Walked in after calling ahead about a simple design I wanted on my arm. JACK RYAN behind the counter was immediately smug and rude to me regarding my design. I've never felt so condescended to for no reason. Such a bad attitude, I'm glad I turned and walked out. read more

Walked in without an appointment on a Tuesday afternoon and was able to get tatted by an amazing artist, Randall! He was so kind, personable, and most importantly, talented! I got a mini crescent moon (a specialty of his) and my friend got the Big Dipper. If I ever come back to Austin, I will definitely be stopping here again. Thank you, Randall for making me laugh and the beautiful tat! read more

Kristian did anexcellent job on my first tatoo. I highly recommend him and Southside. The whole experience was magnificent.

Came here originally in January for a tattoo, and had a great experience with my tattoo artist, Jet. The tattoo didn't end up being exactly what I wanted when is it healed, and the shop helped make my dream come true when I came back in for a retouch. This shop is stand up for sure. I will certainly come back for my next tattoo. They will teach you about the wear of the tattoo overtime, and edit the design until it is what you really want. I am very thankful for my experience at Southside Tattoo. read more

Jeff was amazing! Really took his time with me and had great advice. Great art for a great price!

Royce did an amazing job on my tattoo! His attention to detail was incredible and I couldn't be happier with the final product. He spent a great deal of time making sure the design was exactly right before he started. I would highly recommend him and will absolutely be back when I am ready for my next tattoo. read more

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Great artists, Royce was great and captured exactly what we were looking for. Luckily the whole staff didn't hold it against us that we were related to Aaron and Grant ;) highly recommend for both simple quick work or detailed pieces. read more

This place is great! Jeffrey is such an amazing artist and really knows his stuff. I love the atmosphere. They really know how to make you feel comfortable here. read more

Southside Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I received my 11th tattoo today from the wonderful Royce. It's the third one he's done on me and honestly? He's the only artist I trust. He creates the most gorgeous designs and just has a way about him that makes you feel calm. He's done a rework on my foot, Texas wildflowers in part of my arm, and now a sunflower on my elbow. He's incredibly patient with any kind of discomfort that you have, and if you're uncomfortable-he'll fix that. I scheduled an appointment with him just telling him what I wanted, and he came up with something much better than I could have ever dreamed of. The shop is super clean, there are designs are on all of the walls (as well in the flip poster things), they do have some fun decorations as well. (Bathroom is upstairs by the way). The other artists all seem super nice and like they actually enjoyed their job. Which I feel is ridiculously important in this line of work. They all seem super supportive of each other too. There's literally nothing bad I can say about this place. read more

I recently moved to Austin over the summer and found myself interested in pursuing my third tattoo. After checking out a few shops I was still unsatisfied, so a friend of mine recommended Southside. Their reputation preceded them. After just five minutes of looking through the books, I had already decided this was the place for me. It was a really friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere that made me feel comfortable with myself and the quality of their work. Michael Norris was my artist and he did a *phenomenal* job. My tattoo was no easy task, and yet his interpretation of my idea and skill were incomparable. It's obvious he takes his art very seriously and maintained a very professional demeanor at all times, while still making me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire process. He's not the type of tattoo artist that's going to say "yes" to every idea you have... he keeps the client's best interest in mind at all times and will tell you what works and what does not. He's also very knowledgeable about the body and how that tattoo should fit on your skin. He actually drew mine on me free-form so 1)it fits my shape and 2) is one of a kind. I love it. read more

Go to Michael Norris for your next or first tattoo. So while on vacation in Austin, I decided to add another tattoo to my growing collection. I knew what I wanted, and I walked into Southside feeling a little skeptical since I take this sort of thing seriously. After discussing my idea with artist Micheal Norris, an appointment was made for the next day. After my approval of his drawing, we were ready to roll. Michael kicked ass on my custom tattoo, leaving me with one of the best pieces on my body, and trust me I have some nice, tight work. The man free-handed the thing, which shows his raw talent in custom tattooing. I've seen many artists work, and he's got the skills and confidence on a supreme level. So if you are from the Austin area or not, and you want a tattoo, you've got nothing to lose and so much to gain by paying him a visit. (see the Tibetan skull in my pics.) http://www.hubtattoo.com/ www.myspace.com/hubtattoo read more

