the letters in the script are not even connected. The first word is slightly higher than the second word, and the whole thing is slightly slanted. In the end, he was very friendly, but I do not recommend for text. It is frustrating to pay $100 for uneven work. Bird, on the other hand, did a wonderful job with my friend's tattoo and we could not recommend more! read more

I just got my third tattoo (but first tattoo that took longer than 15 minutes) here yesterday and I am totally in love. I stopped in last week on a whim to get some ideas and pricing and had the good fortune of meeting Chad the tattoo artist. He was honest with me about what would look good and what wouldn't which I greatly appreciated. When we finally agreed on a concept and location, he drew the most beautiful piece of artwork ever. When it was actually time to get inked I was super nervous but chad put me at ease. He got the whole piece done in one four hour sitting which greatly appealed to my need for instant gratification. Although it hurt like a bitch the finished product is phenomenal. I would say it is exactly what I had in mind, but it's way better. I'm so thrilled with my tattoo and I would recommend Black Vulture-especially Chad, to anyone. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm a nervous, neurotic, perfectionist and I wanted to get my first tattoo. Obviously, I'm going to do a ton of research. My friend and I were both interested in getting small tattoos and we found a lot of good reviews for Black Vulture, specifically for Rachael. I live Central Illinois and was nervous about trying a small shop in the Midwest, so I planned to get mine while visiting the family in Philly for Thanksgiving. She answered all of our questions via email, let us leave a deposit via Paypal and gave us an appointment together. The setup for mine took longer than the actual tattoo. It's small and simple, but I love it and it looks beautiful. This little paw print has a lot of meaning to me and I wanted it to be perfect. Rachael was really nice and let me nervously ramble the whole time while she did her work. Thanks again! It has healed beautifully. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - My paw print, by Rachael - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Awesome artwork. Justin is really the best. I don't get my work done by anyone else but him. He's fast and very good at what he does. read more

If only a Big Fat Zero was an option... Oh well, it looks like I have to write my traumatic, tragic, gave me ptsd experience all over again. I don't see the review that I had up from Year 2012 so I'm not sure how this feed is being fair to its users. I'm about to be blunt and quick to the point, if YELP still has a copy of my initial review you may have the opportunity to get all of the painful details such as names, dates, and verbatim dialogue. So for now I will cover the highlights that will forever be etched in my memory. (No exaggeration) I'd scheduled an appointment with a gentleman that paired me with (for lack of a civil word) a female artist. The day of the appointment I called to inform her that I was at the salon getting a pedi and they are backed up ... "do you want to reschedule?". She replied "Oh no, take your time, you're my ONLY APPOINTMENT FOR TODAY (giggles) no worries ". That was around 1:00 pm I arrived at 1:20pm I barely stepped pass the threshold and the receptionist darted over and asked was " I ... (my name)" I said "yes" then she asked "you're here for the foot cover up ?" I said "yes" Then the gates of hell opened "Well she's busy with another client you're going to have to come back another day" Seriously? Really? Hmmmm.. No rescheduling? Just "back another day" ?? .. to a place who work on appointments only? I was wearing Anne Klein from top to toes, clean and cute as ever, the staff was complementing how great I looked. Long/Short, She never once apologized for wasting my time or money to travel there. I had 800.00 cash dollars for a simple cover up. Do you understand what it feels like to get a bad 1st & only tattoo, then you gain the courage to seek out someone else to cover it up and make it sexy with the same excitement as getting your first tattoo? It was equally insulting, discriminating, & devastating. I was at ground zero again on the cover up and I was treated like we were back in the 1860's. Basically if you're new to the city and you're wondering if you're patronage is welcomed here? Not when I went, take a look at the pictures posted from their clients and it will tell you all you need to know. Shame on her and anyone that condones her actions just so you know I'm one of the good ones meaning Human being. They actually have no clue of the rippled effect of the high horse they rode on that day played out. But I Will say this ... I'm the mother of 2 special needs children and I don't ask for much just that my babies are safe. I was the only parent that popped up at schools making sure they were okay, requesting meetings for my child's education. I didn't sit home playing around I got things done, College, worked for the State & City government & living my life right so ... Chew on that while you guess .. who doesn't like ugly. read more

Went to Justin Harris for a-few nice pieces and would recommend to anyone who seeks a perfectionist for their tattoos. He really focuses on the little details and when you leave the shop you want be able to stop staring at the tattoo. Very quick and affordable , all you have to do on your end is wait until your appointment and endure the pain. Well worth it. The shop has a great atmosphere, you can tell all the artists love what they do. Can't wait to go back again. Update: 7 tattoos so far. Mind blown every time. read more

