74 year old mom and grandma here. Got my tat from Ashley and she did a wonderful job. Very friendly. If I was younger, I'd probably go back. Thank you for a job well done. read more

I've got a tattoo at Gary's before but the last time me and my friends went there, they weren't open during the hours they said they would be and when we saw they were open we went in and the tattoo artist was eating lunch and said to come back when he was done. Super rude and uninviting atmosphere. The only thing they have going for them is their location. read more

I heart Gary's. I have 4 tattoos, and 2 of them were done at Gary's, by Rudy. My husband has 5 tattoos, and 3 were done by Rudy. He plans to eventually have a half sleeve. We were really relieved to find Rudy, because both of us wanted to find a tattoo artist we really trusted and enjoyed and who would work with us so we left with a unique piece of art. The best thing about working with Rudy is that he will listen to what you want, draw something up, and then work WITH you to create a tattoo that you love. He is hilarious, and easy to talk to while he's tattooing you (it helps to distract). We have returned once already, and plan to come back as long as Rudy works there. read more

Gary's Professional Tattooing Studio - Bird done 6/08 by Rudy - Tattoo Near Me - Galena, Illinois

Now normally I would only go to my tattoo artist to get anything done because he's done 90% of all my tattoos and they are great but I got talked into getting something while we were in galena. My boyfriend got a trash polka skull on his wrist and I got a simple rose and Italian stiletto switch blade down the back of my left arm. I just wanted something quick and something I wanted already anyway and DJ, our artist, did a great job. I love my new piece. We walked in and right away got what we wanted quickly. Prices were fair and Dj was very nice and personable and made sure we were getting what we wanted. There was also a girl there that helped him out and I assume was their resident piercer, Zen. She was extremely nice and upbeat. It's a smaller quaint shop, and we were happy with what we got. I'd recommend them to anyone. read more

Gary's Professional Tattooing Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Galena, Illinois

Zen, can't say thanks enough for my new piece. As Garys put it "That is some crispy linework". You truly are an angel with a needle. Can't wait to see you again, I'll be in touch so we can create some new pieces. #inkedup #angelwithaneedle read more

Gary's Professional Tattooing Studio - Can't say thanks enough for my new peice.You truly are an angel with a needle. Can't wait to see you again. - Tattoo Near Me - Galena, Illinois

We walked into Gary's tattoo shop and loved the experience! We got matching tattoos, they were accommodating and entertaining! As we waited, we got to see some great work done by the staff. I highly recommend Gary's! read more

Gary has been working on my sleeve for the past 3 years. I drive 2.5-3 hours here 1-2 times a year to get more additions. I live in the suburbs of Chicago, and get asked DAILY about my tattoos and where I get them done, etc. To the point where I started carrying around his business card to hand out to people! He's talented, very nice and easy to talk to, prices well and his shop is great. His fellow artist's and apprentices are also terrific at what they do. I have brought multiple friends to see Gary and his girls and now they don't go anywhere else. VISIT GARY'S TATS if you want quality and well priced pieces of art. read more

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I walked in and asked about a tattoo being touched up... Guy said, ok, come back after your dinner, and I did... Then... All of a sudden he said he wasn't interested in the work and it was a 3 hour job, so... I asked him if I can schedule for tomorrow and he looks in the book, and says he has openings for tomorrow, but he saved those for walk-ins... And he wanted me to call him when I was in town, during the week... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I even asked, how much I would owe him, after asking to come back tomorrow, with an appointment time that worked for him, and his response was, "I don't know, I'll let you know when I'm done." I NEVER write reviews, but... I wouldn't go back there, if he did the work for free. Guy was an asshole, plain and simple. Dick bag and a half. He should draw a picture of a dick and put his face on the head. Should be grateful that, after everything everyone went through financially, during COVID, that I was going to spend money there. Negative stars. L read more

Had a tattoo done at Gary's. Although the women who tattooed me was very nice, she was very green and had little supervision. As I said she is green, not bad. My tattoo is clean, no blowouts, with very simple shading and limited definition. Fixable, so it could have been much worse. My problem with the shop is 1) pricing was a little steep for the product I received. 2) Although Gary was in the shop, he wasn't supervising his staff too well or guiding them. 3) my biggest issue is the way Gary poses with the pretty ladies in his portfolios, very unprofessional. The shop is sanitary. But it does feel out of date, cluttered and messy. read more

The tattoo itself is okay, great colors and it healed nicely ... However.... Gary was not very pleasant,- definite let down. The tv was playing so loudly I couldn't hear a word that was being said to me. The shop was cluttered and looked a tad dirty. Yes, the equipment that was used seemed to be sterilized which is the most important thing but frankly the place looked dusty And the floor was dirty and that's not something that I'm used to from a tattoo shop. read more

