Really disappointed with this place. I emailed the tattoo artist twice, went in to the shop, and called. They took my name and number down and NEVER responded to my email or called me back (over 2 weeks ago).You'd think they want business but don't even have the decency to email me or call me back. I have already gotten my tattoo done elsewhere, thus I will not be further investing my time in this place! Read Less

I am so so happy with my experience at 454! I came in as a walk in and I probably only had to wait about 20 mins. The girl at the front was so sweet and she made me feel really comfortable. Hector did my tattoo and he did an amazing job! He was great with communication and really made sure that he understood what I was looking for. 10/10 would definitely recommend Hector to anyone looking to get a tattoo- his flash was amazing too and I'm sure that if I ever decide to get another tattoo I'll make sure to get one from him.Thanks guys! Read Less

Went and got some piercings done by Rubi! She was great and was very understanding and didn't rush me when I got kinda dizzy after the piercing. They have great jewelry options and it was all very clean & sanitary as well. Got my nostril pierced and then went back the next day to get my double helix finished! Read Less

I got my first tattoo from Brian just over a week ago. I showed up to discuss what I wanted and he came up with a design and did it that day. I love it and so happy I did it and 454 is where I decided to do it. From the minute I walked in I felt welcomed and at ease. I was pretty nervous to get my first tattoo. Read Less

I had such a great experience here. I got 3 week old   jewelry changed by Rubi, and the process was very quick and painless (I was worried about messing up myself). The people were very friendly and helpful, and were very understanding when I was stressed about time. They fit me in right when the room opened up. (I had an MRI in an hour which I needed the stud out for)  I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a good place to get a piercing done. Read Less

Tattoo Brad is the man! Best person I could've got to do a large piece on my stomach/ribs.  When I asked him how much he charged he told me and said he was "quick and efficient"... Lived up to his word!  Knocked it out in 2 sessions, with my previous artists it would've been at least 3. And thankfully he is quick because the ribs are painful! My favorite tattoo so far, it came out really clean. Read Less

Rubi is the bomb diggity. Super friendly and always straightforward. Got my tragus pierced in August as a walkin. Walked in again the day before Thanksgiving (today) and she took great care of me again! Love it! Read Less

This was my first tattoo and it was bigger than most first tattoos.  It is a quarter sleeve.  I did my research and made an appointment with Ryan @ 454.  I'm so glad I chose him!  It came out beautiful, exactly what I wanted and he tolerated my crying.... yes, it hurts!  I don't know if I would say it's addictive, but, if I have anything else I want done I'll be right back in his chair!  Thanks Ryan :0) Read Less

I got a tattoo of the sun behind one ear and the moon behind the other ear. The artist came in on his day off to do it for me and I love it! I live out of state and already have an artist here or else I would be back for more. Behind the ear is not an easy spot especially with the amount of piercings I have but the lines are clean and the shading is good! Read Less

A woman with red bangs greeted me with "you have to leave your dog outside" before I had time to ask if my service animal was welcome. You lost my business, also this isn't legal. I had forgotten her official collar as I am staying with a friend. A manager should address this employee. Read Less

Max pierced my tragus and I love it!! Mi tia recommended him specifically for his fun, outgoing, and friendly personality. He was very kind and walked me through the whole piercing. He told me when he was going to pierce it and was very encouraging throughout the process. I highly recommend Max for ANY piercings!! Read Less

Love 454! Everyone here is very nice and the shop itself is very professional and clean. 3 of my tattoos were done by Ryan and my husband just got a tattoo for the first time from Ryan as well. I have never had a piercing here, but I'm sure their work is great too! Would highly recommend! Read Less

