I went in last minute to get a simple tattoo in  honor of my Mom as today would have been her birthday. Troy was taking walk-ins and since it was a really simple item, I wasn't worried about the artist. He took his time and gave the same attention that you would expect for a detailed piece. I plan to get another back piece and he is at the top of my list! The place was clean, professional and the staff friendly. Only note is about parking. Turn down the alley next to the shop and there is a parking lot. This was my 4th tattoo so I can judge shops and this one is high on the list.
Cool side story, Troy worked with the artist that did my second tattoo. Art done in two different states and they worked together in yet another state. It really is a small world :-)
Came in to get a simple tattoo because I was in town. An artist with a ponytail and face tattoos was the one that was available. I showed him a photo of what I wanted with some additions that were pretty simple. I have a lot of tattoos so I have a pretty good understanding of what a good tattoo should look like and what I got was far from it. Supposedly they charge $150 an hour. My tattoo took about 45 min and cost me $200. The quality and the line work came out to be that of a home tattoo. Crooked thick lines, shading was non existent, letters weren't finished at first till I pointed it out and he went over them. I pointed out the crooked lines and he said he wasn't a machine and that it happens. Then he slapped on a napkin and some tape and sent me on my way. Long story short this tattoo is going to have to get fixed by my regular artist back home. It's not completely awful but it's far from good. I would stay away if you want quality work for your money.
Review Source:After a lot of research, I went in to see Craig at Ricks. I had heard that he was an excellent piercer and wanted to see for myself. He is fantastic, knowledgable, cleanly, and very friendly. He gets a 100% awesomeness rating. So why the low overall rating? I felt that the shop itself was unsanitary. He wasn't piercing in a room separated from everything else, so just anyone could walk over and check out what was going on. It was dark, and an odd environment. The two other places I've previously gone to in Wisconsin and Minnesota are so bright and sterile looking that *you* feel dirty when you walk in. My previous piercer took ten minutes just to thoroughly sanitize everything.
All in all, I would go to see Craig, but I will never go back to Ricks. I hope that Craig finds a new studio to work in.
I just wanted to supply an update to my review, especially for those who are thinking of getting lettering done by Amy.
My tattoo was fully healed just about 2 weeks out from getting the ink done. Â Now, 8 months later, my tattoo still looks AMAZING. Â I know that it can be hard if you want your letters to be small -- Amy recommended the size font I should use and told me that she would not go any smaller....and I'm glad I took her advice. Â The letters still look crisp and clear, just like they did the day she did the work. Â I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a tattoo in the DC area!
I got my first tattoo the other day from Amy (Ax) after doing research, including looking at other Yelp reviews, and visiting her portfolio (linked to on the Rick's Tattoos website). I was impressed with her lettering work, since I was having a word done, and remained impressed with her and her professionalism throughout my whole tattoo experience.
I knew basically what I wanted, and I called Amy at the studio and we scheduled a consultation for me to come in. She took a look at what I wanted and helped me figure out the size. She quoted me a price (the tattoo ended up coming in at $20 less), and we scheduled an appointment for me to come back and get the tattoo. I was a bit nervous, but as other reviewers have said, she was friendly, professional and efficient (in addition to having a very clean workplace), so I felt comfortable. When she was placing the stencil on my wrist before doing the actual tattoo, she had me stand up so she could examine it from different angles and had me look at it in the full-length mirror--a perfectionist after my own heart.
All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Amy was extremely knowledgeable, and I would recommend her in a heartbeat both to someone interested in a fairly simple word tattoo like mine or something much more advanced, like a large drawing (as I know that she also works up drawings and collaborates with clients on ideas for bigger designs).
I was here a few years ago to get a naval piercing. I don't remember the young lady who did my piercing, but it was crooked. I didn't notice until I got home and called them. The person answering asked if I wanted to take it out and let it heal or come back in and get it re-pierced no extra charge. I wanted to get it re-done so that I didn't have to pay again, and a different person did it. Bad mistake on getting it re-done right away. I ended up getting a keloid a couple weeks later and was so irritated by it that I took it out after 3 months.
