My niece was the one who got the tattoo. Coming from a family that doesn't have experience with these places, the experience was a good one. They were willing to answer all our questions and welcomed us back when we returned after giving it some thought. Clean, courteous, I would come back here.
Review Source:I would most definitely recommend this shop and give it 5 stars! I am sooo happy with the work I've gotten here so far and can't wait til I heal from my last one so I can go back and add on to it! I've gotten two tattoos by Bill and he is the man! I am so impressed with his artwork and his awesome personality. Â I feel so comfortable with him and enjoy his company...which I feel is very important. It makes the experience that much better. Â My last tattoo with him was a pretty good sized one on my ankle ranging to my lower shin area (thats the best way i can explain it) and he was able to work right thru my crazy foot twitching like a boss! I was twitching like craaazy and his work still came out amazing and clean! This guy has some SKILLS! So if you like amazing, colorful, and bad ass tattoos Bill is your guy! Â See ya soon Bill!!
Review Source:Can't believe this shop is still around with all these bs good reviews! I had my abstract flower years ago by the owner's wife. The tattoo came out lopsided. Then they had the balls to say that it looked great. The owner should've known better, to not trust his wife's ability. Now years of expensive laser and great deal of pain later, I'm still bitter about this shady ass place. What kind of shit are they running here?
Review Source:I've been coming here for a few years. Beam is an awesome ink artist! He has done 8 of my tats. His lines are flawless perfection; very steady hand! Color shading technique is incredible!
This place is very kick back and the guys here friendly. You feel relaxed and definitely want to return again & again!
Appointments are highly recommended!
This place was great!!!! The guys were fun and welcoming. My husband and I got our wedding tattoos here.my husband got a arm tat. Of our wedding date in roman numerals. My self the infinity symbol on my ring finger. Our friend told us about this place. A great price for what we got. Definitely will go back!!! Thank you Chris and Tomas and Bill.
Review Source:Love Sid's! I have had all of my tattoos done at Sid's. Well, one was done at Musink, but by a Sid's artist. All they guys are friendly, professional and welcoming. Their work is great and the price is right. I even have two pieces by Rob(a few years back). His work was solid but i can understand people complaints about his attitude. All in all, Sid's will have my business as long as i want more tattoos.
Review Source:I have had such bad luck with flaky, crappy artists in the past but that all changed when I came to Sid's. My boyfriend gets his work done by bill and wont go anywhere else. I loved the work he did on him so I decided to get some stuff done as well. I'm so happy I did. His lines are very clean, and his color is vibrant and sticks. I'm constantly getting compliments on the work he's done on me. You cant find a nicer guy. He really listens to what you want and gives good input. I don't expect to find good conversation in a tattoo shop but bill is so easy to talk to and the other guys working there are very funny and make the time fly. Every one at Sid's is quite talented so I don't think you could go wrong but I sill insist you check out bill.
Review Source:I have to show Sid some love. I like reading the 1 star reviews because to me, they're comical. It's obviously something very personal from vindictive people.
I came to the shop because of my brother. I always marveled at the level of skill the artists at this shop possess. He has too many tats to count and each one is a masterpiece.
I decided to treat myself and have some work done.
Sid is a true professional and an excellent artist. When my appointment time was up, he was ready to go. The guys are cool and easy to talk to.
When it's time for more work, I'll be coming back to see Sid.
DISCLAIMER: THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN 3 YEARS AGO.
