The Darkside Tattoo

I went in to The Darkside Tattoo to get a set of piercings done. They only do walk in piercings, and you gotta check the Facebook page or call to see when a piercer will be there.Regardless, a friend and I went in together. I got my nipples pierced and they got two sets of ear piercings.Our piercer was Ashley -- she was funny, professional, personable, and did excellent work. She was attentive to and followed good cleanliness and hygiene protocol; gave great explanations of what she was doing and why; was knowledgeable about materials, procedure and aftercare; was accommodating of individual preference for what got done first; and she had a gentle but expert touch for an admittedly sensitive area. She was also very trans and queer friendly, a huge bonus for both of us. Thus far, neither of us have had any issues with our piercings and everything is healing up beautifully.I would highly recommend the shop, and specifically Ashley, if anyone is looking to get a piercing done in the area. To boot, the prices were reasonable. You really cant go wrong.Thanks for the great experience!

My cousin and I went in as walk in’s today to get some piercings done, they were quick to get us in and our piercer was fabulous, she walked us through everything and made jokes with us as she knew we were a bit nervous, she was quick to offer sugar tabs if we felt light headed, will absolutely be back for my next piercing!

I am disappointed. I made contact via email June 3rd. Ashley responded quickly and she was clear on her answers and advice regarding my questions for a tattoo. I was instructed to send a text to Favi. It took a week to receive a response at 11:30am June 11th and he offered me a consultation for June 13th (two days later) Unfortunately I had a conflicting meeting at the time. His schedule didn’t offer another opportunity until July. By 3:30pm June 11th I was able to change my schedule to meet June 13th and sent an immediate text. He did not respond to my text until I sent a second text the following day. His response was he now could not meet June 13th. When I asked for a future consult he responded with he couldn’t do it until July but didn’t offer a possible date and time to choose. This seems unprofessional and disorganized. I was able to contact two other tattoo shops and they were both able to get me in June 13th.

Both my friend and I went this morning. We got our tattoos with Phoenix. She did a wonderful job. It was my first tattoo but she cooled me off and it turned out amazing!

They were very friendly and supportive. I got super anxious during the appointment due to my fear of needles, but they helped me work through it.

Outstanding experience! Haley did an awsome job, made sure I was comfortable, went over options and gave me different options. Overall very happy and will be back for more work!

Dont go here if youre first time getting a tattoo and you booked an appointment. The day of my appointment, I didnt get my tattoo because they knew someone had an appointment but they didnt know who, leading to a lot of confusion on my part, making me wait for 5 hours there just to be told I couldnt get it today and I live and hour away

I worked with Jake for my first tattoo here. He was amazing. His design looked better than I ever imagined it could. Hes professional, kind, and easy to work with. I will recommend him to everyone!

Bryon (the owner of the shop) is a really great guy and incredible artist. And hes got a team there thats just as great as he is as well! Honestly The Darkside tattoo deserves all 5 stars hands down! Depending on the artist its a bit of a wait but TRUST me its worth the wait, plus it gives ya some time to save up some money not that they over charge or anything its actually really reasonable for price as well! Like I said🔥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥🔥This is what I got done by Byron I think it was like 4hrs

Awesome place! Get my septum done and my gf got naval and it went very well, Ashley was super friendly and professional! EDIT: came back less then a week later to get my eyebrow pierced, another great experience, will definitely be coming here from now on for any future piercings

Great experience, and I absolutely love the piece Roy is doing on my arm. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a tattoo or piercing

Got my eyebrow pierced by Ashley and she was the most gentle piercer i’ve ever had. She made sure i was comfortable and talked through whatever she was doing. Barely felt a thing and didn’t even flinch. :) 10/10 would recommend!

Hailey was amazing with my tongue piercing. She was also super sweet. The whole place was amazing super clean and friendly atmosphere! Will be going back again for more piercings and maybe tattoos when they have an opening!!!

Roy is amazing! Hes done all of my tattoos, and hopefully future pieces as well. Super down to earth, and friendly. He made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole process. The receptionists are really nice too. Laid back and fun atmosphere in the shop. Anyone looking for a tattoo I tell them to check out Roy, or any of the artists here because theyll do an awesome job.

