1. Hot Rod Tattoos

1. Hot Rod Tattoos

0

Sanford, NC

Cancel

Open app

Search

Hot Rod Tattoos

4.2 (10 reviews)
ModerateTattoo
Closed 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Hot Rod Tattoos Photos

Recommended Reviews - Hot Rod Tattoos

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

When i first got it done

Ditched my tattoo shop in sanford and went to get a tattoo here since it was closer to home, for my mom who passed ! The owner im assuming is who tatted me . I went on December 1st . The first picture is when it was done . Second picture is today . Ive been very patient with the healing process and everyone who has looked at my tattoo said it looked overworked but i remained patient. I went back to the shop towards the end of January and talked to the wife im assuming and she said its not overworked it just needs touching up . Why would a tattoo need touching up just a month later !!? The second picture you can see why i was complaining . I listened to her and she booked me a cover up appointment but i didnt go because i was scared to get worked on and possibly damage my skin or something. On top of this bad experience I paid 150 for this tattoo which i guess is understandable but i was already upset having to pay so much but it was for my mom . Then a poor experience all around , the one who tatted me did not speak to me the whole entire time and he was coughing all in my face with no mask ! Also while he constantly drilled my skin and when i say drilled he went over the letters multiple times but i did not say anything because i thought he knew what he was doing . My letters are patchy , peeling STILL in some places which are all seen in the second picture . I personally would never go back or refer this shop to anyone !

Part one of the battle of midway
Adam R.

I'm the type of person who puts a lot of thought into their tattoos. I'm not the type who goes and gets a tattoo on a whim. That being said, I had a customer come into my gym sporting new ink. I asked them where they got it done at and was told about Mike at Hot Rod. After doing a little bit of research I messaged him on Hot Rods Facebook page. Almost immediately Ingot a response. I told him exactly what I was looking at getting and he welcomed me to come to his shop to talk about my idea in further detail. Upon arriving to Hot Rod I got a quick feel of the place; very clean, friendly and all around great looking. As a Navy veteran I had a specific idea in mind. I wanted the battle of midway portrayed on my arm from shoulder to wrist. Mike himself is also a Navy veteran and knew exactly want I wanted. I gave him a timeframe and he got back to me about a month later with a rough drawing and it was better than I had imagined. I had my first session about a month ago and go back in to continue on the piece on the 31st of October. I highly recommend Hot Rod for all your tattoo needs. He gets right down to the nitty gritty with very minimal breaks. His pricing is fair for what you are getting. As stated on another review for a different shop, if a studio needs to over advertise to gain a customer base then they aren't worth their weight in gold. Hot rod doesn't need to do this. Mike's work speaks for itself. There are two other artists in the shop; Mike's wife, Sarah, and Ben. Hope this review helps.

My latest tattoo that Sarah worked so hard on!

See all

Photo of Mary J.
19
12
12

29 days ago

Have a gift certificate they won't honor. Mike left and said the shop would honor it and now they are saying no

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Mike was very hospitable and had a clean sanitized shop ready for the tattoo appointment. Will be going back.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Adam R.
16
13
3

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Sarah gave me my first tattoo, she was very easy to talk to and explained everything l. i will definitely be coming back.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Mike was fantastic! He accommodated me quickly, drew up a great piece and was patient with me. He was also unexpectedly gentle!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Hot Rod Tattoos

Review Highlights - Hot Rod Tattoos

Mike is a true master at his craft and it shows with his attention to detail and great designs.

Mentioned in 7 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

People searched for Tattoo 417 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Dogstar Tattoo Company

Dogstar Tattoo Company

4.5
(149 reviews)
50.1 mi
$$

I have used Dogstar exclusively for piercings for the last 2-3 years!…read more Sam is fantastic they give you all the information you need to make the best decision. Sam has pierced my kiddos and makes them feel comfortable and speaks the truth to them about future piercings they want! I love the cleanliness of this shop and the jewelry they offer giving you lots of options that are great quality! I also like the esthetic of the shop with the exposed ceiling and brightness inside!

