American Beauty Tattoo is one of the best classic tattoo shops. Specializing in Americana, every artist in the shop has their own style and vibe. They are SUPER friendly and talented. I have literally sent everyone I know there and just flew from NYC to get tattooed there. My boyfriend just got his first big tattoo from James and he is super stoked about it. The best part about the shop is that they are all artists. If you have an idea you just give it to them and they will create something beyond what you were envisioning. I have been going to James O. Real for close to 10 years now because of his talent and because his shop is CLEAN! If you have even a small idea of a tattoo you want, get in touch with them and get going! It will be an amazing experience! Read Less

I've had a tattoo sketch for about 2 years now, just waiting for the right time to do it. Well my 51st birthday was the right time lol. So I did some research being as this will be on my body for life. After researching quite a few different places, I decided to go with American beauty tattoo parlor. Their reviews where great, and I liked that they had lots of great reviews, pics and even small bio's on their artist. Michael did my tat, he was great, has a good background in art, and was not intimidating at all, and provided a comfortable and relaxing place. If I ever do get another tattoo I will be seeing Michael for sure. Thanks Michael Read Less

Mr. James Real deserves 5 stars for 1. Owning American Beauty Tattoo, by 2. Staying dedicated to art, and 3. Providing opportunities for other artists to have a place to work and an outlet to get known for their skill-set. Ultimately, if your looking to get blasted, American Beauty Tattoo is one of the best places to go for quality ink and skin work. Read Less

This is my go to tattoo shop and Johnny is my go to guy. I've had so many tattoos done in this shop 10+ and I love all of them. All the artist in there are great! You cannot beat their $50 Friday deal with over 200 flashes to chose from (arms and legs only). The atmosphere is great they're all very professional and I enjoy talking with the artist in the shop. They do any sort of style tattoo but they mainly specialize in traditional work. Great guys who do great work! Check them out! Read Less

Great environment, everything's clean and friendly. Great music going all the time. Michael Jaso is a talented young man, very skilled and thorough in his craft. This was my first tattoo and it was fun. Doing another next Wednesday Read Less

A stellar tattoo shop, to say the least. Had the best experience at this shop. Friendly staff, sterile shop, and incredible quality tattoos. I came in for their Fifty Dollar Friday special, and was impressed with design options. These tattoo artists have great designs and couldn't be happier with the design I chose. I will definitely be going back soon, and would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a solid tattoo. Read Less

Was the most amazing experience I had at a tattoo shop. I went on a fifty dollar Friday I got a great tattoo by James real. If you guys are trying to get one on Friday's I suggest getting there early they get booked quick. Overall awesome thanks again A.B.T Read Less

i have been getting tattooed professionally for 21 years (unprofessionally for 26).  most of them were done in filth-a-delphia, but for the past 10 years i have been searching the Long Beach/Seal Beach/Huntington Beach area for my new go to artist. i finally found him @ american beauty, johnny gargan.  shop has a total laid back feel. no dbags. clean, professional, GENTLE (all i have left are super sensitive areas), friendly, cool, talented. i can't stress enough, no dbags. go right now! Read Less

I have been wanting to come in after seeing this tattoo offered for their $50 Friday special.  I absolutely LOVE it!!! I can't stop looking at it!!  I was in contact with the shop owner James before heading over, and since you can't make appointments for this special, I mentioned I'd arrive around a certain time.  After arriving an HOUR after I hoped I would due to traffic, I was able to walk right in and get started!!  I was in and out in about an hour.  Can't beat that!!  The other 2 artists seemed chill and their work is awesome.  Definitely stoked with my new addition!!! Read Less

This review is based on my first visit to the shop for their 50$ Friday deal. There is a small parking lot to the side of the building.  Upon entering I notice the shop is really clean. Major points.  I was greeted by Michael one of the 3 tattoo artist that were there that day. He let me know which tattoos were part of the deal. They have a lot to choose from, almost overwhelmingly, but that's a good thing. It took me a while to choose. I finally saw a balloon ride tattoo that instantly brought back nostalgic memories of my wonder years. Michael was ready to go once I finally made up my mind. The placement was perfect and it goes with the curve of my arm. The balloon looks like it's literally flying away. I'm really bad at time gestimating during tattoos, but I would say about an hour and half maybe (might have been an hour or even 45 min)and it was done!! Yay. I enjoyed the entire process and I hope to return soon for something bigger. Read Less

