Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Hideaway

    4.8 (44 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    By appointment only

    The Hideaway Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Hideaway

    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

    Rainbow Princess
    Lys T.

    I came across Melvin's IG page and knew she would be the perfect one to complete this idea in my head. I shared a picture of my daughter and asked her if she could turn it into a Princess Cartoon type of tattoo. Quinn was great at communicating Melvins availability for prebook and waitlist options. From start to finish it's been the best experience I've had working with a tattoo shop.

    Water paint tattoo fill by Nikkirex
    Sarah H.

    I have never been to a more welcoming and inclusive tattoo shop than the Hideaway in the 16 years I have been getting tattoos. The space is so special, with each artist having private-like areas, lending to a very special experience. I have tattoos from Nikki, Mike, and Crystal and I cannot say enough about how amazing they are as people, let alone their work as artists. I am in absolute love with all of the tattoos I have received at this shop and no matter what style you are looking for you are likely to find someone here that can do it! Love the Hideaway, it's almost like a home away from home at this point and I'm very grateful for the people I have met getting tattoos here!

    Our matching tattoos by Joey T!
    Lannice B.

    The shop is clean, cozy, and welcoming. Joey did a great job making my bestie and I comfortable and our matching tattoos came out great!

    Briana J.

    I wouldn't even consider getting tattooed anywhere else! The studio itself is really cute, clean, and comfortable. But the best thing about The Hideaway, is that it's home to some of San Diego's most talented tattoo artists. I've been to Melvin multiple times and she is beyond amazing. Every tattoo she does looks like a masterpiece. She also happens to be the sweetest person ever, so it's a double win. I get compliments on her work all the time. She has a wide array of ink colors in her arsenal and isn't afraid to use them. I always look forward to going back and getting more work done with her. Also I have noticed Nikki does some really stunning stuff as well..so I might need to make an appointment with her sometime too. Another artist who's kick ass work caught my eye was Chowdah Bowl. Basically there's so many skilled artists, it's hard to pick which one you'll want to work with. You can't go wrong when you get ink done the right way and choose The Hideaway.

    Ray ..... tattoo artist @nikkirex
    Julie V.

    This was my second visit to the hideaway Tattoo... I am amazed at the work that they do there. The staff is friendly ,professional , and easy to talk to. They make sure you are comfortable and give you great suggestions and make sure things go/fit in place ! Nikki Rex tattooed me two times and I can't wait to go back again for my third fourth etc....I get compliments all the time on her work it's crazy GOOD!!!!

    January 2022
    Angie S.

    ktrantattoos, Kristine Tran, is a nice and kind person, but as a tattoo artist she lacks the experience and professionalism to maintain a safe and trusting tattoo session low price = lack of professionalism, tattoo blowout, overworked tattoo area on skin also very funny that her policy was customers can't have a friend over but they are allowed their own s.o and coworker in the small room without masks. i really didn't want to write this but my friends and family saw my tattoo and recommended I write this so that others don't want run into what I had to experience.. or at least have some knowledge about it. I had my sailor moon wand tattoo done July 2021, and six/seven months later I am still upset about it. please consider when working with younger new tattoo artists. you are taking a risk with your body, trust, and sometimes money. my tattoo on my shin was over worked and still is painful. the quick fix for the mistake on my ski = flaking and scabbing only in that area the tattoo blowed out, and messy where the symbol of mercury is while i do appreciate it being free, it was scary having it tried to be fixed without knowledge of what happens when you over work an area I did not have the knowledge that I do know that your skin can be overworked with the tattoo needle painful & regretful experience I have had tattoos done with different artists but with ktrantatoos - the needle hurt since it was pushed in deeply and continuously in the same spot. here is before & after. happy new year

    Artist Mike
    Trent H.

    I love this place! All the artists are so nice and their work is beautiful. Ive gotten two peices here and I live in LA county and the two hour trip was worth it both times. Check out their instagram how to book with their individual artists.

    Flash tattoo by Melvin
    Genevieve H.

