I was in last week for my second tattoo and was encouraged by the good reviews at Utility. My work wasn't big or complicated, but - like anyone - I still wanted to feel good about quality, cleanliness, etc. Len was free, so I made my appointment with him. The space felt clean and professional but isn't intimidating. The reception was friendly and efficient. My consult with Len was quick, easy, he listened and gave me options. The work was quickly done, and I was very happy with the result. Both Len and the receptionist checked in with me about after-care. I felt really good about the entire experience. read more

was recommended to Len at Utility . He drew exactly what I wanted . Was professional, quick and affordable. Thanks so much to you and the staff at Utility. April read more

My sister and I went to Utility Tattoo after weeks of me checking reviews for the best place. Utility seemed to be the best, and although the staff and shop are very nice, our artist had an attitude problem. I should have realized during the consultation when our artist was abrasive and told us he is known as King Len at the shop. We were getting memorial tattoos done in our Dad's memory who had passed 2 months prior. Len had no thought to the deep meaning behind them, and he was again abrasive when asked to adjust part of the design to our liking. The tattoos were complete, and although it will always have deep meaning for me, there is a missing spot, a dot to the letter "I" that looks like a squiggle, and he was heavy handed in other spots. I hear that other artists there are great, but I will never go back because of that experience with Len. It's taken me 2 years to write this review, but everyone who sees it loves the tribute, but upon closer inspection notice the mistakes. Since I'm wearing this for life, it still pisses me off at times. Utility Tattoo may be a great spot for a tattoo, but my experience with Len was not. read more

Utility - You can see the skewed dot above the "I", the bottom of the "h" missing, and the base of the "2" is very heavy. - Tattoo Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

I got my first tattoo here and searched forever for a place that had good reviews. This small tattoo shop on quinpool road is AMAZING. The staff are super friendly and the reception is amazing. Called for a consult and they booked me in a couple hours later, had my tattoo within two days! Evan did amazing work, unfortunately my first tattoo I also chose in one of the most painful spots lol. Evan made sure I was comfortable the whole time and never got frustrated when I asked for breaks. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

Utility - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

After wanting a tattoo of a Pirate ship on my leg for 6 + years, I decided to go ahead a get it. I settled on Mike @ Utility to be my artist. After meeting with him, expressing my idea, and seeing the tattoo parlour, any and all fear i had was settled. The place was clean, organized, tidy, the employees were all courteous and well mannered. I couldn't be happier with the way my tattoo turned out, and i can guarantee I'll be back. read more

Utility - Bad ass Pirate ship! Thanks to Mike at Utility Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Called the day of, was given an appointment time and had designs taken immediately. The service was so friendly and accommodating, took really good care of two first-timers, and left us so happy! Damen was amazing!! Thank you read more

Utility - Tattoo Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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"Voted best tattoo shop in Halifax 7 years running" by readers of Halifax's favorite free newspaper The Coast. Utility is a custom tattoo and piercing shop, that also doubles as an art gallery; displaying and selling local artwork. It offers a clean, professional, clutter-free and friendly environment, with arguably the best tattoo artists in Halifax. You wont find tattoo flash on the walls here, this is for people who are serious about quality. But hey, if you don't know what you want, set up a consultation with a tattoo artist, who will be more than happy to design a unique piece of body art just for you! Utility rotates its art space on a monthly basis, with all art work available for sale. It also has a display case full of jewelry for those of you who are pierced, and a small stock of unique gift items, including gift cards. Utility runs a tight ship, but please don't be intimidated. They are very friendly and excited about talking body modification either on the phone, or helping answer questions in person. Personally speaking, this is the place I would recommend for getting custom tattoos in Halifax. I am always happy with the quality, and it is so much fun getting work done here. Call or drop by to set up consultations with the tattoo artists, or to book a piercing appointment. They also accept piercing drop-ins. *a small deposit for scheduled tattoo-work appointments may be required. Hours: Tues - Sat 12 - 6. read more