James Real and the American Beauty Staff do an amazing job with their work. The environment is welcoming along with the professionalism exhibited from everyone . I have gotten all of my work done there and each time I have walked away satisfied with what was done. Clearly a top level place with top level talent. Read Less

Went at the spur of the moment and Mike was able to take care of me.  He did a great design and I am very happy.  If I every get out this way again and am in the mood for another tattoo I will be sure to call Mike. Read Less

I've had 3 tattoos done (so far) by Johnny Gargon.  He does truly amazing work.  I love my tats.  And will be going back to see Johnny for more!  So this is my big huge shout out for American Beauty Tattoo Parlor.  They are clean, professional, chill and have excellent artists.  If you're looking to get inked...American Beauty is the place to go. Read Less

I have been coming here for a decade now. All my tattoos (except one) have been done here and most done by the one and only JAmes Real (owner) the ambience is super chill and friendly, like the super nice Long Beach style. The talent is off the roof. I believe James reads minds because every time I have come up with an idea he goes and transfer my non-sense explanation into a beautiful piece, bless his soul! I get compliments ALL the TIME about my tattoos done here. 10 year later and they all look like new. thanks James and Thanks american Beauty for existing! Read Less

I have several tattoos made by Mr. James Real. I have seen the shop go through many changes over the past eight years and it just keeps getting better! I am a return customer and recommend them to everyone. Highly skilled, clean and welcoming. What more could you want.Read Less

I got an amazingly detailed sleeve here using an idea and influence by Alex Grey's artwork. It was about 7 years ago and all the colors still pop big time and still get asked if it's recent work. James Real did some one of a kind work. I need to stop in and pay my respects! Thanx Real! Read Less

I got my first tattoo here 10 years ago when I was 18. I loved it then and I love it now! It was a great experience and have been back with friends recently and had the same experience. If you want quality tattoos from amazing professionals this is your place!Read Less

Michael did such a great job on my tattoo and on my mom's. Not only is Michael a very talented artist, he is also very easy going, friendly and easy to talk too! These were our first tattoos and he was very patient in answering our questions and explaining things to us. We were thoroughly pleased with our experience and would highly recommend him and American Beauty to anyone who is looking for the best in tattoos. Read Less

Michael did such a good job on my tattoo, he definitely exceeded my expectations. I went in thinking I was just going to get a simple little tree on my wrist and he came up with a way cooler idea than I had originally had. He was super nice and did a really good job Read Less

I have three tattoo's by James at American Beauty Tattoo. I love all three of them. He is very good with a light hand. He gave me a tattoo on the top of my foot, side of my foot and my wrist. None of them hurt. He is very good with shading. I will be going back for another. Read Less

