Never recommend this place. They'll treat you like you're nothing. They won't even post your tattoo on their social media. Even after tipping them and striking up a good conversation. Byron is who I am talking about. read more

Bao was awesome, my sister, myself and my 80 year old mother walked in to this shop and had a great experience. This was my Mom's first tat and Bao was very patient with her. My sister had a touch up and I got my third tattoo. It is reasonably priced and beautiful work is done. read more

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Y'ALL! Thuy is amazing! I walked in to get a price quote and she was able to take me right then and there! literally thirty minutes and everything I wanted was done. she was super helpful and flexible with what I wanted and a very kind soul. I had two touch ups and one new tattoo of my mom's signature. we have a matching tattoo of roses on our ankles and when she passed I wanted to add onto it. we played around with the placement and on the second try... I fell in love with how the end of it touched the stem... an eternal hug... read more

Got tattooed by the lovely Skyler Rey (corpseflowerr on IG) and can't wait for the shading to be completed. Shop energy was great & he took special care in making me comfortable & satisfied with my piece. Make sure to check him & the shop out read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - Line work - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

Jeffrey did a great job on the three small pieces I wanted, plus I was much enough to get in right away. Their prices are extremely reasonable and everyone that works there is very personable. I highly recommend and will be back for more tattoos. read more

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Best tattoos in Lodi! Both tattooers are amazing!!Tattoos are affordable! Merch (hats and shirts) are cool!! The vibe is really nice and chill! read more

came in the other day for a walk-in, everyone was so nice! emma tattooed my twin and i, and she was awesome. the vibe was super welcoming, and we will def be coming back. p.s. emma, we're still coming for u on ur birthday!!!! read more

Went in today as a walk in and was helped by Jeffery. He was professional, cracked jokes and was quick. I am absolutely obsessed with my new tattoo and love this shop! I met Bao the owner and he was great as well! He also has done many tattoos for my older cousin so I know and love his work as well! read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

Bao is amazing and so nice. Great vibe in the shop!! Call or walk in for a tattoo!! You won't be disappointed !!

I made an appointment with Jeffery for Sat at 3:30. 6/11/22. When I arrived I started speaking to him and he could barley stand up. I asked if something was wrong because he was losing his balance , he said I have had a few drinks. I said you are drunk, and not doing my tattoo. Extremely unprofessional, disrespectful and a total joke. I would never recommend this place especially Jeffery. read more

Nailed it, very detailed, very fast. Worth the drive and very happy with the end result read more

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Bao is the best he has done coverups on my whole arm and we're starting on my other arm I will only go to hard luck and I recommend it to everyone. I get compliments all the time on my arm, he never dissapoints read more

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this tattoo parlor is quintessential. most important, it has the professional, yet creative, vibe that makes one feel confident about getting permanent body art. Hard Luck only tattoos. no piercings. no other body art. tattoos only. read more

Bao (the owner) has done 12 of my 15 tattoos thus far and he has also done many of both of my adult sons. We had always gone to his old shop until the fire consumed it and this visit was the first time in his new shop. The decor was a different appeal, more bright and opening but still the same great vibe of feeling welcomed. The building might have changed but Bao hasn't...he was quick to reply to my text asking for an appointment and listened to my requests of the sizing and placement of the tattoo I had drawn up. One thing I have always respected about Bao is that from day one he has always told me "if you don't like something, tell me because this is permanent on you and I want you to love what is tatted on your body". He takes pride in his work and he honestly finds joy in knowing what he provided is what you wanted and more importantly that you are pleased with it. I have never been disappointed in any of my tattoos that he has done and the gentlemen that come in for their appointments are always in awe of the work that Bao does for me. Like I said the vibe here, Bao himself and his great artist skills is why we continue to come back!! read more

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I have been a loyal customer of Hard Luck Tattoo for nearly 20 years because the owner, Bao, has been my tattoo consultant. I have traveled from San Francisco to Lodi to get body art from Bao because he is creative and talented tattooist with 30 years of experience under his belt. Bao is one of the best in the business because he understands human anatomy, body contour, tattoo placement, and color schemes. When Bao is tattooing me, he is kind, empathic, professional; most importantly, he is soft handed when laying down the ink. For me, getting inked is a transformative process because each piece is time stamped and represents a specific period in my life. I feel fortunate that I have had an opportunity to get some amazing pieces of art by Bao. If you are considering getting any tattoo work done, big or small, I believe that Bao is your person. Why? In 1989, I was 16 and I got my first tattoo at Fat Gorges Tattoo in La Puente, CA and my mom was not happy with me. In 1990, I enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world getting inked up in different countries, and I have seen my fair share of ugly tattoos. Bao is my tattoo artist because I trust him and I feel seen, heard, valued by him. Thank you for the years of amazing art work my brother. Much love Bucci read more

