I've been looking for an artist since moving to the area. I had met Angel at a local horror convention and had seen her work online. It was easy to schedule a consultation and gave her a rough idea of what I wanted. We had scheduled the appointment and was set to go. She had shown.me the design and to say I was floored is an understatement. She was great to work with and knocked this out of the park. The shop was clean and very laid back. Definitely will be going back for more work. read more

Empire Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I have three piercings by Tori and they have all been such great experiences. I was a little nervous so I appreciated that she told me exactly what to expect and then talked me through each step of the piercing before she did it. The shop has a quirky vibe and it is very clean and well kept. They charge $60 for a basic cartilage piercing with jewelry with a silver ball. I paid an additional $10 per piercing to upgrade to jewelry with a small sparkly crystal. read more

My experience was incredible! Great service, clean environment and personable staff. Alan did a great job making my vision come to life! Will definitely return next time we're in Pittsburgh! read more

Alan is a great artist and a pleasure to be around. He has insanely nice fine line work, and I couldn't recommend him enough for any tattoo you'd want with crisp, clean lines. I've done 3 tattoos with him at this point, ranging from really small fine line work that's an inch big, all the way up to a large chest piece with a ton of detail and pops of color. Easy booking, fast communication back and forth with ideas, and easy to talk to when you're in the chair. read more

I can't thank Lew enough for my new tattoo. I gave the guy an idea and let him do it in his style and he killed it. Some buddies and I are from Chicago and found this place based off their incredible reviews and ratings. If you're ever in the Pittsburgh area I highly recommend checking these guys out. Everybody was really cool, accommodating, and we had a great time! Thanks again Empire! read more

Empire Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The friendliest, most accommodating artists around. David Montoya is everything! He gave me EXACTLY what I wanted, but better. LGBTQIA friendly! read more

My piercer made the whole process a lot less nerve wracking, and was also super helpful in answering my questions. They also give student discounts. Would recommend! read more

Great place to get a nose piercing!! Tori was super helpful and the piercing itself looks amazing and didn't take too long! Would come back here for other piercings! read more

This is now my third time visiting Empire Tattoo and I'm still so appreciative of how friendly, professional, and clean they are! At my second visit, I got a midi piercing with TORRI (@torriholes IG), who is now their piercer. I was unsure of the positioning and the pain, but Torri was so professional and helped me through each step. She narrated everything she was doing, which was a big stress relief. Now that it's been about a year since my midi piercing, it's healing well! I'm back at Empire because an old piercing has been acting up and I called to see if Torri would be able to take a look at it and figure out what's going on. Over the phone, she had a couple questions to gain a perspective of why this was happening. It was so professional and helpful because I wasn't sure if a piercing shop would be open to "diagnosing" old piercing problems (which now looking back makes sense that they do). She was really helpful and wrote up directions on how to care for it. Torri's hours are Thurs-Sun and with COVID guidelines you need to call ahead to make an appointment prior to going. read more

I came in yesterday for two simple tattoos, two black cats from a vintage French print with small text beneath them. Alan was able to squeeze me in and did a FANTASTIC job. Really funny guy to talk with and I am incredibly impressed with the quality of his work, my design was not very difficult but nevertheless the small things like the letters, the whiskers and some hash marks as shadows all look very distinct and crisp. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. At first the text for la joie was centered with the cat not the center of my arm and I asked Alan to move it to the center of my arm and he did so immediately and made sure I was happy with everything before starting, really made me feel comfortable. I also previously had my nipples pierced here by Paul and he was awesome about talking you through the whole process and making the painful process as easy and quick as possible. Great results as well, perfectly centered. Overall I've had nothing but great experiences with this shop and will definitely be coming back for more tattoos or piercings in the future. read more

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Empire Tattoos is the best. Everyone there is an actual artist and they're cool people to boot. I'm so happy with the work that Angel has done on my sleeve and I will only go to her to complete it. But with that said, the other artists in the shop are also amazing and I would recommend them to anyone. Also, Ian's review is total trash. And he needs to go troll someone else for his self esteem read more

Alan was awesome! He did an amazing job and made me feel really comfortable getting my first tattoo!

