Reviews of Bethesda Tattoo (Tattoo Shop)

Kathleen O'Halloran

I love Bethesda Tattoo. I love James, he’s done two memorial tattoos for me. Also love Adam, de did a floral piece for me. Professional and friendly place. Calling soon for my next appointment.

Lia

can we say sleazy.......

Savannah Lee

I had such a great experience with Kai. I had a lot of anxiety going in and they were super kind and helpful and made me feel really good about getting my piercings. They even helped me with some questions I had about piercings I already had. The shop itself was really nice and clean, and the receptionist was really helpful. They answered all of our questions and were just generally very friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending the shop to my friends!

Jessica Dall

After walking the wrong way, I found Bethesda Tatto Co tucked away, and I'm so glad. I could not have asked for more professional or friendly people. Since it was my first tattoo I was a little nervous but they worked with me and made sure I was comfortable and that I knew there was no rush if I needed to take a break at any point. I would highly recommend Bethesda Tattoo Co for anybody getting a tattoo.

Cynthia Allwine

Kai is a fantastic piercer! Last year I got a curated ear (cartilege, forward helix, and conch) and Kai explained everything step by step and did such a beautiful job! I came back after healing to change out my jewelry and brought my sister along to see Kai work their magic on her too! I can't wait to get more piercings here, the front desk staff is also always kind and helpful.

Caroline Duffy

I got my first tattoo done with Victoria last year. The design I wanted done wasn’t anything too flashy or fancy; it’s a small symbol on my wrist that’s filled in with black. While my tattoo’s content isn’t something people would usually comment on, I have gotten A LOT of compliments on it, particularly because of the line work and how clean it is. Most people comment on how well done it is! Even a year later it still looks like new! I am so glad I decided on this shop and artist for my first tattoo! It’s given me high expectations! Also, I should add that the shop was very clean, the staff was friendly, and they had great music!

Isaac Segal

Great experience! All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Fun and welcoming atmosphere and convenient location. My tattoo artist, Cas, was super friendly and talented--knew what I wanted before I could even put it into words. I will definitely be coming back again, and I recommend it!

Johnston Dedrick

This is mostly a rating of Liaa Walter's work, though Cas and Jermaine are both amazing people&artists and the rest of the staff has always been wonderful whenever I'm in. Liaa has done seven of my eight tattoos, and man, that eighth tattoo would've been that much better if she'd done it instead. Ecstatic for the ninth. (The other artists here are amazing! Do not misunderstand. This shop is an unreal collection of talent.)

Peter Flowers

Worth the wait. Kevin is a great artist and so easy to work with. Everyone there is polite, professional but also laid back and fun.

SB Finlay

Very professional and nice. Went w my daughter to get her nose pierced and the piercer was v knowledgeable. I wasn’t thrilled about the nose piercing but I felt good about it being done at Bethesda Tattoo.

Scottie Davies

My viking brother James did an amazing full back piece on me years ago and he has been my one and only artist for years now. If you want a great conversation about all aspects of life, James is your man. You will leave the shop with exactly what you wanted and more. James and I have worked on my body for years and I couldn't be happier. We have an understanding that I respect his work so much, that I give him an idea and he creates a masterpiece. Only problem is we are running out of space. My next art work from James will be a picture of my grandfather from when he was young on my chest. It's going to be sick. Bethesda Tattoo, hands down best shop in DC! Scottie "Viking" D

Ireece Roberts-Robinson

Great staff. Over priced. Lacking in realism. I would not recommend this place. I left feeling ripped off and very disappointed.

Sofiaa Luzuriagaa

I got a cartilage piercing and did exactly what they told me to do to take care of it, but it still got so infected that I had to go to the hospital and get it removed. I have never experienced so much pain in my life, my ear grew over the piercing and the doctor had to rip through the skin to get it out. It was a huge waste of $110 which is so expensive anyways, plus the cost of going to the hospital.

