I've been reading reviews and researching tattoo shops for two months before deciding on this location. I did a walk in on a Monday afternoon and Max was great discussing what I wanted done. I appreciated that he really took his time to get the perfect placement, even redoing the outline multiple times and taking pictures for me so I can get an onlookers perspective. He did a great job and took his time . I'll definitely be back here again. This is a great shop. read more

Max has been tattooing me since 2009? It's his work that gets noticed and commented on everywhere I go. I got followed in a night market in Taiwan to be complimented on the ink. I was stopped once in the middle of the street in Times Square and asked who did my sleeves. Max is one of the best in the country not just Chicago. His art is fantastic but it's his skill at placing the art and his actual tattooing work that is impressive. Not to mention an all around good guy. Marshall too, never been worked on by him but he's a stand up guy. Good artist. If you want really great work by skilled artisans who care about their craft, I would see Brown Bros. read more

It was an absolute joy to work with Micah for my first tattoo. He drew up some designs just for me and let me take my time looking through all of his flash. He also patiently helped my try out a few placements to make sure I got the right one. I'd add that he had a really gentle touch and worked fast. Super chill professional - I will be going back. read more

Brown Brothers Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw this place on Yelp since 9 Mag tattoo was unavailable. Called and was told walk-ins accepted and they weren't busy. My bother got an eye of Horus, by Frog, Egyptian symbol for protection and I got the symbol for Oshun, by Vince, African Goddess of Love n Sweet Waters. Random last minute tats, before I get on the plane, were done in 30 mins. Clean place, cool artists...need I say more? read more

Brown Brothers Tattoo - Oshun, Goddess of Love n Sweet Water - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Brown Brothers is a really nice shop. Friendly & welcoming, with extremely talented staff. My first impression as I walked in was how happy everyone getting tats was. Lots of banter, singing and jokes in a truly chill atmosphere. The open-floor concept made the whole experience feel more like an interaction with the whole shop, rather than a private session with my artist, which is definitely what I wanted. Natasha was super great. Excellent drawing skills, and an eye for detail. Made me feel like I was a part of the design process, while at the same time bringing her own style and color pallette to the design. I will be going back as soon as possible, and look forward to showing off the tattoo and t-shirts I left with. read more

Your idea probably sucks. Just pick something off the wall It cost money & it hurts. Keep up the good work!!! read more

I got some work by Max and it was a chill experience. The work was great. The atmosphere was professional but relaxed and welcoming.

I'm mostly writing this review because of the subjective Yelper's review that could lead you to think this isn't a kick ass place to get a tattoo. When you review an experience, there are subjective and objective qualities. Objectively, quick reply to my e-mail (less than a day); reasonable sitting prices; and easy to park nearby. Subjectively, people who are good at what they do and don't give a shit about your whiny yelp reviews. I'm most certainly not a tattoo expert, but I like expert tattooers. That's why I Googled this place, which comes up as one of the top 6 places in Chicago. I have one other tattoo and I wanted to get another, of similar size and similar style, but at the same time I wanted something different and wasn't looking for the same exact thing as my all line, no color hamsa tattoo. I am so extremely glad that I talked with Marshall and he and I came to an agreement on an awesome swallow tattoo. His knowledge and artistic expression, combined with some excellent patient tattooing made MY experience. Marshall is a great artist and was extremely helpful in my decision-making process for this swallow. Basically, the bottom line is: don't base your decision to get a tattoo on someone's Yelp review. read more

Brown Brothers Tattoo - Swallow tattoo done by Marshall (fatheartattoos) - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You want a good laugh while getting a good tattoo? Oh, you said yes. Then this might be your spot. I've been working on a back piece and the experience has been great. Shop is clean, vibes are chill, tattoos suck going on as expected, always some interesting conversations going on and has an open floor concept which you don't see much of anymore. read more

It's a little funny to me to leave a Yelp review of tattoo artists, but I have to, because I brought my mom here and she's now in love with all of them, especially Max, who she calls "my guy" followed by a string of heart-eye emojis. Ever since I started getting tattoos, my mom's floored me by expressing curiosity and interest in getting her own, and after visiting the Field Museum Tattoo exhibit, she basically decided she wanted to get one the very next day. At least three of my good friends have extensive work done by the guys and swear by them. I hadn't been there myself yet, but they were open that day and they take walk-ins, so we showed up right when they opened. They had to do a little futzing with the schedule but worked us both is, which we really appreciated. It was especially great because not only did they do superlative work on my mother and me, but they were really genuine and friendly with her and she felt so comfortable and had a ball. I'm sure there are places that wouldn't be as cool with a 62-year-old woman. She enjoyed them and I could tell they also really got a kick out of her. It was such a fun experience and I still laugh every time I think about it. She's planning her second tattoo for her next trip to Chicago, and she's already told me, "dibs on my guy!" So GET READY, MAX. :) read more

My first experience here was smooth.. I sent in some designs and I was able to get them done within the next two days. My most recent experience.. not so much.. I was connected with an artist that told me to meet me at the shop a few days later, that it wouldn't take long to do the tattoo that he supposedly had made his own.. I got there at the time we agreed on and come to find out that he was not there and they had no way of knowing when he would be in, the artist contacted me and let me know that he would contact me later that day to set an appointment. He never reached out. I was really looking forward to receiving similar service to what I had experienced previously. read more

