Not my first rodeo and kind of my go to spot when I'm itching for a new tattoo or piercing. I've been riding with this place for at least over a decade. Came again yesterday with my sister, my hubby, and my best friend to get a Friday the 13th tattoo. My hubby ended up changing his mind and not getting anything but stayed and endured the excruciating 9 hour wait just to get to our turn. Doors opened at 11am, we were there at 10:30am and didn't get tatted until about 8pm but I guess that's expected when you're wanting a $20-$40 tattoo. The business also had a food truck which was definitely a nice treat. We all decided to get tattooed by Juan, his IG handle is @tat2frel and he was just great to say the least. His work was impeccable and he worked with me on placement and lining until I was satisfied as I had it on the side of my wrist and the tattoo lining looks different as I twist my wrist. He was patient and didn't mind taking it off and on to make sure I was happy. And I was definitely happy with the end results. He has a really light touch and didn't feel his whole weight on me while tattooing and just an all around pleasant guy. He also remembered me from a few years ago when I brought the business a case of beer at the end of the night, thanking them for their hard work and willingness to still take us. They are definitely sweet people. I asked about touch ups and things of that sort, he told me he doesn't like to do them but sometimes he will. lol I'm definitely trying to get him to work on some of my stuff cos I really like what he is capable of. My sister and my best friend loved what they got as well. It was my best friends first tattoo and god bless Juan for dealing with my indecisive sister from hell. lol she can literally be a nightmare when it comes to stuff that she wants and he just took it all in with ease. If it's not because this is my go to place to come, it would definitely be because of Juan. Definitely will be coming back soon! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - My best friend, my sister, and my Friday the 13th tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

Worst place !! Don't come here !!! Owner rude and very disrespectful to customers . We even have a video of him disrespecting a customer!! Anywhere but here Over charging customers because he's broke read more

What better thing to do on Friday the 13th than get a tattoo for $13 ?! Okay the wait was ridiculously long, but that's expected for a day like this. Luckily my brother in law was able to get a number and decided not to get a tattoo so he passed me his spot but they waited almost 10 hours before they got to our number (we were in the late 70s) My friend, sister, and I got our tattoos done by Juan. His handle is @tat2frel - he was awesome! Very patient! I'm super anal especially when it comes to things like this, I mean it's gonna be on my body forever ya know.. so I kept asking him to remove and redo and he honestly didn't care and just wanted me to really like what I was getting myself into. He also has a very light hand so it wasn't painful- my friend was completely at ease and this was her first tattoo! It was an overall great experience! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I'd love to give a thank you to Dane for doing this very meaningful piece for me. Great and amazing art work, light handed (which is amazing), and very great with timing with his work. Definitely coming back for more pieces! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

DAIN has been my tattoo artist for 6 years now ! He never disappoints! He is very professional, his consultations are the best he listens to what you want and makes it come to life ! I'm very picky with my art work and trust me when I tell you I'm not going to another artist , he is super talented and a great guy ! 100% recommend ! read more

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I had a sternum tattoo done at a different shop that I despised. I spent months looking for an artist to do a coverup. I found Luis on instagram (gratefulartist), and decided to book a consultation. He helped me figure out my best options for a coverup, as well as the placement because that was off too. Luis made me feel very comfortable. The tattoo is better than I ever imagined. I hated looking at my old tattoo and now I'm in love. I loved it so much that I made another appointment to touch up all my old tattoos with him. I would recommend Luis to anyone looking for a cover up or a new tattoo. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Coverup by Luis - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

My sister and I came in to get our first tattoo. We didn't have appointments and were attended quickly by Luis. My sister and I were looking to get dog paws on our foot in remembrance of our dog. Luis was very helpful and printed out different sizes for us to decide which one to proceed with. He's a very chill guy and easy to talk to. Luis made us feel really comfortable throughout the whole process. I was very happy with the tattoo. I highly recommend going to him!!!! Definitely will go back to him for another tattoo. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Dog paw tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I recently moved to California and was looking to get a new tattoo done. I came across Luis's Instagram page @gratefulartist and really was impressed by his work. The tattoo shop was really easy to find and there was free parking -making my trip experience hassle free. (Especially for me since I don't know the area very well yet.) The shop is very clean and the atmosphere is very laid back and friendly. They play music in the background at a decent level where you can still have a conversation and not shout. I brought in a tattoo idea that I found online and Luis was able to help me modify a bit to make it my own. He's very down to earth,and you can tell he takes pride in his work. He's super easy to talk to(and I'm very introverted) that you can almost tune out the pain of the needle. My tattoo turned out great and it's exactly what i wanted. Very beautiful work! This is my third tattoo but Luis still went over the after care instructions so it heals properly which was great for me because I always forget what to do after. Overall would recommend if you're looking to get your first tattoo or your hundredth! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

