East Side Ink

I was looking to get tattooed here, just moving to NY looking for a good compatible artist to match my current style of ink. I was very unpleased by the person I met with for my consultation. He may be a good artist, sure. But he couldn't even crack a single smile while getting to know each other..made me extremely uncomfortable immediately! I felt no sense of any connection, interpersonal relationship..that as a client we need to feel goods confident about trusting someone to tattoo our bodies..Also the price was a HUGE joke. They quoted me $1200+ for a 3-5 inch tattoo!! Telling me it will take 3 hours...when i have 25 of similar simple b&w few inch tattoos all over my body. And out of all 4 artists I've ever been to, it has taken them under ONE hour, or slightly over one hour max. This place is an outrageous rip off..not sure how they think these unfair prices are ethical, but they are not at all. DONT go here. Vibes were all off, and it sadly felt very driven by ripping people/ clients off, attracting ppl who may not know the market, know better. Felt awful to me I would not recommend going here find somewhere better!

Caesar is without question the man when it comes to any woodcut/engraved style tattoos. I was struggling for a while to find an artist who was able to tackle the design I had in mind, and was ready to give up on it until I had Caesar and East Side Ink recommended to me. Despite being several states away, Caesar was kind, responsive, knowledgeable, and really showed he had a deep understanding for what makes tattoos in this style work. East Side Ink is also a very cozy studio, and the other artists/employees (never got their names, sorry) there were extremely kind and welcoming while I was waiting to get started and throughout getting the tattoo done. Couldn't be happier with how my tattoo turned out- price is definitely on the higher end but that's to be expected when getting work of this size and quality. Thanks again to Caesar for the incredible work! If you have the money to spend on a large statement piece in this style, then I can't recommend these Caesar and East Side Ink enough. I already plan on returning in the future for my next piece.

I went to East Side Ink on a friends recommendation and immediately felt like it was the right spot. Very warm and welcoming. I was getting my first tattoo, so this was important. My artist was Jonah, and he couldn't have been nicer. He was patient, attentive, focused, and detail oriented. He knew it was my first tattoo, so he took extra measure to make sure everything was just right. He is kind, funny, and very talented. I really enjoyed the experience and was so happy that I chose East Side Ink. In terms of the finished piece, It's EXACTLY what I envisioned. I couldn't be more happy and grateful. Thank you Jonah and East Side Ink!

I finished my Japanese fantasy/lord of the rings inspired sleeve with Luke Kupono at East Side and I will never get tattooed by anyone else!! Luke is attentive, caring, friendly, and will be just as invested in your tattoo as you are. My ideas were abstract and a little crazy but he made a fantastical dream a stunning reality. I’ve had multiple people stop to tell me my sleeve is the best black and gray they’ve ever seen and I couldn’t agree more. 100% recommend Luke for your next piece, big or small!!

I want to thank Jess Machete, Josh Lord and the rest of the staff at East Side Ink, for an incredible day! I won the Revolver magazine tattoo contest with Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals. The tattoo is perfect and this will be a day I will never forget. I highly recommend anyone looking for a great tattoo experience to check out this shop. Thank you all again!

I know I’m very late with this review considering my tattoo was done in Feb 2024… But I had to made sure I shared my experience at East Side Ink and with Mateo. The whole experience was amazing from start to finish and I am more than happy with my tattoo, it healed really well following the artists exact recommendations and to this day, a year and a some months later, the details of the tattoo are impeccable. Whenever I finally make my mind up for the several ideas I have for my next tat I will definitely be coming back here! (The before and after from day 1 to 1 year and 3 months later)

Had a tattoo done with Luke Kupono yesterday and I'm just so so happy with the whole experience. The tattoo is gorgeous, beautifully done and crisp. Luke listened to me and collaborated with me, didn't make me feel like a bother when I was exploring sizing and placement. And the time with Luke was special. He's so kind and clearly puts good energy and spirit into his tattoos. Highly recommend.

