Amanda is cool as a cucumber! I found true love on yelp and Amanda is the tattoo artist I made the appointment with. I wanted a small yet simple tattoo on the side of my foreman. Amanda took my original design and made subtle changes. On the day of my appointment, I made changes to it 3 Times and it was absolutely not a big deal to her *Phew*. I am super happy with my simple tattoo, her design and size really compliment my arm. It has a lot of meaning for me. Certainly thinking of my next one with Amanda! read more

I have visited so many tattoo studios in so many states and for some reason I just really love this one. The artists are phenomenal. The artwork is amazing. I highly recommend them. I want to come back and bring everyone I know to get some beautiful art done. I also love that the artists give 100% to causes they believe in! I need to write an in-depth review on how amazing Amanda is, specifically! She is truly one of a kind. She is wise, humble, giving and talented! A rare, real artist - anyone would be lucky to have her work on their body. I learn so much from my sessions with sage souls such as hers! Phenomenal talent! read more

See all

My partner and I got flash for Friday the 13th to honor our first date being on a Friday the 13th The studio was lovely and the staff even lovelier! Speth took amazing care of us and we are absolutely obsessed with our new ink and poster print from Dave. As first timers we will definitely be coming back. Thank you True Love! read more

True Love Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love True Love! Speth Szabo is my artist she has done several tattoos for me and she is a truly amazing! Everyone there is friendly, the vibe is chill and you always feel welcome. Not all tattoo shops give you that "come on in" every one is welcome, chill, we are all friends here. True Love does. The very first time I walked in the door I knew this would be my new home for all my future tattoos. Thank's Speth and gang! Y'all rock! read more

See all

If you are new to tattoos then just book with Amanda! She will listen to your wants, wishes and discuss your options from start to finish. I was NOT planning to get a tattoo but was there to support my family getting their's done by her again. I had previously shared my experience getting a small tattoo on my wrist that took 2 minutes because I needed a break ;)! So that pain level as a first timer was so off the charts that I was fine with a 1 and DONE! There was never a question about Amanda's skill and use of color. She's extremely patient and accommodating at every step. Once I saw how awesome my daughter's experience was I knew I could do it too with Amanda. I immediately got excited about my version and Amanda new thus window of opportunity was thin but she's so nice that you are excited and not at all pressured. Anyway, I changed the original concept so many times, tweaking here and there with her input. We even changed colors at the last minute because she's that awesome with her creativity, patience and skills. Considering my first experience, I was laughing and talking throughout the entire experience. Did I mention that I LOVE my tattoo!! We got family tats that are individually customized and they are all perfect and unique to us. Can't wait now to get more done by Amanda. I was nervous about the color options on my shade of African American skin but she knows her stuff and I've seen her work in person on shades darker than me. I know that not many tattoo artists are limited to the type of colors they can successfully use on darker tone skins. This is NOT the case with Amanda, she's got the skills and the vibes to give you an enjoyable eco that you deserve. Absolutely no issues with healing and I'm about over a month out and still extremely pleased!! read more

Everything is handled professionally and with great integrity. These are artists, not tracers of crap. Over 20 years with them and there are consistent reasons why that is the case. We collect their art. read more

I was recommended this shop by a friend, and was not disappointed whatsoever! My artist, Speth, was courteous, professional, and very attentive to detail. Would highly recommended this shop and their style! read more

True Love Tattoos - My first tattoo! - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Nick is such a pro at what he does. Super efficient, clean work, always a fun time. Go get tattooed!

Me and my sisters decided to get matching tattoos and went ahead and booked with Tyler. He was super easy going and made us feel comfortable throughout our tattoo session. He's truly passionate at what he does. This was my very first tattoo and I was super nervous but it was almost painless. I'm so glad we chose Tyler, We will definitely be back! read more

True Love Tattoos - 1971 Roman Numerals - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

The artists at True Love are true pros! The shop has a cool vibe with lots of original work on the walls for inspiration as well as plenty of flash designs if that's your thing. All my work has been original creations developed with Moises, although honestly he has just taken an idea or theme and run with it as an artist. I highly recommend him. The shop is super clean and comfortable, rates are fair and don't forget to tip your artist! Thanks guys! read more

I went to True Love Tattoo for the first time. I was very impressed with how professional everyone is. I met Nick and told him I wanted a tattoo to honor my mom who passed away from Alzheimer's. I knew what I wanted in the tattoo but not exactly the layout. Nick drew it up for me and it was perfect. He captured exactly what I wanted my tattoo to express. I highly recommend nick. He is really professional. He puts his heart in his work. I was so pleased with my tattoo. I will definitely be back. read more

