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    Central Tattoo Studio

    4.3 (44 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    By appointment only

    Updated 1 month ago

    Central Tattoo Studio Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Central Tattoo Studio

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    The mountain range tattoo was done by Murt. An absolutely talented artist.
    Allie N.

    You're not going to find a more talented group of tattoo artists anywhere else in Philly. Murt has been my favorite artist since I relocated to the east coast. He specializes in mostly black & white intricate pieces. Very passionate about what he does, it definitely shows. During my session with him, he was kind and generous enough to go over the lines on my upper piece to balance them out free of charge. His attention to detail goes unparalleled.

    Jessica K.

    I found this studio after weeks of searching through Yelp, Instagram, Reddit, etc. I decided to go with Cody after looking through his portfolio and couldn't be happier with the results. After the initial consultation going over what I was looking for, I scheduled an appointment to have the actual work done and put down a deposit. In the weeks leading up, I put together a ton of samples and work (probably way too many) that I wanted to use as references, but Cody reviewed everything and presented me with a sketch a few days before. We emailed back and forth for a few days going through minor adjustments, and Cody was very responsive and helpful throughout the process. The work itself took about 4.5 hours, but wasn't actually too bad to sit through. The studio is very clean and organized. Cody was fun to talk to, and we even got a chance to look at the solar eclipse during a short break. Overall, it was a great experience and I love the artwork and the piece overall. He also offers a free touchup within the year, which is very helpful, particularly with the detailed artwork that he creates. It was a little pricey, but worth the cost. Definitely recommended! (Cody did the wolf patronus as an add on to my deathly hallows)

    I was lucky enough to snag an appointment with Rowan and set it up for a time I would be in Philly. I flew in from Arizona and Rowan definitely worked with my schedule to get this awesome piece done. She was very nice and did a great job. Would definitely recommend and go back again! Definitely recommend to follow her IG to see when her books open again. Hope to see here again in the future and get more work done!

    Lavender by Murrt
    Kim-Jamy N.

    I found this sweet studio after landing on Pete Zebley's work through the World Wide Web. I was so in awe with his portfolio and generally, the classiness of the studio's art that I just knew that i needed to get my tattoo here! Just based off of their previous work I felt a sense of trust that they produce high quality tattoos and it wasn't just about inking folks. I looked through all the artist's work and ended up vibing with John Murrt and Cody Dean's work. I ended up getting a consult with Murrt. He had done a lavender/florals before though, to be fair, his specialty is blackwork and dots. Though florals don't seem like its his thing - my lavender came out absolutely beautiful! The day of - I came in super nervous. It was my first "bigger" tattoo (though most would say it's a small tattoo.) my friends all told me it would feel like a slight tickle or annoyance but to be fair, I have ZERO pain tolerance. Anyways, 30 mins into the tattoo I thought all hell was breaking loose and had to ask for a break. If I had to would I do it again? Yes! it was so beautiful and Murrt had beautiful craftsmanship! But, would I get a third tattoo?? Probably not. I gotsta bebe soft skin that isn't made for ink.

    This was done by the amazing Pete Zebley.  Just love it to pieces.
    Chrissy K.

    I have been going to Pete Zebley for many years now and was super stoked when he finally opened up his own studio. I first saw him in 2012; I wanted a hummingbird/flower tattoo and had been searching for quite some time for the perfect artist. When I saw his book, I knew he was the one for me. We set up an appointment, I gave him my idea/vision and the artwork he drew up was amazing. We discussed splitting the session into two parts and made the appointments right then and there. His prices are right on target and his shop is super clean and nice. I liked it so much, that I decided to keep going and create a half-sleeve on my left arm. Pete is a wonderful artist who takes great pride in his work. He is kind, patient, funny and someone who wants to make sure that his client is happy in the end. He is down-to-easy and easy to talk to. I felt listened to 100% of the time. With the time and $$ that I invested in my half-arm sleeve, if asked if I would do it all over again with Pete - the answer is yes. I get so many compliments and I can't wait until my next one.

    This was done by Pete
    Josie V.

    Pete is an artist. He doesn't just tattoo an image on you, he creates beautiful pieces with an artistic approach. I haven't been to his studio but I had a piece done by him while he was in LA. Personally, I find tattoo artists very intimidating because I've never had a good experience with one. Every single one I've met, with the exception of Pete, has been very arrogant, they didn't even want to bother talking to me unless we were on the topic of money. Stay away from those. On the other hand, Pete was super nice and accommodating throughout the whole 8 hour process. Called me up before my session to talk about my ideas and took his time (free of charge) putting the ideas together in a tangible image for me. I was already confident in his ability to create a beautiful piece for me but seeing Pete be very enthusiastic throughout the whole process made me feel comfortable sharing my ideas. PRICE: Some people might be scared by what he charges but he's charging for years of tattooing experience, state of the art tattoo equipment (he has this neat tattoo machine that is supposed to tear the skin less AND it's super quiet compared to most noisy machines) AND he has other cool stuff that makes being tattooed for so many hours a much more pleasant experience. Also, Melissa is super sweet. She was the one answering my emails while Pete was busy!

