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

First time getting a tattoo and wouldn't want to go anywhere else! Anton did such an amazing job! Next time I go I'm definitely seeing him again! Thank you guys for the amazing art work! Cant wait for the next one! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Anton did an AMAZING job! This was my first tattoo, cant thank him enough! - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

Would give zero stars if I could. FUCK THE WORKERS THEY HAVE HERE! I've been wanting a certain tattoo so badly for over a year now, and I was so excited. FIRST, they called me saying it was my turn off the waitlist. I get there, and they made me wait over an HOUR AND A HALF MORE. The artist to my face told me the tatttoo was stupid and basic. First off all, so you want my money or not? It's my body, my decision. Tattoo artists should not bring you down that much. After I told him it's fine it didn't seem like he wanted to do it so I'm not gonna get it here, he KEPT DRAGGING IT AND BRINGING IT DOWN. He made me feel Like shit for wanting to get something so badly. Also he wanted to charge me a very expensive price when the vista location said it would be way less. Don't recommend unless you wanna feel like shit. read more

Initially It was a little difficult to get a consultation. However the shop was very responsive and made sure to squeeze me in when they could. I'm once again very stoked and I'm looking forward to getting inked again :-) read more

My best friend and I have two Friday the 13th tattoos from this place. The first time we went the tattoos came out great. The second time we went, there was way less people than the first time so we expected good service. My friend and I got two different artists, both our tattoos were messed up, my friends tattoo is blurry and the lines are too close together and my tattoo has color that has a bald spot and the lines are not clean. I have not gotten a tattoo since this experience because I have wanted to fix this tattoo before continuing. I came in recently and they wanted to charge me 80 dollars to touch up the lines and finish coloring in a quarter sized tattoo that they messed up on. I wouldn't mind paying the start off price of 50 to fix it but charging me more than the start off price for a mistake they made isn't really cool. My friend and I are never returning here and I don't know if I'm getting more tattoos after this. I'm very disappointed in my tattoo and I hate having it on my body because my other tattoos are so much nicer and I didn't expect a bad tattoo from this place read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

I walked in to ask for a price of a tattoo, the douchebag with the mustache who looks mexican but apparently is white, has poor communication skills and all he really did was make awkward silence between his sentences and gave me a blank look. anyway good thing I walked out, the tattoos they make look shitty as fuck. Lol read more

Anton did it again. I have tattoos dating back 10 years that both Anton and Jason did for me. I went Sunday and Anton added another. His light touch and amazing talent have given me another peice I can honestly saw was a pleasure to get. The results are amazing and the shop is a fun, professional and spotless environment. Highly recommend. read more

John did an amazing job. He really brought my idea to life. The shop is nice and very clean. Everybody was super friendly. read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

I'm so happy with my piercings!! I've never had piercings but I knew when I did eventually get them I wanted my nipples pierced. I was looking at a few places in San Diego and I was very hesitant to trust anyone with my nipples lol but I decided to take a chance and go here with my sister and we both had a great experience! The staff working there was super friendly and the artist Ricky was awesome. He was super cool, conversational, made sure I was happy with everything he did throughout the process, and they came out perfectly! I would definitely go back if I decided to get more piercings. I'm someone who loves to have referrals from other people who had good experiences or know of someone they would suggest, so if you're questioning or unsure of where or who to go to I 100% recommend this shop and Ricky! read more

So I got a small piece done here and the people were friendly and helpful. The problem was when I came back for a touch up on my tattoo and I was told they don't do touch up's. Personally, I have never had this happen in ANY OTHER tattoo shop I've ever gone through. So I don't know if it was just the employee I spoke to or what but be that as it may, I don't intend on coming back... read more

Had my first tattoo's today!!!!! Zach Johnson was awesome. He was very kind and gentle. read more

I had came to get my tragus piercing done. Ricky was able to set me up right away, very clean, great atmosphere. The process was really quick. He was maintaining a good conversation which helped me relax more because I was really nervous, afterwards he was making sure I was doing ok. So far loving my tragus, thank you Ricky! read more

We walked from mission ave bar & grill and saw this place. Went in and saw the place. Had to get our piercings there. Great service manager Jesse took care of us. read more

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I dropped in for a spur of the moment tattoo and had a great experience. The establishment is clean and well maintained and the staff are attentive and friendly. Jordan performed the work on my arm and did a Stella job, I couldn't be happier. read more

Great quality ink, friendly artists, reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to add a new piece.