I had my first earlobe piercings done here by Torri. She answered all my questions and calmed down my nerves. The experience was great and it was even better because of the student discount for college students (i am writing this in 10/2019). So happy with my experience and I am definitely coming back for my 2nd and 3rd earlobe holes here! read more

I cannot say enough FANTASTIC things about Empire Tattoo! Paul has been my artist for a couple years now, and I recommend him to everybody. He really takes the time to discuss design, and is honest about what's within the realm of possibility. We've done multiple original designs, and he's going over some very old work from a previous artist, making my sleeve more gorgeous than I ever thought possible (picture included). Also, every single person in this shop is friendly and professional, every time I go in! read more

Empire Tattoo - Re-Vamp! Original work by a different artist. I finally love my sleeve again! - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This was my first time visiting Empire Tattoos for a piercing. Tori was amazing and I would 100% come back. From the outside, the place looks a bit intimidating, but it was so clean on the inside and the staff was very friendly. I got my double lobes pierced and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Decent pricing, and student discounts also available! read more

I got a really bad septum piercing here. The place was nice enough and the people working there were cool, but my piercing was so crooked. I even waited a few weeks to see if it was just swelling but it stayed like this and I had to take it out. It was a waste of money. Good thing it was cheap. I guess you get what you pay for. I want to get it re-pierced but I will bot be going back here. read more

Empire Tattoo - Bad Septum Piercing - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

By far the best tattoo shop I've been to. I felt comfortable the entire time, everyone gives off friendly energy and the room felt clean and private. Paul is an amazing artist and is doing my sleeve! I felt bad at first because I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted, but he was pretty patient and helpful and was honest about what could be done. He's really nice to talk to but also was cool when it was clear I wanted to be quiet because I was just trying to manage my pain haha. Oh and his pricing is VERY fair (he could charge way more for the quality of his work) so tip nicely!! read more

I have been seeing Paul @ Empire Tattoo for several years now and love his work. Paul is definitely one of my favorite people, and he always draws up exactly what I asked for. I have had both custom pieces and pre-designed pieces done by Paul, and I cant really pick a favorite from them. Is it the 100% for charity sphynx cat? The custom-drawn halloween themed moon on my ribs? The OG hot sauce bottle? They are all amazing. I love my pieces and have several more in my plans for Paul to permanently place on my skin. I recommend Empire Tattoo if you love an excellent customer experience, good senses of humor, and great company while you are being tattooed or pierced. Once, they even brought me some boba tea from across the street while I was sitting for a longish session. I wouldn't get tattooed anywhere else. Did I mention it's almost an hour drive for me to see them? Worth every minute! read more

Leaving a 5 star because of the shitty 1 Star reviews who are idiotic when it comes to tattoos. As far as Ian's 1 Star goes, the shop replied on their Facebook and said that he wanted a 2 inch tattoo with his 2 story family home, with every single detail down to the mailbox on it... in that 2 inch space. I, too, watched ink master and think I know everything about tattoos... oh wait... no I don't. I'm not unreasonable and understand that these people have been doing this for several years and know what will and won't work. As far as that other one star review, about the tattoo on the finger? Apparently you don't understand how details work with small tattoos, either. You morons would've left 1 star reviews on any tattoo page after your interactions, because you're those type of people who expect the impossible. You have no idea how skin works with tattooing needles. The bigger the tattoo, the easier for those "smaller" details to be done. Remember, skin "stretches" and "moves" with the needle. Such fine small details on 2 inch tattoos are impossible! No, I don't work for this parlor, I don't know the parlor, I'm just trying to defend them from bad ratings and I suggest everyone else does, too! read more

Best tattoo shop! Staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable. They answer ALL your questions and give the best recommendations based on your skin type. Torri is the best & ONLY piercer I will deal with. Paul is probably the best tattoo artist in the city hands down!! Another dope artist there is Angel, she's definitely a beast! read more

I had a daith piercing done by Torri and had the most amazing experience. She was so great at calming my nerves and walked me through the entire process and answered all of my questions. It was also one of the least painful and most relaxed piercings I have ever had and I have her to thank for that. I would definitely go back to get another! read more

I went here to get a small wrist tattoo and LOVED it!! Amanda was so kind and drew up a few options. She really made the process easy and fun! I would recommend her to anyone especially someone getting their first tattoo! read more

After deliberating on whether to get a nose piercing, I decided to check out a couple of places and figure out where I could get a piercing close to campus but also at a great price and at a place with a great staff. That took me to Empire. It was very busy on a Saturday night but I was taken care very fast. The staff walked me through everything as this was my first piercing. It went smoothly and was very clean. They also have a student rate for their piercings which made it more affordable than other shops. Unfortunately, a week later, my piercing came out so I went back to the shop to see what could be done. I learned that the piercer who pierced was recently let go because of some problems. Their normal piercer was able to get me pierced again in a few minutes for free! Very impressed with their staff and customer service and how they handled my situation. read more

Angel our tattoo artist is one of the best artists you can hire to do your tattoo. She is incredibly patient and has a great bedside manner. My wife and I have gone back to her for General black and grey work and American traditional work. She is amazing when coming up with the artwork and transferring it to your body. The entire staff is amazing and friendly. I highly recommend them. read more

