I just got some work done by Nicolas Lee and he was fantastic, truly. This is my 4th tattoo overall, first by him, and definitely my best experience. Just an amazing shop, great vibes and beautiful work. He and I collaborated a lot throughout the design phase and it was really generative and I couldn't be happier with everything. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

Got a small tattoo done by Marcus to celebrate my birthday and the line work he did is beautiful! The tattoo was very quick and easy and Marcus talked me through the more painful parts of it. I was joined by my boyfriend and mom and brother and they were welcomed to come and relax nearby and watch while I got inked. The tattoo was reasonably priced. Overall great experience. I can definitely see myself going back in the future for another piece. Aftercare instructions are sent right to your inbox once you complete the check in form so that is super convenient as well! read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - The finished product - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A friend and I decided to finally get a couple tattoos we wanted and did a walk in, they were a little busy and we were prepared for that. They fit us in a couple hours later (scheduled a time). The artists were all very nice, fun and helpful. The place was clean and well lit. Their webpage was very informative. I will mention they are cash only! We both love our tattoos and the experience. No regrets here. read more

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Me and my friend decided to get tattoos just for the fun of it. Yesterday we walked into two Cranes tattoo after a different shop recommended them to us for walk ins. Dan was friendly and polite from the beginning giving us a positive experience in their shop. We decided to do the "what you get " tattoos for 100 and u can choose them from the crane machine. Dan did mine and my friends tattoo. He took the time to create different sizes for us to choose from and helped me pick the colors for my fish while also adding a little liner to her eye. Over all we hope to come back and create more memories at this shop and I highly recommend them! The other artist were friendly and excited to see our results. read more

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Me and my bf came here on a whim and everyone was so nice! We came in about 2 hours before closing as walk ins and had no issues with them fitting us in. The place itself is BEAUTIFUL, and they have a get what you get claw machine which I've been wanting to try for so long (we did this for our tattoos btw)! Marcus did both of our tattoos and he was great! Will definitely be back and can't recommend this place enough read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing artists! 5 star service across the board! We LOVE Two Cranes!!! The shop even gets guest artists often which is a really cool way to get ink done by an artist that you normally may not have access to. Looking to get a SICK tat? Visit Two Cranes! read more

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You guys you have to go see Dora! She's AMAZING! My boyfriend and I were walk-ins and she had open availability right away! She took our designs and made them come to life! She has a very gentle hand and just the sweetest person. She took really good care of us. It's such a positive vibe down there. She listened to all of our ideas and turned them into something custom and amazing! Dora! If you're seeing this you did our puffer fish and Cinderella bird!!!! We love them! read more

I have wanted this tattoo for at least 24 years. I was on a weekend getaway to S.F. with my daughter...and we wanted matching designs. The artist was really helpful with suggestions and modified it perfectly. I am a tattoo newbie and was expecting a lot more pain. The artist was aware of it and explained everything clearly. He was very professional and did a great job! read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Finally, my gift to myself!! - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

Had a small and very personal tattoo with Marcus. Excellent service and made me feel at ease.

Two Cranes is a great place to get a tattoo. It's located in China Town on Sacramento Street. The business opens at 12 noon daily and parking is scarce so be sure to take ride share. One of my favorite aspects of the shop in addition to the overall vibe and aesthetic is that they take walk-ins. There is a booking page on the website but I highly encourage anyone interested to call when they open and see if there is availability. All of the artists are great and I highly recommend Dan! read more

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Walked in today at 12:30ish. I had no appointment and was no issue. Dora immediately provided the best customer service. She shows care and compassion for her work. Always nice to experience an individual who takes pride in what they do. Dora kept the conversation going and made me feel extremely welcomed. She did a fantastic job, can't be happier with the results. She did all this while I was holding my 7 month old baby on my lap the whole time. I know the shop wasn't expecting to hear miss racheal today when they came into work, but no one made a big deal of it. I am super thankful to the entire staff and Dora's amazing patients with my son. Sorry for the messy crackers on the ground he left behind. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I don't know man...I was a walk-in and got my ring finger done here and it was like two characters but it came out at a requested rate of $150 but renegotiate for $125 and cash only? It was not a demanding piece for $150. It took about 15 mins to do. Maybe for $80 or $90. Lesson learn, discuss piece and price before finalizing a deal at a tattoo parlor. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Was it worth $125? - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

