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    Esoteric Tattoo

    4.7 (40 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

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    Cover up done by Charlie!
    Alyssa M.

    Go see Charlie! He's great at what he does; he's creative when you need something old brought back to life. He's done multiple tricky cover ups for me and the turn out is always amazing. Can't wait to get more work done and I'm grateful I found this spot.

    Top right is supposed to be a poppy
    D S.

    I am not one who generally posts a bad review blasting someone, but I feel it is needed given the circumstances. Recently I had what I thought was a great experience with Silas Yufa @1800stabyou. She tattooed a special piece for me that added to an existing flower commemorating my grandfather and children while she was guesting in Seattle, but when it came time for touch-up and filling in some missed areas I was met with silence. I first reached out via text on April 3rd, 2024 asking about setting up time for a touch up, no response, then emailed on April 23rd, no response. Then last week I posted a few comments on IG asking for her to get in contact with me so I could have my piece finished and I was blocked. Then I called the studio she works at in Portland @esoterictattoo to get their help and they basically laughed at me, offering no assistance. My only option was to contact the studio in Seattle @thedarkmattergallery that she guested at and Dustin the owner is trying to do the right thing by offering someone who works for him to fix it for free. I have this art on my body that is permanent and unfinished and the treatment I have received is Awful!!!! I loved Silas's work and that is why I reached out to her to do the piece and at the time of our season thought things were great, but an artist should make good on their word and finish their work especially when it's permanent on someone's body and in an area that is always seen.

    Maddy B.

    I came down with a friend from Seattle and walked by this tattoo shop randomly and decided to get my first tattoo on a whim and so glad I did!! I was feeling a little anxious but the artist who did mine was so kind, knowledgeable about what would look the best, and checked in on my frequently! It was an affordable piece, was quick, and turned out beautiful! I will for sure be getting other work done here!

    In progress Arthurian Legend sleeve by Dominick McIntosh
    Ash L.

    Wonderfully professional shop with some of Portland best artists. Clean, friendly, and amazing art. I am currently working with Dominick on a sleeve that is going to be absolutely incredible. The shop also has great communication regarding your appointments as well. I wish I had more room on my body to have more tattoos done here! I recommend Esoteric to anyone getting tattooed in Portland OR

    Great shop!  David Gregory is doing a fantastic job on this cover-up of a cover-up of a really bad first tattoo. Thank you David!
    Kelley H.

    Great shop! David Gregory is doing a fantastic job on this cover-up of a cover-up of a really bad first tattoo. So I guess it's true, 3rd time is the charm right? I am really happy with the detail and depth of his work. Only one more session to go to get it completely finished. I saw some of the work done by the shop owner as well... WOW! Incredible conceptualization and amazing work. I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone looking for some quality ink.

    Before and after tattoo
    Robert R.

    Dominick at Esoteric Tattoo is the only artist, of the dozens across the country I approached, who was confidant enough to take on my half sleeve cover up without telling me to get ten hours of laser removal first. The piece is not even half way done, yet it is by far the most complemented tattoo I have. Beyond that, Dead is a by-the-books example of industry professionalism and a welcoming sterile environment for those who take tattooing seriously.

    Such a great experience! Our artists did a wonderful job and the shop had such a professional but relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was friendly and helpful and our tattoos look fantastic!

    Kayla C.

    I have several tattoos by Dominick and he's been so amazing with me over the last couple years! Everyone at the shop is super professional and fun and the shop itself is beautiful!

    Dinah R.

    I'm so glad I went to see Dominick at Esoteric Tattoo. He did my friends lace cap sleeves and the detail was so amazing, I knew he was my guy! I love how my floral piece turned out! The shop is really clean, the front desk gal is friendly, prices are reasonable and his work is stellar! If you are looking for a new place, definitely check them out.

    Ibex

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Excellent work. Was in and out with a beautiful peice in less than four hours. Highly reccomend

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    A well run tattoo shop. Ryan P gave me an amazing Scottish unicorn tattoo. I'll be back for the stories and cool ink

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    do they do walk ins? Was hoping to come in for a small side face tatto more like near my temple!!

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    5 years ago

    Lindsay is the only artist I see anymore. She knows what I like and always makes sure i get the perfect tattoo.

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    5 years ago

    If you have an ugly ass tattoo that you want gone hit up David! He really is tat Jesus an answered my prayers:' )

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

    The people who work here are friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly talented. I highly recommend them.

