I got my first tattoo at Regeneration about a month ago. I wanted to wait for it to fully heal before reviewing. As you can see, it's beautiful and I absolutely love it! Frankie Mejia was great. He listened to what I wanted and made a great drawing based on that and the photo I had. His line work is impeccable! We chatted through the process which made it easy to not just think about the fact that I was having a bunch of little needles poking at my wrist! I really recommend Regeneration. read more

Regeneration Tattoo - My lovely lotus flower tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Sylar was a godsend. He did a tattoo for our daughter about a year ago, and my wife and I went in to get the same one this year for our daughter's birthday. My wife was a little anxious and Sylar really helped her through it. His work was impeccable! Highly recommended. read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

been here twice. i'll admit it's pricier but that's boston and it is quality. The artist and ppl in shop are cool and easy to explain and talk to they're very forgiving about switching designs, placements, and making sure you get what your asking for. the first one i got was a halloween flash and the second was a hand drawn one my artist did for me. i appreciate the shop and their attention to detail and comfort. read more

sylar is one of the most amazing artists i've experienced. gave me professional advice while giving me what i wanted and wasn't even a bad price. he made it a very comfortable environment as well. read more

Frankie is the man! I came in looking for a very specific black ink, minimalist, floral and geometric forearm/wrist tattoo (with the exact design in hand) and Frankie squeezed me into his busy schedule to make it happen that day. He was super friendly, very helpful, and really knows his stuff, and I am utterly in love with the design. Cannot stop staring at my arm and although I know that it's not settled yet (just got it on Wednesday, Sept 4), I can't imagine it changing in a negative way. Definitely recommend Frankie and you won't be sorry! *Update (9/25): Went back for a very minor and anticipated touch-up (legit one line) and it's safe to say Frankie is an outstanding artist and so knowledgeable about his craft! I LOVE my tattoo and have received so many compliments on this beauty, and that's truly all thanks to Frankie. read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

I've been going to Regeneration Tattoo for a couple years now. As a woman who typically goes to appointments alone, it's really important for me to go somewhere I feel safe and comfortable. It's always a great experience, and it keeps me coming back. I've only been tattooed by Frankie, but have only had positive interactions with the other artists at the shop. I can't recommend Frankie enough. He always exceeds my expectations and I fully trust his expertise and advice when it comes to placement and size. Frankie takes his work seriously and it really shows in the quality of tattoo. read more

We called for walkins and they said yeah come in no problem we got there. They said that there was another tattoo artist that was coming in shortly and that they would get started on it soon. The other tattoo artist came in and the guy at the desk said "oh, he has some work to do for about an hour " The dude at the desk really seem kind of like a space shot, and had no idea what he was even saying, and we basically ended up having to leave because he lied to us not only did we have to drive all the way from Quincy to Austin because they said yes for a walk and they just made us leave and lied to us at the same time so definitely wouldn't recommend this place read more

Doesn't accept card eventhough it sais both cash and card on their website. Their minimum for a tattoo is $100 which is ridiculous. I went in to get a 1 inch tatto of a stick figure cross and they would not go lower than 100 dollars. read more

When we walked in the energy was already kind of awkward. I have over nine tattoos and they just made me and my partner feel unwanted. There was no enthusiasm or customer service. Very direct and hurry up type of feeling. My partner was getting a tribute to his mother and they could have cared less. Weren't offering any assistance as far as bringing the idea to life. We eventually just left and told them we were going to the ATM read more

I was getting tattoo that are simple, been sitting almost 2 hrs waiting for my next tattoo that I should be done. Other customer came in, and I was waiting, somehow woman tell me that this person have big tattoo than I do, so I didn't get this done. I walk 40 mins get there and be done, waste my time sitting 2 hrs, and tell me that I can't get done, so I'll come next time. This is not organized appointments I came first before they came, and I didn't get done and they did. Need more hiring tattoo artist, cause there is 2 tattoo artist, one of them left early. SMH read more

Came in here today to get my first ever tattoo. The tattooist whom I didn't get a chance to know the name of took me through the whole process and was very kind and professional. My tattoo came out nice and I was satisfied. read more

Got my first tattoo here with Frankie. Very professional. Got it done quick with good price. Very satisfied with the overall vibe and cleanliness of the shop. read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

