Let me tell y'all something about Empire Tattoo, Cori in particular: I could not recommend this place highly enough. I got my first tattoo from Cori a little over a year ago. The booking process was easy peasy, she got back to me as quickly as she could, and calmed my nerves instantly when I went in (she's an absolute sweetheart).Now, I have three tattoos from Cori, and I wholeheartedly intend to get many more in the future. The shop is ultra clean, and the front desk staff is always friendly and cordial. The lobby features some seriously squishy and comfy chairs to relax in while you wait. Cori went above and beyond every single time, going so far as to respond to my messages on her day off, and extensively discuss design ideas so that she could create the best possible tattoo. I have come to completely trust her judgement and skill. I now have three tattoos that I absolutely adore. Total strangers stop me to compliment them, and every time I sing Cori's praises. I definitely recommend Empire Tattoo!! read more

See all

Went in tonight to get a tattoo on my leg with Sammi. I had never been here before, but I saw and heard great reviews so why not. Plus everyone gets that itch to get a lil ink here and there. Sammi was patient and nice. She did an amazing job on my tattoo and always made sure I was ok and answered any questions with no hesitation. She was patient with my chatty Cathy self and then when it was time to tattoo didn't mind that I kept moving my hands around and playing with a pen. I havent been able to find an artist that I like and like their work. I can already tell I'm gonna be back a few more times and honestly I can't wait! If you are Going in, Sammi is the person you gotta see! read more

It has taken me a few months to share this tattoo. But now that I am paying hundreds of dollars to have this tattoo removed I thought I would post. All I can say is lessons were learned this day. Take what you will with this information. read more

Empire Tattoo - September is not spelled correctly - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Brittany is a supreme talent. I brought in a design that I worked on and she was able to get the thinnest lines with patience and care. She has great energy and I felt comfortable in the chair with her. I would highly recommend requesting Brittany when you book. read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I got my first tattoo last Friday with Sammi. She was so kind and patient with me, especially after telling her that it was my first tattoo. I'll def come back soon to get some more. read more

I give a 3 because I only made it as far as the counter but that was a delightful experience. The guy behind the counter is named Sam and he is absolutely charming. He answered all of our questions thoroughly, was laid back, good attitude, its def welcoming. In my opinion who you see first will always be an impression on the establishment and hes represented Empire Tattoos well. They have tons of cool art on the wall. It's nice and clean, spacious, plenty of seating and just a chill environment. Saw some artist portfolios, def good work. Also minimum price is 60$ which beats out any other shop in the area. Also, if you check in using your Yelp app you get 5% off read more

Empire Tattoo - The art on the walls are amazing - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Got my first tattoo here years ago. Was a walk in, waited 3+ hours (which is fine, because I was a walk in!). I knew exactly what I wanted (foreign language, lettering etc). I asked them to draw it up, it looked good enough, got it. Loved it for the first year, then slowly started to notice how crooked and uneven the lettering is. It has also really not held up - simple black lettering and is really smudging out. Getting it touched up for sure but I also spent $120 for what took less than 15 minutes (again, I was a walk in so that's fine!), and I just hoped it would hold up better. read more

BTambs and Ray were absolutely phenomenal. Booking the appointments was a super easy and fluid experience every time. The atmosphere is very relaxing. All of the employees that I have interacted with have been kind and respectful. My tattooed and microbladed eyebrows by Brittany are BEYOND PERFECT... the eyebrows of my dreams(especially considering they were a major FIX job that she handled with precision) She also did 5 of my tattoos... all of which are top tier and I could not be happier. Her flair for the arts and classical training is evident by her artwork and sculptures that decorate her studio. Ray is so experienced and so steady, the tattoo from him was over in a blink and so crispy clean. The lines work and shadowing on the black and grey rose with script is flawless. If you want quality work done by brilliant artists go see Ray and Brittany at Empire. read more