The 2 stars are for the friendly environment they provide. I came here for the Friday the 13th tattoo deal. I was really excited when I got a number and then moments later they were turning everyone away. I waited 2 hours and when my number was finally called I filled out the form and was ready to get my tattoo. I sat on the table and the artist talked to me about placement and was knowledgeable about the best place for my tattoo. I noticed that he didn't wipe my leg down with an alcohol pad or even shave my ankle. I should have been wary when I didn't see him open up new needles either. After he finished he told me to keep it covered for 2 hours. This was my 11th tattoo so I know how important it is to listen to the artist. I listened to him and took care of it like it took care of all my other tattoos My tattoo was still red 3 days after I got it. It worried me because none of my other tattoos looked like this (ribs, foot, wrist, arm, back, behind the ear, thigh) but I figured since it was my ankle this was different. It's been almost a week and it began to ooze. I went to urgent care right away and they told me it was infected. So I got an infected tattoo here. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Infected eye of Horus tattoo I got April 13, 2018 (Friday the 13th) - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

Luis did my memorial tattoo for my dad. It is my favorite tattoo on my body. Luis is very professional and makes sure you are comfortable during the tattooing process. 100% would go to him for future work. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo done by Luis @ Southbay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I've been tattooed by "gratefulartist" also known as Luis, three times. The dragon was my latest one which I got on my birthday. As always he envisioned my idea and made it come to life with this beautiful dragon tattoo that represents the year I was born in. His work is impeccable and I am always more than happy with the results. He truly gets to know his clients and makes them feel comfortable and just makes the whole process so much easier. I will definitely stick with him as my artist and I really do recommend him if you're looking forward to get something done! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Dragon - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

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Very welcoming and will hook you up with what ever you need I went with ELFAMOSOFLAMES he was really great I got my first tattoo here.

I've always been iffy about going to another tattoo artist, but let me tell you. I've had this tattoo planned in my head for several months and i had trouble picturing how I wanted it. I found Luis IG (@gratefulartist) and I scrolled through his work, and loved it. I sent Luis a message and explained to him what i wanted and how i want it. I went in and he brought up some amazing ideas. Let me tell you, the ideas he came up with was a lot better than what i had in mind. His work is amazing, he took hi time and created a beautiful peace of art. I highly recommended him. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

A friend referred me to Luis and im so happy I decided to go with him. I went in with my sister to get matching tattoos and they look great and his lines are amazing. He made sure we were comfortable and answered all our questions. I will for sure be back because of him! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

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I got matching tattoos with my sister yesterday which were done by Luis. I absolutely love it, they came out amazing! Luis was very patient, took his time, and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend him and will be back this year for him to cover up an old tattoo I have. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Hufflepuff Themed Tattoo by Luis - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

This is an awesome place everyone in there is very nice. They made me feel welcome. I came here to get two tattoos, I had an appointment with Alex, he was very funny and he made me feel really comfortable. He made sure that my tattoos was exactly how I wanted them. My cross came out really good as well as my heart with a paw print in memory of my dog. His art work is amazing, He knew what he was doing and he was very sanitary with everything. I highly recommend this shop. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

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Always love getting tattooed by my favorite artist Luis. I live pretty far away but I come back every time for this guy and the shop. It's super clean and all the guys there are super chill. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I recently got a heart rose tattoo done by Luis, it was a not only a cover up for a hideous little tattoo but also a very special memorial tattoo for my late Grandmother. He was so attentive and professional. I just went back for a touch up and my tattoo looks and feels amazing. I can't wait to come back and get more tattoos from Luis! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I've gotten 10 tattoos and 8 piercings from this place. I recommend them to anyone who asks. There is an immense amount of talent in each one of the artists. they seemed to go through a bit of a rough period but I believe they got through it. The shop h*es that come around are annoying, some are very pretty, but annoying. Glad I've only seen them a few times. No biggie. I'm a germ freak and I haven't noticed any snafus with sanitation issues . The true test of talent will be a surgical scar that I will be presenting on my back when I find the time. I believe in their artistic minds so much and I know they can figure out this challenge. All of the artists are laid back and super chill. Pricing is very fair (shop minumum is $50). Don't bargain shop for a tattoo. You get what you pay for. read more

I was looking to get a new tattoo and gave southbay tattoo a shot! I was nervous of not knowing any of the artist however I am glad to have gone here. I walked in and shared my idea and they paired me with Raskal who did a great job in taking my idea and running with it and creating a personalized tattoo! I loved the results and honestly feel everyone in this shop is very talented! Would definitely come back and would definitely recommend Raskal. He answered all my questions and was very professional and took his time and perfected my tattoo! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I went in today to get my very first tattoo! From beginning to the very end Uzis was very professional and kind not to mention funny as hell! Not only was it a good customer service experience the work is amazing! I'll be uploading the healed pictures, later on, I just didn't want to forget to give my artist and the shop its stars! 10 out of 10 would recommend!!! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