My husband and I wanted some quick tattoos while on vacation. We saw this place while leaving China town and thought to give it a go. We called them right around the time they open, just like their website recommends and they were able to set up an appointment for both of us. Super friendly staff and Dan did an even better job than I could have imagined. They do walk ins but their website says it's best to call at noon when they open to be able to "make an appointment" I would encourage this as I assume a lot of people have the same idea as we do. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - I love mayonnaise. That's it. - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

A friend and I were in the area and wanted small lettering on our rib cage/ under arm area. We just so happened to walk past Two Cranes Tattoo as we were strolling through Chinatown. Met with Marcus and Danny who took us in and took care of us right away. Very light handed and such a comfortable experience personally. Loved how it came out and such a good experience! Definitely would go back to get more work done. read more

Been coming to two cranes since around when they first opened, I've gotten about 8 tattoos from Nicholas Lee and they have all been dope. My man does quality work and has a great touch. The artists at the shop are dope, the space is great and you will get some quality work here Don't believe these 1 star reviews, it's all nonsense about not getting walk ins when they wanted. these artists are running a business, and they book up, most of them are booked for weeks to months in advance, don't get salty because it didn't work out Seriously the work here is dope read more

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My friends and I drove an hour JUST to get a tattoo from this shop. We called hours beforehand, a minute after they opened, and they assured us that they would have space for a tattoo appointment for my friend. 10 MINUTES before the appointment we got a call cancelling the appointment. Literally we had already drove all the way there, paid for parking, and gotten excited for a new tattoo. I understand that over scheduling happens but feel quite disrespected. read more

Nicholas is a genius. I absolutely love my angel tattoo of my dog Bonsai on my wrist. I went to Two Cranes with an idea of what I wanted but nothing solid. Nicholas took my description and brought it to life. He listens and he has an incredibly generous spirit. I felt so comfortable right from the start. Thank you Nicholas! read more

Tattoo looks great, but I came out of this experience feeling taken advantage of. I had James who was pretty quiet and reserved - not overly friendly. That being said, he did exactly what I asked for in terms of tattoo and it does look great. What really frustrated me is that their site is not clear that the $40 you put down when you book the appointment is literally just to book...it doesn't even go towards the total. That seems insane to me! On top of that, the tattoo that I got seemed to fall within the small/minimum range (I even emailed them last year and they confirmed), and they ended up charging me $150 for it. So a tattoo that took 5 minutes to do, had no intricate design or shading, just black ink, cost me $190. I don't know if it's because I seemed naïve or what, but I came out of this experience feeling taken advantage of. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing workshop with great artists! Walked in yesterday and had a chance to work with Nicholas Lee! James was there too - just a good natural vibes and professional workshop! Tattoo is just great- waiting for it to heal. Thank you!!! read more

had a walk in appointment with dora yesterday and loved it!! this was my first tattoo ever and she was very helpful explaining everything and in making my inspiration photo come to life! the vibe of the tattoo shop itself was very welcoming and not at all intimidating. i would absolutely come here again and recommend it to others looking to get a tattoo in sf:) read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - my finished tattoo:) - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

I can still see based on the recent reviews that they are still scamming customers on the $40 appointment fee. It doesn't go towards your tattoo deposit, so beware! read more

I recently got a tattoo from Nicholas Lee here and it was a great experience. I'd been following him on Instagram for a long time and loved his art. The actual tattoo process went smoothly. I signed up on the website for a consultation and an appointment. At the consultation we talked about what I was looking for. In the following days he drew up some custom art for me, that I got to choose from on the day. When I arrived for the tattoo we talked about the art and he made a few tiny changes that I requested. The actual tattooing was great. At one point I got a bit light headed so we took a break, there was never any pressure to hurry. Nicholas also was patient and answered all of my questions. The tattoo turned out great, I'm super happy with it! read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo of a panther - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

My son celebrated his 18th birthday with this butterfly tattoo. James did a fantastic job finishing the original design my son drew. Highly recommended it. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Love this place! Super chill vibe + the artists are very talented. I DM'd Nicholas a few hours ago to make an appointment and he squeezed me today! This is my second tattoo done by him and he is awesome. He has the best ideas and really makes me feel comfortable. I came in with an existing tattoo that I wanted to add to. He not only added exactly what I asked for, he reshaded my older tattoo to make it match better, and added the cutest details. No matter what I want to get, I know he'll do an excellent job. Would highly recommend!!! read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've never felt compelled to write a review, but here we are! I went in about a week ago for a tattoo with Meg and I couldn't have been happier with the experience. This was hardly my first tattoo so I've gotten a pretty good gauge of the generic tattoo parlor experience. As a young Asian woman, it's easy to feel uneasy in an exceedingly machismo environment, but Two Cranes is the further thing from it. The vibe is extremely casual and welcoming, the music is A+ (none of that EDM bs or whatever), and the artists really know their stuff. Meg was incredibly quick without sacrificing quality and was really good about easing my mind and reminding me that if I needed a break at all, I was more than welcome to ask for one. The tattoo is healing gorgeously with no scabbing and minimal itching, something that my friend, who also got a tattoo from her, can attest to despite having different aftercare methods. Unfortunately, I don't live in SF, but I would definitely fly back just to get another one! read more