Huge mahalo to Luke for my sick tattoo and the ohana at East Side Ink for doing a fundraiser to help our ohana on Maui. The space is clean and the artists and staff are professional and welcoming. It was my first visit there and Luke made me feel like we knew each other for years! 100% would recommend and was well worth the drive down from Boston. Shoooots! \m/

I'm convinced that tattoo artist Cheo Park is this beautiful shop's secret weapon. Sure, the place is famous for the owner tattooing all the Avengers, and while that is dynamite stuff, you really need to know about the quiet, petite genius set up in the far back corner. I was looking for years for someone who could flawlessly design and execute my full left arm sleeve. There are a lot of complex elements that needed to be woven together visually and he delivered. We still have a few more sessions to go to finish it up, but it has been beyond worth every penny spent ($250/hour) and every minute (40 hours and counting) under his gun. Cheo is friendly, subtle, funny, respectful, a true collaborator, ridiculously talented, and if you're lucky, he might have his adorable rescue dogs with him at the shop...

Mr. Jonah Ellis made my experience exceptionally easy and pleasant. From the initial consultation, his exceptional skill in design and execution was evident. The tattooing process was comfortable and professional, marked by meticulous attention to detail. The final result surpassed my expectations. The entire process was relaxed and comfortable, and I am extremely happy with the final result. He maintained a focused demeanor, and whenever I had a question or concern, he addressed it perfectly. I had a very relaxing and enjoyable experience and hope to return someday. Thank you, Jonah, for your excellent work. Nancy.

I have been coming to East Side Ink only since March 2023. But, one visit addicted me! I now have four tattoos by two different artists, and every single one of them is cherished by me and envied by others! The problem is that I love this place. I love coming here. I love the people here. The fact that I walk out with breathtaking art on my body (I even covet my own tattoos!) is the candle in the rose on the icing on the cake. I am NOT interested in patronizing venues where everyone fancies themselves cooler/smarter/hipper/more ...anything than I. The fact of the matter is that I could NEVER have drawn what Jonah and Kreg have drawn, what Luke is about to draw, and whatever else my next target and I decide to decorate my body with. But, in no way, shape or form--from Josh to everyone else--do I ever get less than the warmest of welcomes and the most delightful chill. The fact that this place has addicted me to tattoos (I'd previously gotten one in '89 and one in '14), and tattoos that almost always show, is testament to how remarkable is this environment. If you want poseurs, go somewhere else. If you want to be treated with love, honor and respect, then walk out with art you actually wish you had on your body, even though you now HAVE it on your body...this is the place. So. Much. Love.

I got my entire sleeve done by Luke and I'll never get tattooed by anyone else again. He's incredibly kind, patient, organized (shows up early and ready with the design already done!) and made the entire experience so much fun and stress free. I get stopped in the street regularly with people telling me I have some of the most beautiful black and gray they've seen. Cannot recommend highly enough!

So very happy I went with East Side Ink for my first tattoo! Mateo (Matt) was so patient and kind when I expressed my nervousness and checked in with me throughout the process. And the tattoo turned out absolutely gorgeous. Highly recommend :)

Highly recommend. Mariana is an incredible artist. She takes her time and ensures every detail is highlighted in her work.

I've had several tattoos done here, and it's been amazing every time! Love this place. The people are super friendly! ​

My wife and I both are customers of Jonah as our artist. One of the best experiences and very light-handed as well great conversationalist. We can't wait to come back soon!

With no previous tattoos, the decision to have an artist place something permanently on my body was one I took very seriously, and I am so thankful that Yelp reviews lead me to the incredible East Side Ink. I called and described what I wanted, and they were able to set me up for a consultation that week. The studio is beautiful inside and when I met with Jess M. she sat with me and we talked about my vision, and I emailed her some photos that inspired me. She took a tracing of my arm where the tattoo was to be and we set an appointment for two days later. When I went back, everything looked exactly how I would have envisioned it and I am so amazed at her artistry and ability to bring this idea to life.

I got the baby Simpson tattooed on my leg here. Sounds like it would be a joke, but it actually makes a ton of sense considering my fiancés name is Maggie. Some people get their partners name tattooed on them. Others get a similarly named cartoon. I guess I just fall in that second category. Well, regardless of how dumb, funny, or frivolous of a tattoo idea you have, you can be sure that East Side Ink is going to take it seriously. Everyone in the shop from the woman working the front desk to the person that filled in the blue bow on my Maggie was incredibly professional from start to finish. It's not cheap, but I know from experience that you definitely don't want to go that route if you're looking to put something permanently on your body. They also let my friends drink wine while they were waiting for me which made the whole experience even more of a social function. If you're in the East Village and opting for a tattoo to keep you entertained, you really can't go wrong at this shop!

