Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

    4.8 (627 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo, Piercing
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Request an appointment

    Response time

    20 minutes

    Response rate

    100%

    Services - Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

    Gauging or stretching

    Piercing

    Tattooing

    Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Whitney W.

    I messaged the business through Yelp and they were very responsive and helpful. I went in to get jewelry change outs and saw Issac. He was extremely professional and very knowledgeable. He was very quick too which isn't common with piercings. He was able to adjust my wants/needs as he examined my ears and I am very happy with the results!

    Helix, flat, conch
    Jenna C.

    I was recommended to Isaac by a friend, and I have had an amazing experience at sideshow every time! It is on the more expensive side, but I don't mind since I know I'll get great customer service, quality jewelry, and a professional's experience. His station is clean and organized; he will make sure everything is properly sanitized. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel at ease. If you're a talker, he'll keep up a nice conversation. If you're not, he's makes it comfortable either way. If I have any questions he'll explain the process and give advice. The piercings were quick and smooth, about 6 or 7/10 pain, but I stop feeling in after an hour. I also appreciate the aftercare instructions and open schedule (usually works everyday but Tuesdays and Wednesdays). He even ordered koi fish pieces for me when I asked if they would get any in the future. I highly recommend Isaac to anyone looking for a professional and friendly piercing experience!

    Love piercing : )

    Amazing! Isaac did such a great job! I did not feel a single thing. He made sure to explain the process well and make me feel welcomed and comfortable. Thanks a lot!

    Bernadette T.

    Walked in to get my second lobe piercings on a Saturday afternoon. I was greeted and told that the wait was going to be about 45 minutes. There were about 4 people ahead of me waiting for a piercing. I had time though so I did not mind waiting, and I appreciated their transparency! But just beware that it might get busier on weekends. Also remember who is before you so you know when your turn is :) Once it is your turn, they'll gather some of your info and take a picture of your ID with the iPad. Isaac looked like the guy for piercings. Since I told him I wanted lobe piercings, he showed me their selection of studs. I chose a 3mm jewel with a flat back per his recommendation. The flat back is more comfortable to sleep in! The piercing process was pretty quick, about 15 min. I appreciated that Isaac took his time measuring on each ear. Once he is ready to pierce, he'll direct you with some deep breaths and pierce on an out breath. It only stings for a second but not too bad for the lobe piercing. I felt minimal pain after! The piercing + my jewelry section + neilmed aftercare saline spray cost about $168. Overall I was very happy with my piercing experience!

    Regine A.

    10 out of 10 would recommend this place. Bethany did an amazing job creating my me and my mom's first matching tattoos. She provided a great first experience for us. From making sure it was the size and design we wanted to assuring we were comfortable during the entire session. It only took about an hour for each of us. I loved how quick she was. The staff is friendly here & they take walk ins. The price isn't bad either! Heads up, there is a small credit card transaction fee of $3. Fortunately we were able to tip our tattoo artist via zelle and Venmo :) just ask.

    Tragus Piercing   jewelry, piercing, after care spray, tip = 80
    Xander B.

    Preface: First time customer, visiting SD. As a person who's worked in customer service for nearly half a decade. Isaac had a way with his services with my friends and I. The vibe of his piercing room is everything. Small, private and intimate. As for Isaac, you can tell he is knowledgeable and experienced with piercing. He can tell you wether your anatomy works with certain piercings and gives suggestions which jewelry works best with your current set or even skin tone. This was my 8th piercing, by far my most painful was my nose but when he did my tragus Isaac was gentle, and walked me through each step he was doing. Isaac is it! He's who you want your piercings done by. Isaac is the piercer you're looking for! #GoochGangster

    Moon with minimalist face and sparkles
    Ileana G.

    Amazing fast and friendly service ! I decided to get a tattoo on top of one I already had to make it fuller. Amazing choice to go to Sideshow Tattoo. Matt did it and it was so fast and a comfortable experience even tho I was almost naked since it was in my ribs/side boob area.

    Simona F.

    I got my ear pierced on Sunday by Issac and I could not be happier! When I first walked in I got greeted by some of the friendliest people I have ever meet at a tattoo shop. They got all my information and since I was a walk in I did have to wait but it was no more than 20-30ish minutes start to finish. Issac came and introduced himself and had a look at my ear. After the small consultation we picked jewelry! He was showing my a couple of different options for my second lobes. He walked me through all my options and when I had asked him what he thinks would looks best he recommended the black prong settings to fit my vibe and style. And to his recommendation I did decided to go with the black flat backs. And when putting the markers he made sure to measure so they would be even! Once I was happy with placement and everything it was time! He made the whole process a piece of cake! And with some breathing exercises we were done! He made it as painless as could be. The first picture is a couple hours after the piercing. Surpassingly it was not red or irradiated. A little bit of blood but was something I was expecting! Once cleaned it looked PERFECT! The second and third was the next day. Absolutely painless and looks amazing! Got so many compliments. Thank you Issac and Sideshow.

