Overall the experience was great!! I don't remember who did it but I know I will be back for my sleeves and more! Everyone was friendly and they are also budget friendly as well! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - My first tattoo back in September 2019. - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

I messaged them and they got back to me quick and got me and 2 others with me in that same day. All 3 of us got matching tattoos. Myles did our tattoos and we absolutely LOVE them. They came out PERFECT and exactly what we wanted. I would absolutely recommend Myles. Thank you again Myles!!!!! read more

Jason runs the BEST tattoo shops in Oceanside and Southern California in general. He treats his customers like family and once you go to the Arcade or any other Frontline tattoo shop you will not go anywhere else. Jason goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and match you up with the best artist for the piece you happen to be getting. AAAA++++++ 10 Stars Plus! read more

I love this place I've had 2 tattoos done here one by Chris and one by Clark both look amazing and the artist themselves deserve 5 stars the only not necessarily a problem but inconvenience was the price , these are very professional tattoo artist and I will continue to come here but I will have to save some paychecks for the next tattoo ......but when your getting work done from these guys it's totally worth the money !!!!!! , the staff is great cool guys and support there military, as a marine I appreciate that , if you want a great tattoo go here but make sure you got some money in your pocket.. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - 2nd tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I saw online that an artist I liked was open for walk ins, was super excited, called to ask if it would be a good time to come in, receptionist was friendly and told me there wasn't a 100% chance of getting me in today, but we will see what we can do. OK, no problems so far, i moreso wanted to check the place out to see what their pricing was like, how long it might take, and if what i wanted was doable. the problem happened when i get there. i go to the front desk, say i'm there for Martín. the front desk guy asks what i'm looking to get, sizing, color etc. the designs i wanted we're pretty simple and small. just black line work. they had a couple concerns about one of them, as it didn't have super clear detail, (which i understand, still not the problem.) but i sat down while the front desk guy, Martín and one other artist were talking, and i heard them making comments about the designs i wanted. they were talking about them and acting like they were stupid designs; one of the guys even laughing at them. then, martin and the front desk guy come over, tell me they'd have to resize one of the designs (that part is fine, didn't bother me) but then they quoted me $300 for two tattoos that even if they were resized would be smaller than 2x2. it is simple line work that i know for a fact would not take 2 hours (which is the time they quoted me). they told me the shop minimum was $80 let's do some simple math, 2 tattoos x $80 = 160. quoting me $300 for very small designs that dont require artist sketching, brainstorming, no shading or color, literally just linework, $300 is ridiculous. now, the outfit i was wearing did not show my other tattoos, so my overall impression of The Arcade is that they are looking to take advantage of you. not only was it extremely unprofessional to laugh at a potential customers request, but also very predatory to have such insane pricing. i was really looking forward to getting the designs i brought in, even if they did need to be altered or resized. they were memorial pieces for my DEAD grandparents. i am feeling like i dodged a bullet by deciding to walk away, especially after reading some of the other reviews. i will not go to The Arcade, and i will be sure to tell everyone i know to find a place where they WONT laugh at your design. i've also only heard bad things about this shop; thought i'd give it a chance anyways due to liking some artwork, glad to have not gotten my ink here! read more

Came here for my first tattoo everyone was very helpful with the design i brought in, Zach my artist was extremely helpful and sized it perfectly and drew up two other sizes for my to see which i liked better, once the size was picked everything went very smooth Zach got to work on it, it didn't feel rushed and everything came out amazing. I highly recommend this shop definitely coming back here in the future for more. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

Jason has a great museum well worth touring. The tattoo rooms are like a Beverly Hills Spa. But, Wait for it..... Superman aka Clark Kent took my ideas for a tattoo and quickly questioned for clarity, offered input and Shazam had the sketch....as I wanted. In no time at all it was on my calf looking great. With no hesitation I recommend this artist and shop. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

The guys at O'side Tattoo are awesome. They worked with me when my artist I had an appointment with couldn't make it, due to the birth of his child (congratulations Clark on the birth of your son). Jason was very accommodating and made it work. As the owner he could since that I wanted to keep the appointment and get the Tattoo I have been waiting to get. He offered to make it right by refunding my deposit but he was insistent on doing the work. I am glad he did. Jason turned me onto a very capable artist to step in for Clark. I am very happy with the art that Myles Schallhorn put on me. Exceeded my expectations and was exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend getting your first, next or old work new again. I highly recommend Myles as you won't be disappointed. Great shop, old school art, and great atmosphere to get your art work done. read more

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Mikey Tay did my tattoo and it came out even better than I could imagine. Very respectful and nice guy. Cool guy and cool tattoo what more can you ask for. read more

