Got my tattoo recently done by joey nothing but good vibes and great service definitely coming back here again for more ink

Johnny Rose is amazing- I never go to anyone else! we got matching red 777 tattoos and we love them read more

See all

It was time to cover up some old tattoos and get the arm sleeve Ive always wanted. I reached out to Vessel Tattoo and met with Marco, we talked about what I was thinking, a couple days later he started sending me what he sketched and was very open to changes that I requested. Ive had two sessions and could not be happier with the work he has done so far, I highly recommend Vessel Tatoi and if you can, Ask for Marco. read more

Vessel isn't just a tattoo shop, it's a place that feels like home. From the second you walk in, you're met with a clean, welcoming, and genuinely accommodating space where the focus is on the people just as much as the art. Everyone here makes you feel like you belong a testament to their values, and the experience is more like hanging out with friends than just another appointment. Matt, the owner (and my artist), is insanely talented. Whether it's traditional work or something unique, he listens, remembers the little details, and brings every piece to life with passion and precision. He truly cares about his clients, and it shows in every conversation and every line he puts down. He makes sure the artists in the studio bring the same passion and individual flair. This was my fourth tattoo with Matt, and it's such a special one. Every time, I walk away beyond happy. Not just with the work but with the entire experience. Couldn't recommend this shop more! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Custom tattoo that's intentionally reminiscent off a sketchbook - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

I've been getting tattooed by Holly for years ! She's the most amazing talented woman I have ever encountered . From color realism , she's executed roses beautifully. As well as all the portraits I have on my skin & black and grey. I've seen her execute all types of different styles in tattooing .She pays attention to detail & even studies the artwork and executes it on your skin , a tattoo that you will always love and cherish! She always has snacks available too , which throughout a tattoo session we appreciate! Book your appointment! Below are the most recent , but I'm a walking masterpiece read more

See all

I got my first tattoo with Ricky here. Love these guys. Feels like family. Great artists. Kind, intuitive. Overall good experience. Will surely return for more ink. read more

Vessel Tattoo - First ink! Wanted it for years, took advice on the black (was thinking brown for butterfly body). Will soften with white & fill with brown. - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

I've been thinking about a tattoo for the past 10 years and Matt at Vessel Tattoo was recommended to me by a friend. As my faith in God continues to grow, I finally decided what and where to tattoo, but I couldn't decide between two, so I got them both! It was worth the wait, Matt did a great job. We also loved that they had a prayer box in the waiting area. My husband filled out a card and Matt lifted us up in prayer as he was tattooing me. This was a great way to celebrate my birthday! read more

See all

I visited Vessel Tattoo for a walk-in tattoo and septum piercing, while the shop itself is nice and well maintained, my experience was not welcoming by one of the staff memebers, Joey. No greeting or attempt to make me and my neice feel welcomed. When I asked a few basic questions about how the walk-in process worked, his response was far from helpful. Instead of explaining anything to me he just glared at me while I was speaking, like I was interrupting his day. After the brief conversation he returned to his tablet and sat back down on the couch, completely brushing me off. I understand that tattoo shops can get busy, but theres no excuse for treating potential clients like they're a nuisance. I was simply asking resonable questions and instead of a professional response, the experience just felt rude. We ended up going to a different tattoo shop in La-Mesa, I understand every shop can have it's off days, but the way we were treated was unacceptable. read more

Matt does amazing work!! The artist are very friendly and talented. 100% recommend !!! read more

This is the best shop in San Diego! Clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Matt and his whole staff are very patient with any and everybody that walks through their doors. Wide variety of styles represented among all their artists. If you're considering getting tattooed, this is the place to go! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

I've been going to Matt now for about 4 years and he brings my vision to life EVERYTIME. Everyone at the shop has the best energy and makes you feel right at home I'm so happy I came across the shop on instagram! At this point I just let Matt do what he wants and I trust his skills 100%, you're in good hands if you come here! read more

My experience was the best. Matt did my wrist tattoo! I wanted something to represent my journey with breast cancer Matt drew up a sample, and it was just what I wanted. I love it! This was my first tattoo. Vessels Tattoo is clean and well organized. There are many talented artists, so there will be one just for you. Look on the website for samples. I have never never seen such vivid colors. Vessels has Specials most of the of time, check them out! I highly recommend Vessels Tattoo and would certainly go back. read more