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May the force be with you always, Jonathan. *the left picture not his work, the right is how he fixed my shit and saved my arms life lol. read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

Jeffrey rushed through my tattoo. The lines aren't straight and he went in too deep. I have a gash that will not heal. Negative stars if I could. read more

I have had this favorite shirt with an image I wanted tattooed on my chest. I have wanted this for a while and finally had some money to get it done. I went in to Hard Luck and the first guy I see was Lee (RIP) who ended up doing my tattoo that same day for $300! I absolutely love it, the colors are amazing! It ended up taking about 4 hours and we were the only ones left at the shop after midnight. I will definitely get more work done over there. Now some of the other experiences I have read about were horrible and I have to say that if you go into a tattoo shop and get so much bad attitude and eye rolling when you tell them what you want....DON'T GET TATTOOED THERE! Why stay at a place you're not comfortable with? I don't get it. Just turn around and walk out. It's your body and you won't hurt anyones feelings. read more

I love hardluck! This is my primary tattoo shop. I love Jonathan and Rooster more than anything. Everyone here is amazing! We do walk ins regularly and stay till late getting tatted. Always feels like a family reunion when I come here. I love having a great relationship with my tattoo artists. Time flies by while I get tattooed. Prices are amazing. I've been to a few shops and this has the best prices and art! read more

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Me and my girlfriend went in the shop about a week ago to get some small tats. While we waited, Bao was in the process of tattooing a woman, the man with her decided to take a peak at the tattoo (as I would for my friends, family, etc) he immediately got rude with the guy, then proceeded to talk shit on both of them after they left because she WAS NOT happy with it clearly (It was off center in the middle of her upper neck) this is all going on while I'm waiting to be next. Fast forward, I'm next, the new artist wasn't working with where I wanted my small tattoo, same with my girls tattoo. So we BOTH had to relocate where we wanted them. He finished mine up, looks nothing like the one I wanted, lack of detail, everything. It's shitty and not what I wanted. My girlfriends tattoo came out uneven and all she got was 2000 on her forearm. I have been coming here for years, and I will no longer support a place that is rude, not customer friendly, and doesn't give a shit about their customers. Here is how they turned out. This place is garbage. read more

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Jonathan tattooed my baby's initials on me. He was very sweet, professional, and I'm super happy with his work! He knows his stuff, is patient, and will give you good advice. Highly recommended read more

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It could I would rate them 0 stars my mom went in to get a $250 tattoo by VIC (victor) on her sternum and the tattoo looks crooked and slanted the arrows aren't the same length and the shadowing makes it looks like a big black cluster! Vic was on his phone texting the whole time and answering calls he also stopped in the middle of the tattoo and went on a lunch break. Her nipples were not covered with anything no paper cloths or paper towels she was exposed laying down embarrassed with male customers and employees coming in and out. She left an email to the manager complaining about her visit and how bad of an experience she had. So he offered to make it right and fix the problem. She arrived and I went with her (4 DAYS LATER) on a Saturday he RETRACED the same tattoo!!!!! I still had to tell him to cover her chest with paper towels and the lines are even more crooked after he added more to the bottom! The one on her chest was also done by Victor and it looks nothing like the picture! read more

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Very disappointing this establishment. I went in on March 10th and set Appointment for March 18th at 4 o'clock for me and my husband to get a tattoo. We arrived a little before 4 o'clock and the tattoo artist told us he forgot to book our appointment and told us that he only had time to do one of our tattoos Because he already schedule an appointment for 5:30. We got our deposits back and will be taken or business elsewhere read more

I thought long and hard before getting my first tattoo and had a really good idea what I wanted. I emailed the owner before coming in and had hoped for a little more than the "can't quote a price for a tattoo until you're here' response but that's what I got. I came in the afternoon I was looking to get it done and the guys in the shop were busy eating lunch. I told them what I wanted and showed them some samples and they asked me to come back in an hour or so while they worked something up. I walked around the corner and had a cup of coffee with a friend. When I came back, they had drawn what I wanted in the right size and personalized it the way I asked. The tattoo was a super simple, no color, and not very big in size. It took a little over an hour and they were done. I like it. It was what I wanted. The base price was a little high for me and even more-so because I have always been a big tipper. The shop looked clean and I didn't have any problems. I will probably try another shop next time but just so I can see what's out there. This place was fine. read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - My first tattoo! - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

I came in here to talk to someone about a tattoo.. Let me just say these were the most unprofessional people I have ever met. They insulted the ink I already had insisting that I get a touch up before I get any new ink. I love my tattoos thank you very much and thanks to your poor attitude you will NOT be getting my business. Thanks a lot! read more