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Called in and they got me in that afternoon! Very welcoming and friendly experience. I would recommend to anyone in the San Francisco area. Thank you! read more

I really like this shop, all of the artists are super talented. Trying a new shop/artist is always nerve racking but I was amazed at how great my tattoo and my boyfriends' tattoo came out. I don't remember the name of the guy that did ours, but it was a walk-in so for the quality we got, I can only imagine how stunning a planned appointment tattoo would come out. Can't wait for our next trip here! read more

First of, I wanna say thank you to Nelbo who did an amazing job!!!! He is very professional and very kind person... I highly recommend him for those want to get ink... he work with passion and put love on his masterpiece... I'm very pleased and satisfied... read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo, ring tattoo, covered up tattoo, lotus tattoo, San Francisco, Bay Area - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My girlfriend and I were in SF for the weekend when we called Two Cranes expressing our interest in stopping by for a tattoo from them, as we'd heard and seen good thing about the work there. They told us there was walk-in availability if we were there when they opened the next day at noon. We arrived at 12 sharp. I was super stoked to be greeted and helped by artist (who's name i'll leave out), as it was his work that consistently caught my eye on Two Cranes' instagram. My girlfriend mentions that it's my first tattoo, and I get a couple looks from around the shop. Whatever. Fast forward through a relatively silent session, and I find myself concerned with some of the line work, so I ask him, nicely, what he thinks. "you might be overthinking it. you know zooming in and everything. it could be the plastic warping on your skin. i mean it's thin lines. It's a tattoo, I would just rock it. I think you're overthinking it" What? That's what you've got to say about the work you've permanently placed on me? "Just rock it" ? Nevertheless he named his price and I paid it + tip and waited patiently for the next few days while the saniderm obscured the tattoo. I took off the saniderm last night, as directed. The tattoo I received in no way reflects the quality of work that Two Cranes/the artist boast on their socials. I understand that thin line isn't easy-peezy, and that we had about 30-45 minutes to work with, but if the tattoo I'm looking for isn't within your bandwidth at that moment it's up to you, the professional, to make that call. I did not expect my tattoo to come out lacking the form that was in my example photo and on the stencil. And why would I? It was my first afterall! Furthermore, Two Cranes on Yelp boasts "true Walk-In style... We encourage same day... your design or ours, well done tattoos." So I find no excuse. The artist started at the bottom of my tattoo, working each line all the way out and moving up. You can see that from the get-go that there was minimal attention to detail outside the center lines. Frankly, I'm disappointed. I haven't shown anyone my new tattoo. I don't want anyone to look too closely at it. Two Cranes if you're reading this: does this live up to your shop's standards? Would you highlight this on your social platforms? I think not. I don't know if this is what happens to tattoo rookies but f**k dude, I wish I had never called. $200 mistake. Ouch. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I got Mickey and Minnie Mouse tattoo on my foot this time. Nick always did an amazing job. He's very professional and patient. He made sure I was comfortable. I got many compliments on my tattoos!! read more

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My tattoo was done by Nelbo, he was super casual about taking me in despite coming in pretty late. The vibe was super comfy and casual, music was great as well! my whole experience there was amazing :) Got my first and newest tattoo here as well and it turned out great, lines were super clean read more

Was visiting San Francisco and decided to get my first tattoo! This place had some good reviews and they live up to it! Very friendly and welcoming, clean and nice atmosphere, and amazing work!! James did a great job with me and Nobell also did amazing with my friends tattoo! read more

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My fiancé and I came for a walk-in last minute, an hour before they closed. We had a fabulous experience. We were taken care of quick. The space feels private and chill. The artist was fun and collaborative. The $100 price was so much more affordable than any other shop with the same caliber of talent in the area. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a tattoo in the Bay Area! We can't wait to come back again. read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Hit Nelbo up on IG, and we linked up the same day and set up an appointment for the next day. I had an idea for a tattoo and he worked with me to design a piece we were both good with. Passionate and phenomenal artist. Real G. Top-quality and professional. Clean shop, with hella art to check out to pass the time. read more