This tattoo parlor actually lives up to it's reviews. I can see why it dominates all of the polls. I went a few days ago around 8pm, i was the only person there, which made me a little worried but then i looked in all of the artist's books and saw i had nothing to be worried about. Ty Pallotta is the name of the artist who did my tattoo. He is very talented and not an asshole. Two of my favorite things. He can hold a conversation and still stay focused on what he is doing. I was blown away by his work and feel lucky to have walked in when he was working. Very clean establishment, good location, very reasonable prices, I will be going back to Southside for my next tattoo, and i recommend you go too. read more

I was looking for a place to get inked when I came to Austin, but I didn't know what I wanted. I walked in to Southside, found a flash I liked, and they called me back about an hour and a half later to get it done. Jeffrey is amazing! I had a great time talking to him and the other guys in the shop. My tattoo is amazing -- I definitely would recommend! read more

I was tattooed by Jack. How do I know this? Because his business card says so. Oh, and by the nearly perfect copy of the Simba petroglyph from The Lion King permanently etched on my leg. And by the amount of time I spent in the shop talking to him while he worked on said tattoo. After reading the Yelp reviews and itching for a new tattoo for a while, I decided to head to Southside Tattoo for my latest addition, granted it's been almost six years since my last one. It was a Monday evening and there were a couple people ahead of me. I showed Jack what I wanted and he asked if I could leave my number and he'd call me in an hour or so. Having not been to SoCo in a while, I wandered around while I waited for the call. It took more than an hour, but, really, would you want to be the person getting tattooed in a hurry? I didn't think so... I waited patiently, having a cocktail at Perla's across the street. Once he called, I headed directly back to the shop, almost playing Frogger on the busy street that is South Congress. When I re-arrived, Jack had already gotten the stencil ready and was waiting to size it on my leg, asking about positioning and size and things. The stencil was a tad large, so he quickly shrunk (shrank?) it down as I was getting comfy on the table. Sure, it hurt. It is a tattoo after all, but the conversation with Jack and all of the interesting things on the wall of the shop distracted me from it for the most part. Also, there was a lack of music, due to lack of iPod chargers... so Jack took my iPhone and put it on for atmosphere, after the warnings of the presence of Justin Timberlake. It ended up playing a pretty good mix, if I do say so myself. Anyway, it took maybe an hour and a half and I have a beautifully shaded Simba on my leg now... I'm actually a little surprised that people that've seen it ask what it is or where its from, more often than not. The price was very reasonable, especially for the quality of the work. I'll certainly consider coming back here, and to Jack, for my next one! I'm proud of my Simba tattoo, I've even bought a skirt and a couple pairs of shorts to show it off! read more

I have one word for you and thats NOSKA! He is the shit. I truly believe that he is one of the best artists in town and he's also an amazing person. He'll keep you laughing so hard with his offbeat sense of humor, you'll forget you're even getting tattooed. I have a lot of tattoos and not all of them are from Noska, but I love the ones he has done for me so much. He did the longest session I have ever sat through and it involved a lot of black ink on the inside of my arm and he made it a delightful experience. He also did an amazing job on a knarly cover-up. Nobody can even tell! NOSKA ROCKS!!!! GO SEE HIM!!! read more

This is the only place I've ever gotten ink (I have 2 tattoos from here), so I don't have a lot to compare it to. The quality of the work is good, but the second time I came here I felt rushed. It's not really fair to pressure someone into picking in a hurry when they are the one with this on their body FOREVER and the artist might be inconvenienced for like, 15 minutes. The quality is great and every artist is different, but I warn people who are new to getting inked to take their time and not let outside pressure rush you to make your decision. read more