Met Luis (@gratefulartist) back in March after looking for a previous artist that did my tattoos, to find out he no longer worked there. Feeling a little iffy, Luis came up to me and we talked about what I wanted and I got a great vibe from him. We started with my mandala skull earlier this year and now my whole leg is covered, well still have some fill ins & pieces to do, and he did it all. I'm very comfortable with him, he went from just my tattoo artist to a good friend. The only artist I trust/ want hooking me up thank you brotha read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Leg sleeve - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

Went on Friday the 13th, SUPER BUSY but phone calls were answered at fast time when I had to keep calling to see what number they were on. Luis was chill and very precise. They only have a selection of 200 Friday the 13th designs and the one i've always wanted was available so I was lucky! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I had Rafael do my first tattoo today. It was nothing huge probably about the size of two quarters. But it was a tattoo I had been thinking about for almost a year. He drew it up a couple of times before getting the lettering to where I liked it. He then printed a couple different sizes for me to choose from. I was a little nervous but he made sure I was comfortable. In the end, it turned out better than I ever could've imagined. Definitely will be going back for my second! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

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Luis hooked it up, I went in with a couple ideas but hadn't had them fully worked out.. He helped me hone in on exactly what I wanted. Can't wait to go back. read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

They have a bad attitude, I walked for a tattoo and the first thing one of them said it's. I CHARGE 3 hours minimum so its 300$, me as a client im there looking for ART not PRICE. If what i like it cost me 1k and it takes 3 hours .. im fine with that.. they feel like we should feel privilege for them to tattoo us, theres a lot more people that tattoo better. A LIL ADVISE.. you guys are on business because of us, THE CLIENTS.. read more

On January 2nd I got tattoo by the amazing Luis. He did an amazing job on my hand tattoo. It's honestly one of my favorite tattoos I have on my body. He made me feel comfortable and was very talkative which is good for hours of being ink on. I recommend him if you plan to check this shop out. Everyone else in the shop are amazing too. They care for there customers and for what they want and for that is good. They make what you want into something more then you excepted. 5 stars read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Rose hand tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

This place is great, very cool artists and amazing talent. Definitely recommend coming here! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo by Luis - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

My boy the Man ,,, ask for Rock from South Bay tattoo ,,,, He did all my portraits ,,, been coming to Rock for of 10years

I've been here a couple of times to get tattoos I've always wanted. And don't get me wrong, they've turned out great. But the last time I came here, WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. I had an appointment with Luis. My first time with him prior was fine. (I usually worked with other artists). But this time around - was not prepared whatsoever for what we talked about two weeks prior, did not wear a mask the entire time I was there (what pandemic?) and began making sexual approaches towards me. I made no efforts or gave away any hints that I was attracted to him or wanted anything from him, besides just the tattoo. About half the time I was there, spent the remainder of the time talking about sex, his sex life, bragging for having only female clients, and then asked to join him and his girlfriend for a threesome. Literally gotten to the point where I asked my boyfriend to wait for me outside the shop - I didn't feel safe whatsoever. Oh, and get this, before finishing up, he even got to the point of resting his arm on my leg, without even asking if that was okay or if I was comfortable with that. (No, I clearly wasn't.) And once he finished up and I paid, incited a hug from me once saying goodbye, which clearly my hesitation said "no". Don't get me wrong, the artist here are great at what they do in terms of art. But outside... I'm never coming back here again. Let this be a warning for the next female client Luis works with. read more

I got my first tattoo here during their Friday the 13th Promo, Juan was my artist and I'm so grateful he was! I was extremely nervous and freaking out and he did such a great job at calming my nerves! He was nice enough to allow my friend to sit next to me for emotional support and would join in on our conversation with his input which was hilarious!!. He had a light hand and I felt very little pain, my biggest concern was how clean his line work was but I had no reason to worry since it honestly came out amazing! I couldn't be happier with my tattoo, thank you Juan!! read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Thank you Juan!! - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