I gave them 3 stars because it was bad judgment on my part, but they were really nice and the environment was cool. I may go back someday. Sorry I don't have any names.
I've been to two other shops in the Falls Church- Arlington area, though I was pleased with one of those shops, Rick's Tattoo surpasses both in so many ways. I went to Ax (Amy) for my little moogle on my wrist, I called ahead to make an appointment and luckily she had time.
She was super friendly, she drew up the little guy quickly but with great detail. The whole time we were laughing and I felt comfortable. Her room (and the whole establishment) was very clean and tidy. This was the first time I actually felt I was at a tattoo parlor rather then some dinky office.
The price was better than I expected, having 3 other tattoos much smaller than my moogle, my moogle was much less for how much detail went into it.
I'm going back this month to get a bigger piece and of course I'm going back to Ax :)
I have 2 tattoos from Ricks- ankle and a hip. They don't look good at all. My coworker had lettering done 6 months ago- looks like another language. Â I changed my stars from 1 to 2 because mine was done a while ago. Â I'm also getting harassed by another user about my review and I want it to end.
Shop around. Â Looks like some people are happy- just use a recommendation.
Got my tattoo from the very sought after Amy (Ax)! She did an amazing job an is an incredible artist. She's very knowledgeable about tattooing. I found Rick's Tattoos to be extremely clean including Ax's work space. I researched her and she's done amazing work doing cover-ups, huge pieces of art while understanding skin...
I emailed her in advance, (I recommend attaching pictures not embedding links) because she already had my tattoo drawn up when I walked into the Rick's. She wanted to make sure I was getting the exact "permanent-for-the-rest-of-my-life tattoo" I wanted.
Ax is personable, friendly, and kept talking to me because I'm sure she could see I was trying not to freak out. She has very calming effect and we were done in record time!
She went over aftercare in great detail and recommended product and went over the instructions carefully, even though there were 3 other people waiting for consultations and tattoos. Â
I will  be back and would recommend her gladly!
went in to make an appt for a tat, fortunately scott was finishing up with a customer and had time to do mine (it was small and easy). Â scott looked at my design, we agreed on the price which was reasonable considering the reputation of the store.
he went to work. Â he was professional, polite and very knowledgable about his profession. his hand held steady despite the occasional twitching of nerve in my leg.
the shop was a typical tattoo shop. Â very clean, they all had american red cross first aid training cards posted which i think shows their professionalism as well their concern for the client.
i have been inked in different cities as i moved for my job and these guys are as good as it gets. Â i do a lot of research before I go somewhere and as shown by the other comments it is the place to go.
Thanks Scott!
Rhiannon is a master of art. I wanted to give a tattoo as a gift to my boyfriend for his birthday because we have a little one on the way, and I knew he wouldn't feel comfortable dropping a large chunk of money on himself once the baby came. He had gotten his first (of many) at Rick's YEARS ago, and wanted to get his next done there too. My boyfriend was looking to get a steampunk tattoo and Rhiannon had something similar to what he was looking to get in her portfolio, so he decided to get his tattoo done by her. It was without a doubt the right choice.
He is on session two of three of a large steampunk partial half sleeve and his tattoo is BEYOND amazing. Her attention to detail is amazing and she incorporated personal little touches to his tattoo that made it better than what he was hoping for. First session was an outline of all of the tattoo and about a third of the detail work. Second session completed the majority of the tattoo, filling in all of the outlines so next time will just be pure added detail. This tattoo experience was a gift for my boyfriend, but I certainly plan on coming to get a tattoo of my own from Rhiannon soon.
Rick's is in a convenient location (right off Lee Highway) but the parking lot is easy to miss if you haven't been there before. The place has an awesome vibe but it is also apparent that the place is kept clean (which isn't always the case with tattoo parlors). For the impeccable quality of the tattoo, it was well worth the price. I highly recommend Rick's (especially Rhiannon) for anyone looking to get an AMAZING tattoo.
