Black&Grey is truly an incredible experience! Coffee, tattoos, cocktails, and dinner. from the moment you walk in, this experience is truly magical! I started coming to Black&Grey before it became what it is today, and it's been so beautiful watching it grow year over year. Sophia (the owner) is a phenomenal tattoo artist, and I highly recommend her for anyone who wants a magnificent art piece to carry with them forever. Every one of the artists, assistants, and apprentices are so friendly and so outgoing, and I love the hours I get to spend with these guys! read more

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My artist was Amy @amymarumoto.ink on Instagram. I picked out this cutesy chrome fortune cookie from her flash sheet. She's an incredible apprentice who has done some great realistic work. She was great and responsive when I reached out on IG and was patient with me when we were placing the stencil-- I was very particular about where I wanted it :) She was friendly and personable. The photos here were taken directly after we finished (unhealed). In terms of the studio, it was clean and spacious, definitely seemed very professional. As far as parking goes... it's East Village read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've been coming to Black & Grey Atelier to see Esteban, and he's been doing an amazing job on my cover-up work. His skill and attention to detail are top-notch. The shop itself is super clean and really caters to the customer, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Esteban is an awesome dude--he makes the tattoo session fly by with good conversation, which is a huge plus. My girlfriend and I are so impressed with his work that we're driving two hours just to get tattooed by him this weekend. If you're looking for quality work and a great experience, I highly recommend Black & Grey Atelier and Esteban! read more

Brandon Yoe and this tattoo shop are absolutely amazing! From the moment I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique vibe--it doubles as a coffee shop! It's the perfect spot to sit down with your tattoo artist and really talk about your vision over a great cup of coffee. Brandon was incredibly patient throughout the design process, drawing multiple versions until I found the perfect one. The experience was next level. After settling on the design, I was led through a secret door into a beautifully maintained area with individual rooms for each artist--talk about a cool vibe! The space felt private, clean, and welcoming, which made me feel completely at ease. Brandon's attention to detail is unmatched. My dragon tattoo is absolutely extraordinary--a true work of art. The intricacy and fine lines have left people in awe, constantly commenting on how incredible it looks. If you're looking for an artist who's not only talented but also genuinely invested in making sure you love your tattoo, Brandon Yoe is your guy. Couldn't be happier with my experience! read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I have gotten 2 tattoos done here by Nick Galaura and it's been an awesome experience! The shop itself is great and super clean. Parking out front is metered but I've always found parking easy. There is coffee, food, and a bar in front and then the booths are in the back. Nick's booth is extremely clean and comfortable. Nick did custom pieces for my 2 tattoos and they came out spectacular! Nick often has the TV on and music playing in the booth and he's super easy to talk to during the process. My healing process was quick and easy with both. Highly highly recommend! read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Custom dog and cat portraits - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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My most favorite little tattoo was done by Nick Galaura . I had such a great experience in his chair! He's the most welcoming and friendly dude! His work is incredible! (Check out his instagram and see for your self. @nickgalaura ) I highly recommend getting tattooed by Nick for solid work and such a welcoming and positive experience. He's the best! read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - The cutest caterpillar kewpie done by Nick Galaura - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Great experience with Carla here, getting a fine line mountain tattoo on my wrist. I DMd her directly for an appointment. She was available late in the evening after work which was nice. Parked right out front (meters are free after 6). We then sent her a couple of pictures of what I wanted and asked her to combine two, which she did and I was sooo happy with the output. She worked to get the sizing exactly correct. It's been a little less than 2 weeks and it seems all healed. So happy with the result. read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Sophia has been my tattoo artist for over 8 years! Her detail and light hand are impeccable and no one has been able to come close to her work. Me and my entire family see her for our work. Highly recommend Sophia for anything you need! read more

I was paired up with Nick Galaura at the dia de los deftones flash event last year and had the best experience. I have never had a tattoo artist make me feel so comfortable and welcome in their work space. He made both me and my friend feel very welcomed and chatted with us the whole time making sure we were comfortable. My tattoo still looks great a year n a half later. He really nailed the album cover image I chose and I couldn't be happier with his work. Definitely recommend going to him! read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

The tattoo artist did an amazing job of capturing my wife as a belly dancer. Highly recommended!! read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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I will not stop raving about this shop. I followed their Artist Alana from another shop because their work is not only stunning but the artist themselves is such enjoyable company. This place was better then the other shop by miles, and while the place is still in renovation, you can see this is going to be a prime tattoo shop for the area. I always get compliments on these tattoos and all of the detail work on them. Alana worked with me to build the Statue Tattoo from square 1 with no reference, and was nothing but pleasant and enjoyable during the entire process. Worth every penny and every second for these pieces. Wasn't my first and definitely won't be my last. I also had another friend of mine visit the place with a different Artist, Bay, who was also nothing but kind, even going as far as to replace the template over and over to make sure the placement for the tattoo was accurate. Not only was her studio space fun and exciting, but each of their spaces are private which makes for a comfortable session overall. I would give this place 6 stars if I could. I implore you to check them out. read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was in town for the July 4th holiday and decided to get a special tiny tattoo along with my hubby for our son (to be fair, the tattoo itself wasn't spontaneous - I knew I wanted it just decided SD would be the place oh a whim). I was referred by one of my best friends, who also got a couple of tattoos here. I popped in and was greeted by the owner (I think) who was friendly and helpful and suggested I reach out to Nick. I messaged him and he was so responsive and accommodating; we were able to make an appointment for a few days later! The appointment itself was brief and fun. Nick did a great job and was so friendly the entire time. My hubby and I loved the experience and the vibe of the whole place and would 100% come back if we decide on any other tattoos! Thanks, Nick!! read more

