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    The Reef Tattoo

    4.2 (40 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo, Piercing
    Closed Closed

    Services - The Reef Tattoo

    Tattooing

    The Reef Tattoo Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - The Reef Tattoo

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    Tattoo by Erica. I think it looks like a piece of art

    My birthday tattoo. 58 and feeling great! My artist Erica is extremely talented, and everyone in the shop is friendly and engaging. I'm definitely going back.

    Tom Petty Wildflowers

    I've been getting some spur of the moment tattoos lately and Kenny has been great! Great work, fast, makes sure I'm comfortable! Super happy with his work, highly recommend! Thanks for the new ink

    Alzetta H.

    Took my daughter for a navel ring. Service was professional, efficient and expeditious. Location was very clean and I was very pleased with the piercer and her ability. I would before someone l definitely recommend.

    Dabi
    Connor M.

    Rodrigoxrios is the man.. he does great line work and amazing color and detail to go with it. Currently doing some anime style work and am just amazed with the outcome everytime. love the entire atmosphere in this shop the whole time is nothing but good conversations. Also if you wanna zone out and just listen to your music on your head phones. while getting a tattoo

    Tattoo
    Patti M.

    This will be my second review. After getting a memorial tattoo by Emma two years ago, I have since been back for several more tattoos. The shop is super clean, and every time I've been there, I've had an enjoyable experience bantering with Emma, Matt, and the other people that work there. I recommend the reef to anyone looking for a tattoo parlor, and while I have never had a tattoo done by Matt, I have seen some of his work and it's spectacular. Emma has done now at least four tattoos for me in two years, and I love her work, I love her dedication, and pretty much I give her free reign with what ideas I have. I have never been disappointed.

    Atina M.

    So where do I start... I was so happy with my two nostril piercings and my septum done all at one time on 4/20/21. The piercer had a hard time grasping the septum to screw on the ball. It seemed like forever lol. But I soldiered through it. I had to have surgery so I came in on 5/4/21for retainers in all 3 holes. No metal allowed during surgery so I was told. Well, I woke up the next day for surgery 5/5 and the right nostril retainer was gone. My surgery was waaaaay before they opened. So directly after surgery I went back to them and had them put the original metal back in. I was pierced with twist screws in my nostrils but then they switch to "L" screws instead. Then a couple days later I woke up and the ball on the septum was missing. So now I have to go back up there and allow someone to "torture" me as I'd been healing for some days now and the septum didn't hurt anymore. Not until the ball had to be screwed on again. This time I asked for extras in case it happens again so I dont have to come all the way back. She gave me some. I can't tell you how many times the right nostril fell out while I was asleep. So much I was afraid of scaring/irritation I just went to back to them and guess what? I after waiting for over an hour. I asked was there an issue? I was told they only had one piercer (male) and the other one (she) was on her way. She was the one who pierced me initially so I was pissed they would have me sit there that long to replace the "L" jewelry. I ended up walking out the door and found a nearby tattoo/piercings shop and they put labrets in my nostrils. And I dropped a couple hundred on a nice septum ring and I don't have to worry about a ball falling out there isn't one lol. Cost of piercings at The Reef $170 and I tipped her $20.

    Katherine R.

    Emma did a beautiful job on my tattoo. I made a last minute change and she was totally cool with it. I am so happy with how it came out. Trevor did a great job with my piercing. I barely felt it. The place was very clean, they had some great music on and everyone was very chill and laid back! I will definitely be back!

    Sarah B.

    Highly recommend this shop! It is very clean, and the tattoo artists are super friendly! I went to Emma for a small finger tattoo. She was recommended to me by a friend and I ended up connecting with Emma over social media. She took time to respond to me and address my questions as well as reassure me with my concerns. Emma was very up front about what comes with getting a finger tattoo and made sure I was educated on what to expect. She fit me in the next day and was very prepared when I came in, already having the design drawn out from an example picture I sent her. My favorite part about the experience was how she really took her time. I am not the easiest person to tattoo, I am a bit squirmy and I am known to pass out but she handled me like a champ. If I ever want to get another tattoo, Emma will be the first person I reach out to!