Reilly killed it I am obsessed w my new tat and would def come back for more. Went to the shop for a walk-in, didn't have to wait for that long and it couldn't have turned out any better! read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Amazing experience as a walk-in with my friend for some smaller pieces! The person at the front desk was incredibly accommodating and helped translate our ideas into sketches perfectly. I had this done by Ramon and it came out better than the photo I showed him as inspiration. Sometimes I can feel intimidated at tattoo shops but this was not the case. My friend had Joe do two small tattoos - a flame and some script - and they also turned out beautifully. read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I've been coming in to Empire to see Amanda Abbott since soon after the shop opened. I had seen her work online and we had connected while she was working at another shop further away. I liked her work and all the details and how fine art her tattoos looked based on photos. It also seemed like fate since my other tattoos were done by Russ Abbott, so maybe I'm only meant to be tattooed by an Abbott? Funny coincidence. Anyway, I met with her during the winter, and we're been in the process of adding some really fun pretties to some naked spots on my arm. She came up with some really great custom ideas that fit along with what I wanted and what I already have on my arm, and it looks great so far. I'll be back to get that finished up, and most likely more. I mean, I have a Ruby tattoo, I think I need an Indy one. Amanda is a total delight to work with, and I get a big kick out of her personally, so that makes it really comfortable to go in and get tattooed. Also, she's a crazy dachshund lover, which made me instantly love her. :) The shop is really clean, comfortable, and everyone who works there is really pleasant. Also, right down the street from my house-AMAZING! Love that we have a tattoo parlor so close to the East Somerville and Union Square area. Chris, who is the piercer, is normally at the front desk whenever I go in and he's really nice. The pricing for piercings seem really reasonable, if that's your thing. Hell, custom tattoo work is really reasonable. I think it's right around $100/hr, which is great. It may vary from artist, but that's usually right around what I pay. Also awesome: it rarely seems like there's too much of a wait to get in, and everyone seems pretty flexible and accommodating. Look online-all the artists have a lot of different styles, all are really great. Anyway, I won't go anywhere else for tattoos in Boston, and if you're looking for something new, go here! read more

Empire Tattoo - Background in progress. Everything but the moose and banner has been done by Amanda Abbott - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Neil is AMAZING! First tattoo @ 40 and everyone made me feel totally comfortable from the first day I wandered in, not ever having even been in a tattoo parlor. They showed me their artist books of work and explained the whole process. It took about 4-5 and with Dexter playing in the background, Neil made me as comfortable as he could and turned up volume so we both zone out. Which i really appreciated! I'm addicted and have 2 more appts set up! Thanks guys! read more

If you're looking for a professional, reasonably priced tattoo shop with great quality tattoos, look no further. Empire Tattoo is the best. I came here as a walk-in looking to get a tattoo on my foot and was given a consult by Claudio. I gave him a sketch I drew up myself to give him an idea of what I wanted and he came up with a design even better than I had imagined myself. Claudio is super sweet, professional, and really funny; he made my time in the chair fly by. It took 2 sessions to complete the tattoo- 1 for the outline, the 2nd for the color and shading, but it was totally worth two trips. Totally obsessed with my tattoo, I show it off every chance I get. I look forward to coming back to Empire and getting inked again in the near future! Also, if you're looking to get a rose, Claudio is your man, jus' sayin. read more

Empire Tattoo - Compass rose tattoo by Claudio Camilucci - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Reached out to Nelson in advance about getting my first tattoo. He made the experience comfortable and stress-free. Reasonable prices as well! read more

Empire tattoo is the go to tattoo parlor is Boston. . My friend and I were on a girls trip and decided to be spontaneous and get tattoos. After reading plenty of Yelp reviews I decided to come here. When you walk into Empire, it gives you that typical tattoo parlor feel, very laid back. Once we told our tattoo artist what we wanted they went to get the sketches ready, which they did very quickly & I appreciated that. Ray was my tattoo artist and he was great, he is also a New Yorker like me which gives him some extra brownie points lol. Ray did a great job making sure I was happy and was very patient with me as I was being indecisive about part of my tattoo. Ray also tattooed my very quickly, which was great! I was in and out within 20 minutes. Fast & easy just how I like it :) THE ONLY reason I am giving this place a 4 is because I didn't like that there was food laying around in the back not too far from where you are tattooed. This place needs a designated break room or to be covered by a curtain or something. I also would have liked some written after care instructions for the tattoo. I wish I could give like a 4.8 because these things were so minor. BUT overall if you are in Boston and want to get a quality tattoo this is the place to go! read more

