Croatan Tattoo Company

We had the best experience with Croatan Tattoo Company. They accommodated my family (7 of us) all in the same day while we were visiting for vacation! Two of us got our first tattoos and were treated with such care and compassion! Absolutely love and recommend them!

I was a little scared to get my septum pierced and my friends lip pierced because of some of the reviews that were left but we decided to go and see how it was, our piercer Keebler was amazing, super funny, very cool and great to conversate with. Used great jewelry and was overall great. HIGHLY recommend this place!!🫶🏼

The only place I’ll get a tattoo while in the Outer Banks! I stumbled across Croatan Tattoo a few years ago while searching online and I am so glad I did! The good ones are rare in any tourist town! Most are only out to make money and turn that chair as fast as they can.The environment is always laid back and welcoming, they play the best background music & most importantly it’s always clean. You call tell how much AJ cares about his business! On top of all of that, AJ does some killer work! Can’t wait til my next appointment!!

Got the side of my nose pierced today at this location. Heather was very friendly and helped me with all my questions at the front desk. Keebler did my nose piercing and had great vibes. The piercing was done in just a few minutes and it was only very minimal pain. I highly recommend anyone in the area stop by for their piercings and tattoos. Loved the shop. Thanks again yall! ❤️

My friends and I were so excited to get piercings to end our trip in north carolina. We were met with a rude piercer who made us feel uncomfortable however we decided to go through with it. We were not allowed to pick out own jewlery and when my friends expressed dislike for her navel piercing jewlery she was belittled and told in essence to get over it. We walked out to our car and after sitting down we realized just how bad our piercings looked. My double helix piercing was pierced with a fake earring with a huge butterfly back as seen in the picture below. We went inside to the shop and asked to speak to the piercer and explained our concern with her piercing possibly getting infected due to the jewelry used. Heinstantly got upset and started screaming at me and my friends. He was extremely nasty and in essence threw a tantrum to the point where we were in tears. Eventually he stormed off and slammed the door and we had no choice to leave with horrible piercings and $200 gone from our wallets. Tattoos seemed to be fine but if you get a piercing just know it’s going to be pierced with bad jewlery and a piercer who yells at someone to the point of tears

My fiancé and I were interested in a tattoo while on vacation. We didn’t make an appointment and they couldn’t fit us in during the week-totally understand. But after three calls to the shop Friday’s were confirmed as “first come first serve walk-in tattoos”. We were second in line waiting before the shop opened, only for the receptionist to scoff at our multiple tattoo options and turn us away. I can understand not being able to accommodate that tattoos we were requesting (although small and basic) but would have appreciated transparency when calling in, and a little professionalism when we visited the shop at her direction. Her poor attitude may have foreshadowed a poor overall experience. We will commemorate our trip at a local shop that appreciates their clientele and wants our business.

Every person in this shop is amazing. I have a special needs daughter who is very loud and happy. They treated us so respectful and made us feel very welcome. Not to to mention Bonnie was amazing and gave me exactly what I wanted. We vacation in OBX every year and we found this spot last year for a piercing. This year I wanted a tattoo. This will be my yearly tradition. See you next year my new friends at Croatan Tattoo Company.

One of the BEST! I will not go see anybody other than AJ. He’s done one of my favorite tattoos on my leg & still planning to add more to it!! Amazing work - highly recommend!

My husband and I wanted a memorable tattoo while vacationing in OBX. Andy was amazing! Thank you guys! We will be back!

AJ did tattoos for me and my SO and they turned out so much better than we imagined. Friendly environment and lighthearted. The piercer help me with an older piercer I had and was very friendly as well! Definitely recommend!

Horrible experience do not waste your time riding down Colington Rd. To see these clowns. Extremely expensive and sub par work would be putting it nicely. J.G has a big imagination with very little talent to back it up. If I could only show you a picture of this horrible tattoo and how much he changed me you would definitely think twice before talking with them. Definitely not trying to be that guy or be rude but this is our skin they are messing up for a lot of money.

