Great Lakes Tattoo Photos
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Recommended Reviews - Great Lakes Tattoo
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Mike, Brandon, and Gabriel were amazing! We were walk ins and felt so taken care of - efficiently and with skill. since we're tourists, we were extra nervous. It was such a comfortable and professional vibe we immediately felt better. Could not recommend this place more!
I have always loved working with the amazing artists at Great Lakes. They are incredibly kind, talented, and receptive. My go to artist is Kevin Leary. He has impeccable line work, especially when it comes to straight lines. I have gotten 7 tattoos with Kevin in various styles. His most recent work he completed with me was a classic scooby doo popsicle. He's probably the only people I would ever trust to do any type of wrapped tattoos, because his line work is perfect and he will take the necessary time to get the stencil on straight. He has an incredibly chill vibe and will be honest with you when a tattoo may not be in his particular tattooing style, which i wholeheartedly appreciate.
I was visiting from California and wanted to get a tattoo during my trip. I looked at a few shops and ended up picking Great Lakes. I loved all the flash that they have covering the walls throughout the shop. If I had to pick one I probably would have left with three. Luckily I came prepared that day. My tattoo artist was Brandon and the time went by pretty fast. He was hella chill. While talking he was expressing how he loves doing tattoo regardless of the of the piece and made the image I gave him come to life. Whenever I'm in Chicago and need a tattoo this place is definitely my first stop.
I have been mulling over getting my FIRST tattoo for the last years (which would have been way earlier if I didn't come from a tattoo hating family). I'm 39 - it's never too late lol. So when I finally had an epiphany of what I wanted to get I wanted to get this ink ASAP! My dear friend Brandon Seef referred me to your shop. I emailed back and forth with GL a few times this week. They were super responsive and cool. They even warned me that walk in on Saturdays could have bad waits (if you can avoid Saturday, do it, there were a LOT of people). On the day of, I sat nervously in the awesome waiting room. After making friends with everyone from traveling sailors to some awesome lumberjack looking dude I was called back for the big event. Brandon was super comforting and small talked my nervous a** self through the whole thing. My "and"*(story of word below if interested) tattoo turned out perfect. I love it!!!! And they were even super cool and let me come back in to re-wrap my thirsty self who removed the skin to take picture and show my husband. Thank you Brandon and all of the awesome staff and Great Lakes for making my first experience great :) * Tattoo story - I'm a CPS school counselor. Using the word and instead of but has increased my overall communication from school to home. "The bottom line - Avoiding 'But', and saying the word 'And' instead gives more direct and constructive feedback, while better validating others feelings. Using 'And' allows you to share your opinion without dismissing the feelings and needs of others." - Anchor Light Therapy Collection
TL;DR I would go back. I would recommend them. Stopped by and got this little guy on my last trip to Chicago, AKA hog butcher to the world. The shop was clean, low key, and welcoming. They even take credit cards, which I have never seen before. Brandon was great to visit with and I am excited about the work he did. Walking in mid-day was easy. Even if you have to wait there is stuff to eat and do nearby.
I wanted a tattoo on a spur of the moment trip, and found Great Lakes Tattoo had high reviews online. We did a walk in an hour before they closed. The shop had flashes everywhere to choose. Mario Desa called me back and made quick work of my thigh tattoo. 11/10 to Mario for the good conversation and awesome piece. GREAT LAKES TATTOO IS A MUST GO TOO!
I went here for my first ever tattoo & couldn't be happier. The process was covid safe and all the staff were friendly. Miles gave me my tattoo & although he has moved on I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a tattoo. 5/5 local business with talented artists.
I saw this shop based on great reviews I was a walk in. Because if Covid. They appointment only. But because I knew what I wanted and it was small. They squeezed me in. The shop is super clean! Everyone was very friendly. No booth were too close together. It's a beautiful shop. I felt very comfortable there. They have great after care instructions as well. Tattoo is nice clean and he was quick because it hurt Highly recommend this shop!
Eric had an available spot, and I was super excited. Fantastically warm and jovial dude. He was super chill and also made me feel very welcome. His tattoo was super quick and relatively painless. I am not even remotely from the area, but I would love to come back! Front desk staff were also excellent and told me about a lovely architecture river tour. Everything about this place was super professional and I would love to get inked here again.
