Carmelos Ink City

My friend and I went in there with a design that I printed out. We both made it clear that I wanted the design exactly as I had it. He said he would do exactly what I had printed.He did not. He added his own thing to it. I went Carmelos because I heard great things about them. Now I wish I went somewhere else.

Terrible they dont do refunds... for messing up my tattoo now it needs a touch up becuase of the fact that it messed up!! Will never come here again after I get this fixed, FYI dont ask for the bald guy woth tattoo on his head he pays more attention to his tv than what hes doing, mind you not my tattoo was literally a 1inch by 1 inch, very small, and I paid 100$!!!! Like not satisfied and owner seems like they dont care at all

I went a week ago to get a daith piercing- the girl at the counter said she wasnt qualified to do that piercing, and I thought it would be fine so long as she did a good job on the piercings she was qualified to do. I ended up going with a flat piercing, and thought it was weird that she didnt give me a chance to see the jewelry. If I had seen what she was piercing me with, I would have left. The jewelry was not long enough to account for swelling, the gem was sharp and the prongs holding it in place were all bent out of shape. After about three days of taking care of the piercing religiously, my ear started to swell and the pain was unbearable. I have 16 other piercings that I have had done at many different places, and have even pierced myself- I have never had an issue before, I can guarantee that my reaction was not user error. She may as well have pierced me with pure nickel with how I reacted. I ended up having to take out and replace the jewelry, which is not something I should have had to do getting pierced by a professional. Please avoid this place for your own safety.

Ive always gotten my ears pierced in the mall. When I realized how risky that is, I decided to get my cartilage pierced by a professional instead. Unfortunately, this experience at Carmelos has made me too scared to get another.First, the lady pierced my cartilage and it was way too small for my ear. I feel like as a professional, you should be use to knowing what size to use, as you have more experience. When she realized it wasnt a good size, she removed the piercing. And right after taking it out, she pierced me with a longer one in the same area (which I hear can damage the cartilage). And even this was not the right size. It was way too long. It was catching onto everything. And because of this, even when I tried to be careful, it kept getting snagged and wouldnt heal properly, so I had to take it out and heal.I do not recommend this place for piercings. I wanted a safe experience and I am disappointed.

Within the walls of this building you will find the queen of piercing. I am always super happy with the results.

Their realism art isnt that great for the money I would go to Kyle Proia if your looking for realism in portraits landscape scenes an animals not worth the money at the shop its not horrible work but for the money should be far better

Amazing place very clean and professional. They made me feel very comfortable for my first time.

Such a nice clean environment. Very nice and polite staff. Great job with my friends tattoo.

I got this tattoo done in the beginning of 2022. The experience wasn’t bad in the moment. I felt comfortable and my artist was VERY friendly and helpful. I was young and didn’t really know much about tattoos or pricing. I was told it would be $350 in consultation. I thought that was fair and I don’t argue with artists’ work, however my tattoo was finished in less than an hour. The picture on the right was freshly done and the left was two weeks later. The ink completely faded and disappeared. i was very careful about my after care and never have had issues with this before. I was nervous to come into the shop and ask for a refund because I feel it’s unheard of in tattoo shops and rude, but I invested 400+$ into this tattoo. I reached out to Carmelo, even though he didn’t physically do my tattoo, asking about what policies are in place and what can be done and I was told I get one year for a touch up which is true. However, if this is how it looked the first time, why would I go back a second? So I kinda left the situation and felt stuck in a hard place with asking for any money back. I was going to go back to the shop and ask about what to do now, but i live an hour out and felt uncomfortable doing so. I’m not bashing the place at all because I know there’s a lot of good and lots of talent. I just wish that once this tattoo was seen poorly done from the shop, that there could’ve been more support in that other than suggesting getting a touch up. i later got it redone from a different shop and spent another 200$ just to fix it so all is well now. I know it’s almost two years ago, I just feel I should at least share so people can keep it in mind!

I got two piercings at Carmelos. My industrial and my nostril. At first I was happy, but then I realized the jewelry was poor quality. I was told when I called its surgical steel. The same stuff they cut you open with. That means its safe. No, its not. My industrial stayed irritated for 3 weeks until I went to a new shop and had implant grade titanium put in. It immediately calmed down. The bar they used was also about an inch too long, even with needing the extra space for healing. She didnt even measure my ear. The placement is off, making it a bit tough to wear my glasses. Now after 2 weeks I wake up today to my nostril being irritated and a little blood/crust. Which I havent had any discharge from this piercing since week 3. Its clearly irritated. My friend who went with me developed a piercing bump on her nostril and needed it changed already. Stay away from Carmelos!