    Snug piercing
    Ariana S.

    Came into this shop with the intention of getting a very infected and painful snug piercing removed. I decided I wanted to try and save it if possible and Isaac was very upfront and knowledgeable about the situation. He was able to save the piercing and gave me a really good experience. He is professional and clean. Will definitely be getting my piercings here from now on.

    Beautiful new ink!
    Matty J.

    Great quality with Jedi who took my concept and made it reality in a fast way as a walk in. Totally efficient and friendly. He is a great listener and tremendous artist. This was a whim of a visit and frankly I went to who was open at 11:00 while I basked in a breakfast burrito and a walk on the beach. Highly recommend.

    Amazing tat by Jedi!  it!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Lupe O.
    11
    22
    8

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Beth Z.
    98
    57
    36

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Woody R.

    Woody R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ariana S.
    358
    12
    5

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ilona D.
    83
    57
    269

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    My husband and i walked in and chance was able to do tattoos on us. We both are very happy with them.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelsi B.
    340
    25
    29

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    I had a great piercing experience. Isaac was very nice and made me feel comfortable. The whole process went smooth :)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Woody R.

    Woody R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam
    0
    1
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 16

    Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

    Can we get a tattoo of our own choosing during Friday the 13th?

    No traditionally we design them.

    Do you offer back dermal piercings?

    Not at this time.

    What is the shop's minimum?

    The shop minimum for tattooing is currently $100

    Hello, how much would 2 lobe and two helix piercings be including jewelry? Are there student discounts?

    All of your current prices are listed on our website and all prices will include jewelry :) We periodically offer discounts throughout the year, again I’d suggest checking on our website for posted specials.

    Hi - do you guys do single needle fine line tattoos?

    Yes we do, we have artists that specialize in fine line tattoos.

    Do y'all do blackout tattoos? Or maybe consultations to find out what would be best for a large coverup tattoo?

    Yes we do blackout tattooing. We take walk ins so come in at your convenience and an artist will look at your tattoo and give you several cover up tattoo ideas. If we can save it with a larger tattoo than you have you should, but if you want to do a… Read more

    Do you do the gym all get what you get tattoos?

    Hmmm.. well we do have a Get what you get tattoo gum ball machine. We take walk ins at our Pacific Beach location.

    So my question is who would be the person I ask for if I'm looking to get a piercing? My friend wants to get her nose done again and I was thinking about getting my nipple done.

    Do you guys have anyone there that does cover ups?

    Yes we do cover up tattoos. Come in let’s have a look

    How much do you charge for septum piercing?

    Septum nose piercings start at $70

    How much is the minimum for a one inch tattoo?

    $100

    Do you guys do fine line tattoos?

    Yes, this is one of our specialties. We love doing minimalist style tattoos. We have several experienced tattoo artists that only do this style as well as take the time and care in properly placing and sizing to your tattoo to enhance your body’s… Read more

    For ears piercing, do you guys use cream anesthesia before the procedure?

    For ear piercings not at this time. If you read our reviews almost everyone mentions how much the didn’t even feel pain when Isaac pierced their ears. So I’d say if you want an ear piercing that’s pretty pain free come see Isaac.

    Do they currently do walkins?

    yes they do!

    What is the standard size for first-time septum piercings?

    16g x 8mm is standard. Some wider septums need a 10mm width.

    Do you guys do uv tattoos?

    some artists do them. Call ahead

    Do you guys offer dermal removal under the corner of the eye/ high cheek area?

    Yes, we do dermal removals.

    When are walk ins for piercings available?

    We take walk-ins Daily no appointment needed.

    Do you guys do nose piercings and if you guys do how much?

    Nostril is $70 including jewelry.

    What's the price on earlobe/cartridge piercing?

    Lobe is $40 for one, $60 for both, and a basic helix piercing is $60 including jewelry.

    View All 39 Questions

    Review Highlights - Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

    Since, (in great part because of Isaac) I have had over twenty and I still plan on a few more!

    Mentioned in 199 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio

    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio

    4.4(950 reviews)
    7.5 miNorth Park
    $$$

    I had mt very first nose piercing on 3/18, as a birthday present to myself doing something that no…read moreone else would expect me to do. This was an important thing for myself to do and this place was recommended to me by a coworker who had piercings done there. Very simply...everyone was helpful with the process. it was a busy time where people were walking in and almost filling the place up. I brought my husband and my kids (older kids like adults) to join me. I was assigned to Mateo. From beginning to end, he was very kind and made me feel comfortable for what I was about to do. Place was very clean, organized and had sterile rooms for the piercings. I really appreciated the privacy too. Every step Mateo took, he educated me and informed me every step he was about to do before the nose piercing began. Then it was over....and was very happy how it turned out and how supportive he was moving forward. I realize everyone else experience has been or will be different, but I think it is worth mentioning the good experiences for first timers like myself. Going back for a follow up to make sure all is fine (which I think it has been) and going for a second piercings on my ears. :)