Long story short. I'm 34 and never got a tat. Always wanted one, never got passionate for an idea. My dad died young, suddenly of cancer and he loved Star Trek and LOTR. I got some Klingon done and my bro got some Old Elvish...of my dads name. Max is very professional, clean and quick. If and when I get another, I'll be back at the Bros. Highly recommended. Go there if u want a good experience with professionals who know their amazing craft. read more

I happened to come to this location to price a tattoo I have been hoping to get. My friend managed to score a nice compass tattoo which didn't take long and was exactly what she was looking for. The employees are fun easy going guys and know what they are doing. I will definitely come back to get mine done soon. Update coming soon! read more

I love Max's work. His work is absolutely amazing. I came across his work when a friend of mine had her tattoo fixed ... Yes fixed by Max!! Since then I've seen Max a couple times he's done 2 coverups and a beautiful original for my sister and I. I can't wait till I see him and get my next tattoos by Max!!! Beautiful ink and amazing colors .... Thank you Max read more

Full Disclosure: The Browns are friends of the family, but I want to post a review anyways, so deal with it. Andrew M. put tattoos on both myself and my wife yesterday, and we are stoked on the results. Andrew is a textbook example of patience, professionalism, and super clean line work. If you are into traditional style tattoos, this is the definitely guy to talk to. We had some changes on both designs that we asked for, and instead of putting his ego in front of the customer, Andrew worked with us and helped us arrive at exactly what we wanted. My wife hasn't been tattooed in a while, and Andrew's chill bedside manner made her feel a lot more comfortable (I was doing a terrible job). Thanks again, and we will be back soon for more work! read more

Been getting tattooed by Marshall for years and highly recommend BB Tattoo. All of the artists at this shop are very skilled in their craft.

I only go to these guys and one other place, Black Oak tattoo, in Chicago for my tattoos. These guys have done four of my tattoos and I absolutely plan on going back here for my next one. They are all very talented and unique dudes who are always looking to give you the best looking tattoo. More often than not, I find myself trusting these guys with their ideas about my tattoos, and they are always right. Next time I plan on getting one of their flashes because all of their work is so fun and inspiring! read more

Just left after getting some work by Andrew. Everyone was super friendly and the shop had a great vibe. Thanks, awesome experience. read more

Brown Brothers Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A few months ago I went to Brown Brothers for a simple touch up of two small tattoos. I requested Andrew because I was impressed with his work. I went in to get a touch up, and with the intention of speaking about doing a future piece. The touch up took no more than 20 minutes MAX, again these tattoos are incredibly small. When he was done he said with my 50 dollar deposit I just owe 100 dollars!!!! I was charged 150 for a 20 minute touch up. There was no labor, physically or creatively. And the cherry on top I still tip him 40 dollars, probably because I'm in the service industry. Since then I love gotten two absolutely beautiful tattoos at Wild wind Tattoo. I need to stress I am happy to pay top dollar for a tattoo and all the creativity that goes into it, but what is appalling is getting totally ripped off! They lost a potential regular client and possibly many others. As a business owners I'm sure you are aware that word spreads! Olga Benitez read more

Brown Brothers Tattoo is a steller establishment. I've been collecting tattoos from Max Brown for close to eight years. Max is an incredible artist and super nice guy. I assure you you will be thrilled by his artistry. I've sent several friends his way and they all have been so happy with his work. read more

Excellent service and excellent staff. I got a cover up and I'm extremely pleased with the results. The shop is clean and the artist really know what they are doing. They have several repeat customers which means they're doing something right. I know I would definitely go back. read more

It's not often that you find an artist like Marshall. As a creature of habit, I trust one person to cut my hair, one person to butcher my meat, one person to mix my drinks and now I have one person to do my ink. Marshall is the king of bedside manner, his prices are incredibly fair, and no matter where I end up in Chicago or elsewhere I will only be coming to him to get work done. It also doesn't hurt that he has a great beard. read more

Everyone here is awesome. Caitlin is a beast and absolutely kills it. I love her work and will be nagging her for more art for years to come. Max is a cool ass dude and an amazing artist which I knew before coming here, what I didn't know was that his brother Marshall is equally as gifted. If you want some work done by future legends fucking come here. read more

Max and his crew are the only people I'd let tattoo me. I've followed max between a few shops and it's great to check out his new place on California. He has a great eye for design and is a fantastic artist on his own. He took my crazy ideas and turned them into someone more beautiful and well done than I ever could have imagined. If you need some help with your design, need some fantastic coloring done or just want a classic tradition tattoo, The Brown Brothers are the guys to check out! read more

Max Brown is an incredible artist. My husband had a design in mind and Max ran with a creative and talented eye for a tattoo that far surpassed anything we were expecting. From the minute you walk in the Brown Bros make you feel comfortable and welcome and the shop is so clean. For something that's gonna be on you for a lifetime I would only want the best. Max Brown is the best!!!! read more

Had an awesome experience here as a walk-in. Got tattooed by Justin, who did an excellent job. Clean shop, friendly people, reasonable prices. Would definitely come back again. read more