My experience here was exceptional and I was super happy with my results. I called in advance and the person on the phone was welcoming, which was a good sign already. When I arrived I was guided and assisted in the right direction with my tattoo location. The check in process was simple and refined, aka not a hassle. Shop minimum is $60, which is great especially with the value of service provided here. It's a very modern and clean shop! Close to the beach and restaurants! Mike was my tattoo artist, I felt comfortable and confident in his work while he was working on me. His lines were clean, I hardly felt the needle as well! I highly recommend him, and I'm sure this reputable shop has other amazing artist as well! The history of the shop was pretty cool to know, they have been around for decades and every piece you see on their wall is original, no prints. I originally wanted a tattoo on my neck but after observing what it would look like and getting advice from a professional who's looking out for me I decided to get it on my colar bone. I just wanted to suggest that if you see any reviews of upset people who were possibly steered away from a neck tattoo, please keep in mind often it's a young person who is simply having a tantrum because what they wanted wasn't going to work. To be honest if you're young and haven't had a lot of experience in the work force let alone something like a corporate career, do some research, I don't feel that I would have been able to pull off a neck tattoo in my line of work specifically. It's a sad truth but very valid. The staff here was very thoughtful in wanting to know for sure where I wanted my tattoo and how I felt it would possibly impact certain areas of my life. Obviously they are incredible because I was still able to give them my business and walk out incredibly happy! read more

I'm very disappointed checking this place out for the very first time since it was going to be my very first tattoo ever. I had called to get some information about the store & the nice gentlemen told me to come-in to schedule an appointment & whatsoever so I was like " Ok , Perfect ! ". I walk in, a the lady with short curly hair told me what I wanted so I told her.....she said for something very small they can easily take me in that day & Squeeze me before 4 o 'clock since I had work & told her that. I was given orders to wait for a text message 20 min prior to show-time. I waited 1 1/2 hours close to 3 p.m. I walked-in asking her if I'm very close to being next & told me " Yeah man , I still got 10 people ahead of you , I won't get you in till 4 p.m. Sorry, You're just gonna have to come in another day " AS IF SHE WASN'T COOPERATING WITH ME BEFORE, TO SQUEEZE ME IN. Once she was working with the military folks as I came in , she totally switched up her attitude not wanting to schedule or anything. I had very high hopes for this place as being very Beautiful inside but I come to realize they're more focused on the folks who get stationed down here since there the most convenient/closest spot.. read more

I literally just had a small piece done by Myles and am writing this review right away because I was so pleased with how much care he took in doing something that may be small to others but means something to me. He worked with my budget, was patient and I wish I was rich enough for him to be my on-call, permanent tattoo artist. Thank you Myles!! read more

Stopped in with my wife on a Friday during our annual Oceanside vacation and the artist Nate had everything custom drawn for dual Sunday sessions (excellent work). These guys were very friendly and Nate had great customer service skills. It is a spotless facility and the owner and team obviously put care into the business through and through. We'll be flying back from Oregon to visit Nate. read more

I just called this place asking if they have artists that specialize in a certain style of tattoo. The receprionist told me to look on their website. To which I replied, "I've looked already and can't make that determination based on what I've seen" Ignorantly, she just told me to come to the shop and see for myself sounding like she just didn't have any time to answer any of my questions. First of all, I'm trying to eliminate my time and travel by phoning different shops to make sure there are artists who can accommodate my needs. There very well may be capable artists at this shop but unfortunately they are being poorly represented by whoever is manning the telephone line. This shop can thank their receptionist for singlehandedly throwing away a job that could have been easily $3000+ read more