Pavel is a wonderful tattoo artist and did a great job with the piece on my rib! I highly recommend and really liked the environment. read more

True Love Tattoos - rib tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

My siblings and I have been planning to get a matching tattoo for about two years now, I was referred to the shop by a buddy of mine. We got matched up with Speth who was more than willing to not only tattoo us, but also was flexible on working with our limited timeframe. When we arrived, Speth made us feel right at home, they were super friendly, made sure the design was perfect before we started and made great conversation putting us all at ease. Not only was the quality and design exactly what we wanted, Speth went above and beyond with the customer service, and it was a memorable experience for us all. read more

Have only had great experiences here. Dave Moore did an amazing traditional American tattoo! Can't wait for more. read more

True Love Tattoos - Dave's the man! - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just got my most recent tattoo at True Love, a phoenix, and I could not be more ecstatic. I'd been looking for the right place to get a phoenix tattoo. Phoenixes are so symbolic to me, that I wanted to make sure I went someplace just as special. After scouring Yelp, I came across True Love Tattoos and although they didn't have many reviews, I trusted the ones they had and decided to take a chance. The shop is very clean, and comfortable, everyone is treated like old friends, which is nice if you're a little nervous. I was very, very particular about the design and Dan really did such a great job. He's a true artist and understood the importance of the design and put so much work into details to make it really special. Took about 3 hours and 2 sessions but the price was extremely reasonable. Everyone in the shop was so nice and the music was awesome so the time flew by. Pun intended. The tat came out so beautifully, I couldn't have had a better experience anywhere. True Love Tattoo - truly the loveliest tattoo and experience anyone could have. P.S. They're having a Valentine's Day special, $50 for a tattoo, really beautiful choices too. Check them out! read more

True Love Tattoos - Phoenix done by Daniel. Not finished yet but so incredibly gorgeous! - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Dave Moore (the owner) is truly gifted when it comes to tattooing. I get so many compliments on the half sleeve he did for me. Dave is a perfectionist, making sure his tattoos and designs fit and flow on the body as they should. His attention to detail and ability to make color choices is unmatched by any other artist. I very much respect him as an artist and tattooist. Everyone in his shop is also great. The vibe at True Love is very relaxing and I have never left there feeling disappointed. Keep up the good work guys! read more

True Love Tattoo is STELLAR! Love these folks! Everyone just rocks it here!!! Dave, Amanda, Matt, Moses (and rotating guest artists, Victor and Daniel) are all talented with a lot of heart and great skill. Plus the new location on San Pablo Ave (a stones throw from their old shop) is gorgeous, cozy, with an epic collection of art on the walls and three times the size! I'd give a 10,000 star rating if I could! Woot!Woot! !! read more

Dan Herlihy is the man! You want a down-to-earth, super-talented tattoo artist go see Dan Herlihy. He's been the only tattoo artist that I've trusted to do my detailed work both color and black and white. You have an idea of what you want but not sure how you want it? Leave it up to Dan to either free hand on you or draw something up on paper. He will even tell you if something is a good or bad idea (like names.....who would ever do that??) If you want a real artist that truly appreciates the history, skill, talent, and dedication that it takes to be a successful tattooer then go see Dan Herlihy. You won't be disappointed. read more

See all

I went to Amanda in December and forgot to post a review until now. She did such an amazing job on my pigeon, though, and the world needs to know! She was basing the drawing on a photo I'd found, which kinda looked like a painting in the first place. We went back and forth on the pros and cons of a watercolor style. I wanted a lot of white ink in some parts but she helped me see that it wouldn't have turned out as I was imagining. She made sure I was okay with the ultimate design choices we made and then she got to work. This was my first tattoo from her but my fifth total... and I dare say my favorite so far. She's professional; she listens; she knows what she's doing and she's dang talented. read more

True Love Tattoos - Pigeon by Amanda - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Viktor is great. He has done two of my sister's tattoos and recently did a small wrist tattoo for me. He's great at taking his time and making sure I was happy with my tattoo. I can't wait to go back for my next big piece! Last May he finished a large piece on my back covering up an smaller tattoo. He did an incredible job. It took 2 sessions and he was so patient throughout it all! I also saw him again for another shoulder tattoo. I won't go to anyone else!! Viktor will definitely take care of you. *update: Viktor now works at Old Crow in Oakland by the lake. read more