    Tattoo work done by Marc on 08/14/21.
    Steve K.

    My daughter and I came to get some tattoo work done by Marc. I have followed his tattoo workmanship for years and finally made the voyage from Iowa to Illinois to see what he could do. The shop itself was very well organized and had a modern touch to it with great graffiti artwork on all the walls. You can tell this is a creative hub where what they do is done with great pride. This shop was easy to find and well located. As far as the tattoo work... my daughter got a simple two word ink job which took like 10 minutes. My tattoo work was more intricate and I still feel Marc took his time to do it insanely right, yet it felt like it took under an hour. Marc took the time to show me how he is able to do his tattoo design work so that each customer's artwork is done with great precision and detail. Overall, I keep looking at my tattoo and beyond proud of the job Marc did and have already scheduled him for my next tattoo job in September.

    Emily P.

    I had my first tattoo done here and it was in a pretty sensitive area but was not bad. Everyone was talking and it was a really nice distraction. The guys are so cool and I could not have asked for a better first experience. A decent price for a permanent piece of art work on your body. 100% recommend this shop for any tattoo.

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    4 months ago

    I got my ear pierced and I'm back today for a tattoo ! Fantaboulous employee, super clean, Super Fun Experience !

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    Matt M.

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    4 years ago

    Clean, friendly, and professional. Very informative and helpful. I came in to get my nose pierced and will be back for a tattoo.

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    5 years ago

    10/10 amazing get all ur ink done here they do everything make an appointment and get ur next snazzy dazzy dope new tattoo.

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    Matt M.

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    Ask the Community - The Reef Tattoo

    Is it by appointment only for piercings? Or are walk-ins accepted

    I believe they allow both

    What is the shops minimum for a tattoo?

    I believe shop minimum is 85

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Reef Tattoo

    Matt was our artist and he offered his honest opinion about our ideas and helped with placement.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    7 Day Gallery Tattoo

    7 Day Gallery Tattoo

    5.0
    (19 reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $$$

    Steven Stanczyk, aka SKUBA, is the MAN!! I've been tattooed…read moreat different shops, in different countries, and Stanczyk is the best I have ever had put ink to my skin. I saw two different guys who had been inked by him, and the quality of work was on such an incredibly high level, I literally questioned if their tattoo's were real. Between having the steadiest hands, artistic eye, all his years of experience, there is no place else I will ever go again. He won't rush you or the job, ink you for your money, slap random garbage on your body, or give you anything less than his honest opinion. He is the definition of a true artist and master of his trade. Thankfully I still have room on my body for him to ink. I would challenge any tattoo artist to come close to his level. He exceeded my expectations above and beyond in every way. If you want the best, give 7 Day Tattoo & Art Gallery a call, stop by their shop, or send them an email. 1-708-897-9855 7daygallerytattoo@gmail.com 6000 W. 159th Street Oak Forest, IL 60452 https://7daygallerytattoo.com/ If you look at my photo, know that all I gave Stanczyk (SKUBA) was a simple black and white outline drawing of what I wanted and he turned it into a tattoo that I will be proud of for the rest of my life. His freehand shading, perfect and crisp lines, just simply an amazing job. If you live in a different state, come to 7 Day Tattoo & Art Gallery for your work if you want the absolute best on your body. You only get one life to live, make it count and get the best ink you can.

    Love everything about this place. Always good vibes people are chill and someone working there has…read morea sick ass motorcycle

    Photos
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    Skynn Piercing

    Skynn Piercing

    4.7
    (15 reviews)
    34.5 mi
    Certified professionals
    Women-owned & operated

    I rarely write reviews but I had to after getting pierced here yesterday. I absolutely loveddd my…read moreexperience. The studio itself is so cute, super clean & has such a warm feminine welcoming vibe. Everyone was beyond sweet and made me feel really comfortable. Salem did my back dermals & they ended up being more difficult than expected (superrr painful) but she was extremely patient & handled everything with so much care & compassion. I've been having a rough few months mentally & I got these to cheer myself up so it meant a lot :) You can tell they truly care about their clients and creating a safe environment. I would definitely recommend to anyone. I wish they allowed videos bc Id love to promote!!! people need to know about this gem of a place

