It's not often when you feel like family when you walk into an ocean front tattoo parlor. I admit, I was nervous when first entering the shop. Was it going to be clean? Were the employees going to be hospitable? Should I just go to Claire's like everyone else? Thank god I went here. The trepidation that lingered was instantly gone as the owner, Myke, ensured that all of his equipments were both new (disposable) and sanitized. What's particularly special about this experience is that we both discussed our experiences growing up as first generation children to Korean immigrant parents. The ear piercing process went smooth and dare I say unnoticeable as we continued our conversation about being Korean Americans. Honestly, it was downright inspirational how he went from being a couchsurfing dude to a proud business owner. His journey was difficult but in the end, he conquered. I came out with a fresh (fire) piercing and a stronger appreciation for my experiences as a first generation Korean American. read more

Great atmosphere and talented artists. We just popped in for a quick vacation tattoo and they were accommodating and quick.

I had a horrible experience here. I have never had a piercing before in my life, but I have always wanted to get my nose pierced. Finally, this past weekend, surrounded by friends for support, I got up the courage to do it. I told the woman (who is the owner's wife) as well as the tattoo artist several times what I wanted - a hypoallergenic, tiny, surgical steel stud, as well as the fact that I have never had a piercing, was scared and did not know what to expect. The woman seemed really nice to me at first, and I laughed around with her. She complimented my outfit and she made me feel more at ease. The tattoo artist, however, was the complete opposite. He was harsh and rude. He did not listen to me and in fact would ignore me when I asked questions. I asked him what to expect/to walk me through it and he did not. Luckily I had a friend there, who was getting her ear cartilage pierced next to me, and who had been through piercings before. But at the same time, I am paying for a professional, not my friend, to walk me through the procedure and make me feel comfortable. I had no idea what was about to happen and it was really upsetting. After the procedure, it hurt really really bad (not so much during). When I asked if this was normal, the piercer literally ignored me and told me I was fine. I literally cried I was so overwhelmed and confused and really angry that I was being treated in this manner. But the worst part is that I asked the piercer/tattoo artist several times how to take care of my new piercing, MY FIRST EVER, and he told me just to use salt water. I asked what that meant- aka ratio of salt to water, temp of water, kleenex or towel, anything as I am not knowledgeable in this matter. He told me that my friend would fill me in since she had piercings before. This made me so so so mad. I paid $50 to get my nose pierced, which should include a walkthrough of after-care, or AT THE VERY LEAST a brochure on my way out. Instead I was left to fend for myself on Google. Another friend who was with me was so appalled at this service she was watching that she asked to speak to a manager, and spoke to the woman I initially thought was very friendly. She said that I was "f*****g annoying" and that my friend and I were so loud we were annoying the other tattoo artists. First of all, we were not being loud, and if we had been, we should have been asked to keep it down. Second of all, I don't think that asking how to care for a brand-new piercing is "f*****g annoying." Third of all, to give that kind of response when someone is asking to speak to a manager to resolve an issue? The parlor seemed very clean and sterile and so far I've had no problem with my piercing, no thanks to the people here. But honestly you can get a clean and sterile environment with half-decent people literally anywhere else, so I would avoid Ocean Front Tattoo like the plague and instead go somewhere where they will treat you like a person. read more

My nose, my belly button, and soon 6 piercings on my ears, these guys are great! I refer all my friends to them. My overall experience here was fantastic. He was confident, so as was I. I keep forgetting his name when I head over there, but he's the only piercer. This is the only piercing/tattoo place I will go to on the boardwalk! Both my piercings are not completely healed, but I'm sure all will go well! read more

should we?? shouldn't we??? FUCK IT...we're gonna get stabbed today!! after a awesome day of brunch (at mustard seed), shopping and shlupping, me and my wonderful T mama went to venice beach to find some cheap-o extra huge wanna be rockstar sunglasses. after picking up a hot pair we walked by this place and said, "hmmmmmmm.......girllll...we needs to get ON THIS" we mosey on in and Larry the awesome-est piercer ever came over and persuaded us to look through his portfolio of his work. Mama T decided on a belly piercing and i decided on a nose stud. i must say my T.B did just wonderful laying down on that table while big bad larry stuck that huge needle through her. I on the other hand teared up like a damn baby and screamed to myself in my head, "WHY GOD WHY???" but dude, can i just say we look SUPA FLY and i am so glad that i did it. wouldn't have done it with anyone else. if u ever go here ask for Larry and he will def treat you right!!! read more