My experience was that I first came to Sid's to get a lady bug tattoo on my wrist. Weather it's lame or over used or whatever is not for some douche bag to decipher. If he has to pre approve your tattoo then he isnt a good artist or business man.... anyway, he (ROB) didn't draw it out, because he claims he's so good, he doesn't need to do that. So he basically free handed this thing on me... which wasnt exactly how I wanted it. FAIL! So anyway, that was $50 and it's smaller than a dime! Then the next time I go, (You know I like to try places twice). I make an appointment and Rob writes it in his calendar book. I pay $40 to reserve my spot. I come in at my appointment time 2 weeks later and the jerk is working on some kid he clearly was friends with. I have a seat.... wait.... wait....wait... an hour goes by... he says it will just be another minute... another 30 minutes goes by. Then when I tell him what I want and ask how much, he says it will be $150 for a bumble bee on my stomach? Are you kidding? Then when I say it's too much, he tries to pull some BS about how detailed it is. When I tell him he charged me $50 for the ladybug, he explains to me that $50 is his minimum price. He says even if he drew a dot on my arm that took one second, he would charge $50! What??? This guy is low down creep... I complained that I was waiting there for 1.5 hours and he starts saying he didn't know I had a reservation! He says "I didnt take your reservation so I didnt know" I said "YES, actually you did!" He most certainly did, but even if he hadn't how lame is he to not check his own schedule?
I got my deposit back and left. Now I go to Godfather's in Orange and I LOVE them! I don't need some fucking tattoo snob giving me shit because I'm not a scary ex con who wants ugly sailor tattoos to cover my neck. By the way, that's what his talent is limited too...he's a gangsta, old 50's style sailor tattoo artist and that's about it. If you want something realistic looking or a portrait, or even something cute like a butterfly, you better move on, Honey.
First time here today after a few bad trips to various shops in Costa Mesa. I was greeted by John, who touched up my wrists and did an amazing job. Bill then did an amazing piece on my arm. These guys are not only talented but such amazing people. I felt blessed to have found this place. It is def my new tattoo home and I can't wait to go back... And back and back. Thanks again Bill you're amazing!
Review Source:i have gone to Bill for more than a few tattoos and it's always a pleasure and I always end up leaving with amazing work. i've brought him some tricky people to tattoo and he's always so good and makes sure you have what you want while still keeping his style in there. the shop is awesome, all the dudes here are great. wish i lived closer so that i could come down more often!
Review Source:Small little place that's easily overlooked. Chose it just cuz. Overall the customer service is great.a little slow to greet you more than the polite nod but once you get the conversation going, everyone seems great. First tattoo ever was by Losey. Super chill and patient. Second one was done by THE Sid. Outgoing funny and really nice. The prices could be more competitive but the atmosphere and team there make that a non issue. Thanks dudes!
Review Source:So many things to say about Sid's Tattoo Parlor. All the guys there are awesome! I've had two quarter sleeves done by Sid as well as a thigh piece. I get stopped a good amount of time when I'm out by total strangers just wanting to see my tattoo or compliment the good work. Some are not even fans of tats but say they look really good! Sid's parlor is clean, friendly, and they use ink that comes out bright. I'm always pleased with Sid's work and glad to be tatted by a fellow brother in Christ.
Review Source:Not too great. I went in to get an estimate and was waiting for about 5 minutes to get helped at first i thought the two guys behind the counter were discussing a tattoo but it turns out they both worked there and were just having a conversation.
When I was finally approached the guy couldn't tell me how much something would cost and said something about 150 per hour and at least 3 hours for my tattoo..it adds up pretty quick and the guy told me he still wasn't sure of the price but it would probably be more. you'd think he'd be able to give me a good estimate since it  is his job and he'd be able to give you a pretty close price. guess not. He never seemed sure of anything he said. not a good experience, I was looking forward to going there but I've changed my mind
Losey, Losey, Losey!
I have known Los for a long time, so perhaps I am rather biased...but he is one of the most talented artists I have ever been tattooed by.
I am reallllly really picky, and I like my lines crispy. He does clean, sweet, beautiful work. He is very open to suggestions, and a really cool guy in general. Every time I have been tattooed by him, I always left with a smile, and loving what he did. I'm pretty difficult to tattoo, because I am SUPER tickle-ish/sensitive, haha and he has always done his best to make sure I am comfortable, and is always patient with me. Â
I always get compliments on my ribs (which I still need to finish). I HIGHLY recommend him, and do so to many many others.