    I had a jewelry change done by Francheska and had an amazing experience. To back up a bit, the…read moreperson helping me out at check-in/front desk is also super sweet. She had her hands full with customers both on the phone and in person, and made sure each of us was seen promptly. There is no lot parking but I got lucky with street parking when I went. The doorway is oddly cramped but there is a separate seating area just inside to the left, and they have a lot of cool art and cases full of jewelry on offer. My appointment started on time and Francheska was so helpful! She worked with me to pick the appropriate piece of jewelry for my piercing and changing it out was quick and painless. I appreciate that she offered options at lower price points, I think that is a major green flag for integrity. She asked if I had any other questions and she was able to accommodate a quick piercing cleaning as well as a downsize. I did not know one of my other piercings needed to be further downsized so I am grateful she noticed and had the time to do that for me as well. Overall, I have been coming to Enigma for all my piercing needs for as long as I've been in San Diego, and will continue to do so. Francheska is new to Enigma (but plenty of prior experience), but I highly recommend her for your piercing related needs!

    Photos
    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio - Conch and helix piercings

    Conch and helix piercings

    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio
    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio

    See all

    Nothing Sacred Tattoo - Original design

    Nothing Sacred Tattoo

    4.4(136 reviews)
    7.9 miGaslamp
    $$

    Great work done by Rezzy. Very happy with my quarter sleeve. Great work done by professionals who…read morelove what they do.

    0/10. Do NOT come here…read more I found this artist through Instagram for anime tattoos. His work looked good, so I reached out. He was quick to respond and asked for a $200 deposit, which I sent via Apple Pay on March 5 to the shop owner. We booked for March 16. Leading up to the appointment, he would send random updates on the design, but nothing was finalized. I gave feedback and stayed patient, even knowing they had a Friday the 13th event going on. I didn't hit him up again until March 15 (the day before my appointment) because we STILL didn't have a finished design, which is wild. He tells me he'll have it done that day. Cool. Then a few hours later, I get a generic email saying my appointment is canceled. No explanation. Nothing. So I reach out to the number I sent my $200 to asking for a refund, and instead of handling it like professionals, they get confrontational and start acting like I'm the problem for asking for MY money back. They try to hide behind a "no refund" policy... even though THEY canceled on me. Make that make sense. I added my conversation with the artist, since the owner wants to claim harassment. Judge for yourself. No policy was ever clearly shown to me, and communication was trash the entire time. Instead of owning their mistake, they blamed me and got disrespectful. I only got my money back after I told them I'd file a chargeback with my bank and take them to small claims court. Go read their bad reviews--you'll see a pattern, especially with how the owner talks to customers. Super unprofessional. Save your time, save your money, and go somewhere else.

    Photos
    Nothing Sacred Tattoo - Tattoo by Dee

    Tattoo by Dee

    Nothing Sacred Tattoo
    Nothing Sacred Tattoo

    See all

    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio

    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio

    4.5(757 reviews)
    1.0 miPacific Beach
    $$

    I was actually sent to Enigma through another amazing piercing shop-- specifically because of the…read moretype of piercing I was requesting (triangle piercing). I'm truly grateful for such a kind and professional redirection-- because the piercing is an uncommon request and very anatomy dependent. I'm really glad my piercer at Enigma, Didier, was able to take their time to not only perform it, but also communicate what he was looking for to be able to do so successfully. Didier talked me through appropriate anatomy requirements for it, gave me a mirror to show how he'd like to position the piercing ideally, discussed jewelery options/possible adjustments to the bar to accommodate healing he'd like to do (if needed), and even mentioned common issues he'd like to avoid that are run into when piercers try to manipulate the area and how such can make the piercing difficult to do/accomplish appropriately. He also thoughtfully kept checking in with me while he was making preparations (sterilizing, PPE, etc.) to make sure to answer any questions and ease any feelings of anxiety. I would absolutely recommend Didier if you're considering a piercing-- he's really knowledgeable and I felt very secure that I made the right decision coming to Enigma because of him.

    Brought my daughter here for her first piercings. We had an appointment with Franceska and she was…read moreso amazing with my daughter. She explained the full process to her as it was happening to help ease her anxiety. The place was clean and very relaxing. The two ladies who helped us check in were also super sweet with my kid and answered all of her questions regarding the piercings and options. I saw that maybe the biggest complaint was the price, honestly, while it was pricey, it was worth it. I know we got a quality product, highly hiegenic, and well done (by a professional). I am looking forward to returning in the near future.

    Photos
    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio
    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio
    Enigma Professional Piercing Studio

    See all

    Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing - tattoo - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...