If I could give zero stars I would. Not for their work, but for their terrible customer service. I contacted them about a week ago for a piece I wanted, they responded asking for a picture, and never responded after that. Even after I reached out AGAIN to see if it was possible for them to complete this tattoo. Unfortunately I was left on "seen" again. I was looking forward to getting a a tattoo with my five other friends for our trip, but we will check out another shop with better hospitality. You lost out on a bunch of business, get it together guys. read more

Mikey did my full sleeve and I can't be more happy with the result it's perfect !! Mikey is very talented and great guy I had a lot of fun during the pain ! Mike, the owner and his wife are the sweetest and all the guys are always been great to me !! I recommend then every day ! read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - From Mikey - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

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Wakey wakey...it's Sunday, time to brunch! I love my Sundays with my fabulous friends. Little did I know this was going to be a full day!! We started with some lovely attendees at the Mustard Seed..got some yummy bacon and pancakes...whoo hoo. That Pirates Chai is killer. Shortly after we had a leisure walk up hill, down hill, and up kill (I mean hill) back to Diana house on Washington Mtn. Shopping was in the air so we hit awesome Glendale...yeah baby. Then it was time to get some cheap huge sunglasses. I could never keep up with sunglasses...so cheap is the way. Where is the best place to get huge glasses, Venice beach of course. Strollin down the chilly board walk of Venice beach we wanted to do something simple and memorable, which brings us to All Star. Oh yes, my gurl Diana and I decided to poke holes in our body, and so much fun it was! I was a bit nervous bc I hate needles. Larry the piercing artist asked me to lift my shirt and he so kindly cleaned my belly button (eeww, I know), such a brave man. I lay on the table while looking into Diana's eyes. He clamped me, and I thought, wow, that was easy. I thought was over. Next a piercing pain, I look at Diana and smiled...like a psycho little nut...she said, the hard part is over. Then Larry said, well I still got to put the jewelry in. Oh great! Another piercing...then, it was almost over. Not such a bad pain, until he poured the alcohol on it. I exclaimed to Larry, "blow!" Blow on it you germy sick mess. Not really caring about that germy part, just the open wound. Ha ha. So it was over, I had an Asian Ghetto gurl encouraging me the whole time. Thanks Larry, it wasn't that bad at all. He gave me some great directions on how to keep it uninfected and pretty. Green looks good on brown skin. :) Yay to sporadic moments with my Diana! Over all, Larry gets all my stars!! The days continued at Korean bbq, and Cee's house, but later I will tell! read more

Young pierced me and 4 of my friends ears yesterday, and it was well worth the price. All in all we got a tragus, eyebrow, cartilage and ear lobe piercings. One of us was scared of needles and he was really good at calming her, and it was all pretty quick... It's a typical venice beach shop but don't let its appearance phase you. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing other friends too! FYI...price range was $25-$40 including the jewelry (all surgical steel) read more

This review is for my experience there last year in November. My friend and I had been thinking about getting our first tattoos for a while but every place we had gone into for an estimate gave us terrible prices and were not welcoming at all. We walked into this shop not planning on getting tattoos that night, but the artists were so inviting and gave us such a great price that we couldn't refuse! I believe my artist went by the nickname 20? Anyways both the artists were funny and comforting. I kept mentioning my fear that I would not be able to tolerate the pain on my ribs but the guy made jokes along the way, took his time, and there was little to no pain. Both my friend and I loved our pieces and a year later are still happy with our tattoos from there. I would come back for another, but it is too far from where I live now. read more