Me and my family come to OBX every year for the 4th of July week for vacation and last year ‘23 we decided to get mine and my daughters nose pierced and so we came in and there was Keebler skating around with his cool self and instantly we knew this was the place we wanted to get it done at! And so this year ‘24 me and my cousin decided we wanted a tattoo and we knew exactly where to go Croatan Tattoo Company!!! Anyways Andy did an absolutely wonderful job!!! And now me and my cousin made a pack that every year when we come down here we will get a tattoo and we would go anywhere else but here!!!

Awful customer service. we called shortly after they opened to ask if they take walk ins, they told us that they do. a few hours later we drove 45 minutes to the shop. we walked in and told them what he wanted. blonde lady at the front counter was extremely rude, dismissive, and rushy. she took our names and phone numbers down and told us she’ll call us in about 2-3 hours and we can come back and get our tattoos. we waited in the town all day and NEVER got a call ! i’m honestly glad i didn’t get a tattoo here, i would have felt extremely uncomfortable after speaking with that lady.

We were on vacation and stopped in to schedule tattoos. They got us in the next day and Andy did an awesome job on our “vacation” tattoos! Everyone there was super friendly and it was an awesome experience! Definitely recommend them to anyone!

AJ was the best! Last minute vacation tats for me and my friend. AJ squeezed us in and we are so happy with his work! They all were great to work with especially being it was our first tatoos. Would definitely recommend!

I had a fantastic experience here, the shop manager (Heather) was extremely friendly and helpful, the shop was very clean and the artist Bonnie was very professional and talented. I highly recommend this place to anybody looking for top quality tattoos at a comfortable, relaxed and professional establishment.

I had a Daith piercing done prior to going into this shop that needed attention. (mind you I had never been there before)Keebler met me on his time off and was super gracious in caring for my needs. I was in a ton of pain.He did his best to take care of the problem and resolve any potential problems in the future. I was extremely grateful. thank you!!!

Best tattoo shops around. Honest people. AJ did a great job on my cover up. I will be using this shop from now on and no other.

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!!Everyone in there makes you feel so comfortable and I got a nose piercing and it was so quick and painless and the piercer will definitely ask you and make sure your happy with the placement and let you know how to care of your piercings and they also sell the stuff there to care for it and the pricing is great as well all round great place!

I called this tattoo shop (the one of very few in the outer banks area) , i asked if they accept walk ins, and they said yes first come first serve. so my girlfriend , her brother and i drove 45 minutes away to get there. they told us it would be about a 2-3 hour wait and they would give us a call when we can come in (that was at 1:30 pm) not to mention the lady was completely rude and made us feel a burden and uncomfortable for even coming in. we didnt want to drive back another 45 minutes to get called to go in. so we stayed in the area to wait out the time. lets just say, they never contacted us to come in or even have the audacity to say they cant get to us today, maybe come tomorrow or anything. dont give your time and money to this place

Came here on vacation 10 months ago and got a forward helix and helix piercing. He pierced my forward helix with a hoop and that caused the healing process to take forever even though I did everything he told me to do to clean my ears. As for my helix/ cartilage piercing the piercing was crooked and pierced with cheap jewelry that had a butterfly backing on it. This also caused major issues in the healing process and 10 months later I went to a different piercer who had to take it out because it was still bleeding and infected. The pictures attached are from today which is 10 months after I originally got the piercing and I didn’t bump or rip the piercing it is just so infected from the jewelry and awful piercing job. Don’t get pierced by a little elf man whatever you do.

This is my one and only stop for any kind of tattoo- every member of the staff are awesome and skilled. Great customer service and attention.

Beware; coming from our states largest metropolis. This place has to have one of the worst customer service models I’ve ever experienced in the industry. Summer vacation; 10-20min script sit; showed up 4 hours before close and was turned away. If you’re trying to make and OBX vacation memory, don’t ever turn to these people. The staff just shouldered us, as their competitor 31 min north welcomed us with open arms. (31 min between the two of us; paid HANDSOMELY.) This shop has no clue how to keep up with a destination schedule.

Visit Keebler for your piercing if you want to be yelled at, called “insane”, and belittled for asking questions about your piercing healing process. Butterfly backs should NOT be used on helix piercings (a quick Google search can even tell you this); however, Keebler did not mention that he would be piercing with the butterfly back when starting and refused to fix the situation with any customer service skills after piercing.

