I got my first tattoo here in 2010 and then my second one a few weeks ago with two friends (a matching tattoo for the three of us). Owen was perfect with the first one and it healed up to be perfect. When I scheduled the second one, I made the appointment with Owen again but that day, he said he would be running late. When we got there, another artist told us he's running later than he thought and told us to come back another 15 minutes later. We went to get coffee and came back to find another artist would be doing our tattoos. We were a little disappointed but it was a very small and simple tattoo so we weren't worried. It turned out alright although some lines weren't very straight and the shapes weren't done perfectly but it was decent enough for the most part. And he gave us $20 off the quoted price we got at the beginning. I would still give this place my business.
Review Source:Okie Dokie....so finally my peacock cover up is finished! WOO HOOO!!!!! Thanks Jake, you did an amazing job and I enjoyed the whole process. I will be back soon to get started on those other cover up ideas we talked about and I will be dragging my fiance in to start on his projects :)
JAKE YOU ROCK! SEE YOU SOON!
and it begins. my mom got a tattoo by swag a few years back and goes on and on about how much she loves her tat and swag was such a cool guy, well i wanted another neck tattoo and said lets try. my mom calls to see if there is an opening[fyi swag was still alive] .my mom is really friendly and was joking with the receptionist. well longer story shorter is. i walk in and stand there for a couple seconds and instead of asking me for help she turns to swag and starts talking shit about a woman on the phone [my mom] not realizing im her son [6'1 250lbs] after i tell them im her son instead of apologizing he started talking more shit bullshit stories that didnt make sense sodollars  i took my business to a different atist . next time check yourself and your busted wife/receptionest before talking shit dirtbaggs
Review Source:So I've now gotten 2 of my 5 tattoos and Tattoo Lounge. The first was with Bill, an anchor with a ribbon around it on my ankle. And then a few days ago I got a lotus/water lilly hybrid on my foot by JAKE! All that I have to say is from now on I have my go-to-tattoo-guy! He was very concerned in making the lotus look realistic and not too "artichoke-like". And after all the rave my friend (who also is a fan) gave about Jake, I just had to check it out! Needless to say, I'm looking forward to my next appointment! :)
Review Source:SOOO heres the rundown...
my very first tattoo I got in San Francisco when I was living there. I was happy with the shop and the artist was cool. When I moved back to LA I had yet to find a great spot and was definitely skeptic of a lot of places...then I came across the great reviews of tattoo lounge! I called today to see if I could get an appt and lucky for me Jason Stores had a free half hour and gladly squeezed me in! When I first walked in the door I was instantly greeted. All the guys were hella cool and you can tell they really get a long, work well together and above all love what they do. I at least had a small convo with all of them! The place was clean which of course is a must and I immediately felt at ease. Jason helped me find what I wanted and it turned out AMAZING! Even though there was a bit of pain I felt so comfortable he was so easy to talk to and not to mention he's definitely a hottie :p Needless to say I am so happy I found this place and Jason! I will DEFINITELY be going back to him!! I am so happy to have found an artist I love and am excited for my next tattoo!
SO GO HEREE!!!!
Jake is the man! Â He did an amazing job, and is a genuinely nice person to spend a few hours with! Â I recently got a tattoo in honor of my nephew's life, and I can't express my gratitude enough.
Check out the tattoo in my profile photo. Â I signed up for yelp just to give thanks to this man.
Today was my fourth visit to the Tattoo Lounge and my fourth session with Jake. Â And by 4, I mean 4 fairly big pieces on prime real estate on my body ( chest, stomach, shoulder, forearm.) I get constant compliments on all of my pieces that Jake has done. Â His work is clean, it doesn't fade, heals well, and honestly, he's a pleasure to be around.
 Everyone that works in the shop is really cool, always complimenting each other on works they have done, and completely zero attitude.  It makes it very nice to go there and be in pain for awhile.
 I will continue to go here as long as jake works out of this shop.  His prices are reasonable, he works fast, and his work is amazing.  Go check him out.
I've already reviewed the tattoos jake has done for me, but since bikini season has begun - and my tattoo is in full view, I had to re-review Jake once again... I've gotten at least 9 comments on my COVER tattoo that jake did on my hip. That's all within the span of two days! So good, you can't even tell it's a cover... and the strategic shading and design are so perfect together.
Jake, I'll see you over summer for my next one!
Got my first tattoo today at Tattoo Lounge w/ Jake. Great experience! The place is clean and not over the top, everyone there was super nice, I got a tattoo that I love, the price was REALLY good (though what i got was small), and it didn't hurt nearly as much as i thought a tattoo would! Definitely recommend this place.
Review Source:After my last visit to a tattoo parlor, I was skeptical of going to another place. It took me over a year (from going to American Electric) to go see someone to fix my tattoo. OK, so maybe half of the reason was because of laziness, but the other half was because I didn't want to go through the same thing again. Â (Talk about making someone feel like they didn't belong- don't get me started).