It took me 2 days of sitting and waiting in there office before they had time to do mine. It was a long wait and there wasnt anything there to keep you entertained all day. But when it was finally my turn she tried talk me out of what I wanted Don. Tried talk me in to having a flower done instead. At the last minute I said NO and if it didnt turn out right it will be my fault and Im glad I tell them this is what I wanted because it didnt turn out like they thought. I also wasnt happy with the big bill for such a mini tattoo. But all in all she had did do a good job and at the end said she would be willing to touch it up if I need it. As much as she tried talking me out of what I wanted being it was so small. It turned out nice. I would recommend this place to anyone even though what happened to me because it turned out nice and I waited two days because I didnt have an appointment. Staff was really nice. Other tattooers were nice as well.

10 out of 10 awesome, Jake does a fantastic job.

The artist there was very talented and had a nice hand. I will go there again, Im very pleased with the staff and work. Thank you.

I went in to get my nipples and belly button pierced. It was a wonderful experience. Ashley was very patient with me when i need a breather in-between. Gave me a step by step as well and water when needed. Id highly recommended this place to everyone and i will be going back in the future if i decide to have anything else done.

I had my nose pierced and the staff was very friendly and comforting and did the best job they possibly could which was very good so its a good place to go so Id recommend it to anyone

It’s been 6 years since I got my daith pierced by the guy who did it. (Can’t remember his name). I got it because I had terrible migraines, to the point I was always hospitalized. After I got my piercing and still to this day I don’t have migraines. I feel blessed that I decided to come here and get this done, and I know my review is super late, but I was just thinking about it and I’m grateful.

Jake has done 3 or 4 tats of mine and he is an awesome artist. Prices are reasonable, super clean office. The staff has always been super friendly. I would definitely recommend this shop.

Got a Monroe today from Haley and she was very kind and knowledgeable. She was very open to questions and a great communicator about the process. Badass shop and clear there is alot of talent. I will be back before I leave Grand Forks this summer!

I scheduled with Erin Nicole Walsh and extremely happy I did. Shes working on my sleeve and what a talented, intelligent, and fun person. Shes easy to talk to and makes the time go by fast while having a great touch. Very highly recommended.

Every interaction I have had with any of their staff has been great. I have been going to Roy (one of their artists) for over five years. The shop is clean, ran by wonderful people amd their work is fantastic. I would and have recommended this shop to many people.

I had a nose piercing done 3 days ago. I was very nervous and was told by my sister and step mom that their piercings were sore for a long while afterwards so I had braced myself for that. It was so quick and painless. I havent had any issues with soreness or discomfort since, and it has really cute placement. I was jittery and the artist was cool and totally talked with me while she pierced. It was a pretty seamless experience--I wish I lived local so I could get more done!

I had Erin Nicole Walsh do my tattoo and it was the best tattooing experience Ive had. She was very friendly and fun to talk to and she did a great job on a tattoo that meant a lot to me. If I decide on another one, she is the artist I am calling

I have had two piercings within this last week. One helix hoop and one industrial piercing. Very little pain. Redness is pretty much gone within an hour of the piercing. Highly recommend! I love my piercings!

Love this place! Bryon has done four of my tattoos including a coverup and I’m so happy I went to him! Bryon does perfect work and has a down to earth attitude! They are so welcoming there and help put your mind/nerves at ease! I refuse to go anywhere else!! Thank you Bryon!

I got my naval pierced by Roy in October. He did a great job. I’ve had my piercing for over two months now, and I’ve been really surprised by the healing process. I have had troublesome piercings before, I have really sensitive skin, and was expecting the same with my naval, but so far I haven’t had much for problems! I followed the aftercare instructions - cleaning with antibacterial soap. I also bought H2Ocean after-piercing spray on Amazon. I love my piercing and will definitely be back for more!

Took my little sister to get her nostril pierced and the piercer was incredibly helpful and accomodating about soothing her nerves. She walked her through the whole process and was quick and efficient about it. The office is actually really nice-looking-- dont let the pics online fool you.

