Guru Tattoo

Hi there! Was wondering if you have any artists there willing to do a cover up? I know they are a completely different animal. Another artist recommended your shop and I could send you pictures of what I'm looking to cover up. Thank you!

Hi Alicia! Hope you are well. Thank you for reaching out to us. My name is Cris and I can assist you…

I recently moved to San Diego and I have an unfinished Japanese sleeve on my arm and need to finish it and get more work done. Is that something that you guys can do? Thank you

Hi Brad! Hope you are well. Thank you for reaching out to us. My name is Cris and i can assist you with your inquiry.…

Hello I'm 17 but looking to get a tattoo around my 18th birthday and was just wondering what the usual time between consultation and appointment is?

Hi there! It all depends on the artist you choose. Some of our artists have availability within 1-2 weeks, and others are months out. Feel free to email info@gurutattoo.com for more information when you are ready.

Do any of the tattoo artist specialize in UV tattooing?

Sorry, no UV ink specialists here.

I was wondering if I'd be able to get a quote on a tattoo without coming in? :)

Sure. I’ll do my best to help with that. DM any reference, and let me know what you have in mind. Size and placement too! Thanks.

Interested in a small tattoo. What is the shop minimum?

The shop minimum is $100, and the hourly rate starts at $200.

View All 8 Questions

Review Highlights - Guru Tattoo

“Aaron did my first tattoo 18 years ago, before Guru, and when I wanted another piece I searched him out.”

Mentioned in 29 reviews

Evolve Tattoo Removal

4.9

(108 reviews)

6.6 mi

Amazing staff, great prices! Came in to continue some finger tattoo removal. Definitely recommend.read more

If you are thinking about tattoo removal, Evolve is the place you want to go. Seriously. I am…read morepretty critical about businesses that have to do with making clients feel comfortable when in a vulnerable state and I am so impressed by my first interaction with Evolve. Look, I`m in my 40s now and have some wisdom, but in my 20s, I was getting tattooed without really thinking about the artists skill or if I really, truly wanted the tattoo. Now that I`m older, I`m in phase two of my tattoo journey, which includes both covering up some pieces and now, removing some pieces either as a full removal(or as close to it) or lightening. Thus my journey with Evolve has begun. I had my consultation and first session with Mary today. I had no idea I was going to go through with a session on the spot, but after talking with Mary and feeling really comfortable and pleased with the information I received, the professionalism, and Mary's good nature and attitude, I went ahead and dove in head first. I went to talk about 3 different areas I wanted to work on and ended up staying to work on the bigger piece on my back. Go big or go home. Really, though, I should have started with a smaller piece because I`m not going to lie, laser tattoo removal is painful. Yes, your mileage may vary and it will depend on the size and area of the tattoo, but truthfully, it is no walk in the park. Mary was incredibly kind and sensitive to the pain involved with this process. They have numbing cream if you need it and with the laser, you get a nice arctic blast of air over the area. I have a lot of tattoos all over, and this was spicier than I thought. The care that Evolve places on their process and the passion they perform their work with is unmatched and you will be in the best hands during your sessions. Need to take a lot of breaks? Totally fine. Communicate and you will be met with kindness and understanding because this is not a comfortable process. I will provide an update as I go along my journey. I want to schedule my next session, for my smaller pieces, and get those going as well. Appointments are easy to schedule, you get text and email reminders, and the part that everyone wants to know about: Pricing. VERY reasonable. I did one consultation at another place a couple of years ago and said forget it because of the insane(in my opinion) cost per session for a very small piece. You won't know how many sessions you will need, of course, but they sometimes have specials or package deal that will take a bit extra off of already doable pricing. The only minor note I have is that parking can be tricky. This is not Evolve's fault. It is the nature of the area. So, may the force be with you. Get there early and you might have to do a little walking.

See all

Removery Tattoo Removal & Fading

4.5

(147 reviews)

5.7 mi

I've been thinking about getting a few tattoos removed for years and finally decided to get it done…read moreat Removery. Andrina was really nice and easy to talk to and walked me through the whole process. I went in for my first session and was in and out in under 15 minutes. I did have some paperwork to fill out for my first time, but the actual tattoo removal procedure took less than a minute. Not going to lie, it does hurt, but it's super quick. I did my first session with Disney, and he was gentle and patient with me. I love that it's a one time cost with visits every 8 weeks until the tattoos are gone. I still have a ways to go but I can't wait to see the progress and finally have these tattoos I've been wanting removed. Thank you, Removery :)

EXCELLENT TATTOO REMOVAL!…read more Very straightforward pricing. Pay once and get as many sessions as it takes. PAY ONCE AND YOU CAN GO TO ANY REMOVERY! Super friendly staff and the nurses who treat you are patient and kind. Yes it hurts. They'll take as long as you need :) Thank you Removery!

