I got a few small tattoos from Ray. He was nice enough, but he didn't disinfect my skin before starting, which I've never experienced before (and I have lots of tattoos), so they didn't heal super well. The one on my arm didn't come out nicely at all (the lines are wobbly and the shading looks amateurish), and considering the final quality I feel like I was way overcharged. I reached out to him to see if I could schedule a touch up, which he'd offered to do during my appointment, and he never responded--so now I'm paying another artist to basically fix this tattoo. Also, when I went in, he and another male tattoo artist were shooting the shit in a way that made me sort of uncomfortable as the only woman in the room (and they didn't stop at any point, considering how it might make a customer feel). Overall, just weird and unprofessional vibes from this place and I wouldn't recommend them. read more

Have your design ready before you come thru!!! Lots of artwork in the design books located atop the surfboard/table, but it can be confusing & time consuming (as you peruse the designs). One of few places in the area that takes walk-in clients. Seem strange to me, consider the overwhelming number of tattoo parlors & number of tatted up folks, but hey that's the law of the land. At any rate, I journeyed in to get a tattoo & was appointed to Abe to get me inked up. He did a good job & I must admit although there's a needle carving in my skin, he was gentle enough & allowed me time to make the adjustments for the pain. I was very tense, but his gentle hands helped me to relax during the process; he had a borderline sensuous touch that, ehhhhhhh ok I'll keep it clean, that made relaxing much easier. Seems like they charge more by the hour & not necessary the size of the tattoo, as is in some other places; go figure, tomato, tomato. After the art work was completed, there was a minor adjustment to be made, but that was done a week later to allow for scarring etc. But once that issue was corrected, all was good in the hood. read more

I had a couple tats done here & they are really professional with interesting staff to idle your time with should you not have foresight enuf to make an apt. Joe is their piercer and is great, redid my belly one i let close from yrs back.. Val Slone rocks, very talented~ give her a try! Her work is available along with the others on display FB & in shop.. Johnnymac is my current inker, luv this guy! read more

Go here and avoid regret! This is a tattoo town. The waiters have them, the bank tellers have them, the COPS have them. Stuff that would make you unemployable in the midwest is acceptable here in a professional setting, and it's one thing I LOVE about this town. But it is still surprising how many tattoo shops there are. It feels like there is one every mile or so. How do they all stay in business? Most of them don't. Only a handful of them stick around more than a few years, shady storefronts slapped up in strip-malls and abandoned buildings. Fewer are any good, and even fewer are friendly, clean, awesomely decorated, fair priced and painless (relatively: I've been to diggers of both kinds previously). Tinta Cantina is all of those. I've never seen a bad piece of work come out of here, and I have seen quite a few MIND BLOWING pieces. Consistently, the entire staff and guest artists are producing the kind of stuff you can't take your eyes off of. These are tattoos that you make you jealous and a little bitter that you didn't get it first. Cool conceptions, impeccable executions. Typically, people go to someone they know for a tattoo, and that's cool- it's intimate, they don't want to get ripped off... Most will already know where they are going if they want something done. But if you are new to town, new to tattoos, "your usual guy" split, or are otherwise trying to decide where to go, you cannot go wrong here. I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

Since moving to Albuquerque, I have been endlessly amazed by the vast number of tattoo shops that exist here. How in the world would one even make a choice about where to go? Luckily, Tinta was recommended to me by people who've lived here much longer than myself. I've had work done by Abe Krasko, Ben Haynes, and (visiting artist) Tina Ferris. On all occasions, the work has been outstanding. Everyone at Tinta is friendly, helpful and almost familial in their treatment of customers. The shop is super clean (which is of huge importance to me), and decorated with lots of really cool local art that lends a very charming and comfortable air to the environment, rather than seeming too clinical. Prices are fair, and everyone seems really eager to engage in the creative process from start to finish. Bottom line: I love Tinta Cantina. There may be a sea of tattoo shops in town to choose from, but frankly I see no need for any but this one. read more