Katelyn Neumann

This is my favorite tattoo/piercing shop in DC Metro area. They have excellent customer care, i.e. they're thorough, friendly, and make sure you're happy with their work. I highly recommend them.

Tracy Dendy

Victoria is a true artist and you are her canvas. She will add what you love on the inside to your outside. So glad to be one of her devoted clients

I Martin

Great service

Mario Macis

I called to make an appointment and they scheduled me for 12pm the next day. I arrived on time but the artist wasn't there. "He is on his way", I was told. 15 minutes later I inquired again at the front desk and again I got "He is on his way" as an answer. At 12:30pm I inquired again and I was rudely told (no apology or anything) that I can either wait ("he is running late") or reschedule ("it's up to you", the front desk person said). I decided to leave. I found this behavior disrespectful of my time and of me as a (potential) customer. (Also, they could have called me to apologize - they have my name and phone number- but they did not do so. Overall a very poor display of customer care and a disappointing experience.) UPDATE (4/11): "I was pretty rude", the owner says in their "sorry but not sorry" reply. I did notice a pattern of blaming the customer in their replies to negative reviews below, so I guess I am not surprised that they have reserved me the same treatment here.

Christopher Edmonds

what age limit do they reqiure

Josh Graham

Got a very large coverup from Matt here and am totally happy with it. Love the crew and vibe here. Everyone was amazing. Lots of different artists with different styles. Very diverse crowd from a 65 year old woman getting her first tattoo to serious inkheads

Janna Moen

I went here for my septum piercing last June along with my sister who had her eyebrow pierced. We were really impressed with how clean, professional and knowledgeable the staff was! Our piercer answered all of our questions and they provide you with everything you need to take care of your piece as it heals. She even called me a few weeks later to ask how my piercing was healing, and if I had any additional questions. I have 12 piercings and this studio was by far the best experience I've had to date. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get a piercing in the DC area.

Sergei V

I walked into it like it was a restaurant. They came and they "served my table". They are very polite and they are there for you, for the things you want. If it's tattoos, they've got it. If it's pirceing, they've got it.

Angie Tvarozek

I went here for my second tattoo. Loved how clean it was! My favorite thing about Bethesda Tattoo is that you can tell the artists care about their art and are genuinely interested in giving you the best experience. For only doing tattoos professionally for 4 years, Adam's work was extremely impressive. It was great feeling that I can go in for my tat and trust that the artist totally understands what I want, especially since my design was a little complicated. I love the end result and I had fun during the process of getting my tattoo. My boyfriend recommended the place after going to Steve, and both he and I are going back to Bethesda Tattoo for more later this year.

Alecia Mckeever

Do not come to this location is you are a walk in. Called first to see if walk in are welcome before driving from Frederick only to find out when I got there no one was available for walk ins. However several artist standing around and doing absolutely nothing . Complete waste of time and gas . TRUST YOU LOST A LOT OF MONEY !!!!

Maureen Walsh

Awesome! I love my tattoo and the artist made me feel very comfortable

Ann Hamilton

Love James he is amazing! He's done about 4 of my tats and I will keep going back for more. The portraits he did if my boys are unbelievable! This is the place to go if you want your tat done right!

sophia lafrance

awesome piercer, and about to start working with a tattoo artist there. i'll certainly update this when we start the work

Heidi Henderson

This was the best tattoo/piercing experience. The receptionist was incredibly sweet, patient, and helpful. Adam did all 3 of our tattoos and did a fantastic job. We decided last minute to get a piercing too and they were so cool about it. Every employee was nice to us. We ended up chatting with everyone in there and laughing all afternoon. I highly recommend them!