See all

Beauty Babe Club

4.9

(89 reviews)

3.2 mi

I wanted to share my experience with lip blushing because I was a little nervous at first. My lips…read morehad some uneven tone and asymmetry, and I just wanted something natural to enhance them. Yessenia was amazing. She was so patient and really took her time mapping my lips until I was completely happy with the shape before starting. That made me feel really comfortable and confident going into the process. This is my before, and you can see the unevenness and lack of definition. After the procedure, my lips look more even, softly defined, and naturally fuller without looking overdone. The color healed into a really pretty, natural tone. Also, definitely don't skip the second appointment, that's where all the fine details come together. Trust the process! Overall, I'm so happy with the results. It gives me a more polished look without needing to wear lipstick all the time.

Yesenia is the absolute best! I was nervous about getting my powder brows but I'm so glad I took…read morethe leap of faith! I feel so much more confident and loved how much time she took to make sure I loved the shape. Highly recommend!

See these brows?!! 'Nough said! So good! Thank you Kim @ Beauty Babe Club. I would trust no1 else in the world with my face.

After second appointment

The mapping process

See all

Funhouse Tattoo

Highly recommend going to Brandon!…read more Came in with my mom and sister who had never gotten tattoos. They were only in town for a couple of days and Brandon was very flexible with scheduling and accomadating both of them. His set-up was incredibly clean and he was very patient and kind to my sister who was scared of needles. He took the time to explain the process, make sure they were both comfortable, and paused before continuing to ensure they were okay. He was also honest about placement and recommendations for sizing so that the tattoo would heal the best and not fade excessively fast. We took a while for 2 fairly small tattoos due to conversation and changing our minds about placement, but he never rushed us and made the entire process the best it could've been. Overall, Brandon was professional, patient, and geniunely caring toward his clients. The line work was clean and well done, and the tattoos came out exactly as discussed. 10/10 would recommend especially if you're a newbie to tattoos. Thank you!

Leo is a true professional and a gifted artist. My brother and I got coordinated tattoos for which…read morewe had a tall order: similar concept but totally different styles. Leo created two incredible and unique designs and executed them perfectly. Our tattoos healed flawlessly and it was a pleasant experience all around. Can't recommend this guy enough! Couldn't ask for a better first tattoo experience

Freddy Krueger by Skott K.

See all

Japaname pice by Chelstine

U Laser MedSpa

I went for a consultation this week & had the most incredible experience with Amy! She is very…read moreconservative in her approach & unlike other MedSpas, they did not try to oversell or upsell me on treatments. She was a wealth of knowledge & shared so much info about what would actually move the needle for me vs what could potentially make my Melasma worse. So grateful to be connected with this group of amazing women - you can tell they have a passion for helping other women feel confident & comfortable in their skin. Highly recommend!

I went to get lip fillers and did not get the outcome I wanted. After the swelling went down, I…read morecould not tell that any fillers actually took place. I had an allergic reaction which made it painful to eat anything for weeks! I had called to get prescribed something for the pain and they suggested I take Tylenol. The NP urged me to go back to get the filler again as she insisted that my reaction could have been from eating something else. However, I no longer trusted her. It seemed like she did not care about my pain or results at all. She appeared selfish in only focusing on making another sale.

Dana Armstead, Practice Manager

Amy Sinda, RN

See all

Tattoo Ink Spot

I'm just going to keep this short, simple and 100% honest:…read more This was the best tattoo session I've had since my first one in 2015. I've been to shops in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Hawaii, etc and I've never seen a tattoo artist have so much passion, empathy and determination as the one who just started the top half of Polynesian tribal sleeve. Not to mention, he learned more about the design I wanted after I sent him the one I found online and the story behind it. And he went home, created a badass interpretation and it turned out to be exactly how I had wanted it in my head. Huge shout out to OB and Johnny. If you want a tattoo done the right way, nearly to perfection, go check them out.

Terrible shop don't go here it's dirty and the people that work there are clearly tweakers! I got a…read morehorribly shallow belly button piercing done here that was badly off center by an old man with shaky hands

My friend's super infected tattoo

Tattoo from Addie, summer, and jake

See all

Keith with another happy client

Trilogy Health-Laser Tattoo Removal Center

I came in with a difficult removal. Dr even told me it was going to be tough. The before and after…read morepics are incredible, after 6 sessions so far I am a believer. It will probably take another 6...but they don't tell you when you get a tattoo. You better love it or pain and $ will be your future. The staff and Dr Levine are very friendly and comforting. Would highly recommend.