Vessel Tattoo - This is my tattoo after one week! I have very thin skin, so I bruise easily and the braising is going away. i get many compliments. - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

Amazing spot! The level of care and friendliness is unmatched. Great vibe too The spot to go for a tattoo! read more

I cannot recommend Vessel Tattoo enough! I have gotten several tattoos done by Ricky and Matt, and my husband got one from Joey. They all exceeded expectations! While the shop is perfectly clean and safe, the atmosphere is even better! The vibe is friendly, fun, and perfect for a multi-hour long tattoo session. Overall, fantastic work from some fantastic people! read more

What can I say about Vessel Tattoo? Let's start off with the owner of Vessel Tattoo, Matt Phelan... I've known Matt and been friends with him since high school (over 20 years). He has done all of my tattoos except for my very first tattoo. He's not only a great tattoo artist but a great person and has created an environment at Vessel Tattoo that is definitely worth your business. Now let's get to the tattoo shop... As you walk in you'll see tattoo art all over every inch of the clean white walls, you'll hear the buzzing of a tattoo gun and music. You'll have the smell of a fresh tattoo (IYKYK) and sanitary items in the air letting you know the shop is clean. If you walk in without an appointment, you will be greeted by one of the friendly tattoo artists who's willing to help you with what you are looking for and to help guide you if this is your first tattoo. If you have an appointment you will also be greeted and welcomed in with open arms and made to feel at home. All the artists are very talented and they all have their own style of tattoos. No matter what style of tattoo you are looking for you can find it at Vessel Tattoo. Although Matt has done all of my tattoos, I have been to quite a few tattoo shops he's worked at in the past and I know what I like and don't like about some tattoo shops. At Vessel Tattoo, you won't find any artists that think they are rock stars or that gives off an "I'm to cool" vibe. They will truly make you feel comfortable and like you belong there. Trust me... as someone who has my entire back, stomach, chest, sides (ribs), both arms, hands, and legs tattooed and have been to a variety of tattoo shops... I HIGHLY recommend Vessel Tattoo for anyone looking to get a tattoo. Whether it's your first tattoo, or you're covered... this is the shop you want to go to. read more

This is my go-to place for tattoos! Been working on a sleeve for quite some time and could not be happier with how it's coming together. Matt and his team of artists are amazing and work with each client to give the best experience. read more

Vessel is the best tattoo shop in San Diego by far. The atmosphere is amazing and you feel invited from the second you walk in. Bella, the apprentice, was very helpful and very knowledgeable. All of the artists are extremely talented and you can tell they truly care about their craft. I highly recommend vessel for anyone looking for a place to get the best tattoo around! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Front of Shop - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

They responded quickly to for yelp form. Didn't try them yet since time was short. Their library of work seemed very nice. I look for variety of customers when searching but maybe next time read more

Corinne she is a apprentice at this shop truly killed my tattoo! Crazy gifted girl, she is going to do even more beautiful artwork in the future! Super nice and very light hand! Shop itself had great vibe and very clean. read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Corinne did absolutely amazing - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

I enjoyed my experience @ vessel tattoo! And yes it came out great Friendly people Reasonable prices read more

I have a lot of tattoos, I'm old...what can I say...started in the early '80's...I've been tattooed by many different people and have visited many different shops....I gotta say, Vessel Tattoo stands out..... The Shop : Extremely clean, relaxed and cool...the kind of place you'd wanna sit, chill and have a beer or three...and get a tattoo....not at the same time mind you...The Health Department would frown on that... The Artist: Matt (the owner) friendly, easy going, punctual, receptive to old school tattoo designs....all and all a great guy....let alone a super artist and tattooist.. Had heard about Matt and his shop, made an appointment, and now it was time to get some new ink...8:30am, by far the earliest time I've ever received a tattoo...and you know what I love it...I'm usually waiting, pacing and looking at the clock until most shops at 12 noon, if you're lucky.... I arrived about 10 minutes early (I was coming from North County and didn't know how traffic would be...) to my surprise Matt was already there, he had my design (actually a traditional '70's Sailor Jerry design) drawn and ready to ink...A nice surprise, since I'm used to some artists having a smoke, eating a burger or being late upon my arrival... Within a few minutes, I was relaxed, on the table and the tattooing had began....Matt has light hand, as I was bracing for the pain, that never came....after a lot of great conversation, and an hour's time the tattoo was completed.....and truthfully came out even better than I had hoped for... All and all a great experience, especially being the tattoo was a memorial for my late brother.... I've discussed several more tattoo projects with Matt, and will definitely be back soon.... An excellent artist and shop I highly recommend, don't be afraid to drive a bit if you're out of the area (I live an hour away) as Matt and Vessel Tattoo are highly worth it...if you're not into traditional design, he has several other artists in the shop all with their own specialties.....Highly Recommend! read more

