We typically make a Tahoe trip every year, and every year I've debated getting my first tattoo. Finally I decided today would be the day. My partner and I chose to do matching tattoos of our daughters birth date in Roman numerals. I did some online research to select a local shop and called around for quotes. After speaking with someone over the phone and looking at reviews online, I thought Lake Monster would be the best choice. We walked in this afternoon to see if anyone was available, there were a few people there before us so Nerissa scheduled us for a later time with Greg. We went to a restaurant to kill time, and it just so happened that the bartender highly recommended Lake Monster, Reed specifically. It definitely reassured us of the decision to go with Lake Monster after hearing feedback from a local! When we returned for our appointment, we signed the waiver and gave a description of what we wanted. Initially, Greg was going to help us, but things changed a bit and we ended up being helped by Reed instead. Before I knew it, it was time to get the work done. Reed asked the location of where I wanted it and placed the stencil on my wrist. I literally changed my mind 3 times before deciding on the location (which I can imagine would be pretty annoying for an artist) but Reed was extremely patient and didn't come off bothered by it whatsoever. During the whole experience, I could sense he was taking extreme care and focusing on precision which made me feel more at ease. Yes, my first tattoo ever hurt a little and yes I did freak out a little, but he remained very calm and was not bothered by it at all. Both Reed and his wife Nerissa were extremely professional, humble and super welcoming. Not to mention the level of cleanliness was top notch. If I ever decide to get another tattoo while in the area, I would definitely come back. Read Less

Got a killer tattoo from guest Tattoo artist Cameron Copeland!  The shop felt very clean and the staff were very friendly and professional!  I got a geometric style piece done on my upper arm, and the tattoo came out amazing!  I couldn't be happier!  Although I got tatted by a sit-in artist, I would definitely consider going back to get more work done by any of the extremely talented tattoo artists at this awesome shop!  The owners Reed & Narrissa were extremely hospitable while I was there, and provided me with some great aftercare tips!  Lake monster for the win!  Thanks guys! Read Less

Aside from being very clean a few parking spaces out front with lots of parking in the rear. Everyone there is really nice and helpful... Definitely great artists! And great work! I've been going for about 3 years and will continue to go there for my ink. Read Less

I have gotten all of my piercings done here, belly button, tongue, got my ears stretched, and I got my nose re-done and Nerissa is great! She explains everything that she's doing, and she takes her time to make sure the piercing is in a perfect spot. She explains aftercare very well and clearly.I've also gotten all of my tattoos here all done by Lawrence and he is fantastic. He's very kind and makes sure you're okay throughout the tattooing process. His designs are incredible and I hope to get one of his designs one of these days.As for the rest of the staff I have had no personal experience with but I can tell they are all very professional and nice to their customers. They are all very talented tattoo artists as well. Read Less

I would recommend this shop for sure, I have received my tattoo work from another artist exclusively however things change, so I took a leap of faith and went in to Lake Monster.  I had full confidence in Reed's work because I've heard nothing but good things.  After some consultations, sketches, and brainstorming we came up with an amazing piece of artwork.  I couldn't have asked for more, I am thoroughly impressed with the professionalism, patience, and most of all quality of the work I received.  We got started on a piece that might take a few rounds to finish but the first chunk is stunning.  Very satisfied and appreciative for this experience. Read Less