This place is full of positive and not lame energy. The staff is friendly, some of the dudes are hot, and they were playing Priest and Deep Purple. Being in Oceanside we expected more 311/sublime vibes but it was a nice surprise. Got earlobes pierced and she was safe, fast, and it was painless. 10/10 would go again when in town read more

I absolutely love this place! Not only is it an awesome museum that pays homage to the original Arcade and old school tattoos, but the entire facility is super clean and the staff is friendly. I chose Martin as my artist to bring my California Roots tattoo to life, and I think I've found my go-to artist for all future work. Martin took my pathetic sketch after our consult and the following week he called me back to review what he came up with and it was perfect. I got in for my first session earlier than expected due to a cancellation. I had to wait about 30 minutes past my scheduled start time because Martin was still finishing up with a prior client when I arrived, which is not uncommon in a tattoo shop. (Trust me, you want your artist to take their time on your work.) I didn't mind the wait, especially because it's easy to keep yourself preoccupied; there's so much stuff to admire and read in the shop and a bunch of great local businesses within walking distance. Once I met with Martin to start my session, he took his time placing the stencil on and cleaned and prepped everything in front of me (all new materials fresh out of the package). He worked quickly and diligently. I look forward to going back for the color fill. Highly recommended! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Martin brought my California Roots tattoo to life! I can't wait to go back for color. - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

My girlfriend and I decided to get nose piercings on a whim. Something I've wanted for awhile but just never got done. Jesse was great. I was super anxious but he chatted with us both throughout the process & maybe it as enjoyable as possible. He did it so quickly I didn't even feel it until he went to adjust the hoop. The shop was clean, the staff was friendly & I'm so much happier with my piercing than I ever expected to be. read more

I just got my nose pierced here recently and I was very satisfied with the whole experience. The staff was super friendly. The place was very clean and I could see that everything was being sterilized properly. Jesse was my piercer and was so kind and walked me through the whole thing. I'm a big baby so I was expecting it to be so painful, but I didn't even feel a thing! I will definitely be coming back here for my next piercing read more

This place is insane. Insanely clean, insanely nice, insanely professional. Check it out you won't be disappointed. read more

I love my two new tattoos! One is for my daughter with the infinity symbol and the other is a medical alert for my penicillin allergy. Great job on both and attention given to my wishes on the drafts. read more

I've gotten pierced by Jesse 5 TIMES and this guy doesn't disappoint. He's one of the coolest piercers I know and he gives amazing advice for infected gauges and infected piercing. I would recommend him over and over again! Also, their shops decor is never dull. Some of the coolest and awesome people work here. I can't wait to go back! read more

Good vibes, great location, friendly staff, rich with history and an amazing piercer on site, Jesse. Thanks Jesse for the good conversation and great work!! I would recommend Oceanside Tattoo (Arcade) every time. read more

Best front desk in any shop in San Diego! The shop itself was clean and the guys who worked their were great. I'll be asking for Ricky again the next time I visit! Super professional! read more

Very clean and professional. Made me feel at ease. Clark Kent was my artist. I told him what I want in what kind of arrangement I wanted. He drew it up in no time. It all took about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Reasonable prices. I'd go back. read more

The shop is very nice and clean. I was greeted immediately. Everyone was very kind and helpful. They had the jewelry I needed, plus Jesse was apply to change my nose ring out right then. This was my first time here, but I will definitely be back. read more

