I went to the Hideaway for my first ever tattoo. Of course I was feeling a little nervous, but after walking in I was instantly greeted and immediately felt more at ease. My artist was Nikki and she was so welcoming, friendly, and a pleasure to work with. She took an idea I had in my head and made it a reality on my skin. Her talent is undeniable; I highly recommend her work Read Less

Absolutely love this little shop. It's such a hidden gem and goes above and beyond most shops I've seen. I came across Melvin on Instagram and booked an appointment a couple months out. When I went in to see her, the shop was so cute, clean, and quiet! None of the usually loud insanity of most tattoo shops I've been in. Melvin's work space is obviously almost *too* cute, and her work is beyond that. It was honestly one of the most enjoyable tattoo experiences I have ever had. We chilled, we listened to Odesza, we talked about Sex and the City. It was honestly a dream.And the best part is, I left with the cutest little addition to my collection.I absolutely love this place and will definitely be coming back for more in the future! LOVE The Hideaway and can't wait to come back :) Thanks again Melvin x3 Read Less

I wouldn't even consider getting tattooed anywhere else! The studio itself is really cute, clean, and comfortable. But the best thing about The Hideaway, is that it's home to some of San Diego's most talented tattoo artists. I've been to Melvin multiple times and she is beyond amazing. Every tattoo she does looks like a masterpiece. She also happens to be the sweetest person ever, so it's a double win. I get compliments on her work all the time. She has a wide array of ink colors in her arsenal and isn't afraid to use them. I always look forward to going back and getting more work done with her.Also I have noticed Nikki does some really stunning  stuff as well..so I might need to make an appointment with her sometime too. Another artist who's kick ass work caught my eye was Chowdah Bowl. Basically there's so many skilled artists, it's hard to pick which one you'll want to work with. You can't go wrong when you get ink done the right way and choose The Hideaway. Read Less

This shop is a hidden gem. I came from OC to get tattooed by Melvin and it was so worth the trip! This was my biggest piece yet and she made me feel relaxed and at ease the whole time. All of the staff I met were super cool and friendly. And there was a great playlist of chill music playing in the background. Melvin is so incredibly talented and I highly recommend her! Can't wait to come back again! Read Less

I came here last Friday to get a tattoo done by Melvin and, although painful, it came out perfect and I'm so in love with it.Melvin's assistant, Julie, answered my email requesting an appointment fairly quickly and helped me with my deposit and getting everything set up. She was very kind and easy to talk to through email and texting as I live in a different state. YES, I knew I was visiting my parents and HAD to get my tattoo from Melvin.I know she is known for doing a lot of the kawaii, pastel colored tattoos, but I also saw her line work in just using blank ink was gorgeous. I went with a floral tattoo covering the lower, outer half of my forearm and a bit onto my hand. The lines and shading are just so amazing and I could tell how much she cared in getting the tattoo just right without rushing through it.Very thankful I could get an appointment in and I can't wait to get another one from her! Read Less

I came here last Friday to get a tattoo done by Melvin and, although painful, it came out perfect and I'm so in love with it.Melvin's assistant, Julie, answered my email requesting an appointment fairly quickly and helped me with my deposit and getting everything set up. She was very kind and easy to talk to through email and texting as I live in a different state. YES, I knew I was visiting my parents and HAD to get my tattoo from Melvin.I know she is known for doing a lot of the kawaii, pastel colored tattoos, but I also saw her line work in just using blank ink was gorgeous. I went with a floral tattoo covering the lower, outer half of my forearm and a bit onto my hand. The lines and shading are just so amazing and I could tell how much she cared in getting the tattoo just right without rushing through it.Very thankful I could get an appointment in and I can't wait to get another one from her! Read Less

Best tattoo shop I have ever been to! The tattoo artist here are super friendly and kind, they are patient to hear your ideas and make sure u get what u love at the end. I have been so pleased with my tattoo that I'm addicted already ��� Read Less

Jordan Busbea recently started here and he's earned my trust so I'll follow him wherever he goes. I first went to him a year ago asking for a trash polka style tattoo and although he had not had too much experience with the style he tackled the challenge and left me with a half sleeve that I love showing off. The hideaway is cool shop with talented artists. If you are in the San Diego area I highly recommend you check this place out! Read Less