Amazing place. Roy was great! We got along well and from start to finish, he did amazing with the details. 10/10 shop. Great rates. Would recommend.

I have been getting tattooed at Darkside for almost 10 years and I wouldnt go anywhere else. Everyone here is amazing and they have an artist for almost any art style. Roy is amazing and makes stunning portraits as well as artsy pieces. He has been tattooing me most of my adult life and I cant think of any piece he has done which isnt dear to me.

This was my first tattoo & Josh Starke was my artist! He was very sociable & made me feel at ease! He did an awesome job on my 3D Butterfly, & can’t wait to see him again to get more!

I frequent Darkside lately for piercings. Both Ashley and Haley are FABULOUS and knowledgeable. They have walk in slots almost every day that they are open and you cant go wrong with either piercer!

I went into Darkside to get my naval pierced. I got there at 5:30pm (when there walk in piercings started). There were a few people ahead of me, so I expected there to be a wait. But the piercer was about 20-30 minutes late. An hour goes by from the time I got there, and I am finally back in the room for my piercing. My piercer continues to tell me that she is going to use a smaller bar (not for navals), and it may cause some irritation because of the swelling but is totally normal. I didn’t think anything of it, but shortly after my piercing I noticed it was very red and swollen. It was very painful. I figured once the swelling went down it would be okay. I went on vacation a few days later, and by then I could barely handle sitting. I quickly noticed that the ball on the top of my bar was sinking into my stomach, and I couldn’t even see it above my skin. I decided to go to a piercer where I was vacationing. She told me that the jewlery used is very low quality, it was pierced very deep, and the bar I was given was way too short, and because it wasn’t curved for naval piercings, it added a lot of pressure to the wound. She gave me a longer bar, and told me that I wouldn’t be able to use a normal belly button ring. Save yourself the time, money, and pain and go to a better shop.

I got my nips by Roy and booth rooks by Hayley two weeks apart. All piercings look, and feel great besides healing sorness. Minimal swelling, and even a repierced rook comfortable enough to sleep on. Hayley was wonderful and super informative. Thank you Darkside!

Scheduled my appointment for a small tattoo during my lunch and the guy who was supposed to do it (Mr. Brown) did not show up. So I rescheduled and still had to wait for about 30-45 minutes for the artist to be done with another customer. Dunno whos fault it was for double booking, but annoying none-the-less. He did a good job with the tat, though it was a very simple design so its hard to mess up.

Was absolutely perfect! They helped me fix my piercing and set me up with jewelry that was way more comfortable and looks much better! I will be going here for my new piercing for sure

I felt like I was overcharged for a small tattoo but thats not really what bugged me. My tattoo was really bleeding after he was done and he put the clear bandage on it (it wasnt even a big enough bit for my tattoo) and it kept leaking out of the bandage so I asked for a bit more to help, he just cut some pieces and gave them to me to put on myself. He also pushed very hard on me while tattooing me and now a few days later my arm in that area is bruised all over. I thought my tattoo was infected because it really hurts but no, Im just bruised everywhere there. Would not recommend.

Ashley pierced my septum and repierced my cartilage and it was a great experience. Very nice and professional and made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole thing. Highly recommend.

Been here twice to get pierced and the ladies are very kind and professional!

Roy does all of my work. From concept, to finished piece. This is the ONLY place to go in Grand Forks for tattoos.

All three of my piercings I got here have had irritation bumps for 6 months now. Went into another piercing shop in Fargo with APP piercers and they told me it was pierced incorrectly. Waste of money and time. Plus not the best choice for jewelry options too which affected the piercing as well.

I recently just got my navel pierced from darkside, and when I got the piercing the piercer told me she would be using a shorter bar for the initial piercing and if I had trouble with swelling I could come back in to get a longer bar. Immediately after the piercing, the bar seemed tight and became more uncomfortable as the piercing swelled (minor swelling is expected so I wasnt to worried). After following the aftercare instructions for about a week, my piercing became more swollen, infected, agitated and painful. The bar length became an issue as it swelled more and looked more infected. Soon the piercing would be pulling so hard it would sink inward (creating a crater like shape) to the point I couldn’t even see the top ball of the jewelry. I wasn’t in Grand Forks so I decided to go to a different piercer to get a longer bar because I was in so much pain. The piercer who changed my bar stated that the jewelry from darkside wasn’t internally threaded or a high enough grade of jewelry to be good for one’s body. After getting a higher grade jewelry and following the second piercers aftercare advice my piercing finally began to heal, it no longer looks infected and swelling has gone down immensely. (I paid $40 at darkside then ended up spending another $40 on quality jewelry. I recommend going somewhere where they pierce it with the good stuff the first time.)