I've seen excellent art on people from this shop. My sister has had a few different people tattoo her here Joel, and Bao. Friends also recommend Paul and Joe they all do beautiful work here. Why the three stars? Well I had a hard time communicating with an artist here doesn't mean that I wouldn't recommend anyone here come in and see for yourself. Make an appointment if they ask for a deposit make a deposit they all do a great job and the shop is awesome clean and spacious definitely the only shop in Lodi that I would recommend. Experiences may vary I'm sad that I couldn't give more than a three star but unfortunately I have to be completely honest about my experience and let's be real here, most tattoo artists are a little flaky, but if you're patient unlike myself you will get a rockstar tattoo from one of these super talented super friendly artists! Don't be shy.. read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - A beautiful cover up done on my sister by Joel Ruiz - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

Jonathan is an amazing artist! He has done all my tattoos and he is very nice and has a light hand and makes sure you're always comfortable. Highly recommend! read more

Rooz (Joel Ruiz) came recommended by a friend @ Hard Luck. My tattoo is way beyond better than I imagined. Every single person was super nice. It was a great experience....highly recommend! read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - By Rooz (Joel Ruiz) 12-7-13 - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

Had a section of my sleeve re-worked by Bao and I absolutely love it!!! I am now proud of my sleeve thanks to Bao! He was highly recommended to me and now I know why. I can't wait to go back and get something else done by him. read more

Overcharging customers and giving pretty much shitty designs. Doesn't follow along with the design shown.

My husband and I were on a rare afternoon date today (baby at home) and had the crazy idea for him to get a tattoo. We walked to Hard Luck after lunch with an idea on a napkin. An hour later there was a family tree on my husbands arm. They were very friendly, clean and did a great job!! read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

I had a guy who gave me 3 tattoos there and they where awesome but then I had another guy give me one and it had to get touched up took over a month....had to sit and wait for him to show up..he seemed angry af and he went so hard on my tattoo that it actually cut my hand open...I don't want to talk bad on them cuz there are good ones there...but I will never go back now read more

I first have to say Thank you Geo!! My son got his first tattoo by him at Hard Luck Tattoo at the age of 18... For his birthday. Which we were late getting it done in time for his birthday. Because I had to do my research I wanted to find the right place and artist for my son. So I did a lot of research l found a lot of tattoo shops where everyone has a super cool attitude yet not really good artwork. Remember your tattoo is for life so you get what you pay for. A++ to this shop and I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to get a tattoo. From the moment we arrived there, not only the employees, but the CUSTOMERS there made us feel welcome. It was all about the art. After seeing the artist portfolio my son and I really liked this one artist's work. So we told them what artist portfolio we liked and got to meet with Geo, explained what my son wanted. We made an appointment for the next day. Geo was able to capture with his artwork exactly my son's vision. He takes the time to listen to you and what you want, and then he draws it up and talks to you about it, as well as his own ideas for the art. When he puts it to the canvas, Geo is an exceptional artist and cool dude. Geo turned out to be the greatest possible choice for us. The shop is super clean and everyone has a great attitude. This is a great shop for people who know what they want and know what they are looking for in a professional great piece of art. read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - tattoo done by Geo thanks alot - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

Have gotten multiple tattoos and a cover-up here over the years and have always had a great experience. It's a tattoo shop! ;P

To put it simply: ok artists, shitty people. I got a small tattoo on me..... and it hurt like a b!t@h. The tattoo actually turned out OK, but the atmosphere at this place is horrible. I felt like unwelcome, disrespected and out of place. I think it's super important to be in a relaxed and comfortable environment while getting tattooed! They do OK work, but they are impersonal elitist that don't seem to give a damn about you or your tattoo. read more

Great prices and great tat work.....ask for Uzi

Vinny from Hard Luck is the best! I got a tattoo done by him a month ago for my birthday & he did a great job. I couldn't be happier with it! I get so many compliments on it & I always tell them to check out Hard Luck & ask for Vinny. You will be HAPPY! read more

zero stars. i went for a tattoo under my breasts. the design was way smaller than the design we discussed although the price was the same. the tattooist was distracted on his cell phone & kept walking away in the middle of things as well as leaving me naked on the table while he went to have lunch in the next room. the design turned out lopsided.. i sent an email to the owner who said he'd fix it. i went back 4 days later only for him to retrace the same tattoo which was still healing. he added a few designs at the bottom & tried to make the arrows on each side even. after an hour i reached my pain threshold & left with the intention of going back to finish it. once home i took pics & zoomed in. the lines were not straight & it looked worse than before. i had a fever for days & the inflammation was severe. i have 6 other tattoos & ive never experienced that degree of bleeding & inflammation & fever before. read more

Hard Luck Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Lodi, California

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Did a good job on my aunts tat. Kinda expensive for me. Nice guys tho.

I got a panda tattooed on my forearm and the girl did a fantastic job! The tattoo looks great and everyone in the shop was super nice. They took me and my friend in right off the street and I got great work for a very good price! Will definitely be going back for another tattoo! read more