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I've heard such horror stories about tattoo and piercing studios, so when my friend from out of town started asking me where he should go to get "inked" I decided to check in with the good people of Yelp! to come up with an answer for him. I've never been tattooed myself and this was only the second time I'd been in a tattoo parlour so I might not be the most reliable source, but Utility really impressed me. My friend had a really good idea of what he wanted going in and it only took a few minutes for Lydia, one of the owners to sketch out a design that everyone was really happy with. The tattoos turned out really great and they healed over perfectly with very little flaking. Utility has been widely praised for being the best tattoo parlour east of Montreal and for good reason. Their studio is open and clean, their equipment is sterilized and packaged, which is of course important to prevent spread of infection or disease. The biggest draw to Utility is the experience and talent of the artists on staff. If you get tattooed at Utility you can rest assured you will get exactly what you want, and leave with a piece of art that you will want to keep around forever (and conveniently you can). read more

This studio puts all the tragic tattoo shop clichés to rest. With its crisp, lofty make-up, visitors are instantly welcomed and reassured of its legitimate services. Utility has been a steady winner in The Coast's "Best Of" polls, and its not hard to see why. The folks running this joint are true professionals. Beyond master crafters, their manner and etiquette appears exceptional. They will work with you and give the direction you may need, but also make sure you're getting what you want. Its a win-win. This is a beautiful space, and if you're going to get stabbed by a needle for a lengthened period of time, you may as well enjoy the surroundings. Bright, modern and chic, Utility shakes away the dark and weary ways of other parlors. Great service. Fantastic results. Beautiful space. read more

Upon entering this tattoo boutique, you'll hear the buzz of ink-guns droning in the background and notice art being exhibited across the shop's walls. This tattoo joint is comfortable and clean, with a big-city loft feel. Unlike many tattoo parlors, there is tons of natural light and the walls aren't cluttered with pre-fab designs, begging to be chosen and stamped on your body. The artists at this studio, Lydia, Andy and Mike, will work with you to design your ideal tat. Early last year, I worked with Lydia on a piece. We sent design ideas back and forth until the piece all was complete. It was a nice process and reassuring to know that she was willing to assist with ideas. I highly recommend Utility for all of your tattooing needs. They're professional, experienced and pleased to help you come up with a design that you'll be happy with for years to come. read more

Fastest, easiest, best experience I've had getting a tattoo. The shop itself is really clean and open, and they have a lovely receptionist who greets you when you come in. I literally walked in off the street with no appointment, and about half an hour later I had my tattoo. I had already drawn it exactly how I wanted so they just scanned it and made a stencil, which took all of 10 seconds. The artist (Matt) was really nice and he did a great job replicating my own handwriting. The tattoo is now healed, it's in really good shape and I love it. If I decide to get another one, I will definitely be going back to Utility. I have two tattoos from several years ago and I can honestly say this is the first one that really means something to me and I'm glad I came here to do it. read more

I had been thinking of a tattoo for long long time and decided it was finally time. It only took a little research to decide this is where I was getting it done. Overwhelmingly positive reviews and multiple winner at the Coast. Easy choice. Having no idea of costs, I e-mailed them my design and they got back to me promptly with an approximate cost and duration, as well as available appointments in the coming days. I walked in to a really nice, comfortable and impeccably clean space on Hallowe'en afternoon. King Len was my assigned artist and he was very friendly. He took care to size the tattoo to what I wanted and then it was time to start. 1:45 later, I was inked! They say that once you get your first one, it's only a matter of time until your next one. If there is a next one, I'm definitely going back to Utility! read more

Every time I see a tattoo that looks amazing (beautiful colors that look freshly done even though it's healed, clean designs, etc.) the answer is almost always "I had it done at Utility!". The only other answer I sometimes get is "Lydia did it!" and she once worked at Utility so I guess that fits. Seriously, my friends swear by this place and after always getting this answer when I asked about tattoos, I decided to go to them for my second tattoo. I walked in off the streets to inquire about a tattoo that would need to be drawn up. Their receptionist is a very friendly girl who is always helpful (I had dealt with her before when my fiancé walked in to inquire about a tattoo). I was told they could get me in the next day but because of my schedule I picked the day after. My appointment was with Len and when I walked in for my appointment it seemed like he had forgot about my appointment, but he was able to draw my tattoo up in no time at all and it looked better than I had imagined it could! Not even 20 minutes later, I had my tattoo. They are so professional and so fast! I was surprised. My first tattoo from elsewhere, which was around the same size, took much longer. My tattoo is now healed and it looks amazing! Nothing will need to be touched up and it is still vibrant. The shop is very clean and open, unlike a few other places I can think of close by that are very dark and the staff not nearly as friendly. The price is slightly more compared to some of the other tattoo places around, but it's not a huge difference and it is COMPLETELY worth it for the job they do! For all my future tattoos, I will be going back here and making sure anyone I know who is looking for a tattoo knows about this place. read more