I love Noska! He has done all of my husband's work. He has an amazing eye for detail and doesn't get bent out of shape when the customer is extremely detail oriented and changes the design an upsurd amount of times....he realizes it's a permanent piece of art and wants you to be pleased with it for a long time. I've personally had work done by Noska and love what he created for me. I gave him an example of what I was looking to do and the next time I met with him, he turned that example into something beautiful! I have another appointment with him tonight for a completely new piece, and I couldn't be more excited about it. read more

My first tattoo was almost 10 years ago here, and it's still in great shape. It's a little stretched out, which I am certain has to do with weight flucuations and not the artistry. I've had many tattoos with Jack since then, and they all still look great. The ink is still black or whatever color it originally was (some of mine are black and some are color--none are faded green). I live in Maryland now but will continue to have my tattoos done by Jack. read more

I too wish I was writing this review based on some kick ass art work or tattoo that I had done. Instead I'm writing it on the poor customer service we received. My friends and I were in town for her 30th birthday and had just finished dinner nearby. My friend wanted a small Texas shaped tattoo with a small heart where Houston is located. Fairly simple, and fairly easy. I wanted the same. We walked in Southside around 940p.m. on a Saturday night, and explained to a blonde woman exactly what we wanted and inquired on the price. She said it would be $60 each. Great , we both said, let's do it. The woman then went on to explain that they closed at TEN p.m. ON SATURDAY NIGHT and that there was no way they could do it. I honestly thought I was being punked. I have never ever in a million years heard of any tattoo place closing at 10. In fact most that I have been to are just opening and get the majority of their business at night. She didn't even attempt to help, or seemed like she cared either way. I was extremely surprised. Never would I return here during the day or otherwise. read more

I wish I were at least writing this review about the quality of the tattoos done here (which I believe to be very high!), but my friend and I never got that far. We were greeted in the shop as walk-ins by Eric, who we ran our ideas by. We both wanted very simple wrist tattoos in black and had pictures saved with pretty much the exact designs we had decided on. Eric decided to lecture us on how we were showing him pictures of unoriginal work, how we needed to consult with an artist to create a new design, and how we needed to "go big or go home." I decided to run another idea by him (just for kicks), which he then proceeded to shoot down entirely. I believe art does not have to be complex to be beautiful or "worthy." My very specific design is definitely not original, but it is something I had my heart set on. I'm not sure what the motivation for Eric's reaction to our designs was. Maybe Southside doesn't like to do work for shop minimum, or maybe he believed we just weren't worth his time. Either way, we left feeling confused and degraded and did not return. We went straight over to Ancient Ink after some brief research, where they listened to our sob story and agreed to do our tattoos right away. Puppet drew our designs, tweaked them as requested, and completed the work quickly and beautifully. I will not be returning to Southside for any future work, thanks to one rude conversation. read more

Went in for a walk-in tattoo and ended up working with The Wonderful Jeffrey. We walked through what I wanted, knowing it would be tedious. He had a great attitude and didn't even let it phase him. He worked fast and clean we knocked it out in a little over an hour. I am super happy with final result. read more

Southside Tattoo is one of the best shops in town. I have numerous tattoos from numerous shops around the state but Southside does some of the best work I have had done and seen done. I got my first tattoo here a couple of years ago with my girlfriend, it was a very simple Taurus symbol tattoo on the back of my arm and she got her name with scrabble tiles down her ankle. They were both done by Bart who is one of the best in the business and I felt a little awkward having such a mundane piece done by a true artist. He added some shading and additional color to it to really make it pop. My second tattoo was a humorous tattoo of an ear of corn with a $100 dollar bill husk. This is based off of my fantasy football league and if you win you get a corn themed tattoo. Well me and 2 other past champions went in to get our tattoos done and met Noska (sp?) and Jack and they were eerily excited to do these pieces. Noska has an odd corn fetish, and his entire studio is corn-themed. Jack has the state of Indiana tattooed on his arm and has entered the Indiana State Fair Corn Contest (which is part of the reason we are called the Corn League, but that is a story for another day). My 2 friends got their tattoos done by Noska while I got mine done by Jack. All 3 of these came out amazing, the color is so sharp and the lines are great. The look of these tattoos has cemented my love for this studio and I will get more ink done by these guys. They provide excellent service, are super friendly, and reasonably priced for the level of quality you receive. (although I am a firm believer that price should not be a factor in choosing a tattoo or a tattoo parlor, it is permanent after all). If you are looking for a grade A shop for your next tattoo, stop by Southside. read more