Martin is the best! My brother and I got matching tattoos back in September in MD and I wanted to expand the design. Two other artists from different shops turned me down because they only wanted to do original pieces. Martin was so helpful and patient in helping me figure out a concept. His attention to detail and his friendly, approachable demeanor made the experience great. Can't recommend him enough! Thanks again, Martin! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Mandala inspired piece by Martin - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

Jesse did my body piercing. He was friendly, professional and the piercing turned out excellent. I only waited about 10 mins and was out of the door in 20. Highly recommend. read more

Jesse was a HUGE help!!! I got my nose pierced else where but, I've had my nose pierced on and off for years and this time, the hoop I had in wasn't one that closes all the way. Sooooo of course it randomly got caught right in between the opening the hoop had. Sooooo with that being said the little gap ended up closing the hole on the outside of my nose. Went in quickly to have him take it out and he was very informative and sweet. HIGHLY suggest him for any piercing!!! Thanks again read more

So I came in to get a snake Eye piercing and I don't know what it was that he gave me but it wasn't that. I've had it done three times prior to this but they fell out because the balls got loose. This is the first time I came to this shop to get it done since they're doing tongue piercings during Covid. When he made the marks he asked me to check if I liked the placement I told him that they seemed un-even and he told me they weren't so I'm like okay it's your job. He pierced me and then proceeded to put a NORMAL tongue piercing in my snake eye one when every time I've gotten it done before (3 times) it's a curved bar. It was bleeding way more than it normally does when I get it re- pierced so I knew he made a new hole. When I went back (5 min later) to tell him I was unhappy and explain everything I just need mentioned he proceeded to tell me I was wrong. How am I wrong when when you're can see it's uneven and not a curved bar? So he asked if I wanted it taken out (with attitude) and I said yes and if I can get a refund to which he said no so I said okay then can you re do it to how I want? To which he also said no. So i said okay I need it re done or a refund Bc This isn't what I paid for. He ended up taking it out and giving me a refund. I'll insert pics of how the holes he made that were uneven and NOT snake eyes. The indent on the right side above the new hole is the hole made by the previous piercing. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - I marked where the holes were on the SIDES Uneven not even on the tip like snake eyes should be - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

Came here a couple weeks ago for a tattoo. I sent pictures of what I wanted and she told me they will call within 2 hours when the artist is ready. 2 1/2 hours later... we walk back in to the shop to see what's going on and i see the employees in there hanging out eating food..the lady goes "oh yeah I was just gonna call you" LIKE WTFF! Then she proceeds to say they actually can't do the tattoo I want. So they made me wait 2.5 hours just to deny me... WONT BE RETURNING read more

If I were to review my artist Martín, it would be 5 stars. Martín did an awesome job. My wife, our friend, and myself came in to get some small random tattoos. Got on the list and got called back in around 45 min later. Upon returning to the shop we talked to our artist about what we wanted, and he went to draw it up. Simple enough. My wife went first, then me. Our friend got tattooed by another gentleman, didn't catch his name but it came out really good also. All in all we were all very pleased with the quality of the work and would be more than happy to get more work from the artists. Now for the reason I left 4/5 stars. Unfortunately the receptionist, I think he's the piercer also, made the visit pretty uncomfortable and was really unprofessional. While I was getting tattooed the receptionist comes upstairs and starts chastising my artists. Telling him his stuff is on the other side of the booth (it wasn't) and that he needs to rearrange his booth because he's taking up too much space. He was cussing and made himself look like a fool. There's a dividing curtain between the 2 booths and all of Martin's belongings were on his side of the booth. Not to mention NO ONE WAS GETTING TATTOOED IN THE NEXT BOOTH OVER. Look, I get that there's drama between coworkers at times, there's politics in shops and it's none of my business, but don't come up to an artists while he's working and start an argument. The last thing I want is my artists getting distracted and messing up my tattoo which I'm paying for and is obviously permanent. That whole situation was uncalled for and made all of us uncomfortable. Great artist, not so great experience. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

The owner truely cares about his business and has demonstrated good customer service to me . Also the artist was talented , seasoned and professional! read more

Went here to get a tattoo I had been planning for quite some time. Showed Jesse the owner some pics and shared the vision of what I wanted. He Sketched it out and suggested some tweaks that were just spot on. He had great ideas. Very helpful and friendly. He hooked me up with Chris Earnhardt in the shop. This guy is amazingly talented. I would definitely go to him for all work I get done. He is a true artist. I would have to say he does not do tattoos but top notch artwork. The shop is new and very clean. Very well set up and inviting for all people to walk into. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

