Kitchens' Ink

For my first review in Denver as a (very) recent transplant, it felt appropriate to pick a place where I had a wonderful experience. I suppose this also acts as the kick-off to the continuation of my Portland, OR project of getting tattooed at as many different shops as possible. All for the reviews, of course.

My partner and I made appointments at Kitchen's Ink to have our complementary (NOT matching!) tattoos done. A key and an escutcheon. (No, *I* got the key. He got the keyhole.) Joe took our relatively vague designs and quickly finished beautiful designs, incorporating some of his own suggestions which he ran by us first, and ultimately made the finished products that much more beautiful.

Joe was incredibly pleasant to talk to throughout the process, which is quite a feat when one is being tattooed on the back of the calf. His conversation is easy and fluid, yet he was completely understanding when I had to bury my head in my arms and grit my teeth.

He tattooed both of us in under two hours and even gave us a buddy discount on our tattoos, which resulted in a much lower price than I'd anticipated. I'd go back here again and again.

Joe did a small piece for me on my wrist. I usually have a hard time getting people at tattoo places to take me seriously because I am, and I look like, a sorority girl. Most tattoo shops think I just want a little cute and dainty tattoo. But I don't, I have the utmost respect for tattoos and tattoo artists and I take the ink I have on me very seriously. My sister had picked this shop based on recommendations and I just went with her pick. I only had a vague idea of what I wanted and Joe managed to turn my vague ideas into the most spectacular and detailed of all of my tattoos despite it being my smallest. As another reviewer mentioned this shop is super laid back, everyone is very nice and Joe definitely took the time to listen to what I wanted. I am from Austin where hipster tattoo shops abound but this shop was so much better, there was no judgment and the tattoo artists are very serious about their work. I highly highly recommend Kitchens' Ink!

Trent did a terrific job with my seahorse tattoo. I went in with a photograph of what I wanted and he made it so much better than the photo! There is beautiful dimension and depth to this tattoo and the colors are gorgeous and just pop! I am very pleased with the service I received and the quality of the shop. I will definitely return!