Andrew Stobie

I went here to get my first tattoo a year ago. Just a simple Crest and it was quick and affordable and the lines are amazing. Seriously. Every wonders how the lines have stayed so strong and clean. It was worth every penny. High quality artists, ink, and tools.

viktoria spears

Terrible service; the tattoo artist i chose (Bajek) rejected to tattoo me because i didnt like what he drew up for me and when i asked for a different artist the owner, James, said that i forfeited my $80 deposit because of the time Bajek had spent on TRACING the tattoo. So even though the employee refused to provide me with service the owner literally said that it was my fault for not liking the drawing. He said that i clearly didn't know what i really wanted and that i wasted their time and if i wanted to be tattooed by another artist i had to pay another $80 deposit.

Matt McAloon

I personally got a tattoo from Painless Jay. Jay is a fantastic artist who walks you through his process, is very open about his communication, and caters to the details you want. Beyond that, every other artist I've met there is incredibly friendly and all have an impressive array of work. This is a highly professional and friendly shop, I definitely recommend going her for a tattoo or piercing.

James McQuillen

Liaa Walter is fantastic! Started a sleeve today and can't wait to see where it goes. She's creative, clear, interesting, and has terrific interpersonal skills. Can't recommend highly enough --

Gabe Kahan

Everything was done professionally and with skill. I got a small piece on my forearm by Tina, who I recommend very highly as a wonderful artist and someone to make the process comfortable and fun. Would definitely go back for more!

Meg Ross

Walk in today with Josh went fantastically. My first tattoo and I decided to get 2. Very personable, professional, and had a lot of great input to make my design look the best it can be. Highly recommend the place!

Bianca Cooper

I had the pleasure of working with Liaa Walter on my new beautiful flower tattoo. She was kind and professional from beginning to end. She patiently listened to my ideas and translated them into a piece that I’m very proud of. I look forward to working with her again in the future! Thanks Liaa and everyone at Bethesda Tattoo!!!

Suma Cheru

Great place--loved my tattoo. It was super clean and thorough!! Would recommend.

Lu Mad

They always provide fantastic service. Kind, helpful and knowledgeable about piercings, care, jewelry, etc.

Jessica Weber

Corinne was so great while piercing my four year old's ears! Very clean and welcoming!

The Mind of Julie

I just wanted to say thank you so much to Kai, the piercer who pierced my septum, they were so talented and caring! I was really scared but they calmed me down and reassured me that it would be ok. And thank you to the tattoo artist Painless J, he was so funny and talented, he made my first tattoo experience so special and amazing! I would recommend anyone who wants a quality tattoo/piercing experience to come to bethesda tattoo :)

Kent Jarrell

Very clean, very professional and the artists really know what they are doing. Christian gave me a great barn star. It's a little more expensive here that some other places, but you get what you pay for and two big things about tattoos... You want a perfectly done tattoo because you've got it for life... and you don't want to have any infection/medical risk... Bethesda Tattoo get's an A plus on both scores.

Jordan Gaben-Belly

Went twice to get to different tattoos. I had two different tattoo artists taking care of me. Both were amazing, the entire staff is extremely welcoming and the energy of this place is unique, just feel like home the second you get in! Would definitely recommend!

Jabari Owens-Bailey

Great place great artists. It was such a laid back and friendly atmosphere.

Alwin Mathew Thomas

Best customer service and really talented artists. The price is also reasonable

Tal Shachar

THE place for tattoos! Jason is awesome. This is my third time there and I'm sure I'll come again. Great vibes, wonderful tattoos

Shayna Kanfer

I went during business hours (6:30 pm on a Wednesday) and door was locked and call went to their voicemail.

Jordie Ruggles

I drove to Bethesda to reserve my appointment and have a consultation. They told me the artist I wanted was out that day so I couldn't have a consultation. So I booked my day for the tattoo a couple months in advance and scheduled my consultation with Leam. I came back for my consultation and I had my design already. Leam seemed to half listen to me. He told me to go home and put black outlines on my design (a watercolor tattoo) and to imagine it a lot bigger. (It's a radish and 3 short words) I went home and edited the design and even photoshopped it onto my arm to show size (half my forearm), and emailed it in. I got no response. I called the parlor and asked if they had gotten my email. They said they had and had forwarded it to Leam. They said if he had not responded then it was fine. I show up today, Leam asks me why I'm here, "Because I have an appointment with you?" He says he sent me an email saying he couldn't do the tattoo today, looks at his phone, and says darn it didn't send! I took 4 hours off work! So did my husband! We ask why he can't do it, it's such a simple tattoo! and he says because of our interaction! I have been nothing but sweet this whole time! Then Leam says because I'm not a tattoo artist and think everything is simple. I was completely distressed that going there again and again and again left me with nothing when other tattoo artists had looked at my design and called it simple, easy, and straightforward. What a waste of time, money, and gas.