This actually reminds me I need to come in soon, so he can finish this bad boy!
So made an appt. 2 days before with Los, came in today and got one of my knuckles tattooed with a strawberry. The shop is the average size of most shops, cool flash on the walls. The only reason why this is not a full 5 stars is just because I made my appt at 1 and I had to wait which is fine if I were waiting. 15 minutes, ill even push it to 30. I consider myself patient and I understand shit happens, but I had to wait a full hour because he had started a small tattoo on someone during my appointment time! No he was not just finishing up the dude, he was starting one. I didn't come late, I came right at 1! But any who, he was nice, and it came out great! So besides that being a tad bit annoying, everything else went swell! They have some awesome artist in the shop! I will defiantly return, I would love to get another tattoo from him, but I will definitely get one from Sid!
EDIT:
Changing this to 5 stars because he contacted me and apologized, shows they care how they are portrayed! Stuff happens :] :]
These guys are so rad!
I was recommended by a friend to come in to get my next piece done- I decided to finally get an icon of Jesus on my forearm which I've been wanting for a while. Â The moment I walked in I was greeted by several people who were more than happy to talk through the design with me and give me some ideas on how it should be laid out to look its best.
The guys had me sit and look at portfolios to decide who I should have do my work which was really great because I could match what I wanted to the style of the artist I would have do it. Â (Beware of the waiting area couch- it's so squishy you get sucked in!)
I ended up having Losey do the work for me and he consulted with me for about 15 minutes on ideas, placement, color, etc. and was generally enthusiastic about doing the design, which to me, was really important. Â Generally when an artist likes what they are doing, they do an outstanding job. Â And outstanding is what he did!
Losey is such a talented artist with crispy clean lines -like a boss! ;} Â He not only did a great job and was completely professional from beginning to end (well, end for now because there's a bit more color to do later) but he was fun to talk to.
There were a bunch of people in the shop and the atmosphere was so comfortable, like a family but better! Â I can tell that everyone there loves what they do. Â Sid was also in the shop and chatted with me- he is super nice! Â I want to give more praise to these people individually but for my life I can't remember names very well.
Bottom line: Â I love love love this place. Â It's clean as a whistle. Â The work is amazing. Â The people are bombastic. Â I will go here as long as I live in Southern California.
Where do I begin? Sid and the crew are an amazing and talented parlor. Sid is known all over and his work is renowned. I've been worked on by Sid and Rob. Some reviews say Rob is a jerk or what have you but most people don't know what he's been going through and is an awesome guy. It's a clean facility and really know the trade. Go here for some amazing tradtional tattooing.
Review Source:Love this shop!
I've been to a number of tattoo shops in the area and have not been quite as pleased as I've been with Sids!
First off, the first time I walked in, I was coming from another shop that I had a bad experience with (rude, egos, douchey)... So I was a bit hesitant... but I was greeted immediately with a really friendly staff! I ended up clicking with Bill for my tattoo and I couldn't have been happier! The experience was not only great as far as customer service, but you can really tell that Bill loves what he does and it shows in his work!
I was so impressed from my experience that myself and my boyfriend have been back multiple times and have probably gotten over 15 tattoos here.
Between the two of us, we have been to almost all of the tattooers and I can truly say that ALL of their work is incredible! The detail put into all of their work is unlike any other shop I've been to. They really know what they are doing and you can tell they are true artists. Jon, Beam, and Bill have tattooed myself and Bill, Jon, Beam, Los, and Ryan have tattooed my boyfriend and we love all of the work we've gotten at Sids! You can tell Sid knows how to pick well-rounded, talented tattooers. Â
Absolutely would recommend it to anyone looking for great quality of service and work!
Sid has done all of my tattoos and I've been stoked by each one.