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Justin Harris has done a few tattoos for me and I continue to go back for good reason... he's amazing! The studio is a great place, located doors away from some awesome Fishtown bars and breweries. The atmosphere is comfortable with all the artists chatting with you, making you feel very welcomed. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Justin Harris (Greenbay Bully) did this piece and I love it. - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Extremely impressed thus far. I have uploaded a pic of what my arm looks like just barely 4 hours into it. More work to be done and I am confident that it will turn out great. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This shop is AMAZING!! The art work is killer, and it's super clean. My man, Bobby Trefz is in the process of finishing my first sleeve, and I'm extremely happy with his work! Guy is Aces!! Great artist, and a good dude. Bobby is appointment only, and the shop is right next to Murphs so you can get that shot and beer before and after!! read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This was my first tattoo and even though it was a very small it might as well have been covering my entire body based on my nerves and desire to get it perfect. You could probably describe me and my crowd as very J Crew so I went to Tattoo SEO for recommendations as I had no clue where to start with finding a reputable tattoo artist. I wanted an black bird on my wrist that was small and tasteful and I needed it to be perfect. They pointed me to Black Vulture Gallery. I had emailed Rachael the image I wanted and worked out a time to come by. The place was very clean and had a really relaxing vibe to it that put me at ease. Rachael had a very calming demeanor about her that instantly put me at ease. Knowing that I was a tattoo-virgin she explained all the steps and told me what to expect before starting... particularly that the set up would actually take longer than the actual tattoo - it took all of 2 and a half minutes. It's perfect. It is exactly what I wanted; it has crisp clean lines to it and once again, its perfect. She gave me a sheet with follow up instructions and told me if I had any questions please do not hesitate giving them a call. There were other people there at the time getting a few more intricate and larger pieces done and they all looked great. I highly recommend them, especially Rachael, to any newbies out there nervous about their researching where to get their first tattoo. read more

Really satisfied with my tattoos. I walked in and Dave Moyer was there and ready to set me up with what I wanted. Real nice guy I been recommending this place to a bunch of people. Great variety of styles. I trust these guys with any idea I want tattooed on me. Hoodes color work looks amazing and I hope to have him do one of my future tattoos. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Dave Moyer jazz tattoo duo monk and coltrane great work - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Black Vulture Gallery is a beautiful shop. The walls are covered in art work and the furniture all looks antique. I love it! Bobby Trefz has been working on a sleeve for me and it's coming out great! He's been so good at listening to my crazy ideas about a post apocalyptic, New England Space Scape where a lobster in a space suit is the protagonist who is followed by his side kick the space shrimp! He is literally bringing my wildest dreams to life in front of my face! He is available by appointment only and comes highly recommended! read more

Wow, guys, this place is AMAZING. First off, I was just some walk in that called 30 minutes before going in and was so lucky to be given an appointment. I came to Bird with a shitty sketch on a scrap of notebook paper of a geometrical arrow I drew, and not only did he clean up the design, but made my tattoo flawless. He's the sweetest! I'm a tattoo virgin, or was, and he made me super comfortable being there and assured me there was nothing to worry about. No joke. I never write yelp reviews, in fact I even made this account only to give this place 5 stars, and I don't even have the patience in making a Facebook for myself. If you're looking for a clean tattoo at an affordable price with really genuine and great people, definitely come to Black Vulture! Bird is incredible but I'm sure everyone there is. read more

Black Vulture Gallery - Tattoo Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The first time I went to Black Vulture was as a walk in to get herbs tattooed. After being severely disappointed by a sketch at a different shop, I was amazed at how quickly Dave translated what I described into a design. It was exactly what I wanted. I went back a few weeks later to get a corresponding tattoo on my other arm. Stopped in when Dave wasn't in so I left a note about getting a wheat tattoo. Went in the next day and he already had it drawn up and tattooed me that evening. He's done two other small line tattoos for me and one bigger one (jar of peanut butter) that I designed, then he cleaned up and tattooed. I've never not been completely ecstatic with his work, but Dave also really cares that you're happy with the tattoo. As far as personal experiences go, I can only comment on and recommend (highly recommend!) Dave Moyer. However, all of the artists at Black Vulture are super talented. Solid shop. read more

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I refuse to get work done anywhere else. Black Vulture is a great environment and I have had work done by Rachael and Justin. Both of them are amazing artists. Check this place out!! read more

Love this Place not only for the talent but for the environment!!! It's Super super clean! Hoode the owner is a Sweetheart:) and they are a Great Part of the Community:) I got a Tattoo from Rachel Shelly and She's the BEST!!! Bird and Monique are Cool Ass Too!!! read more

Fantastic shop with an artist that does top quality work. Who could ask for more?

LOVE Rachael. She have me my first tattoo and is super chill; she also added onto that tattoo so obviously I was excited to go back. She's really easy to work with and has beautiful work. Also her precision and line work is amazing. The only thing about Black Vulture is they have a 100 dollar minimum so I paid 200 bucks altogether for a tattoo that might not be that much elsewhere. But it's so beautifully done and even and perfect that I can't complain. Thanks Rachael! read more

The shop is sanitary and the artists are very talented. I'm very happy with how my tattoo looks. I was less thrilled by my experience there. The artist who tattooed me would make misogynistic comments to his coworkers, and used the N-word while singing with a song (he's white). If this isn't an issue for you, go right ahead. I cannot, in good concise, continue to support this business. read more

