I paid a chunk of good American dollars for my teen to have her ear cartilage pierced -- that middle of the outside ear edge thing people do now -- and I could not get a copy of their hold harmless waiver which we signed. The manager and front desk staff refused my request. .
That's plain disrepectful and deceitful.
Their message is "we take your money, and we insult you."
This will be taken to the Montgomery County Dept of Consumer Affairs.
Parents, take your minors' business elsewhere.
My experience with Bethesda Tattoo has been enormously positive. My first piercing was done here, my first microdermals, my nose piercing, and 3 of my tattoos. I've been coming here since I was 18 and my most recent experience was positive enough for me to finally compile my thoughts to a review.
My most recent visit was with Vanessa, the piercer. I needed to have my jewelry changed out of my cartilage piercing, since the original jewelry was too short of a post and was impeding my healing. I picked my jewelry and went back with Vanessa to the piercing room. She was friendly and engaging, the kind of gal I'd love to be friends with, and when she saw that the jewelry I'd picked was too small she immediately offered me a better alternative at no cost. The process was quick, she was helpful and friendly, and it was just entirely pleasant.
The staff is always friendly. And, somehow or other, the regulars recognize me. I have no idea how, but it makes me feel good about going there. Like I'm an important client. And I love the ambiance of the place. It's welcoming without being snooty, and it even just looks clean due to the light interior color scheme. It doesn't look alienating to anybody. There's no pounding rock music or skulls on the walls, you know, the stereotype of a tattoo shop. Heavily tattooed and the soon-to-be tattooed will both feel equally welcome.
Highly recommended! Though I also suggest taking the Metro, since the shop is only about half a block from the station. The parking situation is pretty grim. You have to park at a lot or in a garage and the walk is equal to, if not longer than, the walk from the metro. And you have to pay for all parking. Unless you'll be in and out in under an hour, for a quick piercing or jewelry change, I suggest the Metro to save you some quarters.
I went in today for some ink. I called ahead and I was told that they were taking walkins today,so I headed on in. The very friendly woman at the front desk helped me out and I saw James. he very quickly drew out the tattoo I'd been thinking of and was very helpful in talking me through what I wanted. I had some qualms at first but he was clear about how the lettering would look compressed in my original idea. It was quick and easy and probably the best tattooing experience I've had (out of many). Because I was taken care of right away I was not required to put down a deposit, and it was a small enough tattoo that I was only charged $50 (so although the website says a deposit of $100 is required that was not the case for me).
I want to try a female tattooist for my next piece, but if they have one I will really try it. They have a great shop, clean and nice, without the really sexist attitude you often find in tattoo shops.
I had been thinking of getting a tattoo for a long time, but I couldn't figure out a location to get it. I wanted it somewhat small and easy to hide. I was also afraid of pain. I went into Bethesda Tattoo Company because of the awesome Yelp reviews. Lindsay was sitting at the front desk and was really friendly. Oh yeah, I loved her fish bone tattoos. I just wanted to meet with an artist to talk about possible locations for the tattoo and pain level (I'm such a wuss). So I sat down and started browsing through their portfolios. Well, Adam's next appointment came in an hour early so I didn't have a chance to speak to him. I was still indecisive about where I wanted it (it was between two locations on my hip). I didn't have a picture of the tattoo that I wanted, but I was able to email it while I was in the shop and Lindsay printed it out. She got a quote, I paid for it, made an appointment.
I called the shop once to change my appointment date and time. That went smoothly.
Came back almost two weeks later. All my friends were busy, so I went for my first tattoo ever alone. I was nervous, to say the least. Adam sketched up the tattoo and showed it to me. It was the perfect size, and I don't remember ever telling him how big or small I wanted it. Walked me into the tattoo room (is that what it's called?) and asked me if I wanted the curtains drawn. I didn't care, so we left it up. He explained to me the process and was super awesome. We talked the whole time while he was doing the tattoo and he kept saying that I could ask for a break if I needed one. It went by so much faster than I expected! And hurt less than I expected too! ADAM WAS SUPER DUPER AMAZING. I highly recommend him. If I ever decide to get another tattoo, I'll be back. Total cost: $200, excluding tip. Total time: 12:30p-1:15p, including the sketching, chatting, and tattoo care instructions. I've heard that the cost was steep, but I don't care. First of all, it's Bethesda. And secondly, I'm incredibly satisfied with the end result. No price can be put on that. :)
Perfect place for a first timer.
