This review is long overdue! My friend recommended me this since she got both of her tattoos done here! We went in on Halloween and it was surprisingly great because we didn't have to wait! Chad did my tattoo and he was so patient with me. Since this was my first I was really nervous and picky, so it was really great that Chad didn't make me feel rushed and did such an amazing job. They were also super funny and accommodating since there was three of us, and we all wanted to watch one another when we got our tattoos. I really recommend this place! Mine cost 100 without tip! Lastly, they are super sanitary and clean which I rappreciate! Read Less

JJ is an absolute pro. I got work done on my ribs and I didn't really feel much pain. The shop is super clean and has a lot of really cool art on the walls. Everyone there is super nice and welcoming. I will 100% come back here to get more work done. Read Less

This place is a joke. Came in from out of town, so I saw there shop on here and followed the directions listed on the page to set an appointment. One, nobody ever reached back to me. Furthermore, I still decided to come in and just want to point out that there was not even a welcoming vibe coming into the shop let alone being greeted was not even an option. Once I spoke to someone, not gonna shame this person but this has to be the dumbest question to of asked me, I'm sorry but just keep reading.. so even before I could explain what I wanted I was interrupted to be asked, " are you sure you want it?" I mean come on now.... why else would I be there spending my vacation at a tattoo shop if I'm not trying to get a tattoo that I wanted to get as a memorial for my friend who just passed away last year... SADLY, It doesn't end there folks, so the artist who spoke to me said flat out, " we won't do the tattoo because I don't have a full sleeve". Which I totally respect but what I cant respect is the fact I was willing to get something else but the mood there just felt like they didn't want me in there and as if I just came with $1000 to get told I can't get what I want and then not be willing to work out something else for me. PLEASE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY HERE. Could get better tattoo and customer service at another shop, BELIEVE THAT. Read Less

Breezed thru the town coming from Big Sur. Called ahead to see if they took walk-ins and was able to get a chair by the time we came around. The shop was comfy and easy to get comfortable in, and the shop keep was helpful in getting our paperwork situated. Shop was super clean, open and bright. The idea was for a pal and I to get 2, plain circle line tattoos- one each, about the size of a quarter. Our designated artist was Danny, who told us he'd been at that particular shop for a couple years now (on top of his years of already refined experience elsewhere)- so We felt pretty confident. Both of the tattoos were finished in just a bit over an hour (there was prepping between me and my pal- changing of needles etc) and we were charged the chair price, which I was more than happy to pay considering I was damn happy about the new ink. I mean, the dude did a freaking circle OUTLINE w, essentially, a pen attached to a vibrator- i am impressed- he gets my money. Thanks Danny! We are super pumped about our circles and how they came out!!**this wasn't the first tattoo for either of us, but Danny still took the time to explain placement and upkeep, which is ALWAYS appreciated Read Less

Jake has done several of my tattoos and I love them all. His style is very different from the things I've asked to get but he always does them for me and they come out amazing each time. His space is so clean and inviting. He's a really nice guy, along with all the other artists at 805. I recommend everyone I know to him. Read Less

I went into 805 Ink to get my tattoo repaired. I had the original tatto done there and they never told me then what they said now. The young man who talked with me about the work told me that my skin was too damaged to work on. I WAS STUNNED!!! He said I had scar tissue and would not do any work on me. He made me feel like I had something wrong with me. IT WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ! I asked him if he needs glasses? He turned red and told me i dont have to be rude about it! I do not have scar tissue or damaged skin. I left and was thankful that he did not work on me then went down to Los Angeles and had a pro do the work said I had no damage and I spent my $120.00 at their establishment INSTEAD OF AT 805 INK! The tattoo artist that worked on me said that he saw no damage and did the repair perfectly ! Read Less

Got tatted by jay jay .. my mom by Chad they were all chill and cool , but I wished they were more understanding to the customers needs and desire for the experience!!! But all in all they are good at what they do. I'd recommend the work! Maybe not all the service has to offer ! Read Less

I was an afternoon walk in and they were able to get me in. Jake and Aj were great! Aj was very welcoming and friendly. Jake did a fantastic job on my tattoo. Place is clean and professional. Would highly recommend them! Read Less

Very first time getting a tattoo and Jamison absolutely hooked me up! Got a gorgeous Join or Die tattoo on my right bicep that looks phenomenal and he was kind enough to do a second tattoo the day of my appointment at a reduced cost. If you want an outstanding experience, go to 805 ink!!!! Read Less