I have gotten most of my piercings here, and I love the piercer! She’s very professional and is accommodating to your needs. All my piercings healed amazing, but my only critique is that some jewelry she uses is Externally Threaded(causes some damage to skin when put in or taken out). Other than that tho it’s all amazing!

I have been going to see Gina, greatest tattoo therapist I could asked for.

We love Carmelos Ink!! My daughters have been getting their piercings done by Ruth for a few years now & they wouldnt go anywhere else!! Shes always professional, knowledgeable, and kind!! Shes amazing! We highly recommend her for all piercing needs. Thanks Ruth❤️

Ruth is the piercer and she is amazing. The other girls make you feel comfortable while picking out the jewelry and then Ruth just makes it seem so easy and painless.

Found this gem the other day and thought I would share my thoughts as someone who has gotten many piercings from many different shops!Pros:✅ Really nice lady. Had a lovely conversation.✅ Super clean! I believe I saw a big jewelry sanitizer in the piercing room. Very nice.✅ Piercings were pierced perfectly—with a needle, of course.✅ Honestly the price is fantastic!Cons:⏹️ Marked where the piercings should go with the same pen she used on everyone else. (Supposed to use a marker to mark a toothpick and then discard toothpick.)⏹️ Used paper towels to remove blood from around my piercing. Paper towels can introduce micro irritants into the piercing. Best not to touch the piercing at all and let the blood wash off in the shower.⏹️ Didn’t recommend any aftercare. (To anyone reading this: save yourself the trouble and get the Neilmed spray off of Amazon. Spray once in the morning, once at night, and you’re golden. Sleeping on a travel pillow is also a fantastic way to keep your piercing from healing crooked.)I’ll be back soon and I’m bringing friends! 😁

Love it she did my nose piercing. Very clean, comfortable, relaxed environment. She takes walk ins for piercing mot sure exactly what days but ot was fast and easy.

Got a daith piercing today, she (unfortunately I did not catch a name) was very professional and did a great job. Explained cleaning and even though she did not have any currently recommended that I use simple saline instead of sea salt saline to clean as it is often gentler. I appreciated this about her and love my new piercing.

Professional, efficient and considerate! The venue makes you feel relaxed and the people meet you with a big smile.

I brought my friend in a while back for her first tattoos. She got two of them, and the artist gave us a deal, took us on the spot and we were in and out within an hour. Very clean, awesome to talk to. We had an awesome experience!

Carmelo is the very best tattoo artist that I have ever went to, I have over 35 tattoos from over 10 different artists, he has well over 100 to 200 trophies and awards for being the Best. Carmelo is working on my second tattoo which will be a sleeve when done. He is a great person I love talking to him while getting my work done. Thanks Rob B.

Been coming here for years for piercings! love it

Went in for a piercing and Ruth did an amazing job. It’s very clean and professional. I was a little nervous but she calmed me down. I’ll definitely be returning!

Havent been there yet but ive seen there work its really good I cant to go there

I had my nose pierced at another tattoo shop and had such a horrible experience needless to say they put a hoop in that was huge and made my nose swell. I came into Carmelos and the lady who does piercings was so nice and changed my piercing for me, she made me feel very comfortable and was patient. Highly recommend (:

Had a complication with a piercing that I’ve had for about 3 years. The young lady who helped me was great and she definitely saved the day. She was very polite, understanding, and patient cause Lord knows it was painful and I kept tensing up but she got it done and it’s perfect now.

I have had a great experience with going to Carmelos ink city! Carmelo himself does some beautiful ink work and perfect piercings. I have my belly button, septum, forward helix, and rook piercing done by him all of which healed fine and i still have. I got my first tattoo done there, for an actually reasonable price. Another time i got work done there by an apprentice, and the tattoo came out exactly how i wanted it. i would recommend this shop to anyone!!

I seen a commercial on TV...so i looked on the google maps review... No reviews... So I looked at a few other sites...for a shop thats been in Syracuse for about five years I could only find two. The two I did find were not good but I gave them a shot ... I arrived n asked about the tattoo I wanted n got the special they were promoting ...which was three inch by one inch lettering for forty dollars...a tattoo that size should be pretty easy not to screw up, but I was wrong....I had 8 letters so spacing would be even you would think but no, not here, I got 5 letters on one half of the tattoo and 3 on the other. Looking at their website, the owners work seems by far to be the best and he is the one that put this uneven work on me. As Im sitting in the chair, I asked how long hes been tattooing, he told me 6 years. I asked who he appreciated under,and he told me Im self taught, just picked up a gun six years ago and decided I wanted to start tattooing.. After a year and a half he thought he was good enough to open his own shop!!! This is nothing more than a group of friends who are barely amateurs trying to pass themselves off as professionals. Now Im stuck with a tattoo that needs to go to a real professional for a cover-up.Warning : when you see Tattoo Specials... You should probably just run,run,run!!! At least thats true for this shop for sure.

