Reviews of Under the Needle (Tattoo Shop)

Greg Sun

Was visiting the area and decided to get my 1st tattoo. I was a walk in and while the wait was a bit long, the tattoo came out so well. My artist was a visitor from NYC which is ironic since I was also from the New York Region. Anyway, great service, clean, and everyone was friendly. I will come back when I return to the area.

Marisa Castaneda

Amazing work, always friendly

Salvador Cervantes

I walk in Sunday April 21 and the people who was working that night they were so unprofessional and the customer service they offered was so poor and so rude they were in a bad mood like if you were asking for a favor ..I like the place but not recomend the people who work that Sunday night..

Anthony Faulds

Not a great experience. They had no problem taking my money but poor on design and customer service. I came in and was immediately handed off to a visiting artist. After describing my tattoo idea for one to two minutes he said “let’s start, I have time”. Hesitant on seeing zero design I schedule the tattoo for a future date to get a design. Two days before the scheduled appointment I reached out to the artist who had provided no designs and he asked me to help him sketch it out. I slapped some images together online that I liked. He then traced those images and asked me if I was ready to go. Very strange and unprofessional. I would recommend avoiding this place.

Tyler Kehret

They do walk in appointments for minimum tattoos which is nice!

paul meyering

Tascar is a true gentleman and a scholar of the epidermal coloring arts. He friggin NAILED it on my Tattoo. He did a portrait of a very close friend of mine and it came out better than I had ever hoped. He gave me expert advice and guidance and was very knowledgeable and professional. The dude knows what he's doing and I know who is doing ALL my work from now on!!!

Jesse van Doorn

Professional and clean. I worked with Christopher Robin and he did a great job.

Tierra Plaster

I'm so pleased with this place! Totally worth the pain and money for something so amazing that stays with you forever. I totally recommend this shop all the artists and staff are friendly and fun. They know what they are doing!!

Chay Nali

Thank you taking us in as a walk in so late in the evening! Happy with the art work!

Max H

Proffesional, fairly priced, clean and bold. I've gotten work from both Vic and Justin. Both of them were awesome dudes and super flexable, and wanted to make sure the job got done right. I plan on coming back

Jesse Scott

Very laid back and non intimidating atmosphere as far as tattoo shops go. Everyone there is nice and the prices are on par for Seattle.

Peter sydloski-tesch

Walked into the shop a few times and was always greeted kindly by one of the artists or the shop managers. Talked with Matt Lentz one day, liked his portfolio and attitude so I set up a consultation. A few weeks and two sessions later I have an amazing tattoo! Matt did a great job visualizing my ideas and creating a composition that perfectly embodied everything I was looking for. The times spent in the shop figuring out the tattee, getting inked, or just chatting, were great. Will definitely be back soon, as well as my wife.

Elmer Vichi

Great place to go for a good tattoo. It was my first tattoo ever and they were nice and understanding to first timers like me. Clean environment and very professional staff. Walked in welcome if artist are available.

Amanda McDonald

I'm not someone to write bad reviews but I keep thinking about how rude and unprofessional my artist was. I came in as a walk in to get something small and easy. My artist didn't understand what I wanted at first and as I tried to explain he acted like I was such a burden to him! I could really tell he didn't want to be there. He drew it up twice- seeming comleatly annoyed. Then if I asked him something he would barley talk. This was my 8th tattoo and I've never had an artist be so cold. Truthfully made me wish I didn't get the tattoo from him. It was really upsetting. Not only that but it was one of the most expensive tattoos i had gotten and probably one of the quickest/easiest tattoos I've gotten. I will not be going back.

Cody Darbin

Really great response time and friendly staff.

Monty Morrison

Honestly wish I could go negative on the stars here. Went there for a spontaneous tattoo at 11:30pm. Figuring the only spot in Seattle that is open until 1am they are certainly searching for the walk in spontaneous crowd. Also on the phone saying there was a 30 minute wait so I showed up 45 minutes later an hour and a half before close. A young man approached us 5 minutes after entering (me, my fiancé and good friend the only people on there) and my fiancé start to explain how she wants a simple design on her finger. He he continues to go on about how it's up to the artist whether or not they want to do a finger tattoo also face and neck, because "they usually never heal correctly".... Sounds like the customers descision to me. And then my fiancé suggests a simple rose may 2x2 inches with a 3 letter name. Than the tattoo artist suggested that she draws up two sketches and she comes in tommarow. And continues to say how she would do a "bunk ass rose" (artists own words very unprofessional). With an hour and a half time frame. And personally I think that's no kind of "walk in" tattoo service. -5/5 stars definantly never felt more insulted in an establishment.

