Jeff was great! My son's first tattoo experience could not have been better. Professional while still keeping the mood light. Chill Vibe, No Pressure! Triple checked the art with my son before starting. 5 stars! read more

This is a great shop. I got tattooed by JC, he listened, gave creative input & took the time to create my tattoo. Everyone who works here is extremely talented and professional. Stop in & meet them all, you won't regret it! Thanks JC & the port side crew! I'll be back. read more

Been getting tattoo'd since 1987 and have had work done at seven different shops across the county. Tim, the owner of Port Side is the BEST artists I have worked with. I had a sleeve that needed major help, and Tim worked with me to re-do the entire project and now it looks better than ever! Great shop and amazing customer service. read more

Port Side is the only place I will get tattooed. Tim completed several large pieces on me that turned out amazing. Great vibe, clean shop, and very talented artists. Highly recommend! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I got my biggest tattoo done at Port Side Tattoo, and I couldn't be happier with the results. After spending a LOT of time researching different shops and artists around San Diego, I landed on Tim, the owner of Port Side, to take on this project--and I'm so glad I did. I travel an hour just to see him, and it's worth every minute. I came in with a few individual tattoos on my arm but wanted to take it to the next level by filling in the background to create a cohesive sleeve. Tim did all of the background you see on my arm, and he did an incredible job. He was able to seamlessly tie my existing tattoos together with his signature background and shading. One thing I really appreciated about working with Tim is how flexible and accommodating he is. I could only commit to shorter, two-hour sessions at a time due to my pain tolerance and he made that work! The shop itself has an inviting, clean, and professional atmosphere. You can tell that cleanliness and safety are top priorities, which made the whole experience more comfortable. I also have to shout out the other artists at the shop--they're all incredibly talented and create such a positive vibe in the space. Watching them work, it's clear this is a place full of amazing people. I'm beyond stoked with my sleeve, and I'm already itching to get more work done by Tim. If you're looking for a skilled, dedicated artist who really listens to what you want and brings it to life better than you imagined, Tim at Port Side Tattoo is the one to see! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Completed background for my sleeve by Tim Howell - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Port Side is an amazing tattoo shop! The shop is decorated in traditional flash with an appreciation for the history of tattooing that shines through. All the artists are very welcoming. I go to Jake Emery for my tattoos and he does amazing work! He is very detailed and ensures you're getting exactly what you want. Thanks for Jake all your hard work! read more

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An outstanding tattoo shop, and by far my favorite in San Diego. At this point I've been tattooed by just about everyone in the shop and they're all wonderful. They are all extremely talented and friendly and professional. If you're in San Diego and looking for a tattoo I can't recommend them enough read more

Port Side is one of the best traditional shops around. The friendliest and most talented group of artists I've seen in one place. Adam is an absolute rock star! He took my concept for a back piece and elevated it to the next level, creating a unique design that exceeded all expectations. Not only that, but his vast musical knowledge and hilarious view on life make for an all around great experience. Tim and his crew are the best around. Don't hesitate to drop in and put them to work for you. 10/10, will definitely be back for more work. read more

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I feel like this review is LONG overdue, but here it is! I followed Tim from Even Keel over to Port Side when he opened it a couple years ago. This is a place anyone can feel comfortable at, whether they're a newbie or a veteran. The mix of artists here all have their own amazing personality, but all equally make you feel welcome. I've been tattooed by Tim, Tanya, and Cory. After I have my son in July, I'm coming back to finish the little project I was starting with Adam! The walls are covered in awesome artwork so there's something for everyone, they have a fun "get what you get" machine if you're feeling spontaneous, awesome shop merch, and a very clean shop all around. All the artists make sure to keep their spaces organized and sanitized, and always ensure their clients are comfortable. They all have their own creative touches in their work that set them apart from eachother, but no matter what you are walking out of there will a solid, high quality tattoo. I trust their creativity and professional opinions, so I love to give an idea and let them run with it. From colors or small changes, they always knock it out of the park. There was a point where I was getting tattooed every few weeks for a couple months last year and I am itching to get back! I have so many ideas that I can't wait to bring to life, and there's no other shop I trust than Port Side Tattoo. Thankful for the Port Side family! read more

