J expanded on the tattoos that I already have on my head and he did a great job. At the very first session, he paused before starting and said, "are you sure this is how you want it?", and thank God he did! Because I thought about it for a second and changed my mind! I'm not sure why he asked, but I switched the design to one much better and I'm so thankful that he asked before he started. The second time, he used a ruler to make sure the left and right sides were even and symmetrical, and I must say - it came out PERFECT! Both sides are exactly the same and even. I mean he looks, sounds, and acts like a wimpy nerdy dork, but he did really good work. read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Mike does a fantastic job! Highly recommend! He walks you through the process and helps crafts your very own personal piece! read more

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This place is AMAZING! I came here while I was in Chicago for the day and got a piece I've been wanting to get done for a while. J Alvarez took great care of me! I gave him the concept and reference picture, and he not only gave me his thoughts on which direction to go in, he also drew up two sizes of the tattoo for me to choose from. My cousin, who sat with me while I got the work done, was also taken aback at the details and thought put into drawing the tattoo up. I am so happy with this piece. The next time I'm in the Chi, I'm definitely coming to this place for another tattoo. read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Does anyone know how to get a hold of Tony he did my tattoo like 2 years ago I really want him to drop my next one. I just got a small one from someone else at the shop not sure his name very personable and I'm sure a great artist but would really love for Tony to do my arm sleeve attached is tattoo from Tony read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Honestly, I have yet to meet a more personable and all around awesome guy! I cannot recall the last time I laughed so hard at a tattoo shop. Everyone who came in to book time with Mike spoke so highly of him that I knew I was in great hands! I told him what I wanted and he worked with me to make sure it was perfect. Then, when he placed it and felt the trace didn't look right, he replaced it to make sure it was centered perfectly. Mike Farrell's ink work is so bad ass! I have received a ton of compliments and it really is better than I even imagined it could have been. I am looking forward to having him do my cover up and all my future tattoo work! read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Harley Quinn Batman Tattoo by Mike Farrell - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ask for Tony. He does amazing custom tattoos. I walked into TopHat as a first-time tattoo seeker, with the vague idea of getting an octopus tattoo on my shoulder, one resembling a picture I had seen online. It being my first time, I knew next to nothing about the people, the price, or the process. I met Tony and he was excited to undertake this new project. I emailed him some pictures of what I wanted. Days later he rendered a drawing and emailed it to me; I had him make a few revisions and we were set to go! It took about 4 hours to complete (before touch-ups) and it looks awesome! Tony was meticulous and precise. It's clear he takes a lot of pride in his work. I couldn't be more satisfied with my tattoo, and I'll definitely be coming back to him for more customs in the future. read more

Top Hat was the 2nd place I went and checked out, and I was immediately impressed about Mike's Ideas that he had about the tattoo I wanted.. he sent me a picture the night before and I was stoked..little did I know that the tattoo came out 10 times better the the pic.!!.. I'd definitely use Mike again for my next tattoo.. very relaxed atmosphere and professional..! Mike Rocks.. read more

Love this place! Was recommended by a friend who went to see D.J. and got an awesome tattoo on his forearm. I wound up with Charlie and was not displeased by the job she did. I wasn't very sure as to how I wanted my anchor tattoo to look, and many other tattoo artists had drawn out such plain anchors that it's taken me forever to get the tattoo. I hadn't even met her when I went in to make an appointment, just told the apprentice what I wanted, who relayed it to Charlie and when I came in the day of my appointment I was awestruck by her drawing. It ended up being exactly what I had deep down thought I wanted it to look like, without even knowing that was exactly what I wanted. I'll never go anywhere else for another tattoo, and plan on bringing other people into the shop when they want one. read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Won't go there again. Mike the "artist" was extremely rude when my friend presented the yelp coupon to him. He refused to accept it and yelled at her. He said it wouldn't of made a difference if we presented it before hand, yet he didn't want to accept it. Plus he cursed and yelled at us to get the "F" out. Absolutely RUDE! Don't waste your money! Doesn't even deserve one star read more

To put it simply, Crystal is amazing. I went to Top Hat after getting a recommendation from Grace K. as I was unhappy with the factory type setting of my last place. Sure, the piece was nice but I always had the feeling they were talkin' crap behind my back after I left. Crystal will be the only one inking me now. I sent her a sketch of what I was looking for a few days in advance, and when I arrived at Top Hat she had a full-color sketch drawn up. It was perfect. The price was much lower than I was expecting, which was a nice surprise. Crystal was exceedingly professional, and I am SO happy with my new ink. It was quick, pretty painless, healed well and looks aaamazing. read more

