This was my first time coming to the Inkspot, I am very happy with my Mandala tattoo. The artist Sue G. Was great and very personable. I highly recommend her as a artist and will be coming back for more. Read Less

Kyle is an amazing artist. Not only is his work great, but he's so down to earth and easy to talk to. I've been to more shops than I can count and the personality of the artist is just as important as their skill level. Kyle didn't disappoint. I came from Sacramento to their shop and will definitely be back. All the staff was friendly and the whole vibe in the shop was really chill. Highly recommend Read Less

I went in to get a butterfly tattoo by Jorel in memory of my Abuela (grandma) I never imagined it would come out this good. Everyone thinks it's a photoshopped picture until I show them in person and they instantly ask for his number. Jorel is sweet and has amazing talent. I won't go to anyone else ever again. Read Less

It's not often we get to write reviews about businesses that have changed our lives for the better, and that we know for a fact we'll remember for the rest of our lives!  But the tattoo shop most definitely fits the bill. I'm SO grateful to have found Bay Area Inkspot, they have been a haven for me on the great journey my tattoo life has become.  Every experience is very personal, and for me I chose the artist, and followed him to his shop. I really liked Gabriel Keeling's work in IG, and in chatting with him about ideas, I realized quickly that he would be a great fit for me - super respectful and patient with the process of designing what would become my first tattoo, answering all my questions, and most importantly reassuring me that he wanted me to be happy, encouraging me to speak up at every turn so that what wound up permanently on my skin I would be happy with. I will forever be grateful for that.  First timers especially, I highly encourage confirming that you have a great dialogue with your artist!  Gabriel has been wonderful throughout the process of my two current tattoos, and soon we'll be inking out my third! The shop is modest and located in a shopping center near 242.  It's not the prettiest from the outside, but it's a great environment within - cool and comfortable, great chairs, music playing, mirrors mounted high so you can watch the process from all angles.  All the artists have a rapport too, it's fun to hear them all chat with each other about work, and client stories.  This shop will always have a place in my heart, and I have incredible sense memories of the hours I've spent here. It might be easy for some to treat the tattoo shop experience as no big deal. But I know every time I walk through those doors I'm one step closer to continuing turning my body into a personal work of art, all mine and yet the work of great collaboration. I hope everyone's tattoo experience is, or will be, as positive as mine. I can't wait to return! Read Less

Kyle has done two of my tattoos and I'm really pleased with them. The location is really easy to locate and everyone is super nice. Parking here is free and easy. Kyles instagram is @scripteven. Check out his beautiful work. They are very clean and efficient here. And customer service is top notch. Read Less

I got my first tattoo from Kyle and he is amazing! I had the best "first tattoo experience" possible! Kyle worked with me on the script I wanted. I knew what I wanted, but I couldn't form it into words. Kyle and I both bounced ideas of each other and he was so fun to work with. He gave me suggestions and the script we decided on was beautiful. I am so happy with my tat and my experience! Kyle is very creative and real and down to earth! Thank you Kyle! Read Less

My sister-in-law and I were scoping out tattoo shops in the area to get some simple, small tattoos done. We read through reviews and looked at photos of a lot of surrounding shops, and finally decided Bay Area Inkspot was the best. We were walk-ins and our experience was great. Bryan did my small dots tattoo and was really informative. I showed him the original design I had in mind, and he let me know that it wouldn't last long because the small open circle design would eventually collapse in on itself after full healing. I really appreciated the transparency and suggestions he shared. While we were there we checked out the portfolios of all the artists. Kyle's really stood out to me because he has done some mandala-style work, which is what I've had in mind for a couple years. I didn't get my lotus tattoo that day. What I did (and I highly recommend doing this no matter who your artist is) was stalk his Instagram for a few weeks to make sure I was really into his work. When I got my first tattoo 8 years ago in Florida I just walked into a shop, picked out something off the wall, and sat down with whoever was available, without asking to see what his previous work was or anything. This time around I wanted to do my homework, especially for a tattoo that means something to me. So I went through basically all of Kyle's Instagram photos, checked out his lines, his designs, everything. I loved all his work, so I hit him up (he conveniently has a 'Text' link on his Instagram) and scheduled a session with him. He asked to see pictures of what I had in mind. I came in for my 4pm appointment later that week, sat with him for ~45 minutes as he drew up the design and asked my thoughts, then the tattooing part took about 4 hours. I really appreciate the fact that he's meticulous, hence why all his work is so good. He'd ask if I needed breaks to stand up and stretch, which was very considerate. It was also nice that he's super chill and easy to talk to. Be kinda weird if you're spending 5 hours with someone who was stand-offish and awkwardly quiet. I'm so in love with the finished piece! It's even better than what I had been envisioning over the last 2.5 years. Kyle is really talented, and I have a feeling he's gonna blow up in the Bay Area so I consider myself lucky to have been able to score an appointment. I told Kyle that my husband and I are planning baby #2 soon, but if plans change then I'm definitely coming back to him for my next tattoo in the coming months. Highly recommend him and this shop! Read Less