Short version: Book here and you won't regret it. Long version: We had planned a small San Diego trip and I searched for a tattoo shop near our Airbnb. Black & Grey was the first spot to pop up on maps. Went to their website, loved their vibe and every artists work. Esteban's work stood out for the style of the piece we wanted. We were able to get a time slot on our requested day, which was just a complete miracle with how it all worked out. Totally meant to be! Estaban was professional, communicative and super nice from the very beginning through email and when we finally met in person. Black & Grey's vibe is so much fun when you walk in. There are things to buy, artwork for sale, a great waiting area, and awesome music. The gal at the front desk (I forgot your name, and I'm so sorry!) was friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Which immediately put me at ease and set the tone for the rest of our appointment, especially since this was my second tattoo. Esteban did such a kick ass job even before he started tattooing us. His attention to detail in regards to tattoo placement, future tattoo add-ons, body structure and just ensuring nothing looks shitty was spectacular. The session was so much fun since we all talked and laughed throughout it. We already want to come back next year for a trip & more tattoos! read more

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Love my artist and this space! Carla is incredible at fine line work and is always so sweet. She's done around 10 tattoos for me and I'm always happy... This tattoo parlor also has a small restaurant and bar where they host cutie events. read more

Had a wonderful experience at black and grey Atelier tattoo shop, a sweet shop. I received a tattoo from Nick Galaura, he was amazing! Clean space, and very hospitable! I will for sure be back to the shop and to have more tattoos done by nick. read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Nick was my tattoo artist and he is INCREDIBLE. I will always come back to him. Not only that, but the space is so clean, welcoming, and inclusive. If you're looking for high quality tattoos and a fantastic experience getting tattooed, this is the place to be! read more

I booked an all day session several months in advance with Sophia. Her booking manager Jillian messaged me as we neared my appointment and said they had a cancelation so I got in a week earlier than scheduled which was awesome. When I arrived at their shop, I was amazed by the effort that went into the place. The lounge area was roomy and fantastic with several comfortable places to sit all decked out in a gothic classic style. There was a gallery space in the back with a light installation at the center surrounded by a dozen or so canvases by an artist selected by the owner. A full bar and boutique area finished off the front of the shop with several interesting items for purchase like handmade purses and other quirky yet clever products. Sophia came out to meet me in the lounge moments later where we discussed different compositions for my tattoo. She came up with some beautifully interesting solutions for the obscure and odd idea that I had in mind. When she was all set up in the back, we were off and running. Getting the tattoo itself was a very easy-going experience. From the manner in which she deals with clients, to the friendly relationships she has with the other tattoo artists, to the fun and interesting conversations we had, she really does her best to make the whole experience as cool and comfortable as possible. I can't say enough good things about Sophia. Not only is she an accomplished and brilliant artist... but she built out and creatively overhauled this massive spot all during a pandemic. The amount of detail that goes into her focus as not only a tattoo artist, but as a business owner as well, really shows in all that she does. I highly recommend this shop to anyone who is interested in a new piece, wether they are local or otherwise. read more

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Just got a tattoo done by Brandon and I couldn't be happier!! He's awesome. This is my new favorite tattoo! I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend. Plus he's a super nice guy who really listens to what you want. read more

First of all- i never write reviews but i just want to say how impressed I am with this experience. One- the girl at the front desk remembered me from my consultation which made me feel so special! Mara was my artist and let me tell you we VIBED! Their whole thing is "getting tattooed shouldn't suck" and it DIDNT. I actually had the most fun tonight than I've had since COVID hit. The front desk girl came and checked on me to refill my drink- UHM THANK YOU!!! Mara made me feel so comfortable during my appointment and used a numbing spray that completely made the entire experience better. It really didn't hurt almost at all! And i got tattooed in a very sensitive spot. She made me comfortable and the conversation was amazing!! Also- i can't hate on her awesome 80s playlist. I am actually blown away by my experience. And just a side note- this is a predominantly female ran business which is a huge plus!! No creepy dude tattoo artist dudes to worry about. (Sorry creepy tat dudes you know who you are) Finally- and most importantly! My tattoo WAY WAY WAY EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. This was my favorite and best tattoo experience I've ever had (and this is coming from someone who is running out of room on my skin) Highly recommend!!! 5 star service 5 star art! Thank you Mara and team read more

This tattoo parlor is amazing! They are definitely taking precautions due to COVID-19! They take your temperature and sanitize both your hands and the artists before coming in contact with them! They're bar is still open , and it's an experience just coming here ! The theme/vibe of this shop is everything! Can't wait to be coming back for more pieces ! 5 stars definitely!! Every person who works here , is super nice and helpful ! I definitely recommend coming here if you're looking to get tatted , they have some awesome artists ! read more

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Amazing artwork by Sophia. She is so talented with a keen eye for detail and a light touch. Get your tattoo from her, but book early. She has great taste in music as well. read more

BLACK&GREY Atelier - Amazing art work by Sophia. She is so talented with an eye for detail. She also has great taste in music. - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Literally the best artists and the most amazing staff I all of San Diego-this place is clean and professional and dedicated entirely to the happiness of their clients. Esteban in particular has been the best artist I've ever worked with and I cannot say enough good things about him and his work-come see for yourself! read more