Some reviewers have said that they thought the guys in the shop were rude, but I've never felt that. Remember, it is a tattoo shop and you're dealing with artists. They might not be right on time, but do you want it fast or do you want it right? It isn't a tv show, they'll need to draw up your artwork and it can take a while. The shop is super low key and the artists enjoy their jobs. Have fun, and take it easy. The guys there are professional and great at what they do.
Stop by and check out the artists' portfolios and talk to them. Let them know what you're looking for, but know that they all have ideas to make it even better. If you're looking for traditional work, this is the place to go.
Like I said, Sid has done all of my tattoos and will do any more I get in the future.
You know what, it's been over a year and I have to go back and change this. The owner wised up and fired Rob, so the only reason for me to downrate this place is gone.
I will say, though, ever since I posted my initial review, the shop has been nothing but professional, courteous, and entirely accommodating. They offered to fix my original tattoo from the awful Rob for free and have been absolutely wonderful.
This really is a great shop for American vintage styled tattoos. If you're in the market for one of those, then you're coming to the right place. If I may, I'd like to highly recommend Bill German. He's a gentleman, scholar, and a fucking incredible tattooer. Insanely awesome guy, talented as they come, and - let's be real - he plays Horde.
Get your skin inked here, guys. You won't regret it.
I came here to get my very first tattoo and don't think my experience could have been better. I got tattooed by Bill, and he made me feel so comfortable and at ease. It was later in the evening on a Sunday and everyone in the shop was mellow. It wasn't painful and he talked me through my whole experience with friendliness and humor. I'll be back for him.
Review Source:I had my skin ink'd by Bill German. He did a great job. I have quite a few tats and bill doesn't grind the needles into ur skin. They are a old school shop. I am taking my monies to him from now on. I am completely satisfied with the tat. The shop is clean and the atmosphere was cool.
Review Source:Ok...
This review is merely for the professionalism, and staff working, not the work and talent of the artists.
I had an appointment for sid thursday at 7... arrived, and the gentleman ROB gave me fucking attitude. Apparently he said hi and smiled and I didn't hear or see him so he said something completely rude. Really asshole? You're gonna make a big deal that I didn't say hi? Fuckkk you. Not only that, sid was still busy tattooing away someone else. Not just finishing up, but starting a new piece. Â I wouldn't care waiting 30 mins to even an hour for a good artist, but Rob's attitude really pissed me off. Â I'm here to see sid, i could give a fuck less if I said hi to YOU. There's sooo many other just as great shops out there for me to even reconsider getting tatted here if that slimey dude was there in the same vicinity.
RUN FROM THESE CRAZY FREAKS! Â There are too many tattoo artists to be treated rudely! Â CARLOS IS LIAR!, with an inflated ego. You can't call these weirdos to make an appointment because they have no telephone etiquette. They expect you to kiss their ass to get a tattoo. Problem, I don't kiss ass, particularly when I'm paying. Â I will gladly take my business and cash elsewhere. Sid's Tattoo Parlor...you lose!
Review Source:after tearfully parting ways with my former tattoo artist in las vegas, i had to find someone new. through much consideration, i was able to find bill german at sid's tattoo parlor through current and past clients of his. as a fan of traditional work, i knew bill would be my guy. i met with him and gave him ideas on what i wanted and he transferred it all onto my arm while starting off my sleeve. now, what i appreciate about him most is hes honest: the ideas you MAY want permanently inked into your skin wont always be whats best. just look at tom brady and his justin beiber haircut. he is a fine example of "i should have taken a professionals opinion." and on top of that he is very personable, funny, and light-handed. even though my tolerance for pain is high, bill hardly made me feel a thing! he is very considerate in working with my skin tone, the space, and the big picture. bill has made me a very happy camper and i am continuing with him for as long as i have skin to tattoo on!
