Ok I hate to write a bad review for anybody but these guys wasted a lot of my time and $100 of my hard earned money. I was referred here by a friend and talked to troy about a tatt idea i had. I knew exactly what i wanted, and honestly, it wasnt very complicated or difficult. I paid my deposit and didnt hear anything for a month. After a few calls with no response i drove over there and talked to troy again who eventually put together a drawing. While he is a good artist, it looked nothing like what i had described to him. Â After bringing in more pics myself of a fish i wanted on my ribcage he came up with another sketch that was a little better but he told me he was going on vacation and we would start when he got back. After he did return it took a few more calls to set up an appointment. I was excited, but when i showed up he wasnt even there. After that i called about a half dozen times throughout the next six months and even physically went to the shop twice. He never called me back despite the fact i left messages on the machine, with the other guys at shop and even a hand-written note on his station. If he decided he didnt want to do my tatt he could have just told me (instead of saying he was excited about the idea). If it was something else or he had just forgotten he could have at least returned my call. It would have saved me lots of time.
Review Source:I never thought I'd have to write a negative comment about Triple R tattoo, Troy did great work on my first piece back in 2010.
Now, a couple years later I'm ready to get 2 more. I called 4 weeks ago and asked If I could schedule an appointment with Troy. I had a guy take down my phone number and name and told me someone would call me back with Troy's availability. 2 weeks go by and I don't hear from anyone so, I decieded to call back. Again, I gave them my contact information and was told that I would hear back from someone soon. A couple days go by and I receive a phone call from a lady that works at the shop, I explained to her that I was interested in getting two tattoos on the same day, one being my Mother's signature.
She scheduled me for September 1st @ 5:00pm. You can imagine my excitement when the day arrived. I live in Fairfield just about 1 hr 15 minutes away but on this day took about 2 hours because of the Labor day weekend traffic.Thankfully I made it in time with 10 minutes to spare just to find out that the shop was CLOSED!!! I was so upset, I called 3 times and left a voicemail and sent a FB message with no response. I tried calling them back on Sunday and finally had someone answer my call. I explained to them what had occured, just for him to say, "I'll have Troy call you back". It's been 3 days and I never heard back from anyone. I'm so disappointed in their lack of customer service. If I had the ability to give them ZERO stars I would.
Thanks for nothing Triple R Tattoo!
Sincerely,
An EX satisified customer.
Got my tattoo yesterday. My appointment was at 4 and I called before to confirm my appointment. The artist doing my tattoo was put on the phone and was extremely nice from the get-go. He answered all my questions so I had an idea of how long it would take, how much it would be, and if I could bring people along. Then I went to Triple R at the time of my appointment and the staff was welcoming.
To sum it up, they're extremely friendly, and easy to have a conversation with. At the beginning, I was really anxious, but the staff eased my nerves just by talking and making jokes. Like I said. They're really friendly! Over the course of the 3 hours of getting work done, background music and conversation with Ramon made it easy to tough out the pain. He (obviously) knew a lot about tattoos and was really smart when I asked him questions about it. Â I got a tribal turtle surfing on some waves and hibiscus on my hip.
Ramon did a fantastic job and I will definitely go back to him for future tattoos.
If you're getting your first tattoo or just getting another one, I would highly recommend Triple R and get Ramon if you can.
This review is for Ramon. Â I booked a 5:00 appointment the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Even though I had a family get together to go to, I wanted to get my small tattoo done that day because I wanted it to heal before my cruise a week later. I thought we'd be eating early but found out we weren't going to be eating until about 5. At 1:00 I called the shop to see if Ramon could do a later appointment. Â They said they would call him & call me back. Â Since we were an hour drive away, I called again at 3:45. Â They said they hadn't heard from him yet. Â I assumed he was planning to do a 5:00 appointment still and I didn't want to be rude and flake. So I left my family get together around 4 before dinner. Ramon called me AT 5:00 to tell me he got the message, I told him I would be right there and he said ok. He called back not a minute later to tell me he was at a family get together in SF & would not be able to do it. When I asked him if he could do it later he said he didn't want to do my tattoo after he had been drinking. I was kind of in shock at the unprofessionalism. I ended up going to Jay's that night & had a good experience with a more professional artist.