So I came into 454 in September last year with a friend who was getting another ear piercing. Max was her piercer and I really liked him! He was funny, engaging, and super nice! We started discussing jewelry for one of my piercings and I was interested in rose gold. However, he alerted me the price of real rose gold jewelry and I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on it. He gave the great idea that he could special order the jewelry to be the regular silver barbell but he could tint it to look rose gold so it would only be about $30-50. I put down my deposit and he said it would take a few months to come in. We exchanged over email a few different ideas, and I was trying to see if there were other styles but he alerted me that this was the only style that was in my price range and that he had access to. I said okay and decided to keep the original one we talked about. I continued to ask each month if it was ready, and he told me that it was still being ordered.  Then, in December 2017, I was alerted it was ready and came to get it. Max was not in, and the woman gave me the jewelry and told me my total would be $200+. I was confused and told her the situation where he told me he would be able to make me a imitation rose gold. She called Max and said that there was miscommunication. I asked if I could just receive my deposit $ back, and she said no and Max will order the right one and it would take a few more months to give me what I want. I understood and told her that's fine, I'll wait then for the jewelry.In beginning of July, I asked Max the status of my jewelry and he never replied. I asked him again, about 2 weeks later over email. He told me he would just refund me my deposit now. I'm assuming he never put an order in. I totally respect him for just giving me back my money and appreciate it, but I felt it a little ridiculous to have waited almost a year for jewelry, never updated about the jewelry unless I initiated, and then just given the money back. I really enjoyed going to 454 initially but this was just a waste of time at the end, probably for him too. Read Less

I would first like to say that after a terrible experience at a different tattoo parlor that left me afraid to even go to any tattoo parlor again, these people made me feel so welcome and clearly gave me all the information I needed! They were so happy to help me and even helped me get my tattoo fixed the same day I walked in! Amazingly fast service as well!I have this tattoo that was done at a half-ass job somewhere else and they fixed up to be exactly what I wanted and I'm so happy with it! I now have one less thing to worry about!Definitely going to come back for my future tattoos!! Read Less

got my first tattoo here on a walk-in a month or so back. lovely environment with great service. sean gave me the peep tat- he's absolutely the best! i am planning on coming back here for my second one very soon! Read Less

Rubi is awesome! She is so nice and caring and makes you feel comfortable and confident about getting your piercing. She's very professional and knows what she's doing. I have gotten multiple piercing done by her and am super happy with the results and have sent her some of my friends too! I wouldn't trust anyone else to do my piercings and 100% recommend her. Read Less

Went in to get my rook and second hole on my lobe pierced (on two separate occasions). Rubi was super professional and kind. She helped me choose the right jewelry for what I wanted pierced. When I came to the piercing she was very calm and kept me calm. She explains the aftercare and gave me one of those caramel apple lollipops! Haha She did a great job and i will continue to go to her for all of my other piercing or jewelry needs! Read Less

I needed to switch out my nose ring for my stud. My place was closed for some reason and I needed to do this. I bought a post and the girl who did it really hurt me doing it. My nose was sore for 3 days. Once it stopped hurting I was in shower found it was gone. Found both on shower floor. Don't use for piercings she does not have much experience Read Less

My daughter wanted to get our first tattoo together. We saw the reviews here and just went for it. The employees were so helpful and very welcoming. They saw that it was our first time and took great care of us! Brian was amazing, laid back and was genuinely concerned of our every need. I'd definitely come back here for another one! Thank you 454!!!! We will cherish this experience forever! Read Less

My girlfriend was in town visiting me and we decided to get a piercing because of yelp we chose to try out this shop. The girl that took all my information at the front was really nice and made me feel super comfortable talking about my options as far as jewelry, prices, etc. The shop was busy as to be expected on a Sunday afternoon but they got us in and out in a timely manner. Max was extremely welcoming and was as gentle as possible. Overall a great experience Read Less

I love 454!! The staff are all so nice and they really know what they're doing. I went to Worm Rodriguez for my tattoo and he did amazing Persian calligraphy in honor of my grandfather. He talked me through the process to help me destress and it was relatively not painful. The staff there are all efficient and well-trained and are very good at explaining their processes to reassure you that you're in good hands. My cousin got two helix piercings done by Rubi and my friend got one helix piercing done by Michael. They have both healed beautifully and the process was fast and easy. Definitely coming back here for my next tattoo and returning to Worm. Read Less

Went in with some ideas, asked about ideas to make it better or how to piece it together and nothing. No opinions and no creativity. The work they do seems to be great but you need to know what you want without input. If you want opinions and creativity don't go here. They seemed to not want my business at all. Read Less

All I can say is AMAZING!!!! Brad rocks!!!! I had a memorial tattoo done a couple of months ago and was referred to Brad to get the ink done by someone I trust and I can't tell you enough at how pleased I am. Brad was super easy going and very easy to work with. He took my design and made a few suggestions about sizing to make sure the design itself would transfer well to my back. Knowing it was a memorial tattoo he knew it was extra important to have it perfect! I could have asked for a better result... NO TOUCH UP needed and he was truly patient with me knowing getting it on my back crossing my spine was painful! He took great care of me and I will be referring him to anyone and everyone I know looking to have ink done!!! Read Less