Though everyone and their mom has tattoos these days, it's surprising to me how many places can still be snobby or unwelcoming when you're researching them for your first one. I've heard that lots of tattoo artists don't want to be responsible for those who are looking for their first one, and that others look down at those who want to do small tattoos instead of going in for an entire sleeve or chest or something. I fell into both of those categories (first-timer, small tattoo), so I was very impressed with how comfortable they made me feel at East Side Ink. First of all, the space itself has a warm and welcoming vibe, something that's not easy to do with the buzz of needles in the air and bare skin being exposed all over the place. There are lots of women working in the place (though not exclusively), which was comforting to me, too. I had an appointment with Angela, who is obviously a badass and very talented from her book and IG accounts but is also super sweet and helpful. She's confident in her work but wants to hear everything you're thinking in terms of what you want - a good balance. She must see hundreds of people a week but she still made me feel special and not at all rushed as I got my first little tattoo. I walked out of there feeling great and, of course, looking great too because she did an amazing job. Coincidentally a couple of coworkers also went to her after me to get more intricate, colorful pieces and they turned out fantastically as well. They had a $100 minimum (lower than other trendier spots I consulted with in the past), and somewhat inconveniently they only take cash. There's an ATM at the bodgea across the street if you're in a bind. I'd highly recommend it to someone who's looking for a new spot or a first-time experience that will leave you wanting more tattoos immediately!

Had the pleasure of working with Jen, who is the master of micro blading brows. She changed my whole facial world! It was amazing waking up today and looking in the mirror and being like "omg yesssssssssss" !!! She did such an amazing job, and was so patient and gentle during the whole process. She made sure that each brow fits my face perfectly, working with the natural symmetry of my face, she is a true artist and sculptor. They are my new favorite thing about myself, I'm hooked! Thank you thank you thank you Jen!!!

I've been under a tattoo gun many times in my day, and some experiences have been better than others. I've had some terrible tattoos, I've had some pretty great tattoos, and a few sprinkled in between. But what's funny is that my last tattoo was intended to be somewhat of a joke, but it may just be my best tattoo yet. The crew at East Side Ink are all total professionals. Whether you're walking in unannounced, or you have an appointment, they'll talk you through in a way that's very straight forward, and they'll talk you out of any tattoo they don't think you'll love in 10 years. They don't want that blood on their hands, and you don't want it on your body. They could take the money and run (trust me, it's been done to me in the past), but they have a reputation to uphold, and adhere by the proper ethics of self-respecting artists. It might not be the cheapest tattoo in Lower Manhattan, but do you really want a cut rate piece that'll go to the grave with you? No. Don't learn the hard way like I did, just go to East Side Ink and love the new you.

They moved to 88 rivington street. A new better location. The place looks really nice and there's a hot chick in the front desk to welcome you. Can't go wrong I highly recommend.

Man as a small business owner I really don't like to write bad reviews and I have never written one until now. I feel like I got ripped off here. My girlfriend and I both got very simple small tattoos that took a total of about 15 minutes (for both) for the actual tattoos. We paid $300. This was my first tattoo so I didn't know any better. Also I was on vacation and not in the spirit of arguing or doing anything to set off a negative vibe. Apparently my friends here at home in CA all are telling me this should not have cost more than $150. So I'm not sure what went on here. They didn't have us fill out any paperwork either. Maybe the staff pocketed the $ because the owner wasn't there? I don't know but something seemed dishonest. I don't have a good feeling about this place. PS The artist (Mike from Jackson) was a nice guy and didn't have anything to do with the price which was set by the front desk girl.

These artists are professionals. The place is just amazing and everyone was kind and welcoming. It was not my first tattoo, but definitely it was my best experience overall. Jonah Ellis is the NUMBER ONE, he went through all the details with me on my spine tattoo, and the result is simply perfectly perfect!!! I love it!!!