    W ent two months ago to get a jewelry change done. Pretty sure they put the wrong size in since it…read morestill hurts. Messaged them about coming in and was told to come in. Let them know I'd be coming after work (literally told them I get off at 7:15 in Elgin) she said sounds good. Yesterday I get there at 7:45 and they were gone! No one was there. Called and sent them a fb message. Not once did anyone mention they stop taking walk in at 7:30pm. I drove 25 min each way. Gas is around $5 a gallon. Their response was even crazier. Blaming being short staffed on Sunday but that was irrelevant. Then also told me I have to pay for new jewelry even if it is their fault on sizing. I wanted to love them so bad. The shop is so cute and the girls are sweet. But the lack of communication is ridiculous. Especially since I messaged them before 7:30pm yesterday to say I'm coming!

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    Wasted Youth Tattoo & PMA Piercing

    Wasted Youth Tattoo & PMA Piercing

    4.3
    (82 reviews)
    17.5 mi
    $$

    I went to PMA for a double daith piercing. I was nervous when I walked in but something about the…read moreplace set me at ease. Gregory Charles was extremely professional, articulate, thorough, friendly, and honest. He expressed concern that my ears were shaped in a way that could change the way the piercing fit. I got them specifically as a hail Mary trying to help my migraines so how they looked was not my primary concern. He was very clear that there is no evidence that daith piercings help migraines. Greg was patient, spent a lot of time going back and forth with me deciding if I should get the piercing, and then choosing the right jewelry. Getting pierced was not nearly as scary or painful as people make it seem. Yes, the daith is uncomfortable to get pierced, and pain is different for everyone, but it was like a 5/10 for me maybe, and I'm not *that* tough. They are SO serious about being clean and sanitary that when I was leaving I dropped my hair clip on the floor. They picked it up for me and *sanitized it before giving it back*. I was done and leaving and it was just a hair clip. But that's how much they care. All these reviews about how clean and sanitary they are are not just hype. This place really lived up the the reviews. The jewelry was WAY MORE expensive than I expected. But, for the quality of experience I paid the higher prices. I felt kind of stuck to spend more money since you have to leave a daith in for a year so you want to like the ring you choose. But, no regrets. :) Parking is easy. Staff is friendly. The waiting room is comfy. The entire experience was great. I'm going back and bringing my boyfriend to get pierced too. Fan for life. :)

    Gregory Charles is the one to go to for piercings. Not only is he a super nice guy, he was…read moreincredibly knowledgeable in his area of expertise...piercings...and extremely thorough in his explanation of after care. This was not my first piercing but I can easily say it was the best!!! Go see Gregory for your piercing wants and needs!

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    Wasted Youth Tattoo & PMA Piercing
    Piercing
    Piercing
    Wasted Youth Tattoo & PMA Piercing

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    Chicago HTS Tattoo & Piercing

    Chicago HTS Tattoo & Piercing

    3.6
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    8.1 mi
    $

    I love mine and am coming back for my cleavage piercings next week! Bea, you are beyond words…read moreAMAZING! My first piercing experience was better than I could have imagined. It had to be for me to get 3 in the same day.

    Do your research before patronizing this establishment. I came to Chicago Heights Tattoo & Piercing…read morefor nipple and belly button piercings after it was recommended to by a friend. Not sure if this friend has ever been serviced here or if her recommendation was solely based on her living/working nearby, but I regret ever coming here. Firstly my piercer Noemi was extremely rude, supposedly they have signage posted stating that people other than the piercee are not allowed into the piercing area without the piercer's permission (probably so that there are no witnesses to her botched piercings). Despite receiving nipple piercings I was provided no privacy (a male employee and another employee's children wandered into my piercing area during my appointment, I was also pierced in direct view of the establishment's security cameras). When I texted Noemi regarding an issue with my piercing a week later, I was told to fix it myself or to come in at a fee. I had done some research on nipple piercings prior to coming in and how the initial barbell is typically longer to accommodate swelling. My barbell was extremely short and the balls on the ends eventually began putting pressure on my nipples creating migration of my piercing and difficulty cleaning and eroding of the skin around my nipples. Considering the previous experience I had with this establishment, I sought out a professional second opinion at a shop with experienced piercers in Wicker Park only to find out that not only were my barbells too short and balls too small (should be long enough to see 1 mm of the barbell on either side of the nipple to accommodate swelling in the initial healing phase especially, which an experienced piercer would/should know) but that Noemi had also pierced into my areola on both breasts which could delay my healing process and would require custom barbells whenever changing my jewelry. Because of the risk for adverse healing due to this botched piercing, I agreed with this more experienced piercer that the best course of action was removing the piercings and repiercing once the wounds heal. So now $80 down the drain and wounds on both breasts that will hopefully heal without incident. TAKE YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE.