I've been four times, each time with Lauren. She does amazing work, and is easy to work with. Pricing is fair, the shop is clean, and if you can't find an artist here that does what you want you should go ahead and never get a tattoo. Read Less

Lauren was great.  She did an excellent job and I am really looking forward to how it all turns out.  This was my second tattoo here and I couldn't say enough great things.  I highly recommend this place! Read Less

Went to Sean for my first tattoo. I gave him basically 3 pictures of things I wanted incorporated in to the tattoo. And threw a little bit of a curve ball at him unintentionally at the time of the appointment. I was very detail oriented as it was my first tattoo and had a huge significance. He worked with me and worked it out to the original price I was quoted. Tattoo was everything I wanted and then some. Looks great, stoked on the work he did, wouldn’t change a thing! Read Less

Loving the work my husband just got done by Brad here. It's his first quality piece and I couldn't be a happier wife. I have also come I. For piercings several tome over the years. Clean, quality, and professional. Thank you 454! Read Less

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I got my son's name on my wrist 6 yrs ago and now I come here to get my tiny tension and twist off piercings taken out, mostly before MRI's, this time before surgery. Max is the best! Nimble fingers I hardly feel him get in there... Lord if my in laws knew where all of my extra man made holes were, that would be 1001 reason to give me side eye :p Very professional see pics! Read Less

Kory was awesome! I wanted a chocolate bar for my dog (Chocolate) with a little cross hatching on my ankle.  It came out so cute and perfect! His line art is so precise and thin, I love it!My friend also got a belly piercing from their Piercer Ruby who was thankfully in. She is so cute and so professional!Kory was also so personable and recommended some good music (the music he was playing while giving me my tattoo). I came from Austin, Texas for a music festival with my friend and I'm so glad we stopped here before we flew back! Read Less

Came in to get my 6 year old daughter's ears pierced. Max was the piercer on duty. He was amazing!! Even though there was a lot of people waiting to be pierced, he took his time. He made several attempts to make sure her holes were going to be placed perfectly. He even humored me and move them less than a half cm forward. We kept going back and forth. He was patient, kind, attentive and funny. I also need to say, my daughter doesn't sit still easily. (She sat still during the actual piercing, but while trying to get the holes lined up she had ants in her pants). He worked through it like the seasoned pro he is. Listen, this place isn't cheap. But there is value for money. If you are looking for cheap, go to Claire's and have a 16 year old give you asymmetrical earrings and have your kids cry. My daughter, and I, had a wonderful experience, there were no tears and lots of laughs. Read Less

Rubi was recommended to me as a piercer from someone I trust in this industry and I decided to get my nose pierced by her while I was in the area. I was afraid but she was so sweet and funny, I was really at ease with the situation. She got my mind off of it and told me to continue breathing. It was done and over with within minutes. I also thought this shop has had the best jewelry selection I've seen in a tattoo and piercing shop including 14k gold pieces. I would highly recommend her. Prices start at $35 not including jewelry. Read Less

Ryan Breceda is amazing! I came to 454 years ago to get my first tattoo by brad. I came back to get my sleeve started with Ryan and he did an amazing job. I've had two sessions with him so far and everything is coming along amazingly. He's fast and efficient and he knows what he's doing. His line work and shading are super clean Read Less

I got my first tattoo with Kory the other day! The shop made me feel really at ease (shout out to the front desk girl Cassie I think? Who had awesome customer service) and comfortable! Kory was super attentive to what I wanted and made the whole experience fun, and gave me a great deal. The shop was clean, professional and timely-they took me on a walk in status. Thanks you guys for making it a great time! Read Less

Went in there for a piercing/tattoo consult and felt very unwelcome... the place was clean and had cool jewelry so that's where they get the extra star. That being said, the staff was very rude. They acted as if I was a waste of their time, and treated me as though I was dense. I do have tattoos that you cannot see; the Artist assumed I had none and treated me like I had no knowledge of the practice. I have gone back since and was greated with the same crap; I have also spoke to several others who say the same thing. They're prestigious and overly priced; I would say you should give your money to less snobby people :) Body Piercings by Tracy in Oceanside is super awesome; they actually like to help with the weird after care with no questions too! Read Less

