Red Octopus (Prince Frederick) is definitely a clean, cool, and welcoming shop staffed by professional, happy folk. I really wish I could recommend it because it seems like a neat place. Unfortunately, I didn't have a great experience there just because of how crowded and seemingly confused everything was. I called and was told they offer walk-ins, but in order to get one, you do have to call, send an email, have a follow-up consultation over the phone, get placed on a waiting list, and then be ready to drop everything and come running in whenever they call you (which may be 30 minutes to closing), as they "can't hold your spot." I would honestly have preferred it if they just said they couldn't/didn't do walk-ins. Even once I managed to get a time sorted out, getting into the parking lot and finding an open space was a nightmare. The store itself was crowded and loud, which, on the one hand, is great, because surely a place with that much business must be good! But it does make for a bad experience, on an individual level, and I think it could've been managed better with a little organization and clarity. I'll be sticking with King of the Bay, personally, but I did have fun experiencing a new shop, especially such a famous/iconic one. If you're willing to endure a little hassle, by all means, try it out! read more

I chose Red Octopus Crofton because I know a couple people who have come to this location and were happy. The girl at the desk was quite disrespectful to me and others that came with me. One even requested her money back. Her tone was not welcoming at all and she slammed my ID down on the counter when she was done with it. I hope they let her know her attitude is very unpleasant. I worked with Kali and she was great. Very personable and even remembered the tattoo she did for someone I knew. Again KALI was GREAT. The place was clean and organized. read more

My friends and I called because we were wondering if they offered walk in. They were oddly rude on the phone and didn't really answer the question we had which made us skeptical but we assumed they wouldn't be rude in person. We walk in and are not greeted kind of just looked at. Once we explained we called about two of us getting small business card size tattoos. They were very short, blunt and smart with my friend and I which to me came off as rude and I was very uncomfortable. I asked for the numbers "444" on red on my inner bicep which was 120 dollars...... I really wanted it so I paid but that was an insane price to pay for a 1inx2 in tattoo lol. Granted it looked nice but that's way overpriced for the size. Also the artist was making sarcastic rude comments about my other tattoo which was a tattoo for my late grandpa. Literally would never go back there are other quality shops with great customer service! read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Excellent tattoo artists but horrible customer service. I have gotten almost a half a dozen tattoos here and every time the front desk is rude and condescending. There is one woman in particular who clearly thinks she is better than everyone who walks through the door. She was even rude to me when I had proof via email of an appointment date and time and just said it wasn't in their books. No sympathy, no apology, no offer to reschedule. My artist, thankfully, got me in that same evening an hour later and apologized for the mix up. Keep in mind the ART is wonderful and all the artists do top notch work which is why I continue to go there. read more

I had the pleasure of being tattooed by Jason. I decided on a whim to go to Red Octopus to get consultation and possibly make an appointment to get my tattoo in a week or so. I had a pretty long wait but I didn't mind because I assumed they may be busy on a Saturday. I had a vision of what I wanted but during my wait, my idea changed. When Jason came to greet me I explained what I wanted. He was very nice, listened to what I was describing & went to back to design what I may like. What he showed me was perfect. I decided...Let's Do this! This is my second tattoo, 1st one was done in 1999 @ Red Octopus in Landover Hills. I was nervous all over again. Jason has a great demeanor and I was able to relax. He explained the process and made sure I was comfortable throughout. I will not hesitate to get tattooed again by Jason. We even talked about my next idea. I also highly recommend him. I am truly pleased. Thank you Jason! read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - 7/13/19 Tattoo by Jason @ Red Octopus, Crofton, MD - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Thanks to Mellisa for piercing me and my two friends. At first we was nervous but she make us feel better about the experience. I would def come back for my Guiche piercing. read more

Got my first tatt along with my mom last Thursday. It was a very welcoming environment and my tattoo artist kept me calm. I'll be coming back for more tatts in the near future. read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

I've had my navel pierced for 3 years. The ring fell out about 3 weeks ago and I lazily didn't buy a new one. When I did get around to it. I couldn't get the new ring in. I wasn't sure if the hole was fully closed or not. When I went into the shop I was helped immediately by the receptionist and then Melissa. Melissa helped me pick out a ring, which was only $10. She explained that my hole has just shrunk and not fully closed. She used some instrument that would help her insert the ring. She did not have to use a needle or pierce the hole again. It was very quick and she was very kind and professional. The shop was extremely clean with a very nice and comfortable waiting area. Melissa only charged me for the cost of the ring. It was really an overall great experience. I would definitely return in the future for a piercing. read more