I recently went to Tinta Cantina based on the reviews I've read here on Yelp. I had previously been to 2 other shops in town, one of which was to repair the work performed by another. This time I wanted a place that seemed up to the job and with a good rep. Tinta Cantina was the place. I had a decent sized piece done by Abe Krasko. It is awesome! I would probably give this place (and Abe) 5 stars except that mine is the only work I've seen from the shop and I don't know that that's enough for a 5-star rating. Anyway, Abe has the chops. He took a picture I had taken and hand drew it into my eventual tattoo. It is perfect! It's exactly what I wanted and for a reasonable price. I, like many others, wonder how so many shops survive in this town. For me, I will go back to Tinta Cantina, and Abe for sure. read more

BRING CASH BRING CASH BRING CASH!!!!!! They take credit, BUT there's a $5 service fee + sales tax. So... BRING CASH!!!! (Shop minimum is $75) Everyone was friendly; my artist was Jenny, also friendly and willing to work on my simple design with me until I was happy with it. Thanks, Jenny! read more

They made the whole tattoo experience smooth and exciting. Jennifer was amazing and not only created my tattoo, she text me a pic prior to me coming in to make sure I liked it. The day of the tattoo, she talked to me why I was getting the tattoo and really took into consideration the story behind the tattoo. The atmosphere is laid back and be prepared to see a lot of eclectic decorations and original art. It's laid back and they even have a little dog that walks around to greet you! I love my tattoo and if you are looking an awesome team go het inked ant Tinta Cantina!! read more

Tinta Cantina - Tattoo Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Jonny Mac proved that he is the best in Albuquerque once again with a one of a kind master piece on my chest. It even caught th attention is Steven Tefft when I had him do the other side of my chest. His imagination and ability to bring ink to life is truly unbelievable. Once I had him touch me there is no going back to just any tattoo artist for me- only the best. Welcome to the Death Star! read more

Tinta Cantina - Jonny Mac is the illest! - Tattoo Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Excellent work, they've done all of my tattoos and they've all turned out great. I highly recommend everyone in here. read more

Tinta Cantina - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Love love the service I got here! First time visiting and went because of a recommendation from a friend. I made an appointment just a couple days in advance and brought it a piece I drew myself and Jenny brought my drawing to life! I would definitely recommend and return! read more

Tinta Cantina - Tattoo Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I drove out here from California for one reason and one reason only; JohnnyMac. If you can get into Johnny's chair and get a tattoo from this man, you will never regret it. He is a true artist. Johnny makes the whole experience of receiving a tattoo almost painless because on top of being a phenomenal artist, he is also an enjoyable person! The whole shop has a family vibe to it. Everyone I encountered was very friendly and welcoming. Even if you can't get a piece done by Johnny himself, you should definitely get your next tattoo or piercing done at Tinta Cantina! Every tattoo that I saw whilst there was skillfully executed and done with care. This establishment is one of the few I have encountered that has such a high density of talent. I would 100% recommend checking this place out for your next artistic addition to your life! read more

This shop is top shelf. And to be fair, I'm referring to Johnny Mac. I have traveled to New Mexico to have him tattoo me...TWICE. He is insanely talented. Both times, I have given him ideas of what I wanted and he's just run with them and made them his own. He's the kind of artist you can trust to do that and that's HUGE. He works quickly and professionally. On top of all of that, he's a rad dude. He makes the whole process such a positive experience. He takes the time to understand exactly what you are looking for and then delivers it with such care. It truly is amazing to watch him work and reveal the vision in his head on your skin. He's a busy cat so make sure you book early for your appointment. read more

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I had the great fortune that Tyson Gonzales had a cancellation today and slipped right in at 2ish. He skillfully gave me a Quote by Sylvia Plath on my ribs/right side. Good vibes ooze from this guy and I will def becoming back for more tats from him. Thumbs up guys you kick ass. read more

I was fortunate enough to have the do-over of a very botched maneki neko done by Rudy Lopez. Unlike a lot of male tattoo artists I've encountered, he is very in touch with the client and what they're feeling. I don't mind pain (it makes me laugh for some reason) and it's part of the experience, but to me a gentle hand is very important. He went back to painful spots (wrist bone especially) a little at a time and made it a completely comfortable experience. He has great taste in art and is a very rad person with an amazing imagination. The staff was all very polite, warm and professional. I will definitely be getting more tattoos here. It was a wonderful experience! read more