I knew very little about the whole tattoo getting process before going into Bethesda Tattoo Company for my consult. But walking in any hesitation I had went away. The front desk staff is friendly, the place is huge, clean, and just in general, a nice establishment.
I met with Tina, who sat down with me for about 3 minutes while I told her what I wanted. She said she could sketch it right then and I could get my tattoo that day. She sketched it out better than I had it imagined in my head. Fast forward 30 minutes and I was tatted up. It hurt like a ... but she warned me it would. Which I really appreciated. Nothing is worse than being lied to about that. She let my friend come in for moral support and was great about answering all my questions regarding the aftercare.
Probably because of the location and small size of what I got, the aftercare has been pretty easy. But I was really lucky to not bleed or scab while it healed. Not sure if it has anything to do with the tattoo artist, but hey I'm sure it didn't hurt that she knew what she was doing.
The cost, I've been told, was steep, $140. But I'm happy to pay a little more than the usual fee for this level of professionalism (and cleanliness). Can't say I see myself getting another tattoo any time soon, but if I do, it'll be done here.
I came here to buy some new jewelry for a nose and tragus piercing. They had a wide variety of jewelry, including some pieces I had been unable to find in other places (an open hoop/curved barbell for my tragus). Andy was very friendly and informative. He replaced both the tragus and nose piercings (I had to pay a small fee for sanitation because he was not the one to pierce me). However, I can go back and have him change/tighten the jewelry free of charge.
I have been back since to buy more jewelry (a hoop for my nose). The people who sit at the front desk have always been friendly and great in helping me make my jewelry decisions.
I would go back for any future piercings, and would consider this place if I ever wanted a tattoo (although I cannot speak about their tattoo artists at this time).
This place is amazing!!
It was my first time getting a tattoo, although I had been planing to get one for years! A friend of my then told me about Bethesda Tattoo, so I did some research on their website and through yelp to see what I could find. Eventually, I decided to stop by and check this place out for myself.
First impressions - CLEAN! I mean I've been to a few tattoo places but nothing really brings comfort to a first timer than going to a place that looks like a doctors office, literally, and I mean that with the utmost respect and gratitude. Everything looked so clean and professional - it really gave you the feeling that these people know what they are doing and they take it seriously.
I heard a lot of good things about Adam so I requested to have him do my inking. After setting an appointment I came back a day later and met with Adam. He is probably one of the chillest guys I've ever met. He was quick, but very efficient. I just wanted a simple word tattooed on my rib cage, so he did a quick sketch before I had arrived, I asked for a minor change, and he changed it within minutes.
During the tattooing process, knowing it was my first time he explained everything to me. He was chill that I ask him questions while he was doing work (I tend to ask questions when I'm curious...or just nervous). But he was totally fine with it, and he would even prep me when he started or if he was going to put more pressure during the process. Overall, a really awesome individual and artist. He was done in like 20 minutes.
My friend came with me at the time in hopes to get one of his tattoos finished up from a previous session back in California. Adam was ok with that too! I'm telling you, this guy is awesome! He does great work with script!
He informed us of how to take care of our tattoos and gave us reminder cards as well. He was very specific and clear on the instructions - I'm telling you now, if you ever want to get a tatoo but not sure where to go for a first time - go here - and ask for Adam.
I've already convinced a friend of mine to go and seek out Adam to get her ink done. So thanks Bethesda Tattoo for your professional demeanor and thanks to Adam for making the experience so laid back and relaxed.
I'll definitely be coming back.