Review Source:unfortunately I did not have a pleasurable experience here. It was my first tattoo and Bill did my work. I felt like since it was not his particular style, or something that he liked, he was reluctant to do the things I wanted. He didn't really listen to me, value, or validate my opinion. It seemed that because of this he had a certain condescending attitude towards me. I was not particularly impressed with his work and sadly because of his, what I deem unprofessional attitude, I would not return and would only recommend him if you really like his particular style.
Review Source:I scheduled an appointment with Sid for my 31st bday. Â My bf and several of his friends all had their work done by Sid, as he is none the less, AMAZING!! Â Well Sid's baby was born the day before my appointment, so I had to schedule with another artist, completely understandable (I was a little worried, but I also felt peace about it too). Â So Bill German ended up being my artist and I am so glad he did!! Â I had a pic of what I wanted, but I wanted it to be customized to me, and who I am. Â I told him my ideas, and he went to work, sketching out my tattoo. His sketch was perfect, the colors that were chosen, were the same colors I was thinking of.
End result, I have a FABULOUS work of art on my arm, something that shares my love of Christ, and I always want to remember what Jesus did for me. Â I get to see this tat, and share it with so many others everyday, and I couldn't be happier. Â Not only is the tattoo amazing but the experience itself, was great. Â He was very social, and friendly, and he cared about my pain levels, and would ask how I was. Â I HIGHLY recommend Bill, in fact I see myself going back to him for future tats, I am already planning out. Â Did I mention I traveled from San Jose, CA to Santa Ana?? Â well I would do it again in a heart beat to get tatted by Bill!!
Well so far ive gotten 3 tattoos here at sids and they've all been great and loved the way they turned out! Bill has done all 3 of them he's a damn good artist. Not to mention cool in a sweet, creepy, Â hilarious sort of way haha this guy will make you laugh guaranteed!
I havent gotten the chance to get work done by SID but i hope to soon. The shop has a smooth relaxing atmosphere and all the guys here are super chill. Most of the work done here is neo traditional style but if you want something more in the black n gray area hit up Rob.
The shop is located in a little plaza area right next to Green Records so keep your eye out for it and be sure to stop by!
I had been wanting to get a bible verse tattooed for my mom for years! I just didn't know where I wanted it and didn't click with the numerous artists I had gone to see. I met Jon through friends at work and instantly adored him; as most do. This was my first big tattoo and everyone warned it would hurt like hell (I chose my ribs). He worked with me several times to get the right font and size and when it came down to it I never felt a thing. I wish I wanted more just to have his beautiful work on me! I highly recommend him for any idea one has because he can do it all!
Review Source:I love Sid's work so much, I got another piece done by him :)
I had wanted a tattoo of a peacock w/ flowers for a while, but was looking for the right inspiration. Finally, in January, I found a painting that was the perfect inspiration for my design. I took it to Sid...he drew something up with my modifications...and now it's a beautiful Classic tattoo of a peacock w/ roses and cala lilies :)
Then, for my bday my man gifted me a Sacred Heart tattoo done by Sid, which I included a photo of.
Sid and the rest of the shop guys are super cool and it's a very clean place.
What I like most about Sid, he's quick!! The tattoo on my neck hurt like no other!! (I have 4 others)...So I was very thankful that he did my Sacred Heart in about under an hour, Â great work! And the healing process is super quick! It barely even flakes like the other ones did.
Of course, as I was sitting in pain getting my piece on my neck...I think, "what can I get next, and where!?? :)
Came back to Sid's about a month ago to get a chest piece from Bill. I'm seriously so happy with how it came out. Considering all I brought him was a picture of the brooch and told him what I wanted it to say, he drew something up that I just fell in love with.
The whole thing took less than 2 hours [and that included me taking a smoke break in between the outline & shading]. And the healing process was easy as pie.
Can't wait to come back and get more work done!