So, my mom came to visit me this past weekend. It was her first time in LA, even though I've been living here for over 8 years now. Our first stop was Venice Beach. I knew that the earthy chaos of it all, drum circles and palm readings, would appeal to her hippie nature. Of course, she loved it. At some point in the afternoon she looked at me and said, "I want to get my nose pierced and I want it to look just like yours." I was expecting this. I wasn't expecting her to make the request on the Venice boardwalk. I was hesitant, but she was insistent, so we made an agreement. If we could find a spot where the price was right and the head piercer or studio owner could pass my series of questioning, then she could get her nose pierced. The first place we stopped wanted $50. WHAT?? The second place we stopped only wanted $35 which seemed reasonable so I asked the about his sterilization techniques. He threw a bottle of some nondescript sterilizer at me. I was unimpressed. Even my mom knows what an autoclave is. Then I asked him his recommendations for cleaning the new piercing. "Mouthwash," he said. :-( It wasn't looking good for moms. As we passed All Star she jumped and shouted so I agreed to look at one more place. We were greeted at the door with a friendly smile and handshake. I was quoted $30 for the piercing. The shop was cute and clean and the piercer was super sweet. He could tell my mom was nervous so he gave her some topical numbing agent. He was equipment was sealed and sterile. He took great care of mom! She LOVES her piercing. It didn't hurt a bit, she said, either during or after. There's been no swelling and no inflammation. We're both very happy! Thanks All Star! read more

This is a magical tattoo parlor. I recently was tattooed by Enwhy and it felt incredible! Truth be told, while he was tattooing me, it made my pussy tingle!!!! I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you, Enwhy read more

I got my cartilage pierced here and honestly it was a great experience, myke the guy who did it was super sweet and nice. He let me know when it was going to happen so I could take a big breath in and asked me multiple times if I was okay even though I was. From walking into the shop (my cartilage cost 30) to heading back to my car, it probably took 5 mins at the most. I highly recommend this place and myke for all piercings, everything was either opened in front of me or sterilized in front of me. PS- free parking in the back! In Venice, that's a luxury :) read more

I was on vacation with a few friends when we began joking about getting inked. One thing lead to another, as it always seems to go, and we walked into OFT where we met Kurt(Curt?). He was friendly and honest about what could be done and the price. I was really nervous because it was my first tattoo but he made the process so comfortable. It's a bonus that he was cute - just saying. I'm super worried about cleanliness and germs so it was nice to see how much attention they dedicated to making sure everything was clean. This really was a great place to get my first tattoo. read more

Last night I got a tattoo from Carlos and it was better than I ever thought it could be! Everybody at the shop seemed very professional and really knew what they were doing. Next time I'm in California I would totally come back and get tattooed again! read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

This place is fantastic. I saw Mike for a piercing - I just dropped in on a whim - and he saw me right away. It was quick, painless, and totally awesome. Very kind guy and quite good at what he does. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Also, his dog is super adorable and well behaved. I will definitely be back for more holes in my head :) thank you, Mike! read more

I've had my septum piercing and both traguses done here. Unfortunately, I don't recall the name of who did my septum; Myke Cho did the other two. As other yelpers have mentioned, the store front may look a bit intimidating or perhaps like a "typical venice beach shop" but it's a great shop! Both visits were pleasant, attentive and ultimately felt very comfortable. My septum was $50, both traguses were about $80-90. Pricing for piercings are standard but well worth it. I will be going back and highly recommend Myke! read more

Knew I wanted to get my tattoo in Venice the day I went, just not sure where. I went to yelp to find the best ratings on the strip and was so happy I ended up here. Isaac helped my best friend and I out, and was a pleasure working with. I already knew wha I wanted, just not sure the font and he gave me a few ideas to chose from till I found the perfect one. It was my first tattoo, and a great experience. The place was clean, they made sure we were comfortable, and the tattoos came out awesome. Would definitely recommend coming here if you're in Venice. read more

