Wow never been more bummed out about a shop in my life . Went in for a tattoo with my girlfriend and let's just say it doesn't look like sanitation is a big deal here . I went in looking for who I'm guessing used to own the shop . Not there anymore and settled to stay and see what could be done for us. So we talked to some tattoo guy named after an animal or something who seemed to know what he was talking about my girlfriend was going to get a piercing and I was thinking about a tattoo . I stepped out to take a call while she was getting a piercing and when I came back I noticed that the jewelry wasn't taken out of a autoclave bag nor did I see any proper use of tools thing where being touched bare handed and really just gross but I was to late he already pierced her nose and I had just got off the call. Needless to say the piercing was too short for her nose and when it got swollen it got really bad had to go to another shop to get it fixed and put in professional body jewelry. I would not recommend this place to anyone it's disgusting. And if there is a real problem with her nose we will make another review of how that went read more

I phoned in advance and spoke with Mike. He lead me to my artist Angel Martinez whose work I previously studied on Instagram. Mr. Martinez met with me to construct my tattoos that I have waited almost 2 years to do. I had a breast reduction that left me with horrible scars. I gave full creative control to Angel to help me with this issue. I agreed to an under boob tat design and a nipple tassle to cover the scarring. I recently was diagnosed with Endometrial cancer and explained that the tattoo was very personal. I have to still schedule the tassle parts due to pain management issue. Let me say that the crew was outstanding having me there. I want to say Mike, Bear, Scooby, Danny, and Angel were so respectful and professional. Please take a look at this shop on FB and Instagram. This was and will continue to be an artists venue. Do yourself a favor and get that ink you've been wanting. Life is short, live your passion. Sincerely YOLI K. read more

I was a walk in from out of town with a general idea of what I wanted. I searched on my phone, right in the shop, for a couple of examples and showed the artist . From there we talked about fixing an old tattoo along with tailoring to my wants and slight changes and differences from the examples. He was very patient and I must say I was BLOWN AWAY by the final product! Bear was my artist and he is a true artist! He did his thing and even threw in a couple executive decision surprise details that I'm not sure other artists would have envisioned. I would drive the 6 hours again to have him do any further pieces for me in the future! My Sister got her's done the same day as a walk in as well and is equally satisfied but I'll let her write her own review. BTW we walked in an hour before closing and got out of there with time to spare with super detailed beautifully executed tattoos! read more

I had scheduled an appt down the block at Lefty's and the artist there was so rude I walked out and down the block to Blackwater. Walking in, it looks like an art studio, it's very inviting, comfortable and clean. Adrian greeted me, he was very welcoming and called the artist to see if he could squeeze me in as a walk in. Jordan, the artist, moved his schedule around without even meeting me, because I had a plane to catch. Jordan made me feel so comfortable and gave me two beautiful tats as a walk in. He has a great touch, is very gentle and open, supportive and encouraging. Best of all my images look excellent, he totally made my vision come to life. A great experience and I plan to return! read more

DO NOT GO TO BEAR HUSTLE ****Left side done by Bear Hustle @ Blackwater tattoo*** Please I'd advise everyone to beware of this "artist" picture says all. He lives up to his name. He'll hustle you for your money and do a lousy job. I think he should stick to piercings and leave the art work for the professionals. I wouldn't even send my worst enemies to him. I'm sure he won't care about this post. Most likely I'll be blocked for spreading the truth. Why does he only post pictures of exposed girls anyway? *****Right side Phil @ Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo & Museum Est. 1949 CHECK OUT MY PHOTO read more

I walked into Black Water Tattoo on 7/21/17 Was greeted by the owner Mike, awesome guy. I showed him a picture of the rose tattoo I wanted, and wow he hooked it up. This tattoo came out 10 times better than the picture I showed him, it's absolutely beautiful work very detailed. I love the atmosphere, the friendliness, all around a awesome awesome Tattoo Artist. I can't wait to go back next week for another tattoo. Mike is the man to see if you want the Best Tattoo ever. Black Water Tattoo Shop will be the only place to do my tattoos from now on Thank you so much Mike Your Awesome read more