Rude to potential customers. Standing outside to figure out if over priced tattoos are worth it and they treated customers like shit. Looks rundown and dirty would not come here during covid. Small tattoo cost 250$ who do they think they are.

I wish I can give it a negative 5 stars~I still can't believe how unprofessional this place is, I mean it's a tattoo shop, you expect for them to be welcoming and accommodating. I booked a session a month in advance, consistently emailed the place, they were fast to take the deposit but not even professional enough to at least let me speak once with the tattoo artist on the phone ONCE. Of course, the tattoos artist reaches out three hours before and then, of course, then they claim I never reach out via email, which btw I sent 16 emails in total. I got the attitude of course. I still was gonna go through with it because of course it's a $200 deposit and you have to follow all these rules because if not, they will keep your deposit (You basically have to come in on your knees chanting while holding a candle with your left foot, so you won't lose your deposit). I got there (20 min before) the front chic desk was rude and af and of course I sit and wait..pass my schedule time and then the was told that (THANK GOD) the tattoo artist running behind way behind and if I wanted my deposit or go to another artist but had to wait an hour (WTF) but again, LORD forbid I was late then I would've lost my deposit! OKAY WHATEVER! I took my deposit and got the HELL out of there!!!! what a bad taste...I assure that I WILL be spreading the word to friends not to go here! just because they have a reputation doesn't mean they can treat people, like shit! bye FELICIA! OH! an FYI I booked with another shop totally different experience, I AM SOOO HAPPY I didn't get tatted with all this bad energy!

Over the last few years I've gotten 3 large & complex tattoos at this studio with 3 different artists. Each time I've come away with the same feeling... They are the BEST! The people who work there are friendly and welcoming. Even the artist that aren't "your artist" take time to comment on the progress of your piece. Their artists are very talented and it's clear they want you to LOVE the art they created for you. I've gone back at least 9 times now, each session lasting several hours, and every session has always been positive. Most recently I've been working with @theclicketyclick Jonah Ellis. He is soooo amazingly creative it's sick. His work is beautiful, delicate and intricate. He is also a great person with a really good heart and, let's face it, an amazing dog (Owen aka:TheScaredCow) whom I just love. Going back in the spring for more work with Jonah. Can't wait!

I was finally ready to get my first bit of ink and I wanted to find the best place to get it done at. This was no easy task being in NYC and I had no intentions of going down to W. 4th and letting any old Joe do something that's going to be on my body for the rest of my life. So I heard from a few buddies that East Side Ink was the place to go. I looked it up and did my research and I was impressed. I took a trip down there to get a consult and I was sold. When you walk in the vibe is very chill and laid back. There's never any judgment on what you want to get done. The girl at the desk was very helpful and told me to look through the massive books of the work the artists had done. I chose Sweety and paid my $100 deposit and booked my appointment for two weeks. Came back in two weeks and let me just say that Sweety calmed any nerves I had. He was extremely nice and it didn't hurt that he was nice to look at as well. He's very quick and precise, I was very pleased with his work. After he was done, he took the time to tell me exactly how to take care of it. I would definitely recommend East Side Ink for your first tattoo or your seventh. The staff and the talent here is just great.

Came here with a friend of mine to get matching tattoos. We had an appointment with Caesar. He was very kind and attentive while listening to what we wanted. He was honest about how the placement of our tattoos would look best following our muscle and bone structure. Each of our tattoos took about 30 min and were $160. The shop was clean and professional. Would definitely recommend the shop and Caesar.

Holy crap... amazing. I got my first tattoo here. It was exactly what I wanted. I was incredibly unhelpful when I went in and said, "I want a tiger lily," with basically no other direction. My artist (C-Jay) pulled up pictures, went to books, and spent a lot of time trying to figure out exactly what I wanted. He spent almost an hour just on that and sketching the outline. He originally said the inking was going to take about 2 hours. It ended up taking 2 appointments and about 4 hours because he just went into so much detail and did such a beautiful job, and still just charged me for the 2 hours. I love my tattoo, get compliments on it all the time, and am already planning on my next tattoo from them.