Aaron Campbell

Roll the Dice!

Martin Kamau

Great and awesome...

Pete vander Zalm

Walked in to check it out one night and returned the next to get inked by Dustin. Top notch! (Just the snake was done by Dustin)

Melissa Andrews

Went into a well reviewed company spoke with front desk ;wasn't very pleasant. Still went in optimistic spoke with a gentleman named Vic who continue to roll his eyes at me when I suggested what I liked on top of it had someone who wanted to get something special done for the first time and was already nervous. How unprofessional this company is but good luck if you choose to have Vic do your work.

Janae Zavala

Loved getting my tattoo from under the needle! So nice and genourus! It was my first and I’m sure I’ll be back for my next real soon!

rebecca M

Great place

Sarah Roraback

This place was fabulous. My husband and I got our 1st tattoos here. They were so accommodating and amazing. Thank you for answering our stupid questions and just being all around awesome. We LOVE our tattoos. THANK YOU SO MUCH

Sung Wu

Love the tattoo done by Jeph!

Brent Brugliera

Steven kissinger in town from Houston. Had to stop by and see this awesome artist and shop.

Steve Stallings

Hey, so I think there are a lot of great artists at this shop. Mine however was not. The original art, tracing on my skin, etc was cool.. the end was much different (surprise skull in the design??). It wasn't done well; and didn't heal well... or look good because of it.

tomplaysjunk

Wonderful artists that do great work.

Sarah Rebecca Macbeth-Nuzum

A little over priced and the wait was really long considering we were the only people, but the tattoo was incredible.

crow

Me and boyfriend went into this shop, the rude girl working the counter said we can leave a deposit to get an appointment or walk in...since we were there already we gave an 85$deposit and waited for the artist she assigned us to, he was late , came in and we showed him the small skull outline we wanted. I asked him how much and he said give him a few minutes. We waited and the girl said she would go ahead and finish our paperwork. I said well we don't know how.much it is, she walked to the back where he was and came back out saying nothing. He comes out and says its gonna be 200$/..we were surprised because it was an hour at best. We have many tattoos. So we told the girl no way that's too much. She said she refunded our deposit but never gave me a paper to sign so I called my credit card company immediately. This is unacceptable, we were not told any of this. I feel we were ripped off and I never received any thing from these people. Who doesn't get a price quote BEFORE they get the work ??? And then we were expected to pay whatever price they tell you??? Shady business which I do not appreciate.

Brahman Levi Waitsle

Great artists who cater to your vision.. no pressure attitude toward deciding on a piece of art... Runs slightly pricier but you get what you pay for! Guest artists will frequent the shop in the busy season and have been exceptional in my experience. I enjoy my other tattoos but the stuff I've gotten here have been my favorite ones... Just look at pictures of their work and compare to competitors and you'll see

Tim Thran

I have worked with two artist from this shop, both two super chill guys, all my work has come out beyond my wildest expectations. Working with Tim Kelly on a sleeve and could not be more happy with how it’s came out. It’s not the cheapest but his work is worth every penny and more!

Cyrena Bui

I had Ludvic, he's amazing!!! Super chill dude, makes you feel at ease and isn't afraid to be honest. Loved my experience, love my tat, and love Vic<3

Kimberly Servantes

Great artists I love the work the did

Nathan Shields

Ask for tascar, awesome human being and artist. I got exactly what i wished for!

Tristan Okazaki

Eddie martinez was dope, did a great job on my arm piece

dawn finch

My little cat paw tattoo that Cory did was completely gone in 3 weeks time. We were charged $100 (minimum fee)??!! Totally ripped off. Never going back!!

Jason Brandenburg

Clean and the staff has a can do attitude

Ashlie Blair

Awesome, welcoming staff! Super chill spot!