They say walk in are welcome. I went in as a walk in and told them I would like a tattoo that says let them on my wrist, and asked if they did eyeliner tattoos. I was told they didn't have time to do the tattoo that says let them and it would take 2 hours. They also said that the girl that does the makeup tattoo was off that day which was on Friday and gave me her card so I can email her and see when she was available. So I went to another tattoo parlor as a walk in and they took me right in and the tattoo that says let them took 15 minutes! As for the eyeliner tattoo. I emailed her and still no response! Don't waste your time here. read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

Great first tattoo experience. Marco is a pro. Tattoo came out great and wasn't super painful. Vibe in there is cool too. Definitely recommend this place. read more

Great service, awesome tattoos pricing is insane though I got a 2in by 2in and it was $300 the store minimum is $150 so I feel like I got robbed a bit especially since I'd gotten a tattoo prior from the same guy for $120.... read more

Vessel Tattoo - The detail is great but the price was insane - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

Going back 15 years, I saw the best color tattoo on a friend and asked who the artist was and she said Matthew Phelan. Since then I have had many friends use him and love his work. I reached out to Matt to see if he could do finger tattoos with detail. He recommended Marco Picassos at his shop. Marco was amazing. He freehanded the artwork instead of creating a stencil and did an amazing job. We reviewed all his work before using him and were amazing at his fine lines and detail work. We needed someone that could handle the fine details but his larger pieces are also amazing. It was a pleasure having Marco add his artistic twist to our preliminary design. Solid guy, great artist. Highly recommended. Marco has been tattooing since he was 14 and prior to coming to Vessel Tattoo he owned a tattoo shops in Hollister and Gilroy, CA. read more

See all

Matt Phelan is the grandmaster of tats and customer service. What a great local tattoo shop that offers sick skin art with a Christian atmosphere that welcomes ALL people. This was my first tattoo ever and there was absolutely no pressure, Matt told me "whenever you are ready Im your man!"and worked tirelessly with me on many changes until I got exactly what I wanted. He also did my sons first tattoo the same day and it was a incredible bonding experience for us both. Just from a customer service perspective this shop is legit, all the artists exude positivity and they are all true artists to cover anything your imagination can come up with.I'm not sure when they will be open due to covid restrictions but they are doing private, covid regulated consultations now since they are backed up a few weeks with many clients. Matt and his crew will do anything to make you comfortable and follow all safety guidelines I am a super picky dude when it comes to tattoos and customer service and you can just not go wrong here. Give them a call and have all your tattoo dreams come true! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Amazing cross and angel wings - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

If you are looking for a tattoo shop, look no further. This is the best shop in San Diego. I have many tattoos and have been to many shops and I've never been to a more welcoming one than Vessel!! Shoutout to Matt and Nicki for being absolutely incredible artists. Thank you Vessel for your awesome service. This is the only place my husband and I will get tattooed from! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Freshly done tattoo, still in SecondSkin - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

I feel so incredibly lucky to have received a tattoo by Nicki at vessel tattoo! She is in high demand, and rightly so. She created an absolutely gorgeous shoulder piece for me based on my wedding flowers. The shop is clean, very welcoming and everyone is so friendly! Highly recommend this shop and especially Nicki! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Got my first tattoo today by Matt and he is amazing. Keeps you very relaxed and is very passionate about his art. Will definitely be coming back for tattoo #2 read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Just got a tattoo that I have been dying to get lately and I absolutely do not regret coming here for it! Everyone here is so so nice and easy to talk to. Jorge did mine today and he did an incredible job! I looked through all the artists' work on their website and their own Instagram pages and loved all their pieces they've done. I'm so glad I called and got connected to Jorge! Already told him some other ideas I had which I'm excited to figure out the final designs with him! 10/10 recommend Vessel Tattoo for all your ideas! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo, lightbulb tattoo, Bible tattoo, Thy Word - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