I have heard a lot about this place and the Coast seems to think it is all that and then some. It is nice to see an establishment as professional as this here in Halifax. The interior is very clean and crisp, with professional there to work with you. I was very impressed with the overall feel and artists that work there. read more

Utility is where you'll find the best of the best tattooers in Halifax! Andy (the owner) is probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He has the best bedside manner I've ever experienced while getting tattooed. I also bet you've seen his work on at least one of your friends, so I don't need to tell you (but I will) that it's just amazing. I have 2 tattoos from him and both are traditional designs. Matt Owen is super nice and ultra funny. He free handed a couple of my tattoos, which is really impressive. He also tattoo's very quickly, which is nice when you're a big wimp like me! I have 8 tattoos from him and 2 of those are very large cover ups. they are traditional, neo-traditional and Japanese designs. Matt also does some really gorgeous script, and I can't wait to get some of that!! Len moved to Utility. He's from Montreal but I've actually been tattooed by him as well. He attends the Halifax tattoo Festival annually and I had my hand tattooed by him there. I have 2 tattoos from Len, both are traditional designs. I would highly recommend Utility for any of the styles I have mentioned above! read more

I am a newbie when it comes to tattoos. I got my first one in Vancouver and my second, with more detail to it, here at Utility. Everything people say about it is true. The place is professional, clean and full of experts with a great sense of humour. My tattoo was done by Matt but I honestly would have felt comfortable with anyone there. Although his friendly personality and wicked sense of humour were awesome to have while I went through the typical pain of getting a tattoo done. I've only had two tattoos but have been to quite a few tattoo spots in multiple cities with friends. You end up expecting to always see some negative artists who find it hard to smile. This is NOT that place. They are friendly, love what they do and are obsessed with getting the job done right. Just go. Go now. read more

I went into this shop after seeing it's highly rated reviews, only to be sorely disappointed with the horrendous customer service. After leaving a deposit for the appointment, following a 2 minute consultation with "King Len" as he seemed to be in a rush, I was greeted the next day by even worse hospitality, as the agreed design was drastically above my personal budget. After spending time apologizing to "King Len" for the confusion about budget problems, I offered to look up alternate designs in order to bring the price down. After viewing different designs I was told the price would not change, the position would be expensive, and that no matter the size, the price would remain the same. This led to the artist refunding my money and angrily declaring it a day. As I exited the shop I again apologized and said goodbye, to receive a childish storming off by the artist. Exceptionally awful customer service besides the inviting and respectful receptionist, no negotiation possible between artist and customer, and prices that are very high. It is too bad the experience was tainted by such a rude first encounter with the artist, yet the same tattoo was done by Adept tattoo's for the price I attempted to present to the artist at utility, and I was greeted by an artist that was exceptionally kind, flexible, and talented. Don't waste your money going to the "King" it's not worth it read more

Would have been excited to try this place out. If they returned any one of my voicemails or phone calls. Tried for two weeks, left two voicemails and was not contacted or followed up with at all. read more

Damen once again killed it, he did my first tattoo back in November and I knew exactly where I wanted to get #2 done- Utility. Damen has a very calming and professional presence and is meticulous when it comes to cleaning and prepping the area, a very reassuring thing to witness! His work is super clean and versatile and an overall good experience regardless of a walk in or appointment. read more

My wife is 100% French Canadian, she is also celebrating a big birthday. What the heck, while on a cruise from Boston I made arrangements with Lindsay from Utility for her to get a maple leaf tattoo. Utility opened early for us so we had time to get to and from the port. Artist was excellent. My wife was a little nervous about the size. It was sketched on her wrist to completely reassure her. Clean, very accommodating and reasonably priced. Having several tattoos from artist from Australia to Paris, I would rate Utility the best. read more