Got so many tats, you can't even count 'em upIn the shop every week, I can't seem to get enoughMy aunt said my skin to clean to mark it upBut I'ma ink my whole body, I don't give a MoFoI'm blowin' purp, no shirtWindows down, screamin' cash rules, showin' off my tattoosYelpers spazzin' when they see meRun up on me star struck, askin' can they read me?I think Wiz Kalifa said it all.  I actually don't have any tats yet which was why I decided to stop in here.  I have been wanting one for about a year or so now.  I have kept all my questions with peeps I know that already have one.  You know the standard questions of:Did it hurt?Did you cry?Did you want to cry or scream?Where did you go?Who did your tat?How much?Blah, blah, blah....I don't hate tats I just NEVER thought I would even entertain the thought of getting one.  And I'm NOT really sure what changed my mind!  Maybe life, or the hurdles of life that come up at some point.  Whatever it is or was I'm NOW contemplating getting one.  It should go without saying that you should NEVER get anyone's name on YOUR BODY that is NOT a child, parent, sibling, or blood relative!  Why do you ask?  Because no sooner than you do THAT relationship will END!  And then you're stuck with a CONSTANT reminder until you get it covered up or removed but you will ALWAYS know what it was. They seem to be all the rage these days whereas year's prior people didn't seem to get them as much.  Maybe because it was taboo, sacrilege and ONLY the so called gangstas, prison inmates, flower children or military (generally Navy men) would get them.  If you were a RESPONSIBLE, CONSERVATIVE, FOLLOW the RULES person or wanted to work in corporate America you WOULD NEVER get a tat and if you did NO ONE and I mean NO ONE would ever know about it because, you'd keep it nun-like covered and NEVER let it see the light of day. That one mini heart shaped tat would deem you different, an anarchist, closet rebel, or you'd be thought to actually have your own mind and we couldn't have peeps think that  now could we even though your parents told you think for yourself, don't follow the crowd, and make up your own mind.  When what they REALLY meant was think like THEY want to too and how THEY think and THEY will be proud of you!  Well reality check Yelpers...Everything that glitters isn't GOLD!  Most likely your supervisors, VP, or CEO has their back, both arms, and legs covered in tats while he works in corporate America, and manages a Fortune 500 company making well over 6 figures or is considered one of the 2 comma peeps out there. It doesn't make you odd, it doesn't mean you're a criminal, drug dealer, free spirited flowered child.  It just means you wanted to get a tat to express yourself or something in YOUR LIFE in an outward way!  Some tats have meaning and some are fun, others are symbols of family, friends, births, deaths, marriages, etc.  It means WHATEVER you want it to mean to YOU!Soooo anywho I'm checking out places and this was my first place since I was nearby.  Christiana was AWESOME and answered all my questions.  She was patient and she was a GIRL which was one of my pre-rec's if I'm going to move forward!  She gave me tips to taking care of it after and cleaning, etc.  The shop was UBER CLEAN, I was greeted right away as I walked in which was another PLUS!  They have several pieces lining the walls and books you can look in as well.  There is NO pressure and she even showed me what a needle looks like.  I ALMOST hit the floor.  Probably should NOT have asked to see one since I HATE NEEDLES and tend to hyperventilate just trying to get a blood test.  Yes I'm a bit of a BIG AZZ BABY when it comes to needles!  SO WHAT let's move on from that!  I already know it's a drawback to this entire thought process so save the comments and messages.  They also have their own parking lot which is small but I thinks it's the perfect size for the most part.  Thus far they are my number ONE choice should I actually commit!  I'm getting there.  So we shall see. Read Less

My sister, friend, and I all had an excellent experience with James at American Beauty. He was incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable, and professional when we visited the shop yesterday. James made size and placement suggestions regarding each of our pieces, and gave detailed instructions on after care in order to prevent infection and preserve the quality of the tattoo. All of the work turned out incredibly sharp and clean due to his precision and artistry. The shop was clean and welcoming, making each of us feel at home. Good vibes at American Beauty. Thanks, James!! Read Less

True professionals!!I'll keep it brief and bullet pointed. I'm overdue for a trip back, but here's what I observed from my last visit. Will definitely be back though.- All super talented artists, from James on down the line.- Super clean shop (one of my big issues with places)- All veterans with a TON of tattooing experience. - They take pride in their jobs and make sure you walk out happy (and probably wanting to come back next week for more work)You can't go wrong. Make it happen. Like right now. Close the computer. Turn off the phone. Go.Now. Read Less

Love coming to this shop. I've had three of my tattoos done here and I love all of them. Christina is extremely talented and professional. They have the OG legit shop approach except the fact that they are not rude. They work with their customers and love what they do! Get your tattoo here!!! Read Less

These dudes are legit. They do great work and are cool as hell. LBC natives that love to tattoo. It's always a good thing when the tattoo you get is better than what you imagined. James is such a creative passionate dude. Not to mention he is finishing up his art degree at CSULB, one of the best art programs around!! And the price was cheap as hell!!! If you're thinking of getting something definitely come here, they will take care of you. Read Less