IM IN LOVE WITH MY TATTOO. It's exactly what I wanted. I showed Steve a picture of the butterfly I wanted. He made it almost exactly the same with his little flair to it. This is my first tattoo and i left so happy. Steve is an amazing artist, I told him it was my first time and explained to me what he was doing and even told me I'm a start a few lines and made me feel comfortable. THANK YOU SO MUCH STEVER YOU ARE SUPER AWESOME. I WILL DEFINITELY BE COMING BACK. read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Very unfriendly atmosphere. I stayed because I really wanted to get the tattoo... two days later it was infected and I had to go see my derm to get some ointment. Don't recommend. read more

I wanted a small tattoo (a word written in my mom's handwriting) and Leina did an amazing job. She resized it and placed it perfectly and it came out awesome. The shop itself is clean and located conveniently on Harvard Ave near the T. If you drive, there's street parking available. I'd recommend this shop and will definitely be back for my next tattoos! read more

The vibe is totes cool Very talented artists Ink me anytime! --Haiku review read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Original piece by Cathy - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

I can't believe I still haven't gotten around to reviewing Regeneration. In short: I'd have Sue from Regen scar my body any day. Well, not any day...I'm not one of those people obsessed with tattoos....but, you get it, yah? She's awesome and cool. A friend and I impulsively decided to act on my nonsensical and out of character desire to be branded with a useless symbol of my freedom to "express" myself "artistically." We popped in to Regeneration on a Sunday night on a fact-finding mission. Essential questions ("what do these things cost?") as well as the more ridiculous ("does it hurt more or less than a brazilian wax?") were asked, and Sue, the shop owner, answered all of them honestly while munching on a veggie hot dog that dripped ketchup on her shirt. She explained her shop only takes appointments/people who have had a consult, and that we shouldn't go through with a tattoo if we weren't sure we wanted it. She asked our names, made us feel welcome, and sent us on our way with her card and the instructions to call any time we had more questions, or if we wanted to go through with the deed. A few weeks of internal turmoil later, I took the plunge and scheduled my big day, partly since aforementioned friend said he'd get one too if I did it. When the time came, I was sweaty and nervous, but made sure to eat well and do the other preparations Sue had gone over with us. The appointment itself(at which I was still questioning my choice to go for it) was totally relaxing and great. Sue walked me through the procedure step by step and kept me relaxed. We even discovered a common love for Morrissey! My tattoo didn't come out 100% as I'd pictured it, but that's basically because what I envisioned didn't actually fit on my neck. I took her suggestions and followed her aesthetic vision and ended up with a tattoo that looks great and marks a great night giving myself something awesome and sharing it with a close friend. read more

went in for a fuckin tattoo bro like day OF and although i didn't appreciate that i wasn't allowed to get stenciled before getting penciled if you know what i mean homeboys, but otherwise my tattoo artist was off the charts bro! read more

This shop is awesome. Frankie did my tattoo, and it looks awesome--and for a great price! While I was waiting, a girl came in to complain about the tattoo she had gotten there the week before. It looked AMAZING, but I guess she found some fault with it...something about her mom's ex boyfriend telling her it didn't look good? I dunno. Anyway, the shop handled it super professionally and talked with her for a long time about the way tattoos heal and whatnot, and encouraged her to come in after it had healed fully to talk more about it if she was still unhappy about it. It was a crappy situation, but they handled it like the pros they are. Great shop, great price, great music. Couldn't recommend this place any more completely! read more

My grandma passed away a few months ago and I had been wanting to get a cardinal tattoo in honor of her. I had some free time today so I decided to pop in and see if someone could draw it up for me. To my surprise, I was able to have the tattoo done as well. Dan, the artist, had done a cardinal recently and was happy to do mine. He's exceptionally good at doing birds! He was very professional and kind. The total process, drawing and all, took about 3 hours. I love the work he did. The bird looks realistic and my grandmas signature looks as if it were written by her. The shop is clean, and prices are pretty standard. I have another tattoo I plan to get and will be returning to regeneration when I am ready to have it done. A hug thanks to Dan for his incredible work! This piece means so much to me. Andrea read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Great shop with terrific artists. Got a foot long piece on my inner calf by Frankie M. He helped me decide the design and placement and worked quickly but was attentive to detail and came through with a great tattoo. I highly recommend the parlor and artist - I've gotten over 10 tattoos at 7 different spots and this was one of the best. No cap. read more

Frankie is one of the best in the business. Super knowledgeable, super talented, super accommodating. Money well spent