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Over the last year Tattoo Artist Jake Emery completed my sleeve. He is excellent ! He crushed it ! Great dude and amazing artist ! The shop has a great atmosphere and the other artists are chill . Cool place to hangout ! read more

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JC is incredible! He brought my vision to life and is patient with every change/request made. JC had me return to the shop a week later to sketch out my mermaid. I will be setting my next appointment asap! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Tim Howell is the man!! I got to catch up with Tim while he was a guest artist in Texas a few years back. He had brought his whole family out with him which I thought was really cool that they could vacation together while he got a couple tattoos in. I showed him the spot on my body I wanted filled and he suggested a rose, which was awesome because I love his roses so much. He drew it right on my skin with a marker which also really impressed me. When he did my tattoo it hurt just a little bit but honestly I'd say he has a pretty light hand overall. Like I said it's been a few years and my colors are still bright and I still absolutely love this tattoo. I can tell he really knows what he's doing and loves it. Thanks again, Tim! Can't wait to come to port side and get another one!!! read more

This is by far the best tattoo shop I have been to. My artist Tim ( the owner ) always makes sure you feel right at home and that you are taken care of. His work is amazing as well as all the artist in the shop. I always recommended this place to anyone who asks about my work. If you want amazing traditional work definitely hit up Tim! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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I am so happy I found this place! I've been getting tattooed by JC since August 2022 when the tattoo convention was in town. Since then I've gotten 4 more pieces from him and he is AMAZING! He's always up for my ideas and I trust every judgement from placement and coloring. I would also like to say that the comradery amongst the guys is really cool to see. The support they have for each other also translates over to anyone walking in the door. I always feel welcomed when I walk in. If I could, I would give 10 stars! read more

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Great tattoo shop and great artists. I love my tattoo from Jeff. I told him what I wanted and he came up with an amazing design. He was also very personable and a solid dude. All of the other artists in the shop were great and very friendly as well. I would 100% recommend this shop and will be back for my next tattoo. read more

Port Side Tattoo - Shark Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Look no further, you've found the best. Tim, Jake and Adam have all contributed to my sleeve. The shop has an awesome collection of vintage flash as well as their artists work. Easy to book with, no long waits and staff that will remember you and are stoked to tattoo you. I've recommend this shop to everyone who's interested in traditional tattoos read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Started getting work done here about 2 months ago. The quality of everyone in the shop is outstanding ! No matter what you're looking for everyone's fantastic ! The vibe you get when you walk in is warm and inviting. Everyone's always looking to help you out as soon as you walk in the door ! I've been getting my work done by Tim ! He's professional, light handed, lightning fast , super crispy with the line work ,easy to talk to , just makes you feel like you're hanging out and not getting tattooed ! Tim and the PST crew will always be a shop I'll come back to ! Like their slogan says " come as a stranger , leave as a friend " it's the truth !! You're family when you leave ! Love the shop love the boys ! 10/10 get tatted you won't regret it ! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is a great tattoo shop! Everyone is very welcoming and friendly, which isn't the norm. I started coming here when Jake Emery moved from his previous shop and I've only been tattooed by Jake here, who has done nothing but top notch work on me, however the shop houses several talented artists with solid work and their own unique style. Check out their stuff on Instagram, and look at their website. Every single one of them is loaded with talent. In the shop itself there is a ton of flash on every wall, the ceiling, the bathroom, everywhere you look... if only I had enough skin! Tim also has a little tattoo history museum going that is also super cool to look at. Definitely best tattoo shop I've been to hands down. I look forward to all of my future appointments! read more