I am not one to write bad reviews, this is actually a first for me. To start off, the people at Utility were more than welcoming. Very kind and easy to talk with. My rating comes from the actual tattoo that I received there. I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt to the artist, so I waited until my tattoo was fully healed before writing this review just in case it was looking a certain way because of the healing process. Sadly, that was not the case. My first problem was with the appointment time. I understand that a lot of guess work goes into judging the amount of time a tattoo will take, but this was excessive. When I arrived 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment, I then had to wait an hour and 15 minutes for the tattoo artist to actually be ready for me. So long, that the person that was to be tattooed after me waited with me for the final 15 minutes. This included two cigarette breaks and the artist having to actually finish drawing the design for my tattoo that was give two days earlier in a consultation. Because this was a tattoo of written music, I wanted to make sure that nothing had changed from what I sent him to what was going to be tattooed. I took a second look to make sure it was all good, it was, and he assured me that it was exactly what I had sent him. At some point between the outline that was put on my arm (which was correct) and the actual tattoo, one of the notes changed from a G to and F, making the tattoo I have on my arm the wrong notes, and therefore the wrong song. I don't know how or why this happened, but I now have a tattoo that is wrong with no way of fixing it. On top of this it seemed like artist was rushing because as he was "finished" I had to point out a spot that was suppose to be coloured in that was not. I have since noticed another spot that should have been coloured in that was not. The tattoo in general looks rushed with little or no care put into the detail. The lines look shaky, don't flow well, and are uneven. The artist, King-Len, put no time into any sort of shading to make it look better, I'm assuming because he was rushing to get to the next customer. In the end, nothing was compensated for the amount of time I waited and I paid $200 for a tattoo that is not only very disappointing, but also incorrect. I am going to have to go to another shop in PEI, where I live, to see what that can can be done to try and make this not look so bad. I came to this tattoo shop because so many reviews said so many nice things about the staff and quality of the tattoos. I am very disappointed with the one I received. read more

I had a bad experience with one of the tattoo artist at utility tattoo. This was to be my first tattoo and I was very excited and put a lot of thought into it. I had 2 somewhat similar designs and thought that the Artist would help me blend the designs together and we could come up with at least something as I emailed my 2 designs a week prior to my visit at utility tattoo. The artist hadn't seen my designs and had no interest in creating anyting unique and personal for me. He's straight out told me pick one or the other and that if he had to do just a little bit of modifications it would cost me extra. I didn't mind paying extra but he also mentioned that he would only slightly in the littlest way modify one or the other design. My 2 design ideas were printed off the internet and we're pictures of other people's tattoos. I wanted something more personal and unique and this guy did nothing but push me out the door. He was so clueless as when I stood up and shook his hand and said thank you for his time he actually turn to my girlfriend Shrugged his shoulders and questioned her "was it something that I said?" The experience at utility tattoo was unbelievable and I thought the whole time I was being punked. I was absolutely in no way being difficult and cannot believe how they would treat a customer considering it was his first tattoo. His name was ken read more

I decided to get my first tattoo this September, and was pretty excited about it. I looked at different parlours and decided to go to Utility, and chose Kaitlyn as my tattoo artist, since I saw her photos on Facebook and she looked very talented. Upon arriving at the salon, my friend and I had to wait approximately 30 minutes after our scheduled appointment. When our appointment was ready, Kaitlyn was courteous but I felt rushed. She printed off the tattoo and applied it to my foot, and I was barely thinking about the size, or exact position, because I was extremely nervous about the pain. (Looking back, I wish I would have brought someone to help me make sure that it was exactly what I wanted). I was getting a tattoo of the Big Dipper, and when she finished I noticed one of the stars were missing. After telling her, she didnt believe me, and I had to make my friend look it up on google to prove her wrong. Again, it was because of my nerves that I didn't notice. She bandaged me up quite quickly before I had a real chance to look at my tattoo. It was already a bad experience, but when I got home and removed the bandage, I was mortified, I noticed one of the dotted-lines that connected two of the stars was extremely crooked. I was terribly upset, and couldn't believe I paid for someone to do that! I'm honestly shocked that there are not more negative reviews on here, since my tattoo was extremely simple, and she still managed to mess it up. I highly recommend you look elsewhere. read more