Review Source:Everyone was saying how Troy was a jerk and a flake but when he came to my work he didnt seem to bad so I didn't listen to the others reviews and I went there. Horrible mistake. He put on a show of being nice and kind. I told him I wanted him to draw something up for me and he said no problem. I gave him my number to call me when it's done. He never called me back. After about 2 weeks I went back to see if he was there. I ended waiting about 15 minutes until he walked in. He didn't even look at me. So I waited a few more minutes and finally I asked if I can talk to him and was told he left. WTF!! So I gave them my number again and told his son for him to call. NEVER DID! It's been about a month and still no call. Troy is the biggest flake ever. Nobody go there unless u want to wait 2 months for a tattoo your never gonna get. I went to someone else finally and I'm already getting tomorrow. Mt tattoos is way better and more reliable
Review Source:I just had my ever first tattoo, today!! Yay!
Thanks to Ramon he made it so easy eventhough we were like 20mins late, he was so nice to do both mine and my husband. We left the shop with a big smile and talking about getting the 2nd one soon. I'm satisfied overall(price,cleanliness, friendly atmosphere-thumbs up).
First time for my 5th tat. I got my  tat done by Daniel. Love him!! He was a blast! There were 2 other artists there that were nice and sociable. I decided to go here from reading all the positive reviews on yelp, so , I hope this positive review will get them business too!
I love my tat! Reasonably priced, I had a budget and they worked with it! One of the cool perks are the tv's....you can watch movies while getting inked...I watched Night at the Roxbury...hilariously funny movie for the painful event or you can bring your own movie....they do not have cable otherwise, I would have watched the Giants game. :))) Anyway, would def. recommend and will be back to get my next fix!
So, I walked in Triple R, and immediately I was greeted at the door. The Tattoo shop consists with several talented artists in the Bay Area. I went to book an appointment with Troy after hearing so much about the artist. The shop has multiple awards from the Tattoo Expo. I told Troy what I wanted and also told him to feel free with his artistic mind. On the day of the tattoo, I felt so welcoming and comfortable. The work itself took less than I thought. The tattoo outcome was speechless. It was GREAT! I truly recommend anyone to TRIPLE R. BEST TATTOO SHOP IN THE WEST COAST!!!
Review Source:I honestly did not want to add a low-rating review on this place because almost everyone I know gets their tattoos done here, including myself (well, unfortunately not anymore). I was introduced to a really good artist here by a friend of mine. Im not going to mention any names; I just feel like I needed to share my two cents on what happened.
The artist had previously done 3 of my pieces, including fixing one that was horribly done at what used to be Jerry's on 24th and Mission. My last tattoo with this artist was in July 2010 (I arrived at a CLOSED shop, on my scheduled appointment. I then called the artist's cell phone, and he told me that he was running late and needed to push it back an hour. He apologized, so I was fine with it. And because I got to kill time shopping at Tanforan Shops nearby.)
3 months later, my grandpa passed away. My brother and I decided to get tattoos together in memory of him. We had been arranging these two sessions with the artist at least a month before our appointment in November 2010. This was also to be my 18 year old brother's very first tattoo. On the scheduled date, we arrived about 15 mins late. We walked into the shop and immediately apologized to the artist...only to have him literally causing a scene and YELLING AT US, Â IN FRONT OF A SHOP FULL OF PEOPLE, for "wasting his time." He was extremely (and unusually) furious. He refused to do our tattoos, told us to "go find another artist," and then walked into his office, slamming the door behind him.
We were in total shock of such behavior coming from an artist we had considered reliable. I know it was our mistake for running late...but how could a "professional" insult AND send away the same loyal customers that previously waited an hour for his own tardiness?! Indeed, we walked out of there feeling completely DISRESPECTED; (my brother eventually came back to have Jake, Troy's son, do his piece) I will never step foot into that shop again.
4 months later? Yes, I am still bitter.
Had my first tattoo done by Troy years ago when I was 18, been back 2 more times after that.