Empire Tattoo - Ray's amazing work - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Terrible service. I went in a lil over a month ago to get a consultation for a tattoo by Ray and I put a non-refundable deposit of $100 for my tattoo. I made my appt for the following week and the same day of my appt is when the secretary called me to tell me Ray was sick and I had to reschedule. So today (which was a month later)I was gonna go in to start my tattoo...I get the same call again but this time he had to reschedule because he didn't save the design he sketched when I was supposed to come..I'm like "wtf". I asked for my deposit back and she was trying to tel me they have to keep it in case I want to come back to get my tattoo started. I said no because he cancelled twice on me! So they refunded my money to my card...so unprofessional!! Never again will I go back there! read more

I had such an awesome experience with these guys! They could not have been more patient and understanding. My grandma, who I was very close to, had a massive stroke and passed away last week so I wanted to get something meaningful as a constant reminder that she'll always be with me. When I found out how steadily she was declining, I went in search of tattoo inspiration; I came upon an old birthday card with her signature saying "Love you forever, Grandmommy xxoo." I instantly knew that having this personal handwritten message would be just the symbol I was looking for. I immediately went to Yelp to research tattoo parlors around Boston, and came upon these guys with awesome reviews, so I sent them an email explaining the situation and giving them a general overview of what I was wanting. They emailed me back instantly and were so sympathetic and told me to come in as soon as possible. I went in this past Sunday and they remembered my email and set me up with Ray. We rescaled the image a few times until I was completely happy with the size and spacing and then Ray went to work after thoroughly explaining care instructions and why we had to go with the size we did. I got the script on my wrist, and before Ray would even touch my skin, he traced over the writing to ensure he could do it in one fluid movement. He was so quick, and the end result could not have been more perfect!! I am so happy that I came to these guys and I will definitely be back for my next tattoo, and have already been recommending this place to my friends!! That night, I realized we had forgotten to add a comma. I called in and they told me that Ray was off but to come in anytime and they would fix it for me, no problem. Finding this kind of customer service in Boston is certainly a rarity, and I'm so happy I found Empire! Thanks guys! :) read more

Empire Tattoo - My handwritten script tattoo from a birthday card my grandma gave me. This incredible work was done by Ray!! - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Neil England is a true "Ink God". I Googled best cover up tattoo artists in New England and his name popped up! I checked out his Web page, followed him on Facebook, and called to snag my appointment. He had a 3 month waiting list which I gladly accepted for quality work. Let's start with what I had. ...I had what is coined as "a nightmare tattoo". It was a dragon which I had done circa 1997/1998 by a now well known tattoo artist. A friend of mine stenciled a dragon on me, and instead of removing it I had to worked over. It was fine and barely visible until touched by then known as "Naton" of Dark wave Dermagraphics located in his loft at Dudley Station in Boston, when tattooing was illegal. I left with a horrible tattoo. A marriage of pain and torment which I lived in. I had tried endless times to have it redone and was always told it couldn't be done, until Neil came along.... About Empire Tattoo....it stepped in to seal the deal, and get a brutal, bloody, long overdue divorce from this tattoo. I sat in an ultra cushiony soft leather sofa which immediately made me sleepy. The studio was clean, spacious, and all employees friendly. About Neil....HE IS THE REAL DEAL. He takes time to analyze your existing tattoo and discusses the options. He is a real artist. His work space was awesome. He calmed me with movies, we watched Push, and Casino Jack. He has outlets to charge your cell phone, art everywhere, and is not only am awesome tattoo artist but a great person. He is a family man and proud of his wife, who is a true artist also. The vibe in the studio is awesome, positive energy and even the owner is very cool! When done, Neil sealed the deal and filed my tattoo nightmare divorce by wrapping me up in Saran wrap. I am sooooo happy, I cried out of happiness and also pain, lol. When done I got a care package of tattoo balm which increased my healing time and a cool t-shirt which I wear often with pride. Go with cash, I had to use an atm across the street, no biggie, but we all know cash is king!! Have cash to tip also, these people are artists and cash tips are necessary! Lastly there is ample parking across the street adjacent to advance auto. Do not park in advances' parking lot, park on the public street or risk being towed!!! I look forward to rebooking with Neil. Follow him on Facebook and instagram to see if he has cancelations. His appointments are COVETED, do not rush him and do not miss your appointment. Empire tattoo is clean, friendly and professional. I have been in a few places and left running...Empire IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU NEED TO GO FOR A TATTOO and I highly recommend Neil. The other artists seemed great too, but it's the work of NEIL ENGLAND, that I wear with pride...thanks Neil.... read more