Kate Gangel

I was visiting Seattle and had been thinking about a new tattoo for awhile. I had some time to kill and walked into Under the Needle on a Friday afternoon shortly after they opened. They were able to get me in that day and all of the guys working were so professional and fun to be around. Cory was a great artist and really helped me decide what would work best for the longevity of the tattoo I wanted. Overall it was a great experience!

Janelle Mallonee

Love love, whole experience ...they were so accommodating. Very much Aporecited.

Indigo Holliday

Got an amazing piece done tonight! Very professional clean and exactly the piece and experience I wanted. Anytime the artist was unsure of what I wanted she asked very specific questions to help make sure it turned into my perfect piece. 7 out of 5 stars

D Mack

Visiting Seattle and got my first tattoo ever here. Cool place, right in the thick of things downtown. Shoutout to Jeanie

amanda shefler

Great experience. Helpful artist and front desk staff. Was the best place for my first tattoo.

Kimberly Gotch

Chris was our tattoo artist today and he was phenomenal! It was very clean in the shop, the atmosphere was great and the people were very knowledgeable and professional! We came from Northern Wisconsin to this shop and we were definitely not disappointed!

Michelle Mader

Went in with 3 other girls to get matching tattoos...they all turned out lovely.

Jadelynn Baabeee

Probably the worst tattoo place I've been too, it was my 4th tattoo and just walking in there was negitive vibes, I called ahead of time and asked if they had time for a walk in (their webpage says they do walk-ins) they said there was a 30 min wait but that they could do it. the boy that worked in the front didn't understand what he was doing and was rude and was trying to talk me out of a tattoo the whole time and the women that was supposed to tattoo me was rude and unpleasant to be around said she'd do a bad job with an hour and a half time frame for just a basic finger tattoo, probably one of the worst and unprofessional tattoo studios I've visited in Seattle.

Carlo Marchetti

Very bad. My wife and I did a very small tattoo (tribal turtle) on our ankles and the guy was able to screw up a very simple job (20-25 minutes job). and wasn't cheap! I have other 4 other tattoos and some of them are relative big including my whole leg, so I know some about tattoos. The color (all black) of the turtles we did at Under the Needle is not homogenous and the borders are coming off, meaning the guy (I forgot the name) didn't go deep enough with the needle. In his justification this is not his style but our tattoo is a clear result of poor technic. I do not recommend the place.

Roz H

Incredible artist!

KC McGuire

My experience at Under the Needle was so unpleasant, I won't be back. I called UtN back in February when I was considering a custom tattoo, but the woman on the phone was so rude and short with me, that I decided to go elsewhere. Fast forward to two weeks ago, and I decided to try for a walk-in at UtN because I needed a quick small tattoo on my neck. As soon as I walk-in, the woman behind the counter is short with me and just plain uninterested in my entire existence, even though I was willing and happy to pay the shop minimum of $100 for a small tattoo. I heard her on the phone while I was waiting for my artist, and it seems she is just rude to everyone as she discouraged the customer on the phone from attempting a walk-in! My artist was nice and did quality work, but didn't bother to even learn my name. I had to introduce myself after he put on the stencil, I felt so awkward! Then afterwards, I walk up to the counter, pay, and thats it... They didn't offer me any aftercare advice and didn't give me my artists card, nothing. I left feeling so sad because I have multiple tattoos, big and tiny, and I've never been made to feel like such a burden at a tattoo shop. :(

Todd Ramsey

Jeff did an amazing job.

Norman Bolz

It has been a long time coming! Christopher Robin did a cover-up for me , on a really bad tatt !! We settled on a Grateful Dead rendition of the back cover of Terrapin Station ! To this day, i get nothing great "Props" on this Tatt ! Great single needle work,by a very talented artist !!! When i was there , saw a lot of work going on by others. Everyone there is exceptional ! There is a woman Tatt artist there , who really is very talented ! So ladys dont hesitate ! She is great !! There you have it ! Norman Bolz

Jayla Mann

I can't remember the name of my artists but I love my work. It didn't take long and it was a great price. Everyone was every nice and helpful ❤❤❤

Matt G

There was a weird vibe in there. Over the phone they gave me a price point of 100-150 and when I got there they tried to charge me 200-300.