Anyway, I turned to Yelp again and found this place and I'm glad that I did!!! Â
I called ahead of time and spoke to Jake, who told me he had a cancellation so that I could come in. Â
As soon as I enter the store, all the employees greeted me with a smile and a hello (already different from AE). Â Then Jake came over to greet me and asked me what I wanted. Â I showed him my tattoo and told him how I wanted it fixed. Â I didn't have a specific idea in mind, just that I wanted add some shading to it. Â He quickly sketched out my design and also gave me options on what I can do. Â He also suggested using 3 to 4 different shades of colors. Â I didn't even consider that because AE seemed annoyed when I asked for 3 different colors. Â
He finished in about 15 minutes and even went the extra mile to make sure I was happy with my tattoo. Â He told me he would fix it if I wanted to change something I didn't like. Â He was very friendly, professional, and didn't make me feel like an outsider. I already recommended this place to 4 friends who were looking for a tattoo parlor.
The store is spacious, clean and organized. Â Plenty of street parking in front.
I'm cured! Â Hahaha. Â If I ever decide to get another tattoo, this will be my go-to. Â Thanks, Jake.
Love Bill Beccio! I have plenty (that would be 10+) tattoos out of which 4, so far, Â are from Bill. He actually has tattooed my dad, sis, and husband too. He has done a traditional style, a silly cartoon drawing, some beautiful realistic birds on my back, and some confetti like shapes around my other tattoos. I hope I'm not forgetting any....
I can tell you that he has the best hand of any artist that I see (what I mean is his work is always the quickest and the least painful - he has a really good touch with the needle).
He's super cool and easy going and will tell you like it is. Go see him, you'll be really happy that you did and most likely scheduling time for your next one before you leave.
He rules.
JAKE !!!
Jake is amazing. The real deal.
Not only is he talented, but you can tell he loves what he does and cares about his customers. Youre not gonna get that elitist tattoo shop vibe from Jake, he's going to make sure youre comfortable and he's going to give you a great piece of art to keep forever.
Also, he's done some mind blowing cover ups in case you need some personal re-beautification.
DONT FORGET TO TIP YOUR TATTOO ARTIST AND TIP WELL!
r.i.p. swag!!
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yovenice.com%2F2012%2F12%2F04%2Fpaddle-out-for-john-swag-knowles-on-december-9th%2F&s=46f0971bf981693c60472e6e464519f9b58db8f2eaf39ff1b2fa343cacb8532c" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.yovenice.com/…</a>
Though i dont have any tattoos I know friends that do from Swag and he is HIGHLY respected in the tattoo world. Â So sorry to hear of his passing. Â He was a HUGE Star Wars geek so ...... Swag, may the force be with you!!!!
I really did my homework before getting my first tattoo. Â When I do something new that scares me just a bit, I like to have as much information as possible. Â I checked Yelp, asked around and finally e-mailed three or four tattoo shops that I was interested in. Right from the start, Tattoo Lounge was the best. Â Patti e-mailed me back right away and asked for a couple days to set me up with the right artist even though the design I wanted was a simple line around my ankle. Â Every other place said "yeah, just come on in". Â Two days later, she set me up with Bill, who also e-mailed immediately to set up a consultation. Â He was thorough and patient, answered all of my questions and made some suggestions about placement, etc. that were really helpful. Â My experience on the day was fantastic. Â The shop is clean and comfortable. Â Bill has a great touch- it didn't hurt much at all, it was over before I knew it, and my tattoo looks great! Â I just got back from Thanksgiving with my whole family, and everyone loved it. Â Even my dad, who wasn't thrilled by the idea of his daughter getting inked, thinks it's really nice. Â Thanks Bill and Patti for a great experience!
Review Source:JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE JAKE!!!!!!!!!
I've gotten two tattoos here. One "Om" by Bill, which was simple and clean. And a very dificult cover up tattoo, which Jake did with ease. First of all, he has an awesome personality. He's so laid back and thoughtful, and he makes you feel comfortable the whole time. You can also tell he truly LOVES what he does. He pours his heart and mind into the tattoo.
I had a horrible tattoo done when I was 15, which left insane scar tissue - and was just plain ugly. Jake fixed that. He worked with my idea, and created something even more beautiful than I had in mind.
I can't upload pics here, but I'm uploading them on a tinypic link to show you!
TRUST ME. JAKE IS AMAZING AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
before pic: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi45.tinypic.com%2F5xvfhy.jpg&s=74a55a34654c8821a341651f2f7222e03fe33095027a8178f5f434d7bc96c1e9" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://i45.tinypic.com/5…</a>
after pic: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.tinypic.com%2F5e7k8y.jpg&s=af6ed2b9e588616b382c2d6dfe65a3aa4be6804d7010066694a272aacdca43a7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://i50.tinypic.com/5…</a>
Jake's rad. Â Continuing a piece on my leg that was started by another tattoo artist. Â Went in yesterday for the first sesh. Â After 2 hours had to say uncle & finish the tattoo in a couple weeks. Â So far it looks fantastic. Â Jake is super detail oriented, wants to make sure you get exactly what you want & will work with you on the price. Â Rad. Â The place has a nice laid back vibe, owner Patty is super nice and overall the tattoo lounge was a great experience all around. Â Will post a pic when complete.