PUSHY, RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL Please pick another one of the 100 other tattoo shops and avoid my mistake. Mind you I have a full sleeve so this wasn't my first tattoo.. I was trying to do a fun spur of the moment thing since I've been wanting to try this place out. They don't want to work with you at ALL. I came in late at night. No one else was there or in line, I had asked for 2 simple names in cursive. Had to adjust it based off other tattoos but it was a simple 100$ tattoo (always start with a smaller tattoo at a new shop). They take payment first (which is weird) but I'm upset about because I would have walked out after it came to placement and everyone's arrogant attitude. I wanted to try them based off mixed reviews, and definitely based off front entrance which entices you to come in with the traditional vibe. But after they took payment and we talked about placement that it just needed to be adjusted a little up and to the side etc and it was a BATTLE. like dude it doesn't line up.... STILL doesn't...didn't want to take the 5 min extra to adjust it, shouldn't be an issue for a less then 5 min tattoo. Sometimes you have to adjust on skin vs paper especially with other tattoos you're working with. But I was SO uncomfortable, throughly dislike confrontation and had already paid I just got it done. Never, ever again. read more

Simply the most beautiful tattoo shop I personally have stepped into, it's also a museum with amazing displays of early tattoo artifacts .Lovely spot in historical down town Oceanside! read more

They just recently bought this shop, I believe (a branch off the Frontline Tattoo location(s)) and it's amazing, as to be expected. The facility is clean. The enviroment is welcoming. The artwork and artifacts on the walls are so interesting to look at. The prices are very fair. The artists are all very nice and of course very talented! I've been going to Chris specifically for the past year or so now. He does all my and my husband's work. His work is clean, precise, and he is fairly light handed. I suggest looking through the portfolios and talking to the artists to see who personally fits you best. :) I think they take walk ins if they have room but I'd reccomend calling in advance if you have a specific artist in mind. They also do piercings but I believe they only have one piercer so I'd call before trying to do a walk in as well. If you want excellent work done, their shops are the place to go. read more

What a great experience! Was greeted promptly by Jesse at the front desk. He answered the many questions I had, as this would be my first tattoo. The wait was about an hour, but gave me time to take in the iconic tattoos throughout the Arcade. This place is very CLEAN! From the bathroom to the work stations. I met Carols Iglesias who would be my tattoo artist. Carlos and I discussed what I wanted tattooed. He worked on my rendering. Carlos suggested sizing and placement. I was given a price for the tattoo which I was happy with. Carols set up his work station for my tattoo. From start to finish he made sure I was comfortable and that I was breathing alright. Very professional! Very patient. I would recommend anyone to Oceanside Tattoo for a tattoo. I would recommend Carlos Iglesias. I will be back for another tattoo with Oceanside Tattoo! read more

Jesse is the best! The staff is amazing as well. I wish I could give 10 stars. I have a total of 5 piercings and Jesse has done all of them he's quick with the process and makes it very painless as possible. I appreciate him going over all the after care with me and how professional Jesse and everyone else is. read more

Got my first tattoo here and it was amazing. Nathan was very helpful in the design process and was very nice. Great detail and definitely the place I'll be booking for future tattoos! read more

Chris Earnhart! That's who my regular artist will be from now on. I went in with a design I liked and his detail was so amazing. He did a really really fantastic job and the prices here are what you pay for. This artist is very talented and it was quick in my eyes! I had a big tattoo. He's very nice and not an a** like some other artists are (not this location). CHRIS THANK YOU! read more

Tourist trap. Overpriced. Great location. Nice shop. Reminds me of a DMV constantly busy . This is a typical I need a tattoo now shop. Money money money. It's about quantity to make money. Artist are very talented. read more

I've been wanting to get some piercings done for a while and I decided to give Oceanside Tattoo a try since the shop I normally go to was closed. Before I was even pierced, I was so impressed with how professional and clean the shop was and I instantly felt comfortable with my decision to come here. I was pierced by Jesse and he was absolutely amazing, he's really comfortable sharing his suggestions on what he thinks will look best and he talked to me the entire time which was awesome because I got 4 piercings done at once so I was a nervous wreck. I'm absolutely happy with my experience and will definitely be coming back. read more

Wanted to get touch up work and more art done on my tattoo and heard from sis in law that Chris at this parlor was boss at what he does! I made an appt and Chris saw me the same week. He did a consultation upon arrival and got to work. He was gentle lol and very good at what he does. Felt very confident looking at his portfolio and reviews that he would get done exactly what I wanted. Once the work was done, I was very pleased. He was affordable and personable and I will definitely be coming back for more work! read more

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Rude. Got the other side of my nose pierced and they did it uneven. Showed them and they told me it would heal even. Called back about a month later when it didn't and they said they couldn't do anything about it. Told my friend to her face that her line work tattoo (that she was very happy with and wasn't looking to get tattooed) that it was unfinished in his eyes and not a 'real tattoo.' Gorgeous shop. Rude ass employees read more

Ricky changed my naval piercing very fast and efficiently. The shop has a really nice atmosphere, I would definitely come back!