I've had a few tattoos done at 454, and recently my sister in law had a tattoo and her ears pierced. The entire staff at 454 make you feel welcome and comfortable, their dedication to professionalism and quality work, is what keeps me coming back. I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for a great experience. Read Less

Had an excellent experience with Rubi today for my naval piercing. She exemplified professionalism throughout the process. Before the piercing, she made sure I was comfortable and thoroughly explained the procedure. She closed the curtain in the room for privacy and even asked if I wanted the music changed in the room. She was accessible and friendly, answering all of my questions along the way.The staff here is so kind, encouraging and professional. I would absolutely recommend them for body piercings! Read Less

Most epic experience from start to finish.  Lauren was my artist, she came highly recommended from friends.  I was able to get an appointment within 24hours. She was extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, easy to talk to and does the best line work I've ever seen.  Lauren is so talented and I will go back to her in a heartbeat with my next tattoo idea. Read Less

My husband and I wanted to get tattoos to remember the loss of our baby boy. Ryan Breceda helped us out and we are so amazed with his patience and his talent! It was a great experience overall and the pricing was reasonable. We will definitely return for more. Thank you!! MW Read Less

So happy with the tattoo Lauren did for me. She is a really sweet, funny, and talented artist. This was my first tattoo and I was quite nervous. She did a really good job of calming my nerves and putting up with the group of friends I dragged with me. She jokingly referred to them as the peanut gallery. All of my friends were impressed by her positive attitude and demeanor. They will definitely be using her for future tattoos. Read Less

I dropped in last Saturday for the first time to get an estimate on finishing an old back tattoo. I also got lucky cuz Brad had time to do a Sailor Jerry tattoo on my leg. He was really skilled and very personable. I made another appointment with Brad for next month. He is very busy as a great artist should be. I look forward to getting more tattoos from him and the other great artists at 454 Tattoo! Read Less

Went in with my cousin who was getting a tattoo. I asked about an American Traditional tattoo I saw on the wall. Brad told me he would be down to do it that day. I ended up getting it done 30 minutes later. This was my first tattoo, and it was painless. Brad did a great job and I highly recommend him and 454. I know I'll be back again! Read Less

This Tattoo Shop is the "BEST IN TOWN"!!!It's worth the wait!!! Years ago I was fortunate enough to get Brad the owner as my artist, he did a cover up for me that was unbelievable to my eyes.No trace of what was ther before These guys know the Art of Tattooing and are extremely passionate about it...So pay them a visit & spread the LOVE... Read Less

I am from Chicago Illinois and this is my first time in California and my first tattoo by Brad. Wherever you are going to get your tattoos and piercings stop and get your butt over to 454 tattoo. They made me feel like I was family great prices and after I saw my three new tatts I would have given him twice what he asks for. This place was very clean and accommodating I have a back injury and I was using a walker. I will be back in Carlsbad in May of 2018 and I am going back to buy these guys lunch and get me and my family more tattoos! THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY FIRST TATTOO EXPERIENCE AWESOME!!! Read Less

Incredible tattoo shop, the only people I trust to work on my body, family crest done for myself and three sons. They make sentimental thoughts a reality. Hands down the friendliest most talented group of people. THANKS ALWAYS! Read Less

I've NEVER had a bad experience here.Piercing: Max and Kristina are amazing. They're ethical and moral. I've had my conch done and started the process of a custom jewelry order. To which they were both super helpful with both. After reading comments from others on Kristina and Max, I find myself compelled to chime in. 1.) Of course you can't open jewelry in the shop, it's a risk to hygiene of others. 2.) Of course they cannot know every single piece of jewelry's description, their inventory is vast. 3.) Of course they go home at the end of their shift and others take over. You really expect them to wait for you? Cmon man! Lives! People have lives! Or maybe commutes to jobs... duh. AND.... 4.) Of course Kristina would "talk them out" of a piercing if it wasn't in their best interest (aka the body may reject it). This is called PROFESSIONALISM. TIP TO FUTURE PIERCING CLIENTS: They're honest, professional, and do their absolute best. Yes, the jewelry is pricey. You get what you pay for. Personally I couldn't afford a custom piece here, so I went elsewhere. But they were still courteous throughout my custom order inquiry!TATTOO TIME: DAVE KRUSEMAN is the man! His line work is superb. His conceptualizations of my ideas were excellent, and and and AND.... he's a pleasant conversationalist. I cannot recommend him enough. And, his wife Kim is awesome as well! Super communicative and wonderful throughout the administrative side (scheduling, deposit, end payment) as well as just a great person to chat with. This is one outstanding duo. Check him out on Instagram!!! @davekrusemanIt's been 2 days since my review and tattoo session. I must say I'm still in complete awe and no, it's not because of being star struck. Dave's work makes my heart smile. He's truly a master at his art. I feel very strongly about his artistry. I'm getting compliments left and right and throwing out his cards to people like Halloween candy! I never watched Ink Master, but I think I need to go back now and do so. I see why he won, and if you choose to get tatted by him, you will too. Hell, you will even if you don't get a tattoo. Just look at his portfolio on Instagram. Read Less