I grew up in and around Venice and Santa Monica. I've moved out of the area and back into the area. For the past 30 years. After some searching online for a tattoo shop that had some talented folks, I was drawn to Ocean Front Tattoo. Their website showcases some beautiful work, so I stopped by in hopes to talking to an artist about a cover up, some updates and possibly, eventually new pieces. I've been getting tattooed for decades now, and as I walked in, some shirtless guy barely greeted me and handed me off to some other dude after I explained I was looking for a cover up. This guy had a massive ego (but was the only one not working) asked if I wanted a tattoo today, I explained I wanted to run an idea by someone, you know, work with someone (an artist) and come up with something together.....he proceeded to shoot down my idea, he then tried to sell me on a whole other concept I never even mentioned, told me what crap the tattoo I wanted covered was (....hence the cover up....) said my idea wasn't 'cool', told me he was going to be at the shop for 2-3 months and he had a shop in downtown LA...total kook. He then told me 8 times to check out his Instagram, pulled out some scraggly papers from his portfolio and said 'this is the kind of work I do' - needless for say, I was turned off to the shop, which is a bummer because they have some pretty good artists....this guy was unprofessional, rude and egotistical....listen homie, if I'm paying you tattoo me because I admire your artistic abilities, I suggest you offer some kindness, you listen to what a potential client is saying, and be respectful. Just because it's a tattoo shop, doesn't mean people can't be professional.....and wear clothes....when I started getting tattooed 25 years ago, folks were glad to see clients come in. They were humble and honored to work with people that admired their work...There's was then a wave of giant up and coming egos that were too cool to work with anyone...and made it difficult to find a kind, receptive and talented person....there's still a lot of that left....a word to the wise: be chill with a person who comes in and wants a tattoo, you may end up with a paying client for life!!!!! Sorry to give this rating but homeboy was a kook!!! read more

These people are awsome! Jose did such great work! They all do but jose did my tattoo :). I LOVE my tattoo its soooo awsome and great. These people are really chill and cool and supper funny :D. This shop saved me from searching for the perfect shop to get my first tattoo done. I was searching for a month for the perfect tattoo shop and when i came across Ocean Front i knew that was the shop. The art on the wall was great. Looking through everybodys portfolio i knew i could be proud of my tattoo and want to show it off to everybody. Its very clean and they make you feel welcome and there music selection is awsome cause they play everything ( i was lowkey singing while getting tatted). Then when they gave me the price! Oh man i got super excited and was couldn't wait to get my tattoo done and made an app. on the spot! I love this place and forsure coming back for more tattoos! maybe next week or something :) I mos def recommend this place to everybody. read more

This place is awesome! With the view of the beach, you couldn't ask for more. The shop is one of the cleanest I've seen, and the artists are all talented. I personally recommend Steelo. He's been working on my sleeve, and his style is dope! Check this shop out, you won't be disappointed. read more

I'm super late putting in this review but here it is! About a month ago I got the urge to get my tongue done. I wanted it for a while but I had been to scared. But I was going to do it anyway When I called Mike was super helpful with answering my questions about the healing process and the risk and such, so it made me feel a whole lot better. So I told him I would be in later that day. When I went it, of course I was shaking with nerves and Mike could totally tell, but it was very good at calming me down and making me feel better, and before I knew it it was over! I'll tell you, for the first couple of days I was nervous, eating hurt so bad, I was getting the ring tugged on, and there were times where my tongue just HURT. I was sure there was going to be a problem. But slowly but surely all that went away I was even able to change my ring at 2 1/2 weeks! (I wouldn't recommend it, but I was impatient! My new bars were so pretty!!) and it feels fine now and all is well! Mike was amazing and I am definitely going to return next time I want a piercing!!! read more

My friend and I came to ocean front tattoo yesterday to get our nipples pierced. Mike was our piercer. He was so cool and mature about the situation. He made it so easy and comfortable. I also got my ear pierced while we were at it. I got a triple helix. They all turned out great! I would definitely go back to him for future piercings :) read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - New triple helix - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