Another exceptional experience at Portside tattoo! Thanks to Adam Sayer for honoring my mother was such a classy peace built to last a lifetime read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Best Trad work in SD. Super clean, friendly, and professional. If you are looking to grab a tattoo and don't know what you want, don't fret...the plethora of rad flash work that covers the walls will provide you with more than enough ideas. Hurry up and book an appointment with any of the talented artists at Port Side. Don't miss out on grabbing a piece of the future of San Diego tattoo history. read more

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The tattoo shop was very welcoming and the artists were super chill! I went in to get my first tattoo from JC and left extremely satisfied with what I got, he honestly did an amazing job and was such a respectful artist! Overall I reccomend this shop to get your first tattoo they also have loads of flash all over the walls which are entertaining to look at and provide you with more than enough ideas for future ink. Makes sure to also follow them on instagram they constantly post all their great work and when they have flash days going on for the month. I'll definitely go back soon for more! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Cherries from the "Get what you get" machine they have inside - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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When you've found a great artist you follow them wherever they go! Jake Emery is consistently bangin out awesome flash and American traditional tattoos. At Port Side you can expect a friendly staff/artists there with many design to choose from. Feelin brave let Jake take the creative responsibility, you wont be disappointed! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Coffin with an eye! - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I was referred to this tattoo shop by a friend 2 1/2 years ago and have been consistently going over the years. In my opinion, Tim, JC, Adam and Jake are hands down some of the best tattoo artists in the North County Area. Tim has been my go to dude for the time I have been going to the shop but I would recommend any of them for a tattoo. They all have unmatched quality work and I will always be a supporter of the Port Side Crew!! read more

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Place has a great atmosphere as a tattoo shop. Isaac Combs makes kick ass traditional tattoos.Will be back for another tattoo.

One of our really good friends recommend this shop to us (Flako) , and my husband and I were highly impressed with how professional, but welcoming everyone was right off the bat. At this shop you won't feel intimidated or feel those super high ego vibes from the artist. Which I was surprised because every artist at the shop is beyond talented and their work says it all. At the front of the shop there's books with pictures of the artist's work. Check them out and you'll see what I'm talking about. The shop inside is visually pleasing (chef's kiss perfection). Theres endless beautiful art displayed all over the shop, and extremely CLEAN location! I got tattooed by Tanya. @ohtanyagee Let me just say I'm willing to wait and drive 11hrs back to San Diego just to only get tattooed by her from now on. Her work is so clean, mind-blowing and magnificent. If you're looking into getting the best flowers and moons in the game this is your girl! Just check her Instagram, trust me. The best part of it all is how fast she works. The way she treated me and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process was amazing. She told me she loves to treat clients the way she would want to be treated at a shop, and she does not fail to succeed that promise. read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Adam was really cool dude. He blasted out a ship's wheel on my elbow in record time. Bold lines bright colors screams American traditional. Love the work and shop was great artists seem to have a great deal of team synergy going. read more

very satisfied with how my first tattoo came out. They accepted my girlfriend and I as a Walk in and took care of us and glad we chose this spot to get our tattoos done. Will definitely be coming back to this place. My tattoo artist was jake Emery. read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

if you haven't been blessed with jake's work, RUN THERE! I went for the flash day for my second tattoo from him & he didn't not disappoint! everyone is super nice & friendly as well. & i'm sure everyone would do an excellent job. pics are in order of my first & second tattoo. read more

Port Side Tattoo - first tatt - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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I just got my first tattoo here yesterday from Tim. It was a great experience. I gave the artist a general idea of what I wanted and he drew up two different designs based on how it would fit on my thigh. What he came up with was better than what I had originally thought of. The shop is incredibly clean, and there is flash all over the walls that you can choose from if you want, or use an inspiration. If you like American traditional, this is the spot for you. They do take walk ins, but if you want a specific artist get in contact with them and make an appointment. They also do have flash days so follow them on Instagram to keep up with that. I will be coming back here for more in the future! read more