First tattoo at age 44 - was in yesterday and had a great experience. Was there with a younger friend who was also getting her first tattoo. Before starting, I'd walked into the shop, and happened to meet Chad. Coincidentally, I'd had friends who'd recommended him. I told him what I was looking for and he answered some initial questions about how long it would take, etc. Then I sent him some photos over Instagram, and came back in to leave a deposit and make my appointment.Yesterday, he started with my friend by replacing the stencil of her tattoo at least 5 times until he was super happy with the placement of it on her body, making sure the art would look good and hit the curves of her ribs/waist correctly. He didn't hurry through that part, which impressed me.I went next and was super happy with the experience: he was understanding of a first-timer's trepidation, made it lighthearted and fun, and explained every step of the process, making sure to ask how I was doing. I wasn't sure I was going to add color, so he did the lines first, then we took a break while I decided to do color and he got the colors ready, then he finished up. He was fast - my whole tattoo process probably didn't take 30 minutes even.Most importantly, the tattoo Chad designed for me was better than any picture I'd shown him. It was exactly what I was going for, only better. I love it.Afterward, he told us how to care for the tattoos, and told us not to buy the soap and lotion from the shop since it's cheaper at CVS, which is nice.Look, this is a tattoo shop and not a spa. There may be some inappropriate or annoying conversation among the guys at the desk or the back door, or talking back and forth while they are working. So what? The place is clean, everyone was nice, and they made it a fun experience. Read Less

This is a long overdo review. I was tattooed by Chad a little over a year ago. The shop itself gets a 5/5. Clean, professional, stylish, and has some incredible artists. Chad certainly is one of them, however the lack of stars is for his bedside manners and professionalism.The consult went great. I came in with a rough sketch of what I wanted, made my appointment and deposit, and felt good about the whole thing. I came back a couple days later for the appointment.I will say that Chad is an amazing artist. He's fast and efficient with his time and has a really light tough. The tattoo itself was painless and turned out pretty well.It was a 2.5 hour session so halfway through, Chad wants to take a break outside. When he gets back, he tells me he just smoked some weed and then continues to keep working on me. I kind of laughed it off and I have zero issue with smoking weed, but mid-tattoo? Not okay with me at. What am I going to do though? Get up and walk with a half-finished tattoo? Needless to say I was extremely uncomfortable at this point.His bedside demeanor was cold, rude, and unprofessional. He kept talking about "f---ing" this girl he was seeing. I tried to talk to him about art and he kept switching the subject back to women and drugs and partying. No talk about the tattoo, after care, if I was comfortable, etc. If this had been my first tattoo, it would have been unbearable.He finishes, takes a picture outside, and slaps a bandage on haphazardly before I have a really good chance to look at it. He does such a bad job with the tape, it falls off the second I leave the shop.When I got home, I took a closer look and realized he missed branches on one of the trees in my tattoo! Decided immediately I'd rather have a branchless tree than have him ink my body anymore.While I would recommend this shop based on the other artists, I recommend avoiding Chad. Read Less

Been here twice now and have had great experiences both times. Jake took me as a walkin over the summer and was friendly and helpful, plus he does a kickass tattoo. Decided to stick with what I know and come back here for another tattoo, even though I live all the way by LAX. 10/10 would recommend and will definitely be back again. Read Less

My fiancée and I walked in looking for one-shot souvenir tattoos. Below are two reviews, one for Jamison Stagaard and the other for Chadillac Green:On Jamison Stagaard (@jamison_tattooer): I have had extensive work done by many great tattoo artists throughout California (Jason Kundell @ Art Work Rebels, Joey Armstrong @ Seventh Son Tattoo, Eddy Reyes @ Secret Sidewalk Tattoo, et al.). Jamison Stagaard hooked me up with a freehand, old school grim reaper on a funky space that needed filler. (Dope as f***!) Jamison was no frills and no gimmicks. He was a comical conversationalist with clean, bold line work. If you want a classic American traditional piece, then check out Jamison Stagaard. I plan to return and seek out Jamison for some other projects the next time I am in Santa Barbara. On Chadillac Green (@chadillac_green): Quick, clean, and super professional, Chadillac killed it with recreating a memorial tattoo for a lost loved one. He was very accommodating and made the experience memorable as it was the four year anniversary of my niece's passing. Read Less

I've been meaning to post this for a while now. I moved to SB in 2014 and I was searching for a new artist. One of the more popular places in town I found the artists to be talented but the shop staff to be incredibly rude. I work hard for my money so when I spend it I would like it to be a good experience.  Other places in town the art I saw in portfolios and online looked subpar. Finally I came across 805's website and loved everyone's work that was posted on it. Chad's spoke to me the most because I just love the way he captures animals and I was in the market for a critter tattoo. I went in and made an appointment with him. Him and everyone who worked there has an approachable personality and were super helpful. I felt his price was really fair and I loved the work I got so I've been back for two more and counting. Chad is an artist through and through. He has his paintings hung up and other art he's created hung around his work station and also DJ's. So 10/10 would recommend 805 ink for your tattoo needs. Read Less