I got my final tattoo at Rick's today with Amy and I was extremely pleased. Â First, she quoted me cheaper than other places I've gotten work done, so thats an obvious thumbs up. Â Second, she was extremely patient with me as I went back and forth on font and color. Â She was great at giving her opinion when she felt I needed help, but did not push me in any direction. Â She made me feel comfortable and she did an excellent job. Â It might have been a small job, but she was absolutely great. Â I WILL recommend her and this shop!
Review Source:Got my first tattoo here from Amy (AX, I think) this past weekend and it was a great experience. Super easy, very welcoming and inviting, and it was a total polar opposite experience from what I got at another tattoo shop when I was TRYING to get my first tattoo (and failing - see my other reviews if you want the story).
Anyway Rick's was fantastic. Competitive price, nice atmosphere, walk-in Saturdays (only waited about 15 minutes), and great artists.
Coming to Rick's feels like going home.
I've gotten 2 tattoos here as they came highly recommended by two close personal friends of mine. Â I love Rick's. Â The atmosphere, the tattoo artists, the piercers - everyone. Â It's a super cool, chill atmosphere, and the people really listen. Â AX did my wrist tattoo and fixed up what is turning into my quarter sleeve, and she is a great, funny, talented artist. Â I made an appointment and she wasn't feeling too well, but since she knew my wedding was coming up, she powered through and fixed my piece anyways. Â She's a rockstar and treats her clients right. Â I'd highly recommend Rick's to friends looking for a quality tattoo artist.
FYI: Cash only! (there is an ATM on the premises though)
I stopped by here to get my belly button re-pierced. Â Long story short, I got it pierced when I was 18 years old and took it out when I was 21 for some reason that I can't seem to remember. Â The top hole never seemed to close, but the bottom had closed. Â I had to wait about an hour to get pierced, which I was a little annoyed about, but Matt (another/tattoo artist) consistently thanked me for being patient.
Karina (aka Eyeball) was my piercer. Â She didn't mark me because I had already been pierced before, and reassured that it wouldn't hurt that bad, (I couldn't remember how it felt because it's been years) and it really didn't hurt too bad when she stuck the needle through. Â She also massaged my navel to adjust the scar tissue. Â She explained the aftercare directions thoroughly after the whole process, and asked to take a picture of my piercing.
One thing that I wish she told me is that she made a new hole at the top. Â The hole is close enough to my first hole so it can't really be seen, but now I feel like it looks kind of funny... but I'm sure it will look better when it's healed and I'll forget about it.
Overall, I would recommend Karina for any piercing. Â She's extremely sweet, professional, and has a warm personality.
The parking lot? Scary. The entrance? Scarier. My piercer, Karina? Tha bomb!
Can't lie...I was scared when I walked into Rick's Tattoos to get my piercing done. Shaking in my boots scared...but, I saw Karina's welcoming smile and heard her friendly sing-songy voice and everything seemed to be alright. She took her time with me and made me feel really comfortable. The piercing barely hurt and before I knew it, I was pierced!
She went over the piercing aftercare with me and even repeated it when I told her "I am ttoo nervous to listen the first time, could you please repeat all of that?" She was a sweetheart.
GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
My girlfriend and I went in off a referral to get some work done.
The folks there were all very friendly, laid-back, helpful/insightful, and professional. Not only great at what they do, but great to just shoot the shit with. They were all very patient with us....listening to what we were looking for and offering insight (as well as a few chuckles). Ensuring that we were going to get better than what we had in mind. I cannot emphasize enough what a pleasure it was to be tattooed there from the demeanor of the staff, the professionalism, cleanliness, the product of thier work, as well as the consideration for my wallet. I will definately be returning for more work down the road here.
So I have never really reviewed anything on yelp but I feel I should with this. Everyone is very nice at ricks tattoo. Friendly. I went in a couple weeks ago and set up an appointment. Rhiannon was great in planning my new tattoo. Unfortunately I had to post pone because I had to get surgery but I'm going back in next week hopefully to get my tat done. Rhionnon was extremely nice and understanding of the situation. Even gave me my deposite back for the time being.if all goes well with the actually tattoo process I ll be giving 5 stats for sure! Great place. Check it out. Can't be more grateful for the kindness.