If you want to get ripped off go get tattooed by NICK . He was an asshole I came 3 weeks prior with Amanda she did amazing 3 small tattoos for 100 . Nick did the same micro tattoo on my sister for 100 ! He did the tattoo in less than 2 minutes ! When I confronted him about the price he got offended saying this has Always been the price ? Didnt take his time with my sister . And he used the most ghetto tape to cover it . RIP OFF AND HES A ASS read more

I love this tattoo shop so much! I've gotten 3 of my tattoos from here and they've all came out so beautiful and well done, not to mention their prices are definitely more than reasonable. This is my go to tattoo shop because they always accommodate walk ins, and not only that but the staff is all so kind and easy to make conversation with. I'm never disappointed when I leave, I love this place to death. They're not just tattoo artists, they're people I truly enjoy being around and letting make art on my body. read more

I got much more than I bargained for at True Love Tattoos. The people there are incredibly talented, welcoming, and chill. I went in for my first tattoo of a rather unusual subject matter--a group of neural stem cells growing in a rose-like pattern--and brought in some photos representing what I was looking for. Isaiah transformed the images into a stunning drawing (I had no major changes to the design) and when I came in for my appointment, he worked with me on the details of the design throughout. First, he added extra lines on the stencil where I specified them. Later, as he was coloring it in, I asked him to vary some of the colors. He mixed them up and asked if they were what I wanted before he inked it. The result was a brilliant array of colors...there are different slight variations in the shades of blues, sea foam greens, oranges, and corals, which is awesome because it held true to the subject matter and made the image come to life on my skin! Isaiah's attention to detail and willingness to follow suggestions as he is working made this a truly customized experience, which I doubt I would have gotten at other parlors. I really enjoyed the whole process. I couldn't have asked for a better artist, conversation, ambiance, location, or price. I learned a lot about the art, practice, and history of tattooing (as well as some hilarious stories) from Isaiah, Viktor, and Dave. Isaiah worked with me to adjust the cost down towards the one he originally quoted, even though it took four times as long as he thought it would to do the tattoo (it was a trickier one than he had expected.) I stopped in today (a Sunday) with another tat idea, and luckily Isaiah was there, so I am going back for another tattoo tonight! read more

True Love Tattoos - Neural stem cell rosette by Isaiah - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

This was my favorite tattoo experience ever!! Shout out to Matt Klass, who makes scheduling an appointment super easy (you can text him which is awesome). I'm from out of town, and Matt was able to communicate really well about the appointment. I sent him a bunch of pictures/requests, and he was always receptive and gracious about it. On the day of the tattoo, I got to the shop (which is SO clean, really pretty, and in a great area), was greeted right away, and Matt had my design ready to go. He took such care in placing the tattoo and got it aligned perfectly. The needle part of tattooing is never fun, but Matt was so funny and good to talk to throughout the whole process (ask him about onions). The tattoo is incredible!!!!! It came out better than I ever could have pictured it. It's SO beautiful, exactly what I was after, the lines are clean, the colors are perfect, placement is amazing. I'm so, so happy with it. Thank you so much, Matt!! read more

True Love Tattoos - Space Girl by Matt Klass - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

I found this place because of the Tibetan art Dave Moore does but went in for a thigh tattoo with Amanda. I have been recommending this shop since my tattoo. My experience was great. The staff is very friendly& easy to talk to, their decorating is gorgeous, and they are clean. My text isn't in English& despite me being able to read the text, Amanda did some research prior which is very professional& I appreciate her effort. That just shows she takes pride in her work as an artist. I love my tattoo & I would definitely return. read more