Review Source:I just got my first tattoo at Tattoo Lounge and I had a fantastic experience. Â Jake is amazing. Â I got an Om symbol on my right arm with the mantra Om Namah Shivaya written below it in Sanskrit letters. Â It looks great -- the detail of the Sanskrit letters is amazing. Â I'm so happy. Â Jake was very helpful in helping me figure out where exactly it would look best on my arm and what size the Om and letters should be. Â He is so easy to talk to -- as was John, who also works there. Â It was just an overall great experience. Â Fun, entertaining, lots of laughs. Â I was pleasantly surprised by the price tag at the end. Â I would highly recommend the Tattoo Lounge, particularly Jake, to anyone. Â As for me, I plan on going back soon for my next tattoo. Â It was one of the best Sunday afternoons I've spent in a long time!!
Review Source:Swag was the best! Â I had some writing on my foot that another "artist" did for me and he put two of the words to close together... Any way Swag took all my ideas and put them in to one small beautiful fantastic tattoo..... I love it. Â
The key to everything is to be stronger! Â Check out the pic I posted of my before and after shot on my foot. Â AMAZING WORK SWAG! and best of all he was quick because the foot hurts like hell!
I will be back for more work for sure and tell all my friends to go to the Tattoo Lounge
I wish Yelp allowed me to upload photos of the tattoos Jake Cavaliere, at Tattoo Lounge, has done for me, because the quality of his work speaks for itself. Â To date, Jake has completed a half-sleeve on my left arm, tattoos on both of my feet, and the first piece of a second half-sleeve on my right arm. Â It is clear, then, that I am a loyal devotee of both Tattoo Lounge, in general, and Jake Cavaliere, in particular. Â
I initially walked into Tattoo Lounge wanting a single, traditional Sailor Jerry-inspired piece on my left arm. Â Bill Beccio did a great swallow, surrounded by clouds, and that was that. Â The itch to add on to that piece led me back to the Lounge a while later, and I was scheduled, this time, with Jake. Â We discussed options for what I had decided was to become a Sailor Jerry half-sleeve, and after choosing a pin-up girl, we were off. Â The whole thing was completed in about two months, and I could not be happier with the work Jake did, both during and after.
The beautiful thing about Jake is the absolute passion he has for tattoos and tattooing. Â It's pretty amazing when your artist is as excited to tattoo you as you are to be tattooed. Â His attention to detail is impeccable, as evidenced by the finished product, and his "bedside" manner is to be commended, as well. Â Because of the collaborative experience Jake inspires, you never feel intimidated out of making suggestions, or asking for breaks, or letting him know if you're uncomfortable. Â The last of which you'll likely need not do, because Mr. Cavaliere is always asking whether or not you're feeling okay, or whether anything needs be done to make you more comfortable. Â
The ease with which Jake conducts himself around the gun and and client fits right in at Tattoo Lounge. Â Everyone is nice and easy-going, and always accommodating. Â The prices are more than reasonable, and even if they weren't, the experience would be worth it. Â
If you're thinking about getting your first tattoo, or if you're looking for something new, you couldn't pick a better shop. Â Which is good, because after you see the work, you'll almost certainly be spending more time there in the future.
Jake gave me my 1st tattoo yesterday and I am so thrilled. Â I walked in having not made an appointment and he was able to take me right away (no turning back for me). Â It was exactly what I wanted, the right size, color, etc. He was so patient knowing this was my first one. Â I found Tattoo Lounge on Yelp with raving reviews. Â I am so excited and can't wait to show it off. Â He's awesome so if you're in the market, go to Jake.
Review Source:Jake is awesome!! Â I called to make an appointment for two tattoos, and Patti got me in for the next day. Â After telling her what I wanted done, she scheduled me with Jake. Â Aside from being friendly and easy to talk to, he was very thorough and would periodically ask me how I was doing. Â He did a fantastic job - I couldn't be happier. Â On top of all that, the cost was way less than what I was expecting. Â I will definitely go here again.
I had decided to go to the Tattoo Lounge because I had narrowed it down from a list of the top tattoo shops in LA. Â I can see why it's on that list - these guys are very talented. Â You won't be disappointed!
It's only been a few days and I've already gotten several compliments on Jake's work.
Thank you, Jake!!! Â :)
I'm pretty sure this place does not need yet another glowing review. However, I need to put my 2 cents in. I've been getting my tats done by Swag for 10 years. I followed him from Venice to this shop when he opened it. Best tattoos, great conversation while getting tattooed, and the quality the best in town. The front desk is run by Patti. She's awesome. Prices are reasonable considering it's a tattoo and the tattoos I've gotten are always beyond my greatest expectations. Go here. Go now. None other will compare.
Review Source:My friend and I were looking for a tattoo place to get our first tattoos done. We stumbled here because we were in the area and saw that this place got really good reviews. I am so glad that we did!
My artist was Jason and seriously this guy is legit. I was able to see some of his work and all his projects are amazing. So I set up an appointment to get a portrait of my grandfather done on my right arm.
Long story short, I'm am 110% satisfied and will definitely come here again.
I never write reviews on anything but this place definitely deserves a shout out. Besides the great works, the staff is super friendly and welcoming. Thanks again Jason!