Holly the shops piercer was so knowledgeable, helpful, and went out of her way to deal with a situation that wasn't caused by her. She was so kind every step of the way and checked in on me throughout the healing process. I would highly recommend her for piercing!! read more

I got an American traditional tattoo done by Matt, and I ca't say enough great things about my experience. The shop is super cool and has a nice relaxing vibe. Matt is the nicest guy in the world and makes sure you're getting exactly what you want and the execution of the tattoo itself is flawless. My tattoos done by Matt are always the ones that heal the best and last the longest being vibrant and bold. Get tattoos here, you're missing out if you don't! read more

Great place! I had my first session with Jorge and it went great! He was very nice and attentive throughout the entire session. He went above and beyond by staying after hours to do as much as he could for my tat. Very nice place, great environment, and safe vibes. Can't wait to finish up my dragon tat!! read more

Amazing can't describe the professional work ethics of Vessel. It's more than that. Cher did my sea turtle today and incorporated tiny personal touches to the details. They always go above and beyond. They treat their clients like family, and it's this type of atmosphere that draws me and my husband back. For as long as the shop exists, we will continue to support. Thanks Cher, and Matt as well for adding more to it than expected! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

Jorge Sevilla did an amazing job on my traditional panther. He took my idea and made it even cooler. It helps that he's an AMAZING artist to begin with! I was so excited to hear he started tattooing. It took him no time at all to perfect the trade. The shop has a great vibe and everyone there is really down to earth. I will definitely be going back for more! read more

This place has been awesome for myself and my wife for the past year or so. I continue to make appointments with Jorge right after finishing a tattoo. The people here are kind and laid back. Always great music playing and just a chill vibe each time I am in there. Jorge does amazing work and takes my ideas and runs with them. I will continue to come here for all my tattoo needs as well as recommend this place to anyone. I look forward to each appointment I have with Jorge and he never ceases to amaze me with his vision. read more

I came here by advice from a few of my coworkers. I had been wanting a memorial tattoo for my daughter and had contacted Matt Phelan. I was able to Venmo deposit and text pictures and ideas of what I wanted. This shop is so clean and well decorated. My husband and I admired all the drawings and previous work Matt had done. After we were in the shop Matt began the drawing and stencil. He was very personable and even said a prayer before beginning the tattoo ( major points from me)!!! The tattoo is everything and more. I feel so grateful to have been introduced to Matt and Vessel Tattoo. If ever I need more ink I have no doubt where I will go. read more

Vessel Tattoo - Memorial tattoo for my daughter done by Matt. - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

I had a dream that changed my life. For months I was wanting to make that dream come alive on my skin because it means so much to me. One of my friends referred me to Matt so I went and met with Matt Phelan to talk about my dream. He was able to capture what I saw in my dream and drew it out. One of my favorite parts about this experience was the fact that Matt invited me to sit and work with him to detail out my dream to look just as I saw it in my dream. I knew that I wanted the words "speak life" on my tattoo because it plays a major role to the meaning of the dream. We weren't sure on the font or where to put it so, he suggested that I reach out to my wife and have her write "speak life" in her own hand writing. I reached out to her, she wrote it out and we both liked it a lot so we moved forward with using it. Matt had a great idea for the placement of the words and I really liked his input. My whole experience at Vessel Tattoo was just amazing! Matt is a great person to work with and easy to talk to. The atmosphere is super peaceful and relaxed. It feels very welcoming and the rest of the artist are super chill and friendly. I love my tattoo. Matt nailed every detail of the tattoo and definitely exceeded my expectations. I am super happy with the finished work and its healing very well. I would highly recommend Matt Phelan for any tattoo work. read more

Vessel Tattoo - Speak Life Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California

Love this place, gotten 3 tattoos here so far. The owner Matt is a solid guy, super humble, easy to talk to and does great work for a great price. The shop is super relaxing and is super clean. You can tell he put his heart and soul in the place. read more

See all

Nicki is so sweet & talented. I found her while searching for an artist on Instagram that could do a geometric Phoenix tattoo I had been wanting. All of her work is one of a kind. Her prices are great, her work is amazing and she even came in on her day off to do my tattoo since it was a small piece so that I wouldn't have to wait. The shop is clean and decorated very beautifully. I recommend 100%! read more

Vessel Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - El Cajon, California