I’ve been wanting a belly button piercing for a while and decided because I was on vacation in North Carolina coratan tatoo shop would be a good place to visit. When I sat in the chair I noticed the jewelry he pulled out looked extremely fake and simply it was not a good piece. I asked him if he had other options available and he immediately got an attitude and insisted I kept it. I began to feel uncomfortable because it felt like I was being pressured to do something I didn’t want to and also because I wasn’t giving jewelry to pick from on my piercing that I’m paying for. Although I felt uncomfortable my piercing turned out okay however my freind that I was with could not say the same. We went back into the shop to try to explain the situation to him and he immediately got angry and started getting upset with us to the point where my freinds was in tears. The jewlery is okay the piercing itself is okay however paying $120 to get screamed at is not. The manager even apologized for the way he spoke to us.

I called to see if they had certain piercing jewelry because I needed a replacement. They couldnt tell me over the phone and said it would be best to come in, but that they did have some. I was a little bummed to have to drive that far not knowing if they had what I needed but the piercer was helpful and I found something suitable. It wasnt a huge selection but was way better than the selection at claires (which is the only other option in the area I could find - they were super rude and the selection was unorganized). It was $20, which is expensive for one labret stud, but I was able to get it right then and they were nice.

They was very nice and passionate very helpful and Dani does excellent work Ive had absolutely no problems with my tattoos so far...its a pretty good environment I great place to go the parking wasnt the best tho thats really the only downside to it was getting in there and parking but everything else was great just bad parking very small parking lot

We walked in hoping to get new tattoo to commemorate our first trip to the beach; and they were so awesome to accommodate our request! Absolutely love our new tattoos!

The gentleman with the fancy mustache (cant remember his name) did my toddlers ear piercings today for her birthday and he did a wonderful job. He made her feel comfortable and safe the whole time, and he made sure to use all sterile products, as well as a clean working area. He even hooked her up with candy after she did such a great job!She was so happy with her earrings and didnt cry a single tear. I highly recommend them, and will return for any other piercing/tattoo related business.

Keebler pierced all three of my daughter’s ears while on vacation. He was a true professional with a great Sense of humor and kindness. Would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you Keebler! 😀

Keebler pierced my nose while I was on vacation in the OBX. He was amazing! The piercing was fast and he was super kind :) 10/10 would definitely come back on our next vacation and would recommend him to anyone!

From the initial email asking about a booking to the actual appointment, Croatan was great. AJ made me welcome, took my ideas and created a great design. The appointment was easy, aftercare directions were clear. I highly recommend Croatan Tattoo Company for all your tattooing needs.

My daughter and I both got piercings. The fella was so gentle, I never felt a thing. He gave the best aftercare followups.

I was on vacation with my family and we went to get tattoos everyone was extremely nice and patient. Bonnie did an amazing job. I will be coming back.

I had such a wonderful experience at this shop. Dont let the heavy metal music and eclectic decor fool you - the staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The studio is very clean. I arrived to my appointment today 13 minutes early, and my artist started prepping for me right away. I sat down at 3, my original appointment time, and left 17 minutes later (I got a small, very simple tattoo). This is hands down my favorite tattoo and my best vacation memory.

They did an excellent job with my daughters first ear piercings. She had no idea they were done! They took their time with placement and they came out perfect. Aftercare was explained more than once and we left with everything we needed to ensure a clean and successful piercing. Stay away from inexperienced hands with piercing guns and go here for a professional job! You may find youll save money in the process.

Love this place! Very clean and welcoming. And my tattoo artist did not have a heavy hand so I was falling asleep during my tattoo. Definitely coming back!

I went in a panic to Croatan, they fixed me up. I was worried about a keloid forming on a fresh baby piercing I have. Keebler Tapered out the piercing and put in a longer bar. Great staff he’s honestly a life saver I did not want a KELOID LOL

We came down to the beach and a group of us wanted to get tattoos. All the tattoos turned out great! They are great artists and did exactly what we wanted. No complaints for the quality.Only issue was I booked our appointments for 3:00 that day and when we got there we had to wait almost 2 hours for them to start - didn’t understand why we booked appointments for a certain time to not even start then. 2 people from our group ended up leaving because we had been there for so long, it was the last day of our trip and there were other things they wanted to do. 5/5 for tattoo quality, cleanliness and atmosphere. 3/5 for appointment times.