Since the day I walked in and saw beautiful Charlie I haven't gone anywhere else! She is the best tattoo artist I've seen in Chicago. The prices are amazing and the atmosphere is great. I enjoy coming in and they know who their clients are and how to keep a good laugh. Great balance between professional and friendship. read more

I will only go to Top Hat from now on, and I will only see D.J. Maybe I'll branch out to Charlie because she's solid as well, but I think they may get into a bitch slapping contest over it. Not quite sure. I'm working on so many more tattoos, and DJ is so helpful when customizing your tattoo. Even if you don't know how to explain it, he gets it. It's almost scary. He knows what will work, what won't, and how to make what you want possible. Oh yeah and he delivers it beautifully. I get asked all the time if my tattoo is real, everyone thinks it's a painting because of all the detail involved. Check them out on Facebook, myspace, or on their website. Then go in and see DJ, and tell him Jill sent you :) I've brought in everyone from co-workers to bffs. I feel like I'm a walking testament to awesomeness. Why put shitty tattoos on your body done by shitty people? Been there, done that, never doing it again. This is a place I know will listen and deliver. read more

I've gotten ink all over the country and Andrew is by far the most professional and tallented artist I've met. He did a traditional Japanese half sleeve for me and months later it still looks fantastic. I get compliments all the time, and have recommended Top Hat to everybody I know. The work there is reasonably priced, and as mentioned above, the environment is unbelieveably clean. This is heads above the best parlour I've visited, and I've already scheduled an appointment to finish the sleeve on my other arm! Oh yeah Andrew is an amazing design artist as well, and he worked with me to design my pieces on the sort of level you would expect paying his prices for just the design, no ink! Simply the best around. read more

The staff is really cool and friendly. They definitely have a good time at work and make sure you're happy and comfortable while you're there too. The shop is super clean. The tattoos are very well done and reasonably priced. These guys are great artists who can create whatever it is you want and then execute it with style & expertise. I am a huge fan of Top Hat Tattoo. I'll be back, no question about it. read more

THANKS MIKE! I was truly happy with my new piece and my overall experience. VERY clean shop. Mike did a great job, considering I only had a rough idea of what I wanted and he made it come to life. I would recommend Mike and Top Hat to anyone looking for your 1st or 50th tattoo. read more

The best deal in Ink in Chicago. Friendly people. good atmosphere. No bullshit. Clean and well kept. You will pay 5x more for something half the size anywhere else and most likely will not get great results( ahem, looking your way jade). The only downfall is you will have a bit of waiting time since its only about 1-2 people. I would recommend calling them and asking when a good time to speak to them about an idea would be. I mean if you were getting tattooed would you want some yahoo interrupting your time? read more

Just wanted to update my review. Top Hat will always be a special place for me after spending hours getting some amazing work done but wanted to let people know if you are looking to have DJ do your work he has left Top Hat. He has opened his own studio. I'm sure Top Hat will continue to provide great artists but I'm sticking with DJ. Please check my reviews for his new studio. read more

Top Hat is the ONLY place I will go to get inked. I've been a loyal customer (fan) since they opened a few years ago, and I've had both Andrew Trull and DJ Auld do work on my body. DJ has done most of my pieces. My all time favorite are my cupcakes on my thigh with the leather flag creatively placed as a backdrop. Very very cool indeed. They are very reasonably priced compare to any other tat shop in the Northside of Chicago. Their shop is immaculately clean and they do all custom work. They are so popular now that you have to wait 4-8 weeks for your appointment-- DJ works really hard and everyone at Top Hat is very talented, professional, and friendly. In fact, I'm getting inked again on the 19th and I'm super excited! read more

So the wife and I went back to Top Hat for some more work with Mike. And we are just as happy the second time as we were the first. Mike is truly an artist loves his trait and is very dedicated to what he does. Once again I highly recommend Top Hat for any tattoo from basic to unique designs both Mike and Paul are kick ass artist check them out. read more

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Takes to long to get Mike to do his work. He's just straight lazy and not on time. Pick a different shop.

