Vanessa created my family tattoo for me, a half skull with a floral headdress, each flower representing a family member, 2.5 years ago. Since that time, we've had additions and, sadly, one family member has passed. When I reached out to her to have the tattoo updated, she got me in immediately, updated the tatto and was warm and welcoming the entire time. Oh! And the tattoo is gorgeous! Is it possible to be in love with a tattoo? If so, I truly am! read more

Tattoo Avenue - The original tattoo done in 2023 (taken with Vanessa's camera) - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Artists Lindsey & Vanessa were very helpful, attentive & easy to talk to about what I wanted & gave great suggestions. Will definitely be going back once I figure out my next Tat read more

My hubby received his first tattoo from Lindsey! She was amazing. She's so comforting and an amazing artist. We were able to trust her with creative control and she produced such a beautiful design. I've gotten one from her in the past and also amazing. She has such great line work, design skills, and great people skills. We highly highly recommend her. And this salon was great. It was bright and a great experience. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!! read more

Tattoo Avenue - Tattoo. Chicago. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been waiting for my tattoo to heal before posting a review as the artist used a seal on it (surgical bandage?) that I've never even heard of before and I was not sure how the healing process will go or what the final outcome would look like (that's just with any tattoo). My first impression of the shop, the artist, and my tattoo have not changed one bit. I'm super happy with the process from start to finish. I originally noticed a tattoo shop opened by my favorite Korean dive bar (dancen, shameless plug here, they're great, try the fire chicken and thank me later). So one day when I was early to my dinner date I walked in to check out the artists and shop. Vanessa's style and work caught my attention instantly and I asked to book an appointment with her. We briefly chatted and she told me she will email me some ideas for what I wanted and we would go from there. The whole process felt so easy and flowed so smoothly- she gave me a few times she was available, sent me the email and we agreed on the time and the design so easily! The shop is super clean and minimalistic with some really cute design pieces. It's very welcoming! Vanessa was ready for my appointment and it went smoothly and as pain free as a tattoo can be. She checked on me to see if I needed a break and was so easy to talk to. At the end of the appointment she put a clear bandage on it and told me to leave it on for a few days. I've never seen this before but it's quite amazing! Taking it off was a bit painful but my tattoo healed beautifully and it kept it clean and sanitary throughout the healing process. I think I finally found a tattoo place I'm going to stick with! read more

In love with this place!! Jonathan was amazing and friendly, love how mine turn out! Very cute! Will definitely come back for him in near future. read more

Tattoo Avenue - My astronaut - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been itching for a new tattoo for weeks and I'm glad to have come to Tattoo Avenue. The location is public transportation friendly -- about a 10 minute bus ride from the red line. Called the shop around 12 p.m. to ask if they had any times available for a walk-in. They told me to bring in the idea (pictures, drawing, etc.) I had so that they can work around it. I told them an estimate of the measurement and whether I wanted color or not. Gave them a heads up that I'd be in around 2-3. Got to the shop and was greeted by Nex. Nex was helpful in the process of taking my concept and putting his spin to it which worked out great! We worked out sizing and everything. Tattoo was completed in an hour and a half to two hours or so for a 5 in x 2.5 in. Shop is kid-friendly. Music they play is more rock-heavy, which I enjoyed. Very clean environment, have seating, clean bathroom, and a fresh atmosphere. read more

I move around alot. Out of everywhere I have gone and that is alot THIS is the best tattoo shop I have ever been too all around hands down! And Stephen King IS the best tattoo artist I have ever gotten work done by. Period. The shop is extremely clean. The staff is extremely professional, friendly, and relateable and regardless of what style you want there is someone on the staff that can do it. As someone who has gotten bad tattoos they regret I can say you don't need to worry about that if you go here I can assure you. read more

This review is overdue but I cannot recommend this studio and Vanessa Vargas enough. During my pandemic mid life crisis, the idea of another tattoo invaded my brain until I was obsessed with getting something that wasn't chosen on a whim after a night of drinks, like most of my others. I found Vanessa via Instagram and tattoo Avenue also happened to be close to where I live so I went for it. Super easy to schedule an advance consult and was seen within a couple of days. From my crude cartoony sketch of a bomb, she created something even better than I had envisioned. The quality of work is the best I've ever had, too. Super gentle hand - hurt the least of all my tattoos (for reference, this is my forearm) and it still looks brand new 5 months later. Plus, Vanessa is just a cool person to sit and chat with for a few hours. Super down to earth, funny, and engaging. The time FLEW by. I've referred one friend so far and she is also so so happy with her piece. Don't HESITATE to book here. read more