Had a piece done on my ribs by Brian about two weeks ago and had a great experience at Regeneration! The shop is incredibly clean and well-kept, and the artists are very professional. Altogether a very pleasant shop - none of the attitude or 'better than thou because I have more tattoos' vibe that I've felt at some other boston shops. The ONLY reason this review is four stars is because there are some fairly obvious patches where the ink didn't take along one of the thick long lines of my piece. I was in a fair amount of pain during the process (not unexpectedly, it's in a sensitive spot) so I'm sure Brian was trying to cause me the least pain possible and just get it done! I also had to return to work two days later where wearing a bra is a necessity, so healing was a bit of an issue as well. I do plan on going back soon to have it touched up, and will revise my review accordingly after it's all healed! Please note that I am NOT dissatisfied with my tattoo at all! As a matter of fact, I love it - I have a tattoo on my other side from another shop that doesn't even compare in quality. This is an excellent tattoo and Brian is an excellent artist! I absolutely plan on returning to this shop for my future tattoos. read more

Got a small tattoo on my wrist here last weekend. Brian MacNeil was the artist and he was great, as was everyone there. I showed up in the morning for a walk-in and they got me in a couple hours later. They were all friendly and the place is really nice. Brian was super laid back and patient, which was particularly nice given that it was my first tattoo. He checked the design with me and we repositioned it a couple of times until I liked the placement, and he explained what he was doing every step of the way. Because this was something I cared about a lot, I'll reiterate: awesome place for a first tattoo! read more

Unfortunately I had a bad experience at this tattoo shop about a year ago. I think things have changed a lot since then and they have solidified their staff. If you live in Allston it's probably worth checking them out for conveneince and cool 'punk' vibe. I had scheduled an appointment with Sue to get some basic lettering done. When I showed up for my appointment she was busy and suggsted another artist could do it. I was OK with that since it really wasn't anything special or elaborate. The problem was, the tattoo artist didn't really feel like doing it! He said he could draw something up and I should come back another day. I was cool about it and said i'd come back another time to schedule it. Needless to say, I didn't and I've been going to Redemption in Cambridge ever since. Basically I thought they treated me like more of annoyance then a customer. And that's the only time I've ever made an appointment for a tattoo (or probably anything) and they said they didn't feel like it doing it today. On a more positive note, they do have cool stuff in their window display. read more

I just moved to the area (6 months ago) and was looking around for a good place to go for tattoos. I was referred to Edwin or Sue at Regeneration and heard great things about them. When I went in (without an apt on a Saturday) they were both booked, but I talked with Dan who was free to do the work on me. Firstly, EVERYONE in this shop is very cool and very friendly. There is absolutely NONE of that "punk-rock, Im cooler than you" attitude that you get at most other tattoo shops. At least in my experience. Dan was super friendly, and listened to me. He did an amazing job, even better than I expected for my design. And while I was in the shop getting the work done, everyone talks freely with each other and includes the clients in the conversation. It is a relaxing, friendly and welcoming environment. I could have spent all day hanging out there with those guys. The pricing is pretty fair too. Better even than Ive seen in DC and Florida. I am super happy and will be going back to Dan for more work. read more

For my 4th tattoo I decided to go to Regeneration based off of other Yelp reviews and I was so far from disapointed. I got a large foot tattoo done by Dan and it came out beautiful. I came in with an idea and he drew something up that I was even more happy about. The coloring is absolutly amazing - almost a year later I still look at it in awe. The place itself was very cool - the staff was friendly and didn't mock me for wanting a flower on my foot. I'm already planning on coming back to get something else done! read more

When this place first opened, I was super-intimidated by all the punks hanging out and was a little afraid to go inside. When I finally did muster up enough courage to walk in, I was so happy I did! I was scared that I wasn't "punk enough" somehow to shop here, but everyone is totally cool (esp. the bulldog!) and not as intimidating as they first seemed to me. Looking back, I think I was being completely silly, because now I finally have a place to go to when I'm itching for a Fugazi album on vinyl for no apparent reason. read more

Regeneration is the fourth shop I've been tattooed at. If I end up sticking around the Boston area, I doubt I'll ever be tattooed anywhere else. Regeneration is clean, which is something that sadly not all tattoo shops are. The staff is incredibly friendly and willing to answer questions. The witty banter that seems to go on almost all the time regarding the current musical choice is entertaining and can be pleasantly distracting during a multi-hour session. Said music is always present in the shop, but it's not ear-splittingly loud. But perhaps my favorite thing about Regeneration is that in order to get in the door I don't have to find my way through a cloud of cigarette smoke. I bet some folks there smoke, but the don't have to take a break to go and do it every five minutes, and if they do, it's never coincided with my visits. Also, you have to appreciate the surreal experience that is their bathroom. The artists are uniformly awesome as far as I can tell. They're knowledgeable about their art and willing to sit a client down and talk to him/her. If you wander into the shop randomly, do yourself a favor and look at their portfolios in the lobby. The range is impressive, but every time I'm there and have a few minutes, I browse through them and always manage to find something I didn't notice before. read more