LAWRENCE IS A ROCK STARI can't even begin to tell you what a spectacular experience I had - from start to finish - with Lawrence at Lake Monster Tattoo. I have so many things to say, this review would be 3 pages long, so I'm just going to touch on some high points.BEFORE TATTOO:~ I happened to be in Tahoe when a friend of mine sent me a link to Lawrence's Instagram account (instagram.com/feraleyes). I knew at one glance, I finally found my tattoo artist. I immediately called and got in the same day for a consultation. ~ He was friendly, open to ideas, and I did not hesitate to put down a deposit. We set a date. ~ In the interim, he sent me, as promised, sketches (incredible sketches). I requested one minor change (that my dog's ear "bend" a little more). He happily revised the art.DURING TATTOO: ~ Lawrence was already getting set up when I arrived.~ He wiped off and re-adjusted the transfer on my arm less than ¼" - cause he's a perfectionist. And he was absolutely right. Hadn't he done that, it would have looked "off."~ He checked in to make sure I was ready for nearly 6 hours of tattooing, and encouraged me to let him know if I needed any breaks for any reason.~ I could tell Lawrence genuinely feels bad if something hurts. I know some tattoo artists just consider this part of the territory, but he'd apologize while working on the ouchey spots. He's not a sadist. ~ Lawrence hummed and sang to the shop music while tattooing, in a very happy-go-lucky manner. This (and his smiling) had a reassuring, calming effect on me. He made the pain less painful. ~ I am an introvert, and talking to people for more than 10 minutes sometimes is painful. Talking with him all day was effortless. Lawrence is an unusually friendly, easy-going human.~ His attention to detail is amazing. I'd look at the tattoo(s) in process and think, "THIS IS FREAKING AMAZING!" But he'd step back, examine it, then go back in to make it even more spectacular.~ He regularly checked-in with me to see how I was feeling, and encouraged me to stay hydrated.~ He took no lunch break - just a tiny break here and there (mostly cause I told him I had to pee). I could tell he prefers to just concentrate on the work, and work through till everything is perfect.WHEN TATTOO WAS COMPLETE - EXTRA CARE:~ When we were finally done that day, Lawrence asked me to sit up and relax. This was my first long-term sitting. I thought I was super hardcore, and could get through it without a hitch. But at the very end, I sat up, the room started spinning, and I was 98% sure I was going to throw up on another tattoo artist sitting in front of me. Lawrence assisted to me to the bathroom, where he set up a folding chair next to the toilet. He got me a glass of water, proceeded to put a cold compresses on my neck, and even gave me one of his own protein bars - all the while telling me that a lot of people couldn't go through all that pain, and my body was freaking out. He made me feel less embarrassed and like such a wimp. In about 10 minutes, I felt better.~ Lawrence then took photos, and proceeded to explain, in great detail, aftercare. ~ He was sure to give me his business card and said I should not hesitate to contact him with any questions or concerns.LAWRENCE IS / WAS:~ super friendly & easy-going~ ultra professional~ a genuine pleasure to be with for about 6 hours~ empathetic ~ a perfectionist~ a good hummer ~ willing to give me the honor of sporting his incredible artwork for the rest of my lifeOVERALL EXPERIENCE:~ I have not one negative item to share. 100% positive experience. ~ Lawrence is a badass ... a really, really nice badass.ABOUT LAKE MONSTER TATTOO - THE SPOT:~ Squeaky clean~ Not one spec of dust~ The entire staff was friendly and welcoming~ Everyone was professional~ I could tell hygiene and safety is tip-top priority THE ONLY DOWNFALL:Lawrence and Lake Monster are in Tahoe. Please pack up and move to Oakland. (But there are worse places to have to travel to get a tattoo. Take an extra day or two and soak in the beauty.)MY ADVICE:You have just one body. If you are going to modify it, do yourself a favor and contact Lawrence. It's one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Read Less

For what you get here, I am extremely happy with their prices. Reed does my work and I love the dude. He is a genuine, down to earth guy just like every other employee at this shop. If you're looking for ink, or piercings, and want a great atmosphere of welcomed people, this is your place to stop in the lake Tahoe area. Keep it up guys! :) Read Less

This place is the best tattoo shop in the basin. Service is always friendly, knowledgeable, and quick. Both Reed and Nerissa are extremely talented at what they do and have a ton of experience, and they've always got cool jewelry! Two big thumbs up :) Read Less

I went in to get my nose pierced, and it was by far the best piercing experience I've ever had! We were met by Narissa and she was super polite at answering all our questions about the piercing and providing her opinion about what stud to get. Narissa was also the one to do the piercing, and she was so helpful and calming! We had a ton of nervous questions and she answered all of them! Overall, great place to get a piercing and I would definitely recommend Narissa! Read Less

Narissa is a life saver! My girlfriend had a piercing issue in her back dimples from a few weeks back (got it done in SoCal) and Narissa was able to fix the problem in no time! She even tolerated my squirming/screaming/kicking girlfriend without an issue which is unheard of! ;)Customer service is genuine and we are very glad we came here! Read Less

Nerissa is awesome! Navel and Monroe piercings... Gave us lots of info and was a pleasure to be pierced by, at least as pleasurable as piercings can be. We will definitely come back when in the area! Thank you lake monster :) Read Less

Where do I even begin with this place?! I LOVE lake monster tattoo!! I have 12 piercings, and they were all done by Narissa. They were done to perfection and the treatment and healing for these piercings was easy thanks to her instruction and review sheet!! If there's jewelry or a piercing I'm thinking of doing, she is always honest about it, telling me if they wouldn't work or if it's something I should wait to get. The shop is very very clean, and Reed is amazing at the work he does. He has done all of my dads tattoos, and the artwork is priceless and something you can't recreate.This shop is gem and is one of the best places to go to for tattoos and piercings hands down!! Read Less

The piercer Narissa is AWESOME. I'm terrified everytime I go in to get something but shes really nice about it and understands. Always does an amazing job taking care of me. Also the tall skinny guy with black hair (wish I knew his name) is really awesome too, i hit my food and made a crying sound and he came RUNNING over to check on me. Made me feel really taken care of there.They have now pierced my nose, belly button, monroe and tongue and I hope to come back soon for a tattoo! Read Less

My husband and I wanted to get tattoos while on our honeymoon. We called and they fit us in that day since they were small tattoos. Greg did an amazing job on both and we were so stoked with our new tattoos! Read Less

