I've been searching for a tattoo shop with an artist that does traditional work....I finally found it!!!! Adrian at DBD is amazing and friendly and really flexible with time. He's an amazing artist and i can't wait to get more work done. Parking sucks though. Only downside Read Less

So I had an appointment with Alex last week on Thursday at 12:30pm. He had showed me the finished art piece on his tablet and I was totally happy with it, and so the ink session begins. Alex was very knowledgeable on the whole process from the beginning to the end. When Alex had finished his art piece, I was so elated when I saw it after it was done. ( It took 4 1/2 hours) So, now I'm in the healing/itching stage and I'm still in awe of my tattoo. Before I forget, Alex had explained to me his after care instructions and he also recommended a tattoo after care balm called Momsmettabalm, which is the best thing ever because it keeps my skin and tattoo nice, soft and well moisturized. Thank you very much Alex for allowing me to be your billboard for your dope art piece. Read Less

@tattoo.chavez aka Alex did an amazing job on my avocado tattoo back in mid-September. I hadn't gotten a tattoo in a while before then mostly due to the fact that, in my experience, tattoo artists haven't been the most pleasant. But not this guy! He reached out to me before I came into the studio to really perfect what my vision was - such a funny dude and eager to make sure the piece is something that I wanted! During the tattooing, he was really pleasant as well, talking me through it and making me laugh since it was my longest sitting to date. I get compliments on my tattoo whenever the weather is warm - so many people take pictures. I mean, duh! The colors are just stunning! The healing process was relatively quick as well Overall 5/5, would recommend! Skills, attitude, hospitality - Alex is just on point Read Less

Worked with Lisa on a couple tattoos and LOVE the results. I highly recommended her. The shop overall it's very clean and professional. My artist had her own room with a door for privacy. Artists there seem to have good camaraderie with each other. Note: it didn't look like the shop was wheelchair accessible - you have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the main area of the shop. Read Less

My VERY 1st time getting a TATTOO, it doesn't help when my friends are scaring me off by saying is going to be painful the spot I chose.I am a PICKY person when is comes to fashion and art, but my artist YUJIRO did an amazing job!He took the time to design my tattoo, DIDN'T even once complain when I he have to REPRINT and REPOSITION my design twice to make sure I get the way I wanted, told you I am a PICKY person. He was very PROFESSIONAL the entire process and took the time to make sure every DETAIL is on there.The best part, he was so GENTLE that I didn't feel much pain at all!Would definitely BE BACK in the future and highly RECOMMEND this guy. Read Less

This building is a true San Jose institution.  The staff is nice, & there are amazing donuts down the block.  Thank you Benny for always keeping it professional & fun!  Can't wait to go back again soon! Read Less

Death before dishonor is a great studio in downtown San Jose that I cant recommend enough. There's multiple artist who cover all facets of tattooing. Come in with your designs and you set up a consult so they can get your personal tattoo ready. They do walk ins and appointments so you can come in with something big or small. Don't be afraid to call in or check their Instagram @deathbeforedishonortattoos to ask questions, they reply swiftly. Read Less

Alex Chavez is an amazing tattoo artist. I have gotten multiple pieces from him, and trust him implicitly. I even recommended my dad go to him for his first tattoo, and Alex took the seed of an idea in my dad's head, and turned into a badass dragon that my dad shows off whenever he has the chance. This guy is the real deal; he's not only an awesome artist who can translate his work flawlessly into a tattoo, he's also just an all around awesome dude who makes a 3 hour session exceedingly fun and enjoyable. Plus, the tattoos he has done on me have gotten me multiple dates, which is a pretty sweet bonus.I would (and have) recommended Alex to my closest friends and family. If you are on the fence, I can tell you from experience, getting a tattoo from Alex at Death Before Dishonor is the right choice. Read Less

Great shop with a bunch of talented artists. Multiple private rooms (shared by a couple artists), so your not just there with everyone walking down the street looking on. My artist was Alex Chavez. He did a custom piece to start my sleeve It's of a crow and a beautiful gypsy piece, absolutely blew me expectations out of the water (I'll post pictures soon). Super professional, great relaxed attitude that puts your nerves at ease. Would highly recommend.  He shared a private room with Este, Fernanda , and YuJiro (spelling?), so I got to see a lot of their work as well. All very, very talented. I can't recommend this place enough. They put you at ease from the moment you walk in the door. Read Less

I'm so happy with my experience here! I have two other tattoos and my experiences at other places have been not so great. Benny was awesome from my first interaction with him and my tattoo looks amazing! He really captured what I was I visioning. I just got it done today so it's still wrapped but I'll add pictures with color once it's healed! Read Less

Alex Chavez did my relatively small tattoo on my shoulder of Kanji writing that he made into a stamp decal. He gave me a good pricing and was done within 30 minutes. He was very personable, and made the process relatively relaxing and easy.I believe Death Before Dishonor artists specialize in the bigger, more elaborate tattoos, so definitely come here if that's your thing. Read Less

Got my first tattoo done, and I was honored to have it done here. I will be back. The tattoo I had done was absolutely stellar. extremely reasonable priced. 10/10 would recommend as well as return. thanks guys. Read Less