I have seven tattoos, and this place is probably the best I've been to. The other shops I've been to have been in New Hampshire, and one in Cambridge, but Regen definitely tops my list. The whole staff is really friendly and the atmosphere is really comfortable - way better than some shops I've been to where everyone is cooler than thou. Dan is working on the pretty large piece I'm having done on my arm. A few weeks ago we met to go over the tattoo I wanted covered up, the ideas I had, and then I told him how big I wanted it and he came up with a great design that's going to almost perfectly cover up my old tattoo. The outline last night took about four hours - two hours past when the shop closed, but Dan didn't complain a bit and was awesome and thorough and created a great outline. We only took one quick break, and the rest of it was just him doing the outline and us talking about everything from local music to politics to aliens creating the pyramids (we both think this is unlikely). I'm so glad I chose someone who not only is really comfortable with the style of tattoo I want, but is someone I won't mind spending another 6 - 8 hours with over the next few months! I feel like the prices there are really fair - for the amount of work and the time spent on my outline, I felt what I paid last night, including tip, was more than reasonable. Plus, now I have the beginnings of a badass tattoo. read more

Can't say enough good stuff about this place. They're respectful when given the same and professional all the time. It's important when you're going to get something on your body for the rest of your life to be serious first off and to go to a place that takes it seriously and that's exactly what they do here. If you walk in chatting and joking about a tattoo you're not going to be taken seriously because it's obvious you don't care about the art going on your body. As for the actual tattoos. I have three pieces all of which were done by Brian M and Cathy. If you're serious I recommend you go in, bring the piece you want do, see if it's possible and a good idea (they'll give it to your straight) and if it is put down a deposit and schedule it. Once you get in there for your appointment you can get into the nitty gritty of making the tattoo what you want it to be. Don't be stubborn or force some idea down their throat, if they say it's dumb it's probably dumb (they've been doing this longer than you). Another thing is that you shouldn't be going in worried about paying too much. They're not a discount tattoo shop, if you want that go elsewhere. You pay for what you get, a high-quality custom tattoo. Besides that it's a great experience, you feel amongst friends the whole time and they will help explain all the aftercare to you whether it's your first tatttoo or 100th. Best advice I can give is to find an artist you like here and stick with them (even though they're all extremely talented). You're not going to go wrong here and you'll go home knowing you been tattooed by some of the best. I posted a picture of my latest tattoo on here done by Brian M. He did a fairly detailed work that meant a lot to me and he did a killer job. He was mindful of the fact of my time constraints and most importantly was as invested and passionate about the piece as I was. I could go on all day, it's a great place and if you want a good tattoo this is a place to go. read more

Regeneration Tattoo - The Death side of Gustav Klimt's "Death and Life" thanks to Brian M for doing an awesome job! - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Thanks Alli!!! I have been planning my first tattoo for about 5 or 6 years now because I'm a total perfectionist. I don't really take "for life" too lightly. Alli said have Dan at Regeneration do the work. I could not have been happier! I walked in. No appointment. Dan was totally happy to accommodate. He drew out a beautiful script (it's a word tattoo). He explained the procedure, was super nice (he was aware it was my first) and was not the least judgmental with my wimpy-ness. He was super sure I understood all the care I needed to take with it while it heals. He even explained a little about the problems associated with the next planned tattoo (I wanted it to cover some scars, but thanks to Dan, I know it'll look much better if I simply incorporate them instead so that the ink won't look all jakey). It's now healed and looks fantastic. I'm so happy with my experience there. I probably won't get my next tattoo until after I leave Boston and I'm so sad I won't have Dan doing the work. I have absolutely no complaints. I do hear they're a little expensive on shop minimum ($80), but I didn't care and was totally willing to pay it to be sure I got quality work. Well worth it. read more