My boyfriend and I came here over the weekend to get matching tattoos for our anniversary.  Reed was very kind to squeeze us in and helped with my nervousness as a first timer.   The shop was clean and well decorated.  The price was reasonable as well and we left feeling good about our overall experience. Read Less

Awesome shop. Reed did a fantastic job on my tattoo, he and his wife are great. Shop is clean, people are friendly, work is fantastic. I'd recommend Lake Monster to anyone looking to get a tattoo or piercing! Read Less

I'm so glad I chose Lake Monster for my first tattoo.It's a clean, uncluttered shop and the people there are very professional, yet still artistic. My artist was Greg and I was impressed. He took his time consulting with me, and elevated the simple design I brought in. He also took time preparing his station and getting the placement of the stencil just right. The tattoo healed perfectly with the instructions given to me by the shop (also of note: they carry simple affordable aftercare items, which I appreciate), but I was told I could come in for a touchup. The price I was quoted was exactly what I was charged, too. Highly recommended! Read Less

This is thee best studio. Extremely talented artists with compassion, knowledge and the price is right. After moving from Tahoe to San Diego Narissa and Reed we're still, more than happy, to help me with questions regarding their jewelry which is by far the best selection on the lake and in San Diego. Much better prices too and they don't skimp on the quality. Top shelf jewelry, compassionate customer service and artistry work. Now, if they could just open another sister store in OB. Much thanks!!! Read Less

Reed, Narissa, and Greg always make me feel at home. Narissa did my nostril piercing and she was amazing. Today I had a tattoo done by Greg and he was so kind and did an awesome job. He made sure I got breaks if I needed them and was just awesome overall! Highly recommend this lovely establishment! Read Less

Excellent for tattoos & piercings. My husband was getting some tattoo work here done by the talented Reed & I decided what the heck, I'll get my nose pierced while I'm here. Nerissa the piercing artist was so professional, knowledgable and helped qualm my fear of the needle (it would be going through scar tissue). She recommended a jewel that complimented the tones in my skin. I absolutely love the piercing. It healed quickly thanks to her detailed aftercare advise. The shop is super clean and they have a great selection of earrings & body jewelry. The only place I would consider getting another piercing or tattoo done again. Read Less

Came to Tahoe for Christmas with my family and between my two cousins and I, we had no clue where to go or who to see when it came to the tattoos we wanted done while we were in town for the week. We came across Lake Monster Tattoo through Yelp of all places and loved our experience from the moment we walked in the door. Very clean, bright, professional and comforting as soon as you walk in. Narissa (sp?) was a perfect host as we walked in with questions. She helped us with booking an appointment the day after Christmas and we met with Greg. He ended doing all three of our pieces, one of which was a last minute add and his work was fantastic. He nailed our idea and concept, and executed the tattoos flawlessly. Reed, who owns the shop was willing to keep the doors open for us and even provided us with a great pizza joint recommendation. All in all, we all three left the shop happy with our experience, thrilled with our new pieces and thankful that we put our money down at such a comforting and reliable shop. There's a reason this place has successfully had its doors open in Tahoe for over 12 years and it shows as soon as you walk in. Read Less

I decided to get my nose pierced and I saw all the good reviews so I went here. It was awesome! Super clean and nice staff. Narissa was the one who pierced my nose. My husband is thinking about getting gauges and she answered every single question we had so professionally. If he does decide to get gauges we will definitely come here! Very reasonable prices as well. Cost me 50 dollars for the piercing, jewelry, and sea salt aftercare spray. Read Less

This place is amazing!!! Stopped in for replacement jewelry while visiting Tahoe. First impression was that it was really clean and inviting. Super nice and knowledgeable staff.The jewelry selection is huge! I looked through the portfolios and the work is VERY impressive. I live in a large city that has lots of top notch tattooers and never expected to find that level of tattooing in such a small town. This shop is phenomenal no matter where you're from. Highly recommend! Read Less

My husband and I searched for years for a true tattoo artist, someone who could both refurbish my old tattoo and do my husband's tattoos. We attended many tattoo conventions and visited countless tattoo parlors looking for a true artist. A few years back, we, quite literally, stumbled onto Lake Monster Tattoo and Body Piercing. Reed, the owner and our tattooist, does amazing work! He is a truely talented artist and has a very clean shop. Check him out one time...you will not be disappointed!If you are into body piercing, you want to go there as well. Marrissa is incredible and our daughter and niece swear by her. Read Less

Nerissa pierced my daughter's naval. I was so impressed with the their professionalism and the cleanliness of the entire place. I believe Nerissa changed her gloves once just while talking with us! She made sure both my daughter and I were comfortable and well informed. Even though we live four hours away, I will take my daughters only to Lake Monster. -Tamara Read Less