Everyone here is genuinely friendly and welcoming! The history is insane! Originals by Ralph Johnstone circa 1950's, William Grimshaw, Bert Grimm, and Darwin Spaulding to name a few! If anything, come to see the gallery of framed tattoo flashes! Professional, clean and quality with fair pricing! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Business card - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

I've been to this location 2 times now for tattoos. The two artists I had were Clark and Cameron, both were extremely professional and skilled. I've seen other tattoos come out of there and as far as I can tell, every artist has a high standard of work. I went there yesterday for an impulse tattoo (they were doing a $40 tattoo special). I was pretty impressed with my artist. Even though he was so swamped with a line out the door, he kept a great attitude and didn't rush my little tattoo. It's super cute and I'll be back for more work read more

I absolutely loved this place! My roommate and I got piercings by Jesse. GO TO HIM. He was so kind and made the whole process very comfortable. The place was clean and the rest of the staff were very friendly. 10/10. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

Finally made my 11 year old daughter's ears-pierced dream come true! Jason was super accommodating with our appointment - called back earlier than expected and we got right in. The gal who checked us in was great, too. Jesse was super professional while also able to calm the nerves that arose. The piercing even ended with a laugh & she's been smiling from ear to (pierced) ear since! Almost forgot to mention the cleanliness & awesome decor. It's got a great vibe. We had such a great experience at The Arcade & will definitely be back with the little sisters some day! read more

Went to this tattoo shop to try to get a small tattoo of my sister's birthday in Roman numerals. When I first walked in, I asked the artist up at the front desk how much it would cost and he said that they would look at sizing for the cost. I waited about an hour and got a quote for $150 for a roman numeral tattoo that was barely even 3 in long!!! Plus, the tattoo artist that was supposed to work with me seemed short tempered and kind of rude. It was a huge waste of time to come here and their prices are unreasonable. Plus, it was my last night in SD before heading back to the bay and I never got the tattoo that I wanted to get for my sister. read more

My mind was blown by this new shop in downtown Oceanside. I wanted to support a new local establishment and gave them a ring. Super nice on the phone and they said to come on down. I was set up with Martin Nasim who happens to be an INCREDIBLE artist. The owner drew the script lettering just how I imagined but Martin was able to freehand the galaxy backdrop that I had exactly dreamed of. The place is beyond clean and the customer service is above par. read more

I'm giving this location a 5 Star review due to the amazing artist I had. I had a tattoo done a few months ago at a different location (no affiliation to the Arcade) and was unsatisfied with the outcome. I went to the Arcade to see what could be done to fix/cover up this tattoo. The Arcade set me up with Martin. I told Martin I wanted something tribal/Polynesian to cover the tattoo up. I trusted him to be creative, he completely hand drew the entire cover up. It was a 4 hour session. I was very impressed with Martins level of professionalism and the way he tattoos. Overall, It was a great experience and I'm completely satisfied with the outcome. I would recommend others to go to Martin for a tattoo. -Thanks for the great experience! read more

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After a crappy day in San Diego, came here with my girlfriend as a walk in. We both got matching tattoos and had the same friendly artist. I wish I remembered their name but I walked out with one of my favorite tatttos! Thank you so much for having space to fit us in! Highly recommend read more

Went in on Friday, got an idea of what I wanted. Took my wife with me for a walk in for my tattoo and ended up leaving with two and my wife getting one as well. Couldn't be happier. I had Martin, he did a fantastic job with metatron cube over lapping a flower of life symbol on my ribs. Tons of lines, curves and all of them clean. Then after I got a Ralph Stedman drawing on my left shoulder/pec which came put incredible as well. Clean lines with shades of gray inside. My wife got a Lotus Mandala on her shoulder that couldnt have came out any better. Thank you guys for great service. Will be coming back soon! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Oceanside tattoo "the arcade" , I can't say enough good things about. If you want water color John Graefe is the guy to see excellent customer service, fun to work with. I haven't met anyone there who isn't someone I'd spend a Saturday night with. Myles does fantastic work as well. All and all the place you want to get your next tattoo. read more

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Don't go here if you are fairly new to getting tattoos, because these guys don't operate with transparency like most reputable places I've gotten work done at before. Just as a general rule of thumb -- when you go to a place with a design idea, and know the size, colors and intricacy (reference pictures help!), a tattoo parlor should be able to quote you an estimated time and rate right on the spot. At the very least, they should tell you the rate. If they don't do this, or if they don't refer you to a specific artist who can give you this info, walk out the door immediately. There's a good chance their plan is to get you in the chair with as little information as possible, so they can put the screws into you in a high pressure situation. A HUGE red flag is if they tell you that the placement of the tattoo factors into the estimate. It 100% does not. I'm very shocked that they tried to pull this on me when they saw that my partner and I had multiple tattoos. Only come here if you are friends of a specific artist who's art you dig and can give you a transparent estimate, I guess. read more