A couple of us spontaneously decided to get a tattoo while on vacation. This was my first tattoo and the entire experience was great. Everyone we dealt with at the shop was incredibly nice and made us feel completely at ease with the entire process. Our artist was Dani, and she did a fantastic job. I absolutely love the result!!!

Keebler did an amazing job! Highly recommend Croatan Tattoo.

Had a great piercing experience with Keebler! went with my sister, she got a surface tragus and he did a great job being gentle to not bruise her. i got my conch pierced, and it was super fast and easy! very thorough when explaining aftercare and overall advice for faster healing. great place to go if you’re wanting to get a piercing while on vacation!

Keebler was AWESOME! My bonus mom and I decided to pierce our noses while on vacation and based on the reviews we went here. Keebler knew I was nervous and while I wasn’t expecting it (before the count of 8), he popped it through and it made it easier on me. Keebler made sure we understood how to clean and take care of it. Everyone in the shop was very nice!

Great people! I’ve been tattooed by almost all the artists at this location and have multiple piercings from Keebler. They all do amazing jobs, very professional and overall nice people.

I was on vacation, feeling spontaneous and decided to get my first tattoo. The staff there were really great, got me in and Bonnie was absolutely awesome. It was my first tattoo and I was pretty nervous about things, but she was able to walk me though everything and Im super happy with how it turned out. Totally plan on coming back!

Disappointed - info said “walk ins welcome” but when we walked in we were told that they only do walk ins certain days and times. We were not there on the proper date and time. Place was empty but not able to get tattoos - walked out. Will take our business elsewhere.

Great experience with my daughter today getting an upper ear lobe piercing. The young man who greeted us was professional and friendly. Keebler was a riot and clearly a master of his craft.

Im from Ohio, we were here for vacation , and the piercing guy fixed my very much hurting nose piercing that should have been long healed by now! He was awesome, took out the stud that was in my nose, cleaned my nose and put a hoop in. That was in July, now its fixed and better and I have him to thank for that!! Super awesome people!!!

Keebler was a great piercer, he made my sister and i feel very comfortable and easy. he is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and you’ll feel confident in his confidence with the facts, advice, and conversation he holds with you! He pierced my surface tragus and it went very smoothly, no bruising, doesn’t hurt, and looks fantastic! Thank you Keebler i highly recommend!

Keebler was amazing when I got my septum pierced. Down for a quick bday weekend trip and wanted to do something spontaneous. He was informative and gave me extra jewelry for when the swelling goes down. Definitely recommend!!

I got my first ever tattoo from Bonnie this summer and I could not be more pleased. She is a truly talented artist. I have gotten many compliments on my tattoo. The staff created a welcoming atmosphere and treated us with respect. Highly recommend.

I got a fresh nose piercing somewhere else, my ball had fallen out two days after and i walked in needing new jewelry asap so it wouldn’t close up. gentleman at the front took me right back and was so kind and helpful. he gave me new jewelry and explained everything to me as it happened. thank you so much for the hospitality and help today.

Bonnie did an awesome job! She took my wife and I right away, she was very patient and took her time. Highly recommend booking an appointment with her!

I wanted to get a tattoo of my grandma who recently passed. We went on vacation after the funeral, it was our first time going to North Carolina and we were excited. I looked up this tattoo spot and thought it was perfect. We get in and it was empty, no customers just a girl and 2 guys. Long story short the guy said they were booked till Thursday and recommended we go to another spot which was kinda far from where we were. It was literally no customers!!! So why send me elsewhere??? Racism is everywhere and I felt that wholeheartedly!! I guess I was to black to get inked😡

My sister and I came in for tattoos we are vacationing and found the shop...the artist, a young lady name Bonnie was great. She was professional and had such a gentle drag that my sister fell asleep while she got hers. I would highly recommend Bonnie my tat looks amazing.

AJ is the best. Ive gotten several tattoos from Croatan and I honestly will never go anywhere else. AJ is always so accommodating, kind, and professional. His work speaks for itself. I make sure to go back once or twice a year for my fix and AJ always comes up with the best designs. Clean shop, affordable, and great staff. Best tattoo shop in the area. Always makes sure their clients are respected and feel safe. Did a great job with my coverup, too.