I came upon this shop while looking on instagram of any Friday the 13th special. I wanted some few piercings and the prices were unbelievable for a poor (and cheap) student like me. After I got off work at 9:30pm, I came to the shop as fast as I could. They weren't accepting any people anymore because it was so pack but they were able to squeeze me in for my piercings. I had to wait for two hours but it was worth it! The day before, I called the shop because I had some questions. The phone was having a static sound to it so Lina called me through her phone. She was so kind and explained everything to me clearly. She said I could shoot her a message if I had any questions. I was her last customer of the day and I felt a bit embarrassed because I was making her work so hard hahah! But she was so so SO kind and chill, she helped me relax and calmed down. She explained a lot of things to me that I didn't know before. FYI, I am such an anxious and indecisive person but she had so much patience with me and I can't be thankful enough. That made such a huge difference for a person like me. She was so kind even though she had work practically all day! I give salute to all the workers that pulled through! I would have been exhausted! The lady in the front was so adorable and friendly. She was sociable with everyone that came in and made them feel like friends. I'm sad I didn't catch her name :/ Anyways, Lina was very honest and kept checking on me with every piercing that was being done. I am so happy that I'll definitely be coming back in October the 13th and even sooner for a few more. After Lina was finish with me, a couple that was in before came in with a gift for them and everyone in the shop proceeded to celebrate hahah. It was a nice place and I will be coming soon again! Thank you Lina! I will come to you again! read more

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I had made an appointment at another tattoo shop and last minute they canceled. Decided to just go to South Bay which is next to my place and it ended up being a great experience. I didn't have to make an appointment. they did just what I wanted. I absolutely love my tattoo read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - California poppy flower - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

What a great piercing experience!!! Lina totally took care of me! She assisted me with placement, color choice and explained aftercare instructions. The shop was very chill. Everyone was just doing their thing, tattooing, drawing, listening to music... The pricing was great and I didn't feel like I had to buy expensive jewelry. I got four cartilage piercings and I am so happy with the results. Lina said she is happy to change out any jewelry I have and can even order pieces for me. All in all I would highly recommend Southbay Tattoo and Piercing. I know I'll be back!!! #SouthbayTattoo read more

I came to get a tattoo today done by Luis. It was a last minute idea. He was very attentive and the whole process was very quick. I came with two friends and he was super chill about them coming in with me. He made me feel very comfortable and on top had a very light hand I honestly didn't feel any pain. Would definitely recommend him, for anything with color or with lettering. His hand was the most steadiest I've been tattooed by. He's great!! read more

Horrible. Never again . Besides being over priced , Went in, wasn't busy , got told to wait 15-30 min . Been here two hours, a Couple walks in sits next to me, the tattoo artist in the back left calls them up who just walked in , I asked why if I been waiting , he said someone else will probably get me. They are just rude and unprofessional , had me waiting and kept lying to me , they legit pick their customers read more

I've been getting my piercings here with Alfredo since I was 18. All of my experiences have been great here. The staff is very friendly and explain everything is full detail. The first time I got my labret piercing. I was fresh out of high school and was desperately looking for a legit place to get a piercing. So I found this place on my way to work every morning. The place looks very clean and organized when you walk in. All the guys are very friendly and come up to you the moment you walk in. Alfredo did my first piercing and it was a great experience. He was very funny, and explained the procedure and after care very well. Also showed me taking the needle out of it wrapper. Didn't feel any pain. I came back five more time for piercings: two lips, two eyebrow and one nose piercing. Always get it done with Fredo. I don't suggest getting piercings with the girl that works there. Always has a bad attitude and messed up my friend's nose piercing. Now as far as the tattoos go, it just depends who does them. They all do a good job, but some better than others. I got a tattoo done somewhere else and the "artist" messed it up, so i came here and got it fixed by one of the guys. Awesome job, I've been recommending this shop to so many people that I might as well start promoting for them. Will be in next month for some more ink done! read more

I got my first tattoo here during the fall, because it was really close to where I live. All I wanted was a small diamond on my finger, and after calling around different shops to find out their minimum was $100, I was happy to find Southbay. Their shop minimum is only $50. My sister and I walked in with no appointment and luckily we didn't have to wait much longer. The shop was a lot cleaner than I had expected, which is always a plus. The artists were all very friendly, and the piercer even gave me a few tips on my snug piercing. I've gone back to get my tattoo touched up for free of charge too! Thaaaanks Southbay :) read more

Michael did an amazing job! He listened to what I wanted and the outcome was great! I am so happy I chose this place for my first tattoo read more

Southbay Tattoo & Piercing - Michael is great! He listened to what I wanted and made it happen! So pleased with my first tattoo! - Tattoo Near Me - Carson, California

Saturday was a now or never for me. I've been wanting to get my septum pierced for awhile and finally worked up the courage to do it. My friend told me that Southbay Tattoo had a good rep for piercings. So, I figured if the price seemed reasonable and there was an opening I was going to do it. The price was incredibly reasonable and there was an opening just for me. Alfredo was incredibly informative and friendly. He walks you through the entire process on how everything is going to work as well as how to take care of your piercing. Quick and easy with a professional touch. If you are considering a piercing of some kind. I most definitely think you should check this place out. Good service. I left incredibly satisfied. read more