If you want an anything type of tat that is not your own idea come here for sure. Not saying the work done is not good because it is. But my ideas were not taken into consideration it was always "what the artist thought would be best". It was ok with the first 2 that I got but mid 3rd session I literally had to leave due to me asking myself "why in tf am I allowing this when none of this what was drawn out was how I wanted my tattoo". I had to make a decision in being unhappy or standing up for myself and saying "eh, I gots to go". I mean I literally thought that when you go to a tattoo shop and say hey I would like to get this like this and the artist does it! Not the artist redesigning and placing their own ideas. Anywho, I am living with what I ultimately decided on agreeing. But this was my experience here. Work is great just a little bummed at it was not my ideas on how I've always wanted these tattoos placed. read more

8 months later and I am back at Southside to see Michael Norris for half of a sleeve. Once again, nothing compares to his beautiful work. I love this guy! I cant wait to see him again. FYI, I drive 9 hours just to get my work done with him. Once you've had the best, you just can't settle for less. Thanks Michael read more

We were very excited to get my boyfriend's tattoo at this shop since we were referred by my cousin who spoke so highly of them. We get there around 3 and they told us that they would be able to do it, but there were people ahead of us, so they said they would call us or we could come back and see the progress. No big deal. We walk around Congress and got back around 6. Royce tells us that they just finished a customer that was right before us and that we'd be next, but they had a 7 pm appointment. It was 6 pm, so we assumed by the way he communicated that we would be next before his 7 pm appt. No dice. They ate while we waited there dumbfoundedly until about 7. The girl tells us that she didn't realize that they had appointments, but that it would only take an hour for them to do the tattoos. We patiently said okay and went ahead and grabbed dinner. Got back around 8 and decided to just wait for them to finish. While waiting, many people came in and they were all told that they weren't taking any more appointments or walk ins. However, they didn't say a single thing to us while we were there waiting. FINALLY, it's 9 pm, and my boyfriend and I called it quits. We tell them we aren't going to go through with it. No apologies, no communication, nothing. If they had just said that they were too busy to take us, we would have been fine with that, but the fact that they made us wait and didn't say a SINGLE word to us is what really upset us after we waited 6 hours for them!! So glad we didn't get his tattoo there with service like that. I'm very disappointed because again, we were referred there and they treated us like that! Afterwards, I contacted a friend and she recommended True Blue and we are SOOOO happy we went there instead!!! read more

My cousin came in town for spring break (happened to be SXSW also) and I, as the badass and irresponsible cousin, decided it should be a week of firsts. As we had lunch on 6th, Becca mentioned that she had been wanting to get a tattoo, but she's pretty indecisive and "wishy-washy" with pain. I told her they are permanent etc...giving the responsible schpeel so her mom couldn't say I forced her into it. Becca wanted a Chai (hebrew letter) and our first attempt at True Blue didn't work out because we didn't have an hour to wait, so we though we'd show up the next day. The next night, after eating on S. Congress, we were waiting in line at Amy's and I thought I'd just check out Southside to see if it was clean enough etc. Everybody was really friendly, but when I noticed the Best Of Citysearch plaque on the wall, I knew we'd be fine getting her ink there. So after fixing the internet and printing out the right chai image, Royce traced it and shrunk it down to the right size for her wrist. Becca was nervous about the pain, and I was nervous she'd regret it 15 minutes later. Royce finished the outline and Becca turned green. He then spent the next 15 minutes fanning her with a sheet of paper and explained to her that it wouldn't hurt if she took the time to relax a bit. He was right. Once she calmed down from the shock, he finished it up. Having other clients in the studio telling jokes helped her out too. Royce definitely went above and beyond for her, and now she has a badass tattoo to prove it. I don't plan on getting at tattoo while my parents are alive, so it will be a while. But if Royce is still in the business, I definitely want one of his tattoos. read more