Had a tattoo with Lila she amazing she did amazing job my my crown she did the shading is awsome

Bobby helped design my tattoo, it was everything I wanted. I am very happy with the finished tattoo. Clean, professional office.

So impressed with staff as well as service. I got a few piercings last month, and a tat today. Hands down, best experience for both, and Ive gotten plenty elsewhere. Ink done by @joshua.starke

First time here but will definitely go back. Had nose pierced, but I am wanting a tattoo and by word of mouth told they do an amazing job so will be looking them up as soon as I decide what I want to get.

Friendly, lovely people, clean and hella professional and chill. Definitely go there especially if its for a first anything, then just keep going for more 💖

Got my piercings over here and it was quite nice with friendly staff. The aesthetic was a bit too scary for my tastes and IDK why they do 5% tax if you pay with debit/credit tho.

I messed up getting my piercing and the piercer was super sweet and asked if I wanted anything else or to try again. She was also super funny and i loved interacting wirh her!

I’m the the upper peninsula of Michigan, Jake did my tattoo on my ankle today in grand forks North Dakota and I absolutely love it! Thanks for making my vacation so much better!

Roy did a original design for me and it turned out wonderful!!

I had gotten a small mother daughter heart a few years ago and it is beautiful 🤩

This was my first tattoo and they crushed it. I really love having my own room to get the work done. My artist was Erin and she crushed it. Super great person and artist. I will be going back

Go to Roy!!! My friend and I both got small tattoos from him and they were perfect and cheap! Amazing service and personality! Quick and easy!

My initial piece completed 16 years ago remains legible and colorful with the proper depth as well as size. My artist, the owner, Bryan, opened up shop The Dark Side in EGF about 2001 across from where Tao Garden resides.

My sons mother died and he wanted the date tattooed on his chest. The artist was professional but also just a really nice guy. A tattoo with meaning and a nice atmosphere.

Absolutely awesome group of artists and great environment. Erin has done some fantastic work for me and the tattoo always comes out great.

Highly recommend darkside for both tattoos and piercings. The shop is clean, the workers are friendly and knowledgeable. Any time I come here, I feel comfortable and welcomed.

Awesome experience. Clean environment. Excellent tattoo. They didnt rush, made sure drawing was absolutely correct before beginning. Thank you.

I had my wrist tattoo done here and i would reccommend anyone to come here. They are excellant. They do awedome work and make sure its to perfection. Also very nice people.

Tattoo artist and owner Bryon is truly awesome! He does fantastic work and doesnt overcharge! Hes the only one I trust my ink with.

Just got my first tattoo. Bryon did an amazing job, and the whole experience was great. Definitely recommend!

The only place I trust to go to for piercings. Never had a bad experience inside the shop or with any of the piercings. Very friendly employees with a nice environment inside!

Had a amazing experience with jake great tattoo work and detail I let him build my tattoo how he was thinking would be best and it came out perfect I strongly recommend him!

Had excellent service and had an amazing time getting my first tattoo, Josh made sure that I was comfortable and had a great time!

Very nice people and amazing work! I’m absolutely in love with my new tattoo. I highly recommend this place!!

Ive gone here for a tattoo and a piercing. Im very happy with both! They were super welcoming and helpful and very professional

Wonderful place! Just got my first tattoo and Jake did awesome. Very friendly atmosphere.