Review Source:I first went to Ricks back in 2002 or 2003 (god old age is hitting my memory!) and had a custom piece that I had drawn done. It was done by Addie, who no longer works there now, but she did a fantastic job. It still looks as good as new to this day. She was fairly fast, extremely accurate, and very knowledgeable and helpful with placement. The price was also fairly inexpensive compared to most shops in the D.C. Area, especially inside the beltway. Â
I went back a second time just last week to get another custom (well sort of) piece done on my left forearm. I got the Buddhist Om Mani Pad He Hum mantra done in Tibetan U-Chen script, Tashi style with the accents done in red, outlined by black. Kevin (aka Chud) did the work. He is still in his first year of doing professional tattoo work, but he did a fantastic job. it came out exactly as I wanted, and he also was very friendly, and very helpful with placement and making sure that It was exactly where and how I wanted it. Â He is very slow and steady as she goes as far as tattooing goes, with pretty minimal pain. I could not have asked for a better experience and artists to work with for this piece. In fact I will be going back to get another (different) mantra on my right arm, and I will have him do that piece as well. Eventually those will be the centerpieces of sleeves. Keven also did not hesitate to have me talk to Amy (AX) as well since she is also big into Buddhist / religious pieces so I may have her in on the rest of the sleeves as well. Â Â
My partner also went to get his very first tattoo as well for his birthday at the same time as me. After a little confusion and a little longer wait than he had anticipated, he had Rhiannon do a custom piece that I had designed for him. He only got the outline done but it was pretty big. She was great in helping with placement on his calf, and was lightning fast!
While I was waiting they had grilled some food on their roof deck a bit earlier and offered me a hotdog/hamburger which I in fact really needed at the time since I had not eaten all day! Â They may be a little bit laid back for some there, but when it comes to doing the work and treating their clients great I have to say I think they rank right up there with the best. The prices are also VERY VERY reasonable, especially for a big city shop. Â Bottom line is that I, my partner, and my friend that was with us (she got nipples pierced) were all VERY pleased with the work, the experience, the people there, and the shop as a whole, and we will definitely all be going back again. Â Â I have 8 tattoos that I have gotten in various places all over the United States and have only been back to the same shop twice, and that was Ricks. They are pretty much my go to place for ink here in my home town of the D.C. Area.
Although I've driven past this place dozens of times, I've never taken a second look at it since I had no intention of getting a tattoo. When I discovered my belly ring was broken, the first thing I did was get on Yelp! Â I had no idea Rick's Tattoos also dealt with piercings. Â Although parking was a bit of a challenge, my whole experience with the staff was great. Â I'm terrible with names, but the lady who helped me was so kind and got me in and out of there in just minutes. Â I would definitely come here again if I decide to change my barbell :-)
Review Source:I can't say anything in regards to the establishment, as I got my tattoo at the Baltimore Tattoo convention this month. Â AMY (AX) was the artist at the booth and she was SO friendly and inviting. Â She said that I would have to wait about an hour, since she had somebody already lined up. Â When I came back around to her booth, I was happy to see that she had honored our verbal appointment and had already started sketching my tat. Â The price she quoted me for my, say, 2.5" tattoo on my wrist was a little more than I expected to pay......BUT when I saw the finished work, I was incredibly impressed. Â She had taken my simple idea for a small tattoo and went ABOVE AND BEYOND what I was expecting for it. Â I was really happy that she went with her instincts and took the artistic liberties that she did. Â
Additionally, she offered to fix a small mistake on my friend's tattoo (who had also gotten inked at the convention) made by a different artist that was very rude and inexperienced. Â My friend was so happy since it was her first tattoo and did not want to remember it as a bad experience.
If I decide to get another tat, I would make the drive out to VA to see Amy again!