Looking for that special place to permanently rend your boyfriend's name onto flesh?  Maybe getting some surely unregrettable ass antlers because daddy didn't love you enough as a child?  How about that  Pokemon/Naruto tattoo you know will surely stand the test of time and definitely not make you look lame 5-10 years from now?
But seriously though all kidding aside, this place is the shit.
Bill Beccio is the man. Â Came in as a walk-in a week ago with just a picture of my shishi/fu lion tattoo and he was able to re-sketch it into something awesome. Â I liked the first one so much, I commissioned him to draw another one. Â Bill was quick on responding to e-mails and he sent me a sketch and scheduled me an appointment the following Saturday. Â Seriously though, while his outlining is great, Bill's forte and genius really comes through with the shading. Â The sketches he sent me seemed fairly plain, but the finished products are just god-like. Â
The price is incredibly reasonable too. Â Other places were quoting me like $600 for each shoulder tattoo that covered the majority of my bicep. Â Bill did each one for $250, though I tipped heavily afterwards.
Overall, A+++ job, would buy again, would have this guy's back in a knife-fight, power-seller ebay ftw.
TL;DR: Â If any place is going to stick me full of tiny needles repeatedly for hours, this would be the only place I would go.
Have had three tattoos done from this shop in the last 3 years. I was a walk in years ago and Owen was the artist who did two of my favorite tattoos that I constantly get compliments on. I was very impressed when he went free hand on half of my hand tattoo. Was feeling rather spontaneous last night and had Jake do something small for me. Which since it was one my wrist, he did it upside down. Again, impressed. I love all my ink I have gotten from the various artists at this shop. A dear friend had recommended Swag's shop a long time ago and I am glad I listened. Have another appointment with John in 2 days for some serious color. If you can't stay loyal to an artist, atleast stay loyal to a shop. For me, its Tattoo Lounge.
Review Source:Went here for my third tattoo. Holy WOW. I am completely stoked. I spent over a year looking for a tattoo artist who treated ink like a painting on canvas. At long last, I found Bugs over at Tattoo Lounge.
We're halfway through a piece covering my entire inner forearm. It's not even done and everyone who sees it really loves it. I keep hearing "Whoa... it looks like someone has sketched on you" and "How did he even get those colors?"
A friend of mine got her first tattoo here and it also came out spectacular. I can't remember who did it but the line work is really spectacular.
No matter what you are looking for, Tattoo Lounge WILL have an artist who specializes in it!
I got two of my tattoos here because after the first one I could not get enough. Jake is the tattoo artist I went to and he's AMAZING! Super nice, thoughtful, and quite patient when I could not decide on a font. I'm definitely a fan of this shop and I will definitely return for all my other tattoos. Thanks Jake!! :)
Review Source:Great tattoo shop! very simple and filled with many artists with different specialties!
My artist, Owen, is at the moment the only spanish speaking person, you'll spot him if he's there! His specialty is japanese art, good shyt. The work he's done on me, all 10 tats, nothing to do with his specialty, yet he manages to kick a s s! I'm always satisfied, he works pretty quick but also very damn good! When I don't know how I should have my ink done, he always sketches up something as an idea he might have for it, always love it!
Best to walk in and speak to him or any of the available artists, usually they're busy and don't pick up the phone, leave a message and they might call you back later.
One shop yes, but each artists works for himself so forms of payment change
from artist to artist! Some do accept cards, others just cash like Owen. Don't assume
and find out! This line of work also appreciate some sort of "tip" and is always acceptable to reward that, for a job well done! Trust me do it and you'll be rewarded back, somehow! If you're a returning customer!
Much love to the Tattoo  Lounge!
I went in today just to discuss my idea. Â I've been wanting this particular tattoo for over 6 years, but didn't quite know how to do it. Â I brought in internet pictures of a brooch and a crumbled up piece of paper with my doodling. Â
We were there right as they opened. Â Jake was amazing. Â He took my drawing, my pictures, we did some googling, and he drew out exactly how I pictured it in my mind. Â And then I just went ahead and got it done today. Â Jake did an amazing job. Â I can not express enough how pleased I am with my tattoo. Â And the price was so reasonable.
I also want to agree with everyone here about the "vibe". Â This place is great- fun tunes, good people, good conversation, and just all around a really good time. Â
THANKS AGAIN JAKE!
Getting a tattoo is not to be trifled with.
I've always contemplated getting some badass, cryptic message in some pompous foreign language, but chances are it'll probably actually say, this girl is a douche. or something along those lines.
point is-- it should not be a drunken, spur of the moment decision. it should be thought through, it should mean something to YOU, not to the general public, because they will judge, whether you accept that or not.
I made an appointment here, (so i couldn't chicken out) in the morning. It was nice and peaceful, the only thing that wasn't was me. First tattoos are not to be trifled with. It's the deciding factor on whether or not if the person will get more in the future, or if the experience will scar them forever. (ie. drunken tattooing, etc). This was as smooth as something like this could go.
But i was very prepared. I had looked up an exact font that I wanted, printed out the exact word, and cut it out, so that they could make a copy of it on my wrist and tattoo it directly on there. It seems the best would be to visit the tattoo lounge first, exchange a few words with your desired artist, and look around to see your options.
