Highly recommend Jess! She was patient and kind with our daughter during her first piercing (septum). She took the time to explain everything step-by-step. She even paused to help our daughter calm down and relax. read more

They offer great services and I luvvv their vibezzz. I got pierced by Jesse and she really cares abt her clients and superrrrr sweeetttt. Also Rafael is very sweet and talented I highly recommend Rafael for tattoos and Jesse for piercings. read more

I had a great experience at Main Street Tattoo and Body Piercing in Merced. I walked in without an appointment and was greeted right away. Showed them what i was interested in he went and talked to an artist named "Rafael." He drew up a design and it was really good. He took a little bit to make sure his work station was clean and safe. Right before he started the tattoo, he asked if I had any injuries so he could accommodate me so I would be comfortable through out the tattoo. Offered me a water. Rafael is very detailed and made sure that everything was done and didn't miss anything. He has a light touch. Rafael is very professional and I felt very comfortable. Other artists would go by and say Hi and stop and talk. I will be going back to Main Street Tattoo and Body Piercing in Merced from now on. Ask for "Rafael." I know I will be. read more

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Amazing people and place! Very reasonably priced and communicative to your needs. Eddie was so nice, understanding, and talented. Did a great job on me while making sure I was comfortable. Beautiful work. Highly recommend!!! read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

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I went in to get my belly re pierced, the girl was super rude. She didn't use the clamp, she used her fingers and It turned out crooked. she also gave me the wrong gem. I asked for silver and she gave me pink. She was struggling to get the needle in then after the hem was in she started pinching it. read more

Nathan did such a good job on my tat. Really took his time to get everything right. Thank you so much read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - Tattoo by Nathan. Thank you!! - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

Very clean and professional shop. Friendly people and a great tattoo artist. My daughter will be back - thank you!

On July 5, 2017 I was tattooed by Stephanie Alvarez! I got an eye with a single tear framed by laurels. I was really nervous because it is my first tattoo and wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible, Stephanie made sure it did. She gave me her number and told me to text her references for the piece and I felt very comfortable doing so. She drew up a beautiful concept based on a little sketch I texted to her and as soon as she placed the the stencil on my arm I was in love. During the tattooing she checked on me and made sure I knew it was okay to ask for a break. She worked quickly and neatly with care. Stephanie made sure to let me know that if I had any questions about healing and aftercare that I should feel welcome to shoot her a text, when inevitably I did have a question she answered it right away. I felt very well taken care of. I love my first tattoo and I can't wait to go see her again for the next one :) read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - My first tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

If u could give this place a zero star I would!!!! Went for a small tattoo n got charged $80. Said touch up was free but when I went back I got charged $20 extra. Seriously for a line. Do not come here. There is another tattoo shop down the street that is way more affordable and customer service is a lot better!!!! Wait time is forever too! read more

I came and got a little Thai proverb tattoo. I did have to wait a while because I was a walk in customer but I didn't mind! I forgot who did my tattoo but I believe it was Eddie? Anyways, he did a great job and I love it! I will be coming back. read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

Over the last two years I have gotten all of my piercings here and yesterday I joined #teaminked and got my first tattoo. The place and workers are both awesome. Right when you walk in the atmosphere is chill and there is a lot to look at while you wait to be seen. Everything is also really sterile and needles are always one time use and opened in front of you, so thats definitely a plus :) As for the artists, I have gotten everything done by Jesse. He is super chill and makes everything comfortable and kinda tells you what to expect before you feel the needle, and on top of that after the process he is always down to answer any questions or see you if you are having any concerns. Right when i turned 18 my friend and I got our first piercing done by him (the belly button) and since then we have both been back like twice a year (its an addiction).. but anyways yesterday I decided to take it to the next level and got my first tattoo and I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted Jesse to do it after stalking his work for the last two years on his instagram @jessev209. So I wanted a Hamsa but since I knew that lately that tattoo had been becoming popular i wanted a design that meant a lot to me so i drew something out and gave it to Jesse to fix it up and add his own touch... I absolutely love it :) everything is so perfect about it.. the lines are all crisp, straight, and clean, and the shading of the eye gave it a realistic touch. When I showed my mom, who for as long as i can remember has been against tattoos, what I had gotten she and my dad were really impressed and now my mom intends to get something next month. I would highly recommend him as an artist to any of my friends, because he really goes above and beyond to make sure you like what you're getting and you're comfortable during the process. read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - Hamsa done by Jesse - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

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Had to restart my yelp account. Almost 3 years later and my tattoo by Bo still looks amazing. I can't wait to get another tattoo by them. This shop is very professional and I highly recommend making this your go to tattoo shop! read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - Tattoo By Bo - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