For my family, going to Gary's is a like a family tradition - I know, weird, right? My sister has two tattoos, my mom has one she keeps adding to, my soon to be brother-in-law has at least two, and I have one. That doesn't count the piercings we've received from Gary's. (And when I got my tattoo, two of my friends got tattoos with me - so we bring the friends in on the addiction to!) Gary's is an amazing place to get a tattoo or a piercing. It's super clean (and I know this should be a given...but not all places are). Gary is an awesome guy and does amazing work. He has great ideas to make your concepts even better. Nate is his apprentice (I suppose that's what you might call him), and he is also very good. He likes to do all the little intricate stuff that Gary doesn't. Great team. If you want music, they'll give you music. If you want to cry in pain, go ahead. They make no qualms about the fact that tattoos hurt. And Gary's got a whole body full of them. Also, it really doesn't hurt that the prices at Gary's are super reasonable. You get great work for a great price - kinda feels like stealing! If you do decide to go to Gary's - make sure to make an appointment, especially if you want Gary to do your work. There are days he is busy all night because he'll be working on a large piece. Most people when they go to Galena, don't think of a tattoo studio. They probably think of antique shops and relaxation, but don't discount the fantastic artwork that you could have if you add a trip to Gary's onto that relaxing weekend. read more

I got my third tattoo from Garys. My best friend also got a tattoo, which 2 as her first. They made her feel calm and safe. We both had small things placed on our wrists. My tattoo turned out great. It is a little faded and I plan to go back soon to get it fixed. My friend also experienced some fading. Gary and his staff are friendly and clean. Gary was making us laugh the whole time. He was very nice. He shared his tattooing experiences with us which was interesting. He has a lot of experience. He did not do me or my friends tattoo. The girl did ours but I am unsure about her name. The only downside I must say is I felt a little rushed. Once I was finished I walked to the front and paid. But the artist was already helping someone else. We didn't receive any instructions on how to care for our new ink. Since I've been Tattooed before I had some what of an idea. But my friend did not. It would have been nice to get some direction. Other than that it was a good experience. The pricing was good for what I got. read more

VERY clean, very good bedside manners, appropriate rates. read more

Gary's Professional Tattooing Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Galena, Illinois

Excellent work, professional, clean. The tattoo was exactly like the handwriting. Great prices.

My now husband and I got Friday the 13th wedding themed tattoos with Gary since our wedding was the next day. Gary is so funny. We loved our fresh ink for the wedding and so did our guests. read more

Gary's Professional Tattooing Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Galena, Illinois

had an appointment with Dejay on thursday he was no help at all with what I wanted tattooed on my wrist small script 2 words he said he could not do it without me sending it to him on face book , the shop had no internet service and I couldn't get into the WI-FI and he offered no help so I left .I give Gary's Tattoo Shop 0 stars very poor customer service... read more

Gary is the best. My girlfriend and I make the trip from Chicago at least twice a year to get tattooed by him. The shop is smaller but very clean and very pleasant. All the workers are great, we always have a blast when we come here and leave with some awesome ink. read more

Gary's Professional Tattooing Studio - Tattoo Near Me - Galena, Illinois

We could not be happier with our tattoos! Ashley did an amazing job and was super awesome. She was so patient with me and totally got what I was trying to explain. I will definitely go back! read more

Got my tattoo by a young dude named Brian. My tattoo is a simple one: only few letters on my wrist. How hard should that be for someone who supposed to be a professional? well, apparently for Brian it was hard! the letters' font is inconsistent (some are bolder than others), and he draw outside the lines in few places :( I feel like I need to go and try to get some of it redone, because Im not happy with it as it is right now. Defindtly would not recommend Brian! read more

I decided to do a last minute tattoo here and could not be more pleased. A woman (I didn't catch your name, sorry!) did my small, but very difficult tattoo of cursive words. She had an incredibly steady hand and it has healed absolutely evenly and perfect. My only gripe was that it was a little expensive ($50 for about 10 minutes), but it's going to be on there for a while, so pretty okay with it. read more

Gary and his crew are so welcoming and this place is so much fun! I am definitely going back here for my next tattoo - the last time they even stayed open late to get my friend and I in. These people love their artistry. read more

We go to Gary's once a year for my sister's birthday. The guy is truly an artist. Gary is a blast to hang out with during the process and has us laughing through the whole experience. You gotta be down for some sarcasm and a dark sense of humor, but come on it's a tattoo studio - what else where you expecting? I really appreciate that he always educates you on the process too so you know what to expect - and what to look for if you ever visit another shop, but don't - we did once because we were being lazy and didn't want to make the trek to Galena and are heading back to Gary to have it fixed. read more

This is the third different studio I've tried out to get some work done, and it was by far the best experience I've had. I took my wife along with me, who had a bad experience with her first piece, but after meeting Gary, I could tell she had no doubts. He's fun, he's funny, but best of all, he's a perfectionist. He made it a point to make sure that every detail was perfect and that everything was exactly how we wanted it. I noticed a few signs around the shop saying that they don't do cheap work, they do good work, so there's no complaing about prices, but to be honest, this was definitely the best price I've gotten on any of the 4 tats I've had done. It's an hour and a half drive for us to get there, but it's definitely where we'll be going, and sending our friends, from here on out. read more

Awesone service! Gary has a gift! I will go back many more times! Very professional and clean!

The Tattoo i got at Gary's was for my mom,i had wanted to get it for a long time.Im really glad i waited and got it while on vacation in Galena..My maerin also got his while we were there, i will return and have my others done here,Gary is a great guy and runs a great shop,his staff was very friendly..they made our vacation one to remember... Teri and Ken read more