Walked in and was saw right away. I felt at ease and the artist was very focused on me and his work. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town. Edit- the tattoo seemed perfect for about 4 days, but as soon as I removed the plastic bandage it started fading almost instantly. I have 2 other tattoos that look perfect and I looked after this one exactly the same. No idea what went wrong, but this is definitely not a $100 tattooRead Less

The guy that did my tattoo was horrible some parts are thicker than others very uneven work went to underground tattoo for other work and they did it better and cheaper. Never going to this place again. Read Less

I came here in defeat--after nearly a year of dealing with a shitty cat-too, I was in a financial position to blow $200 on a cover-up, and found myself in a mental state that pushed me to the edge of toleration.Last January, I got a commemorative cat tattoo (for my cat that had passed) at another, *unnamed* tattoo parlor in downtown, and although it wasn't exactly what I asked for or what I saw as the outline before being tattooed, it didn't look horrible, so I wasn't losing my mind. A month or two after healing, I noticed that some of the proportions of the cat were way off, and again, not what I asked for or expected. I also noticed that some of the lines were blurred from the guy going too deep into my skin. Awesome.As a student, I don't always have the money needed to slap down on tattoos, or on fixing tattoos. I tried to ignore it...but between the few compliments, I received a lot of off-handed questions about what it was??? Cats should be easy to identify. Once, someone asked me if it was a tattoo of Mickey Mouse? Like, what?When I came here a few months ago, Yoshiro, an artist, was sitting at the front desk answering calls, so I mistook him for simply a receptionist. I just told him I was looking to cover up a tattoo and that I wanted ideas and an estimate of the cost. Totally wasn't expecting to be tattooed that day. Yoshiro took a lot of interest in helping me figure out a new way to cover it up. Of course, I was still unaware that he was an artist at the time, so I was really impressed with the level of interest in tattoos I assumed every employee there had. There was a slight language barrier, but otherwise I was very comfortable and excited to get the ball rolling on this.My old tattoo was so dark and had such awkward angles, that it took us over an hour just to figure out a tattoo that could cover up the last one, while still being as small as possible. When we finally figured it out, he told me it would probably be about $150. I was pleased and said I'd come back when someone was available, and to my surprise, he said he was available right then, and that he'd get the seat ready. He got advice from another tattooist a few times while trying to design my tattoo, and that, combined with the language barrier, and the complete lack of reviews on him as an artist at all, made me very nervous that this tattoo would become worse, and thus it would reach a point of no return.I'm happy to report that everything ended up fine, and several months later, I am still very happy with my new tattoo, and exponentially more satisfied than I was before. To boot, it was only $100! Thanks, Yoshiro! Your dedication to making sure I didn't walk out of your appointment with a worse tattoo than I already had convinced me that you uphold the sanctity of the shop name! Read Less

Benny O'Hara did my tattoo and I had the best experience! He's a great artist and very kind. He'll work with you and your desires and needs. The atmosphere of the shop is very nice and artsy and very clean. The location is great too! You can get there by public transit, or drive and find ample parking. Read Less

My best friend and I decided to celebrate our 11 year friend shop by getting a special tattoo. We had Adrian recommended to us and he has been finominal. He is super patient, skilled artistically and just all around a nice guy. We have been doing a massive colored Phoenix (mine reds, oranges, yellows and my friends in different shades of blue) that when we stand next to each other creates a two headed bird. We are diffinatly getting a tattoo that is worth the time and money. It's beyond what we were hoping for. I will continue to come to Adrian for all my tattoos. I have 3 other tattoos and this by far is my favorite! Read Less

Abraham tattooed me years ago, my second tattoo across my ribs and it was so not painful.   He was courteous and I was tattooed in a private room.  He asked me what music I wanted to listen to when I was getting tattoo and let me pick through his music.  I chose Blondie, haha .. Great experience.The shop itself inaide is like any other tattoo shop, But its upstairs to a house-turned-business.  The stairs is oddly steep? Haha.  Close to LA vics, so that's another plus.  Make an appointment. Read Less

Este Huizar did my tattoo. It was my first one and it came out Magnificent! I couldn't be happier. I am definitely going back for more by this artist. Everyone in the shop that I met was super chill and easygoing. The customer service was top-notch . These guys are professionals. Read Less

Ive been collecting tattoos from Paco for over a decade now. And still today the art looks as good as it did when it was new. I receive compliments on my art daily and maintain a professional executive career even thought I have 3/4 sleeves on both arms. I think it speaks volumes to Pacos experience, artistic ability and creative tallent in designing original pieces that not only suit the individual, but appeal to everyone. DBD features only the best artists in their respective styles. You cant go wrong with these guys. Its not so much that tattoos change an individual themselves, but rather the experiences that one has as a result of having them that change life in many interesting ways. Make sure you go with the best! Read Less

this shop is one of the best tattoo shops in san jose to get some great work done. the artists work with you if you have an existing idea or they'll help create something completely specific to you. my sister and i only get our work done there and though a bit pricey, it is a great investment that you carry with you forever. i recommend this shop to all of my friends that want to get work done. Read Less

im going to keep this short...cause dbd needs no explanation on why this would be the one spot to get your tatts done at...presitge artist, custom work, friendly environment... pricey but its ALL worth it... im devote myself to the store, and i recommend everyone whos looking to get a tattoo to this store. artist recommendation....schmoe, paco, chronic joe...actually all of them...they all are outrageous artist and you will leave the store itching to run back in and get another tattoo. Read Less