Botched tattoo, expanded and raised above my skin a year later. (A good tat should be smooth like nothing is there.) some lines are thick some are thin. My artist was Jarrett and he was cool and nice, but the tat was unfortunate. Would like to give the shop a second chance, but not sure. read more

The "owner" of the shop was rude to me today and made it very uncomfortable for me. He made comments about my knowledge of how to take care of my tattoo and kicked me out of the shop because I told him that he was rude and I did not want to talk to him. I will not recommend this shop to any of my friends or family. Regardless of your position within an established business, you should not make rude comments to or about your prospective customers within earshot or to them. That is unprofessional and unwarranted. I've never been more disrespected by anyone in a tattoo shop before. read more

Honestly one of the best tattoo experiences I've ever had. Called and they got me in with in 10 minutes. Met Ray and we consulted on what I wanted, we talked about the pros and cons of red ink for what and where I was asking, he drew it up and had me out in under 40 minutes. It came out perfect and was honestly a dope experience! Shop was really clean, and super cute inside! Would give more stars if I could!! read more

I was in Albuquerque for a conference and four of us wanted to get tattoos together, but we only had one afternoon of spare time. I called Tinta Cantina very spur-of-the-moment and asked if they could fit us in. Out experience there was really fabulous. Between the four of us we were inked by Ben, Johnny Mac, Abe, and Val. Ben did my tattoo and I have never been as pleased with the end result as I was with this one. All of our tattoos were really well done, and we really appreciated the care and design that went into each one. If I ever return to Albuquerque I will be sure to return. Another plus? All of our tattoos were so less expensive than what I would pay on the East Coast. Definitely give them a try! read more

Attention: Tinta Cantina Tattoo This e-mail is to bring to your attention the unprofessional, disrespectful, distasteful, horrific and blatant disregard for the customer that I received from a currently employed tattoo artist within your place of business by the name of Ben Haynes. I originally entered Tinta Cantina in the month of April 2012 trying to get a feel for how much it would cost to get a portrait tattoo of my recently deceased 2 month old son. Ben seemed to be a decent and nice artist who wanted to perform the memorial tattoo that I brought to his attention. At the time I did not have enough funds to get the tattoo but I wanted to know how much to save while I tried to handle my finances during this difficult time. So, I returned to Tinta Cantina on August 8, 2012 with enough money to receive the tattoo that Ben and I had talked about from previous months. I waited on Ben for about 45 minutes to a hour before he was able to talk to me (He was performing a tattoo). Ben approached me with the first words out of his mouth, "I'm sorry I'm trying to get away from doing portrait tattoo's and I'm trying to do more Asian art work". Ben tried to suggest another tattoo artist when I stop his conversation to express to him that I did not come up here to get suggested to another tattoo artist I came here for you. Ben changed his tune a bit and decided that he would go ahead and squeeze me in and perform the memorial tattoo. I was told that he would work on the drawing that night (August 8, 2012) and that he would give me a call the next day (August 9, 2012) to come up to the shop to approve his drawing so that he can perform the tattoo on Friday (August 10, 2012). Well, this is when it gets totally unprofessional, disrespectful etc..... I called the shop on August 9, 2012 around 3:00pm. The receptionist answered the phone to inform me that Ben was at the shop but handling business on the phone with his land lord. The receptionist asked did I have an appointment with him today I said yes he was suppose to call me with details of a potential drawing for an tattoo he is to perform on me and that he would give me a call today with details. She said okay well wait for him to call you. I said okay and hung up the phone. Today is August 13, 2012 and I still have not heard one word at any kind of attempt to contact me about the tattoo (Ben has my cell phone number and my wife's cell phone number as well, which was written on the back of the tattoo picture packet that I left with him to perform the tattoo drawing). This treatment is totally unacceptable especially when it is about a piece of work that involves feeling's and a person's deceased infant child. That is something you just don't play with. By not calling to confirm the appointment Ben Haynes pretty much just said F%$# Y&@! This is how I have interpreted his actions. In this case Ben's actions have spoken much louder than his words. Instead of saying he could squeeze me in and perform the tattoo he should have just stuck with his original statement about not wanting to perform the tattoo and I would have been fine with that no problem. He could at least have the decency to call me to inform me that he does not want to perform the tattoo but as I'm writting this e-mail it seems that it is not in his nature to be curiteous or professional. Their are a abundance of tattoo shop's in Albuquerque with tattoo artist who would love to perform this memorial piece for me which is the route I have chosen. I wanted you to know about this terrible situation because I hope this kind of a situation does not ever happen to anyone else in your place of buisness again. I also wanted you to be informed that this e-mail is a detailed documentation of my horrific experience at your tattoo shop from start to finish and that this information will be utilized in future reference if needed for any further action taken on this matter. Unsatisfied potential Customer! read more