Just got my first tattoo and I'm so happy it was at Top Hat Tattoo!! From the moment we walked in, Mike greeted us with a smile and listened to what we wanted. I was really nervous but the vibe he gave us made me trust him and feel comfortable. My experience was awsome and I will definitely be going back to Top Hat for any of my tattoo needs!! A couple tips: for his best work, bring in your image a head of time so the artist has time to sketch it for you. Making an appointment really helps. Also, they are open on Saturdays!! The website says they are closed over the weekend, but that's not correct. THANKS MIKE!! read more

Absolutely the greatest experience I've ever had for a first timer. My friends and I walked in and Mike gladly did and excepted our tattoo requests last minute. He's a very cool guy and nailed all of our tattoos, not to mention he dealt with 3 people that had never got tattoos before. He made us feel comfortable and right at home, as well as great sense of humor. I even brought in a drawing custom made and he did exactly as I wanted, so I'd recommend this place to anyone out there. read more

I tip my hat, my top hat that is, to Top Hat Tattoo. I stopped in randomly on a Friday night to get my white tattoo defined with shading around it. Johnathan Kurse was the artist and it is exactly what I wanted. Everyone there was super friendly and immediately made me feel comfortable. The shop is very clean and I will be recommending it to my body-art-luvin' amigo's. Thanks guys, I told ya I'd YELP you out....oh bad one....and it was going so well... read more

i have numerous tattoos and piercings and have gotten them in all different manners, from a friend's living room, standard tattoo shop, even a little one on my ankle from a convention( wouldn't recomend that) and never again will i ever go anywhere but Top Hat Tattoo. Its so comforting to go into a clean, well lit, positive atmosphere knowing im about to have some stanger repeatedly stick me with needles. you feel welcome and appreciated as soon as you walk in the door, not like youre doing them a favor by stopping in. I had what i thought was a great idea for my next tattoo and after sitting down and explaining what i wanted i figured we'd start right away. But my artist Mike wanted to make sure we were both totally happy with everything and each suggestion he made was like lightbulbs turning on above my head. it seemed like such small adjustments, but each little thing made my piece better 10 fold. I cant even begin to say how happy i am i listened to my new ink expert, this is the most perfect addition to me, something that will be me for the rest of my life. i have actually had strangers stop me to compliment this tattoo, i feel like i need to move somewhere warm just so i never have to cover my ribs again. placement, line work, color, consistancy, and just overall beauty are some of what i love about this piece. I have an older piece on my ribs on the other side and its been the most painful spot of any for me, so i went in prepared to hurt and feel ripped up after a few hours. Nope, non of that, it was the easiest sitting ive ever done. He knew exactly when my tolerance was maxing out and I didnt tear up once. After he was finished Mike made sure i was totally confident and knowledgeable about how to care for my new ink. Even though i obviously have others i actually learned some new things that would've help healing on some other pieces i have. and even though its my newest i can already tell its going to be my nicest, everything healed perfectly. some of my tattoos you could find in the dark like braile, not this one. i like to play things by ear, i have a feeling over my life ill try millions of restaurants, see numerous different doctors, visit all sorts of cities and museums, and any of it at a moments notice. But one thing i will promise, all my ink will always be planned out by Top Hat Tattoo. See you soon read more

Clean. Professional. Humble. Those three things are rare in the tattoo industry. I had the pleasure of getting tattooed by Andrew when I moved up to the northwest side. I have 6 tattoos (total about 13 hrs.) from 6 different shops ranging from Missouri, Washington, and Illinois. I saw the shop one day and liked that the outside wasn't "in your face" like most others. I wanted the U.S. Army Engineers castle on my arm but did not have an image. Andrew told me to come the following night, I did, and he had 3 different variations. I picked one and began 2 hrs of therapy. I am more than satisfied with the work he did. My tat isn't raised at all, the lines are straight, and Andrew added some shading to accent depth and detail. I am planning on a half sleeve for my other arm and Andrew will be seeing me soon. (If you are wondering about price, I thought he was more than fair.) read more