Tony did my tat and did not follow instructions. Its all messed up and the lines are not sharp In addition to one of the letters being black instead of red. Theres no way to fix this in the bruising is unbelievable Its going on a month in my arm is still horribly bruised. I wont let him touch me again!! I still have to show the owner Carmelo want this tattoo looks like and Im hoping they will compensate me as I paid $150 plus a $40 tip for this mess

Went here and Raymond did my tatto. He gave me everything I asked for and more. He worked with my ideas and helped create my own unique piece. He was very professional and everyone was very inviting. Very clean. Definitely will be coming back

Well first of all when we went into the establishment they had a lil girl greet us, however she was very pleasant, then she says the shop is all booked for today , even though when we called they said it was fine for us to come in. Other then the poor communication, and waste of money , gas and time. The place is clean. They also do tattoos removals. BUT make sure your driver waits until you get confirmation from the CHILD to say they have space for you.

I love it there It is always clean their quick professional polite its just hard to get in touch with someone since the pandemic but Ive had so many piercings done there I wont go anywhere else

The wife of owner was incredibly rude, scrolling on her cell phone and not wanting to help me as much. She told me if I needed help to call and let her know and someone would help. Well, I needed help before I left the business and she refused to help me after I spent my money. I tried giving her the benefit of doubt after a few people told me she can be rude. Not good and wont be back. Thx!

Great place but had to go back because my ball came off my snake eyes. Went back to tell the piercer about the bar size how short it was and all she did was replace the ball. And the next morning washing my mouth out the same thing happens

The shop is very clean and the staff is fantastic! Jenn did a beautiful job on a very special tattoo. I couldnt be happier! Ill definitely be returning for my next 2 pieces.

Got my nose pierced by Taty. She did a beautiful job. Quick, clean, easy and professional!

Love them the always take great care when I go there.Took my daughter for her first piercing wouldnt go anywhere else .Will be returning soon for tattoos for my boys and my self .

Was my first time there nice and clean friendly staff great experience will be coming back for more piercings ❤️

This place was nice / and very kid friendly / and very patient with me . I did business with Ruth she was very patient with me I thought i was going chicken out 🤣🤣🤣🤣but i did it in two sessions . nice business and conmunication skills. Thank you to Ruth

My husband and I are from long Island and we went up for Krockathon. His labret was in too tight and I didnt bring my clamp so we found ink city. They took it off with ease and put a new one on. They were amazing,professional and very clean. Kinda upset they arent down here on long Island. Thank you again to everyone who works there youre awesome!

The wait took longer than the piercing. But once I sat in the chair, she pierced my second hole on my tongue, and i was walking out in less than a minute

Awful work!!! I went in to get a simple cross on the back of my neck. Not only was the entire cross crooked the sides didnt line up and were very uneven. I had to get it fixed at another shop and they had to completely cover the work done at this shop, because it was so bad. DO NOT GO HERE!!!!

What a relief, after the nonsense that took place at Ancient Arteffek, when our tattooist failed to honor his obligation.We went to Carmelos, at our sons suggestion, walked in and was met by a PROFESSIONAL tattoo shop!!!From the call to the shop, to our walking in and BEING GREETED, we were taken to see one of the artist.Tony Aquino IS THE TRUTH!!!.....Relaxed atmosphere, designs just as we suggested, to the complete work being done!!!....THANK YOU CARMELOS INK CITY for making OUR DREAM BECOME A REALITY!!!

Been there for three tats in 2 years. Even felt comfortable enough to bring daughter (8years old)because the place is that professional,all work is done in a privet room so it doesnt have that Im on stage feeling..

I got my triple forward helix piercing done here. The piercings are all pierced at different angles and do not line up- it looks terrible. do not recommend this place to ANYONE

Ruth is AWESOME!!!! She saved my granddaughters nose piercing!!! We will go there for everything we need done, especially to see Ruth. Thank you Ruth.

Had my 1st tattoo with Tony, very courteous and calmed.me throughout the process, being it was my 1st. Clean sage environment with nice staff.

I was a walk-in for my tattoo even though it was pretty specific and the artist completed my tattoo on the spot perfectly, its been about a year and I love it more every day

I love this place so much I just got a piercing there and they were really nice to me when I went there

Ruth did an amazing job on my ear piercing and septum piercing. Prices were really affordable for a high quality and professional job!

Staff are all friendly, yet professional, place is clean, and prices aren’t bad at all. Wouldn’t want to go anywhere else to get my piercings done.