Positive Yelp reviews narrowed my tattoo shop search to Jinx Proof in Georgetown, Fatty's in Dupont, and Bethesda Tattoo. Â Of the three, the first I visited was Bethesda, and discovered that I was immediately impressed by two of its artists' portfolios; those of Steve L. and the shop's owner, James.
Ultimately, I decided to have my work done by Steve, and the entire process was outstanding. Â
Most immediately noticeable: the shop is impeccably clean and all members of the staff are welcoming and conversational. Â If you dig tattoos, and are down to earth by nature, you are likely to feel at home in this shop, as I did. Â
I only had a vague idea of the tattoo I desired. Â Steve took that idea and created a sketch that blew my mind. Â I was really impressed by Steve's ability to apply my ambiguous words into a vivid, wicked looking image. Â
The positive experience continued. Â Steve did an excellent job on my work's lines, but the highlight of the piece is its shading, which was done impeccably. Â
Moreover, the tattoo was a cover-up, and Steve did an excellent job of removing any trace of the existing two tattoos that it replaced.
It took three sessions of nearly four hours each to complete my tattoo, and I have a free touch-up session outstanding. Â The price is fair for the quality of the work. Â And Steve was always willing to work as long as his schedule permitted. Â
The entire experience was overwhelmingly pleasant and I could not be happier with the result.  I would definitely recommend this shop.  In fact, I plan on returning as I intend to fill out a  sleeve. Â
Awesome, clean shop; welcoming environment; sick art --- great experience.
I had my first tattoo done by Rachel I want to say about 5 years ago... I came in with an intricate design that I had wanted but being a novice didn't realize that the design being so intricate it would have to be larger in size so it didn't become a blob. I was slightly discouraged but was dead set on getting a tattoo. Rachel was great, the place was clean but I do think now having gone other places that the prices are slightly high. Since then my tattoo has faded, I haven't really looked into getting a touch up and have found a new place to go that I have fallen in love with.
Review Source:I came here to get a helix piercing. You aren't allowed to bring your own jewelry and have to buy something from the shop for a piercing. Initially, I picked out a 14k captive ball ring, paid for the piercing and hoop and then waited for the piercer. I asked the lady three times to make sure it was solid. Â When the piercer came out, he started arguing with the lady who rang me up about not charging me enough money for the 14k hoop and I felt really awkward sitting there listening. He said OK and we proceeded to another room for the piercing. Everything was great after that and then I left. I did not take the hoop out for 4 months to wait for it to heal and the ball fell out and when I went to change the hoop, it broke. Come to find out the hoop was gold plated and not solid. I got ripped off with a cheap hoop.
*edit* I took one star off for the earring and one off for arguing in front of the customer. No dramatization in my review, I had even brought a friend with me and she too felt very awkward. She couldn't come into the piercing room with me but Andy was very professional and cool during the piercing. I probably won't drive from Baltimore to Bethesda to get a replacement as the gas would not be worth it. Also, driving on 495 is dangerous to my health but I do appreciate the effort of offering me a replacement. I would get another piercing done by Andy if I were in the area again and I do understand why we have to purchase the jewelry at the shop (piercer sterilizes it).
This place was wonderful. Went in 2 Wednesdays ago for consultation/to make appointment, and it was literally my first time in a tattoo/piercing establishment. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was very clean and well-lit (just a pre-conception I had about tattoo parlors in general, not specifically this one). Despite the appearance, I was still nervous, but the super helpful receptionist (her name is slipping my mind at the moment) and Adam put my mind at ease. I paid my $50 deposit (required when you make an appointment) and went on my way to mull over their words of wisdom (more thoughts on exact location//what do before the appointment).
This past Wednesday, I came in to get a pretty small tribal sun tattoo on my left ribcage. Adam was really efficient, pleasant and professional. I could not be happier with my experience and end result.