Walked in off the street after reading some incredible reviews of this place. I was NOT disappointed. I was not the only walk-in that day, but the artists all seemed patient and kind, and I believe we all got seen within the hour. Jake took the time to alter my design several times  to make sure it was exactly what I was asking for, never getting impatient with the small alterations I requested. After placing the stencil, he even noticed that a freckle on my leg was making the tattoo look off, so he started from scratch. Small things like that go a long way!My tattoo was simple, but Jake finished in record time and told me I sat like a champ - something I don't hear very often, even after over 20 tattoos haha!! The final piece looks amazing - it literally looks stamped on, it's so clean. I've been searching for a new go-to artist since moving to the west coast, and I think I've just found mine! Read Less

Kind, experienced, well-traveled artists. They've got a good thing going with the group. I would recommend them to any local who wants to build a relationship with the artist. I give them artistic freedom and trust.Read Less

Sat in on a 4 hour session by Jake as he enthusiastically inked an old school w new colors rose on my sister. A customer always enjoys it and feels special when their artist enjoys themselves, and that was the case here. Professional staff, incredibly clean studios, cool tunes and good vibes. And Jake's art, all over his station, is phenomenal. If I weren't an out of towner I'd make an appointment ASAP. Read Less

Had a piece done in memory of my grandmother. The lovely girl at the front desk gave me sound advice, made the appointment and walked me through the process. Everything went well except i turned out to be a bleeder. But that's my issue. Piece is perfect! Read Less

Just got my 4th tattoo from Ken Knox. He's amazing. He'll do right by you so that if you care for it properly, your tattoo will last. He gave me a new tat today and cleaned up two others. Friendly, professional, funny, chill, and TALENTED. Great environment at the shop, too. Ken Knox is worth the drive, wherever you're coming from. Read Less

Got a tattoo from Danny Meza and I honestly couldn't be happier with the result! He was super professional had me double check everything before he started and did clean work. The tattoo is way more then I expected it to be. It took two sessions and he made me feel super comfortable the entire time. I would definitely go back with him. Read Less

I had my tattoo done by Ken last night I have to say the guys and Ken at the shop where excellent, really welcoming and really professional, and if I did not live in Canada I would definitely get more work done here, I might just have to make the trip to Santa Barbara again just to get more work done at some point. I would recommend this shop to anyone in the area from first timers to tattoo collectors any day of the week, keep up the good work guys and thank you again Ken for the tattoo it's fantastic. Read Less

Loved this place. After an unpleasant experience  at Golden Eagle, this place was a pleasant relief. They greeted us with a smile and took time to understand the customized symbols that I had wanted for my tattoo. After the reception, the main artist took his time to do a detailed sketch and trace it on me for a perfect alignment. I was very pleased with the attention to detail and the symmetric alignment that the artist did. Read Less

The best! Have had previous work done here by Nate Hudak. Drove all the way from Santa Clara to bring my boy for his first tattoo! Got myself a new one as well. Ken Knox was awesome! He hooked my boy up with a bad ass reaper. These guys a are fun, and talented bunch!!! I will be back! Read Less

I've been going to 805 ink since I was 18 (I'm 24 now) They have done everything from my piercings to my newest back piece. To say that Kenny is an experienced artist would be putting it too mildly. His linework is flawless and even when you are short on time he will make it work!  (I only had an hour and a half and he finished in an hour!) The entire staff is hilarious to listen to interacting with each other and it makes it very easy to zone out the pain and smell of new ink on skin. I'm already looking forward to the next time I get that itch for more ink! Read Less

I had an amazing experience with Jake. He is beyond talented, super friendly and easy to work with. He was able to take my idea and bring it to life, it's even better than I imagined. He's pretty much an artistic wizard. Read Less

Had Jake do my first (and likely last) tattoo. Line drawing by Picasso of a dachshund. My service dog is the same breed and I wanted something to always remember him once he retires. Jake did a perfect job, he took time to listen to me and it came out exactly like I asked. I've been recommending him ever since based on my experience as well as his work on others.Read Less

I went here two weeks ago on a recommendation by a friend who uses a tattoo gun on ceramic. In over 40 years I never expected I'd want any ink.  After changing my mind I'm very glad I went to 805 Ink.I made an appointment and was told they were busy ybut could fit me in the the next day with Jake. I'd heard good things about his work so agreed to take that spot. Normally I wouldn't have done so,  assuming there was a reason for the opening so soon. My tattoo was quite simple - Picasso's line drawing of his friend's dachshund on my shoulder. It's a symbol representing my service dog who happens to be a dachshund. Jake did a fantastic reproduction. He neither added or took away from the original. Yet somehow my right shoulder still had the touch of the tattoo artist. The piece is magnificent. Read Less

Awesome staff! Very professional and laid back. Our artist was JJ Ortiz. Real good dude with skills. Willing to go the extra mile to make sure you like the stincil, size, and placement. Great communication and knows exactly what you want. Really comfortable setting. We walked in without a appointment and they were cool enough to fit us in. Definitely will be back and we will make an appointment next time. Thanks again 805! -Erik & Angie Read Less