I had a small black ink piece done by Alan on my ribs/side today and am very satisfied with the results. It took the same amount of time as a smaller one I had done on my other side a couple years ago, despite being more elaborate and larger. Additionally, Alan chose to fill in the design as he went instead of first outlining it, making it slightly less painful, which I really appreciated, even though it meant more tedious care on his behalf. It was supposed to take 1.5-2 hrs, but he got it done well in under an hour! Whew! The place was also very clean and organized, and Alan opened and put together a new needle in front of me. Very professional. I would definitely go back and get something done by him again. I did forget that tipping was part of the payment process, since it was only the second tattoo I've ever gotten, the first being years ago. So when I was prompted if I wanted to tip, I said the first number I thought of that sounded decent since I was slightly dazed from the pain. In retrospect, I really wish I had tipped more since Alan was awesome. So I thought I'd mention it in case any noobs like myself look here for guidance - make sure you budget out for not only your piece, but a good tip! read more

Parlor is pathetically setup having multiple customers in same room getting tattoos with no privacy. Artist was very welcoming and informative in the beginning. Tattoo quality even when freshly done was horrible. It was on the finger yes and known to fade fast but directly after the tattoo was done. Could tell spots were missed on 2 diff ppl! Came back 2 days later and the artists response was well told you it may not stay. Basically saying idc youre sol, pathetic attitude and crap over all service. Dunno how this place is one of the top rated places on some sites?! read more

Super laid back, fun personalities here and great artwork! I love my tattoos and I enjoyed time spent here!

I've had two piercings and a tattoo from Empire over the past 5 years and have never been any less than thrilled with my experiences! Torri recently gave me a piercing I was so worried about, but she was professional and personable enough that I felt like I could take on the world when she pierced me. Many people would be hesitant about a piercing/tattoo place on a college campus, but this place is the real deal! read more

Very nice people. The shop is very clean. I came in to get my first big tattoo. I wanted a realism tattoo of a wolf and that is exactly what i got from. Gregory he is a great very nice guy and my tattoo came out even better then expected and I couldn't have been more happy with it I can definitely say I'll be going back for another in the future read more

Empire Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Came in for my friend and I's first piercings and it was such a quick, easy, painless experience! Paul was super chill yet professional. He kept conversation while preparing everything to keep us calm. Told us to breathe in, breathe out and it was done just like that! For both my ear lobes I paid $45. Would definitely recommend Paul for any piercing!! read more

I had a few days off from work and decided to message Empire tattoo to see if they had any openings, they replied quickly and set up an appointment. It was my first time there so I got an artist at random and was incredibly lucky to get Alan D. I sent a few pictures and Alan was able to draw up what exactly what I wanted. The session went great (about 5 hours) he absolutely knocked it out of the park, by far my favorite tattoo yet. I can't wait to go back. read more

Got a tattoo done by Gregory and it is absolutely beautiful! Will definitely return for more! Super clean place and the staff is super friendly! Highly recommend! read more

Empire Tattoo - Done by Gregory Tepper - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Everyone is super awesome here! I always walk out with a smile. My boyfriend is basically a walking canvas for the shop, especially Angel, and every single tattoo is stellar! She's done several of mine too and they're all great. I couldn't say nicer things about the place. read more

LOVE THEM. Take the time and care to give you a well-designed tattoo that's going to last. Great atmosphere, I would let them stab me with needles all day long. Excellent service, very professional, and reasonable prices. I always recommend them to my Pittsburgh friends when they ask me where to get something done. read more

Seriously no reason to get a piercing anywhere else. Paul is the best piercer I have ever met, professional, friendly and very obviously experienced and knowledgeable. He did my septum for me-- I don't even live in PA, but if I ever go back, I'm going to visit him! read more

These guys are great. Super professional, clean, and prompt. Did I mention they have a good sense of humor? Would come back again for another piercing / tattoo! read more

Our piercer was very fun and nice and she helped the process go smoothly. I believe her name was torri. We will for sure be coming back here. Highly reccomend!!!!! read more

This is the best tattoo shop, with the best employees. Shoutout to Paul and Angel for always being awesome. Stay golden.

Got a tattoo done here by Matt Doherty. The whole experience was AMAZING. Everyone was super personable and friendly. The place was very clean and welcoming as well. The tattoo I got is far more than I ever expected. The skill and precision put into it is out of this world. I honestly couldn't be happier. I won't get another tattoo from anyone else..ever. Lol. Not only is Matt's work absolutely stunning, but I actually had a good time sitting there with him for 8 hours. Very down to earth and a fun, genuinely nice guy. I can't say enough good things about Matt and this place. read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo done by Matt Doherty on April, 25 2016 - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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After reading good reviews on empire tattoo, I chose this place to be where I got my tattoo. I asked for something simple, and it turned out terrible. There isn't a single line that is even remotely close to being straight, I have had people ask me what my tattoo is because it is that unclear. Do not let the girl tattoo you, however the other workers seem to have good reviews. She got very irritated very quickly and i did not feel comfortable. Do not recommend. read more