Taylor Cox

I get all my tattoos here, best place

Jackson Whitehurst

Easy walk in, super clean and chill.

juan ibarra

super cool… ha

Travis Mcallister

I didn't put too much thought into getting my next tattoo, just went and did it. I could not be happier with the outcome! Great artists, great customer service and fantastic tattoo! Great prices as well. I will totally recommend this place to anyone.

Sumer Sagasta

Very friendly atmosphere, when I walked in I was helped right away and within twenty minutes I was under the needle. Not from Washington, but will definitely re-visit this shop when I return.

Patrick Mishler

Yeah you pay good money for a good tattoo, and get lesser quality for lesser cost, but wow do these guys want crazy money for their work. I'm guessing their bread and butter is the tourist crowd. They wanted triple for a small tattoo (maybe 6 inches) versus a huge tattoo (complete forearm) that I got from a world famous artist. I wouldn't recommend them based on their pricing model alone.

Jeremy Snow

very less-than-stellar tattoo shop. First-time made arrangements over the phone to come down within 10 minutes once I arrived they were unable to accommodate us. Second time we come back the tattoo artist we had was very finicky and was not willing to really do what we wanted. Got tattoos and the artwork was very average he has very poor line work and could not even stay within the lines.if you're considering this tattoo shop take a very close look at the artwork look at this tattoo.

Dave M

Super friendly staff, and amazing artwork!

Jack

They gave my niece and incredible tattoo to commemorate her surviving an auto accident. The tattoo artist was a true artist. He loves tattoos so much that he was absolutely covered in them

sean truesdale

Absolute great artists and prices

Ariel Blessie

I went in and had a consultation with a really large man who told me Chris was a certain price. This is not Chris' fault and he gave me a great (unfinished ) tattoo. Turns out Chris is double what the large man told me. I had to drain my bank account. And no one cared. The large guy hid from me when I complained about the price difference. They did not care at all. I was lied to, I feel cheated and robbed. And they also refused to give me back the 80$ deposit fee that's promised to be deducted from the final cost. They literally robbed me. I have nothing but hatred for this shop and how terrible they treated me.

Yanhua Cheng

I've never been treated with so much disrespect in my life. I believe the artist who initially did my tattoo is Adam. He just stood up and left before the tattoo was even done. While he was walking away, he said "It's such a small thing. And you want it to be perfect. I don't even want to charge you". I was left there bleeding!! No patch up, no explanation. I don't know what I did to piss him off. I didn't criticize his work. I tried to treat him with respect. I did ask him to make adjustment on the stencil once, but I think that's a reasonable request. I tried to work with him to get his opinions on things. I asked his opinion on the location of the tattoo. Guess what he said "you just tell me where you want me to move it. I would never put that on my arm". Seriously??? That's how you treat your customers? After he finished the initial tattoo, I pulled up the original drawing to compare it and asked him to make a slight adjustment. He became even more visibly annoyed. I thought it might be too much to ask so I offered "well, if it is too difficult or not possible, let me know". He basically ignored me and did a couple fixes and was like "I know how to fix my tattoo". Immediately after he's done with this, he stood up and left. I was dumbfounded. I really didn't know what I did to piss him off. We are all human beings. If I made any unreasonable request, why not just tell me and we can work it out. Is it too much to ask if I want my tattoo to look good? I was standing there in the middle of the tattoo shop, with tears in my eyes and blood on my arm. Other customers looked at me with sympathy. I really don't understand how a decent human being can treat another human being like this. Is it because the tattoo work was too small to worth his time? Is it because English is my second language? I don't know. Luckily, two other artists, Christopher and Brittany, were very kind and came over to me. Christopher even offered to fix up the tattoo for me. He is very kind and professional. His line work is amazing. I really appreciate his help! If you decide to come here for a tattoo, ask for Christopher or Brittany. If the artist who approaches you is named Adam, run away.

Thomas Birchall

Very unpleasant experience here- staff was unwelcoming and rude, artist Caesar was unfriendly and visibly annoyed when I kindly asked him to shift the stencil downwards a bit. He rushed through the job and left abruptly (after being generally distasteful throughout the session). Tattoo smudged and did not heal well at all- linework was done harshly and without concern.

Paul Anderson

Guys were super helpful at figuring out what I wanted and giving an estimate on the cost.

Brandee Randall

Friendly staff and Great Artists here!