First and foremost 5 stars for Dora! She's amazing and if you're looking for a dope tattoo, schedule with her! Super sweet and kind! Made me feel super confident about getting one of my first major tattoos done. Was greeted by the owner when I walked in and he was pretty nice! I wish I could give this place more stars but I rated it low for the rude customer service. I had scheduled an appointment (payed the $40 dollar fee) and didn't know that it wouldn't be added in to my total amount. I could admit I didn't read it correctly but when asked about it after calling and leaving the shop, whoever answered (not sure who) was rude asf. I was being nice and asking genuine questions while he seemed to have an attitude and asked me "where I was going with this." Proceeded with telling me that "It says $40 dollar fee in big letters, it's right there" in a rude tone and then stated that "It is right next to it in bold letters if I needed it" in a smart tone and then hung up abruptly. Um, like sorry I asked a simple question lol. My tattoo was pretty small and took an hour to do, it was $250 + $40 so $290. Was told the hourly rate was $180 and it took an hour. Now I understand it was very detailed and again Dora did a phenomenal job, but they couldn't even tell me why they were charging me that much when I had asked over the phone. I would've been fine paying that much if y'all were more nice (and by y'all I mean whoever picked up the phone on 9/28/22 cause you were rude for no reason). If you're gonna be a grump or had a bad day, let someone else answer the phone. I also had another rude asf encounter with idk who on the phone two days before coming in. Asked simple questions and was rushed off the phone and hung up on me while talking. I don't care how good of an artist you are, you will lose customers with a poor attitude like that! Although I love my tattoo, I didn't like the customer service and will not be returning! (unless touch up needed since hey that is actually affordable since it is free) Again, want to give a thanks to Dora as she is an amazing artist!! Super professional and amazing work! Would book with again if it wasn't for the shop. read more

Awesome new place! It was my first tattoo so I was looking for a place where the artists were willing to spend some time with me to help me finalize the design, give recommendations on placement and sizing, etc. without judging me for my lack of knowledge about tattooing. The owner, Nicholas, was very friendly and welcoming and told me all about what to expect. I came in the next day and Donny worked through the font/design with me, made sure I double-checked and triple-checked the wording, and didn't judge me for asking dumb questions as a first timer (not always the case). The space was really open, bright, and clean. Also nice detail: they cover the tattoo with a product called "Saniderm" which makes the recovery really easy and safe. Its still on my arm (I'll prob take it off tomorrow) but I don't expect any issues. This place is great! read more

I had my tattoo done by Nicholas. He gladly took me in as a walk in and was able to execute exactly what I wanted. I've followed his work for a couple years now and I couldn't be happier with how well he treated me through out the whole process. I'll recommend him and his shop to anyone! read more

Two Cranes Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Francisco, California

Can't express how perfect and painless this process was. I needed to get a tattoo embellished so I reached out via Yelp on a whim hoping they'd be able to work with what I had. Nick was *super* responsive and more than willing to walk me through what he thought would be best. My jaw actually dropped when I saw the finished result. Ecstatic with my new tattoo and will be coming back here moving forward. Five stars isn't enough! read more

the artists are so kind and sweet-great work from all of them as well, especially bryon!

I put a review up here two months and I'm not sure why Yelp took it down, but it seems like now I have to resubmit one. I've been here a few times with my artist Donny Newman and I've always felt very welcome in the place and been able to get times that work with my schedule whether it's early or late. There's a ton of artwork on the walls and each artist has their portfolio in the seating area in the front of the studio. This gives people that don't know what they're looking for a good base of each artist's work and what their general style is. Today I also saw Nick (the owner) take a concept from another customer, cater it to his specifications and they were getting it tattooed in less than a half hour. There's a ton of space to get a tattoo where it doesn't feel super cramped like other shops in SF. The sessions that I've had here I was lying down as I was getting work on the underside of my arm and needed to ensure Donny had enough room to get to the portions he needed. While this was happening another patron was also lying down and the space didn't feel cramped at all which is a huge plus for taking bathroom breaks and water breaks. Overall this place is in a great location just a few blocks away from BART so it's simple to get to, it's in the heart of Chinatown so there's always great food nearby and everyone I've seen there is super professional and knowledgeable. I'm glad every time I get to go there because I know I'm in good hands and all the artists genuinely care about their craft and the people that they work on. read more