One star, if I could give less I would. I wanted a very small tattoo 3inches and was hoping to have the recommended artist do that tattoo. BUT INSTEAD, when I talked to one of the artists he gave me an astronomical price, plus a lot of attitude for asking if there was any way for the price to go down after seeing the tattoo that I wanted. I understand that art is a very sacred and personal thing to dedicate your body and craft too, but unfortunately, Kyle, does not feel the same. He said and I quote "tattoos are a luxury not a necessity and if you don't want to pay the price then I have plenty of people that do." OKAY so I know that I am not the center of this earth but tattooing, to me, is a very scared and incredible form of expression and for an artist to clap back so hard after asking a simple question where the answer could have been "no" is so disrespectful to customers (who are and always will be the core of your business) and also to the profession as a whole. So if you want a great and respectful experience for your tattoo and not a handful of attitude TRUST ME that there are many, many, many other shops in the area that are not this snotty. Peace and respect your craft. P.S. A CASHIER DOES NOT DECIDE THE PRICE FOR A GALLON OF MILK AT THE GROCERY STORE SO ITS HARDLY THE SAME CASE. Read Less

Bryan was amazing! Went in to get matching tattoos with my best friend we werent 100% sure what we wanted but we told him our ideas and asked for a lot of his advice.. He was very patient especially with me being a baby during my tattoo. He really made sure it was exactly what we wanted. He made us feel very comfortable and created something we both love. Best place to go with amazing people. For sure getting our next tattoos and cover ups done by bryan! Read Less

5 stare forsure ! This one goes to Bryan for making me feel like a whole new women  I left his chair feeling reborn lol seriously. He's honest, open minded, creative & has so much patience ! I walked into his shop not exactlyKnowing what I wanted but I knew I wanted a half sleeve ! For about an hour I showed him some ideas of what I wanted & he was so blunt about what would look right on me and what wouldn't. When we finally came to an agreement he literally just drew on my arm and asked me if I liked it before he started of course I loved it & the process took about 4 1/2 - 5 hours. He took his time but was super fast & even tho I didnt want to take any breaks he wanted to give my arm breathing time and I just thought that was super considerate of him. The whole time he kept a conversation goin & that really kept my mind off the pain.Over all when I saw the finished piece I was so inlove ! It's really hard to find a tattoo artist with such a positive auroa & not just doing it for the momey ! I recommend anybody who is looking to get tatted to go to BRYAN!! even if he's booked I've seen the pieces that the other tattoo artist have done, & from what I've seen there all amazing ! There was a girl tattoo artist as well and she too had such great energy ! I will defiantly be back! I've found my permanent tattoo shop lol  !! Thank you again Bryan for such the amazing piece Read Less

Just left here a few hours ago and I have to say SUE is amazing! She has such a soft touch honestly i didn't feel a thing. She is my go to tattoo artist from now on. My husband is planning on going soon also. Thank you Sue for doing such an amazing job on my tattoo. Read Less

Complete rip off And so unprofessional. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. my first and last time in this shop, two male artists were making racial jokes and Didnt even get off thier phone once while i was there(about 25 minutes of wasting my time). Read Less

Really friendly crew. Very courteous, and patient when you are trying to get ideas or just to finalize your design and putting them into a bad ass "piece of art to treasure forever". They all seemed to truly be into their craft/artwork, not just just sketches in books. I had a great experience, my tat is exactly what I wanted and then some. Very clean as well. Thanks for making something dear to me come to life. You guys/ your shop ROCKS! WILL BE BACK, AND WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Read Less

I've been to spot twice, my first experience was "eh" to say the least, but that same exact tattoo I came back to cover up. Sue!! She's the best. I walked in one day and asked her if she can fix it and turn into something different and she worked on it and we were able to do it the following week. She was great with communicating and details of it all. She is also a great person to talk to, you'll never be bored while being worked on. So please don't forget to ask for Sue!! I love my cover-up!! Read Less