This place is so tidy, neat, and clean. The people are professionals and so talented. I got my piece customized and done by Jake👌🏽🤟🏽

I went and got my helix pierced Saturday, I went running on Monday and the earring on my right fell out, so I came in today (Tuesday) to have it fixed and I was asked for an extra $40. I don’t think that’s a fair amount

I loved the atmosphere of this place and the artists do a great job got my 2 tattoos here and plan on going back for another

Love the tattoo I got at this place, gorgeous done sooner than quoted, which is always a plus. Will be going back for my second one!

Fantastic shop and staff. Very knowledgeable and super friendly, Josh, Jasmine and Erin are professional and entertaining all at onece! Thanks we will be back :)

I absolutely loved my tattoo artist Erin! Amazing work and love my tattoo!! 10/10 would recommend

Very friendly and helpful staff. I love getting my tattoos done here, they are amazing!

Clean and friendly staff didnt look at their portfolios my other half went in for a piercing and they got the piercing stuck and had to re-stab and try a different piercing

Bryan does amazing work. I’ve seen Erins work as well and she is very artistic.

Hayley pierced my nose. Quick and easy. She is very nice too. Prices are high but its worth it.

I go to Jake. Everything Ive had tattooed on me by Jake is awesome. He continously hits it out of the park. Thanks Jake.

Cant get any better than here Bryon is a great artist the place is clean and the renovations they made makes you feel comfortable also he uses clean supplies not used

Will definitely be back again! Kim did my piercing and she was awesome!

Friendly, helpful staff. Knowledgeable and very talented. Highly recommend for tattoos and piercings!

Love love love my new tat! Thank you Roy!!!

Husband is getting a tattoo. People are really nice there. The tattoo artist is very good

I loved it. Best place to get a Tat. Jake did an Amazing job on myself, my son and my brother.

Great ppl and thats one of the best tattoo parlors Ive ever been too

Jake did absolutely amazing. Was quick and professional for the walk ins. Very happy with the outcome.

Got a piercing from Ashley and she did an amazing job! So friendly and professional!

Just got a tattoo done at the Darkside, Jake did an amazing job! Will definitely recommend!

Jake did a killer job on my walk-in tattoo! Super fast, and great pricing!

Got my first tattoo here. Great staff, cool atmosphere, and amazing work

Ive never had a bad experience with any of the artists. Theyre great!

Josh S is awesome..highly recommend thank you so much I love my tattoo.

Erin and the whole team has been great to the Irby family....thanks

I had some more work done in black and grey scale. This sitting was a crucifix and hands down Roy blew me away.

The Dark side is a great place. Roy is a wonderful artist.

My first tattoo,Josh S was wonderful,had the best experience loved the finished tattoo

Love this place, good options for artists who each have their own talents. Friendly front desk staff

Great atmosphere. Haley is amazing

Outstanding tattoo and service. Will definitely be returning for another tattoo.

They do really good work. Tattoo looks great!

Jake was awesome and so talented hoping to get another piece done from him

Had all my tattoos and piercings at Darkside. Not a single complaint!

Great service, super friendly. I would definitely recommend to my friends

Beautiful work and the nicest and funniest people! Jake was amazing!

Great place, with Great staff.Jake is our prefered..

It was a great experience I had no problem with how it turned out

Roy was AMAZING. Will definitely be back!

Bryon is my guy! All kinds of incredible artists!

Very pleased, staff extremely friendly. Highly recommended!!

My go to, quick service, great prices, friendly staff!

These people were very hospitable and nice. The customer service is nice

Very good. Very reasonably priced. Thanks Jake!!

Friendly, professional service. Excellent artists.

Long wait but great piercing results

Awsome place to get tattoos, very friendly

Saw Josh Starke and he was amazing!

Amazing tattoo artists. Love them.

Very pleasant experience ,so far so good!!

Couldnt of asked for a better place for tattoos and piercings.

Always do good on piercings

Heard alot of good things about this place.

Mindy is an amazing artist!

Fast efficient and very stress free environment

Have gotten all my tattoos done here

Did you know they do tattoos here.. OMG

Jake LaFontaine excellent job

Ask for ROY he is GREAT

This place is absolutely amazing!

Excellent customer service!

The only shop Ill go to

Roy is incredible!!!!

Caring and explained everything

Great artists

Love the place

Great piercings

Wonderful experience!!!!!!!!