I was here in September 2014. I had been thinking of getting a tattoo for a while at this point. It was only a few hours before I had to get on a plane home as I was strolling along the beach and I decided... Do or die. I already knew what approximately I wanted and where anyway. I found this place on Yelp and decided to go for it. I walked in they had Mikey talk to me about it. He went over any questions I had, helped fine tune the design idea I had and gave me good advice for exact placement, etc. I was nervous, but he talked me through the procedure. I was very comfortable once it started, minimal pain on the back of my neck. After he gave me his aftercare instructions and voilà. It healed quickly and painlessly and I have a beautiful wispy horse (in memory of my horse that recently died) on the back right side of my neck. So many people have complemented me on it, it is easily hidden if needed and I now can't wait for another tattoo. read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - 3.5 months later :) - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

Shout out to myke for the awesome piercings! I got both my lobes done; it's been 36 hours, and I don't feel any pain at all (not sure if this is normal though, but I'm not complaining). The shop had a slight-slight-SLIGHT gritty feel to it, but that's not to say the staff aren't clean! Gloves were worn at all times, all instruments were either already sterilized (packaged), or were sterilized in front of me. Overall, the procedure took maybe 15 minutes from walk-in to walk-out. Fun story: walking out of the shop, dazed from adrenaline, I tripped over the waiting room chairs, caught myself, and Myke asked if I was okay. Gotta say, if you're reading this, myke, I'm GREAT, and really lovin' the studs. Thank you so much! read more

This is not your regular tattoo shop! Not only are you able to get tattoos and piercings but you get to view an amazing art gallery hanging on the walls. This shop doesn't seem like a work place, but more so a family home. The staff is one big family. Which makes you feel very welcoming when you walk in. I see people say its gritty! Its Venice first of all. These people are some of the CLEANEST I have ever seen. Gloves, Anti bacterial soap, and antiseptic wipes everywhere! Every machine/ bed/ chair you might use is cleaned in front of you. Wrapped fresh needles are unwrapped in front of you. I love how they not only know what they are doing but also educate you and give their honest opinion on things before they go through with there work! Prices seem to be very reasonable considering the work they do and the quality of the accessories. I will most def. be going back and getting all my work done there! #1 TATTOO/ PIERCINGS ON VENICE! GO THERE AND I PROMISE YOU WILL LEAVE HAPPY! Shout out to Myke! Thank you as always! read more

Just got my first tattoo done by Isaac. He did an AMAZING job! Very sweet and professional. Make you feel comfortable right away. He really takes his time to make sure it's perfect and exactly what you want. Will definitely go back! Recommend to anyone!! Thanks Isaac!!!!! read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Done by Isaac!!! - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

I just had my cartilage pierced by Justin. He made me feel so comfortable and spent a lot of time cleaning it and making sure everything was super sanitised. I will definitely go back to him next time I want another piercing! read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

Very clean, friendly, and fast. The guy who pierced my nose was super informative and patient. Would suggest this place for piercings hands down read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Getting my nose pierced - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

Got my nose pierced last weekend by Justin. It's sooo cute and I love it! He made it quick and painless when I was preparing myself to cry haha. I honestly barely felt it. I have the worst memory and he was willing to write down instructions on how to clean the piercing. Super chill guy. Thanks! read more

Got a tattoo by a guy named Israele here. The entire staff was polite, professional and its a great atmosphere. The place is very clean, they took their time setting up (a good thing) and Israele made sure I was comfortable and not in too much pain (as it was my first tattoo.) Im a bit of a drive from Venice, but I will 100% come back there for future work. They take cash and card, preferring cash (theres a fee for card.) read more

I had the pleasure of getting a couple dates on my wrists by Enrique. He was awesome....as well as everyone in the shop! I will get more work done by Enrique...next time I'm in CA. A big thank you to Ocean Front Family....y'all are some stellar folks. read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Birth dates of my Nephew and Niece: Owen and Mila. - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