Tattoo Lounge has my complete trust. In fact, a new tattoo is brewing in my noggin already...
The artist are so chill here and talented. My brother started coming here to get his sleeve started and i loved the detail that was being put into it so i started a chest piece here with Jason. Gave him a pic of an golden eagle i wanted( actually my profile pic, huge about 19' x 9"), he gave me his honest opinion about detail and black and Grey or color. He was stoked to start so i made an appointment and its coming together nicely. he shades with detail so no hard thick lines, over this is where i will return for more work.
The shop is clean and relaxing, everything used is sterile. they have music playing along with interesting convos to jump into also a flatscreen and comfy couches to wait on.
detailed artwork covers the walls along the overall shops enviorment is great.
I decided to get a tattoo for my 30+ bday and I did all my research & ended up at The Tattoo Lounge. John was above & beyond amazing and SO patient with me since this was a first time thing for me. The design was perfect and he was a super cool guy.....actually everyone that works there is awesome! 2 thumbs up.
Review Source:Last weekend, I was in LA to visit some friends for their birthdays. When they said they had an appointment to get tattoos they said I could've just waited at their place but I decided why not just come along and watch?
When the first of my friends got her tattoo "Remember to Breathe" on her ribs, I really liked Swag's penmanship, and it really got me to start thinking about the tattoo I've been considering for years. After much debate while my other friend was still getting his done, once Swag finished with his customer after my friend, I simply said "Are you free? Can you write me up?"
I personally love the work he did. Mine only has a simple word, "Everchanging", on my forearm but I really admire his penmanship and the personally meaning of it means a lot. The cool thing is that they charge by the hour and since mine only took twenty minutes, they charged me the minimum at $60! The price was another thing that finally swayed me to do it.
In addition to those obvious pluses already mentioned, these people are genuinely good people. They are really chill and funny, and their customers are really laid back too. They are really good at making you feel comfortable in your shop. I'm seriously already considering another piece to be done, and if I end up finding my way back here, I might end up getting it without planning.
After looking for the better part of 6 months for a new artist, I was referred by 2 people to Jason Stores at Tattoo Lounge.
I could not be any happier. The shop itself it far and away the most relaxed and un-intimidating environment of any I had visited shopping around. Clean, warm, bright, and very welcoming. This can't be understated as the vast majority of tattoo shops have an off-putting, too-cool-for-you vibe.
Jason is a total professional. He was on time and more than prepared for our appointment. His work is top notch. Black work that is just terrific.
I had an unusual idea for my tattoo and he came through in spades with an exceptional interpretation based on my idea. Dude knows the craft and is totally without ego. His prices are unbelievably great for the level of craftsmanship.
I can't think of a single negative thing to say about my experience. I would not hesitate to return and refer anyone I know to go and see him.
For the past 7 years I had an idea of a tattoo that I wanted. Just something small on the inside of my left wrist. I always wanted this particular tattoo to be my first (possibly only tattoo). For the past year or so, I had a drawing of the tattoo & I'd carried it around always folded up in my purse.
Last Saturday I finally got it done. I must say I am loving my new tattoo...
I was able to walk in & get it done which was nice...because had I made an appointment I might have chickened out.
The location also had a very homey feel to it. Everyone was super friendly.
I went to this place after having got my first tat done at one of the House of Inks in Venice and wow, what a difference. Â Soon as I walked in they were very welcoming and helpful, and they quoted me way lower than I expected (that's what I get for using House of Ink I guess). Â They informed me they would've done my original tat for less than half of what I paid too!
Anyways, as for my actual tattoo, John was great. Â Rather than fill in the existing one as I had suggested, he expanded on the original one in a very creative way. Â Once the ink sets in you won't even be able to tell they were separate jobs. Â The location also had a very homey feel to it, everyone was super friendly, some locals just hanging out, etc. Â Highly recommended!!
I am not completely done with my tattoo sessions yet, but I just can't wait to share my experience. Â Swag (John) is beyond awesome!
Before we got started, I had virgin skin. Â This is my first tattoo and to say that I was scared was a SUPER understatement. Â But I'm turning 30 and wanted to find the best possible artist to break my fear before turning 30. Â I contacted Swag back several months and went to meet him to discuss my ideas and give him pictures. Â He asked the right questions and ensured me that he could create what I was thinking of. Â My tattoo is of bougainvillea - not common artwork. Â I was surprised that he did his own research on the flower and didn't just depend on the pictures I gave him. Â He really cares about the quality of his work.
Swag sent me a draft of the tattoo when he was ready and I was BEYOND excited. Â It was perfect and we scheduled my appointment. Â Swag has always been super responsive to emails and ALWAYS beyond friendly. Â I think he understood the fear that I had and I could tell that he was never annoyed with my many questions (or he hid it well).