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    Ask the Community - Esoteric Tattoo

    Review Highlights - Esoteric Tattoo

    Dominick and the other artists at Esoteric tattoo take pride in their work and it shows in every tattoo they do.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Wilson Brothers Tattoo

    Wilson Brothers Tattoo

    4.5(91 reviews)
    3.2 miBuckman, Southeast Portland
    $$

    I am so glad I found Virginia! I originally told her I…read morewanted a poppy, and she came up with a beautiful drawing of 3 different poppies at different stages of blooming. She didn't know at first but this was for my daughter, and it was the perfect art work to honor her that fit me perfectly. She also did a tribute tattoo on my other arm for my mom that was in perfect fine line that looks like it was hand written in one strike. She was easy to work with, really fun to talk to, and somehow made 4 hours fly by. I didn't think I'd want another tattoo for awhile but I'll definitely be back to Scapegoat to see Virginia soon. Thanks again!

    So glad that I discovered Sarah Carr! She's an all-around exceptional artist to work with, and…read morethat's made me a return customer. Sarah listens closely to what you want and then finds a cute, stylish way to make it work. Her placement is precise, she has a firm yet gentle touch, and her use of color is fantastic (both color theory and saturation). I've never been hip and now I'm getting old, so I'm quite used to feeling anxiously out-of-place in tattoo shops, but Scapegoat is more approachable and welcoming than your average shop. They go out of their way to offer water, space heaters, heating pads, masks, or whatever else might make you feel most comfortable. The artists seem to support and treat each other kindly. The bathroom is a work of art. Everything is clean. It's easy to find unmetered parking a couple blocks away. And this is a vegan business to boot! I couldn't ask for more.

    Photos
    Wilson Brothers Tattoo - Poppy flowers by Virginia

    Poppy flowers by Virginia

    Wilson Brothers Tattoo
    Wilson Brothers Tattoo

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    Skin City Tattoo and Body Piercing - pheonix

    Skin City Tattoo and Body Piercing

    4.4(271 reviews)
    9.9 miSouthwest Portland
    $$

    Very experienced and skilled piercers! They were very informative about the entire process before,…read moreduring, and after. Earlobe piercing of my 10-year-old daughter.

    Absolutely HORRIBLE Experience -- Skin City Tattoo…read more I brought my 13-year-old twins to Skin City Tattoo for their FIRST EVER piercing. We had made an appointment, paid the $40 deposit, and walked in excited and ready to make a fun memory for my girls. Instead, Jeric Radford managed to turn what should have been an exciting experience into one of the most uncomfortable and disappointing customer-service experiences I've ever had. From the moment we walked in, Jeric was rude, condescending, passive-aggressive, and completely unprofessional. He demanded identification from my 13-year-old daughter. We didn't have the exact form of ID he wanted, but we showed him a screenshot of her school information and were actively trying to provide additional documentation. Rather than simply explaining the policy like a professional, he repeatedly reminded us that it was "in bold letters" when making the appointment online. Yes, Jeric, we heard you the first time. And the second. And the third. Apparently repeating yourself is part of the customer-service training here. While we're scrambling to provide whatever documentation he needed, he then tells us that he can no longer see us because our appointment time was up. He repeated that several times as well--as if we somehow forgot in the 30 seconds since he last announced it. The irony is that the appointment wasn't even allowed to move forward because of the identification issue HE brought up, yet somehow we were made to feel like we were the problem for running out of time. Watching my daughters go from excited to disappointed was honestly heartbreaking. This wasn't just a piercing appointment. It was supposed to be their first piercing experience, something they were excited about and would remember. Instead, they got to experience firsthand what happens when someone has absolutely no interest in treating people with basic kindness or professionalism. And let me be very clear: I don't care how talented you are at tattooing or piercing. Talent does not give you permission to treat people like garbage. If Jeric worked for me and spoke to customers the way he spoke to us, he wouldn't be working for me for very long. Businesses spend thousands of dollars trying to attract customers, only to have one person with a terrible attitude drive them right back out the door. There was ZERO warmth. ZERO professionalism. ZERO attempt to de-escalate the situation. Just attitude, excuses, and an obvious lack of concern for the fact that two young girls were standing there having their excitement completely crushed. Jeric, you may want to consider that the problem isn't always the customer. Sometimes it's the person looking back at you in the mirror. I sincerely hope you learn that being kind costs absolutely nothing. If you don't enjoy interacting with people, customer service might not be the career choice for you. As for Trash City Tattoo: we will never be back. There are far too many talented artists and piercers who understand that customers deserve to be treated with respect. Highly recommend taking your business elsewhere. Your money--and your experience--will be better spent somewhere that actually appreciates both.

    Photos
    Skin City Tattoo and Body Piercing - Pheonix

    Pheonix

    Skin City Tattoo and Body Piercing - Wolf

    Wolf

    Skin City Tattoo and Body Piercing - Wolf

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    Wolf

    Tattoo 34 - Available flash on the wall as you walk in the tattoo shop

    Tattoo 34

    4.8(78 reviews)
    4.4 miHawthorne, Sunnyside, Southeast Portland
    $$

    I had 8 tattoos before I booked my appointment with Toby, and this was by far the best experience…read moreI've had! He's super laid back, and genuinely just a great human being. Conversation flowed easily and he had a killer music playlist going. Even his partner Hanam was a great guy and seemed vested in the quality of the work being done! Where he really shines, however, is his amazing attention to detail and the incredible quality of his art. I've had this tattoo planned for a long time and he seriously nailed it! Blew every expectation I had for it completely out of the water! Every small detail pops and the color and shading came out amazing! Seriously can't recommend this shop and Toby's artistic ability enough!!