If you have a tattoo you've decided to remove, don't hesitate to call Trilogy Laser…read more Dr. Levine and her staff are friendly and knowledgeable keeping you fully informed during the procedure. I chose to use the numbing cream and the gel patch which allows for faster results and do not find the laser uncomfortable. Thank you to Dr. Levine and the staff.

See all

LaserAway

Best thing I've done for my skin. Clear and brilliant laser has done wonders. Pls note that it's…read morenot magic but rather lightening of your pigmentation. Shoutout to Janelle and Bria, they all have been wonderful in making me feel so relaxed and not hurting

Laser Away scammed me a year ago. They said I was paying for an unlimited package for my tattoo…read moreremoval but recently I came back and asked for a refund and they said I only paid for a 10 session treatment. On top of that they hadn't even targeted my color tattoo. My seventh technician even told me "Oh we hadn't started your color removal yet" STAY AWAY FROM LASER AWAY. DO NOT GEY SUCKERED IN TO ANY OF THEIR PACKAGE. I AM GETTING A LAWYER INVOLVED AT THIS MOMENT FOR THEIR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES.

See all

LaserAway

LaserAway Hillcrest has been an incredible experience for both tattoo removal and GLP-1 treatments…read more The team is very knowledgeable. professional and welcoming which makes every visit easy and comfortable. Karoline K is one of the best nurses to work with. She explains everything clearly, checks in throughout the process, and makes each session feel stress free. Her patient care is outstanding even if she is not attending to your appointment (always makes it a priority to say Hi!). Austin and Andrea are always there to great me as I walk in with a welcoming hello and smile. They greet you with genuine friendliness and help set the tone for a great appointment from start to finish.

I have struggled with anxiety and insecurities about entering spaces that are staffed by the…read moreunreasonably beautiful, but these people have been so genuinely welcoming and impeccably professional for the YEARS I've been a patient--i cannot recommend them highly enough. If not for them, and their accessible $ packages, I would not feel as happy and confident about my face. I am truly grateful. I've attached a photo of what I assume I'd look like today if not for them:

See all

Guru Tattoo

Locally owned & operated

Had a appointment with Oliver, he was really nice and very welcoming. He spent the time to listen,…read morefrom our initial zoom meeting to the irl appointment. He did a great job finishing a some previous work I had done. He also was very receptive to any ideas I had. Definately will be going back for more work.

Izzy was great and was very punctual I'm so happy with how my tattoo came out she drew the design…read moreby hand and helped find the perfect spot to get it, 10/10 experience

See all

Cinema Under the Stars

4.7

(229 reviews)

5.6 mi

I went to Cinema Under the Stars a few weeks ago when they were showing Pulp Fiction, and overall…read moreit was a really fun experience. It's a pretty cool concept and a nice change from a traditional movie theater. One thing that surprised me was that it was actually a little more covered than I expected. Based on the name, I thought it would be more open air and exposed to the elements, but the setup was cozier and more sheltered than I anticipated. They have a selection of snacks and beverages available, which was nice, although I do wish they were able to sell alcohol. A beer or glass of wine would have been a great addition to the experience. Overall, it was a unique and enjoyable night out. The atmosphere was great, the movie selection was fun, and I'd definitely go back for another showing.

Wholesome, and independently run. San Diego needs more places like this wonderful theatre. Support…read morelocal theaters!!

See all

Some Like It Hot

THE LOT La Jolla

A luxury movie experience one needs every now and then, this THE LOT location in LJ with upscale,…read moreclean, and comfortable environs perfect for serving that desire. The Lot is very unique in that they not only serve as a movie theater, but have a full-service dinner and bar area as well. Adjoining ASA Bakery is also on-site, serving creative, too-pretty-to-eat pastries and matcha drinks. Honestly, the $24 price tag for a movie experience might seem steep, but other movies theaters are in and around that price anyways. At The Lot, at least you're getting comfortable, plush seats, a seemingly private viewing experience with your partner in your recline-ready love seat, food and drink wait service at your seat (if you desire it), and superb picture with okay enough sound. On that note, some cons: -We recently watched The Odyssey and some of the scenes were blaringly LOUD to the point where my ears felt like they could bleed. They do not divulge their sound system either, only that it's "high-end". The sound could definitely use better balance. -Mentioned love seats are very apparent upon booking now, making selection easy with no confusion. The theaters do cater to them so if you're in a group, you'll feel far from them. -Try as we might to pay in person, we could not avoid the service fee applied to all sales. Service fees are my biggest gripe, enough to teeter this rating. The atmosphere though is rather spectacular, so some things are to be ignored. -No true matinee prices unless you're a member. $20-22, otherwise, on Wednesday's for non-members.

