Honestly not super impressed by the work done here. I got a simple tattoo done in print style lettering on my wrist here about 3 weeks ago and it didn't turn out super great. It's not bad but a couple of the letters are clearly bolder and/or are slightly larger than others. There is also a small visible line that was a mistake and is outside the lettering that I was hoping would lift away or was the stencil but unfortunately it's not. Also as a side note, after the stencil was applied the artist (who never even told me his name) went out and had a smoke break and then came back and did my tattoo. I played it cool in the moment but it seemed unprofessional. Despite this, the shop was clean and the tattoo was done for relatively cheap and it was quick but wasn't the best work I've seen especially with something as simple as writing. The artist was laid back and made the process enjoyable and explained the aftercare to me. Seems like a good group of artists just didn't get the perfect result I was hoping for. Read Less

I have been going to Black Sea for a little over a year now and there is a reason I keep coming back. Not only are all these guys quality artists but quality people also! I've been tattooed by all of them and they make the experience feel like a hanging out with some buddies. I'm happy with what I get (after its healed also) every time. Solid shop! Solid staff! DO IT! Read Less

Awesome shop! These guys do some great traditional tattoos. Brandon, Earl, and Devin are all super nice and talented guys. I got a broken horseshoe piece from Earl and it turned out amazing! I will definitely be back for more in the future. Read Less

this is the place to go when getting a tattoo. I've gotten quite a few of my own tattoos done here and I love every single one of them. everyone is so nice, accommodating, talented, and I always feel welcome when I would go. I recently moved away but definitely plan on coming back during a visit or two Read Less

I honestly can't say this enough. I got my second, third, and fourth tattoo here, and by multiple of their artists. I'm happy to say I'm STILL pleased with them, even three years later. They are professional, clean, and personable. Sadly I moved away, but they are still my first choice for tattoos. If their pictures and work don't say enough, I'm not sure what will. I can't wait to get more tattoos from them. I recommend anyone here, especially Brandon! His work is the SHIT! Read Less

I've gotten pretty much all of my work done at this shop. My entire sleeve and leg sleeve. I have nothing but love for this shop and its staff, I've gotten something from Devin, Earl, Brandon and all its previous staff. Some of the most whole hearted and talented artists around. Highly recommend Black Sea Tattoo! Read Less

I went to the Black Sea Tattoo to get a finger tattoo, and wrist tattoos. Not every studio will do finger tattoos, but Brandon said he can do it. I felt like he didn't think I know anything and that I don't really want a tattoo, but he agreed to do the job. My tattoo vanished after healing (which can happen with tattoo on the finger). I tried to schedule the appointment to fix it, but after one visit in the studio, and 5 calls (they took my phone number and assured me they will call back) I gave up. I understand that it can happen, but if you're not ready to do fixes, which is a standard everywhere, just don't do the original. Read Less

Earl was super great! He was quick to respond to my emails and made sure that what I wanted to get was exactly what I wanted. He was super nice and did a great job! My roommate saw my tattoos and wanted to get one as well, and Earl got her in the next day! Always will go to Earl now! Read Less

Every time I get something new, I think how fortunate I was to stumble upon this place for tattoos. I have had two tattoos from devin. one medium rose that people love. And a big half sleeve owl with a owl skull, so unique and such good work. I'll be going back for sure!!!! Also follow them on Instagram for cool deals and happenings around the shop. These guys are awesome!! Read Less

This was my first tattoo and Earl made it great.  I emailed him what I wanted and by the time I got to the shop he was ready to go.  I love my new tattoo and the Black Sea.Earl is very talented and a great person.  I highly recommend him. Read Less

the guys at black sea know how to get the ink in right and put something on you that you'll be happy with forever, i've been getting tattooed here for a while and always felt welcomed in and easy to talk to the guys about what i want and the placement and a super clean shop throughout the whole place Read Less

I got a small forearm tattoo back in April. Brandon was so nice! I messaged him on here and within a couple of hours he texted me. Rad shop with tons of art. Beautiful traditional pieces! I'd definitely recommend this spot to anyone in the area looking for talented and professional artists. Looking forward to getting another piece at some point. Read Less