I got my tattoo done by Alex who is a true talent. He was very patient in explaining his concerns with my original design (a treble clef in pastel colors). He re-worked the design with vivid red, orange, and purple. It's been almost a week now and the tattoo is healing beautifully. This is a serious tattoo parlor that specializes in tattoos only--no piercings. Prices start at $100. They accept cash only.

I got my tattoo here in June 2012 and it still looks incredible. As many people before me have done, I researched the hell out of salon in NYC before getting my first tattoo and based on reviews and the art displayed on the website, East Side Ink rose to the top of the list. Josh seemed best suited as he is known (based on reviews) as being "good with fine detail" and I'd been dragging an old folded copy of a picture of a finely detailed tree and was determined to find someone up to the challenge. The minute Josh and I met I knew I wanted him to do my tattoo! What a gentle soul! Someone who made me feel even more excited about my tattoo than before. I found out that he is also the owner and had been doing this for 10+ years which made me feel even better. I came to find out that he wouldn't have an opening until two months later, and though I was disappointed I wouldn't have instant gratification, it was a further indication he was well sought after! HE WAS AMAZING and worth the wait. My best friend came with me and we had a blast. He was skilled, patient, kind, funny, and focused. Clearly a pro. My experience was excellent. Whenever we took a break he would have us walk around and view every other artists work and was invested in supporting and encouraging all customers and staff alike. The tattoo itself is excellent and healed perfectly. Even though it is on my upper inner arm (bicep) the pain wasn't nearly as bad as I thought and Josh was careful to be clean, gentle and explained everything he was doing. I felt very taken care of and like I was in good hands -- someone you can trust! The prices are real high, but it's worth it as far as I'm concerned. It's on your body forever, folks. Pay for it.

This is my 5th tattoo and it's a thing I always take very serious, because of the fact that it stays forever and I want it to look exactly the way I want it. I did research and this place came up. I went there and choose a person by looking into their booklets! Now, my tattoo came out good, however not the way I really wanted to have it! I choose Raul Suarez and that was my mistake! He has a huge attitude! So be careful when you end up with him. He is a great artist but his communication skills are non existent. The day I went to look at his drawing he said one thing about a change I asked about, the other day, when I was finally there to get the tattoo, it was not possible anymore. When we finally sat down to start the tattoo, we ended up arguing about one thing I thought we had decided on beforehand as well. I don't want to argue with the person making my tattoo WHILE he's making it! When he was done, he just cleaned it and walked away! That was it! It left the whole experience, which is supposed to be a fun adventure, to be something with a bad after taste! It is really too bad he made it that way! What can I say? I should have walked away on him when we started to argue before he started his work! I really should have! The place is good though and I don't actually like to give it only 2 stars! It's really only because of Raul that I can't give it 5 stars! The others were great and I will actually go back to get another tattoo!

I could not be happier with my first tattoo experience at East Side Ink. My tattoo artist was Valentina, and she was kind, patient, and just an overall good vibe. I think it's really important having someone that makes you feel comfortable in the process. A couple of months before the actual session, I sent her some reference photos, and then a week before the session, stopped by the shop to see her sketch and go over finalizing the design. I'm super happy with the outcome! Definitely thinking about what to get next.

I read reviews for EAST SIDE INK, here on yelp. I had made my first appointment about 2 years ago to be exact. I called in and the receptionist gave me a appointment for the next day. When i arrived there the next day, I was about 15 mins late because of the NYC mta. I sat on the couch for about 2 mins and then I was greeted by a artist named MARK HARADA. I went in for some a additional add-ons for a tattoo that I got when I was 18.. He asked me what i wanted so that he could have a idea what he had to draw up. Since i had the little fish for some years now, I just kept up with the sea theme. He drew a mermaid and some coral leafs, water waves, jellyfish, kelp and a seahorse. The tattoo takes up the whole front part of my left shin.. I have already made 3 trips to get it colored, and I only have a little bit to finish. Mark and all the tattoo artist here are all down to earth.The parlor itself is pretty clean and has a family feeling to it . Mark makes you feel as comfortable as possible and he moves pretty quickly. I plan on getting a partial sleeve started within the next week or so.. The minimum charge is $100 and from there its $200 a hr. It may sound expensive but its worth every single penny in my book..Since going here, four of my friends has gotten work done here and they love it, and also plan on returning. This place rocks!!!!