For the first one, I brought in a picture of a black and purple Trans Am firebird (sometimes I think I was born with my skin brown but with my neck red). Troy messed around with the color scheme and discussed how the one that I brought in would look good on the hood of a car but not as a tattoo. Absolutely loved what he did with it and he made the process very relaxing by telling random stories and just keeping my mind off the pain.
The second one was a set of 5 stars. Very small, easy enough. Also done by Troy.
The third one, I brought in a couple pictures of what I had in mind and let him do the rest. I trusted that a guy dressed as a cowboy would draw up a really good revolver (six-shooter) for me. Had to schedule 2 sessions for it, 1 session for each hip. The first session, he showed me the actual Smith and Wesson he based the drawing off of, turned on some Johnny Cash, and we were down to business. The next session, he told me what he did over the weekend, his wife was there, and we had some laughs. He took a picture of the final product and that was that. Never had to come back for a touch up, everything turned out beautiful. The detail on the wood grain handle and the barrel are quite simply amazing.
There is a reason why Triple R Tattoo has so many awards. Troy is an amazing artist. Will go back for my 3/4 sleeve. I did try to get them to do a tattoo on my finger though and they refused.
I had an absolutely horrible experience with Triple R Tattoo. Â I scheduled time with Troy to work on a tattoo idea. Â When I got to the shop Troy had an idea and started setting up for the tat. Â I had mixed feelings about the idea and eventually said I wanted to rethink.
I scheduled a follow-up session with Troy to continue the creative process but when I got to the shop, Troy was unable to meet with me.  No call or cancelation of the appointment, he just let me drive out there and said he could not meet.  I scheduled another followup meeting  with Troy and he did the exact same thing a second time.  No cancelation but said he could not meet when I got to his shop. Â
I ended up paying a $100 advance for about 10 minutes of Troy's time. Â What a rip. If you are ok with this guy taking 100% control of the creative process, than fine, Troy is your man. Â However, if you are looking for someone who you can collaborate with, then keep on looking.
I just had my tattoo done yesterday and it was my first time getting it. This place Rocks! Already thinking of getting another one. The guy that did my tat is Jake, he's really nice and great artist. My tat turned out really good and i love it. I would definitely recommend going to Triple RRR...
I give them 5 stars!!!!
I went in to ask about covering up a tattoo on my shoulder. Â When I asked about covering up they made some suggestions that seemed a bit over the top. Â I asked about pricing & what they approximated was fairly high. Â I said I Â wanted to continue looking at other shops & mull it over. Â They said I could call them & let them know if I wanted to pursue it & get some design suggestions. Â I called them 3 times over the period of a week & they never returned my call. Â So many people recommended Triple R. Â I was very sad they didn't follow through with gaining a possible customer. Â I have 4 tatts. Â I would be a repeat customer for sure. Â But alas, not with them.
Review Source:This place ROCKS. Joel is my guy... he did this awesome cherry blossom piece in front of my left shoulder. He did two of my husband's pieces- one of california with a cable car and lombard street, and the other was a very large tribal tattoo done on his lower left leg.
It is just amazing to watch Joel work because you could see that he is really commited to making real art. Â The end product is never how I imagined... it's 500 times better than I would ever be able to come up with on my own. Â When we first started going to Joel, you had to make an appointment about two weeks ahead... now you have to make appointments at least two months ahead.
Troy's work is awesome too! I've never had anything done by him, but once you step into the shop, you will be surrounded by award after award after award. Â You have to book your appointments with him at least three or four months ahead, I think. Â
I haven't met Daniel, but my cousin went to him last week for some tribal work. Â And from what I hear, he is good too. If you want something from triple r without having to wait two to four months, I think appointments with him are still short, for now.
awesome place. awesome people. great ink!
I just had a tattoo yesterday! It was my first and the people there made the experience easy and fun. Daniel was my artist and he did a great job on the design I wanted. What impressed me is how clean the place is and how professional he is in handling his clients. They're not intimidating and his advices were very helpful. We came in with a design, a dragon and a jumpman (Jordan) symbol during the consultation.. He did a great job with the details and I get lots of compliments on it. Another huge plus is he didn't overcharge me.