I have been in Bethesda Tatto three times. Â I went once to look through art books while I tried to find what I was looking for. Â I went again with a friend who wanted a new ring for her navel. Â I hung around while they waited on her. Â The third time I went was because I had found the artwork I wanted the artist to start from. Â Each time they were extremely professional, helpful, and nice. Â They gave me four artists' books and asked that I choose my tattooist rather than have one assigned to me. Â Once I decided on the artist I talked to him about the art and scheduled an appointment for only three weeks later. Â I am still waiting to hear about my artwork to look it over before the appointment next week, but it has only been a week so I am not complaining, I am just excited to see it.
Review Source:Amazing facility, great service, and amazing artists. Â Have been going there since they first opened. Â Andy has done all my piercings and I wouldn't trust anyone else. Â Truly talented, friendly, and makes you feel comfortable. Â Also got my one and only tattoo there. Â I get compliments on it from strangers all the time! Absolutely Love and would recommend Bethesda Tattoo!!!!
Review Source:This place is great! I just got my nose pierced and still all the employees were so kind and helpful. Michelle made the experience very enjoyable with friendly conversation. She was fast enough to minimize pain and maximize quality. Â They answered all my inexperienced questions without a hint of distaste. The woman at the front even made a suggestion that saved me money when she could have easily taken advantage of my naivety. I believe it is definitely worth going here, for a piercing at least. I'll find out about the tattooers soon enough.
Review Source:Awesome Awesome Awesome. I got my very first tattoo today from James and needless to say, I was a bit nervous. James was extremely professional, calmed my nerves, and did an incredible job. He is a fantastic artist, and his customer service is top-notch ( as is the rest of the staff).
The shop itself is clean, professional, and the staff is amazing. I can totally see why tattooing is addictive.. especially with a place like Bethesda Tattoo Co.
So, sadly, I have to now give Bethesda Tattoo one star, probably even less than that. I was working with Rachel on my back piece, she got fired due to circumstances. I went to get my deposit back and James, the owner said that I had to contact the original owner to get that back. Long story short, I did a bunch of running back and forth between the two shops, which I shouldn't of had to do in the first place. Now, James is offering to give me a store credit so that I can get another tattoo by them in the future. To be honest, I do NOT feel comfortable with them due to all the drama and don't want them putting something permanent on my body. The shop owner and manager did not seem to understand this. The whole experience has left a sour taste in my mouth. I sincerely hope that no one else has to go through this.
In response to James:
I really don't think that the shop did handle this the correct way. The deposit that I paid was for a tattoo done by Rachel. She no longer works there. Why would I want a completely different person to finish a tattoo that someone else had started? I appreciate you making an attempt to set things right, however, I do not feel that a "store credit" was the way to go. I refuse to throw something as PERMANENT as a  tattoo on my body just for the sake of having the store credit.
The thing that upset me the most was that I was asked to track down the previous owner to ask for my deposit back. I felt very put off by this request, since usually, when you take over a business, you take over all past, present and future relations of the establishment. For an owner of a company to tell a current customer, who spent a large amount of money at their establishment and referred business, to contact the original owner and be the middle man between the two parties is ridiculously unprofessional. You say that you "did your best", but really, you just tried to push me off on someone else.
First things first, I've had tats for a while now.  I'm very picky about what I want and know when I want one and where it's going.  I just walked in at lunch today (Friday) to get a quick addition to one of my tats.  I walked in, spoke with a few artists, showed them  my current ink and we discussed their thoughts.  I asked if they could fit me in.  No problem at all.  Josh hooked it up and I was done in 25 minutes for 3 small additions.  Perfect.  We joked, we listend to music, talked and the art was amazing.  I've traveled around a lot and this place is legit and awesome.  I'll be going back.