When I have time, I follow local artists work on Instagram. I'm the type of person who knows what I want. You won't find me as a walk-in for a tattoo. Chances are I have an idea of what I want, find an artists work I admire and send that artist a PM. If they respond in a timely manner and are willing to work with the ideas I have, they are the one I'm going to see. This time it was Ben, I had been following his work since he was at a previous shop located in Hayward where he gave me an amazing tattoo that I had been eyeing for months. This time once again I was looking to get something done with my kid's names, I had a couple of ideas and when I get to the shop at the time of my appointment, he shows me what he has come up with. (Ben won't copy anyone's work, he likes giving it his own touch.) Of course I am really happy with what he has come up with, so I check the spelling and everything is correct. By the way you really get a cozy feeling walking in to this shop, so I felt very comfortable. Anyways, Ben gave me exactly what I wanted and I am happy with his work and with the timely manner he responded to me on social media. I'm already planning my next visit. Read Less

Let me tell you something yelps . You ever had a tattoo from Ben? You probably should. In my personal experience this boy ben knows hadda knock the ice off the meat rack feel me Yelps? Throwing them zibzaps like a stunna shoulda. Makes sure everytattoo you get glimmers with the glintz of perfection..you feel me yelps! Fix yo feet up to that shop as get a sick tatty from a real soggy doggy who trying his best just to make you feel like margaritaville without the blown out flipflop YOU FEEL ME YELPS! Also bring him fishing lures. I think he's starting a collection of fishing lures. If not, he should, because when he gets old he'll have a great fishing fishin hat. Read Less

I love coming here! As a woman sometimes you can get an uncomfortable feeling at tattoo shops! Not at Black Sea! I have been tattooed by almost all the artists here and I have always been extremely comfortable with my experience and blown away with my tattoos! I 100% recommend Black Sea Tattoo!! Thanks for being my go to spot! Read Less

I was in town for work and dropped in to get a Waylon Jennings "W" with some spiderwebs coming off if it. Ben fit me in and was really cool/easy going about the whole process. Usually don't stray from my local tattoo artist but I plan on getting more work done by Ben! Read Less

I got a referral from another client of Earl Pitts. I called him and made an appointment. I went to the shop to meet him, he is a very pleasant man. Very professional, listened to what I wanted and looked at reference pictures I brought in. He took my ideas and sketched his interpretation and I was very excited at his art work. He was tattooing me within 20 minutes of our meeting. He is quick, efficient, and finished a quality tattoo within 2 hours. I am pleased with pricing,... very reasonable. I am very happy with the finished work. I have gotten nothing but compliments on his work. I WILL be back to have him finish my sleeve and more! The shop was clean and has flash galore to keep you entertained while getting inked. Between that and our upbeat conversation, I hardly felt the pain � I give Earl Pitts a 10+ star rating! Black Sea Tattoos gets my top rating, too See More Read Less

Let me start by saying the vibe of this place is absolutely amazing. I am always greeted whenever I walk in and the artists here are so talented. I get all my work done here and can't wait for my next one. Will always recommend this place  Brandon Bear makes sure I am fully happy with the tattoo before getting it (which I always am ) and makes you feel very comfortable and enjoy your experience.   Ps. I got 1st place on one of the pieces at Musink tattoo convention with one of the pieces Brandon did on me:) Read Less

Black Sea Tattoo rocks! I contacted the shop and Brandon Bear responded immediately. He drew up a little custom piece for me and made sure it was exactly what I wanted. The shop had a super chill vibe and Brandon was amazing. My tattoo looks awesome - he's a true artist. I'll definitely be back for more! Read Less

I had gotten a tattoo here about a year ago, having seen the work of the artists from my girlfriend and her sister so I had to get something for myself, I had gone in as a walk-in and was greeted by Patrick (he's no longer there) told him what I wanted, he drew it up really quick and went straight to work and it's to this day still one of my favorite tattoos! The vibe of the shop and atmosphere is that of an old school tattoo shop as all shops should be, the artists are all dope dudes and super chill, as well as being great at their craft! This place is a must go! Read Less