I really enjoy the experience of The Lot, but between this location and the one on Liberty Station,…read morethe service always leaves something to be desired. Each visit (three separate occasions), something I've ordered was either forgotten or brought out very late. On this particular visit (Fri, July 3rd), I went to see a movie for my birthday. Unfortunately, due to public transportation, I was unable to make it to the theater as early as I wanted. My movie started @ 1:30, but I didn't make it inside until about 1:40 or so. The trailers were still playing, but the lights were off inside and the other guests seemed to already have their food/drinks. So, I attribute some of the mishap to that. However, there were less than ten people in the theater. So, keep that in mind as well. I ordered poke nachos, a popcorn, and a soda. Pretty simple order, right? My "host" brought out the popcorn + drink pretty swiftly. The popcorn tasted stale, just like another time I'd visited. Even though I'm pretty sure their 1:30 movies are their first showing. About halfway through the movie, I pressed the call button because I still hadn't received my nachos. The host said, "They might be ready now. Let me check." Translation: "I forgot them." That was pretty annoying. Especially as this is the third time something like this has occurred at The Lot. And I've only been three times in total. Luckily, the popcorn was free because it was my birthday, which I had to remind the host twice before he tried charging me. Do not order it unless you enjoy stale popcorn. The nachos and ginger ale were tasty, though. Overall, the vibe/setup is nice for viewing films. I only which the service and attention to detail was better.

See more unrecommended reviews

Bar area

Chicken Tortilla Soup

See all

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

78 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Rae D.

14 years ago

As a newcomer to San Diego I had three priorities upon arrival: 1. Search for dog-friendly places to take German Shepherds 2. Locate an amazing Korean restaurant that comes as close to my mother-in-law's cooking as possible 3. Find an amazing tattoo shop I'm still working on numbers 1 and 2 (Dog A is a butt head, Dog B is a sissy, and Mother is the best cook ever but then again I'm biased...) however number 3 could be checked off my list when I found Guru Tattoo in PB. When it comes to most things I am a very laid back, chill, go with the flow type chick, but when it comes to tattoos I'm not gonna lie--I'm a diva. I am a firm believer that one should not make a habit of compromising in life, whether you are talking about your choice of a life partner or the quality of the ink on your skin. Let's face it, sometimes it doesn't work out with a special someone and you get a "do-over" with the next relationship but that's definitely not so with tattoos. Tattoos are one of the few things that can be called a true lifetime commitment in this day and age. My husband compared me to Goldilocks during my search for the ideal shop--something just didn't feel "right" about the places I looked at. Just when I began to think about postponing my search, enter Guru. I initially found them via their website and I was positively blown away by the portfolios of the artists. It's very rare to find so much talent under one roof. I had an idea of what I wanted and Rory Keating's style fit my vision. He describes his style as "culturally-based tattooing" and that description fits perfectly. Rory can go from modern tribal, to Maori, to Celtic, to Nordic, to...well, you get the point. He is also extremely respectful of the cultures he draws his inspiration from. You definitely don't find that every day. I phoned him at the number listed on his portion of the site and soon thereafter I was sitting down for the first stage of the consultation. Upon arrival at the shop I was greeted promptly in a very friendly manner. I informed the gentleman (that's exactly what he was) that I was there for a consultation with Rory Keating. During my short wait I had the opportunity to take in all of the eye candy. The décor is fantastic and very original. In the blink of an eye, Rory was there to take me back and get started. We sat down and began bouncing around the ideas I had for my tattoo. He had numerous art books to look through and really took his time discussing what would and wouldn't work. If something wouldn't work, whether it was due to aesthetics or anatomy, he was sure to tell you. He won't put something on you that you that will look like crap or doesn't flow with the body. He has a great eye for placement. I left on Cloud 9 after the first visit, giddy just anticipating what he would come up with. When the day came for me to see the design he had worked up I was literally speechless, and that doesn't happen often...which I'm sure you can tell by my long-winded review. :) This man is truly an artist. The half sleeve I have looks like it is a part of me and blends the elements of my heritage perfectly. It has a life all it's own. I have already been in discussion with Rory for my next tattoo and I know without a doubt I will get another masterpiece. In my opinion you honestly can't go wrong with Guru Tattoo. It has everything you could want in a tattoo shop--extremely clean, quality work, very professional--and then some! If you are another figurative Goldilocks like myself, you will be sure to find the perfect artist for your next piece here at Guru. read more

John R.