My second tat and all down to THE MAN (Bang Bang) Aka Keith. As good as it gets for sure with this man. Well done mate I love my tat and will recommend others to come see you (if they haven't already). Besides my experience I read others that have similar outcomes/feedback; a clean place, affordable in contrast and professional in their office. Good job ESI !!

Dope layout and open space. I followed my tattoo artist here and was not disappointed. From booking the tattoo to paying, everything went smoothly. It's very important to do your research before you commit to a piece; my artist, Valentina, was patient and informative. There was no guessing how much it would cost or how long it would take. The whole process was smooth and enjoyable. Equipment was clean and my tattoo is healing beautifully. Would def recommend.

I came here (terrified) for my first tattoo on my 18th birthday.. I was greeted by Angela De Rosette, who was beyond incredible. Since it was my first tattoo, I was panicking about how bad it might hurt, or if I flinch, faint, etc.. Angela was super understanding and helped me calm down beforehand.. I got a simple Aries tattoo on my wrist, and I LOVE IT. The shop's vibe is so positive. Everybody there truly loves what they do.. I would recommend this place 100%!

Spontaneous urge to get some more ink while on our brief visit to NYC, found these guys and was very glad I chose them. Clean shop, pleasant staff. Artist Caesar was available for my walk in. Consult was well done, he drew it quickly and perfectly and we were in and out in about an hour. I've been to many shops and have had ink done from Seattle to Mexico. His was an excellent shop and best part is you can explore the east village afterwards.

East Side Ink is one of the nicest tattoo shops I've been to. It's extremely clean and comfortable and the staff and artists are all super friendly and helpful. I've been getting tattooed by Josh Lord for years and he consistently does amazing work. I've recommended this place to so many people, and have brought my own mom and sister for some work by Josh as well! Call ahead if you're planning to get something done by him though - he normally has a wait list, but trust me, it's worth the wait!

I got my first tattoo here from one of the artists named Kreg and it was overall a horrible experience. My tattoo ended up lopsided which left me feeling very perturbed and distressed especially since the meaning behind this tattoo was very significant and as I mentioned previously, my FIRST tattoo. At this point I'm considering laser removal since the unevennesses is so pronounced.

Sweety is amazing. I emailed East Side about the tattoo I wanted and they said they would hook me up with Sweety. He called me , I told him what I wanted, and I was amazed at what he had created when I went in the day of my appointment. The artwork was exactly what I wanted. He was so calm and mellow and the shop itself was so simple and super clean. I was greeted with nothing but smiles. This is my second tattoo and I will never go to another shop again. East Side and Sweety ...you guys "ROCK"!!!!! Shannon aka Sienna

My criticism of this shop lies not with the art but with the business itself - I did not get a tattoo here, and I don't want to criticize the talent of the artists. I had scheduled an appointment and gone through numerous rounds of confirmation that the date and time were correct. I arrived at the shop on time and waited for about ten minutes before I was told that they had, in fact, failed to schedule my artist on the day in question. I had travelled in from out of town for this appointment, so this was enormously disappointing. I would recommend finding a more reliable shop.

This review is extremely tardy but have to show love to east side ink. I have 2 tattoos, both from east side ink, and I wear them both with such pride and love. My only regret is that I can't see the one on the back of my neck! I had rough ideas of what I wanted but not an exact design prior to getting both. The artists took the time to understand what I wanted and helped me to choose size and placement. Shout out to Jonah Ellis. I had about 100 different photos of feathers and he drew one exactly to my requests/vague direction. The detail is amazing and it's exactly what I didn't know I wanted. He also was really honest about his opinions on placement and size which is awesome. Love knowing I can go to someone who won't do bad work. Gotta trust someone putting permanent ink on your body. My second time there I didn't have an appointment and they were able to get me in same-day on a really busy one. So appreciated. Will be back very soon!