Clean environment. First time at this location. I had previous gotten tattoos at the Suitland location but they are closed on Sundays. My bff and I went to get nose rings. It was quick and prices were reasonable. Clean environment. Friendly staff. read more

I got my third tattoo after 10 years from Red Octopus. I got the tattoo in my left bicep in November and it looks good. I will be back for more. read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

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Got a vine wrapped up my calf by Jenna. Her fine line work is amazing!!!! Definitely getting the rest of my tattoos done by her. The staff is so friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful!! read more

Clean and polite, That's where I stop. I call to ask the criteria for getting a simple nose piercing for my daughter on her birthday. Then I meet them to a t. They change the age requirement after we arrive leaving me to drive over an hour home with an upset daughter on her birthday. Why would they care if she's been looking forward to it for three months? An "I'm sorry for your inconvenience, Sir" solves their issues. I won't be back. I've gotten ink there before too, that's why I drove all the way there. But I won't tolerate people treating my kids like second class. read more

Just got my third piece at Red Octopus, first from Pat A (who has done several pieces on my wife). I cannot begin to explain how happy I am with the tattoo. The process was fair, the work was fast, and the result perfect. I had to wait a couple of months to get on Pat's schedule, but it was worth it. His design and execution was spotless and I will be back! read more

For my birthday, I wanted to celebrate with a new piercing. My ears are not physiologically correct for the industrial (according to Red Octopus staff), so I got the tragus. The staff and experience was pleasant. Less than a week after getting my piercing, the back fell out. After struggling to find the tiny ball and to re-install it (unsuccessfully), I lost the back. I emailed Red Octopus immediately and received a response the next day. I did not want to lose the part of the earring that remained and returned to the Landover location to have the back replaced. The back falling out was not my fault, but I had to spend time on a Friday night to return to the shop to have it replaced. (NOT HAPPY). Then, I had to wait almost an hour or more just to have the back replaced (according to staff the wrong back was initially installed)! (SOO NOT HAPPY). No customer service recovery effort was made on my behalf, considering my inconvenience. Though I planned to return a week after getting my tragus piercing for another piercing, being made to wait for so long, put me out of the mood. I responded to the email I received from the Red Octopus and explained my disappointment and dissatisfaction with my wait time to correct an issue caused by them, 04/23/2022. Today is 05/10/2022 and I have yet to receive a response. Time is irreplaceable and can cost money, I choose to spend both somewhere other than the Red Octopus for my next piercing. * Expressing concern about swelling and pain at the piercing site (, was met with no concern read more

I had to do this review immediately when I got home today. It's my birthday weekend and I decided to get my navel pierced. I had my navel previously pierced, but I found out I was pregnant with my oldest son, years ago, so the navel piercing only stayed in for about 3 months. I walked in today to a beautiful immaculately clean shop. I had thoughts in my head that getting my navel pierced was going to hurt tremendously because I couldn't recalI how much it was going to hurt because it was so long ago. I filled out the paperwork, and walked into the back room to start the process. The piercing expert today that I met was Melissa. She was full of life and energy and had a big smile that made me feel so welcome and calm. I explained to her that I was a bit nervous about how much pain I was thinking this piercing was going to cause me. But Melissa assured me that I need not worry about anything, and she was so right. She put the markings on my navel with the marker and asked me if I like the spot she was going to pierce. Now it was time to start the piercing. Melissa told me to take a deep breathe in and then exhale, and once I began to exhale she pierced my navel. She was so gentle and it happened so quickly, that I truly felt nothing but a quick push & a slight pinch & I was done. I opened my eyes and I had a beautiful teal barbel in my navel. No tears shed at all. I couldn't be more happy. Once my navel was pierced, I was so elated that I decided to right then get my left tragus pierced too, that's how much of an expert Melissa is. Melissa marked my tragus, I confirmed that I liked the spot and now it was time to do the piercing. She told me to inhale and then exhale, and poof the piercing was done. No pain whatsoever. Melissa is a true piercing master. I will never go anywhere else to get a piercing. Thank you Melissa- my Gemini sister from another mother....LOL!!!!! This was the BEST experience EVER, and I will be back in a couple weeks to get another piercing. read more

I got Piercings and the technician was so easygoing. I'm very please with Red Octopus plus the business I very clean!!