I am SO BUMMED! My 2nd tattoo in my life at this place and I'm stuck with a tattoo the wrong color. The artist NEVER asked and I never stated the color bcuz I was getting more of the same. Purple, NOT blue ink. I won't show my tat. I'm too embarrassed. My disappointment is extreme.
I had been looking for a place to get my third tattoo and ideally become my go-to place. My previous two were done by a guy on the other side of the country and I'd rather not fly back and get a hotel room to get more tattoos. So, I went to Instagram and Facebook to get recommendations and see the work of various artists. I got a custom piece done by Mario. I setup the process via email, booked an appointment online, paid the deposit online, and showed up to get it done. I liked the vibe of this place. Old school hip hop and some rock was playing. The walls are covered in flash. It looked very clean and welcoming. Every staff member that I interacted with was friendly. On to the tattoo and Mario... I knew in general terms what I wanted (hourglass with waves and potentially a sunrise/sunset and to not look out of place with my other tattoos in the area), so I sent the ideas via email, however, I also knew that I wanted Mario to put his spin on it because I really liked his use of color, shading, and line work. He nailed it-from the design to the placement. This is why you research artists and go to reputable shops. They know what they're doing. The conversations we had during the tattoo process were great, but I'm not an overly talkative guy so I tend to default to being quiet and letting the artist do his thing. I almost fell asleep on the table a couple of times-I find getting tattoos on that specific part of my body very relaxing (upper arm). The price seemed very reasonable to me-the whole good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good/you get what you pay for. This was one right in the middle price-wise compared to my other two tattoos (both done in Rhode Island, one was custom and the size of my hand, one was a shark flash). The time on the table seemed to fly by. From initial placement to being back on the Blue Line to go home, I think it took 35 or 45 mins (granted the tattoo is only about the size of the palm of my hand). So, when I go for my next tattoo, it will more than likely be another from Mario at Great Lakes.
I had a fantastic experience with Great Lakes Tattoo and Kevin Leary! After researching shops and artists I went with Kevin to do my Black Sabbath tattoo. The online booking was easy and GLT had great communication throughout the process. Day of the tattoo, Kevin couldn't have been more welcoming and friendly. He absolutely knocked it out of the park with my idea & placement. I'm so happy and proud of my piece. The shop also does some cool Chicago tattoo preservation and hangs old flashes from the first tattoo shops in the city. I will definitely be back GLT! read more
7 months ago
I've never gotten a tattoo on a trip before but this was the time and place to do it! The staff was fun, was to work with, diligent and clean. The tattoo the did for me came out so clean and was a perfect filler for my arm. I recommend the entire staff go and watch "nirvana the band, the movie, the show" at Music box Theater this week! It was like the office mixed with any Tim Robinson sketch and was really so unpredictable! Thanks for creating a great memory for us! read more
My friend and I walked in on a weekday for quick tattoos, and it was a professional and welcoming process. My cousin from the area recommended this place, and I'm so glad she did! We showed the front desk girl our reference photo and we got a quote, which we were okay with, and sat down and filled out some online forms. Felix did our tattoos, which were 3 small stars on our wrist. He was friendly, professional, and overall was great conversation. The studio was clean and everyone was friendly and welcoming. Conversation was easy and so was silence. I felt very welcome and Felix was gentle. The tattoos came out beautifully! I would recommend Great Lakes Tattoo. I think prices are very fair, but the experience was wonderful. read more
1 year ago
Mike, Brandon, and Gabriel were amazing! We were walk ins and felt so taken care of - efficiently and with skill. since we're tourists, we were extra nervous. It was such a comfortable and professional vibe we immediately felt better. Could not recommend this place more! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
I have always loved working with the amazing artists at Great Lakes. They are incredibly kind, talented, and receptive. My go to artist is Kevin Leary. He has impeccable line work, especially when it comes to straight lines. I have gotten 7 tattoos with Kevin in various styles. His most recent work he completed with me was a classic scooby doo popsicle. He's probably the only people I would ever trust to do any type of wrapped tattoos, because his line work is perfect and he will take the necessary time to get the stencil on straight. He has an incredibly chill vibe and will be honest with you when a tattoo may not be in his particular tattooing style, which i wholeheartedly appreciate. read more