Jorel... the man ... the myth..... the legend... Jorel owns this shop and is hand down one fricking talented artist. Every piece he has done on me has been 100% free-hand custom work. Professional Artist with a gifted hand. Super talented with his color schemes as well as his black and gray work.He usually is booked up but he is worth the wait!The shop itself is always clean and up to regulations when it comes to health and safety. Read Less

My first time here.  Gabe did my tattoo. He took the picture I brought in and altered it adding his style and the changes I wanted and it came out perfect.  He will definitely be doing my next one.  I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get a tattoo Read Less

This shop is totally a hidden jem! Brian is an amazing artist and fast! Absolutely love my tattoo and cant wait to come back for my next.Hubby is looking forward to some touch ups and a new piece. Thanks Brian and crew for being so cool and making it a great experience. This is our familys go to shop from now on, and I will be telling evryone I know about you! Read Less

Cool spot to come to with nice and friendly service. Came in today to get a Buddha tattoo on my hand and Bryan did a great job with it! So I will for sure be returning to him for more. Keep up the great work guys. Read Less

I EXTREMELY LOVE THIS PLACE. I love how their shop is set up. There's so many artistic things around the shop It makes me just wanna always be there. On top of that THEY PLAY STRICTLY BAY AREA SLAPS while your getting tattoo. Bay area music/hyphy music fills my soul (sounds corny but true) The front desk person who is a man, I didnt catch his name is so nice and professional. But this review is mainly for KYLEI've gotten a few things tattooed from him. He's young , in his 20s and has SO MUCH TALENT. He's so cool and friendly makes me feel like a friend is tattooing me. That's how much he makes me feel comfortable during my sessions. I've gotten small and big tattoos from other shops and they always came out cool but this place keeps pulling me back because of Kyle's workHe makes simple tattoos LOOK AMAZING That is definitely my tattoo artist. Thank you for blasting me Kyle it's much appreciated, and every time I get tatted from him. I feel very honored this person is tattooing me up. I will post pictures soonIf your looking to get blasted ASK FOR KYLE I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMEND HIM. Book your appt with him ASAP. if I can give beyond a 5 star to this shop and this artist I would and YELP should give them a Grammy haha. On some real shit though. Read Less

Absolutely fantastic!! I've had Kyle do a couple of tattoos, as well as an enhancement to one and I'm 100% happy with the results. Everybody here is so friendly and professional. I highly recommend both Kyle and Bay Area Inkspot!Note: cash only Read Less

Bryan Smith is an amazing artist, and very pleasant to sit with. He does amazing work in a very professional manner. The shop is clean and has a friendly environment. I saw a few other artists there doing some beautiful pieces as well. Read Less

I love this place! Very professional & Very Good At What They Do! My son got his 1st tattoo there today for Friday the 13th, as so did i but not my 1st & defiantly not my or his last!! We are now coming here every time we want to get Inked!! Read Less

My dudes at bay area ink spot are top notch professional down to earth and extremely talented. Tattoos are for life and carry a special meaning. Don't just let anyone help you express that. My mom passed away on mothers day and jorell gabinay did the most amazing portrait of her on my forearm that captures exactly who she was. I am forever in his debt for making it possible to see get everyday. Don't even mess with the rest just go to the best "Bay Area Ink Spot" tell em Jared sent you. Read Less

service with carlos and staff was quick and friendly,but my tattoos were bad uneven lines,scraring,ink coming off during first few days of getting the tattoo.have had several appointments with no change even worst,there still trying to correct the problems with the tattoos.had different artists make attemps .going to have there best tattoo artist take a stab at it in the near furture. Read Less

Love this place. Clean, professional, and great artists. I didn't see the other review until after I was tattooed there but my experience was the exact opposite. I highly recommend this place to any serious collector. Read Less

Whatever you do don't leave a deposit at this place. Their service sucks and their is no responsible manager around when you need one. I left a deposit with this guy named angel and he burned me and never started my tattoo... I just found out that he also open up a new shop at 2168 Solano way Concord, CA 94520 I called his LA location and spoke to a girl named Monica and she also wouldn't return my deposit. As i found out later also that Monica and Angel are dating each other and cover up for one another.. This guy is a free lancer and takes your money and then claims he is traveling to a different state doing tattoo conventions... I also already made a report with the BBB and they also have no records of this company existing. Read Less