I had William Backus. Great artist was super nice and was as gentle as possible. I've had multiple tattoos before. But this was my first hand tattoo. It faded a bit as expected but overall the line work was amazing. Otherwise the place was really clean and the rest of the staff was really nice. read more

DO NOT GO HERE unless you want horrible customer service and to be lied to. I came in several times to speak with an artist and get a consultation for the tattoos that I wanted. I was told by the artist and the girl who greets people at the door that I didn't need an appointment and they would get me in and out. They told me to come back on a day that they were closed and when I returned the next day, I was given an attitude and rude remarks about how the manager did the best he could and it's not like he could fire his artists. I took my business elsewhere because they clearly do not care if I'm the one spending my money to get work done here. read more

I do not when was the exact date when this shop open when I stopped by today 4/19 it was already in full service. When to ask for price for piercing and left with two, woohoo!!! going back for two or maybe three more. Prices are reasonable, always ask for packages or for sets instead of paying for each piercing individually. My next thing to do beside the piercing is a small tattoo (maybe two), yes I am a virgin in the whole process and must need to do more research before going for the full package. The place is very clean, the person who took take of me, Melissa, was very helpful and before start she explained me everything and answered every question I have. read more

My 16 yo daughter got her 2nd holes in earlobes. . We heard it was a top notch place. Walked in ears pierced out in 15 minutes tops. Great customer service, very clean. No pain. My daughter loves them! read more

I went to Red Octopus Tattoo after taking the time to plan my tattoos over the course of several years. As with any tattoo, I took the time to be very selective in who I chose to approach to design and accomplish my tattoo. After looking at the art for several artists in the area, I decided to talk to Turtle. Immediately, he made me feel welcome and had an extremely positive attitude. Turtle was extremely professional and took the time to listen to exactly what my requirements were. He is an accomplished tattoo artist in his own right and his experience shows in his work. For the level of realism I wanted, there is not anybody else within the state I would trust with the work he did on the three tattoos he designed and tattooed on me. In addition, my experience in the shop was extremely positive. The whole shop crew focuses on cleanliness and sanitation. The waiting room was never cluttered with people other than customers waiting on on tattoo appointments or piercings. By what I saw, the wait was never extensive and the employees were very attentive and had great customer service etiquette. read more

My very first tattoo and I am so happy to have found this place and Patrick. He took my rambling thoughts and ideas and brought them to life. My best friend and I have waited for the right time in our lives to mark something meaningful - "permanently" as Patrick said lol. We had so much fun and Patrick was friendly, open and honest through the whole thing. Absolutely love my rabbit. His art is phenomenal and I am sure I will be back! read more

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Shannon did my tattoo and it was great. My tattoo turned out amazing and it was just an overall great experience. read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Shannon did this mandala on my shoulder and im 100% happy with it! It turned out perfect! - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Love my tattoo and Aaron was so great. I went with three family members and we all got the same small simple tattoo but he didn't care. He made us laugh, gave us ease, and at the same time was extremely professional. The location was big and clean and I felt comfortable and happy the whole time. read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Got my nose pierced here about 4 months ago and I'm loving it! It was a female that pierced me... Forgot her name but she was mad cool! I didn't really feel any pain when she slid the needle /rod through my nose like a pimp, but putting that ring In was a painful! Overall I loved it and will be heading back for a hoop soon. The only con is that my nose ring that was initially silver with a diamond in it, now it's very dark silver with a dark grey diamond in it... read more

Melissa is amazing. I went last week to get a few piercings, but to my surprise, the places I wanted reported had never closed. Melissa gave me options of jewelry and I chose some pretty cool jewelry and all she had to do was enter the rings in the holes. No needles this time. Once everything was done I received a refund since she didn't have to pierce me! I told her I would be returning for her to open more holes. read more

Great location, I have come here for two tattoos so far as they are great for walk ins. The staff is knowledgeable and patient and the facility is clean. You can take one person back with you for your tattoo, which is nice for support. The artists are talented and put you at ease. I will definitely be back. read more

My friends and I talked about getting tattoos in Vegas next month, but I wanted to know what to expect so my husband and I came here so I could get my first tattoo. I walked in without an appt and asked a few questions about the process. Everyone in the shop was very pleasant to speak to and be around. Pat was my artist and he was very professional and as gentle as a tattoo artist can be (in my opinion). Tattoos are painful! But he did a great job and he finished in less than 3 minutes. The price was reasonable and overall I had a great experience. Not sure I will be getting another tattoo, but if I do I would see Pat. read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - "Imperfection is Beauty" - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Shop is clean, warm, and welcoming. Always crowded..which is def a good sign! Front desk staff are awesome and very helpful in answering any questions. Got my nose pierced by Melissa and the process was clean, quick, and minimal pain. She didn't lie about that 1 tear. She gave me instructions for home maintenance and so far so good. My piercing did start to sink into my piercing hole but I called right away and was advised to come in for a larger post to be placed. Was s little worried, but Melissa assured me all is well. It's not infected and this sometimes happens. A quick jewelry change and I was out the door. This was my 1st time at the Crofton location and def will not be my last!! RO rocks for any and all tattoo and piercing needs!! read more