    Clearly phoning the design in. Images copied and pasted from google. Some are not even the correct flowers.

    ABSOLUTELY READ BEFORE YOU PROCEED WITH THIS SHOP!!! This is a review for Pete Zebley and Central Tattoo Studio For those who like short reviews: here are the bullet points: 1. Just because you have a consult, pay your deposit, and show up for your appointment on time- DOES NOT mean that you will get a tattoo. 2. Do not ask for anything remotely out of Pete's comfort zone. 3. If you want anyone else's input on the design, be prepared for a resounding, "NO." 4. His staff lies about the size of the tattoo room so he can tattoo you alone. Trauma victims- this is not a safe space for you. 5. He has a temperamental personality that could potentially result in your tattoo not being finished. For those interested in details, please read below: I met with Pete Zebley at Central Tattoo Studios in mid September for my consult for my tattoo. The consult went ok, but it left me leaving with some slight doubts that Pete could tattoo the specific flowers I wanted. He assured me it would be a challenge but that he could do it. Before I left, he took a picture of my arm. I specifically asked him if he would be emailing me a mock up of the design. He specifically said that he would in a few weeks. I remember this because I requested the mock up due to his uncertainty. A week before my tattoo appointment, I realized I had not received the mock up from Pete as promised. I sent a quick reminder email to the shop letting them know that I hadn't received an image and asking when I can expect one. Nothing. 23 hours before my appointment I called the shop. The woman on the phone informed me that they do not send designs out because they don't want someone taking the artist's work to someone else. I told her that while that made complete sense to me and I respected that, I was told something very different by the artist/owner himself. She was not the brightest crayon in the bunch and none of this was her fault, so I let her off the phone with a promise that she would talk to the artist. Pete ended up emailing me images at 9 pm that night. I can tell you I was not impressed. It was clearly images cut out from the Internet and pasted onto my arm. Still believing he was a talented artist and maybe this was his process, I went the next day. When my friend and I arrived, the receptionist eventually informed me that I was the only one allowed back in the studio because there is just not enough space. I told her that that was nowhere in any of the information I had been given and could she maybe go ask Pete if my friend could stay. She left and never returned. Pete appeared and called my name to come back. We walked three steps up into his studio (which had room for 10 people mind you) and he stopped when he saw my friend following me. He pointed at me and said "No, only you." I said that I thought we were just working on the design initially and I would like her input. He responded, "That's not how I work," while repeatedly shaking his head. My friend graciously left the room despite his rudeness and inflexibility. I quietly told him that if that was his policy and the way that he works, that he should make that clear from the beginning. I said that we had driven an hour to get there and it would have been helpful if that were in the confirmation email. He said that it should have been. I pulled the email up to show him that it wasn't. Well, that flipped something in his delicate brain. All of a sudden he gets really aggressive and angry saying, "Well if it's such a problem, then I'm not doing your tattoo." My mouth flew open and I said, "Seriously?" I actually thought maybe he was joking because it was such a sudden and extreme reaction. I was very peaceful about the whole thing despite the blatant disrespect he was showing us. I was about to argue with him and then I realized this guy is not ok and I absolutely do not want him touching my skin with a needle. I left totally confused and appalled that I had been treated this way for absolutely no reason. Here is my take from this: Pete is obviously a very talented artist but I believe he was sorely underprepared to do my tattoo. I believe he doubted that he could do it. And I believe that he could not own up to either of those things. As a result he was looking for any excuse not to tattoo me. This is a very dangerous personality trait for a tattoo artist. I wasted a couple of months on this guy holding my money for no reason when I could have been working with an actual artist. I do believe that Pete had no intention of touching me with a needle when I walked in that day. I would say if you want anything that isn't absolutely squarely in his comfort zone, look elsewhere. He might say that he can do it, but when push comesshove, he's going to try to make you feel like it's your fault that he can't hack it. He shamed himself, his shop, and his art. Steer clear of this shop and it's owner!

    Frank did this. It's amazing and I love it. :))))
    Mengyao X.

    Frank did my work. It is very cool. Very clean and nice taste. Fine lines. I recommend!

    Tesh M.

    I am so happy with this place. Cody did my tattoo and he did an amazing job. He is such a talented artist and very meticulous. He captured my two cats personalities perfectly in his art. He was so lovely to work with and very kind. The place is so clean and very nice inside. It was my first tattoo and I didn't know what to expect but I could not be happier with the experience. Would 100% recommend Cody and central tattoo studio to anyone!

    Emily R.

    Pete did my first tattoo in June of last year. It was a piece based off my wedding bouquet and some flowers that were sentimental to me. I did not think I'd get the opportunity to have him tattoo me, because I had moved away from philly to the Bay area. Luckily, he was guest tattooing in San Francisco and had a spot open. Pete was awesome. Very friendly and easy to work with. My tattoo was a long time sitting, but he really made it comfortable for me. I'm still so in love with my tattoo and recently had it photographed. Thank you again pete!!!