When you walk in the place you can see a huge wall of awards they received during tattoo competitions so you're instantly assured that you'll be in good hands. Definitely be coming back here for my next one.
Great job Triple R!
This review is going to be updated quite often........
1) Experience before the Tattoo
2) Consultation w/ Artwork (actual tattoo)
3) Visit again to have possible Half sleeve consultation
I chose Triple R because of all the compliments I've heard about Troy and Joel (pronounced Jo-el) as well as how much the establishment is kid-oriented. I called on a Saturday after Noon and I was told by the Shop Manager, Julie, that she is the one who takes care of the scheduling of Troy and Joel. She informed me that Troy was taking by appointment only and that Joel would take walk-in's. I asked her that I would have my kids with me and she told me that they are more than welcome as long as they were well-behaved (I joked back saying that they were not Lil'Demons). Ended up being my kids were napping when we all pulled up to the shop so my wife stayed in the car while i entered to have my consultation with Joel.
  As I walk into the store, I see Joel working on a back piece while the persons kid was watching a movie on one of their TV's. I tell Joel what I'm looking to have done and he explains to me that he would be more than happy to work on it however, at this time, his appointments were scheduled several weeks ahead (completely understandable for a great ARTIST) ,but he wanted me to take my time and take a look at this portfolio w/o any rushing. Couple pages into his portfolio and my mind was made up that Joel was the ARTIST.  My appointment was scheduled a couple of weeks w/ a side note that I'm can be flexible if there are any cancellations. I was just informed that a Friday slot opened and now i'm heading in.........
INITIAL OVERALL REVIEW: Great Communication, Great understanding and patience.
Actual Tattooing experience: (to be added).................08/08/08
Tattoo is completed and I must say I'm overwhelmed with the talent of Joel. I gave him the basic template idea of what I wanted (the Philippine sun and stars along with the Talibong sword). He took that idea and created this design which surpassed what I had envisioned (pics to follow). I have decided that he will be the one to do my half sleeve later this year.
TRIPLE R TATTOO IS THE PLACE TO GO.......
Recommendations:
Call ahead - see if walk-ins is available
bring in an idea of what you want
be patient - don't rush something that's permanent
Don't be afraid to ask and take advice - they are the EXPERTS
UPDATE: 9/30/09
Over a year now since Jo'el did my arm piece and I'm still getting compliments on the detail and shading. Half sleeve is still wanted/needed and will be going to Joel to plan. Planning a session for wife to get cherry blossoms and japanese writing (pic to follow on Triple R Yelp account).
WOW! Â OK so my oldest son has had four tattoos done by Joel and they look amazing. Â I have been trying to get past the fear of pain and "what if I hate it" for about 15 years to get my first tattoo. Â After seeing how Joel took his time with my son and listened to what he wanted, Joel was able to see what my son wanted and made it 100 times better.
So after seeing how professional Joel was I decided to get over my wimpy fears and go ahead. Â I had prepared myself for tears and swearing and even had a "safe" word just in case it got to be too much. Â Joel listened to me and said you are strong, you had three kids this will be a walk in the park. Â His calm demeanor, he made me forget my fears totally. Â One hour later I walked out with a amazing tattoo exactly what I wanted and better than I envisioned. Â Joel and I have started working on the other Tattoos I am going to have added to my back!
I have to agree with Dorothy totally laid back place no hype just fantastic artists. Â Don't hesitate make your appointment with Troy or Joel you will not be disappointed.
Granted, I have yet to even create the tattoo that I want but I have to give Triple R 5 stars!
I'm being cheesy aren't I? Â Sorry but I can't help it. Â This place deserves some major buzz. Â It's incredibly family oriented (the owners are a friendly, sweet married couple with some uber smart kids). Â The environment is not too-cool-for-school. Â It's not some trendy place just trying to make some money from people who get tattoos because it's fashionable. Â You see the artistry and so do their patrons!! Â
Seriously, the tattoo artists Troy and Joel have some phenomenal work. Â I highly suggest paying them a visit and discussing what you want. Â You will love this place and, how convenient, it's two doors away from Patio Filipino!!!
PLEASE tell Caroline that Dorothy S. sent you. Â She'll be thrilled!!!!!