Ingwer Blut

Victoria is an amazing artist. And Jay is great too. They make the tattoo experience amazing.

Gemma Martin

I got my nostril pierced by Kai. They artfully placed it to compliment my other nose piercings. They explained the entire process and aftercare process, so eloquently. I would recommend Kai to anyone looking for any kind of person. Excellent piercer/artist. :)

Chloe Kunar

Best place

Evelyn Lambert

I have been to two places in the DMV area for tattoos here and Fattys. Bethesda Tattoo is the place I will continue to go to for my tattooing needs. The receptionist was helpful and very nice, she seemed like she wanted to help you. The artist I booked with was named Jason or painless j and he was really great, super professional, and personable. The tattoo hurt way less then my previous one because he took his time instead of digging into my skin and rushing. I would highly recommend this place for your tattooing!

Art Fields

Amazing team....I love Bethesda Tattoo

Nicole Holton

I've been to many tattoo places, even in other states. This was by far the worst place I've been to. The receptionist was rude and was not helpful what so ever and when I mentioned why something wasn't disclosed to me over the phone, she said and I quote "that's not my job", but told me when I got there, so which one is it?Is it not your job or are you just lazy? She was probably just trying to rush me off the phone. I'm in customer service and would not dare act like she did, the person at the front desk should be pleasant and helpful, even if its at a tat shop. The piercer was some trash too. It was almost like I was bothering them by being there and asking questions. They did not seem interested in helping me. I called another tattoo place in the area and they were beyond helpful and even recommended something to me that Bethesda Tattoo did not. Whatever you do, don't waste your money at this place. There are so many other tat places in the area. This place SUCKS!!!!!!!

Walter Coates

The best in all of DC! Vanessa is the queen of piercing!

Loryn Taylor

If I could give this place a 0 I would!!! We live in Frederick, MD, so we called first to make sure they take walk-ins. We were advised that they take walk-ins and to come in. So we drove to Bethesda arriving at 4:40...mind you they don't close until 8pm and we just wanted lettering. We walked in... everyone was standing around with only 1 person getting a tattoo finished up. The young man at the desk tells us that they aren't taking walk-ins today....of course we are now confused...so we told him we called earlier and he told us they were taking walk-ins. He then says..."Oh, sorry the person that does the walk-ins left already. REALLY!!!! So why the hell didn't you tell us when we called that u only take walk-ins up until a certain time. What a waste of my time! You have 10 plus tattoo artist and yet you only have 1 person doing walk-ins on a Saturday and they leave at a certain time. DONT WORRY...Im sure another tattoo establishment will appreciate our business. Be honest with your patrons.

Sarah Hogue

My first tattoo is a piece of art caringly placed on my thigh by Leam. It is nearly perfect, we will add necessary touches in a few weeks. Highly recommend using something designed by Leam if you're into surrealism and nature.

Erin Smith Crabb

A fabulous shop with a variety of amazing artists. I can't recommend Cas Loll highly enough!

Megan Emigh

The website says that “We also have a large selection of gold and gem jewelry available for purchase.” This is totally false. They have 3 half empty boxes sitting on a counter. That’s it. edit: your receptionist pointed me to your limited selection and I asked "is that it" and they said "yes". "We have" vs "we custom design/we order" are very different; instead of "sorry not sorry" crabbing at me for being unhappy, you might consider modifying the language on your site to better reflect your business. For posterity, I have added a screen shot of your response.