Best place to get a piercing in Merced. And any kind of piercing. Ask for Jesse! Prices are very reasonable as well. I got my lip and cartilage piercing from Main St Tattoo's by Jesse. They use all new, clean and sterilized needles and such. Jesse knows a lot about piercings, how to take care, what not to do, etc. He makes sure you're happy and everything is okay with your new piercing as you walk out of that shop or even weeks later. Not sure about the tattoos but I saw their art in front of the shop and all the tattoo artists seem very talented. They're super chill, too. Don't be intimidated as you walk through the doors! They are very nice people. They do a lot of community stuff as well. They participated in the Art Hop and had local bands come and play in their shop. They also hold their own events as well to bring the community together with live music, raffle drawings, etc. Come by if you ever need a piercing or a tattoo. read more

I previously wrote a negative review regarding the ownership and artists of Main Street Tattoo. I was contacted by Stephanie from the new ownership who apologized to me for my treatment from the previous owner. I do not wish to damper the success of a local business. Although I have not gotten a tattoo from the new artists at Main Street, I am changing my rating to 4 stars based on the obvious improvement in customer service. Good luck with your business Stephanie and Lil John. read more

My girlfriend got a younger piercing here and they were so cool and gave off nothing but good vibes

Love this business. They have great artists and a great piercer. They're really involved in promoting the positive parts of Merced. They're a positive and active part of the downtown community. read more

Second time I get a piercing here done by Daniel(thore) and great experience was quick and easy. Recommend. Pretty cool place. read more

All my cartilage piercings from here ended up getting infected or didn't end up doing so well but maybe it's just my ear. Got a rib tattoo from Thore and was very satisfied with the outcome (beware he's very heavy handed) but the ink is dark and hasn't bled at all! Place is very clean and aesthetically pleasing. read more

Me & my sister went and got pierced by Angel today. I was really impressed with the vibes of the shop, very creative and inspiring. I don't have any tattoos yet but after viewing their artists' albums at the counter, this would definitely be my spot! But back to the piercing, I got my belly button done for a second time and was kind of panicky & Angels mannerism & tone set me at ease as she explained the whole process she was going to do and talked me through the whole way. It didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. My sister got her nose done & it looks super cute too, this girl knows her stuff! I also asked to see her certifications and she gladly showed me and explained their sterilization process so again I was more at ease... Thank you Angel we'll be back again for more sister piercings! lol read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - My new belly ring - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

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I got my nose pierced here yesterday and couldn't of had a better experience. The girl who pierced my nose was so friendly and obviously knew what she was doing. She made sure I knew every detail I needed to know as far as cleaning and when I can switch it out. She custom fit the piercing to my nose so that it would be more comfortable. Ive gotten my nose pierced before but it had closed up a couple months ago, the bar constantly bothered me before now i don't even feel like anything is in my nose! read more

Seana was Amazing!! I got two piercings today and she made me feel calm through it all. I was really nervous at first and did feel light headed but she really took care of me. I will definitely be going back in the future!! Thanks again read more

I came in and got a belly button piercing with Alex I think, and he did a great job. I could tell he really wanted to be careful and precise about the piercing and he explained that he process as he went. read more

PLEASE READ I am writing a review of the tattoo artist that did my tattoo. Around the beginning of July of 2013 I went into this shop with a cherry blossom sketch I loved and they appointed me to Lana. She put the outline on my right shoulder and I loved it! So I went ahead with the tattoo. She took about 3 and a half hours.. When she was done I looked in the mirror and I was disappointed.. I saw blobs of pink for flowers, unfinished lines, a crooked bird cage, and a turd bird. She informed me that it was swollen and will look better when it is healed. I payed about $150 for something I didn't like. A few weeks go by and I start to notice that the tree stump(main part of my tattoo) isn't the same color, even the blob bird was discolored. I was so devastated, I thought about calling for a touchup but I didn't think someone who couldn't do it right the first time, could go back and try to fix something that is staying on your body for the rest of your life. There are people who claim to be tattoo artist but draw like I did in the 2nd grade. Everything a tattoo artist tattoos should be pure art. I know this tattoo artist has her own life to live but I do not wish a poorly done tattoo on anyone else. I wish the tattoo shop knew the skills of their staff. I dealt with this sad tree on my shoulder for a year until a few days ago I met a real tattoo artist in Los Angeles. Right when he started the tattoo everything he did made the tattoo look ten times better. I am incredibly happy with the finished piece of art on my shoulder. Tattoo artist are like doctors, you only have one. And they better be a darn good one. read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - My disappointing tattoo I got from Lana at Main Street tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

I'm adjusting my review to 5 stars, it's unfair to rate them as a one star because of one person's botched job. I want everyone to know that Main St. immediately contacted me to offer to have my tattoo fixed and to apologize for the situation that occurred. That shows me a real pride in ones business and a true care for it's customers. That is extremely important to me because it tells me they aren't all about the money. They have some awesome artists there I'd still be weary of Alana... My Original post----It's unfortunate that ONE bad tattoo artist can have such a negative impact. I went in for a SIMPLE pikachu tattoo and ended up walking out after the realization of what ALANA was doing to my arm. She told me she could fix the lines but without a magic eraser there is no fixing the fact that pikachus arms are coming out of his face and his eye is in his arm pit. Plus I feel the need to mention the lines that are no where near smooth and the only way to "fix" it is to thicken up the outerlines to a inporportionate size to try to hide her mistakes. I even had to tell her that the tail is fucked up and she attempted to fix it but it still looks like shit. I provided PLENTY of pictures as references so after tattooing for over 18 years like she says I think she should stick with piercings or find a new area of employment. Even if she was having an off day, it is no excuse to permanently scar someone. If you decide to go here PICK ANYONE BUT *****ALANA*****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - The piece of SH*T tattoo given by ALANA----WHERE THE F*CK ARE PIKACHUS EARS??!!?? AGGHHHH. - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