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    Tongue piercing. Barely felt a thing!
    Tongue piercing. Barely felt a thing!
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    Luxe Piercing Boutique

    Luxe Piercing Boutique

    4.6
    (76 reviews)
    24.1 mi
    Certified professionals
    Offers customized solutions

    I'm splitting this review into two experiences because they were honestly very different…read more 2021 | Nostril Piercing (5 stars) I had my nostril pierced by Jeff in 2021, and it was genuinely a great experience. I first came in for a consultation and then returned about a month later for the actual piercing. Jeff walked me through the process, explained everything, and made me feel comfortable. We chatted the entire time, which says a lot because I'm not naturally a super chatty person. The piercing healed beautifully, and I kept the original jewelry in for almost five years. May 2026 | Jewelry Change / Replacement (2 stars) Fast forward to May 2026, I bumped my nose at work and my jewelry fell out. I had already been wanting to switch out my jewelry, so I figured this was the universe giving me a reason. I booked a same-day appointment online, which was super convenient. This visit, however, felt like a completely different experience. The front desk staff member greeted me, but the interaction felt disengaged and not particularly welcoming from the start. I was explaining what happened and mentioning that I'd had my original jewelry in since 2021. While she kindly offered to place my old jewelry in a baggie, which I appreciated, the overall interaction felt very transactional rather than consultative. I specifically asked for recommendations for everyday, long-term wear jewelry because I don't plan on changing it often. I also asked about rose gold for everyday wear, hoping for a little guidance from someone who works with jewelry every day. The response I got was basically, "Why not?" It came across dismissive rather than helpful. The jewelry explanation itself felt confusing, and the interaction overall felt very blah. I'm warm and jokey by nature, so maybe I notice energy more than most, but boutique experiences, especially piercing studios, should feel a little more welcoming and consultative. I wasn't expecting over-the-top bubbly, but I was expecting someone who seemed interested in helping me choose jewelry I'd likely be wearing for years. I almost walked out, honestly. I stayed because Jeff ended up installing the new jewelry. But overall, the visit didn't feel great, and I left disappointed considering how positive my original experience had been. I still tipped, force of habit , but I walked away feeling like the service didn't match the experience I remembered from Luxe. Customer experience matters, especially in a boutique setting where people are trusting you with body jewelry and looking for guidance.

    I'm honestly disappointed to be writing this because I've had positive experiences here in the past…read moreand truly like the business owner. However, from the initial phone call to walking into my recent appointment, the energy felt completely different. There seem to be new staff members, and unfortunately the experience was not welcoming at all. I'm not sure of the associate's name (it wasn't Alex), but she was noticeably rude throughout my visit. Instead of feeling guided or taken care of, I felt like I was inconveniencing her. There was tension around simple things -- like me wanting to look at the jewelry options or asking about pricing before deciding on a chain. As a customer, that's part of the process. It should feel enjoyable and peaceful, not rushed or begrudging. I value good service and intentional experiences, especially when I'm spending my hard-earned money. This visit felt uncomfortable from start to finish, and I honestly couldn't wait for the appointment to be over. I'm sharing this in hopes that the atmosphere and customer care return to what it once was. Until then, I'll likely hold off on returning.

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    The Reef Tattoo - tattoo - Updated August 2026

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