Raider Shea

4 lessons learned: 1) NEVER do a walk-in tattoo with a guest artist who gets to leave town, and you, with a permanently bad tattoo! (2) NEVER trust a tattoo shop who allows guest artists who are, admittedly, "only doing this to cover the cost of the flight,"! (3) NEVER trust a tattoo shop to fix their mistakes if a paying customer is in front of them. They will put you as a last priority, even though you already paid, and even though it should've been done right in the first place! (4) NEVER trust or go to Under The Needle in Seattle for a walk-in tattoo I was a walk-in with guest artist Matt Loochee, and I came in for the most basic tattoo you can get: an outline of my home state of California...and he messed it up. That state outline is disconnected at the southern end, and the bottom border is wavy. When I called in and emailed with pictures less than 1 day after the tattoo, they agreed to fix it, as they should have. I said I'd be in around 6 PM for the fix, and they agreed. When I called in at 6:09 PM to let them know I was on my way (I live less than a 5 min. walk from the shop), Berkeley the receptionist told me I was too late because, "They don't have time to just sit around." I was obviously bummed and even reminded them that this was the time we agreed upon for a fix, and this was their response, "Yeah, well, we have your phone number and email, so we'll give you a call when he frees up tonight." I never received a call back, and now the artist is leaving town. So Under The Needle gets to charge $100 (and I even tipped the artist as a courtesy) for a messed up tattoo, and they can't even fix it at the agreed upon time!? In the end I went back to get it fixed by Tim Kelly, was told all the reasons it's a great tattoo and that he couldn't do anything to make it the way I wanted, and the way it should have been to begin with, and wouldn't even add another tattoo I wanted because it was "too close" to the other tattoo, despite specifying the exact details and location to Berkeley the receptionist and reviewing it with Tim beforehand! After all that, Berkeley the receptionist lied about wait times, calling back, and fixing the tattoo, so over 4.5 hours of my time was wasted and my tattoo did not get fixed! Now I will have to pay another, better tattoo shop and artist to fix the mistake Under The Needle made in the first place! My wife even originally planned to get one as it was our anniversary, but after seeing the quality of work, and the way I was treated, refused. Terrible experience, horrible customer service, bad tattoo, and a lot of $$$ = 1 star. Spare yourself the agony of going to Under The Needle and go somewhere and to someone who cares about their artwork and their reputation. Thanks for nothing, Under The Needle, you should tattoo "FAIL" across your store front, it'd be more honest and accurate...but clearly those are virtues you care nothing about. 1 star and 2 thumbs WAY down! DON'T GET A TATTOO HERE!

Lacey

Great open atmosphere, clean shop and Brian did a fantastic job! He resized the sketch till I was happy and my tattoo came out with great looking lines and really solid, deep black. Explained care instructions well and was a friendly and professional artist. Definitely would go back!

Greg Hutcherson

Not the most expensive shop I've been to in Seattle, kind of varies according to the artist. But leans on the pricey side.. I really enjoy the guest artists they bring in from around the country. Different styles are brought to the table. Definitely the best work I've had done in Seattle, even from the more expensive shops like slave to the needle. Not had a bad experience or bad vibes from any of the staff here, less the chubby girl that is a part time receptionist. Other receptionists, artists, and owner are exceptional people. I highly recommend. Could find no examples of snuffleupagus holding a baseball bat in any form. Artist envisioned the tattoo, drew it up custom, and included other items to bring it to life better than I saw it in my mind's eye.

Aven Lantz

My best friend and I reunited after a traumatic experience. after a week of adventures, we found ourselves at The Whiskey Bar contemplating tattoos. I'm so glad we followed through. Dustin was our tattoo artist, and he was so kind. He let us nit pick our orca whale design down to the angles of markings. He is great with conversation and very fun to talk to. He shared stories and laughter. He's a very cool person. I feel bad, I don't remember the other gentleman's name that was in there. He helped clean and ran the behind-the-scenes. He was very kind and very open. It was almost like therapy getting to talk to them about following dreams and what you love. He's going back to school soon to do what he loves, and he encouraged us to do the same. The environment was wonderful. The music was fun. As a whole, the two of them made the place feel judgment free and very welcoming. I would definitely recommend Dustin. And as for a 11pm tattoo, this was the best place I could have gone. To the owner: You have a good crew. Not only good artists, but a family.