I'd been thinking for nearly a year of my next tattoo...I knew what I wanted but wasn't sure where it'd go, where I'd get it, etc. Â I read about a few different tattoo parlors in the DC metro area and settled between Rick's and Bethesda Tattoo Co. Â BTC was closed the Sunday I called so I called Rick's and they were very friendly immediately. Â I stopped by and immediately came across Amy. Â So I immediately felt like Amy knew her stuff. Â She blew me away with her sense of humor and knowledge of dragons! Â I left a deposit, a picture of what I wanted, and made an appointment to return. Â When I returned, Amy had done an amazing job with the drawing. Â We made a few changes and got to the inking right away. Â The entire procedure was relaxing and an overall good experience. Â Her level of detail and technical ability was excellent and her interpersonal skills just simply made her AWESOME. Â I highly recommend Amy.
Review Source:This place was phenomenal. Matt re-did a couple of my piercings for me last Saturday and he was awesome. I was a tad nervous even though I'd had the piercings done before but we joked through the whole process and I was in and out before I could say "ouch, that hurt."
He also gave me some guidance about getting my first tattoo done, which I really appreciated. I will definately be returning to get my tattoo done here. Everyone was very cool and friendly. The only negative (which is not really their fault, it was a Saturday), there were a TON of kids running around, but I got the impression that it wasn't normal for that many kids to be present.
Prices are very reasonable, especially for the time and care they devote to their work. Very, very pleased!
I have had 4 tattoos inked at Rick's in Arlington. In fact, I came here to get my very first tattoo in 2007 and was hooked ever since. Daniel did my first tattoo, Rihannon has done 2 more, and then Amy designed a custom piece for me which I absolutely love and get compliments on frequently. All of my tattoos are black ink (solid) and all of them still look new with virtually no fading. Every time I have been to Rick's I have found the artists to be friendly with an active interest in their work. They produce high quality tattoos at a good value.
Review Source:I had a terrible time with Flash from Comes a Time in Fairfax, VA so I decided to go back to the ever wonderful Rhiannon at Rick's. Â She did an amazing job drawing an original tattoo from some pictures of flowers that I brought in. Â It looks absolutally amazing and the tattoo that she covered up is pretty much invisible behind a gorgeous set of lavender.
I would recommended Rhiannon to anyone looking for a tattoo artist in the area. Â She's got a wide variety of art she can do and she's just so darn nice!
The only tattoo I've gotten from here, I got inked back in 2003. Bad enough, still, that I can't remember who actually did the tattoo, though I remember a lady doing it. I never go to the same tattoo parlor twice, but if I had my way, I'd go here again simply for the excellent linework they did. It still holds up well, to this day, and has yet to require touching up. Even though what I had asked for was a bit odd, they were more than willing to not only copy what I had requested from my book, but to offer advice as to where to best place it so it would come across well. ATP, after all, isn't your ordinary molecule.
Rick's feels like an establishment from the moment you walk in, and not just some dingy excuse for a needle shack. I definitely want to go back at some point in my life.
Inking is addictive to most, and rightfully so... After viewing some of the designs of the artists, it's a wonder that the appeal of tattoos never really won me over. Â
I, however, needed to find a clean, professional and experienced parlor for a piercing a couple of years ago. Â Rick's was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, and the staff did not disappoint. Â
I was educated on the care and healing prior to the service. Â Since it was a facial piercing, I was a bit apprehensive about all the things that could go wrong. Â My artist relieved all my worries, and I've had little to no problems ever since.
Cons:
The place is a little shady. I thought it added to the experience, but my friend was not impressed.
I remember the girl at the desk having major attitude(she might not still work there; it was over a year ago.) I get it- I would be annoyed too if I spent half my day making appointments for lower back tattoos of butterflies or answering 16-year-old's questions about navel piercings. However, I did neither, and didn't need any of her condescension when I was paying.
The aftercare instructions I received said to use Neosporin. I realize that it's debatable about whether or not that's good for the tattoo, and it's probably fine for most people. Let's just say that it wasn't fine for me. I eventually noticed four or five bumps in my completely shaded tattoo, leaving tiny spots where the ink came off. Although this isn't that noticeable to others, it's obvious to me. I don't want to spend $50 (the usual shop minimum) getting it retouched at another shop, so I'm waiting until I get my next tattoo (probably at Jinx Proof) and asking them to fix it at the same time.