    Update: Toby and Nisha had their attorney send me a very aggressive and threatening letter in an…read moreattempt to bully me into removing my review. I made the terrible decision to be tattooed by Toby. I went in to start on a full sleeve, although it wasn't technically a full sleeve but a 3/4 sleeve. I have a tattoo on my upper arm that takes up half of my upper arm. During my 1st appointment we discussed that we are going to keep and incorporate that one. At my 1st appointment Toby told me that it would take 3 sessions since it wouldn't be an actual full sleeve. I paid for a full day session. He told me at my 1st appt that the stop time will be once I tap out. Our first session he ended early and said that his kids were sick. He specifically told me that our next session won't be the same. He also said our next session wouldn't take as long to get started. I went back in for my 2nd session yesterday at 10am. He showed up late like he did for our 1st appt. It wasn't until about 11am that he started drawing on me. It took him about 4 hours to draw on me. Keep in mind we haven't even started on my upper arm. He was drawing on my lower arm. Finally by 3pm we get started tattooing. The table wasn't working properly so he had to reset up a new one. Then some random person walks in looking for a tattoo. He stopped tattooing me to go chat with the person. Then throughout my entire session he purposely inflicts maximum pain. He seems to think that I don't have any large or decent pieces. I have my entire back done. I also have portraits and pieces on my legs. I have good quality work in those areas. I only mentioned to him that I wanted my back covered up, but because I don't like it anymore and don't have those beliefs anymore. It's not due to the quality. The tattoos that he was starting to cover on my arm are much older tattoos that I got when I was younger. Based off of that I suppose he thinks I don't know any better. My ex is also a tattoo artist so I understand needle groupings, heavy hands vs light hands, dry wipe vs wet wipe etc. Throughout my entire session he never finished a single area. He jumps from area to area throughout the entire process. He would randomly jump from my wrist, elbow, side of arm, just all over the place. He opens up the area and works on it for a while, then moves to another area for like 20min or so, then moves back to the area he opened up. He inflicts serious pain. I hinted to him several times that each time you do that it hurts much worse. He never listened and continued to do it. I told him from the start that I wanted to work in a particular area first. He didn't listen. He is super heavy handed intentionally. He dry wipes with a paper towel the whole time. He inflicts maximum pain to attempt to get you to tap early. At the very start of our 2nd session after the marker was drawn on, I flat out asked him will you be able to finish this today to which he yes. By about 10pm he said we should call it a night. I literally only had maybe 1/2 of a half sleeve. There was so much work to complete still. I told him no I want to keep going. He didn't want to but I was persistent. So we get back to tattooing. I asked him flat out why did you tell me that we would have this finished today if that isn't the case. He said well there are a lot of factors like the way a client takes pain. I told him he put me in a ton of pain but I never once stopped him so what do you mean. I told him I feel lied to, taken advantage of, and just how unhappy I was by this and that I won't be continuing with him. I was planning on getting 2 full sleeves, full chest piece, and a cover up on my entire back. I told him you literally told me that for a full day session that it means we stop once I tap out. He got extremely combative. He said that in the fine print says he only tattoos 7 hrs max. I said why did you lie to me then? He ended up calling me an asshole and threatened to stop my work mid session to leave it. He said it's his right to do so. I said that I'd leave a review about this and he said that's "thats fine, I don't give a f". I'm not sure if he ended up texting his family or people or what. But suddenly around midnight all his people showed up at the tattoo studio I guess to try to intimidate me. I paid $ 3,225 in total and I don't have a completed half sleeve. I don't even have a single section of my arm that is complete due to him jumping around constantly. Literally not even one single area of this "half sleeve" is completed. During our argument he scoffed at me and was the mentality of how dare you .. but he admitted flat out a full sleeve is 5 grand. I said okay and I've paid over 3 grand now and I don't even have a completed half sleeve. He refuses to take accountability. He is a very selfish mentality, a liar, and he will gaslight you the entire time. He pretends to be a nice person but he is absolutely not. He takes advantage of people and rips them off.

    Photos
    Tattoo 34 - Tattoo 34 flyer

    Tattoo 34 flyer

    Tattoo 34 - Owners Toby and Nisha at Tattoo 34

    Owners Toby and Nisha at Tattoo 34

    Tattoo 34 - Waiting area in Tattoo 34

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    Waiting area in Tattoo 34

    Esoteric Tattoo - tattoo - Updated September 2026

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