Even now, after my first session, I am still emailing him asking questions and he's super quick to answer and calm my nerves. Â The actual process of getting the tattoo was beyond ideal. Â I was scared, but once he got started, I relaxed. Â Not only is he gentle, relaxed and chatty with me, but he's knowledgeable and told me a lot of great info about tattoo'ing. Â Plus he's hilarious! Â He kept me laughing. Â I could not have imagined a more relaxed tattoo session. Â The pain was completely tolerable and not frightening at all.
Swag and his wife and the others in the Lounge were all very welcoming and clean. Â In fact, when I came in for my tattoo, they were waxing the floors - 5 coats... The whole place is immaculately clean and simple. Â There's no ugly annoying artwork on the walls and no flashy autographs all over the place. Â They don't need it. Â The guys that tattoo here sell the place with their talent and professionalism. Â
I ADORE Swag and can't wait for my second session in two weeks! Â My tattoo ROCKS - it's beautiful, colorful and has been very little pain and maintenance. Â I am getting comments several times a day at how talented my artist must be because my tattoo is unique, beautiful and healing quite nicely!
I'll post pictures when it's all done because it's probably the best tattoo ever (to me at least). Â Thanks for your talent Swag!!!!
John is awesome! Â I researched a bit and went into Tattoo Lounge with an idea and met John. Â He listened to everything I said and started to show me examples and books and started to sketch. Â I felt completely comfortable with him and trusted him right away. Â He took the time to put together his vision with all the elements I voiced. Â I gave my friends my car keys and said, "Just leave me and come back later - I'm gonna do it now!" Â It was great and I was very lucky and grateful to get the time from John as a walk-in to get my ink done. Â He was very courteous, professional, artistic and kind. Â I was really impressed and felt that everything was totally right and I was so happy that I was able to get my work done that day (yesterday) without an appointment. Â
He did excellent work and I'm so very very pleased with the experience as well as the outcome on something permanent that I plan to cherish for the rest of my life. Â The whole personnel at Tattoo Lounge was great and the setting was comfortable, fun and professional. Â I met a few of the other clients during my time and they were all just as nice and cool as the staff. Â
John did an amazing job, took his time, did everything perfectly and we also had great conversation. Â You could tell how happy all the other customers were with their work done by the other artists as well. Â I plan to go back to get more work done by John... Can only give my highest recommendations!
I can't say enough about The Tattoo Lounge! I refer everyone I meet, who asks about my tattoos, to the shop. I met the amazing Tattoo Lounge family in 2007 and wouldn't take my business elsewhere. John, Swag and Patti have become great friends of mine and I am so blessed to have them in my life.
My artist, John Saletra is pretty much a tattoo genius and my (almost) completely covered legs are proof of that. Jason and Owen are super sweet and all of the work I've seen them do is amazing! If you're looking for an unpretentious, unique and comfortable place to get a tattoo, The Tattoo Lounge is the place to go. All of the artists in the shop have their own style and are willing to work with their clients to create a unique piece. Check them out, go in and look at their portfolios! Everyone in the shop is super nice and accommodating.
I have never been a big fan of tattoos. Â In fact, I don't have one tattoo on my body, but my husband? Â Well...he's the one that's got 'em and ever since he started getting them from Tattoo Lounge, I'm slowly starting to sway to really loving tattoos.
This unassuming shop hidden next to a thrift shop and a barber shop is a GREAT place. Â The hubby did a TON OF RESEARCH to find the right guy and the right shop and he found it at the Tattoo Lounge.
First and foremost it's a clean shop. Â For someone like me already "afraid" of tattoos, I wanted to make sure it was done by an artist and shop that had its sh*t together and they do.
Second, they aren't pretentious sons of b*tches. Â Instead, you walk in, you wait, you look over some amazing portfolios and you set up a time do get your tattoo done. Â They don't have a wall of lame arse tattoos that you pick by number.
Third, Jason is AMAZING.  The hubby has been working with him for three of his tattoos.  Hubby got  a sock -  Dia de los Muertos style (in which many people have actually stopped him to ask him about it or take a picture of it).  He also got cursive text on his inside bicep.  And most recently he got the beginnings of a half sleeve of a dragon.  All of this has been done by Jason.  Jason's range of work is fantastic.  His professionalism is spot on.  And on top of that, he's just a great guy - easy to talk to considering you can be sitting hours at a chair.  AND he's nice to the wifeys - that's me.  I've sat for all of the hubby's sitting - on their comfy couches and have brought my laptop for the free wi-fi that's offered by Mar Vista.  And I've adventured around too because Sunday's are farmer's markets days and within minutes you've got great places to eat like Curious Palate and Lemonade.
Thanks Tattoo Lounge and THANKS JASON for providing great art for my hubby and making me have a new respect for tattoos, tattoo shops and tattoo artists.
I'll upload pics of the husband's tattoos later, but in the meantime, you can checkout Jason's work at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.subvertla.com&s=ddf6c7e7110938b7be679014d453ec621e2d6a3de2a70de1cd5d9a96e9830f4a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.subvertla.com</a>.
Well now that my sleeve is close to complete I feel compelled to write an update. Obviously I'm still a freaking fan! I've let Swag tattoo 85% of my arm at this point and it's coming along nicely. I could not be more happy with the results so far. Each time I leave I'm smiling even bigger and just can't wait for my next appointment. It hurts so good! Hahaha
Once my sleeve is complete I'm going to feel so lost! I'm so happy about the relationship Swag and I have built. He and Patty are such awesome people!