I'm on a little mini va-ca and my brain says, "Let's go get another tattoo." YES! You know once that bug bites, it's gonna itch until you get some ink. So, I Googled and found 3 places close; Insight, Frontline and Oceanside. All had decent reviews, looked clean and were open. I went in order from closest to farthest and let me tell you, 3rd time was THE CHARM. I have 8 other tattoos. I know (give or take) what a tattoo costs. With drawing it up, signing the paperwork, paying, putting on the stencil, redrawing the line straight 3 or 4 times, me saying "wait, I need to pee," cleaning my arm, doing the tattoo, cleaning it off and wrapping it up, telling me the dos and donts and then saying thanks, tipping and petting the dog at the insurance place next door, I was out in 53 minutes exactly. I know because I texted a friend as I was walking in and took a pic as I was walking out. 53 minutes. The first place I went wanted $250. If I had tipped 20% (customary) that would have been $300 for 53 minutes. The Harley Davidson mechanics don't charge that much! The 2nd place was quoting $170-$220, but didn't want to give me a solid number, didn't do a draw up, and seemed reluctant to do exactly what I wanted. No go. I'm not gonna force someone to tattoo me, that probably wouldn't end well. They were polite and the place was clean, but I got the feeling they weren't into it. I was almost gonna give up at 2 but I REALLY wanted the tatt. So in the car I got... Drove to Oceanside Tattoo, "The arcade." Very nice neighborhood. Receptionist was super friendly, I didn't get her name. Long, dark hair, glasses. She got a general idea of what I wanted and called the artist, Chris Earnhart. He talked to me for a couple minutes, got a better idea, drew up the tatt, came back, gave me my estimate and said he was ready if I was! Point me in the direction of the paperwork! I am over 18 and not drunk! Let's do this! He was quick, friendly, made some small talk, not overly chatty. He is good at his craft. His line work is neat and straight and he redrew a stencil line a few times until he and I were both happy with it. No complaints. The shop was clean, the music was good and not too loud. Parking in the area is tricky. There is a LOT of don't park here at such and such times, one way streets, etc. So be careful! I totally recommend this place. When I want (NEED) another tat I will come here again and I live about 75 miles away. Thanks so much Chris and Oceanside! read more

Oceanside Tattoo - Just a quickie - Tattoo Near Me - Oceanside, California

Martin Nassim fixed a tattoo that was previously done by an inkmaster runner up. He did an awesome job and will probably get one more tattoo from him. read more

I got my first tattoo with Chris. It is a large pierce on my ribs. The detail came out great. Even though it was somewhat painfull at the end Chris finished in one 4.5 hour session for me. The price was great and I will go back to him if I get another tattoo. My girlfriend is already going to schedule with him. read more

Walked in with my friend to get piercings (cartilage and rook) on a somewhat busy weekend afternoon! We were extremely pleased to get in and out so quickly! (Without the feeling of being rushed!) Jesse did our piercings and he was awesome! The whole place was nice. Highly recommend :) will be back soon! read more

Fan-fucking-tastic. Got my nipples pierced by someone who really knows what they're doing. Definitely coming back for every piercing and tattoo. Jesse's awesome. read more

I came to O'side Tattoo by accident to be honest. I live in Murrieta about a good 45 minutes drive. Yes there are Tattoo artists in my area but no one willing or able to do the style I was looking for. I hit up artist in San Diego and Garden Grove however people were booked out and highly priced just to get an appointment. I drove down to O'side for my Fathers Day piece and quiet drive. They were open I decided to pop my head and see what was happening. The owner of the spot walked up to me introduce himself ask me what I was looking for. Once we talked he called up one of his artist Anton Hernandez we talked for a few sec. we booked an appointment I put down a decent amount I thought was fair. Appointment was 4 days out. I came a few minutes early for my appointment again great service Anton had my idea on point we talked for 2 hours while he did the line work it was a great experience I need to go back to finish next week for the shading. From start to finish the experience has been excellent. I will be referring people to O'side Tattoo for work. read more

I followed Jordan Brill here from a previous tattoo place . JORDAN IS AMAZING and I'm so happy that he found this exceptional place to do what he does best. I felt SO at home at arcade tattoo all the staff were so friendly and made sure I was taken care of. The facility is immaculate even the restroom. Thank you for such a great 1st experience at your facility I will be back for alot more tattoos done by Jordan. read more

I came in for a piercing today and was very impressed with the service & cleanliness. I was a little nervous but Jesse made the process a breeze, and he was great with explaining everything/answering any questions I had. Highly recommended! read more

This place is absolutely amazing! I went in for my first tattoo and they were so encouraging and helping in helping me choose which tattoo I wanted first. I got tattooed by John Graefe and I could not have asked for a better man to give me my first tattoo. He was so helpful with keeping me calm and telling me that I'm doing great, and talking to me throughout that time. It was an amazing experience, will definitely be going back read more