I like ReGen. Overall, it's a good place, with good artists, and a comfortable friendly atmosphere. I went here recently to get a piece done on the right side of my ribs. I brought in the artwork I wanted and met up with Dan at ReGen (on recommendation of a friend). I showerd him what I wanted (its an image of 5 skeletons in suits from an album cover). He understood what I wanted and how I wanted it to look immediately (all black, no color, just a little shading), and the drawing he came up with was perfect. He wanted to add a little more shading to some parts to give it a little more depth and I couldn't have agreed more, the improvement was a good one. As for when I went to get the actual tattoo. Dan was very gentle and explained everything to me. The shop was extremely sterile and Dan took A LOT of care in making sure everything was very clean and safe. We started out with outline on the first session (2 hours) and then I went back about a month later for the fill (3 hours of solid black, ugh). The tattoo came out perfect and I couldn't be more happy. In the end I think I paid a little under $300 for a 5 hours of tattooing a huge ribpiece. As I can't really speak for the other artists work, but the whole shop is awesome and the vibe is also really great. I will continue to go back to ReGen when I need some ink. read more

Maybe I'm just lazy. But I've come her for five years and five or six different pieces with Dan, I'm not super motivated to get tattoos elsewhere. I have yet to be disappointed with the work or experience. It's a very comfortable place to get a tattoo, no bullshit or posturing. Custom work is the norm, not the exception. Check out the portfolios of the artists here if you're looking for some new ink, it's worth your time and money. read more

Went with a friend. These guys are so nice, the place is clean, they're just generally an amazing, talented group. No issues or infections and a lot cheaper than expected! read more

Regeneration Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

See all

Sunday, my friend and I wanted to get a tattoo done of the Boston skyline. We figured we were going to another tattoo shop to get it done, but they said that Saturday's were their only walk in day. It didn't say that anywhere on the website, but that's beside the point. When we couldn't get our tattoos done at that one shop, I called around to see if any place had any availability. All the places I called said they weren't free. Regeneration was one of them. We were about to go home, when Regeneration called us back! They squeezed us in, which was awesome! We were so excited to get our tattoos done! I don't know what the artist's name was, but he did a hell of a job. It looks awesome and I'm in love with it. I would totally go back to this place! All the guys there are so friendly. The place is wicked clean and it's very easy to find. The only downfall of the place is trying to find parking around the area. But that's it. read more

I just got a beautiful tattoo on my forearm from Edwin here and I would send everyone I know. I'm assuming all the other artists are just as awesome. If I were you I'd go look at all the portfolios and then talk to the artist you want before you get an appointment. I went in a month before to chat and a week before to make the appointment. The shop atmosphere is great. When I came in they were watching You Tube videos and immediately asked me if I'd seen them. When I said no, they preceded to educate me. :) Nothing like a little Project Pat to relax you! It's a tattoo in memory of a friend and I was a little anxious about having to talk about with strangers like they do on every tattoo show, but everyone at Regeneration let me just be in the beauty of the moment and savor the experience. Also my 6"x3", pretty colorful tattoo was only $180. Totally worth it. Thanks Edwin and Regeneration! I'll definitely be back!! read more

I love the ink I had done at Regen. A friend had several pieces by Brian and set me up with him. They mandate a consultation ~one week prior to the appointment where they get the artwork in the computer and altered (in my case, the colors had to be inverted.) This is a GOOD idea. In my experience, staff was friendly, knowledgeable and the studio is incredibly clean. read more

So..I got a west coast tattoo in L.A...and I got an east coast tattoo here at Regeneration Tattoo. The tattoo is on my ankle, and I live close by, so getting home wasn't as painful as, say going to Fat Ram's in JP...god, that would have been an awful T ride! Brian designed my tat, and I asked him to make it complementary to my west coast tattoo (designed by the artist in L.A.)...however, he put his own style into it..I love it!!! I think the different artists/styles really echo my views and loves of the two coasts. He was super friendly, and though the damn thing hurt like hell, he made me feel very comfortable. I think the only part I wasn't too keen on was the fact that I couldn't make an appointment over the phone. Not even for a consultation! You have to make an appointment in person. I didn't like feeling that I was taking my chances with my time (what if they're fully booked for days or weeks? the least they could do is pencil me in for..something...a hug even!) or with their time (wouldn't they want my business??). I guess I understand that you want to go in there and meet the artist...maybe it cuts down on the number of visits you'd have to make there? I don't know...it was just somewhat odd for me. Overall, though, I would definitely recommend this place! read more

This place is great and everyone is very friendly. I love my tattoo so much, which was done by Will. Will is a talented artist. Great experience. Highly recommend it. read more