i had done my research before coming to this place. i wanted to cover up a tattoo i had done about 15 yrs ago. i was always nervous since this was not just a tattoo but a cover up. and let me tell you i couldn't be happier. i had my cover up done by Pon. you cant even see that i had a tattoo there before. he was great and super friendly. the tattoo shop is very clean and professional. i would definitely refer them to my friends. thanks!
Review Source:Jamie gave me my first-ever tattoo. I called to see if I could come in and get some ink done and left with my whole upper-right arm covered the same day. I brought in a basic outline of what I wanted and Jamie re-drew it and made a lot of improvisations--very knowledgeable when it comes to tattooing. Top Shelf has very professional and accommodating artists who can hold a good conversation with you for hours. My tattoo took roughly four hours to complete, and throughout the whole session, Jamie asked every now-and-then how I was feeling, being that it was my first time getting inked up. The reason why Top Shelf doesn't get a perfect five stars is because they are a little pricey.
Review Source:This is a nice clean shop in bayside. In terms of type of tattoo I think this may be a better place to go if your looking for a traditional tattoo. Very dark, sharp lines, and great work. I got a great tattoo from one of the tattooers here, however its alot darker and in your face than I had wanted. So if your looking to come here, definitely check the artists work out before hand and make sure its the style your looking for. Because once its done you cant combine artsy to a traditional piece.
Review Source:After years of designing and redesigning my first tattoo and visiting different shops in the tri-state area with no result, I was surprised to find the perfect tattoo at Top Shelf.
The staff was courteous, helpful, and most importantly really laid back, which was actually the deciding factor for me (I personally hate pushy tattoo shops that just want to slap a tattoo on you for the sake of making money, I don't care how good your work is). Looked through a few books and explained what I wanted, my tattoo artist - Christian pointed to a design and the rest was history. After some minor modifications and an hour of work (felt a lot shorter), I had a fierce dragon tattooed in the center of my upper-mid back, so relieved that I didn't blow it on my first tattoo. Went back to get my second piece on the left wrist about a month later, with Christian again, who btw is very knowledgeable and friendly.
Sanitary work stations, excellent workmanship, attention to detail, both tattoos perfectly done, no infections, fast healing, barely hurt at all but I guess that varies from person to person, and a free bottle of cocoa butter after your visit. Prices aren't bad at all considering everything that's mentioned above. I've been getting complements constantly on both tattoos. Will definitely be back, thanks guys!
immediately as i walked in, i noticed someone getting a piece done. so i assumed the tattoo artist was busy, and being polite, i asked if anyone else was available to help me. he rolled his eyes and told me, "well i'm right here but if you want someone else you can sit there and wait" and went about his business. what the fuck, right? thankfully, someone else came up (the guy who did my tattoo CHRISTIAN) was extremely nice and courteous. he was super friendly AND did an excellent job.
prices are whatever. pretty average. their standard fee Is much lower than usual
but their pricing per hour which is $185 is high for an area like bayside.
so for future reference, if you ever wind up at Top Shelf, ask for Christian. avoid the balding guy with thick black frames 'cause he has no sense of customer service.
I went there about 3 years ago and I wanted to get the inside of my lip tattooed. I understood that those tattoos weren't so permanent but almost all of my ink disappeared after i brushed my teeth.. and I followed all the instructions I was given. I paid $100 for it!! and usually in other tattoo shops charge less and they do free touchups and these guys wouldn't budge. They overpriced me for sure and weren't even nice enough to do a touch-up.. especially since I put in another $150 deposit for another tattoo. I was so angry, I didn't even go back and get my money... they didn't even contact me and ask why I haven't returned.. just kept silent. Two of my other friends got their tattoos there and were very disappointed as well. I was there when one of them got their's done and the tattoo artist was having a whole conversation with another guy throughout the entire process as if doing it with half as much care. They weren't too polite or respectful.. more of a  "hey give me your money, sit down and lets get this over with already" ...and they only accept by appointment ? psht..
Review Source:Seriously? I've had two tattoo's done and I think I've made good decisions, asked the appropriate questions, etc.
This place is rude and dismissive. Â Okay, so me and my friend do not look like "typical tattoo getters" and I get it, we are little giggly Asian girls. But that doesn't mean you get to be inexcusably curt and disinterested in a potential customer. The guy pretty much walked away and hid in the back before we asked a single question. Â When, finally, he did return - we inquired about a SINGLE body part, but his response seemed so bothersome, we thought we'd save HIM the trouble and just leave.
Never again, thanks for nothin~
Have had ALL of my tattoos done here at Top Shelf Tattooing, formerly Memphis Tattoo. Bert Krak (Shop owner and tattoo artist) is the man! I've had my tattoos done by Jamie and Nikki Balls... I've had a Celtic cross, my family crest, shooting stars and a memorial tattoo for my father with a music note and his initials underneath in a nice "west coast" font underneath.
Review Source:Got a cover-up tattoo done here in April by Jamie. Wasn't exactly sure what I wanted & told him my idea, he drew out a sketch for me. When I wasn't completely happy with it he redid the sketch which I fell in love with. Very helpful, prices are reasonable & clean. A few of my coworkers also came her for their firsts and everyone is extremely happy. I would highly recommend it!
Make an appointment & use cash!
Nikki. Nikki Balls.
I lost my tattoo virginity to her. Really awesome girl, I called in on the same day asking if there was any room for me. She asked me the size and what exactly I was getting, and even though she was booked with appointments, she managed to get the job done. The tattoo was done right behind my ear, and it took probably less than 10 minutes. Nikki laid me down and made sure I was comfortable. I'm glad she did :).
I'd recommend paying in cash though, there's a service fee if you're gonna pay by card.
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