I will definitely give these guys 5 stars! I had great service here and not only that but the tattoos in the end were amazing. Mikey and Chris talked through everything with us as in what they were going to use and all the procedures. It was a very relaxing and great atmosphere to get a tattoo in with guys who really put in the most detail into your tattoo. I'm officially addicted to Top Hat Tattoo! read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came in on a last minute girls night out. I was just going to get a piercing but they don't pierce. When I heard the guns going I got a bad itch. Mike did my tattoo...the bacon looking one on my upper arm. It totally peeled off while healing thank God. And then literally the flowers disappeared. I went back to see Mike to ask for a refund. I should have never cheated on my tattoo guy anyways. I knew better. He screamed at me telling me it still needed to heal and needed a touch up..excuse me but I'll never let anyone in this shop touch me again especially after the way he freaked out on me when I was trying to be as cool as possible about this horrific tattoo. I feel like I let someone learning how to tattoo work on me. I have 12 tattoos. Never have I already needed a touch up before it even healed. Not a touch up, a complete RE do. Don't go here. Completely unprofessional, rude and inexperienced. read more

Top Hat Tattoo - Not the skull. Mike doesnt have my guys skills. The bacon looking tattoo above it thats completely disapeering anyways thank God. - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went in with a idea in mind and Paul helped me draw it out. He did an amazing job at picturing what I was going for. It was very comfortable and painless. read more

I've gotten 2 tattoos from Mike and I am absolutely satisfied with his work. They are both custom made tattoos and he included everything I asked to be in the tattoos. He's a humble person and I felt very comfortable with him from the beginning​. If you come in knowing what you want, knowing your budget and coming in with references, everything will go smoothly. He's very supportive of ideas and will make you feel excited for the artwork you are about to receive. He is very detailed and meticulous with his work and it greatly shows in the finished piece. I would highly recommend coming in to Top Hat and getting a tattoo done from Mike. I will definitely be coming here again for years to come. read more

Mike just rules. He's done three of my tattoos and did one amazing recolor/coverup/redesign. He's friendly, funny, professional, and a great artist. Great prices too. Schedule the time and work with him and he's going to give you some work that you will be very happy with. read more

Went to see the new guy, Erik, who just moved here from Austin. He was fantastic! Incredibly professional, courteous and funny with just enough salty thrown in for fun (I mean, it IS a tattoo shop, right?) It was a slow time of day, and Crystal was there, too- both chatted and helped to make me wayyy less nervous since it was my first, though definitely not my last, tattoo. Admittedly, I had an easy design/placement (Chicago flag, bicep) but still it was a great experience and I would return for sure...not to mention, the price was great! Check out Crystal's sugar-skull jewelry while you are there, bought a necklace/ring set, super cute. read more

Got my tattoo by paul. He made me feel comfortable and it was painless. I will be returning for my next tattoo.

LOVED my experience here. I came in with my dad to get his first tattoo and they made his experience comfortable and fun. He said he would come back in a heartbeat! I think he's officially hooked haha. We worked with Eric and he designed a really cool sasquatch tattoo for my dad. Mike was incredibly helpful as well; he booked the appointment for us and made sure all of the necessary information got to Eric for the appointment. I'm going to be back very soon! read more

So the guys at Top Hat are kind of amazing. And definately a big deal. The shop is super clean, cozy and they only work custom- so you know you're getting EXACTLY what you want and you're not gonna see someone else with the same design. DJ tattooed stars on my foot this summer, and I'm gearing up to go back and get the next one. read more

DJ does fantastic work, and he's funny :) I'm in love with my tattoo and always get compliments on it.

I got my first tattoo her a couple months ago, and love love it! Jonathan Kruse was the artist, I walked in with an idea of what I wanted and we scheduled a day I sent him the ideas of what I was looking for and he drew it out the day of and that was that. :) The tattoo healed really well and I had no redness so he did a wonderful job! I will definitely go back here if and when I decide to get another tattoo. read more

Top Hat Tattoo - First Tattoo! Love it! Thanks Top Hat and Jonathan Kruse - Tattoo Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great service, great location, and great results! My tattoo came out perfectly and extremely detailed with great shading!

Loved the experience here . Came for a small tattoo. Eric did it, came out great! Very friendly and genuine people here . They make you feel very welcome and comfortable. Will definitely be coming back . read more

I signed up for yelp just to write this review. That is how highly I thought of my experience at Top Hat. Kris Thomas did my tattoo and did an absolutely amazing job. From the second I made the appointment till I actually came in for the work, he was professional, communicative and just really a nice guy. He is ridiculously talented and I couldn't be happier with his work. The shop is clean and organized. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Kris and I highly recommend Top Hat! read more

I was truly satisfied with my tattoo. Mike did an outstanding job. The service was excellent and i would recommend this shop to anyone. It was my first tattoo. Thanks Mike. read more