17 years ago

Main Entry: guru Pronunciation: \gur-()ü, gü-()rü also g-rü\ Date: 1613 2. a teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern. That is the definition according to Meriam-Webster. With that in mind, its safe to say this shop is aptly named. I've been getting ink for about 10 years, on both coasts, and although there are many talented tattoo artists in this country, but you'll be hard pressed to find so many under one roof. But amazing talent alone doesn't make any artist or shop perfect. A tattoo is beyond art, a memory that never fades, and a truly great artist is someone you respect and admire. The guys at Guru fit the bill. These are some rad, down to earth guys, who approach each job with its due respect. They understand that although its just another day of work for them, for the customer, each tattoo is a really big deal. Aaron Della Vedova is my artist and one hell of a cool dude, but I respect the hell out of each one of these guys for the combination of their talent and their personalities. Guru delivers an experience, a memory and a piece of art that is everlasting. read more

Jason B.

14 years ago

In San Deigo for a week. Really wanted Southern Cal experience and talent to do substantial piece. Did research thru friendlu local people I met that had good ink. Guru was mentioned many times. Took trip to PB. Got hair cut at Lefty's ++ (Mike is great - nice bike!) Headed to Guru :) No artists avail :( Nathan recommended Matt but he was off for two days, was given email add to set up appointment. Dude replied on his day off (goog sign). Matt is the real deal. Genuine guy, easy going, serious talent. Did great work while we discussed life, SoCal, art, music, politics, careers, kids, influences, growing older, marriage, etc. Traditional old style swallows on my shoulders are outstanding. Great line work, excellent shade and colour. Whole crew was friendly (Kevin did powerful tribute script on my friend's arms. So nice!) No neg attitude or "too cool for you" vibe. This pasty white Canadian is heading home with righteous ink and great memories. Not that it should matter if your seriously looking but the cost was very good as well. Thanks again Guru read more

Evan S.

17 years ago

Plain and simple guru tattoo is the s*^t!!!! My man Ron what can i say the best front end man in the business! He will set you up with the rt artist and make you pee your pants laughing while doing it. He's got skills mad skills. As far as tattoo work goes I got a full sleeve from the man the myth the legend Aarron Della Vedova! I waited forever ;) but it was well worth the wait. He busted out the sickest original design I could ever have imagined and we finished in about 3 to 4 months. About 40 hours total. Aaron also did a full side piece on my wife. Very sick as well. To sum it up pretty much the best tattoo experience I have ever had. Very professional, clean, always on time and when it was time to work aaron did work. Hands down he is the best artist in the US maybe even the world. Book him now before his wait list gets longer. Any way I hope this helps on your decision on where to get a piece. I would go no where else. Thanks Guru! ES read more

Jennifer M.

6 years ago

This was my first time at Guru, and also my first yelp review. I had a tattoo in mind that I wanted to get done quickly, and through word of mouth Guru Tattoo came highly recommended. I walked in to check out the place and ended up meeting Jason and telling him what I had in mind. I wanted California poppies to celebrate my 1 year anniversary of moving here. We set an appointment for the next day, and when I got there and he showed me the drawing he came up with, I knew it was going to be perfect. His communication was great throughout the whole process. Jason made me feel at ease, and was super professional. I wanted very thin lines and muted colors and he killed it! It's better than I envisioned, and I truly couldn't be happier. I also talked to the general manager while I was there, who was really awesome as well. The shop is immaculate too. It was a great experience all around. I very highly recommend. I'll be back for sure. read more

Mady G.

5 months ago

Bean is hands down the most talented and professional tattoo artist I've ever worked with. From the moment I walked in, they made me feel completely comfortable and excited about the process. Bean really takes the time to listen to your ideas, offer thoughtful input, and make sure the design is perfect before even starting. Their attention to detail is unreal -- every line is clean, every shade is smooth, and the final result is even better than I imagined. Not only is Bean incredibly skilled, but they're also patient, kind, and passionate about their work. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and the art they create. The entire experience was relaxed, professional, and honestly so fun. I get compliments on my tattoo all the time, and I will absolutely be going back to Bean for my next piece. If you're looking for someone who combines talent, creativity, and amazing vibes, Bean is your artist. read more

Ha'ani P.

15 years ago

I see Kyle Walker at Guru and he is awesome. I drive from Arizona for his work! With my last appointment I was over an hour late and he was still super cool about it (but that doesn't mean you should be late to his appts haha). He listens to your ideas and has a killer eye for how to work out your tattoo so that it looks the best it can. He is a phenomenal artist. The shop has a friendly environment, no egotistical bullshit. Which is great considering the amount of talent that is in that shop. I have been to shops that were so full of their own ego they couldn't get up off their asses to say hello and ask how they could help you, which is never the kind of place you want to get your tattoos from. So Guru is rad and the place you should be visiting for your next tattoo, unless you're a knucklehead and want to learn the hard way. read more

Felicia M.