I went in 5/23/13 to have my daith piercing changed (since it's too deep in my ear to do myself). The jewelry selection wasn't the grandest, but I managed to find a cute rainbow spiral. It took a while for someone to come assist me, even though I was the only customer wandering about the joint. But once they came over, everyone was quite nice. The piercer (last name Cho, I believe) was very cool and patient...the daith can be pretty frustrating. He finally got the ring in after a couple of tries. Of course, I got the piercing bug while sitting there and decided to get an orbital piercing on my right ear lobe. The piercer got everything set up and quickly got to work. Everything was very clean and comfortable. Im very pleased with my new piercing! I recommend this place. read more

This review is for my sister's tattoo. We went to a few places in Venice looking at art work and discussing the "vision", and my sister was most excited about this place. When we saw after that it had a 5 star yelp rating she decided to go for it. Very realistic tattoo, great Venice vibe, knowledgeable service - an overall awesome place to get a tattoo. read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Realistic owl with some color to make it pop - so happy with the work - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

Came in with my Wife to get tattoos on Sunday talked about what we had in mind, and made an appointment for Wednesday. We were instantly at home and felt welcomed and comfortable through the whole experience. We live close so we biked, but they even have parking which is huge in venice. These guys know their stuff, very professional shop, and will work with you to suggest the best options. I went with a simple cross design and my artist was able to get exactly what I wanted to perfection. Simple but with enough design to make it artistic and badass. A lot of guys won't even do finger tats. Note: there are other shops in the area to watch out for, we checked around in person. I'll definitely be back for another. Look no further, you've found your tattoo shop. read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Perfecto - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California

Myke and Tyler were absolutely amazing. They were very professional and very social. My overall experience was remarkable and they had amazing prices. They did an amazing job on my tattoo and kept me laughing. I will be returning and referring more of my friends! Thank you guys so much read more

Tyler was phenomenal was very quick and attentive. Made sure the tattoo was to my liking. Myke was also amazing in ensuring me and my friends we were making the right choice and patient. The shops atmosphere was unlike many I've been to before, very chill with good music.Definitely coming back. read more

Love this place got 80% of my tattoos done here. Friendly welcoming staff. The cool thing about this place because of the location and having so many ppl passing by or getting in you won't think about the pain the time will pass by so quickly all you know your tattoo is all done. Love it. read more

BEST PLACE TO GET PIERCINGS! I found Ocean Front 6 years ago after doing a ton of research on where to get pierced in LA. My first stop was to have my ear cartilage piercings from middle school redone because they had always been sore, even after 15 years. After having them done correctly with a needle, I couldn't believe I had waited so long. Since then, Justin has pierced my tragus, nipple, and ears. He is the epitome of professionalism, and even more importantly, he absolutely knows his shit. I had always had trouble healing, and haven't had the same problems with Justin's piercings - especially the nipple piercing. I'm not modest, but nonetheless Justin is insistent on making sure you have 100% privacy. He's also OCD about sterilization and his station. There is zero opportunity for cross contamination, and the piercers take a lot of pride in their work. The placement is everything, and Ocean Front's piercers get it. They know where nerve endings are, they aren't scared to say no if they can't accomplish your request, and they are incredibly knowledgeable. I'm only writing this because I know how many piercing places there are in LA, and how hard it is to find high quality work. If you need anything pierced from ears to body parts, definitely go see Justin!!! read more

Went to this place because of great reviews and I must say, it's everything and more. I got my first tattoo done by Israel and I couldn't be happier! Probably the best decision I've made so far. He's an amazing artist and really knows what he's doing. The staff there was just great. Don't know what his name is but the guy who does piercings really helped me out when it came to which one I should get. Was thinking web but he told me about the complications it would cause due to the way my tongue was. Overall, it was the best experience I could've hoped for my first tattoo. Definitely worth making the drive there from Hollywood. And I will definitely be going back. read more

Ocean Front Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Venice, California