    I came into the Hideaway for the flash tattoo special advertised on Instagram. I left almost in tears by how happy I am! Melvin was my artist and she is amazing. The line work is so crisp and clean and the color is so vibrant and saturated. This was my very first tattoo and I'm overjoyed! The shop overall was adorable and clean. I love the kawaii aesthetic. I'm so happy I found this shop in my home town! I thought I'd have to go to LA for such a quality tattoo and experience. The apprentice, Ginger was so sweet and patient. She made everyone who walked in the door feel very welcome and there was a lot of us in line for the sale. I'm already thinking of my next tattoo with Melvin! I cannot wait!

    Tattoo of my cat as a maneki-neko done by Melvin
    Remington S.

    I've been here twice so far to two different artists and I LOVE it here so much! I feel extremely welcome and was able to chat with the artist about nerdy things like anime, etc. Both Ginger and Melvin are very sweet and cool individuals. Their linework is always amazing and the color is flawless! Can't wait to go to some of the other artists here.

    Rachael T.

    Go to Nikki if you want your dog transformed in to a cartoon!! She's so beyond sweet and has the biggest love for animals. The shop is so cute and it didn't feel like your normal generic tattoo shop I felt so comfortable and welcomed here! Thank you Nikki!! I will be back when I get my next puppy!!

    Magical, mushrooms, tattoo
    Madison G.

    @melvin_arizmendi is awesome! Such a cute studio. Can't wait to get another piece! Couldn't be happier.

    Amelia W.

    Melvin is amazing! She is so skilled and honestly one of the nicest people I have ever met. I'm so happy with my piece. The picture can speak for itself : )

    Disney Sleeve by NikkiRex

    I have been coming to Nikki since 2018. She is amazing. The shop is clean . Everyone is professional. Our appts are like my therapy sessions. I love Nikki and her work is more than top notch amazing. I wanted a Disney sleeve for so long and waited for so long to find someone I trust with doing it. Finding Nikki changed my life. She makes sure to get everything right. I trust Nikki with all of my tattoos and my life and I will never go anywhere else

    See all

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    This is the best tattoo place in San Diego, HANDS DOWN....Best artwork these guys will become famous, so catch them before they do!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Hideaway

    Is there a general email to send the artist an idea to see if anyone is interested?

    Do any of their artists do vegan tattoos?

    No only carnivore tattoos. They eat steak while tattooing.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Hideaway

    I've come back repeatedly now, I've had tattoos from Joey and Melvin and I'm very happy with how they turned out.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Tattoo 6,001 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Lions Den Tattoo Studio

    Lions Den Tattoo Studio

    4.8
    (273 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free estimates

    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!

    Photos
    Black and grey work from Nancy
    Black and grey work from Nancy
    Polynesian tattoo from Peralta
    Polynesian tattoo from Peralta
    Recent work from everyone at Lions Den Tattoo - Walk-Ins Always welcomed

    See all

    Recent work from everyone at Lions Den Tattoo - Walk-Ins Always welcomed
    Bearcat Tattoo Gallery

    Bearcat Tattoo Gallery

    4.9
    (112 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$
    Certified professionals
    Boutique

    Bruce Becerra is as absolutely amazing. I explained what I wanted and gave him free rein to design…read moreit based on what I've told him. It's an amazing tattoo, it's even better than what I imagined. Little details I never would have thought of. Also, the vibe in the shop was so chilled and comfortable. I've been to some shops that feel somewhat intimidating. Cynthia at the front was so friendly, even introduced me to the neighbourhood cat, Turbo, who is an absolute chonk. I highly recommend the place, the people are top notch, and the work is even better.

    I'm disappointed more and more every day with my tattoo by Mike from bearcat tattoo. I showed up to…read morethis shop with an exact idea in mind and my artist was difficult to work with. He shot down my design and placement idea and kept suggesting different things that were not aligned with my vision. I was unfortunately persuaded by Mike and I'm so disappointed with the end result. Should have stuck to my gut. Now I'm stuck with this piece forever because this guy essentially pushed me into a direction I didn't want want to go. 0/10 would not recommend to anyone. Also, this guy charges you from the second you walk in the shop - I provided the entire tattoo inspo and design and he went with what he thought was cool and pushed me. Unfortunately I trusted him. Last time walk into this shop

    Photos
    Nate Anderson is the shit!!!!
    Nate Anderson is the shit!!!!
    Flower tattoo by Nate Anderson
    Flower tattoo by Nate Anderson
    Artist Nate Anderson

    See all

    Artist Nate Anderson

    The Hideaway - tattoo - Updated August 2026

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