13 years ago

I got my first tattoo here in 2009 by Nate, if I remember correctly. From walking up to the front desk through the completion of my tattoo, I had a great experience here. I love that there is artwork on the walls as soon as you walk in and the vibe of the shop is really great. From what I could tell, everyone seemed really friendly and it definitely eased my first-timer nerves. The price you pay here is absolutely worth the quality of their artists and almost 5 years later my tattoo looks just as great as it did in the pictures I took after it healed. I don't know if I have ever been more satisfied with dropping $300 on something nor do I know if I ever will be again. I love my tattoo and I loved the experience and how at ease everyone at Guru made me feel from start to finish. Can't recommend this shop nearly enough. read more

Adrian T.

3 years ago

I had the opportunity to work with Andrew Kuchan on a tattoo that I've been wanting to complete for years. Since the project was a full sleeve, the design and details were very important to me. Once we got in touch, the one thing I appreciated the most was Andrew's responsiveness to my messages. It showed that he cared enough to listen. After a few go-arounds of design ideas, he nailed it! If you're looking for a talented and down-to-earth artist, Andrew is your guy. He is professional, very detail-oriented and always works toward perfection. Glad I found him! Andrew, I can't thank you enough for capturing exactly what I was hoping for in completing my sleeve. People stop me to look at the detail of your work. Excellent job brotha read more

Jose H.

3 years ago

I just started my sleeve with El Ugo. He did my first tattoo and I knew I wanted him to create my sleeve. El Ugo is a damn magician with the creative design. His blackwork is the BEST! He took my ideas and made a bad ass sleeve design. He took the time to listen, create, and modify. Our first appointment he did all of the outline. Very professional staff all around. Very clean and the art throughout the tattoo shop is top notch and elegant. Impatiently waiting for our next appointment so he can begin the shading. I had so many people stop me and ask where, and with who did I get my tattoo, and this was only the outline done. If you are looking for a first class tattoo shop go to Guru Tattoo in Little Italy and hit up my bro El Ugo. read more

Cat R.

17 years ago

Simply the best place to get a tattoo. The staff is super friendly, the shop is clean and immaculate and the portfolio's speak for themselves. Really the best group of talented artists you can find under one roof. I have heard great things about Guru for years and so when it came time for me to finally get one I knew I couldn't go anywhere else. The only reason you'll see a bad review on the shop, is because someone couldn't "get in" for a tattoo right away.....well....getting a tattoo is like getting plastic surgery.....do you really want to go somewhere where the talent is so low, that you don't have to wait??? I'm happy waiting for the BEST! read more

Anastasia B.

16 years ago

Since I just started my yelp account today this was on my top ten places that I just had to yelp. Love this place. It is by far the cleanest shop I have ever been into. All the guys are super friendly. No matter if you're getting a huge piece or something small all of the guys are extremely helpful. Nick Alvarez is doing my sleeve and he truly is an artist. SO talented. When consulting me on what I wanted he really took into consideration of my lifestyle and personality and applied it to arm. Perfection! I've had the pleasure of meeting most of the guys in there and I can say they are all extremely talented and equally awesome. Loves it! read more

Heather B.

13 years ago

this place is "THE PLACE" if your seeking truly remarkable work! Ive been tatted off and on for many years and none compare to beauty of what I got here! The artist are masterful, the staff way cool, the environment top notch! Very Gifted artists! I paged through all the portfolios there. My work was done by Eno, but I would have acquired work from any of them as they are all talented. I truly enjoyed my experience and will definitely go back. I encourage anyone to go here if they want the best of the best of the very best! :) read more

Lina F.

2 years ago

Finally another Beautiful tattoo done by Shane! It took me a while to get my a** back in there, but luckily my birthday was on 10/01 and my family knew all I wanted for my birthday was another tattoo by Shane : ) I can not express enough how talented , kind and amazing Shane is. I highly recommend getting a tattoo done by him you will not be disappointed! He is such a cool dude! I am looking forward to my next tattoo done by him.. .. Christmas Present haha! I also want to make note that the staff are pretty awesome too! read more

C H.

11 years ago

Just finished my first session for a 10"x 6" side piece (pics to come!) with ERIK KUSHNER. This guy is a pro, no doubt. Drew up a design for me that was a-may-zing. I don't know how he did it, because I gave him the most convoluted description possible. Only had enough $$ for two hours of work, but he banged it out in an hour and a half ! ! ! And there is a lot of detail goin on in this piece. Quick, light, and steady hand. Couldn't hope for better. Ask for ERIK if you need a new tattoo!!! read more

Ana F.

