Mark and his colleagues are super professional. The vibe here is relaxed but very professional…read more It's a cool Barber Shop vibe, always interesting music. The shop is very clean. Prices are very reasonable for really professional work.

Amazing atmosphere. The people there were very nice, warm and welcoming! They do amazing Tattoo…read moreWork and it was 100% worth visiting and getting my tattoo there.

Worst tattoo shop I've ever been to…read more I went here to get some work and they completely messed up my hand. I showed them a picture of what I wanted and they were not able to do it at all, instead of saying that it was too difficult for them. They tried to pull it off and messed it up. They deleted my review on their google page so i am posting everything here and on my own social media.

Did not read my email of what I wanted, as he requested, prior to my actual tattoo. He would not…read moretalk about what I wanted, only that he can copy a picture. No artist work involved. I have horrible lines and terrible color shading. Regret!!!!! He was too cover up a small flower, now this horrible tattoo that I have, takes up 7 inches!!! Said I was not happy with lines, he said, its done. Walked out with my head held low. Try to keep my tat covered until I find an artist who has my wishes in mind.

Great work, great price, friendly service. Oscar is a skilled artist and can apply any tattoo…read moreperfectly and in good time. He is also very friendly and holds a nice conversation while working. My first tattoo was done by him in 06 when i had him repair a tat that i had gotten in Libertyville and i have gone evet since. His prices are really fair too compared to other parlors.....

3 words... JIMMY IS AWESOME…read more 9th tattoo... And what a nice shop... Very clean and laid back. And not one ounce of pretentiousness or attitude. I brought in a picture of a painting and Jimmy created something even more beautiful than I imagined it could be. I love his work. I'll definitely be back.

Saw Johnny. His work is incredible,but not a fan of his flaky way of doing business ;showed up half…read morean hour late to my appointment and when I mentioned that,he shrugged and had no apology. He likes to bring up his political views which is a hot button and really has no place when you're dealing with customers (PS I really don't care),and also didn't wear a mask while tattooing me and talked about how he "doesn't care" and won't wear one in his shop. Probably won't be back for any more pieces. Not worth the delusional,ignorant republican ramblings,Covid infested germs permeating the air,or sitting around for 30+ plus when I have an appointment. I'm looking for talent AND exceptional customer service. Oh yes - he also talked mad crap about former artists that worked for him(including his current apprentice),other artists in the area (including a few I've been to that honestly are phenomenal artists and people). I would rather he just be quiet and tattoo. His talking and ranting and taking potshots at others really ruins the experience. He doesn't seem to be too quick on the uptake which makes conversation laborious and awkward. He also spends time on personal phone calls or on hold trying to handle some issues with his personal bills and such. Dude do that on your own time(or while you were 30 mins late opening your shop for my appointment). Not worth the trouble.

We had an amazing experience with this shop. Madison was professional and accommodating. The…read moreatmosphere was clean and inviting. The whole staff was so friendly. If you are looking to have work done, I would highly recommend this business. Fair pricing. I will definitely be back to work with Madison again. Thank you Area51 tattoo!!!

Wanted a memorial piece to honor the two most important men in my life, and was referred here by my…read moreGF, who'd gotten more than a few pieces done by these cats. Dakota not only knocked it out of the park, he was the consummate professional, and demonstrated a profound understanding of how important his job is when it comes to deeply personal works of skin art. I've had work done from Germany to Joliet Penitentiary, and more than a few places in between, and this experience by far was the most sublimely pleasant. One of the many reasons I love Crystal Lake and life in the far suburbs, and one of the many reasons I'll have to make the drive back out here when I end up having to move back to the city in a few weeks.

My friend and I got our doubles pierced here and everything went smoothly! We just walked in and…read moreDan was very chill and knowledgeable with what he was doing. It was a long time since my friend and I have been pierced, and he put on some sick music that helped relax us and answered all of our questions so it was great. The price was $60 for doubles which included the jewelry, which was not bad at all when comparing other shops around Crystal Lake. Will definitely be returning in the future for my next one!

He is super nice!! My friend got her nose done and got a little nauseous and he was super cool…read moreabout it. I got my belly button done somewhere else and he cleaned it and took it out for me. He actually cares and wouldn't put in a new one bc it was so badly infected which is really good that he cares that it heals correctly. Super funny too we were both comfortable and everything. I have gotten many piercings and he was the best. I recommend him 100% for piercings!!

I asked for a fine line tattoo on my rib. Came out wayy too thick and is not what i wanted or asked…read morefor.

Regina did an amazing job on my chrysanthemum tattoo! High recommend ! Regina is very kind and…read moreprofessional

I came here for my first tattoo. I'm glad I've gone to other shops since, because this one was…read moreawful. For one thing, I came in and sat down for about half an hour before anyone even bothered to talk to me. They just looked at me and went back to their phones. When I finally spoke to someone and gave them my design, we got to work. I got it on the front of my forearm, so my arm had to be bent backwards in a weird position in order to get proper placement, which is fine. However, I didn't get a break for the full hour that the tattoo lasted, and my arm was cold and numb by the end of it. Coupled with the fact that the artist literally did not speak to me that entire time, I felt really awkward. As far as tattoo care and touch ups, the only thing they mentioned was to keep it covered and use antibacterial soap on it. They did not offer touchups on the tattoo if it looks patchy once it is healed, which other shops have done for me. That was the first and last time I will ever go to this shop, and I recommend other places to my friends who are curious about where to go.

Greg is simply the best! He salvaged two hopeless tattoos that I recieved oversea 20+ years ago…read more His 25 years of tattoo expertise and artistic know-how brought these tattoos back to life. Here's to another 20+ years! Thank you Sir.