Blair Bartley

Just a great location! "Under the space needle"

Derek Malvern Sr

Tim Kelly .. is the men !! Great work !! Go asked for Tim and let him do his magic!!!

Zach Wilkerson

Great and friendly service, they truly truly love what the do. Extremely talented men with a good eyes and deep imagination. Highly recommended.

Nikolay DaGreat7

Great work

Owen Miller

Smells like farts. Would recommend.

No Name

Great shop clean work

Robert Potts

Great shop and staff!

Darius Weaver

Went with my buddy to see him get his tat. The place was very stylish and the staff was professional and had good conversation. They do great work and have a bunch of tattoo ideas on the wall if you have no clue on what you want

Tyler Post

Unreasonably strict deposit policy. You have pay a deposit before you can see any sketches and if you don’t like the art work you are out of luck. Least friendly tattoo shop I’ve experienced. So many better options in the Seattle area.

Maggie Sanchez

Got two tattoos here and will be back for more! Great, knowledgeable and talented staff!

Daniel Ertle

Really great place. They accommodate me as a walk in and I left very happy.

Candy Knott

Super Place, really quick, really reasonably priced, I absolutely love Tim.

Erica Bauer

I got my last tattoo done here by Siobhan and she is AMAZING. Not only is the work great but sitting around for 4 hours with her was like hanging with a friend. I will definitely get more work done by this lady.

Ashley Joustra

I had the best experience here! My sister and I were on vacation and on our last day in Seattle we decided to get tattoos. We were turned away as walk ins at some other places but Under The Needle happily accepted us. The place was clean, the guys were professional. We didn't have to leave a deposit before seeing our sketches as others have mentioned. My sister got one small tattoo, I got three small ones. These were my first and my artist, Cesar, was incredibly kind and patient with me and helped me decide where to place them and the sizes that would look best. We were in and out within a half and hour. If I'm ever in Seattle again and looking to get a tattoo I will definitely return.

Emily E

Went in for simple tattoos as walk ins with some friends and the experience was great! Called ahead and they let us know the good times to come. They gave us an estimate on time and price and were super friendly and accommodating.

Gabe Højme-Adkins

Friendly and professional

Yeabsira Mesfin

Amazing how open they are open to your ideas

Erin B

I was in Seattle on vacation and decided to get a tattoo. I was going to go somewhere else, and luckily they were booked due to Indigenous People's Day/the work holiday because I had a great experience at UTN. I was a walk-in and they got me set up with Vic right when he got back in town later that day, and they were all super friendly, chill people to be around. A friend that went with me who had never been to a tattoo shop was pleasantly surprised by how 'friendly' it seemed, too. Plus the pricing was very reasonable. Overall, great experience, and if I'm ever back in town I'll be sure to head back.

Mary Mac

Friendly and knowledgeable!

Lisa Martini

Love my tat

Greg Miner

Friendly professional staff. Got exactly what I wanted and the price was great. I would highly recommend this place! :)

Michelle Lofing

My husband and I waited on the lobby for about 30 mins yesterday. No one even acknowledged us. Will not go back based on customer service alone

Drodie Vision

My girl and I got the urge for the ink and couldn't find any where open late on a sunday night, And then....... we found it! Under the needle open until 1am! LET'S GO! Cool prices and great work we got hooked up by Vudloc. Thanks for the tatts and advice on a good spot to eat afterwards much appreciated.

Lil' Missy Baber Thy UniQuEly SeXy

There prices wher super high and the staff was rude and not in any way very welcoming nor were they friendly. I went in to get a hatchetman tattoo(pictured below) but left with nothing due to how extremely unhelpful and un welcoming there attitudes towards me where, not to mention that they wanted a $100 starting fee and then $125 per hour of work after that which would mean I would basically have to pay a very minimum of $225 for a tiny simple little $40-60 tattoo from anywhere else! Extortion if you ask me but it could be just the way they were treating me which seems to be the normal treatment I get from just about every single store, shop, or business that I go shopping at with my bubbly and friendly attitude as to NOT let there discrimination and negative feelings towards me ever bring me down or impact me and effect me in any sort of negative way. :-)