See all

After much research on yelp for a tattoo shop, I found empire (rated 5 stars, which isn't easy to find). I went in (with an idea) of what I wanted. I walked in (no appointment) and was greeted right away. I told the receptionist my idea and she paired me with Drew! Me: "I want it to look like footprints in the sand." - pretty vague, right? Drew found an idea online and made it his! He sketched the footprints by himself (and pretty quickly)! He knew what I wanted even though I explained it very vaguely. Drew was really sweet and very patient. He dealt with my pickiness and very twitchy foot, lol. I let him place the tattoo on my foot (where he thought was best) and the placement couldn't have been better!! I was very nervous, even though I have 6 tattoos (7 now). I think Drew could tell and we conversated a bit. Then, he had the music going and made sure I was very comfortable. The shop is very clean and couches in the waiting area are super comfy! I definitely recommend! Thank you very much Drew! I'm sure we'll see each other again soon read more

Made a consultation appointment for a half-sleeve a week in advance for 2:00. I showed up early at 1:50 and the artist I was supposed to work with was just getting started on a walk-in... 2:10 he finishes, sees me waiting, then starts the second walk in. I ask the receptionist what's going on, instead of answering me she answers a phone call and writes on a pad of paper, "He's just doing a small tattoo." I wrote, "Tell him he just lost a big tattoo," and left. Why would you take two twenty minute walk-ins over a scheduled appointment for a half-sleeve that would have earned you far more money? Seems like a quality business plan... If I can't trust you to be on time, how can I trust you with something permanent on my arm. read more

I had a bad tattoo from when I was younger and desperately needed a cover up. I had been following coralynn for quite awhile and finally made the trip in. I showed what I was thinking about doing and booked the appointment. Two weeks later I went in to see what she drew up and I was FLOORED. Sure - I knew it would be a great piece but I had no idea how incredible it actually would be. I did one sitting for about 3 1/2 hours. I am IN LOVE with my new piece. She truly is an exceptional artist. As far as the atmosphere goes - it's chill, funny and she played a killer playlist. This place really cares about the customer and I think that is rare. For sure my absolute go to for tattoos now. read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Went into empire to get a ram head skull tattoo walk in!! I got ray as my tattoo artist, and as soon as i got into his booth all his million super cool sketches popped right into my eyes!! that guy is talented and dedicated, and he will give you what youre looking for!! i am definitely coming back for another tattoo:) thank you empire!! read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Empire Tattoo was AMAZING!!! So clean, friendly, and professional. A friend was visiting from Chicago and we took the opportunity to stop in while exploring Boston. They were so kind and made time for walk ins. Our artist was Ramon, and he was so sweet! I have a very low pain tolerance, and he did a great job of keeping me distracted by talking to me throughout the process of getting the tattoo. I will definitely be coming back and asking for Ramon if he's available!! read more

I got my tattoo done by KC on Monday 7/24. I got there an hour before they stopped accepting walk-ins and they were very nice and helped me decide how big I wanted my tattoo, and gave me prices up front. The process was much easier than I expected and I'm dying to go again. The place was nice and clean, and KC made sure to show me that he was using sterile tools. I was comfortable the entire time and I absolutely love my tattoo read more