    Hummingbird tattoo by Pete Zebley

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    1 year ago

    I travel from Baltimore just to get tatted by Evan. He rocks and so does this tattoo studio

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    Thanks, Shanna! I'm happy to hear you had a great experience!

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    8 years ago

    Professional artists, beautiful work, extremely clean shop. I highly recommend this shop. You will not be disappointed.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Central Tattoo Studio

    Review Highlights - Central Tattoo Studio

    I decided to go with Cody after looking through his portfolio and couldn't be happier with the results.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    4.4(19 reviews)
    2.4 miRittenhouse Square

    Floating World is great for tattoos! I live nearby and have walked in and scheduled appointments in…read moreadvance with specific artists. The space is clean and welcoming and the staff is very friendly and honest about expectations for specific tattoos (ex: finger tats!!!). The shop minimum is $120 and they are cash only. They have an ATM onsite and also accepted digital transfer like venmo and zelle to save on the fees. My most recent visit was about 2 weeks ago, when I walked in to have finger tattoos touched up. They were originally done out of the country and had started to fade a lot, with one almost disappearing. I walked in on a Sunday around the time that they opened and was able to go straight down. My artist did a great job in a short amount of time. I will definitely return to Floating World for future tattoos!

    I made an appointment for March 15th for lobe piercing. I realized I wouldn't be able to make that…read moreappointment a week in advance and canceled my appointment on March 9th. I have yet as of March 26 2026 to receive my refund. I have sent multiple emails, I have called and no one has answered, I went to sweetheart.philly instagram to dm and also saylorpiercing to dm and have not received or heard anything from anyone. Im completely being ignored and this is so annoying. lol the refund would have been $60 and as a college student this is money that I could use for food, or books!

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    Moo Tattoo - watercolor flower by Noah

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    3.8(67 reviews)
    2.0 miSociety Hill
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    For Review 1300 I'm going to give it up to the place that made my first tattoo a reality!…read more For close to 2 decades my first tattoo has been something the I had completely over thought with complicated design after random art and pop culture ideas that I have a limited scope of connection with currently. It finally got the point were I hd just decided to go with something simple that played toward my favorite holiday (https://youtu.be/UlaFe66MrTI). So when I saw that Moo Tattoo had their special tattoo deal for Halloween, I knew it was the time to go and have my first taste of the ink. Especially since it gave me the chance to get a tattoo from someone I knew I wanted to work with. For a few years Noah has been a good drinking buddy at Tattooed Mom, and I've shared many good conversations about art, south philly, and cats. And I've especially marveled over things like the watercolor tattoos that he's done. So between that and the praise that people like Jenna C. gave for Moo handling people getting their first tattoo, I knew it was the spot to go to. With there being a holiday flash special all weekend the shop was crowded beyond belief. But Noah and his crew managed to accommodate above and beyond, and even took some design requests within reason of what fit the size requirements. With it being all hollows eve there were plenty of ghosts, skulls, witches, and other spooky designs that were relevant to my interests. But I opted to go with a black cat in respect to Tippy Moo Cat (RIP! - https://www.facebook.com/TippyMooCat/), and Noah's sabretooth kitty, Mort. After a successful first tattoo Noah provided me with some spot on cleaning and care suggestions, and even made sure to send a follow up on it. With a first tattoo marked on the books, it goes without saying that I have acquired the itch for more. and with awesome service and spot on artists, Moo is definitely going to be a spot that I go to for at least a couple more!

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    Hunter Gatherer Tattoo & Piercing - navel piercing after he put a bent bar in it

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    3.8(90 reviews)
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    I have been going here for years. Mike Munter is the goat. Clean lines. Great color shading…read more Everything and more you could ask for. Very clean shop. Email or calling is the best way to book an appointment.

    I would give Dave Hurban negative stars if i could. I went in for a navel piercing about a week ago…read morewith 2 friends. Even though we all have very different belly button shapes, he pierced all of us with the exact same size jewelry--mistake #1. Hours later it started hurting. The next day it began swelling to the point that my stomach was closing in on the gem. I went to see him on Tuesday because he wasn't working Sunday or Monday. He told me my issue was that I was cleaning it too much as if that would cause the amount of swelling, bruising, and puss that I was seeing. He squeezed puss out of it and then took it out and replaced it with a longer bar, saying it would be fine. 2 days passed and it was hurting worse and worse. I couldn't sleep because of the pain, despite taking tons of advil and not touching it at all. I decided to see a different piercer because he had been so dismissive of me the first time. The new piercer told me it had been done originally with a size about 3x too small for my anatomy. He said the piercing was so bad and swelling that it would take up to a year to heal if it did at all. We ended up taking it out and my piercer was appalled that the longer bar was a straight bar that Dave had BENT himself to shape it to a navel piercing. This piercer told me NEVER to go back to Dave again. I spoke to him today and he said he does not issue any refunds and "different piercers have different techniques." There is no way that putting a bent bar into someone's navel is a valid technique. Pictures are below. Dave can say what he wants, but a safely done piercing should never react like that for so long. Do not go here under any circumstances.

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