I would highly recommend this tattoo shop. Bear Hustle has done almost every single one of my tattoos and piercings, he has never let me down. All of my tattoos and also piercings have healed up very nicely and have been everything I had asked for. I highly recommend him he always puts all his effort into his tattoos and they come out looking perfect. He has a very light hand on both piercings and tattoos can barley even feel them! Shop is very professional and clean. Very good atmosphere to be around. read more

Don't be fooled by this place it's completely unprofessional my gf got a tattoo here and it's the worst tattoo I've ever seen they made her pay$150 for it and when she went back to let the owner know (not a tattooer) he acted like it didn't happen. Well I'm sure he will remember after we post pictures of the tattoo. As you can see the ink is staining her skin and the other ink all fell out and she had a bad infected tattoo. Just shows to what experience they contract tattoo artist with . read more

very friendly artist, Mike took my inspiration and put his own spin on it, which I love, awesome piece, took 3 hours, but amazing quality and coloring, studio was great, spacious and accommodating, had initial jitters and was twitchy, Mike coached me on how to remain still so he could finish the project without messed up lines, kept a calm and friendly demeanor throughout the process and shared interesting stories, also I got a really cool sticker read more

Mike is incredible.....Very professional & complete from signing in to the after care instructions. Immaculate shop & very clean comfortable waiting area .....Mike has the 'soft hand' when tattooing, designed his equipment & maintains a well organized working area. Highly recommend Mike at his shop on Broadway with ample parking ....Reasonable charge....Just nothing bad to say about my experience....Alright...Alright...Alright! read more

my mom, friend, and i went to get my navel pierced by adrian and he was amazing! he took his time and made sure the piercing was centered and didn't rush through the process.10/10 recommend!!!! also adding onto this review the day before my piercing my mom had gotten a tattoo by southbay mike, and same experience amazing people and a great atmosphere to be in. i will totally be going back for any future piercings and tattoos! read more

I made an appointment the same day and I was NOT disappointed. Adrian was amazing, sweet and talkative. I got both nipple piercings and he walked me through the entire process, asking me for my opinion. The place was super clean and organized. I didn't feel worried or tense at all, as Adrian was really good at distracting me from my nerves. He did an awesome job, I definitely recommend! read more

I did a walk-in and they were able to assist me. Their customer service is amazing and they did an amazing job on my tattoo. They take the time to make sure the details are spot on. I will definitely recommend this shop for anyone that is planning on getting one. They give reasonable prices. Shout out to scooby who did an amazing job on my tattoo. read more

Just got my tattoo at this studio called Blackwater Tattoo Southbay Mike did it came out amazing I guess he's been tattooing for 28 yrs man his experience really shows I will never go anywhere else he was so professional unlike alot of the studios I checked out go see him you won't regret it he is a true artust. read more

Went in today to see about a cover up after numerous shops told me they couldn't do it. Bear came up with an amazing design and incorporated exactly what I wanted and how I wanted! Plus he was super quick! Great customer service and just an awesome vibe! Will be going back for the rest of my sleeve!! read more

This place is great. I got work done by Junior. He was extremely professional and the price was great for the amount of time and detail he put into it. From what I saw every artist there did great work. I had 3 different sessions 6hrs, 3hrs, and 3hrs and every time I came in they were awesome. read more

I went to get my nose pierced it was very nice and Clean Pl., Adrian did my piercing and he did a phenomenal job very welcoming and friendly told me how to take care of the piercing afterwards just overall great experience I will definitely come back read more

Hell of a job & hell of a place ! Very happy with my first piece & even more happy to be his first one at the new shop, come check Southbay Mike out , he's out here doing his thing in his new Remodeled shop, hands down best tattoo place in town read more

Its a cute humble place with great custumer service. I got two piercings in one day and it was a perfect experience. My friend blacked out after his and they helped him with a fan, free soda, and couldnt have been any sweeter read more