Tatu Tattoo

Summary of a great shop & artist: See Nina and Tatu Tattoo
I came by after seeing Tatu Tattoo on a list of Top 10 Places to get a tattoo in Chicago. I was greeted by piercing artist, who quickly introduced me to two tattoo artists, and we were on our way. I showed Nina three pictures off of my phone and explained to her I wanted a minimalistic outline of a lotus flower on my side, and she got right to sketching out something lovely for me. Within 15 minutes, she was set up and getting me prepped, and during the tattoo her energy was so calm and collected that I had nothing to be anxious about. She was phenomenal, and my tattoo is exactly what I envisioned and explained to her.
Never once did I feel like I was being rushed into something, pressured into getting work done or pushed out the door. Tatu Tattoo was wonderful and Nina’s great energy is worth the trip northside!

Went here with my friend so she could her septum pierced, I had mine pierced at Forever Ink Chicago. I have to say the man who pierced had was really cool and answered all of out questions, even my questions and explained all the different ways to pierce a septum and helped me understand what my other piercer did wrong. When I go back and find out his name, I will definitely update this review.
DETAILS:
He showed us different types of jewelry and told us all of the prices. He prepped the piercing area and called us back and let us watch him open the sterilized needles and such. He was thorough with explaining what he was doing as he was doing it and had a nice attitude about him. He at one point dropped the ring my friend had chosen, and i thought, «holy shit. he’s gonna pick that shit back up and put it in her septum.» Ah thank god i was wrong, he left it on the floor and opened a new piece of jewelry for her (free of charge) and continued with the process. He told us «The part is now i get to look all over the floor for that septum retainer» jokingly. He constantly changed gloves to assure sterilization. It was a much better experience then I had and im glad I got to be there to see it happen. UPDATE: I found out his name was john!

I went here to get a second piercing on each ear and was taken great care of. I can’t remember his name, but he has been with tatu tattoo for a while walked me through everything step by step and eliminated all worries I had. The piercing barely felt like anything and a day later I still have no pain. I appreciated the help and service.

Walked in – No one at counter. Waited 10−15min. Actually had to call them, at the counter, to get service. Only to find out that their piercer «isn’t in today». Very disappointed. I had a pleasant experience here a few years ago.

Here with my buddy while he does his second session with Allyson. Great tattoo, friendly and creative staff, all-​around a great environment! Whenever I decide to take the plunge and get a tattoo myself I’ll definitely be coming back for Allyson!

My first tattoo. Allyson was very nice. I got a simple silhouette of an elephant in red ink. It was exactly what I wanted.
His station has various eclectic and detailed paintings on canvas hanging on the wall. He’s the artist behind those as well. Which prompts me to come back to get more detailed ink done here when I come back. And I will be back!

Awesome! I have been a client here for many years. I have had almost all the artists and every experience has been great. Yesterday I went in for a tattoo with 2 of my friends, who were also looking to get tattoos. Adam was very accommodating in trying to squeeze 3 people in by himself (one artist left and one was tattooing). By the time it was going to be my turn it would have been around 1030. I saw another artist who just finished a siiiiicckkkk moon piece on someone and thought I would take a chance on him. I asked him and he said he would take care of me. He did! Allyson was wonderful! He was so gentle and very personable. He is a super talented artist and made my first rib tattoo a pleasurable one. KUDOS to the shop for always making me a happy camper!

Oh man… Man. No.
We came here two years ago for my friend’s septum. It cost around $ 60 – 70, and she got this guy (who no longer works there) to pierce her. He told her that he was out of the needles for the regular piercing size so he had to go up two sizes. The needle was massive for a first pierce but unfortunately my friend complied (she really wanted it and it was the only place available/​open at the time). So the piercer shoves this massive needle in her nose, and then halfway through, gets up and goes to the sink to do something. He leaves her with this gigantic spear halfway through her face for about thirty seconds as she sits and squirms silently in a state of anxious agony. He comes back and shoves the needle through the rest of her nose, then sits for a bit congratulating himself on how good of a pierce it was as my friend and i fidget in awkward silence. We talked about this day for two years afterward as the horror story that was her septum piercing experience and how we would never go back here again.
Today, I decide that i want my ear pierced to continue our ritual of getting a piercing when she visits chicago. Nothing fancy, just the lobe on one ear only. After being turned down by a few places nearby (booked, exclusively tattoo shops, etc) we walk into this one before coming to the terrifying realization that it was the same place as where we had our nightmarish experience two years prior. Sitting in the lobby for 20 minutes we had time to go through Unilocal,trying to find any place close other than this one to no avail, and on a tight schedule we couldnt make a trip out farther. The piercing went well, the lady was very nice, though –
the ear piercing was 91 GODDAMN DOLLARS.
For one lobe, one. The kind you get for free at claires (although you probably shouldn’t). My idiot brain didn’t ask her the price, and assuming that no place would be exorbitantly expensive for the most common piercing a person can get, the piercing every 2 year old and their mom (literally) gets, I got it before getting a quota. Granted, this is with a 20% tip (not the piercers fault, she was really sweet and very good), but $ 75 for one ear? God damn, Chicago. Absolutely not. Never again. (again). For real this time.