Empire Tattoo - Day 2 of healing. On the back of my right calf - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Brittany did microblading and shading to my eyebrows and she absolutely amazing!! I am so obsessed with my eyebrows. She is an extremely talented artist who made sure I was happy with my brow shape and color. She takes her time to make sure they are perfect for you and they def are perfect. Also.. she's sooo nice and she made the entire experience better than I could have ever imagined. Cant wait to go back for my touch up! If your thinking of getting your brows down, she's your girl!!! Obsessed! read more

I went here with my friend yesterday for her last session on her piece done by Elize. I've had some ink lust since she came home after the first session and have thought about getting a consultation with one of the artists. I also had put off getting the top of my ears pierced for quite some time. The location isn't too bad to get to by T but google maps pointed us to a spot in Union Square a half a mile from it the first time we went. The shop is decent sized with some beautiful canvas work on the walls done by the artists. The studio spaces are open to observe from the sidelines. To my understanding, their artists are booked fairly far out but the wait is clearly worth it if you look at their portfolios. My friend's took about 1-2 months to get started since she needed a sketch done by Elize that went through a few rounds. While my friend was getting her piece finished, I talked to their piercer, Chris about possibly getting my top ear pierced. He was very friendly and gave me a break since I was getting both done. He offered some great, easy-to-follow advice on care and extended his help in the case that anything went wrong afterwards. I highly recommend going to him for your piercing needs. I will definitely be back for a consultation in the near future on my next piece. :) read more

Went in here after reading reviews and was looking for a new shop since my tattoo artist moved away. I figured I would get something small to check out the shop. Unfortunately the person at the front desk made both my boyfriend and I feel very uncomfortable and rushed. I have been to a lot a different shops all over New England and had never experienced anything like that. They had a lot of people waiting so I understand the stress but I felt as if I was bothering them by coming in. I work as a hairstylist so I hold costumer service to a very high standard. When I finally got in to get tattooed the person I was with did not introduce themselves to me or ask my name. Would not return read more

I actually ended up getting pierced here because they couldn't take me for a tattoo touch-up! I came in on a Friday, and was told that any other day, they'd have been able to get me right in for a quick touch up on my small shoulder piece. The guy at the counter (I want to say his name is Chris, but now I'm doubting my memory) explained very nicely that he was the piercer and most of the artists were out of town. Being an impulsive sort, I mentioned having always wanted my lip pierced. He lit up and said "let's do it!", though when I mentioned working in an office he did remind me that it's a very visible piercing and it'd be a bummer to have to take it out. Seriously, though, once I decided to have it done, it was like mentioning wanting to be pierced was the greatest thing that had happened to him all week. His enthusiasm for what he did was really inviting. We chatted a bit while he prepped his station (he was exceedingly clean) and he was more than happy to answer all of my questions. They have an autoclave on-site that they'll show you if you ask. He put a small dot on my face where the piercing was going to go, and then he said it might be better further to the outside, put another dot on, and let me choose. He also changed his gloves 2-3 times during the process, which really impressed me - so many piercers should and don't. Then he pierced my lip (yes, it hurt, no, not for long), put a captive bead ring in, gave me detailed aftercare instructions and patiently answered all of my silly questions, told me to call or just drop by if I had any concerns, and l left. I'm definitely going to go back to have my future tattoo and piercing work done. Super, super impressed with the professionalism and atmosphere. read more

AMMAAZINNGG. I honestly cannot speak for tattoos, because I only got pierced. However,Chris, I believe his name was, did my 4 piercings! He is phenomenal. On top of making me feel completely relaxed and comfortable, he is definitely professional and I really trusted him throughout the entire process. Most importantly, the staff is friendly and welcomed me in. They have some of the best prices around. Also, important note: If you have any issues, questions, or want your piercing change, Chris will take you completely free of charge and make sure you're all set. Loved the experience, loved the staff. I recommend Empire Tattoo to anyone wanting to get pierced. Yours truly Xo. read more