13 years ago

I came to Guru for my first tattoo. I was in town for work so was a bit nervous. I was immediately put to ease by Stephanie, the front desk person, and Tom, the artist. The shop was extremely clean, everyone appropriately licesed. Tom did a phenomenal job talking to me about the process, the tools, etc. He had an extremely steady hand and my tattoo came out wonderfully! The lines are very clean! I would recommend Guru, and Tom, to anyone searching for an artist. read more

Jade e.

19 years ago

my boyfriend did a lot of research before choosing Guru to do his tattoo. We live in Los Angeles and heard good things about the shop all the way up here. He couldn't be happier with his work. He's getting a full sleeve by Aaron Della Vedova, and although he has 2 more sittings to finish it up, it already looks amazing. We'll post some pictures when it's finished. Until then....we suggest going there if you want comfort knowing it will be done right! read more

jasmine w.

19 years ago

absolutey the best tattooing SD has to offer. The ENTIRE staff here is top-notch quality. the shop itself is immaculate and beautfully decorated. amazing amaing amazing! thats all that needs to be said! the quality is consistant between each artist, the portfolios speak for themselves. i love the comfort of the shop too, theres no "sketchy" creeps givin dirty looks, no one is intimidating, and everyone gives their utmost respect to each customer. read more

kevin r.

19 years ago

This place is incredible. One comes to expect a certain "atmosphere" of unprofessionalism and a lack of cleanliness at tattoo shops. Finally, there is a shop that doesn't fall into this category. Everyone there has the highest degree of professionalism and the shop is amazing inside. It really makes you feel comfortable. Combine that with some of the best artists in the country and you have Guru. Truly one of the best shops in the country. read more

Nana c.

19 years ago

What an amazing place guys! Thanks for the 5 Start treatment. I was a bit nervous about my first tattoo and you guys made me feel wonderful. Not only are you all professional and great at what you do (and I mean real talent), but your atmosphere combined with your eclectic decor was so interesting and comforting. And you are wheelchair accessible...always a bonus! This is a MUST people - call today. Thanks again read more

Guru Tattoo - tattoo - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Guru Tattoo also viewed

Good Fortune Tattoo

(24 reviews)

I recently got a gorgeous cover up by Oleksander H. and it turned out even better than I had hoped…read morefor. He is super talented and easy to work with! The shop is very clean and comfortable, all the employees are super nice-great vibes. I definitely recommend this shop.

Quick bday tatt! They accommodated me on a walk in, mid afternoon on a weekday. I wanted a simple…read moretattoo. Waited about 20 mins for the owner and he hooked me up. Giving 4 stars because I wasn't aware of the minimum. My fault for not asking, but I should've been told. Anyways $100minimum, at least what I was charged. Is that norm or overcharge? Idk but HBD to me lol Cool shop vibe right off Broadway. Music was dope.

BUJU Tattoo

(346 reviews)

•$$

I LOVE JORDAN'S ART!…read more She's not only incredibly talented, but also super kind and her love to animals is just so beautiful! Just look at this incredible tattoo she did on me and see for Yourself!!! Crazy attention to details, and super clean! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

If you're looking for a custom, nature-inspired tattoo, Jordan Lentz is incredibly creative and…read moretalented. We worked together to design this bird & vine forearm wrap, and the photos speak for themselves! Such detailed shading and fine texture. I was planning for this to be my first and only tattoo, but now I've got ideas of coming back for more.

Chapter One Tattoo

4.9

(734 reviews)

•$

Absolutely amazing experience at Chapter One. I had a massive cover up done by Colton. His work is…read morebar none. If you looking for a killer tattoo artist look no further. You will not be disappointed.

I went in for a back piece done by Tyler and it came out wonderfully. All of the staff were warm…read moreand professional; the interior of the store is exquitely maintained yet still retains a sense of welcoming. I will be going back for more work and would recommend it to anyone.

Lions Den Tattoo Studio

(273 reviews)

•$$

Great experience for my first tattoo, highly recommend Lions Den!…read more Walked in on a Sunday when they first opened at 12, was checked in and waited in the shared lobby area. Cool spot where the owner Mike also features his other business the Good Company Golf Club (will have to check out their sim another time). About 15 minutes later I was led back by my artist Zhu who was patient with the tweaks I wanted to make and communicated clearly the process. After 45 minutes my small piece was done and she also explained the after care instructions thoroughly. Cash only for their tattoo services but they have an atm in the waiting area for convenience.

I had the most awesome experience with Peralta! From the very first consultation he was super…read morefriendly and patient, he really took his time explaining everything to me as he mapped the layout for my sleeve and never once made our sessions feel rushed. I loved our collaboration of ideas, but truly, all credit to him for designing and bringing the sleeve of my dreams to life. It's even more amazing than I could have imagined - his attention to detail and care put into every line and dot is so impressive. The chill vibes in the shop definitely helped me relax and feel comfy during the several multiple hour long sessions too. Most definitely looking forward to my next tattoo at Lions Den!