My husband & I had a great experience getting tattooed by artist, miracle worker & Yelp Superstar Bill German.  I appreciated his  honest opinions and saint-like patience when it came to choosing a design. Â
Though it's hard to imagine a family friendly tattoo parlor that still maintains their street cred, Sid's was it. Â When he saw my 7 year old twins, one of the artists offered to switch the very R rated movie that was playing for a CD without cuss words. Â A small act, but I can't say how impressed I was. Â After all, it WAS a tattoo shop- I would have been crazy to expect a G rated environment but I was pleasantly surprised that everyone was so nice and willing to keep it PG for my curious kiddos. Â Considering we got some great ink to go with the awesome atmosphere, I would definitely recommend Sid's if you're in the market for a new piece of art.
Tattoo Party 2009 was a complete success this weekend!
I stopped by with Candice B. and got a new tattoo this past Saturday at Sid's was pretty much in love with the results! I got a 2 traditional Sugar Skulls with some floral around my arm and im amazed every time i look at it!!! Bill German, you do amazing work! and i will definitely be back for more, These guys kick ass!
And Sids is running a special, $60 Sundays. As Candice B. said, the special runs till October 2010 and you get to choose from 7 traditional designs that the artists draw up every weekend!
Well I feel like shit cuz everyone gave good reviews and I'm the only one about to give a bad one. While the place is nicely decorated and homely, I did NOT feel welcome in this place at all! Everyone was rude to me and my husband, all except for Bill. He's the shit. Love him. He tattooed a skull on my foot and initials on the back of my legs. It was pretty expensive though. $80 bux for two letters... Come on! But every single person in there was rude and fucked. Wouldn't recommend. Sorry. I give bill a 5 the place gets a negative 34.
Review Source:I feel like a proud mother, showing off pictures of my newborn child. I show my new tattoo to everyone. It is beautiful. It is exactly what I wanted. Sid listened to my idea, and executed it so much better than I ever could have imagined. I've hung out at the shop before, so it was weird being the one in the chair, having work done on me instead of watching it done on someone else, but I absolutely loved the experience. I love the casual atmosphere of the shop, I love Sid's character, I am amazed at his talent, and it was much less painful than I anticipated.
It's been 4 days and I'm already planning for my next one.
The most incredibly beautiful tattoo art comes out of Sid's, mostly traditional stuff, but the artists all have their individual styles. I recommend this shop to everyone anyway, and now from firsthand experience!
This place is hands-down the best shop for traditional art around.
All the guys are super nice, and the atmosphere is awesome.
Bill tattooed the backs of my legs, and I have a few friends who've had work done by Rob, and everything has come out beautifully.
If you're into great art and great people, this is totally the place to go!
jon started on my shoulder piece last night. Â i figured we wouldn't have time to finish the entire thing so i only brought a couple of pictures. Â he worked so fast (but with such great precision!) that we had plenty of time to finish the entire piece with color, shading, and a background. Â unfortunately i didn't bring everything with me so we couldn't finish. Â he worked quickly through the most painful areas and soothed me when i was obviously in pain. Â and goddamn if that cute smile of his can't wash away any pain. Â hahhaha. Â i am very pleased with my outlines but i cannot wait to finish the whole thing.
Review Source:My tattoo parlor!
I've been tattooed by almost everybody at this shop, including Sid Stankovitz, the owner, Chris Perrin, W.F. German, and Jon (who no longer tattoos here). My leg sleeve has been a team effort here-- the whole shop's involved.
They specialize in traditional style tattoo work-- mostly your Sailor Jerry-type stuff. They kind of have a rockabilly crowd. This is a Christian tattoo shop, as well.
Great guys with a positive attitude, if you're looking for some traditional tattoo work, this is the place to go!
Great tattoo shop, specializes in the Americana traditional... thick lines, lots of shading, and vibrant bold colors...
I had work done once by a guy named Sam... good but not worth writing about.
Had about 13 hours with Sid, very great experience. Â He is great at what he does, it is no wonder that his art is published in the collage of books sitting atop his work station. Â Every piece he has done for me has been designed by him after coming in and talking out the idea, both Rob and Chris do the same and are also amazing.