I was in Boston for a 3 day trip with a friend. We wanted to get tattoos together. This is something we had planned carefully for a month. Several shops we called said to "just come in." However, since we had a specific time-line we wanted to make sure we were actually going to get the work done. After going to TWO shops who were highly rated on Yelp, and being told that they were booked up, (In spite of the fact that we tried to make appointments in advance) we went to Empire... who were highly rated, but by less people. I am so glad it worked out this way. We called Empire and they answered immediately. From the very beginning the staff was very professional and helpful. When we came in, an artist stepped forward to talk to us about our designs. It turned out that it was guest artist, Claudio Camilucci and he was there on his day off to get a tattoo himself. He offered to do my tattoo and one for my friend on the same day. After looking at his book, we agreed and arranged to return after his tattoo was done 3-4 hours later. We left samples of the artwork we wanted and when we returned he had created stencils we really liked. I went first and had a great experience. Claudio was very personable and professional. The price was also far lower than I expected after all was said and done. (125.00 per hour) We are going back again tomorrow for my friend's tattoo because it was starting to get late. Claudio was happy to make time for us then as well. I am thinking I would like to get more work done just because of how happy I am with the personalized and exceptionally well done art and execution of the one I received today. Well done, Empire Tattoo... I hope to return again to have Claudio to do more work in the future. read more

Very friendly staff willing to work with me to find the right artist who's style fit what I was looking for. Claudio was great!! He drew up artwork for me and it fit what I was looking for and the tattoo turned out great!! H If I had one gripe its that there is no parking, you have to park across a busy street and its only 2 hour parking so if you are getting a lot of work done you chance getting a ticket. On the plus side it is free and there was plenty around the two days I was there. read more

I can't say how much I love Empire Tattoo. My first experience with this shop was so good that I have gone back 2 more times in the last month to get work done there! Everyone that works there is friendly, they are very accommodating and they are reasonably priced. Every artist that works there is talented. My best friend and are obsessed with Amanda Abbott...she's badass!! Amanda has done two of my tattoos and tattoos for a few of my friends. We are so happy with the results that we're already talking about what she can do next. If you're in the Boston area and looking for the best tattoo shop around do yourself a favor and go to Empire Tattoo!! read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I had a VERY special and important tattoo to get done. I reached out to 3 or 4 shops before I found the one. Empire Tattoo in Somerville, MA - just a mile or so from my house. I actually found them when they liked a picture of mine on Instagram - thanks Social Media!! After emailing back and forth, I went in for a consultation with tattoo artists Amanda Abbott on Sunday (August 11) and knew immediately that this was the right studio and artist. Amanda actually shed over 70 pounds herself recently ... Hello instant connection (I've lost 80 lbs)!! We showed her the design and she was on board. We made an appointment for just over 48 hours later - Tuesday (August 13) at 3pm. I was PSYCHED. I would've done it right then and there if she had had time. :P Before I knew it, it was Tuesday and I was walking through the door of Empire Tattoo. The shop is clean and each tattoo artist has their own little booth (with a door) to work in. I liked not being so out in the open like some tattoo parlors set-up. I was calm, cool and collected which let me know this was exactly what I should be doing. Amanda was a true professional and made the whole process painless. Her booth was really warm and inviting with walls covered in artwork she did herself. There were some truly gorgeous pieces. The tattoo only took about 45-50 minutes to do and we chatted the whole time. I would recommend this shop to anyone and everyone!! read more

Awesome experience with Empire - Somerville. Steve squeezed me into Neil's already packed schedule for my first tattoo. When I walked in, I immediately noticed how clean the shop was. Great art hanging on the walls, mostly all by the artists who work in the shop, I believe. Steve greeted me and was super helpful in explaining everything to me. Then he introduced me to Neil, who was finishing up a piece. Neil took my ideas and ran with it. I was not expecting my tiger to turn out as it did. Neil really is incredible. I could not believe how perfect my tattoo is. I will definitely be going back to Empire - Somerville for my next tattoo. Great guys who produce great work. Friendly, professional and wicked talented. read more