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If you want a badass tattoo come to Port Side Tattoo. I have a great time every time I go get a tattoo. Tim is the artist that has done most of my tattoos. He does an amazing job and makes sure I feel like I am at home. Everyone in the shop are great people and artists. I would recommend everyone in the shop. It is a really friendly environment. Everything is really clean in the shop. Thank you so much Tim and everyone at Port Side Tattoo! read more

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The crew over at Portside are some of the most professional and cleanly tattooers I've dealt with. Very art oriented and always willing to help me come up with ideas and placement. I've been tattooed at their shop 3 times now and will continue to return. Highly recommend this shop! Thanks to Tim for the last tattoo I got. Crushed it! read more

The crew at Port Side Tattoo are the best in the business. The shop is clean and professional and their knowledge of the craft is next to none. I've been tattooed a handful of times at Port Side and it's always been a good, fun experience. My tattoos always get compliments from other artists in the tattoo community. Go to Port Side for a quality tattoo and leave with a new group of friends. read more

This tattoo shop is a gem. The vibe in the shop is really great, and it's clear that it's run by professionals. Tim Howell, the owner, is a world class tattoo artist and business owner, and hires immensely talented artists to work in his shop. I've been to several tattoo shops over the years, and you won't find the gruff, prickly tattoo artists at Port Side like with most places I can remember visiting. It's clear that they care deeply about customer service and quality work. It's also clear that the shop is led by someone who really cares about his team. The shop is clean, charming, and very comfortable. I've been getting tattooed by Tim for years, and I intend to continue because my experience is always top notch, and the tattoos are amazing. read more

This review is long overdue. 10/10. I've been tattooed by all the guys here at Port Side. This is the epitome of what a tattoo shop should be. Friendly, personable, clean. They make you feel like family. All the guys here are super talented and have always impressed me with their originality. Every guy in here has made me comfortable and has done amazing work. This shop is designed so well with some tattoo history, tons of flash and a bomb ass music playlist. Look no further only the cool kids get tattooed here. read more

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Spending hours in portside tattoos is definitely my idea of a relaxing good time! Tim never disappoints he is truly amazing at what he does. The guys all have great talent! They treat everybody like family and make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Im truly gonna miss tgis place when i move! I recommend them to anyone in the SD area. Its so worth the time, fun and talent!!! read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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One of the best shops I've been to in San Diego. Everyone was super welcoming and made everything super comfortable. Super happy is decided to get my leg sleeve done at Port Side Tattoo. Gotten a tattoo'd by Tim and Adam...super professionals. Can't wait to see the final outcome. read more

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Shop is so sick! Every artist in this building is so talented. Been tattoo'd multiple times here, and plan on coming back until the canvas is full. Each artist is passionate and down to earth. Very cleanly, very professional, and the vibe in the shop is unmatched. Goal is to get artwork from everyone at the shop. Great vibes, great people, couldn't recommend a better shop to get tattoo'd at. Cheers! read more

I recently responded to one of Monica's posts on Instagram, and I'm so glad I did! Everyone at the shop is welcoming, and I am stoked about the new rose on my knee. I look forward to going back for more. read more

Port Side Tattoo - Rose on the knee - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Really disappointed with the results. A bit about me, this tattoo was personal. I've been sexually assaulted twice this past year, and both offenders had a sick fascination with my chest. I've felt a desperate need to hide my entire torso since then. I wear binders and big jackets almost every day. This was supposed to be something to be proud of, a reason to finally show myself off again. We discussed gothic semi-realism, and I specifically went to this place because I liked their clean line work in advertised art. I wished the artist had just told me they were uncomfortable with what the style was supposed to be. I've been crying more than ever tonight, and the pain only makes it worse. What am I going to do with this? read more

Port Side Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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This shop is amazing. I have been tattooed by Tim (owner) and Jake, and both were great. Every single artist in the shop makes it a point to welcome each guest as if they were their own client, and they truly make the environment one of a kind. I cannot say enough great things about Portside, but if you are looking for an impeccably clean, professional and comfortable shop/ environment, there's no reason to continue looking because Portside is the best you will find in San Diego. read more

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