My wife just got a piece done by Nofska during Feb. She went in (for her first tat!) and she came out with an amazing Brazilian Star. Needless to say I'll be having Nofska do mine as well. He was very professional, very nice, and very comforting for Katy. Like I said, it was her first one and he did an amazing job. I went in originally because I wanted a sleeve piece done by Micheal Harris. He is also an amazing artist, who also works with Chris Gunn, another AMAZING artist. What I'm getting at, you need to go get your ink done at SOUTHSIDE TATTOO read more

I got Eric and he just seems very set in his ways...kind of lazy actually...I don't think a tattoo artist should boast about being a custom tattooer when at the end of the day it is a business and if that is the case then go paint on a wall. When a customer ask for something they should get what they ask for not what the tattoo artist thinks..so if you want what you want don't go to Eric cause he will give you what he wants. Also, he overworked my skin so bad. A year later and I still have bumps all over my back and major scar tissue...what a way to destroy a tattoo. My husbands too. it bleed out for so long and his skin is so overworked. Finally broke-down and went to see a dermatologist about my skin breaking out in scabs. Well the verdict is that yes in fact Eric had overworked my skin so much that I need a special cream to try and heal it. Wow what a jerk off read more

Great shop with incredibly talented artists! Friendly atmosphere and great music. My husband and I did a walk-in appointment. Everyone was knowledgeable and helped us create a tattoo we love! Bart and Jeff took care of us and we are now loyal customers. read more

Jett just finished up a little kitty outline on my inner arm and it was quick and easy. I'm sure cat outlines aren't high up on their list of fun/desired tattoos but I love the way it turned out and Jett was great (and didn't make me feel stupid for it, ha). My friend got a shark and it was equally as quick! We were walk-ins and definitely appreciate that they fit us in. Thanks guys!! read more

I recently got a tattoo here by Chris Gunn and I love it! He actually fixed a previous tattoo I had and the difference is truly amazing! It's very clean and colorful, I have had several compliments on it already. The shop is clean and the employees are personable. If your in need of a new tattoo or need to fix an old one, this is the place to go-the wait is worth it. Chris is a perfectionist and will work with his clients until they 100% satisfied-not to mention he's very professional. I will definitely go back for my next tattoo! They also have a great product line : Black Cat thats all natural! read more

We had heard great things about this place. My husband & I went in to get tattoos to celebrate our anniversary. We were met with a lukewarm reception & a can't do attitude when we showed them our predesigned artwork that was followed by a suggestion to look at a book to find something else. We stuck to our plan & wanted the art we brought in with us. We were told to give our names & number & they would call us on a couple of hours to come back in for our tattoo. We suggested that we make an appointment, but we were told we would receive a call in a few hours for us to come back that same day or definitely to let us know to come in the next morning. We never got a call. So, we went to True Blue Tattoo the next day & the experience was like night & day. Jose was awesome & we are so glad we went there instead. Southside has a less than desirable attitude & isn't even as nice & clean looking as True Blue. No comparison in my mind. read more

Southside is the best! I was in town for a short business trip, and was fortunate enough to see the evening flight of the local bat colony. SO amazing and breathtaking, I immediately knew I had to do something special to commemorate the experience. I asked around, and by everyone's recommendation, Southside Tattoo was recommended hands-down. I walked in to see if I could get a tattoo without an appointment. Although they tried to accommodate me, it was late in the day and they were not up to their best. Because I was so excited and enthusiastic, Bart agreed to meet me the next afternoon. Bart mentioned right away that black work was his favorite, and he did an AMAZING job. I came in with an idea in mind. He took my idea and expanded upon it, to create an amazing cloud of bats flying up my shoulder and into my hair. My husband was so jealous when I got home. The tat turned out perfect - no fading, no cracks where my neck bends, no touch up needed! No only were they friendly, helpful, and extremely welcoming, the prices were VERY reasonable and the shop was immaculate. Bart was SO nice and friendly, and the fact that he came in on his day off to make my trip complete was the pinnacle of great customer service. I am planning another trip to Austin just to visit this shop again! read more