King's Head Tattoo

(77 reviews)

•$$

Tattoo shop is located off of the popular main drag of Garnet Ave in PB. This spot came highly…read morerecommended as my son had gotten a tattoo here a few months prior. We were back in San Diego and decided to get one together! We didn't have a lot of days, nor an appointment (which is highly advised) but popped in anyway! My son was greeted by the tattoo artist named Culleton P. (that had remembered him from their prior interaction). Culleton was able to work us in, which was wonderful. We had just a little bit of a wait time, as he was finishing up with his other clients. As we were waiting, I was watching tattooist Sean creating a Scorpion with extremely intricate design that was added in to his previous work on his patrons sleeve. It was incredibly impressive! The shop is laid-back and has a really cool vibe. Each station has a noticeably clean hygienic workspace and overall an environment that allows you to feel extremely comfortable. What an amazing experience we had from start to finish. My son and I already had in mind what we wanted, so it made the process that much easier. Culleton our tattooer did an incredible job on our tattoos! He's been in the business for decades, so his craft is exceptional. His attention to detail along with the clean lines, solid saturation, and smooth shading made for killer tats! We were so happy with the results. ALL the staff here are phenomenal. You can't go wrong with any one of them! They are so welcoming, creative, and willing to work with you to bring your ideas to life. These artists are knowledgeable, friendly, and informative. To the artists Sean and Bryan even though you were working with your clients, you still made it a point to an acknowledge us and engage us in quality conversations. You ALL really made us feel like we were your friends here, so "Thank you"! NOTE- each artist has their own fees and prices which depends on many factors: such as the design complexity, size, and body placement. FYI- shop generally requiring a minimum and or hourly rate as well. In our case, our cost seemed fair to pay for our pieces. This is such a great ink place. Memorable occasion and one that will bring us back! Highly recommend this as your next tattoo session!

New This place is absolutely awesome! My daughter and I were…read morewalking across the street and saw a guy hanging the sign and we decided to go in and check it out. I am so glad we did. What a warm, welcoming, great bunch of guys. They all made us feel so welcome while there. Sean did our tattoos and we LOVE them! We laughed with him the entire time. It was a really great experience and we will definitely be back. Thanks guys

Redemption Ink

(65 reviews)

Stellie rocks !! Tattoo is super clean, she was very patient and made sure we were comfortable…read more Super chill shop, great vibes from her and everyone there. She took me as a walk in and got me taken care of right away. Prices are reasonable as well. Highly recommend!

Where do i even begin? The place is super nice, the employees hete are absolutely amazing super…read morenice, definitely will be back!!

Ink Therapy by Janny

(13 reviews)

Janny was a pleasure to work with from start to finish! I had such a great experience with Janny…read morewhen she did a tattoo for my husband! From start to finish she was incredibly attentive and made sure he felt comfortable throughout the entire process. Her professionalism and dedication to her craft really show in her work. The line work on his tattoo is so clean and precise, and her attention to detail is amazing. You can tell she truly cares about the quality of her work and about giving her clients the best possible result. Everything was done with excellence, and the whole experience felt very welcoming and professional. If you're looking for an artist who is talented, detail-oriented, and genuinely cares about her clients, I highly recommend Janny. My husband and I couldn't be happier with the final result! We are already planning on future pieces and will be returning customers!

Janny is hands down the BEST tattoo artist I've ever worked with!!!…read more Her work is INSANELY PRECISE, but what really makes her special is her level of care and intention... She's so passionate it literally feels like she's tattooing joy and good vibes into you Her studio is calm, cozy, and full of fun, funky aesthetics--with a beautiful view of nature. 10/10 recommend

Omen Tattoo

4.7

(10 reviews)

I recently visited Omen Tattoo in San Diego and had the pleasure of working with Sofia. She was…read moreable to rework my fine line tattoo, and transform it from something I was kinda satisfied with... into a piece I absolutely love. Sofia told me she specializes in tattooing darker skin tones... and it's so clearly evident in her meticulous work. Her professionalism and friendliness made this a great first experience. I highly recommend Sofia for anyone seeking a talented and considerate tattoo artist!

Great vibe, amazing tattoo artist, and nice location in the middle of downtown. Would definitely…read morerecommend to anyone wanting to get tattooed!!

BLACK&GREY Atelier

(22 reviews)

Black&Grey is truly an incredible experience! Coffee, tattoos, cocktails, and dinner. from the…read moremoment 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!

My artist was Amy @amymarumoto.ink on Instagram. I picked out this cutesy chrome fortune cookie…read morefrom 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

Iconic Lines Studio