Had my 2nd session with Cheo Park to finish my whale shark tattoo. Came out great even after adjusting the tail to cover my surgery scar. This shop and artist are so easy to work with, I'll be back after I decide what I want next. http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/fxEtJwordeNPFU_y6_baFQ/l.jpg

Pretty much ripped me off my money, had me pay way to much, was so irresponsible, the tattoo guy didn't even work out and avoided the communication and then they tried to force me in to the same place to get the tattoo by offering me a credit which was so stupid when I already felt so bad abut how they have treated me. Was so careless and dead on the phone. Worst place! Paid 250 for small tattoos, and one wasn't even made well so had to pay 80 more another place to fixed. Absolutely NOT recommend this place. There are other places that are better and deal with situations better. Feel so ripped off!

These guys are TRUE professionals. I went in with a beast of a tattoo and spent about 20+ hours in the shop. Everyone was kind & welcoming. The parlor itself is immaculate and looks more like a trendy coffee shop/massage parlor than a stereotypical tattoo shop. Jonah Ellis is a ROCK STAR. He was the first artist to say yes to my tattoo (I had asked around 6 more at other shops). He is SO worth the price (as are all the artists there).

Walked into the shop and here is what someone named Angela said to me: On fine-line tattoos: "Tattoo isn't for everyone. Maybe tattoo isn't for you. Dr. Woo and single needle tattoos or fine lines will fade. Tattoo isn't for everyone. Maybe tattoo isn't for you. What you want is too small to tattoo. I don't mean it in a condescending way, but maybe tattoo isn't for you." [speechless. but I guess she meant her kind of tattoo isn't for everyone?] On lettering, about 15-18 letters: "Be careful with letters, you will end up looking like a book. [I can see that] Why don't you get a symbol that represents the words. [because symbols aren't words and vice versa?] Pictures are worth a thousand words. [sometimes, sometimes not..]" On having multiple ideas and getting more than one tattoo at a time: "For someone who is getting a tattoo for the first time [tatally assuming this is the case], I know it's exciting. But it isn't a race. [who said anything about racing?]" Upon stepping out of the shop, i found myself utterly confused what type of anti-customer, anti-single-needle, anti-different-type-of-creativity shop I had gone into. Maybe she was just out to get people like me thinking deeply about giving East Side Ink business. Dont know what really happened there. Still confused. Guess I'll give my business to JonBoy West4Tattoo or Bang Bang. Thanks for helping me make a decision.

The absolute best. Every one of my tattoos is from this shop, since I wound up having them fix up a few less-than-stellar pieces from other places. The staff is friendly, the office is clean and unpretentious, and the overall vibe is very friendly. I have a standing monthly appointment. I wouldn't go anywhere else. If you want a tattoo, at least schedule a consultation and see for yourself.

ESI is Alpha in the Alphabet City!! I love everyone here! The Artists here are extremely talented and have beautiful souls!! Jessica had done such a great job on my Tattoo!! I am just itching to go back for a touch up and for more Tattoos! Don't worry about not knowing what to get. The Artists over at ESI will inspire you and make your visions into reality. Trust them, they will surprise you in everyway! I love ESI!

Tattoo artists are definitely 5 stars. I have had the pleasure to work with Minka and meet some other artists that work here. It was my first experience and she was lovely, patient, kind and understanding. Wouldn't have asked for a better 3 hours - absolutely invested and attentive. They are great people, great team dynamics and amazing energy. Receptionist - . She was rude, crass and absolutely unpleasant (and it wasn't a one-off) - she raised her hand in a motion to make me shut up while checking her laptop and then left the front desk. I was simply asking for the restroom. Avoid dealing with her if you go there - or just dismiss her unnecessary attitude because she shouldn't take away from how wonderful everyone else is.

I have 17 tattoos, and this was by far one of the best experiences I've had. SUPER chill, super accommodating (that front desk girl is the SWEETEST). I came in for a new year's special from Mare, someone I'd been following for years with the hopes of someday getting tattooed. She took my super vague idea and turned it into now one of my favorite little pieces. Just a joy from start to finish. Thank you so much, I'm already planning to come back for multiple things :)

Got a tat here and the energy from the artist was really negative. I personally wouldn't recommend this shop