GREAT PLACE!!! I was a walk in. Thankfully they had time!! They normally suggest an appointment. They accept credit, but tips CAN'T be left on the card. There is an ATM across the street at the liquor store.
I went in with an idea. They really helped develop a great tattoo that is completely one of a kind and exceeded my imagination and expectations. Reasonable pricing as well.
Will ABSOLUTELY come back!
This place is the bomb! I got tattooed by Jason yesterday and it came out amazing. When I went in to meet him a week before he was really cool to talk to and explained to me what it would take to do the work that I wanted. He fit me in for an appointment the following week.
When I came in for my appointment he had print outs of the flowers I had named to him and talked about why he chose the picture he chose. He was extremely thorough. He was also really easy to talk to  and not pretentious like some artists are which is great b/c I sat for about 1.5hrs. and he knew exactly when to stop talking (as the pain got worst) which shows he knows what he's doing. Jason's an amazing artist and his technique is somehow really gentle. He got the detail of my tattoo really well and I was pleasantly surprised. I'll definitely be back for more work!
FYI: parking is metered and deposits are cash only
Its been a lot of years since I sat in The Chair, but after I did my due diligence, Tattoo Lounge seemed a good place to end the The Inkless Years. It is no accident that they have 14 reviews and FIVE STARS. Patty was a sweetheart and Bill is an effing ink ninja. I went on a Saturday night and the place was so chill I could have slept through it, had I wanted to. The tattoo looks better than I ever let myself hope for. So, um, yeah, I'll be going back...and back...and back...and back...
See you there!
SWAG is a god, the only person allowed to touch me in 7 years when it comes to getting tats..when I lived in New Jersey, I would fly out to get inked from him.
Patty (swags old lady) is also fantastic...the nicest most endearing people I know..over the years i've had the luxury of calling them friends and I hope that for years to come I can still do that.
He's gentle, he's precise...and most important...he's super talented. Some of the work I have he did free hand and you'd SWEAR he had a template. that's how good this guy is.
AND..he keeps you entertained while he is working, which I think is part of his process. Keep them preoccupied so they don't squirm or feel the needle...
well it works. My old lady got all three of her tats from Swag and never felt any pain and two of them are huge (one goes down her entire side).
Swag and Tattoo Lounge are the only place I tell my friends to go..I am in San Francisco now and I still only go down to him and only him for my tats.
they are clean, they are polite and they have a very talented crew on site as well...there is no better guys PERIOD...trust me on this...I've got 11 tats and all but one was done by swag...and that was before I met him.
I came from France to get tattooed there. Jason did my first tattoo (a black & white script tattoo). He rocks: he does great art work and he is a really nice guy. He took the time to talk about my ideas and the result was stunning! The place itself is nice and very clean. I had an awesome time!
Review Source:I got my 2nd tattoo here and love it! Â I was searching everywhere and for months for someone who can do amazing cherry blossoms. Â I had been in tattoo lounge months before I got and remembering seeing some in Swag's book. Â Well back in January, I decided to go check them out again and just happened that Swag was there and had an opening for a walk in, which is amazing since I heard there is usually a wait of a few weeks to months to get one! Â He drew it out on my back, going around some writing I had previously. Â He did it in color pens so I could really see how it would turn out, and literally an hour later it was done and it's about 6 inches. Â They look more realistic but still have a classic look to them, he used different pinks, purples, and greens.
My boyfriend has also had touch up work and his hands done here by Shawn and they did an awesome job too. Â Nice tattoo shop, clean, cool art, and the owner and her husband, Swag are really nice and funny. Â I totally recommend it!
Everyone take note: the days of picking your butterfly/heart/rose off a wall are over. Â Tattoo Lounge subscribes to this and you really shouldn't go anywhere that doesn't - you don't need to pick a lifetime mate in twenty minutes. Â This is something you should really think about. Â
I got my first tattoo elsewhere - ironically at the Tattoo Asylum but not by Swag - and then a friend recommended John. Â And then she told other friends. Â And then I told my other friends. Â And everyone that asks me about my tattoos, I send them to John too. Â And now everyone I know goes to John. Â I even took my mom to John! Â She's conservative but I talked her into the mother/daughter bonding experience. Â I knew John would make her feel comfortable. Â And she's been totally fine with me getting other tattoos since - I think removing the stereotype that was no doubt in her mind of me in some crazy biker dude half nude scenario went a long ways. Â
John is fun and he's very respectful. Â He takes his customer's personality into account when he works on them and does a good job of being gentle. Â He also manages to make me feel comfortable while he is adjusting my Christmas-theme panties (I thought funny undies would neutralize the situation) to tattoo my hip. Â And I am not a hip-baring kind of gal. Â
Another REALLY great thing about John is that he will not just tattoo anything on anyone, which makes him genuine. Â He takes into account people's lifestyles and personalities and appearances. Â My friend wanted a big chest piece but he talked her out of it b/c he said it would take away her femininity and that if she were to decide to do that it should be farther along in her tattoo-getting span. Â Plenty of other places to tattoo! Â
He seems genuinely excited when I come in with a big plan. Sometimes I go in there with things that are so far outside of what he usually does and he just knocks it out of the park. Â I know everyone loves their own tattoos but I really think I have the best tattoos ever. Â And though noone else there has tattooed me, the environment is really fun, loose, kick back. Â Stand up dudes here.