Emily L. Maupin

I came here to get my first tattoo ever with Cas Loll, and honestly I'm so happy that I picked her as my artist as it was probably the best first tattoo experience ever. The shop (Bethesda Tattoo) was great too - it's pretty much your average professional custom tattoo shop experience. The Shop's review: It may be hard to spot off the street right away, as it's located on the 2nd floor of an older building with other businesses on the 1st floor. The entrance is in-between a hair salon & alcohol convenience store. The building itself and stair-only entrance can be a bit off putting, but once you step inside the shop it's very clean & sterile. The receptionists I spoke to were courteous and I had no problems with them. The other tattoo artists were fun and joked around during my tattoo session, and overall the place had a fun vibe to it, despite the very plainish/bare bones decor. This shop does accept credit cards, which is rare for tattoo places! They take CC payments via square and you sign on an iPad. Cash, of course, is also accepted. Parking is easy: there are spots on the street with meters or a public parking garage right across the street. (There is also a Harris Teeter a few steps away if you need snacks.) This is a custom tattoo studio, so the artists like to draw unique designs for each client and know what looks best on the body. If you just want an exact copy of something you drew or something from Google/Instagram/Pinterest I'd look elsewhere. The artists are all professionals with proper art, tattooing, and cleaning/sterilization experience. Cas Loll's review: I originally reached out to her via her own website and scheduled a consult. She was friendly & fun and actually drew out a rough sketch in front of me to help visualize what the tattoo was going to look like. She incorporated all of the elements I wanted to include into the design, and asked questions about certain composition elements and gave advice on what would look best for a tattoo. She even noted what shape would look best on the specific body part I wanted tattooed! (I could tell she had a strong background in art & tattooing, which was a relief.) At the end I felt comfortable, confident, and really excited in the design we came up with! She was straightforward with the hourly pricing, time estimate, and deposit so I had a rough idea on what it'd all cost. When I came back for the actual tattoo appointment, I was THRILLED with the final design when Cas brought it out for me to see. And since it was my first time, she went ahead and put some water (instead of ink) into the tattoo machine and applied it to my skin for a few seconds initially so I could see what the pain was like (before getting something permanent into my skin)! It really helped me relax knowing what to expect from then on, and we had some great small talk (and silence) as she worked on me. She was very gentle and thorough, and made sure that all of the details were perfect before wrapping me up and sending me on my way. I followed her aftercare instructions on her website EXACTLY and my tattoo healed perfectly. I did come back a month afterwards to get a few *very* minor details touched up for free too. All in all, I'm happy that Cas was able to squeeze me into her books around my schedule/plans and everything fell into place. I'm really sad that I had to move from the DC area to Texas, because I would definitely love to get more from her in the future!!

Lyz Frey

Victoria is amazing. Scheduling can be a bit rough. And their shop prices are a bit high.

Beth Meyer

I have been coming to Bethesda tattoo for 10+ years and I will never get tattooed anywhere else. The knowledge, quality of work, and friendliness of the staff are amazing. Every artist there does fantastic work but James is truly exceptional. From small dainty pieces to full, complicated and multi-session art, his tattooing skills are off the charts. I get DAILY compliments on my tattoos and I would never go anywhere else.

Tommy Wyble

Very clean and Professional. Christian does good work.

Elen Haf

Received a beautiful cherry blossom tattoo, covering up an old tattoo, from Adam today. Wonderful experience, putting you immediately at ease. Tattoos are expensive, but you get what you pay for, and in comparison to other places, the prices are competitive. Would definitely return and not consider going anywhere else.

gstefado1

Absolutely amazed and super pleased with the tattoo I got at Bethesda Tattoo Company!! The studio is clean, the artists are professionals and the level of talent/experience speaks for itself.. The pricing was fair and the atmosphere was very upbeat. I couldn't be happier with what I got. I will definitely be coming here for my next one!