I do not recommend this place. I went in to buy a piercing for my top earlobe. All earnings are 40-600 dollars for one earring ... Which is fine, but what upset me was the customer service was horrible. They charge 10 dollars when you buy earnings there and need help putting them in. Which is ridiculous because you are already spending a butt load on their jewelry (the piercer should help you put your earnings in for free) most places do. Also, I wasn't allowed to open my jewelry in the lobby. I had to wait until I was outside. I wanted the gentleman helping me to show me how the clasp worked as it was the first time I had bought an earring like that. He told me it was against there policy. It was the worst customer service I have ever had so I told the guy to give me my card back and I would buy jewelry somewhere else where the customer service was more accommodating. I will never go back there. Read Less

This is the place to go! Studio is clean, artists are professional and genuinely excited about their work. They are honest about designs (what works, what doesn't) and answer questions patiently. Lauren is one awesome woman! She took my slightly unusual request (a child's messy drawing) and replicated it with vivid precision. You won't be disappointed! Read Less

It has taken me a couple weeks to write this as I was so turned off by the employees here. I walked in on a Thursday afternoon to get a belly button piercing, there were two girls already ahead of me talking to the piercer Christina.  I browsed around patiently waiting looking at my jewelry options.  I heard bits and pieces of the conversation the girls and the piercer were having (which was the piercer talking the girls out of piercings). 20min later the girls left with no piercings and it was my turn, Christina asked if she could help me and I said what I wanted and asked what this $300 navel piece was made of it was the one I really liked.  She told me she wasn't sure and she would have to look it up in the back. I said that would be great because for $300 I'd like to know what I'm paying for. She went out back for 3min came back to the front and began talking to another customer.  I waited 10 more minutes waiting for the answer and she continued to avoid me. At this point I was running out of time so I said To her I will come back in a few hours. She still gave me no info on the piece but said ok. A few hours pass and I go back as I'm really excited to get my belly pierced. This time a guy is there I ask for Christina and he said she had left for the day. So I tell him what I want and the piece I like, I ask him why is it $300 what is it made of and what are the stones... He says he isn't sure and would hate to tell me the wrong thing. Now I am wondering why the heck would I get my belly pierced by someone who doesn't even know their product. Especially a very expensive piece of jewelry!!!  Also how experienced are these people?  So I say thanks for your time and leave. I will never be back to 454 again. I ended up getting my belly button pierced elsewhere. Read Less

I had to book my appointments over a month out but that's just because Brad is so talented that he fills up quick. I got a huge piece on my ribs and Everyone was very professional and very helpful when it came to making me comfortable and talking me through the pain. Brad took an old out line that I had and made it into a beautiful side piece. Nothing printed off google. He free handed everything he put on my body and it came out perfectly!!! Prices are reasonable also. He's a great tattoo artist and his prices fit his work! Read Less

Always wonderful customer service and such a cool looking place. They're always taking walk ins, which works great for me because my tattoos and piercings have always been spontaneous decisions. They all compliment one another which is awesome. Brady recently tattooed me and really took the time to listen and draw up my idea, he spoke highly of another girl that works there when i mentioned that I follow her on Instagram and am considering going to her to start my sleeve. The bonus bonus side?!? BRAD LEE IS GONE. He was a piercer, he worked there forever and he was honestly the only reason I stopped coming here for a few years. I won't go into detail about him but I feel much more comfortable going here and recommending my friends to go here for piercings now. Read Less