Tattoo Avenue - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've seen previous work from Stephen and always thought highly of it. Took me a while to finally decide on what I want to get for a first tattoo. I spoke with Stephen and gave him a rough idea of what I was thinking and he came up with a lot of really cool designs. I met with him and a few of the other artists and everyone was very nice and friendly. The shop is very clean and organized and it made me feel comfortable, especially with my tattoo being my first one. Everything turned out amazing and Im extremely happy with how well it turned out. There will be more work to come and I will definitely be a reoccurring guest! read more

Tattoo Avenue - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Made an appointment with Stephen after following him on social media for awhile. I had a piece from another artist that didn't feel complete, and I wanted to add some floral work. Stephen was incredibly patient as we worked through lots of sketches. He came up with the perfect design and execution was beautiful! He is an excellent artist and just all-around lovely person to work with. Can't wait to go back and get more work done! I've recommended him to several friends, who've all been very happy with their results as well. read more

Tattoo Avenue - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was such an awesome experience! I spent weeks emailing with Stephen to finalize my tattoos. He was so nice and responsive. My tattoos turned out AMAZING and I couldn't be happier! The atmosphere is comfortable and professional and I felt like I was in really good hands. Everything was clean and well kept. If I ever get another tattoo, there is no doubt about where I'll be going! Thank you Stephen and thank you to your wife! This is the best birthday present I've ever received. read more

Honestly the best. It was easy to set up a consultation/appointment, the pricing was reasonable, and the shop is super clean with a really laidback/comfortable atmosphere. Stephen is incredibly talented, and was also just fun to chat with. Overall a great experience, and I couldn't be happier with how this piece turned out (pictures are healed!) I have every intention to go back for my next (couple of) tattoo(s) & have recommended Stephen/this shop to anyone who will listen. read more

Tattoo Avenue - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Stephen did an exceptional job on my tattoo! He was very patient with me, attentive to the vision I had, and his work is amazing. Super talented artists, very friendly vibes, and overall awesome experience. I would highly recommend Tattoo Avenue! read more

It was my first time ever getting a tattoo, so didn't really know what to expect. It was sweet though. Stephen is a great guy and really professional. Great artist as well and did an amazing job. Couldn't be happier with where I got my first piece. Definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking to get work done. read more

Went for my appointment with Mariana and she never put me in her book. Very unprofessional and beyond disappointing! I was told to walk around for an hour. Then I was told to come back tomorrow, as if my time is of no value. I'm surprised a business stays open when they treat customers this way. read more

I've gone to Tattoo Avenue for both tattoos and microblading. Amanda and Stephen are not only amazing at what they do, but also run a modern and clean (!!!) place to do it. They both take the time to listen to you to ensure you'll get the results you want and I will never go to anyone else for tattoos or permanent makeup. read more

I went in on the spur of the moment without an appointment to cover up an old ankle tattoo. Everyone was friendly and professional. Vanessa brought my idea to life. I will definitely return for my next tattoo. read more

I got my eyebrows microbladed by Amanda . She did a fabulous job!! Im on the pickier side with my eyebrows but Amanda was super patient with me. The shop was also super welcoming and clean. Definitely give Amanda a call if your looking for great eyebrows!!! Highly recommend!!! read more

Not a good experience at all. One artist cancelled the day before consultation appointment and the other never followed up. Not the way to treat two customers that were going to get multiple ink done. Thumbs down read more

An absolutely amazing experience. The shop was perfectly sanitary, the customer service was warm and friendly, and my experience getting tattooed by Stephen King was very personalized and professional. He truly took the time to cater to my wants and needs, and has an amazing artistic style. The tattoo artists really seem to be a family, letting the shop's atmosphere be very welcoming and caring. I can't wait to get another tattoo here! read more

I cannot recommend this place enough! I've gotten work done by Stephen and Jonny, and they are both exceptional artists. There's such a great friendly vibe, very clean, and they are so great with communicating with their clients. You can tell that all the artists there love what they do, and it shows in their work. Anyone who asks me where to go to get a tattoo, I tell them to come here without hesitation. I can't wait to go back! read more