Excellent artists, friendly staff, nice little shop. My tattoo by Jen is amazing and I get compliments all the time. Definitely recommend

Got my first tattoo there and I was highly satisfied clean friendly and does it right. I would recommend them any day

Great service, fair prices and a clean environment. However, the piercer put the wrong bar in my ear and I have to get it fixed.

It was an absolutely awesome experience Jenn nailed it perfectly couldnt be more happy with here work thank you & all Carmelos Ink City staff for all your help!

Was a walk in today for nose piercing. Clean professional and friendly. I will be back!

Love them. Very professional. Did an awesome job!!! Will never go anywhere else. Carmelos Ink is the only place I trust

Amazing place! Super sweet people, very professional and soooooo clean. Was the perfect fit for us. We will be back.

Nice,professional and Carmelos tattoo room is awesome. Ruth does piercings and they have alot of other artists and guest artists!

Ive always went here for all my piercings and they do an amazing job !

Ive had tattoos done all over the world. The quality is the worst Ive seen, just because service is great does not make the art great. The work is mediocre at best.

All Syracuse,NY need to know is they will be wasting their time & money going any other establishments. Carmelos is EXCELLENT!!! 5 stars plus 10...

I was pierced by Carmelos wife I got my bellybutton pierced she pierced it in the wrong spot after it bubbled up I came to get tea tree oil which helped a little but not much since the pears and well still in the wrong spot I told her about it she acted as if she didnt do it and I had to remove it she didnt even offer to repairs it I will never go back .

Best artists great work full tattoo cover ups and anything u need for after care great piercings..great variety to pick from for all your jewelry needs

Ruth is the best,,, I dont trust no one else with my and my daughters piercings...

Absolutely wonderful if you are looking for a tattoo or piercing. The staff is great.

Would absolutely recommend for piercings! Prices are reasonable and the staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgable.

Ty did good job on all my piercing (nips, hood, and nose) very professional and not a long wait time.

Absolutely the best place to get ink in Central NY! Anywhere else wpuld cost twice what Carmelo charges too.

Amazing place Super clean Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable Carmelo is an outstanding artist

Jenn was absolutely amazing. Very professional and friendly. I will definitely be going back there.

Went there for three of my piercings was so nervous and ty made it go by so quick i won’t go anywhere else

Tony did my BFF tat, no redness after ingravment. I would highly recommend this store.

Got my tounge ring done here and I had a good experience. This tattoo place is very clean.

The best as always very clean and professional

Toni their artist has so much personality....he is great at tattooing and very enyertaining

Everybody is nice, the waiting room has a tv, dont have to wait long, i just dont like the smell.

Very friendly. Parking can be a little tough at times, just goes to show how popular they are.

Got my nipples pierced here carmelos is awesome and very welcoming

Tonys the greatest artist. Very Happy with my tats. Thanks Tony

Loved this place they are good with tattoos and piercings and prices are good

Wonderful and professional piercing experience, very friendly and personable

Great service excellent piecer nothing more to say. Highly recommend them.

Just got my first tat here at Carmelos and I love it Carmelo is great

I met with the piercer. She was very knowledgeable and helped me with a fix from another persons mistake.

Carmelo never disappoints. His artistic abilities are unmatched👊

Love, love, love Carmelos. Great prices, amazing work. No bull.

My wife seems to only want to go to them. Great prices and work

Clean, friendly, and knowledgeable. Ive had good experiences here.

Great service. Beautiful facilities.

They are so awesome I love my snake eyes

I love how friendly the girls are. Its very sanitized

Clean. Profesional. Talent. Price. Get your tattoo here.

Tony was super professional, need to come back to finish up though!

Best of the best hands down, clean, down to earth, and all around good people

I Love My Peircing!😼💖😍😝😘🔥🔥🔥💯Its Sexy Cute!

Shop is very clean. The staff was pleasant and knowledgeable.

Very nice and clean tattoo shop, in a dark and heavy traffic area

Absolutely great, wont go anywhere else

They do good work for good a price

Got my first tattoo there! Going back for another !

Have gotten all three of my tattoos and I will continue to go back

Amazing. Carmelo is on the top of his game

Great staff, would definitely recommend

Great place for tattoos.

Soo rude. The receptionist was terrible.

It was a awesome experience..Thank you

Very dedicated team. Very satisfied!

Work is excellent. Detailed and clean

Absolutely amazing!!! The best around!

The only place I get piercings!

In 1 word... Amazing!

Great team and great owner!

Great staff and great work

👍

Was in & out, Jenn is Amazing

Got my piercing and was out

Good work

Love them

Best tattoo artist in NY

Because its awesome!

Its home

Awsome

Very clean

All amazing artists

The best around!!

Great help

Fast

Good quality tattoos

They tough

Good vibes

Rude staff

Very informatable

Cheap

Very professional

Prices to high!!!

Poor quality, I dont recommend it