I've been hesitating writing this review because I am fully aware what a poor review can do to a business. However, that doesn't mean that a business should get away with poor customer service. My dealings with Dave Moore started in mid-June when I stopped in make an appointment with him and check out more of his portfolio. His intern was extremely friendly and helpful, giving me a really good vibe. Dave wasn't in but I made an appointment for the next week to meet him to tell him about the tattoo I was planning and to see if I wanted him to do it. I should have backed off when I showed up for the appointment but he didn't. A guy at the shop gave me his cell phone number. Dave swore the appointment was for the next day but I don't make mistakes like that. In fact, I had a card from his shop where his intern and written down the date and time and I even confirmed it with her as I was leaving the shop. Bad vibe #1! The next day I went back to this shop and met with Dave who was a very mellow guy. Very peaceful and laid back. He took pictures of the two tats I wanted to either cover up or incorporate in a new piece and listened to my ideas. He seemed pretty enthused about my ideas, too. We scheduled an appointment for two weeks later, his first availability. The piece was going to be quite large so we discussed possible three sessions. We agreed to meet TWO WEEKS later because he said he needed that much time to draw up the artwork. HUH? I'd never heard of a delay like that, and I do already have a few tattoos but OK. I believed him. When that appointment was supposed to happen, Dave still hadn't finished the artwork so had to push it back even further. When we finally met to check out the artwork, guess what? He'd probably spent ten minutes on it before I showed up. I could see he was a good artist but he'd put in literally no effort. I was really upset and disappointed. He promised he would have the artwork done by our first session. A few days before my first session I emailed Dave to confirm our appointment. It turned out he had a very scary, personal injury occur that would not allow him to work on me on the appointed day. When I heard what happened, I chose to cancel because what he described could result in 1. him not being able to hold the tattoo gun 2. him being contagious. I asked him to see a doctor because he hadn't yet done so and I didn't want to risk my life because he risked his. I asked him to contact me back when he got the report from the doctor. Guess what? He never responded. At this point I was royally pissed off. It was clear that Dave was a complete flake and I had been suckered out of my $60 deposit. I wrote him an email asking him to mail me back my deposit. His response, "Oh, didn't you get my email? The doctor said I was fine and your artwork is all done." He went on to explain that he was having personal issues with this father that haven't allowed him to be engaged as he should be but that he would still really like to do my tattoo. No, Dave, I didn't get your imaginary email and I don't care to hear any more excuses. I honestly told him how unprofessional he was so perhaps he could make some changes in his life so this sort of thing doesn't happen to another potential client. He responded the next day to say that the check was mailed. Guess what? More than 10 days later the check arrived. The post mark on it was seven full days after he claimed he had mailed it. Why am I not surprised? Good riddance, Dave. read more

I had my first tattoo done by Ross today, along with my husband, who had his second tattoo done. We were both very specific on what we wanted, and brought in pictures so Ross had a good idea of what we wanted. I was first up, and very nervous. Ross was very professional and I knew I was in good hands. The whole process took about 30 minutes (with coloring) and I almost asked for another tattoo. While my husband was getting his done, Ross was up for some conversation while never taking his eyes off his work while the "gun" was running. He gave everything his undivided attention. I love my tattoo so much and couldn't have asked for a better artist. When I want to get #2, I'm definitely going to True Love. read more

OK everyone. Ross is THE FUCKING SHIT!!!! He is an incredible artist. PERIOD. People are constantly stopping me on BART, walking down the street, etc. about the tattoo he did, which is totally devoid of flaw. It's a pretty great day when your tattoo turns out even more bad-ass and beautiful than you ever imagined. He's done script for me, and his skills are evident in the attention to detail and fine lines. I got my 3rd work of art from him earlier this year, and quite frankly, I don't know how or why I would ever go to any other tattoo artist after working with him. I know he had a website for his art/sculpture, but I can't find it. Anyone out there know??? SO AMAZING!!! read more

I followed up on a friend from work's suggestion about this shop by taking a look at yelp. Everything that's been said on here so far is 100% true. This shop is fantastic. Viktor was the one who worked with me today and is genuinely a cool cat to have diggin a needle in your arm and quite talented too. He was expecting an appointment when I stopped in earlier in the day, but said he'd be free at 5 from that right as rain he was. The attention to detail these guys show is definitely reassuring. There's tons of interesting stuff on the wall to keep your eyes engaged and some good conversation to be had while your body is getting drilled on haha. I will definitely be back to see Viktor again.. and soon. Highly suggest this spot for the noobs and the seasoned vets alike (i'm somewhere in the middle haha). read more

My tattoo artist is Amanda Go and she is very personable and does excellent work. She explains everything in detail. The shop is really clean and big. The work stations are spread out. The tattoo pricing varies and they are not cheap. Bring cash and be prepared to get a rad tattoo. read more

True Love Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

Clean shop, great ambiance, and professional staff. Daniel and Amanda have inked a lot of my friends at this point, and I really can't recommend them enough. I really can't say enough nice things about Daniel. He has the patience of a zen master, redoing my stencil like 4 times when it was like a millimeter too big, or I just wanted to see it in slightly different place. Super calm and collected he made me feel super comfortable and really made sure that I got the end result I wanted - as a first timer who's scared of needles, I really can't overstate how important that was to me. I don't know if he's into wood working, but he really is a measure 3 times, cut once kind of guy. If you're on the fence, give them a call, and stop by the shop. Its basically an art gallery and the moment you walk in you'll see that its not your ordinary tattoo parlor. read more