There is nothing I can say besides that this place is BEYOND amazing to me. The location is great, it's super cute inside, and the artist are all supremely talented, bar none. I've only been tattooed by Nikki and Melvin but the work that I've seen from everyone in this shop is just outstanding all around. I don't think anyone will ever walk out of this place unsatisfied. Hit up the artists and see for yourself. Read Less

My daughter and I went in for a Friday tattoo walkin special Nikki was doing. To help out, Mike "Chowdah" stepped in and did my tattoo. I gave him my idea to see if it fits in the specifications for the special and he tweaked it and put his own spin on what I wanted. I love it. Nikki did my did my daughter's tattoo(s) and they are adorable! Friendly establishment! Great atmosphere. Just got a really good vibe. Can't wait until I come in for my next tattoo! Read Less

What can I say about this place? The shop itself is so cute and inviting. There is a lot of awesome artwork on the walls. I worked with Melvin and I seriously can't stop talking about how amazing she is. I learned about Melvin via IG and started following her because her work is so fun and colorful. When I finally decided what I wanted I knew I wanted her to do it. I set up an appointment via email and text. Sent her a pic of current tattoo (heart shaped peace sign) that I wanted to be fixed and added to a larger piece. She did a fantastic job!! She used so many colors and incorporated everything I wanted. I had two sessions with her and during both she was so patient and nice. This was important to me since this was my first large piece. It turned out AMAZING! I will definitely be going back to her for more work. The other artists there are also badass. I follow @the_hideaway_tattoo and can see their work. Read Less

If you are Considering getting a tattoo don't think about going anywhere but here ..... I have had all My tattoos done by Chowdah and i would never consider going to anyone else . He is by far exceptionally talented , Amazing to work with and very professional . Everyone at this shop is So... Talented and takes pride in amazing work . Great location as well, very comfortable environment to top It off: The hideaway kicks ass , You have to come here . See More Read Less

I really like this place! The shop itself is very roomy, clean, and cozy, like you're in someone's home. I saw Connie for an ankle piece, and was extremely happy for several reasons. First, she was very accommodating and helpful with my appointment, and got me in sooner than originally planned since I'm going out of town and was worried the piece wouldn't heal in time for the trip. When I got to the shop she was super nice and obviously wanted to give me the best work possible for my design. (quick tip: trust your artist and let them make suggestions/tweaks because they usually know best). She seemed genuinely excited to do the tattoo, which I've never actually experienced with other artists elsewhere, and made me feel very comfortable trusting her with my design. She's also got a couple sketchbooks full of really great designs ready to go, and I know I'll be coming back to her in the near future. I definitely recommend her!  No complaints here Read Less

Came in with my brother to sneak in my first tattoo. It came out perfect. I'm so happy with it! JC was very nice and gave me exactly what I asked for. He also finished my brothers Koi and did an amazing job on that too!! Thanks!! Read Less

Words cannot describe the magic that is created in this shop.  Melvin is AMAZING and every idea I've brought to her, she's always gone above and beyond on all of my pieces. My first session with Melvin was suppose to be a simple cover up, but with her attention to detail and brilliant ideas, that simple cover up turned into an entire sleeve and I couldn't be more pleased, overjoyed and in love with how it turned out.  I am now a dedicated client and always return to her for an exquisite piece. And she's not the only awesome artist there, you want something unique and amazing, you've got to go check out The Hideaway crew. Read Less

I went to The Hideaway to have Melvin fix this terrible tattoo a guy have me a few years ago that is for my daughter and she totally exceeded my expectations! She is such a talented artist an so sweet! I will not go anywhere else but here ever again! Read Less

Will only go to Hideway to get tattooed. Exceptionally clean shop, no attitudes and amazing work. Definitely recommend! Oh it's fucking real and I'm white. This shit enrages me! The system is so biased. We're all screwed if we don't do something. Read Less

I wish I could give ten stars! Melvin is one of the best tattoo artists and her colors are the most vibrant and beautiful. Her style is unique and she is able to take an idea that you tell her and turn it into a tattoo that everyone compliments! I'll be back soon to do more on my sleeve. Read Less