2 years ago
I was visiting from California and wanted to get a tattoo during my trip. I looked at a few shops and ended up picking Great Lakes. I loved all the flash that they have covering the walls throughout the shop. If I had to pick one I probably would have left with three. Luckily I came prepared that day. My tattoo artist was Brandon and the time went by pretty fast. He was hella chill. While talking he was expressing how he loves doing tattoo regardless of the of the piece and made the image I gave him come to life. Whenever I'm in Chicago and need a tattoo this place is definitely my first stop. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Mario Deza did a phenomenal job capturing exactly what I wanted in this tattoo. The lines, shading and color are absolutely incredible and he completed the work super fast as well. Highly recommend. read more
5 years ago
I have been mulling over getting my FIRST tattoo for the last years (which would have been way earlier if I didn't come from a tattoo hating family). I'm 39 - it's never too late lol. So when I finally had an epiphany of what I wanted to get I wanted to get this ink ASAP! My dear friend Brandon Seef referred me to your shop. I emailed back and forth with GL a few times this week. They were super responsive and cool. They even warned me that walk in on Saturdays could have bad waits (if you can avoid Saturday, do it, there were a LOT of people). On the day of, I sat nervously in the awesome waiting room. After making friends with everyone from traveling sailors to some awesome lumberjack looking dude I was called back for the big event. Brandon was super comforting and small talked my nervous a** self through the whole thing. My "and"*(story of word below if interested) tattoo turned out perfect. I love it!!!! And they were even super cool and let me come back in to re-wrap my thirsty self who removed the skin to take picture and show my husband. Thank you Brandon and all of the awesome staff and Great Lakes for making my first experience great :) * Tattoo story - I'm a CPS school counselor. Using the word and instead of but has increased my overall communication from school to home. "The bottom line - Avoiding 'But', and saying the word 'And' instead gives more direct and constructive feedback, while better validating others feelings. Using 'And' allows you to share your opinion without dismissing the feelings and needs of others." - Anchor Light Therapy Collection read more
2 years ago
TL;DR I would go back. I would recommend them. Stopped by and got this little guy on my last trip to Chicago, AKA hog butcher to the world. The shop was clean, low key, and welcoming. They even take credit cards, which I have never seen before. Brandon was great to visit with and I am excited about the work he did. Walking in mid-day was easy. Even if you have to wait there is stuff to eat and do nearby. read more
3 years ago
I wanted a tattoo on a spur of the moment trip, and found Great Lakes Tattoo had high reviews online. We did a walk in an hour before they closed. The shop had flashes everywhere to choose. Mario Desa called me back and made quick work of my thigh tattoo. 11/10 to Mario for the good conversation and awesome piece. GREAT LAKES TATTOO IS A MUST GO TOO! read more
5 years ago
I went here for my first ever tattoo & couldn't be happier. The process was covid safe and all the staff were friendly. Miles gave me my tattoo & although he has moved on I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a tattoo. 5/5 local business with talented artists. read more
6 years ago
I saw this shop based on great reviews I was a walk in. Because if Covid. They appointment only. But because I knew what I wanted and it was small. They squeezed me in. The shop is super clean! Everyone was very friendly. No booth were too close together. It's a beautiful shop. I felt very comfortable there. They have great after care instructions as well. Tattoo is nice clean and he was quick because it hurt Highly recommend this shop! read more
5 years ago
Eric had an available spot, and I was super excited. Fantastically warm and jovial dude. He was super chill and also made me feel very welcome. His tattoo was super quick and relatively painless. I am not even remotely from the area, but I would love to come back! Front desk staff were also excellent and told me about a lovely architecture river tour. Everything about this place was super professional and I would love to get inked here again. read more
3 years ago
This was the best tattoo experience I have had. Everyone working was so flexible and efficient. Erik walked me through step by step during the session. This was a bigger leap for me, and he made it so much easier. I'm from out of town, but would definitely come back just to have the same shop! read more
5 years ago
I am SO BUMMED! My 2nd tattoo in my life at this place and I'm stuck with a tattoo the wrong color. The artist NEVER asked and I never stated the color bcuz I was getting more of the same. Purple, NOT blue ink. I won't show my tat. I'm too embarrassed. My disappointment is extreme. read more
Business owner information
Great Lakes T.
