Bear with me here - my review is going to be long, because I really want to share my incredible experience with Graveyard NYC. I'm going to add a photo later after the bandage is off and it's had time to heal. I had been wanting an Iron Maiden tattoo for a long time. Since the band is celebrating their 50-year anniversary (who knows how much longer they'll be touring), and my 50th birthday is approaching, I decided the time was right for a Maiden tat to be a birthday present for myself. There are plenty of "Eddie" (the group's iconic mascot featured on every album cover) tattoos out there depicting "Eddie", but finding someone with experience with the subject matter AND located someplace in the US I could get to. That was a tall order. When I stumbled upon Ruben Barahona at Graveyard NYC, I knew right away that he was THE guy. When I saw his studio, with Iron Maiden memorabilia all over the place...well that just confirmed it. I live in the Southwest, so the logistics of getting this done while I was in NY, around Ruben's busy schedule wasn't easy - but a small price to pay to schedule with a world-class artist like Ruben. I was sitting down with the Babe Ruth of tattooing, with zero knowledge of the process, and no idea where to begin. He couldn't have been more patient or understanding. I could go on and on about what an incredible artist he is, his attention to detail, or his unwavering dedication to making sure it came out just right - but what made the experience next-level was his passion for the work. He was as excited as I was! It was just a real privilege to have him do my tattoo, and I am just really, really grateful for being able to work with Ruben. Oh yeah, and he is also just an awesome guy. Just about everyone I've showed it to said it was the best tattoo they'd ever seen. If you couldn't already tell, I love my new ink so much. I can't stop looking at it. One more thing though - I didn't want to kill the vibe, so I didn't really talk about it during the session, but I've been struggling with some pretty bad depression for a while now. The experience put the kind of smile on my face I haven't had in a very long time...and I'm still grinning like an idiot 3 days later. If you couldn't tell yet, I'm recommending Ruben. Regardless of the design, you won't find someone better. read more

Graveyard NYC in Manhattan is an amazing private studio. Everyone there was extremely talented, kind, and hygienic. The studio space had a rock and roll / metal vibe and so did the artists. I would recommend this studio to anyone looking for a band, movie, color realism, or dark art tattoo. Always check the artists portfolio to see their style and vision aligns with what you want. read more

One of the best tattoo shops in NYC! I highly recommend any of the artist at this shop. Ruben the owner and I collaborated together to create my dream film noir sleeve. Ruben is a true artist and works with you closely to create a work of art. Ruben is passionate and puts his all into what he does and makes you feel at easy when tattooing. Everyone that works at the shop makes a comfortable, welcoming, friendly environment. Every time I come walking out I feel inspired and can't wait to get the next piece done with Ruben! Thank you Ruben and Nikki! read more

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Ruben is my favorite tattoo artist. I met him a couple of years ago and he has grown as a reputable artist in the industry. He is my go-to tattoo expert! I remember visiting Graveyard Tattoo in Antigua since I needed him to cover up an old tattoo from another artist. He did an amazing job and after that he has done 3 large pieces for me. I decided to take a flight from LA to NY just because of the amazing work he does. So far, he has tattooed me three days in a row in different areas. He's very meticulous and detailed with everything, which I appreciate very much as I am a tattoo aficionado. Ruben is a perfectionist and he will not disappoint you! I selected one of my pieces from Pinterest and he turned it into such an astonishing tattoo (made it into a unique piece of art). Really does a great job of mapping your design out with you and really flows with your skin and body type. His shop in NY, is by far the best in quality and professionalism. The shop itself is very clean and has a great aesthetic. Ruben is welcoming and patient if you're new to tattoos, he will sit down and work with your tattoo idea. He has such a calming demeanor and was always professional. All around great person and does beautiful work! Best shop in NY in my opinion but check him out for yourself! Check out the unique pieces he has done on my legs. read more

Graveyard NYC - Elephant Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - New York, New York

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I recently decided to get my fourth tattoo, and after searching for artists for over a year, I fell in love with Szabla's work at Graveyard. Szabla and Ruben are very professional, and I felt at home immediately. Very comfortable setting with quality ink. Definitely recommend Graveyard and the whole crew over there. read more

Graveyard NYC - Tattoo Near Me - New York, New York

Ruben is an incredibly talented artist and tattoo artist. He's also patient, friendly and really cool. From my initial consultation, the concept of my tattoo and the actual tattoo he was absolutely top notch. He took my idea and converted it into perfection! He made a level of detail I i didn't know was even possible. He uses the latest tech, the best inks and he is easy to work with. If you haven't guessed it already I highly recommend him. I'm definitely getting more work done with Ruben. read more

Graveyard NYC - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - New York, New York

Totally recommend Ruben to anyone looking for an eye-catching tattoo! After following for his Instagram as a fan for so long, I finally got the nerve to email into his shop to get a beautiful art piece of my own. From consultation to post-care, Ruben was extremely helpful every step of the way. First, his assistant replied super quick and got all the necessary information. Next, Ruben sat with my personally for almost 3 hours collaborating with me on the layout of my piece (both him and I are huge Dali fans so this worked out wonderfully)! On tattoo day, he was super accommodating, assistant ordered lunch so I didn't have to wander the neighborhood, and Ruben took appropriate breaks throughout the long sit-down. Ruben also had Netflix up to distract so we went through a few documentaries, The Matrix, and Dumb & Dumber! With aftercare, I texted with him everyday with updates for a week until it was properly healed! In all, I couldn't recommend Ruben enough! This was my sixth tattoo and by far my best experience in any shop. He is pro at what he does and makes you feel informed and secure the whole way though. read more

Graveyard NYC - Tattoo Near Me - New York, New York

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Got tattooed by Radames today, and the entire experience was awesome. Everyone in the shop was super friendly and the conversation while getting the tattoo was so good I barely noticed the tattoo on my neck. 100% recommend this shop and will be back on my next trip back from California. read more