I was in last week for my second tattoo and was encouraged by the good reviews at Utility. My work wasn't big or complicated, but - like anyone - I still wanted to feel good about quality, cleanliness, etc. Len was free, so I made my appointment with him.The space felt clean and professional but isn't intimidating. The reception was friendly and efficient. My consult with Len was quick, easy, he listened and gave me options. The work was quickly done, and I was very happy with the result. Both Len and the receptionist checked in with me about after-care.I felt really good about the entire experience. Read Less

My wife is 100% French Canadian, she is also celebrating a big birthday. What the heck, while on a cruise from Boston I made arrangements with Lindsay from Utility for her to get a maple leaf tattoo. Utility opened early for us so we had time to get to and from the port. Artist was excellent. My wife was a little nervous about the size. It was sketched on her wrist to completely reassure her. Clean, very accommodating and reasonably priced. Having several tattoos from artist from Australia to Paris, I would rate Utility the best. Read Less

Andy has created and been working on my sleeve, just had a session on Friday, May 5th. From your initial contact with an idea straight thru to your finished piece, you'll get nothing but courtesy and professionalism! Andy takes the time to understand what you want, throw in some ideas while still keeping your tattoo true to your vision - with some awesome tweaks! Clean, friendly environment and killer work! I recommend Utility to everyone! Can't wait for my next session! Read Less

Andy did my first tattoo. I am very happy with the quality of the work and art. The most surprising thing was the overall level of professionalism and customer service. Everyone at the shop treated each step of the process with the greatest of care and ensured every question and concern was handled with the greatest of care! Thank you! Read Less

I loved getting tattooed here. I felt at ease from the moment I walked in, and loved the art on the walls. Len was a beauty, his experienced input and professional execution left me with a tattoo ten times better than the one I went in for. Will be back. Appreciate you. Read Less

Amazing! After following Utility Tattoo online for two years and making the trip from Ontario, I can honestly say it was the best tattoo experience I've had to date. Katelynn was so professional and reassuring. I can't say enough about her or this shop. Highly recommend! Read Less

King Len did a forearm piece for me (a skull, rose and snake) he did an amazing job and it still looks amazing. He also did a coverup on my brother right before my appointment and did amazing on that as well. Will be seeing him again soon! Read Less

Best tattoo shop in Halifax hands down. Professional, inexpensive and friendly they make you feel welcomed and do a fantastic job. I would recommend Andy he is a really nice guy does beautiful work and takes the extra time to make sure your happy with the job. Can't say enough good things about this place. Read Less

I am a newbie when it comes to tattoos. I got my first one in Vancouver and my second, with more detail to it, here at Utility. Everything people say about it is true. The place is professional, clean and full of experts with a great sense of humour.My tattoo was done by Matt but I honestly would have felt comfortable with anyone there. Although his friendly personality and wicked sense of humour were awesome to have while I went through the typical pain of getting a tattoo done.I've only had two tattoos but have been to quite a few tattoo spots in multiple cities with friends. You end up expecting to always see some negative artists who find it hard to smile. This is NOT that place. They are friendly, love what they do and are obsessed with getting the job done right. Just go. Go now. Read Less

Every time I see a tattoo that looks amazing (beautiful colors that look freshly done even though it's healed, clean designs, etc.) the answer is almost always "I had it done at Utility!". The only other answer I sometimes get is "Lydia did it!" and she once worked at Utility so I guess that fits. Seriously, my friends swear by this place and after always getting this answer when I asked about tattoos, I decided to go to them for my second tattoo.I walked in off the streets to inquire about a tattoo that would need to be drawn up. Their receptionist is a very friendly girl who is always helpful (I had dealt with her before when my fiancé walked in to inquire about a tattoo). I was told they could get me in the next day but because of my schedule I picked the day after. My appointment was with Len and when I walked in for my appointment it seemed like he had forgot about my appointment, but he was able to draw my tattoo up in no time at all and it looked better than I had imagined it could! Not even 20 minutes later, I had my tattoo. They are so professional and so fast! I was surprised. My first tattoo from elsewhere, which was around the same size, took much longer. My tattoo is now healed and it looks amazing! Nothing will need to be touched up and it is still vibrant. The shop is very clean and open, unlike a few other places I can think of close by that are very dark and the staff not nearly as friendly. The price is slightly more compared to some of the other tattoo places around, but it's not a huge difference and it is COMPLETELY worth it for the job they do!For all my future tattoos, I will be going back here and making sure anyone I know who is looking for a tattoo knows about this place. Read Less

I had been thinking of a tattoo for long long time and decided it was finally time.  It only took a little research to decide this is where I was getting it done.  Overwhelmingly positive reviews and multiple winner at the Coast.  Easy choice.  Having no idea of costs, I e-mailed them my design and they got back to me promptly with an approximate cost and duration, as well as available appointments in the coming days.I walked in to a really nice, comfortable and impeccably clean space on Hallowe'en afternoon.  King Len was my assigned artist and he was very friendly.  He took care to size the tattoo to what I wanted and then it was time to start.  1:45 later, I was inked!They say that once you get your first one, it's only a matter of time until your next one. If there is a next one, I'm definitely going back to Utility! Read Less