*This person was not tattooed here. Angela, we never have and never…
I had been looking for a place to get my third tattoo and ideally become my go-to place. My previous two were done by a guy on the other side of the country and I'd rather not fly back and get a hotel room to get more tattoos. So, I went to Instagram and Facebook to get recommendations and see the work of various artists. I got a custom piece done by Mario. I setup the process via email, booked an appointment online, paid the deposit online, and showed up to get it done. I liked the vibe of this place. Old school hip hop and some rock was playing. The walls are covered in flash. It looked very clean and welcoming. Every staff member that I interacted with was friendly. On to the tattoo and Mario... I knew in general terms what I wanted (hourglass with waves and potentially a sunrise/sunset and to not look out of place with my other tattoos in the area), so I sent the ideas via email, however, I also knew that I wanted Mario to put his spin on it because I really liked his use of color, shading, and line work. He nailed it-from the design to the placement. This is why you research artists and go to reputable shops. They know what they're doing. The conversations we had during the tattoo process were great, but I'm not an overly talkative guy so I tend to default to being quiet and letting the artist do his thing. I almost fell asleep on the table a couple of times-I find getting tattoos on that specific part of my body very relaxing (upper arm). The price seemed very reasonable to me-the whole good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good/you get what you pay for. This was one right in the middle price-wise compared to my other two tattoos (both done in Rhode Island, one was custom and the size of my hand, one was a shark flash). The time on the table seemed to fly by. From initial placement to being back on the Blue Line to go home, I think it took 35 or 45 mins (granted the tattoo is only about the size of the palm of my hand). So, when I go for my next tattoo, it will more than likely be another from Mario at Great Lakes. read more
4 years ago
My High School Girlfriends traveled to Chicago for our 60th birthdays. We decided to get a tattoo - one that means eternal friends. We went to Great Lakes Tattoo and they were so wonderful to the 4 of us. Great atmosphere, cool music and vibe. People there are so welcoming and knowledgeable of their craft. Great find! read more
4 years ago
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7 years ago
6 years ago
Super easy. Clean. Nice. Friendly. Professional. I got a simple tattoo - the word "SELAH" on my wrist. The guy who answered the phone was really nice and told me to email online. They got back to me super quickly. They got my wording and spacing perfect after just two tries on paper as a draft. This was a small, easy tattoo - done with Mario - but everything was really professional and smooth. I'll probably be coming back in a week to get another one and hopefully will make this my go-to place. I definitely recommend. Convenient too. It was $100 for a very small tattoo but you probably won't find a place who's going to do anything for less. read more
7 years ago
This was my first ever tattoo and Great Lakes made me feel like I've been getting them for years. They are BEYOND welcoming and have no judgement at all. From the first person you see when you walk in to your tattoo artist, they are honestly the best. I'd recommend to anyone and if I ever decide to go for #2, this will be the only place I go! read more
5 years ago
Brandon did my tattoo here: super friendly, patient, cool dude, we had dope conversation. I made the appointment online and sent a few ideas & I asked him to change a few details & add some things-the whole thing took like 1.5 hours. I'm very pleased with the outcome & will be back/recommending it to friends. read more
5 years ago
Business owner information
Great Lakes T.
Hi Gily,…
6 years ago
I got tattooed by Matt a couple months back and I couldn't be happier. Once I submitted my appointment request form I was contacted quickly and walked through their process. They answered all of my questions since I've only gone to one shop out in Arizona and was unfamiliar with how Great Lakes operated. Matt was extremely professional and an all around nice guy to work with. He made sure I was happy with the design and placement then got to work! If you're looking for an awesome artist with a lot of experience I highly recommend Matt. I already have my next idea and will definitely be returning to Great Lakes. Thanks again Matt! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
Business owner information
Great Lakes T.
We take accusations like this very seriously and want to be…
4 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
While in town with friends, I got a wrist tattoo here I've been wanting for a decade. We were walk-ins and I appreciated that we were given clear wait times and they tried as best they could to get us seated around the same time so we weren't waiting for each other. I'm not new to tattoos but I think this would be a great shop for someone getting their first piece. It healed beautifully and my artist (can't recall his name but his booth was the last in the back) had a great touch. I only wish I was close enough for this to be my regular place. read more
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More info about Great Lakes Tattoo
1148 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
Noble Square, Near West Side, West Town
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(312) 870-0458
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http://www.greatlakestattoo.com
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