I had the WORST experience here. I called for a walk in and was told it wouldn’t be a problem. I arrived and the next available artist came out. His name was Allyson. He approached me as if I was a pain, not an appointment. He didn’t ask my name and was so rude it was ridiculous. I showed him a photo of what I was looking for and offered to text it to him. He said he’d take a picture of my phone because it was quicker. He didn’t listen to me and what I wanted at all. I was looking to get a tattoo in honor of my Grandmother who I lost two weeks ago so this tattoo is my second and very important to me. He walked away and I told the receptionist I was leaving. I was offered another tattoo artist and politely declined. I will never return.

I just got a tattoo here today for the second time at this place. Justin did mine and was great. He was very patient and made sure I got exactly what I wanted. It was reasonably priced and the work was great. I definitely recommend this place.

This place is a nighmare. everybody from the person who answers the phone to the artist are rude. They treat you like if as if your a nobody they try to rush everybody in and out. Not a comfortable environment if you ask me I want to feel good at a place that’s about to mark my skin for life. I’ve given this place 3 different chances thinking maybe they were having a bad day. but every time was more disappointing then the last… if I can give this place no stars or negative stars I would… long story short try a different shop. plenty of great shops in that area.

Not only did Justin do a good job with the tattoo, he made it an overall good experience.

They are tattoo snobs and the woman who works there admitted that she doesn’t like her job and bragged about all these bad ass stories she accumulated over the years of doing what she does. Made sure to tell me all about her assistant and her daily tasks and what she charges in NY. I get it. This place is old school and the people there have all the respect they need. They have no reason to be considerate or patient unless you look like the «type» of person they like there. So, if you don’t fit their lifestyle then I suggest you go to another reputable shop that treats the customer with respect without discrimination. They will not do a good job. I had to have my tattoo fixed and she does incredible work, if she likes you.

I’ve only gotten one tattoo here, but I plan on going back. It was a moderately sized piece on my calf. I had scoped out a couple of artists on the website, and decided on calling in and seeing if Eric would be available. Through the luck of the draw, he ended up answering the phone! I made an appointment with him two days later, and when I came in, he was friendly, professional, and non-​judgmental (which is something I’ve seen happen when they can’t see/don’t know if you have any other tattoos). I had my design and sketch already sized out and ready to go, and he offered some really helpful pointers and suggestions to make the tattoo go above and beyond. Not even an hour later I was already under the needle. The tattoo took about two hours, and he was very patient with me when I needed a 10 minute walking break in between. By the time it was finished, I was in love. He’s extraordinarily talented, and I am planning on going back in a few weeks to get a new tattoo. He was great, and I definitely recommend him. I’ve only had the tattoo for several months now, but it still looks like I just got it yesterday. It’s perfect!

I got my nose pierced here this past June and it was a great experience. Hardly any pain, and she talked me through each step. The shop is very clean with a friendly vibe. I’ve referred a bunch of friends here for piercing.

If I could give zero stars, then i’ll rate it zero. This isn’t my first tattoo, it’s my 4^th but it was my first time at this place.
I don’t remember the artist name but my tattoo is botched, it still very very very raised after a year. The artist over worked it. Also he was extremely rude. The service was horrible. The people there don’t seem to even want to be there or work there.
Just… Don’t. Seriously don’t.

I have had 5 tattoos done here, 3 of which by Adam. He’s definitely my go to artist from now on! I love the work he’s done. The shop itself is very clean and they play awesome music while you’re getting tatted.

I can only speak for the artist I had, but he was awesome. Adam handled my bad jokes and nervousness well as I got my first tattoo. I knew exactly what I wanted and he helped me touch up the design. He gave me great advice on what/​what not to do. I could not be happier with the finished product. Even with me squirming around, he did a wonderful job. So friendly and soothing — would definitely recommend and I will return to him!

Went here twice for my tattoos. I can’t say much because they’re only small black & white lined pieces. Very neat and bold work though. Love my tatts very much. Would come here again for sure.

Got my nose pierced today. Steve was very skilled and fast. He only does piercing there and does not do ink which is exactly what you want when getting a hole put into your body!
He walked me through exactly what was going to happen. The whole thing start to finish took less than 15 mins. The actual piercing took about 15 secs. Didn’t hurt. I am glad i relied on other Unilocal reviews to find this guy.