I started going to this shop because my tattoo artist, Bobby Trefz, is taking appointments there. Bobby is one of the best tattoo artists in the city and he cranks out one of a kind dope flash art; which I personally have tattooed on me. The shop is very easy to get to, clean, and Johnny Brenda's is right across the street. Right now we are working on a piece and he is super flexible and incorporates my ideas while pointing out plausible scenes. I wouldn't work with anyone else! Make your appointment today. read more

My first tattoo, and I did my research on Yelp beforehand. Hoode was my artist and he did my idea exactly like I wanted it. It was really good linework, as the lines were incredibly straight and precise. read more

First tattoo, so can't really compare it to anything else. That being said, it was a great experience. Dave Moyer did mine and he was great from the start. I had an original design that I wanted done, but he helped me decide on the size and location. I'm very happy with how it came out and the process. The vibe is very laid back. Music from Slayer to NWA played while I got mine done. I would go back there again. read more

Went here for a walk in, first time tiny tattoo. Very accommodating and efficient

A year ago, while researching tattoo artist near Trenton I came across this spot. I wanted a tattoo in the center of my breast and after reviewing one of the artist portfolio as well as having an consult.. I gave it a go.. My only complaint was the price for the tattoo I received was too high for the very small tattoo I got other than that was satisfied with the result. To which fast forward to a year later, I booked another session with the same artist. Before my appointment and/or to "drop an deposit" I emailed him to inform that my fifth tattoo will be a cover up to cover up my very first tattoo I received when I was 15... I arrived there earlier this evening, spoke to the artist I've been communicating with via email, and who also saw via attachment the tattoo I was considering. Welp, that all changed after my arrival. First, I arrive, it is me who greet the employees (odd), secondly, the artist tell me he do not do that kind of tattoo (could have told me that via email since he had the photos of the tattoo's I was considering), third, he was very nonchalant and standoffish this time around. Granted, he did refer me to a colleague whom perform henna type of tattoo's and he did text her to inform her I was there to see her. About 15 minutes later, she arrived but I felt there was a disconnect. Do not get me wrong, she was pleasant, but just didn't feel I wanted to work with her based on the recommendation she gave concerning how she would try to cover up my existing tattoo with the new design. Also her next availability was slated for this upcoming Thursday.. Annoyed that I came all that way because am from Jersey, so toll..gas etc.. is factored, and wasn't able to receive my cover up. If only the original artist, whom performed my fourth tattoo and who I initially booked with would have told me via email that the tattoo I was considering is not his speciality, if I was told all of that, could have spared me a trip to Philly. So, now off to researching other artist in Jersey or the city (NY) this time who can perhaps perform a successful cover up tattoo... read more

I am going to have to try really hard to translate my excitement into this tiny Yelp review! I wanted a flash style elephant tattoo on my arm, and my husband sought out artist Dave Moyer for the job. Boy, did he do me a huge favor with that. Dave met with me, assessed the spot on my arm and showed me some awesome drawings. It turns out he really wanted to do an elephant anyway, so he was really excited to work on it for me. I went home and sent him an email with pictures, and he drew something up for my appointment the following week. When I walked into Black Vulture for my appointment, I was astounded at the AMAZING drawing he drew up for me. It was better than anything I had sent him in my email! Everyone in the shop was immediately super friendly and cracking me up while I was on the table getting my work done. It felt like hanging out with a really nice family, while getting the tattoo you've always wanted. While I was there, I looked around at all the other artists' work and was so impressed. No matter what style of tattoo you're looking for, you will be amazed at the talent and possibilities under their roof. Dave was such a cool guy that my husband and I invited him to have a beer with us next door after my appointment. I am so happy to have found the right artist for me here in Philadelphia, and he has a client for life. Don't miss out.... go to Black Vulture for your next tattoo. I'm not kidding!!!!!!! read more

Black Vulture is without a doubt the best shop I've ever been to. The collection of talent is so diverse with great artists that can tattoo anything you could imagine. I get tattooed by the owner Hoode, and cannot recommend him enough. Coolest dude with the best color work I've ever seen. Get tattooed here, you won't regret it. read more

I just got a tattoo by Rachael this past Saturday and she was amazing! The tattoo she drew up after discussing the design was great, she had great ideas, and I felt comfortable taking my time to make changes. During the actual tattooing I felt really comfortable, and she was polite to my 3 very chatty friends who tagged along to watch. Overall a great experience, and I'm looking forward to going back! read more

I had some left shoulder work done by Chad today. He was very professional and his artistic vision and skill contributed greatly to how amazing he final artwork looked. In fact, I'll be returning to him in a couple of weeks for some work on the right shoulder. Highly recommended overall. read more

I love Black Vulture gallery! I Have been tattooed by Hoode and David Moyer. I love both of my tattoos. They keep the shop super clean too! If you are looking for an amazing tattoo, look no further. Book your appointment with any of the artist at Black Vulture and you won't be disappointed! read more

This place is absolutely fantastic. I gave a few vague ideas of what I wanted to Bird, my tattoo artist, and he produced the most beautiful creation I've seen. His work is incredible, and all of the artists I've met are very friendly and do great work. read more