EDIT: Amanda is now at Brilliance Tattoo on Comm Ave in Allston! I'm sure the other people at Empire are still awesome, but if anyone reads this review and is inspired to get a tattoo from Amanda, find her @ Brilliance Tattoo (with Elize!) I got my first (and only, so far) tattoo here in June, and have been meaning to write a review but have just gotten really busy. But I honestly cannot stress enough how amazing this place is, and how awesome Amanda is. I'd been wanting to get a tattoo of a nautilus for a while, but I didn't have any specific design. I did know that I wanted to get it done in the style of a scientific sketch, and just in black and gray. A friend of mine had been tattooed by Elize at Empire a few years ago and recommended her to me. Elize is no longer at Empire, but as I was looking on the website, I was increasingly drawn toward Amanda's style. I called over there, came in for a consultation, and made an appointment. At the consultation, I gave Amanda a few drawings, we talked about what I wanted, and she said she'd draw something up. When I came in for the appointment, she had drawn up the perfect design. It was a little bigger than I wanted, she resized it, and it was completely perfect. I had brought my boyfriend and a friend with me, and she had no problem with them sitting outside of her booth and watching, which was awesome. Because I'm a generally nervous person, she explained everything that she was doing and made me feel very comfortable. The tattoo took about an hour and a half, barely hurt at all (could have been the positioning--I know the forearm isn't the most sensitive spot ever, but she was also amazingly precise and didn't have to keep going back in and reworking everything so she didn't irritate my skin more than necessary). And the price was incredibly reasonable! $120 for the whole thing (though I happily gave her a generous tip)! And what's more, she said I can come in for free touch ups any time, which I'm going to do because the middle of the shell got a little wonky when it healed because it was the most scabby part. All in all though, it looks perfect, and I get compliments on it all the time. I've had people tell me they usually hate tattoos but they love my tattoo, I've had strangers ask to photograph my arm, I've had other strangers start reciting nautilus-related poetry at me, and I've given so many people her name because she is seriously amazing. I wish I could give her 5 million stars! read more

Empire Tattoo - Maggie's Nautilus by Amanda at Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

This place was awesome! I got my first tattoo a few weeks ago. I went with a friend of mine, and the staff took the time to go over our designs and also to really explain how the ink would react over time and how this should affect our decisions in the tattoo design. Claudio did a scroll down my ribs. He did excellent work, and was very professional and easy to work with. TJ did my friend's tattoo, and he also did an excellent job, and was very pleasant and professional. The shop manager was extremely knowledgable, and very friendly. The prices were more reasonable than I was expecting. Parking was a little tricky, but I would only go back to Empire for any future tattoos. A GREAT experience! read more

Best place yall, I've been here four times already and Im pretty sure it's the one. I've gotten a tattoo by Amanda abott, Steve, guest tattoo artist Liyang and now Neil England. The vibe in the parlor is very chill and relax and everyone is super friendly. They are all clean and professional when it comes to the actually tattooing. I am beyond glad I found this tattoo parlor they are all really awesome people and AMAZING artist! read more

Empire Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I am a avid tattoo lover, & a few years back while searching different tattoo artists, I stumbled on AMANDA ABBOTT. I was instantly impressed with her gorgeous & unique art/tattoo work. Needless to say, I went to visit her asap. She is super nice, laid-back, and a pleasure to work with. She listens to what you are looking for & works with you to bring your vision to life. Just recently she created something for me to cover a awful tattoo I have been ashamed of for years. It came out BEAUTIFUL, I could not be happier with it, and I get tons of compliments on it, I can't wait to go back for more. If your looking for a real artist & not just a cookie cutter tattoo, I highly recommend you check her out! read more

I came in on a whim while I had some unexpected free time. I had a small piece that I have been wanting to get done but just didn't have any time to come in and get it done. I called today asking if they had any time for a walk-in and they did. I saw Damon and he did excellent work. I'm so pleased, it looks great. He was a really cool guy and a lot of fun to talk to. The shop was super cool and clean. The guy at the front desk was really nice too. Overall, great experience! Beautiful art and awesome guys. I'll definitely go back! read more

Neil England did my forearm. He was quick; the work was clean and painless (well as far as tattoos go); and he introduced me to both slither and the comedy of Doug stanhope. Neil is a talented and professional guy. Highly recommended. read more

Empire Tattoo - Part of the work Neil did. - Tattoo Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

See all