This place rocks. I worked with Ben on a quite sunny Sunday and it was the best tattoo session I have had in a long long time!! He was kind, flexible, and funny! Also an A's fan so that's always a plus! He kept saying how the shop was a mess because of some rearranging but the shop was still clean and I felt comfortable. I know Earl who also works there is talented as well, my sister has gotten a few tattoos from him. Definitely check it out!! Read Less

So let me start by saying this is my first tat and I wanted a couples type style that incorporated Disney (Mickey and Minnie) earl talked me through everything and he was even patient with me (I kept sweating lol) he hooked it up Ben did the same exact same thing for my girl they didn't even think to ask about the shading style or anything but they both had the same exact idea and it went so perfect like Ben said "great minds think alike" this will for sure be my tat shop keep it up bro and good luck on that piece for Berkeley Read Less

I have four pieces by Devin. He does fantastic work. He is a super talented artist and very skilled at what he does. He has really cool book that I have picked a few pieces from and he also has done two tattoos for me that I had a vision for and he brought them to life. Read Less

Shout out to Devin for this quick beauty! I walked in with a super casual picture on my phone and he was able to crank it out within 10 minutes. I definitely appreciated the customer service, care, and advice he provided with this tattoo! Read Less

My boy Ben Ha Meen recently left another spot less than 5 minutes from my house to come to this spot and it's beyond worth it to me to sit for the hour or so in traffic to get inked up by him. The shop has cool laid back vibe and it's an added bonus that there's a 7-11 next door and a domino's pizza too the domino's next door will even deliver to you in a pinch since I had forgotten I hadn't eaten but had just gotten my chest piece stenciled on and didn't wanna have to do it all over again. All the artists looked legit based on the stuff they had up on the walls, but holler at Ben for sure we really hammered out the details of the concept i came in with making what had been a somewhat vague idea into something I couldn't be happier with. Read Less

Not only has Ben been professional from the start he was funny, fast, super chill, helpful and just all around a great artist. The shop is great. My experience exceeded all expectations. Thank you so much. Read Less

My girl got a tattoo there in july...the artist said if it needs touch up come in I'll touch it up at no cost...we come by today and you tell us he moved to idaho....in my business if one of my employees did work that didn't meet the customers expectations....because it was done at my business one of my other employees would fix it at my cost....my business name covers anyone I hire past or present...that's business....you didn't fix it..you wanted 60$ again to do something that wasn't right ...before I pay you to do it again and set myself up for another 60 charge I'll take my business elsewhere..but I'll tell everyone along the way how business is done here...don't trip...I'm not Read Less

Brock was the rudest tattoo artist and very poor work ethic. Cancelled appointment on me, quotes me $220, changes price to $400, completely changed tattoo I wanted at rescheduled appointment. Would not recommend Brock for tattoo artist Read Less

Got my first tattoo at age 32! Earl was awesome! He is very easygoing and TALENTED. He did such a great job on my small tattoo even though he's more accustomed to doing larger tatts. HIGHLY recommend. I will most definitely be back for more Read Less

Called in the morning to try and make an appointment but was told I wouldn't need to do that. So I let the gentlemen know what time I would be by and he said no problem. So I get there - and didn't mid waiting but none of the employees seemed like they wanted to take another appointment. Another gentlemen asked me to leave my number and he'd call me in about 1-2 hours once he finished up with another customer. Well... 3.5 hours later. No call. I thought this was handled super unprofessionally and they lost out on a customer. I went elsewhere and was taken as a walk in and got the shop owner to do a tattoo for me with no hesitation and great customer service skills and awesome ink. Unfortunately, I am writing the first bad review for these guys. But hey, you can't expect to treat people like that and not hear anything about it, especially from someone who Yelps a lot. Hopefully next time they'll be more courteous with someone they don't have time for or at least allow them to make an appointment so they can work with them. Read Less