Utility is where you'll find the best of the best tattooers in Halifax! Andy (the owner) is probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He has the best bedside manner I've ever experienced while getting tattooed. I also bet you've seen his work on at least one of your friends, so I don't need to tell you (but I will) that it's just amazing. I have 2 tattoos from him and both are traditional designs.Matt Owen is super nice and ultra funny. He free handed a couple of my tattoos, which is really impressive. He also tattoo's very quickly, which is nice when you're a big wimp like me! I have 8 tattoos from him and 2 of those are very large cover ups. they are traditional, neo-traditional and Japanese designs. Matt also does some really gorgeous script, and I can't wait to get some of that!! Len moved to Utility. He's from Montreal but I've actually been tattooed by him as well. He attends the Halifax tattoo Festival annually and I had my hand tattooed by him there. I have 2 tattoos from Len, both are traditional designs. I would highly recommend Utility for any of the styles I have mentioned above! Read Less

After wanting a tattoo of a Pirate ship on my leg for 6 + years, I decided to go ahead a get it.  I settled on Mike @ Utility to be my artist. After meeting with him, expressing my idea, and seeing the tattoo parlour, any and all fear i had was settled.The place was clean, organized, tidy, the employees were all courteous and well mannered.  I couldn't be happier with the way my tattoo turned out, and i can guarantee I'll be back. Read Less

I've had work done at Utility. Professional staff and VERY clean shop. The artists at Utility are top notch and I'll go there for any other work I want done in the future. Definetly the most professional tattoo shop I've seen, Read Less

I have heard a lot about this place and the Coast seems to think it is all that and then some.  It is nice to see an establishment as professional as this here in Halifax.The interior is very clean and crisp, with professional there to work with you.  I was very impressed with the overall feel and artists that work there. Read Less

This studio puts all the tragic tattoo shop clichés to rest. With its crisp, lofty make-up, visitors are instantly welcomed and reassured of its legitimate services.Utility has been a steady winner in The Coast's "Best Of" polls, and its not hard to see why. The folks running this joint are true professionals. Beyond master crafters, their manner and etiquette appears exceptional. They will work with you and give the direction you may need, but also make sure you're getting what you want. Its a win-win.This is a beautiful space, and if you're going to get stabbed by a needle for a lengthened period of time, you may as well enjoy the surroundings. Bright, modern and chic, Utility shakes away the dark and weary ways of other parlors. Great service. Fantastic results. Beautiful space. Read Less

I've heard such horror stories about tattoo and piercing studios, so when my friend from out of town started asking me where he should go to get "inked" I decided to check in with the good people of Yelp! to come up with an answer for him. I've never been tattooed myself and this was only the second time I'd been in a tattoo parlour so I might not be the most reliable source, but Utility really impressed me. My friend had a really good idea of what he wanted going in and it only took a few minutes for Lydia, one of the owners to sketch out a design that everyone was really happy with. The tattoos turned out really great and they healed over perfectly with very little flaking. Utility has been widely praised for being the best tattoo parlour east of Montreal and for good reason. Their studio is open and clean, their equipment is sterilized and packaged, which is of course important to prevent spread of infection or disease. The biggest draw to Utility is the experience and talent of the artists on staff. If you get tattooed at Utility you can rest assured you will get exactly what you want, and leave with a piece of art that you will want to keep around forever (and conveniently you can). Read Less

Upon entering this tattoo boutique, you'll hear the buzz of ink-guns droning in the background and notice art being exhibited across the shop's walls.This tattoo joint is comfortable and clean, with a big-city loft feel.  Unlike many tattoo parlors, there is tons of natural light and the walls aren't cluttered with pre-fab designs, begging to be chosen and stamped on your body.The artists at this studio, Lydia, Andy and Mike, will work with you to design your ideal tat. Early last year, I worked with Lydia on a piece. We sent design ideas back and forth until the piece all was complete. It was a nice process and reassuring to know that she was willing to assist with ideas. I highly recommend Utility for all of your tattooing needs. They're professional, experienced and pleased to help you come up with a design that you'll be happy with for years to come. Read Less

"Voted best tattoo shop in Halifax 7 years running" by readers of Halifax's favorite free newspaper The Coast.Utility is a custom tattoo and piercing shop, that also doubles as an art gallery; displaying and selling local artwork. It offers a clean, professional, clutter-free and friendly environment, with arguably the best tattoo artists in Halifax. You wont find tattoo flash on the walls here, this is for people who are serious about quality. But hey, if you don't know what you want, set up a consultation with a tattoo artist, who will be more than happy to design a unique piece of body art just for you! Utility rotates its art space on a monthly basis, with all art work available for sale. It also has a display case full of jewelry for those of you who are pierced, and a small stock of unique gift items, including gift cards.Utility runs a tight ship, but please don't be intimidated. They are very friendly and excited about talking body modification either on the phone, or helping answer questions in person.Personally speaking, this is the place I would recommend for getting custom tattoos in Halifax. I am always happy with the quality, and it is so much fun getting work done here.Call or drop by to set up consultations with the tattoo artists, or to book a piercing appointment. They also accept piercing drop-ins.*a small deposit for scheduled tattoo-work appointments may be required.Hours: Tues - Sat 12 - 6. Read Less