Zach did my tattoo, it was a great experience and he had a light hand so it didn't hurt (almost…read morefell asleep ), everything autoclaved and gloves to ensure it's perfectly safe/clean. It feels like the lines and shading will be exactly as expected once healed, this was my 8th tattoo and had bad experiences elsewhere, so happy with this one! In addition on day two, it's not red as others I've had previously that had issues, which means it's healing nicely. I highly recommend him. I also want to recommend the piercer (I don't remember her name ) I got lucky she was available each time I was there and was able to get amazing earrings for my previous piercings... she was knowledgeable and very professional as well as put them in without any problems. Also, they followed up to get me scheduled when I asked, I always remember things later than when places are open so it was a blessing to have them call me! Highly recommend them! My second tattoo was also done by Dogstar in 1998, they were great then and even better now!

Photos
Emperor gum moth by Michael Beckwith.
Emperor gum moth by Michael Beckwith.
Piercing by Shea Collins.
Piercing by Shea Collins.
Dino by Megan Chuntz.

See all

Dino by Megan Chuntz.
Heart and Hammer Tattoo Company

Heart and Hammer Tattoo Company

4.6
(10 reviews)
26.0 mi

Got an amazing tattoo from Gabby. Very well organized went over everything at least twice to make…read moresure I was happy with the design and placement. Will definitely be going back for more work. Gabby was very knowledgeable and was fun chatting and watching her work. Very reasonably priced for quality work.

These guys are amazing and I've only been in for a consult !! I'll update this review in approx two…read moreweeks when I receive my new piece from Chris. But this place has impressed me beyond words, super friendly and humble staff who make you feel welcome and right at home ! Chris took his time with me, we spent upwards of an hour brainstorming how to cover up a pre existing tattoo from a shop that doesn't exist anymore. After multiple apologies from me about taking up so much of his time, he stopped me and told me "don't apologize, this is exactly what I'm here for !" I LOVE that attitude and can not wait to go back in two weeks to receive some nice artwork !! I highly recommend giving these guys a look !! Update: Received my tattoo tonight, by Chris Kelly. One more session to go !And let me tell you guys something, dead serious, you will not find a better tattoo shop in North Carolina. These guys are absolute professionals, and super friendly, they make you feel like an old friend the moment you walk in. The attention to quality and detail is through the roof, I've been tattooed quite a few times now, and have never encountered as good of an experience as I encountered tonight. I HIGHLY recommend, and if it were possible to rate higher, I absolutely would in a second. The shop is super clean and tidy even to the smallest detail, even the mop bucket had a place !!! Once again, I urge you to go to Heart And Hammer for anything ink related.

Photos
Heart and Hammer Tattoo Company
The tattoo by Gaby
The tattoo by Gaby
Heart and Hammer Tattoo Company

See all

Ratatat Tats

Ratatat Tats

4.4
(14 reviews)
38.6 mi

Let me say that I straight up got in my car and said, hey, I'm going to get another tattoo…read more... read the reviews and spoke with a few people before making sure this was where I wanted to go. I was greeted by Sebastian, the owner, and we spoke about what I wanted, where, etc. The place is clean.... very clean, which is a very good sign, as if I'm going to be inked, I better be in a sterile environment! He was super friendly and helpful and didn't make a fuss when I asked 1000 questions! This is NOT one of those commercialized places that is open for all foot traffic and has pics of images on the walls to choose from. Yes, I'm dating myself, as I haven't had ink in over 22 years! It is a very classy environment and you can tell the business is very prideful in what they offer! Tory was the man that was free to do my impulsive artwork! NOTE- I lucked out and was able to get in, but appointments are highly encouraged! He worked quick and did an excellent job. We chatted the entire time and it made it go by relatively quick. His specialties are anime/cartoons, etc (none of which appeal to me), but if that's what you need, he's the man! The price was right and I have an excellent addition to my rib cage. I highly recommend this place for all of your artwork needs!

Emily was the person that I consulted with and What a rude, unprofessional and my opinion racist…read morelady. From the get go she was rude and just plain nasty. I hated my experience with her and regret ever wanting to go there lost a $50 Deposit. The man that helps was very nice Sebastian was friendly and had a great attitude but the tattoo artist was disgusting. If you want to make your experience nice and friendly don't go there unless you are white.

Photos
Ratatat Tats
Ratatat Tats
Ratatat Tats

See all

Hot Rod Tattoos - tattoo - Updated July 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...