I love the staff here. I automatically felt welcomed when I came in for my appt. These guys are full of energy, definitely gave good vibes. I saw Noska and he gave me exactly what I wanted. He's a very personable fellow with just my sort of humor. I was looking for someone who was understanding, had a great eye for detail, and I could see myself getting several pieces from.. found em! I will definitely be back to these guys... They're hilarious. Kept me laughing at their ridiculous jokes and funny dance moves around the shop... The only con I can think of for this place is that the parking situation is a little lame but, it's not a bad walk where ever you find a space. Hell, even taking a bus here or biking wouldn't be bad.. if you're driving though, expect to not find something close. Did they do a great job?? Just what you wanted to have inked on ya? TIP YOUR ARTIST, and tip them well! (; read more

As my wife and I first experience with getting a tattoo, we have yet to find a shop that displays good customer service. Maybe it's the nature of the business that employees feel like they are doing you a favor when you walk in the door. This shop has that same sorta 'ya, what do you want?' attitude as a couple other shops have that I looked into first. I give them 4-stars for the quality of the work, which was fine, but if not for that, I'd have given them a 3. There are just too many other studios to look into that I feel might treat me like a customer, and not just taking up time away from their smoke-break. Tattoo culture be damned; is it too much to ask for the ego of the artist to take a seat for a moment and make me feel comfortable? We are now looking for larger, more custom work, and unfortunately don't feel that Southside Tattoo really wants our business. So we will keep looking. read more

I was looking for somewhere to get my first tattoo done and I found this place through Yelp and some recommendations from friends. I walked in knowing I wanted some Minoan sparrows tattooed, probably on my back, but not being 100% sure on the details. I ended up talking with Eric, he was very patient and understood what I wanted to do and gave me plenty of helpful advice. Came in a couple of weeks later for my appointment, made a few last minute adjustments, and now I have a beautiful piece of artwork I am proud of. Thank you Eric! read more

Southside Tattoo - My first ever tattoo, done by Eric. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Southside's been my go to tattoo shop is austin for years, I've had 3 done there and just started work on a half sleeve. The place is awesome, from the amazing tattoos I've gotten and seen done there, to the artists that work there. Royce has been my tattoo artist every time, but at this point I feel like I know most of the people there, it definitely makes sitting for a 2-3 hour session fly by when you're talking and laughing with Royce and Noska and the rest of them! So all in all an amazing shop, amazing artists, especially, at least in my opinion, Royce, and amazing memories to be made. read more

Southside Tattoo - Gettin that half sleeve started - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had made my decision on what I wanted before I even walked through the doors of Southside Tattoo Shop, and then I met Eric. I remember being so set on what I wanted and then he explained to me that he saw something so much different. It's honestly like he saw right through me , seeing something wild, unconfined, and not trapped like the little plant in the pot that I wanted tattooed on my arm. We designed our piece together, A traditional Japanese style of water running over grass and rocks. Every time I look at my tattoo it brings me back to the magical place where I saw a waterfall for the first time in front of my eyes. It made my heart sink as tears filled my eyes and I felt at home. He brings me home every time I look at my tattoo it's a part of me that he helped create. I've gone on amazing adventures since and I have received amazing compliments from his work, I always recommend him. I actually got this tattoo during SXSW and he scheduled it in perfect timing and it was perfect considering all the craziness happening during that time. What I love about Eric is he didn't give me what I wanted, he gave me so much more. Austin Texas Baby read more

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Jett will hook you up! Fit me into his schedule as I was just in town for the day. He's a great artist and super friendly guy. Good taste in music too! read more

We called ahead and the front desk gal worked us in. I personally saw Royce. He was very professional. He made sure I was happy with every step. From placement to colors, I knew I was in good hands. Everything was very clean and everyone was friendly in the office. It's nice to go to a tat shop and not deal with stuck up people. Everyone was warm and inviting. My sister and I are planning a larger memorial piece and we will definitely be coming back. Super accommodating and great atx vibe LOVED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE!!!! Thank you, Royce!!!!!! read more

Southside Tattoo - Bff tats. Clean line work! - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas