Let me start off by saying this tattoo shop is amazing. I talked to Luis over the phone about a portrait of my dog that passed away 2 years. I went to 2 different tattoo shops, and they did not want to do it due to my disability and body movements. So I called SoCal tattoo, and they got me in. Johnny is an amazing artist. Not only did he have to work with my body movements, but he did an amazing job. He was very patient and understanding. I can not thank him so much for what he did for me. Now I have my beloved dog Tedd on me for the rest of my life. The atmosphere is so down to earth and chill, with good music. If Johnny can do a tattoo on me, he can do anything. If I could, I would give this place 10 stars. I highly recommend SoCal tattoo.
My step mom and I are on vacation here in SD and scheduled an appointment for both of us to get tatted at SoCal Tattoo. We were welcomed with open arms by the owner and one of the tattoo artists. Super friendly and professional the whole time. I told them I wanted the Lotus flower and both were incredibly patient while I figured out where I wanted it to be. T did the tattoo and we laughed the whole time… it was practically painless! I told him I needed it to be perfect and perfection is exactly what he delivered. Beyond happy with the result. Very much recommend SoCal Tattoo to anyone local or visiting the area!!
Hands down the best of the best. We were in town visiting family and last minute decided to get a tattoo. They were great took the time to make sure it was exactly what we wanted and took the time to draw it up prior. They were more than understanding and accommodating when it came to last minute walk in. The prices were good, great atmosphere, fun conversations, offered water and over all just made us feel welcome.If you’re traveling and looking I promise this is the SPOT. now if you’re a local and looking you’re late lol 😂 I would have already got one, but better late then never. You should totally check this place out.
I love the vibe at SoCal Tattoo! Not only are they located on a quiet street with tons of street parking, the staff is always super knowledgeable and you can tell they are invested in making sure you have the best tattoo experience possible. Plus, while you’re getting tattooed, they have a curated selection of art highlighting local artists. cannot recommend highly enough!!
The vibes are immaculate at SoCal Tattoo!!! Everyone was super friendly & welcoming, almost like family kind of vibes. I spontaneously got a piercing by Chloe & it took like 5 seconds she was amazing! 10/10 recommend for piercings or tats :)
I have to say that Dean is a Artist! I went to him with some ideas and asked him to give me a sleeve that would be Jaw dropping and He did that and more. All (free hand) and with a imagination thats out of this world. He took the time to draw out his ideas and after seeing his drawings I gave the green light only to be Blown away time after time on the end result! If 5 stars is all I can give then they should GLOW!! GREAT ARTIST HAN DOWN! Anyone thats not quite sure of what exactly they want. Talk to dean hell he has over 25 years of Tattooing and may be able to help you get the tat you Really want. Im Sorry to say That we LOST a GREAT TATTOO ARTIST on June 4th 2023! Peace My BROTHER!!
Dont miss your chance to get amazing work by a true professional of the art! Dean is a true OG, and great dude! Affordable and right outside the base gate too, how classic is that?!Yup, I was a walk in too, and it wasnt early!
Loved my artist and the piece came out beautifully. Steph I’ll keep coming back to you!!
I walked by T standing out front and he asked my what I needed that day, I replied with piercings, and he directed me inside. Little did he know that he’d spend the next 30 or so minutes doing some sort of gauge removal surgery on my left ear. The fella that handles piercings was unable to remove my gauge, I felt a little hopeless and asked if there was anything they could do. He said he needed someone stronger to remove the cross-threaded gauge—that’s when T stepped in. He was so professional and ever so careful as to not rip my ear or stab my eyes out during that process, and for that I’m hella grateful 🙏🏾!If I ever feel like piercing a nipple or getting tatted, I know where I’m going!There’s also a neat mini gallery wall of, what I’m assuming are, local artist! The staff is amazing and their work is dope!
Dean is one of the greatest tattoo artist. He is excellent in many different kinds of artwork, especially animals because it is very detailed. Therefore, his creativity is beyond realistic. Overall, I highly recommend him because he has a great perception to art in general.
I have known Dean for over 15 years now. I have followed him throughout San Diego getting tattoos from him all these years. Dean is a true tattoo artist that takes pride in his work and every tattoo that he does. The prices are always fair and well worth it. He has the ability to help bring the idea in your head out and on your skin. His cover up work, solid black work, detail work, color and full sleeves or larger pieces are amazing. I speak from experience as he has done all the above on me. If I can highlight one of his skills, it is his freehand tattoo work. I have complete trust in Dean and many of my tattoos are done freehand, just drawn on freehand following the natural curvature of my body so the tattoo looks like it belongs. You dont find that skill in many tattoo artist anymore. If you are looking for a tattoo artist in San Diego, stop by Liberty Tat and talk to Dean.
I was there to go over the final pieces to my back tattoo a couple nights ago. I would like to say that Dean has been great. He really does take pride, love and has the eye for art. I trust him 100%...Below is the first half that he freestyled. I told him I wanted skulls and flowers. He did an amazing job of creating something I knew I couldnt.I know that when I go back to do the rest of my back he will bring my ideas along with his artistic ability and create an amazing back piece. Thank you Dean.
Best tattoo shop in SAN DIEGO! Been coming to Dean for over a year and has done almost all of my tattoos. Well rounded artist. Can do original or bring in a picture for him! Fine details are his specialty but traditional art is amazing. I would never go to another artist in California.
This place is awesome! Dean does great quality tattoos for affordable prices. I have gotten several tattoos here so far, and will absolutely get more in the near future. Hands down one of the best tattoo artist in San Diego.
Best freehand tat work and the price is amazing . I have 9 tattoos and they are all so different but he ( Dean) did so good on every style and has a gentle hand . I am so happy I found his shop cause the one tattoo I got from someone else was not a good as in the work and experience . His shop and him are very friendly and want you to get what you want and be happy with the whole tattoo experience and I will not go anywhere or to anyone else 😊
Was a awesome first time experience thank you!
I got my first tattoo here today and it turned out better than the original image I showed him. I received amazing service, Dean was very friendly and fun to talk to. No complaints.
I had been looking for a new artist to work on my tattoo ideas for years, for Me it cant be just anyone (Im super Picky) but this place is amazing. The Artist (Dean) he did an amazing Job with what I wanted. Im going back soon. And if you are interested this is the place.
Deans as OG as they come when it comes to tattoos!!! & The hot chick that works there is pretty awesome too!Great experience, & excellent work..Highly recommended**
Thank you for a great experience. Took me in the same day, very nice people and very welcoming, absolutely loved my first tattoo which was a bird so went back the following week for another and I love it just as much. Will be back when back In town :)Anna A.
Dean really knows how to listen to you and discuss your best options. Hes not like other places who just do whatever without making sure the concept makes sense.Hes been doing this stuff since the 70s!I had a pleasant visit. He saved my wrist, by correcting & covering a horrible tat that was done at another place 4 months ago, & was already super-faded, with so many reveals to how horrible of a job this other place did.Dean threw out ideas on what we could use to cover parts of it. We came to a solution and he covered it nicely! This is the place to get ink from, from someone with decades of skills and knowledge!
Amazing experience! They definitely pay attention to detail I found my new tattoo home😊
Great guy who runs this place. Found a tattoo idea and came in during the day to get it done. He responded with questions and ideas about the tattoo and worked with me. Great service.
Dean is awesome. Awesome work and gives you honest advise for the longevity off Your tatt. Doesnt just try to take your money like some other places but instead educates you.
Awesome customer service as well as the artist were very nice and welcoming . The place was very clean and nice . All around definitely recommend
Great service. Great pricing. Accept walk in. I highly recommend them to anyone for any tattoo. Willing to work out anything and friendly to boot. Go tell Dean, lyles sent you lol. Does the best work and has an eye for details.
Always an amazing job. I live in Buffalo NY and everytime I come out I take the time to stop here. All my tattoos have held up nicely over the years.
The guy’s we’re really cool, we went there late at night, and they were actually closed but the guy came from his house to help us, and I’m super impressed and really happy. Good job!
I wish I post six stars cause that’s how good this guy is! Got a small tattoo and he put so much effort and dedication into. it he deserves more than what he has earned. Definitely coming back!
Dean did amazing job on my Wife’s leg tattoo he took his time and wasn’t rushing did a clean cut job and if you’re looking for a place with a great price and great quality visit dean 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
One of the best prices in sd and amazing supporters towards our military personnel.
Dean is the best Tattoo artist in San Diego ! His work is amazing !
Great tattoo artist and chill guy. Great prices for great work, took the time to draw custom tattoo on a walk-in.
Definately satisfied with the work .The artist is very down to earth! Experience was a good one, plan on coming back forsures.
Another great tattoo by a great tattoo artist right across the street from home. Thanks for the new ink and art Dean!!!
I love this place! You wont be dissatisfied with their work, very good at giving you exactly what you wanted and very nice people as well. Overall a great experience
Best tattoo studio in town
Barbara is great!
Clean, hygenical and great artist . Top of the line shop and highly recommend the work.
Dean is a true artist! Old school! Knew exactly what he was doin!
Great work done here you should come and check it out yourself
Excellent shop, excellent and skilled artist.
Rude
Fast and quality!