I see John is a very popular guy in the reviews :) and rightfully so! He custom designed my tattoo almost 3 years ago and it's still holding up nicely. John was recommended to me by my other favorite artist Jason Sweet (who unfortunately moved again :( ) When I came to see him I told him what I had in mind (which was a geisha with specific details) he paid close attention and then told me that he'd have something ready for me the following week. The following week I came back and he had done his magic. He had a beautiful rendering of what my Geisha would look like. Â Three years later as I said before, my Geisha looks great, and I always get complimented for her. John is very detailed and you can see that in his work. Â He takes his time, checks up on you as he's working, he is very pleasant, is not cocky as other artists are, very laid back; he makes you feel at ease which is a big deal when you're getting stamped for life :)
I'm ready for another piece so I'll be booking my appointment with John again soon :)
Yay for tattoos! I got my first one done here based on some great reviews and I was not disappointed! I am a total scaredy-cat when it comes to pain but everyone was so nice and welcoming...so not what I expected from a tattoo parlor in LA. Shaun was great and was careful enough to take his time and explain the level of pain I would feel, etc...I got really simple work done which looks great.
Environment is very clean; there is a parking lot in the back that you can park in if there are spaces available. Really reasonably priced work too. If I ever get another tattoo, I will definitely go back to Tattoo Lounge. =)
My fiance and I came here for his birthday tattoo--his first one ever! John quoted us a fairly reasonable price, took his newbie status into consideration and behaved accordingly. He told my fiance what to expect in terms of pain and was never condescending the way some tattooers tend to be with "first timers." John took care to ensure that the tattoo was perfectly symmetrical and the end result was very clean and exactly what my fiance asked for.
I am accustomed to getting tattooed in some privacy so I must admit I was a bit put off by seeing clients being tattooed in plain sight of one another; this may not be an ideal situation for the self-conscious. Although my fiance's tattoo was in a "normal" area (his back), he did have to remove his shirt for all to see.
On a somewhat random note, please don't come to this (or any other tattoo establishment) with only the most vague idea of what you want and expect to be taken seriously. The artists all had a bit of a chuckle at the expense of a guy that walked in here and only had a theme in mind and requested that the artist take creative license and do it "free hand." If you don't really know what you want, you're not likely to be happy with the outcome.
No one in LA does tattoos like Bugs. I took him some inspiration pictures and described what I was going after and he did an amazing job transforming it. He worked really fast and didn't force me to chit chat which I really appreciated. :)
The shop was really clean and Swag and Patty were funny and the whole place had a great vibe.
I got my first tattoo from Swag 13 yrs ago! I am now boasting 8 and shooting for my 9th! My family came to visit from the east coast he gave my mom her 1st (few) tat's at age 55 and my brothers 1st two at age 35!! His wife, My best friend from high school came out one year and Swag inked her up 2  I get SO many compliments on his work  His hands are magical!!
Review Source:I took my sister here for her birthday last night. She needed to get a tattoo covered up that she got when she was 14. I think Shawn was the artists name. He gave her a tight sailor star, black and red, which covered a cursive T she had on her ankle. I have always called it her broken vein. Anywayz...they were fast, clean and pretty affordable. He charged $70, cash, for a star that was about 1.5" on her ankle and took all of 20 minutes to do. The good news is that her jail house T is gone and she has some classic, clean art to sport.
Review Source:My best friend and I got tattoos by Owen and he was AWESOME! The place was clean, Swag and Patty were super nice and our tattoos came out so perfect! We walked right in and got them done. Our design was not complicated so only took a few minutes to get them done and we were both SO pleased! We highly recommend this tattoo shop to anyone wanting to beautify themselves with body art!
Dori & Valerie
If you are looking for the finest tattoo artists in town, Tattoo Lounge is the spot for you.  New owner, Swag and his lovely wife Patti took over the Mar Vista location earlier this year and have made the place a cool shop to get  tatts done.  Everyone who works here is very talented and nice- Buggs does amazing Picasso-like abstracts and John works up beautiful Asian inspired fantasies.
Review Source:Swag finally owns his own shop on Venice Blvd!!!!!! Â I had gone to Tattoo Asylum on Windward a few times and saw Swag doing amazing work on other people. Â I always intended to have him work on me one day. Â I finally had the time and money and an idea for a tattoo and I went to find Swag and he was gone....but I found him and he is now the proud (and BUSY) owner of Tabu Tattoo. Â This man will rock your socks off. Â He has done incredible detailed work on both myself and on my ex fiance and we are both so proud of our pieces. Â People compliment us all the time. Â The other guys at this shop do some very interesting and beautiful stuff as well. Â If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, this is the place. Â It's clean and safe, the artists are talented, and it's very comfortable (I went in after hours and didn't feel awkward at all).
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