Review Source:Before I continue with the review, allow me to tell you a little about myself.  I'm currently serving in the Navy, just recently transferred after previously being stationed at the Behesda Naval Hospital.  I am sort of a perfectionist and I research just about everything I do before I "commit" to it.  It took me about 4 months before I decided to get my first tattoo and after I found Bethesda Tattoo company (BTC), I knew this was the place to get it.  First off, Bethesda Tattoo Company eliminates many, if not all, of the stereotypical ideologies that many people may have about tattoo parlors.  From the very first time you enter the shop, Jamie the receptionist, greets you with a smile and will answer most of the questions that you may have.  This was kind of unusual because of the customer service in the DC/MD/VA area I have received during my tour here, just to say, has not been the greatest.  The main area is filled with numerous examples of tattoos and is VERY clean in comparison to alot of the numerous local parlors I researched prior to choosing BTC.  I came in for my appointment and James, the owner of the shop and tattoo artist I chose for my tattoo, promptly greeted me and told me that it would be just a few minutes due to completing a few minor details for my tattoo.  We started at 5 pm and he promised me that he would finish both of the tattoo's that I wanted that night!  (I told him that I was kind off on a time crunch due to me deploying overseas)Even though the shop closed at 8 pm, we continued on until about 10 pm that night.  I was very, very pleased about how my tattoo turned out.  James was very receptive of the details I showed him of the tattoo, again I am very picky of something as permanent as a tattoo.  I will advise to anyone thinking about getting a tattoo, to go to BTC.  The price is reasonable for the high quality service and product that you'll receive.  Check them out at their new website <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bethesdatattoo.net&s=c067a2a81b1f68efc5f9161ef8b6b1243e6faea35a295f0896bea90e4dd7fe9a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bethesdatatto…</a> YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
Review Source:I've had one tattoo done here in October and I am really itching to go back. Â I have 6 tattoos all done by different artists and my experience at Bethesda Tattoo was the absolute best. Â When I first went in, I described what I wanted in front of 3 or 4 artists and they decided amongst themselves who would tattoo me, according to their interest in the piece. Â They asked a few questions, and Lea offered to do the piece. Â She explained that she really enjoyed doing black and "white", and shading. Â I looked at some of her previous work and felt so lucky that she had expressed an interest in my piece. Â I went back to see what she had drawn and it was no surprise (because I had seen her previous work) that it looked excellent. Â Lea was also very professional, but in a cool way. Â I mean, I didn't feel like I was at the doctors office, and I also didn't feel like I was chilling with a friend (I have felt both before in different tattoo parlors.) Â I felt like I was in the presence of a professional artist. Â It might sound silly, because that is how one should feel, yet is not always the case. Â She made me feel comfortable because I was able to completely trust her. Â She let me play my iPod on her iPod dock, which was really cool. Â It was about a 3 hour session, if I remember correctly, with one smoke break. Â It turned out absolutely fantastic, the whole experience was incredibly pleasant, and I hope my next tattoo catches Lea's interest!
Review Source:Lea is simply an amazing artist. I didn't personally get tattooed by her, but I was with my boyfriend through out his whole experience and it was fantastic to be apart of. She seemed just as excited as he was to do his tattoo. She was very attentive and willing to answer any and all of the questions he had. It was his first tattoo and he wanted everything perfect and his way and she had no problem doing that. My boyfriend and I are totally pleased with the outcome and we can't wait to come back later for more.
Review Source:I got my first tattoo here almost 3 years ago and I had such a good experience there I may just have to go back and get another (shh! don't tell my mom). I didn't get anything too inventive, just a kanji symbol (and yes, it does mean what I think it means and no, I didn't just pick it out of a tat book) on the center of my back between my shoulders, but it looks so beautiful, even 3 years later. The ink is still "sharp" and looks...well, I don't know how to describe it really, but it looks crisp. The guy who worked on me was great, and I think it took all of half an hour to finish, which was awesome. Plus, as other reviewers have said, the store is clean and professional, which is a necessity.
Also, I got a small barbell for my cartilage piercing and the guy who helped me out with that (the barbell was wider than my existing piercing) was excellent too.
Overall, a great experience.
Everyone there is really nice. I got my first tattoo here, and I had a lot of questions. The receptionist was really helpful in answering them, and wasn't rude in any way. The only thing was that I had  made an appointment for 3pm and was waiting for more than an hour before someone was albe to take me in.
Pricing EX: I got 6 stars the size of about a nickel each, and they were colored in. That cost me $180 dollars. The receptionist said that usually those stars cost $50 each, so I saved some money there.
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