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I got a tattoo there a few weeks back from Robert who is a very talented young artist. The healing process was a doozy because it covered so much surface area but now that it's almost completely healed I've been getting a lot of complements on it. Especially on how even and clean it is. I'm very happy and will be back to see Robert again once I'm ready to get my next tattoo. read more

Wonderful experience and wonderful guys that work there! I went to another parlor down the street to ask a question and they were so rude and dismissive. So I came here and I'm so glad I did! John and Eddie were the nicest, most professional guys ever. And John did a beautiful job on my tattoo! Thank you Main Street! read more

Me and my daughter went to get piercings a few weeks ago. The lady who did my nose was polite,caring, and understanding. It burned but did not hurt. I would recommend anyone to go to this place for piercings. I dont know about tattoos yet...will let ya know how that goes, when I get money to get my first one done. read more

horrible cover up , have this ugly blob on my body forever , shaded petals filled in with no previous tattoo in them at all , hopefully i actually get a reply from someone who works here so they can tell me to my face they are proud of this work read more

Main St Tattoo & Body Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Merced, California

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Clean, pleasant atmosphere, with friendly artists who genuinely want you to have the best result possible. I got all three of my tattoos done here, two by Stephanie Alvarez, and the experiences were nothing but pleasing. read more

Totally dig this staff very professional I will make a return. I just sold my tattoo shop in Washington so I'm stoked they keep it real and I really dig the vibe when u come inu feel at home and everyone there is hella cool can't wait to go back read more

Got my first tattoo here. Artists here are great people. They are talented and are very friendly. 10/10 would come back

Best place to get a tattoo in the Merced area. Stephanie has done 3 out of my 5 tattoos (soon to be 4/6, since I'm getting another one from her on Monday), and Juno, who is also at this shop, did my other two. All great work. Also, Thore did my nose piercing and it was very professional. The owners are super nice people as well. I'm moving out of Merced soon and will miss this place terribly. read more

I got a tattoo from here by an artist named Elena and she did a childs drawing and coloring on my back. The lines are uneven, the coloring is thick in some places and thin in other places. I have never gotten so many bad looks...I went to another tattoo shop and they said they can fix it but it is so far from the picture I showed them all they can do is make it look better. I will be going to get a redo and I wished I went to yelp before I decided to be spontaneous. read more

This place sucks, Johnny is Lame, he always cancels his appointments, I made the mistake and paid him in full after that I never saw him again, Johnny thinks he's a great tattoo artist! He's Not. If you want tacky tattoos and body piercing I guess this place is for you. You're better off going to the tattoo shops in Atwater or Fresno! read more

Very unprofessional they told me to come back Sunday(which was Easter) but I didn't think nothing of it till I went to my appointment at 1230 and the shop was closed....messed up part was I didn't get no call to resedule or inform me that the shop will b close. So I called today and talk to dude and its his day off and will call me tomorrow to see if he has an opening. I'm piss that I should be the first I paid for my session. If this isn't unprofessional I don't know what is. read more

Been here a few times. Jesse is always down to help me out with jewelry issues/problems, I have yet to get inked by anyone here, but wouldn't have one single problem having any of these artists tattoo me. read more

Dont know of many tattoo and piercing places they have here in Merced but this is probably one of the most well known. Went to get an industrial piercing and they were very friendly. Pricing was good and the piercing itself was done clean and sanitary. id go back for another piercing read more

Competent, but overpriced and when I say competent, I mean something more like "satisfactory, but not exceptional"...or, one step above "merely passable." You'll get what you wanted just don't expect to be blown out of this galaxy by the results. Go somewhere cheaper! read more

I've only come here to get my piercings done and I love it! Jesse is awesome! I first came here to get my cartilage piercing. Then my conch piercing, and a week later my navel piercing. Jesse was very nice every time and informed me very clearly of what to do in order to clean it. He told me if I needed, I can always come in and ask him to change my jewelry for me. I haven't gone in for that yet but I know if I needed to I can count on Jesse! He also helps people change jewelry for free even if they didn't get it pierced by him! Such a nice guy! It's also super easy to contact him via facebook. If I have any questions I just post it and he replies whenever he has time. My friend got her tattoos done here, as well. She loves them! read more

Really not happy with the professionalism of this place. Or the lack there of. I took my daughter to get a belly button piercing and while walking in there was a loud group of women in front of the store smoking weed and appeared drunk almost as well. I went in and the nice gentleman inside greeted me and I asked if he knew those ladies out front and he said yes. One is the owner and the other is a piercer there. At that point I just told him I'll come back later. But I ended up going to another shop. read more