My experience at East Side Ink is always great, everyone is super chill, accommodating and a lot of fun. They take cleanliness extremely seriously and I am a little bit of a germaphobe so that is great. Customer service is wonderful, never had an issue making an appointment and the receptionists will even walk over to clients sometimes and chat with them to help them through their session. I had a few tattoos done at East Side Ink/Graceland with Jonah Ellis and he is the best! I wanted to get a tattoo for a really long time and waited until I was in my late 20's to take the plunge. For my first tattoo, I wanted a sanskrit tattoo straight down my spine... After looking at the portfolios and speaking with the receptionist I decided to make an appointment with Jonah. I went for my appointment and he was running a bit behind so I hung out and read some magazines, hey can't rush art. He listened to what I wanted, explain to me the process and how the placement I picked was an extremely painful one - especially since I never had a tattoo he doesn't know if I would be able to sit through it. I told him if we can't get it all in one session, we'll break it up if needed. He took extremely meticulous care in placing the stencil. Like seriously, it's so well placed that my masseuse and chiropractor uses it to visually see if my spine is out of alignment, because my tattoo is so straight. Three and a half hours later - it was finished! He checked on me the whole time, made sure I was alright during the entire session and took breaks as needed. It was exactly what I asked for and I love it. My second tattoo, I wanted 2 lines of script on my ribs. Another painful placements and I wanted fine line work too. It's really hard to do fine lines on someone that needs to continuously move the area by breathing, but he gave me another great tattoo and I love how he did the placement so the script flows with my body lines instead of being straight lines. Since I was one of the last clients there and Josh Lord was being honored by Inked magazine, they invited me to go out with them to celebrate too. How cool is that? Third tattoo, I finally got artwork and had an imperial crown on my hip. Jeez, I thought after spine and ribs nothing would hurt anymore - I was so wrong. It was the worst tattoo I had to sit through, the hip bone is awful... Jonah drew about 50 tiny circles for my crown and did a great job with all the different elements of it, from the black and gray shading to white ink highlighting and all the fine meticulous lines in between. I even threw him a curve ball by saying mid-session "whoops forgot to tell you I wanted latin text too" and he had to hand draw that part on me and make it work with the rest of the tattoo that is already in progress and made it look like it was always supposed to be there. Now if that's not expertise I don't know what is. When I got the white ink touched up on my hip this year, he also did another small tattoo on my wrist, border-less filled in red heart with tiny script next to it. Took him 5 minutes and voila another perfect tattoo. So with all the different tats I got here, I've been happy with each one and it would be very hard for me to go somewhere else.

Fifty years from now, when I am a wise old wrinkled yelper, I will let you know how my ink has held up. Then we can decide if ESI really deserves 5 stars. But for right now... YES! Bang Bang (aka Keith) did an awesome, meticulous job and was very sweet. I also got to meet his 1 year old daughter -- she chilled with me on the couch while he finalized drawings. Nice. ESI is well-sized, clean, affordable, and relaxed. And it happens to be a mere hop, skip, and jump away from Grape & Grain, and Lula's, too. Just sayin'.

You're so pretty...it brings tears of joy to my eyes. I imagine the only thing better than getting indelibly gorgeous here is to travel to the owner Josh's eatery the V Bar. Impeccable shop, wonderful artists, and all around originals. Savor every second, cause it'll be with you for life.

I stopped in at East Side because it's close to my place, and I've been thinking about getting some text on my wrist for several years. Well, one day was as good as another, and I figured, hey, this place gets good Yelp reviews, so why not? I knew what I wanted, vaguely, and it's lucky that I also know how to use Photoshop, or I'd have ended up with something truly awful. I was told that the girls who worked the front desk would help me choose a font and a layout. Unfortunately, they didn't know how to arrange text (basic kerning/tracking/justification, people, seriously, this is going to be on me FOREVER) and were generally aloof. Ladies, just because you have a thousand tattoos and are like, so over it, doesn't mean I don't care about the few I have looking great. The tattoo artist was fine, and the tat looks great, healed quick. But I'll be damned if I go back there to pay $100 to do most of the work myself. I know I'm not the coolest kid on the block, and my tattoo certainly isn't anything close to badass, but I love it and care about it, and it would have been nice if somebody could have put their potato chips down for five seconds, looked me in the eye, and said "Yeah, let's figure out how to do this right." If you're looking for caring, motivated, involved staff who want to help you with their expertise, don't go to East Side.