I have been to this establishment one time, and I will never go back. First impression was shocking to say the least. The person who was working the front desk was incredibly rude, and showed little respect for someone who would be a potential customer. I did not feel comfortable getting tattooed out in the open. I looked through the artwork that some of the artists did and I was not impressed. I tried to get a quote for what I wanted to do, which was some words wrapping around my arm, and the person working the front caught an attitude when she was asked to do anything that didn't make her job easy. At that point I turned around and walked out! Never again will I return to that location!!! read more

Am very disappointed in the way this shop takes appointments. This will be the second time my girls went to get their tattoos done at this place and the second time they waited over an hour with NO TATTOO! The first time of course, shit happens but to go back months later and to still come home with nothing is just upsetting. They went in and put their names on the list and was told to come back in an hour and that then they would be able to see an artist and have the work done. They left and grabbed lunch and returned waiting in the parking lot for over an hour completely excited to just be completely let down AGAIN! My one girl is home on break from school and time is limited. So to take 3 hours out of the day to wait with promises that they would be seen and taken care of to then be 100% let down and frustrated. I honestly have never written a negative review for anywhere or anyone so for me to even do this it should show my disappointment in this establishment.. If you couldn't or just didn't want to do the job all you had to do was say so and I would have so much more respect you. The customer service is definitely very poor and I would not recommend this place to any other family member or friend. read more

Just received my second tattoo from this place yesterday, and I got my first one back in July. I knew what I wanted, but I wasn't sure how to sketch it out and I didn't want an exact copy of the picture I took with me. Pat redrew everything, and I am VERY pleased with how my tattoo turned out! The place is clean and very comfortable. They have a water cooler and keurig chilling in the big waiting area, along with a huge flat screen tv. Everyone is so nice every time I go! They also give a 10% Police and Military discount. Honestly, I don't think I'll go anywhere else. I am very happy with what I've seen here! read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Pat at Red Octopus made this lovely dream catcher on my arm! - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Best place ever! No seriously though. Staff is super friendly. Atmosphere is awesome. It's relaxing. This is going to by my to go place from on. read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Two hours later. Still super red and swollen but I will post a picture when they are healed. - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

Came here to get a nose piercing changed out after a botched job from Chronic Ink in Mechanicsville. I've been to this tattoo shop before in the past and have always been very impressed by the work done here. The young lady who checked me out was amazing. I wish I knew her name so I could give her praise on here. Shes the tallish blond. Well she took care of my issue immediately. My pain was minimal even though infection had set in from the crappy job previously mentioned. My nose stud is in and the pain is gone. Thank you Red Octopus for being such professionals and taking great care of your clients. Next visit will be for my tattoo :) read more

I visited Red Octopus a few weeks ago with a friend while she got a tattoo and decided to make an appointment for myself. Patrick did a coverup for me and he was just amazing!!!! This place offers fair pricing for the quality of work done and they provide you with the antibiotic ointment needed for recovery. You should definitely check them out but make an appointment so you won't risk having to wait. read more

Walt did an excellent job on my shoulder/back! I let him perform his art I just picked out the butterflies and he did his thing! read more

Red Octopus Tattoos - Walt at work - Piercing Near Me - Crofton, Maryland

I can say enough great things about this place. In the past year Shannon Taber has done three tattoos for me. Shop is amazing clean, employees are extremely friendly, all the work I have seen come out of the shop is top notch. Had a great experience every time I've been. I am looking forward to getting back in there in the near future. read more

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My sister and I came for a tattoo and one of the artist had his two kids running and playing very loudly which was very inappropriate for a tattoo parlor. When i spoke to the manager to complain about the noise, i was told that they were kids. Obviously they don't care about the patrons. read more

I have had two tattoos done by Pat Aiken, and one "revamping" of an old, messy tattoo. Pat is super professional and very laid back. I literally get a compliment EVERY time I go somewhere and someone sees my tattoo that Pat did. The color is superb, top notch. It almost looks fake, it's so beautiful and vibrant! I love Red Octopus, Crofton! My go-to place for any tattooing! read more

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not sure why i continue to come here since i continue to be disappointed. pierced here twice and tattoed here twice and all were such a disappointment and not done well at all. i have finally learned my lesson and will not be returning read more