Great place- Lisa was friendly with reception and my artist was Terrific. would definitely suggest Jenny she made it a breeze and drew a brilliant design read more

I came in for my first tattoo with a pretty simple drawing that needed the right kind of eye to adapt to a tattoo and do right, and Jenny knocked it out of the park. Sure it was simple but she "got it" and just has a good eye and hand. Highly recommend! read more

I liked the style of butterflys/moths Jenny Kladzyk created, she was awesome in working with me on customization, colors, size, and placement. This was my third tattoo and my best experience yet. The shop was nice, everyone friendly, experienced no issues with payment, I brought cash because someone else complained about the shop not taking credit but I didn't experience that. I will definitely be going back! read more

Tinta Cantina - Done by Jenny Kladzyk - Tattoo Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I brought my dad here for his first tattoo based on a recommendation from a friend. Elvis gave my dad exactly what he wanted--and more! He was very relaxed and explained everything to my dad so that he was comfortable. I am so pleased with his work and will be coming back to him to get a matching version of my dad's tattoo! The environment was super chill and all the staff members we encountered were very nice! read more

Tinta Cantina - Tattoo Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Simply 5 stars, suggest you check it out for yourself. Very nice work for a fair price If in the future I get inked again it will be here no doubt read more

DO NOT GET A TATTOO FROM ERIN BURNS! She fucked my shit up! After she was done, lines were missing, and she had to "free hand" the parts she messed up. She seemed to rush through the whole thing. Like all she wanted was my money and for me to leave. WORST TATTOO ARTIST EVER!!! read more

Got some work from there the other day and was VERY impressed! Cool, clean, sterile studio. All of the address are peoffesional and friendly. I look forward to my next tattoo from them!! read more

Stuart did mine, my moms , and my sisters tattoo a few months ago. He was very accommodating, because my mom and sister live in a different state. He let me do the consultation for all three of us. Very reasonably priced. All three of our tattoos came out great! I will totally go back to him for more work. read more

Whatever you do, do NOT go to Mike. I went in for a cover up, about 3 or 4 flowers. He took about a month to do a sketch (which was not of the type of flower I had specified.) After waiting a month for a sketch I asked if I could make an appointment to go in and start on the tattoo and never heard from him again. He kept my $50 deposit and did nothing. I HIGHLY recommend just finding a different tattoo shop if you're looking. read more

I just got my first tattoo done here and I couldn't have had a better experience. The staff were all very friendly and helped me with everything needed to set up my appointment. My artist was Johnny Mac and the design and tattoo that I got more than exceeded my expectations. Johnny Mac and his apprentice, Stuart, made the experience both welcoming and comical; they were professional but also were not afraid to joke around and didn't pass up a good joke, which I enjoyed. My tattoo itself turned out amazing and I couldn't have asked for anything better; there is not a single aspect of it that I don't thoroughly love. I will recommend not only the establishment but also Johnny Mac and Stuart to everyone I know who is considering getting a tattoo as the shop itself and their artists are all very talented, my personal favorite, and recommendation, would be for Johnny Mac and Stuart as the were exemplary in all aspects. read more