Pros:
I came in with a easy design I drew up, but Duong was hesitant to just  slap it on me. He explained that some parts of what I drew would distort over time and that some pieces needed to be larger in order to get all of the detail. He made several adjustments until he came up with something that he could do and I would be happy with. He then made some changes while I was actually being inked, freehanding some great details that I didn't think of.  The care he put into making it a good and lasting design is what earned the three stars. He's also just a cool, relaxed guy who puts you at ease. I'm annoyed that I have to get it touched up, but I don't regret going to him.
My hubby & I got our matching tats at Rick's years ago and were pleased. We didn't get something too complicated; so I don't have personal experience with their custom work. My sister and my niece have been going to Rick's for tats & piercings and have had no complaints ... they will keep going! As for me ... 3 kids later ... I'm currently looking for something custom created and more unique than my other tats. I am "shopping around" for creative artists and will be visiting Rick's during my search before I make a decision. Â :)
Review Source:I've been to Rick's twice. The first time was because I had taken my nipple rings out and couldn't get them back in, and had to get the hole restretched a little. the procedure was fast and inexpensive. I then went a second time to get a tattoo because the place I normally go is far away. That time I went in there was just a weird ambiance about that place. First off, they had me wait for 15 minutes despite there being some artists just hanging around. Then the artist that I spoke with quoted me a much higher price than I think it should have cost, and also higher than what I had been quoted over the phone before coming in. I know you can't put a price on good work...or can you? People who have been tattooed before know roughly the cost of high quality work since the rate is broken down by time. What I wanted would take about 20 minutes since it was small. I then just had a bad feeling, about the artist and about the place. If you start having that gut feeling, listen to it. I left Rick's and made the long trek to my usual artist, and am very glad that I did.
Review Source:I had one tattoo done here and I will never go again. Â The atmosphere wasn't very inviting but I thought what the hell, the guy who did it had a good portfolio. Â Luckly he didn't screw up my tattoo and it still looks good today but it bled and i've learned from many tattoo artists that a tattoo should never bleed if it is done right. Â I guess i'm one of the lucky ones who didn't end up with a crappy tattoo. Â I just never would recommend this place.
Review Source:I can't speak for tattoos here, but as far as piercings go, this is where I'm getting them from now on. Â I went to get my conch pierced and I was a little worried- ok, so I was scared. Â Sue me. Â Anyways, I went and this girl with long, dark hair (sorry, I forgot your name) took me right in. Â She not only asked me what I wanted as far as the jewelry itself was concerned (gave her opinion, told me what she had, and let me make my own choice) and she talked me through the whole thing. Â Yeah, it hurt a bit and bled a lot more than any of my other piercings did (just a side effect of all conch piercings, not a reflection on the piercer), but she sat with me until that stopped and gave me some gloves, q-tips, and a bit of solution to last me through the day, after taking a picture of her work on my ear. Â I was ecstatic about the way it looked and I even slept on that side of my face that night- it didn't hurt at all. Â I put the price as moderate, only because I only know what that piercing cost, and it was the same or cheaper than other places I checked out.
I also have to talk about a product that they have- it's called H2Ocean. Â basically, I could either go home, mix sea salt in a glass and keep it by my bathroom to clean my piercing, but what do I do at work? Â SO this stuff is basically sea salt and water in a spray can. Â Best 15 bucks I've spent after a piercing. Â I just spray both sides a few times a day, takes 3 seconds, and I swear that my piercing was healed in like 2 weeks. Â Not even.
Everyone in the place was friendly. Â My friend found this place for me online (it had good piercing reviews) and when we got there I was like, uh, THIS place? Â It looked gross from the outside. Â More than gross. Â But it's the inside that counts. Â And I mean it's not all dolled-up, but it's definitely sterile, and the people who work there are super cool. Â So definitely check this place out if you're looking for a good piercer. Â I know I'll be back.
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