Bonnie was amazing, as was the whole shop! Everyone was so sweet, helpful, and accommodating. Bonnie’s artwork was beautifully executed and exactly what I wanted. I went with a big group and we all had the best experience and will definitely return next summer when we are on vacation!

Absolutely an amazing experience and the piercer was amazing! made us feel comfortable and talked us through everything! definitely recommend going here if you’re in need of a piercing with personable people

As always Croatan Tattoo Company is the best. Bonnie Simmons is amazing, patient, creative, and great as an artist. This is our second visit and will definitely be c ok ming back. Already have an a appointment. The piercer well knowledge, professional, provides great feedback, and recommendations.

Absolutely amazing experience! First tattoo and they made it so easy and comfortable. Great, welcoming, staff and Andy was the best! Definitely coming back!

Keebler pierced my daughters ears and tapered 2 on my old piercings. He did a great job and were both super happy!

I usually have Andy do my tattoos. Always a smooth process and works his best to give me what I ask for at a great price!

Just stopped in here from out of town! My daughter and I came in looking for body jewelry! Keebler was so nice and helpful! Will definitely be back for future purchases!

Had appointments made (had them for months) drove over a hour to the place only to be told upon arrival that our artist called in. Her name was Bonnie. A phone call or an email would have been nice to let us know she was not coming in. 😒

The team was so welcoming and helpful from our first call, to consultation, to the appointment and afterwards. AJ did a phenomenal job on my hammerhead shark. My family and I will definitely be returning for more!

Keebler.....is the best piercer on the beach. Kind, gentle and very conscious of cleanliness.

Called for a Last minute ear piercing and they stayed late for us! Awesome Job on my daughters 2nd holes for prom!

Andy was awesome, did a great job. Very crisp letters

My cousin and I got piercings by Keebler and it was the best experience! He was very thorough as well

So friendly and fun! Made my daughters birthday with her nose piercing! Plan to go back for tattoos!

Best place for tattoos and piercings. Great artists and wonderful people

Keebler (sp) did a great job, giving post op instructions about my piercing. Piercing #4. Thank you from the 804!

I got my nose pierced here and they were great!Quick process and the piercer was very knowledgeable.

My wife got her nose pierced for our 20th anniversary they were very professional and super friendly. I definitely recommend them.

All the staff was Amazing and professional. Keebler made my daughter and I comfortable while we got our daiths done!!!

The customer service here was miserable. It’s an honor thing.

Product is ok but terrible customer service.. there must be something in their water

Bonnie did an excellent job on my ankle tattoo! My entire experience was very positive and very enjoyable.

Very clean and very friendly! If I lived in NC full time this would be the only shop I’d go to for piercings.

Excellent work! Loved the atmosphere and the playlist, and AJ was really nice especially with these being our first tattoos.

I got my first tattoo she explained everything. Im sorry I cant remember her name. I would recommend this place

Great experience getting my nose pierced! Clean, quick and kind!

Easily the nicest staff in any tattoo shop on the beach. Clean, safe feeling atmosphere, amazing work, and phenomenal artist.

Got a tattoo here while on vacation. Super efficient, good work, and clean. Just wish they provided the medical tape instead of just wrapping in plastic wrap.

Got my nose pierced here. Staff was super nice and professional. Would recommend!

Keebler was very professional and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend getting pierced here.

Wonderful experience, my brother and I both got new piercings on vaca. Super nice and professional 😊

Do not go here to get a piercing.

Service was wonderful. Staff was great and very helpful

The piercer did absolutely amazing I will definitely be coming back in the future

Great shop! Guy at the front was very welcoming and accommodating! Price was a little bit high tho

Very good service, they were very kind in answering all my questions, highly recommended

Amazing nice people aj is awesome and does great work totally recommend this place

AJ and crew are the best! Looking forward to coming back next summer.

10/10 experience got a quality tattoo and all the people are super nice

Best place in OBX to get a piercing!!

Would not go anywhere else

Great vibe great place awesome and lovely artist

Rude and unprofessional

Cute shop, friendly artists.

Super cool and friendly.

Amazing work!