Strolled in one day with some ideas and not a lot else. I was shopping, and like Byron L. stated so truly that you don't find the artist so much as you make a connection with the person who will be doing your work. I ended up speaking with Viktor, gave him my thoughts and he said "no problem" The next appointment was to hammer out the idea and style, and start drawing on me. This was a great experience. Viktor really made me feel comfortable. Easy to talk to, easy to tell him when I didn't like something and wanted it changed. In the end it came out just right. The key was that I wasn't in a hurry, and neither was he. We both wanted it just so, regardless of how much time it took. The quality of the work did for me is top shelf. Viktor is a meticulous and highly skilled artist. The quality of work represented in the all of artist portfolios in the shop is top shelf, and I would strongly recommend anyone to this shop. Plus, while you are sitting there getting drilled, it is an entertaining plus to watch the diplomatic skill with which the artists turn down the ghetto drop-ins who want their boyfriend/girlfriend's name done right that second. read more

I wish I could invent a new vocabulary to express my love for Daniel. He is by far the most talented, artistic, bad ass tattoo artist I have had the pleasure to work with. When I look back at all the bad work I've had done over the years it makes me appreciate his honesty and artistic outlook so much more. Not only has he fixed and covered up numerous terrible tattoos, but he has taken my ideas and created artwork above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I love that I can throw out an idea and he just gets it. I've had the pleasure of following him since 2008 when my mom and I stumbled upon him at the Tattoo Expo at Cow Palace. I continued to follow him from Tahoe to Berkeley and will continue to follow him no matter where he ends up, he's that good. If I had been fortunate enough to have met him ten years ago I would have saved myself a lot of money and bad tattoos. Fortunately I can look forward to the years ahead and all the positive changes and new art he will create for me. read more

Amanda is amazing,will definitely be back,she did a great job on my tatoo, can't wait for the next one.

Came in today as a walk in wanting my very first tattoo. I fell in love with this place. The inside is so clean and filled with amazing artwork. Matt did my tattoo and he did an amazing job. He was so understanding and helpful and encouraged me the whole way through the tattoo. I'm not from the area but if I were to get another tattoo I wouldn't mind traveling from Indiana to get tattooed by him again. read more

True Love Tattoos - Thanks Matt for my first tattoo!! - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

I can't recommend this place enough! Amanda did a very special memorial tattoo for me and not only did it turn out better than expected, the entire experience was amazing. The shop is very clean and chill and everyone there was super welcoming and friendly. I sent Amanda one reference picture and she ran with it. There was a lot of line work, cursive script, and small details to my tattoo, all of which she handled with ease. The lines are so clean and the tattoo is so gorgeous it almost looks fake. If you're looking for a place to get an awesome tattoo, this is it. read more

This review is for Daniel at True Love... I was referred to Daniel by a mutual friend who also gets tattooed by him. I've found that not only is Daniel extremely communicative during the process, but he's also very passionate about what he is doing - putting permanent ink on your body! If something is a little off or there is a piece that's not just right. He'll go above and beyond to make sure it works and get dialed in into what yours needs and wants are. I have gone back to Daniel for several session and he is always professional, clean and makes some bomb work! I plan on coming here for all my tattoos - going forward. The studio is also a nice foreign getaway from the busy lifestyle. Great vibes from the store overall. Thumbs up! read more

So, over the past several years I've gone with several different artists to get work done. I've had good work done. Then my husband took me to see Ross. He has done a few of my tattoos, and I have also gotten one done by Viktor. These guys know what they're doing. Not only are they professional, their shop is clean, the atmosphere is great. You feel comfortable being there. You usually don't have to wait that long to get an appointment; I've gone in a few times and gotten inked that same day. As for the other shops that I have been to in Berkeley, I have gotten bad vibes and they are rude so I'm actually glad that I go to True Love. If asked if I would recommend their work....ABSOLUTELY! and remember kids...'GOOD TATTOOS AREN'T CHEAP, AND CHEAP TATTOOS AREN'T GOOD!' read more

So I would just like to start of by saying Amanda is amazing. I had tagged along with my husband while he got his third sitting with Dave and I happened to notice they had some badass flash tattoos so I asked her if they take walk-ins. She was more than happy to take me on the spot. She was amazingly sweet and gave me a rad baby elephant ( which she let me tweak just a little bit). Thanks so much Amanda I can not wait to work with you again !!!!!! read more

True Love Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - Berkeley, California

I picked this place at random because they had a Valentine's special and I really wanted to treat myself out. Berkley's a bit of a far drive from where I live but it was sooo worth it! The place is very big and spacious. When I walked in, I was greeted right away and not too long after I was getting the tattoo done. My tattoo artist was Amanda. She definitely worked with me to get the position right and just made me feel comfortable. Overall, you just get a good vibe from this place. I'm hoping to come back here to get another tattoo sometime! read more