"NO RESEPECT FOR MILITARY and HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE"My daughter was on Spring Break from Leave (Army), she made an appointment with Chalice Tattoo and had to leave a 50.00 deposit for a deposit for Securing her Appointment which was 5:00 p.m.  We arrived at 4:45 and were greeted by the receptionist.  To save a lot of frustration all the Tattoo "Artist" had to do is come and talk with us.  He waited until 5:45 to come talk to us and then asked my daughter to give him more time to "Draw Something Up" She already sent him pictures and a detailed e-mail of what she wanted and already talked to him on the phone.  What is he doing with all his time and to just "DRAW SOMETING UP" that is going to be her first TATTOO and will be on her body for potential the rest of her life?  She decided at 6:00 p.m. which the waiting time was not  the issue but the comment of "DRAW SOMETHING UP"  she decided to say no thanks and "I'M OUT"  she said to me  "Mom this guy is a loser and I don't want him working his "Something Up" on my body.  She even stood up and told the receptionist this and he offered her another time and as most people know.  When you have leave you don't have a lot of time to just reschedule your schedule. This Company took her 50.00 and that was the end of that!!!  I am furious!!! She only receives a stipen of 200.00 a month and 50.00 of that went to a  loser who couldn't communicate or even bother to call her after and offer her money back.  This company shouldn't even be in business.  I'm a proud mom, and she even told me "Mom l learned my lesson" I need to find a respected company and not just some company on the internet" I am proud of her and that is why I am posting this and not her. I tried to just let it go, but I can't when someone is taking advantage of another person. Read Less

I got my first tattoo here and they made me feel very safe and comfortable! I love my tattoo so much and I am so happy with it. It's my grandmothers handwriting, Shawn did an impeccable job I couldn't be more happy! Read Less

I've been tattooed on a lot of places by a lot of different tattooers. This is not only the best shop in Boise but it's one of the best anywhere. All the artists are talented and friendly. They love to help people get just what they want done. I could not recommend Chalice any more highly. Read Less

Had two tattoos done by Shawn & he did a great job. His line work is amazing & he knows what he's doing. Just trust him to do what he knows will work best for you & you won't be disappointed . He's easy going, knowledgeable & wont steer you in the wrong direction. Front desk staff are friendly, courteous & willing to answer all questions you may have.The Dala Horse & colourful non traditional Hummingbird tattoos that Shawn did for me are pictured above. Read Less

So happy that the first tattoo shop I had set up a consult with was as unprofessional as they were, because if they weren't I wouldn't have this phenomenal tattoo...Endjis was fantastic, and while there were some kinks initially, it was definitely worth the wait! This shop takes pride in their work and End was extremely patient with my persnicketiness and by the end of the night I had a tattoo that outshines all my other ones. I would HIGHLY recommend this shop and would encourage you to stop in and take a look at their photo books or go on to their website. With quality work comes quality price so remember if you're considering going for those other shop's "deals"...And don't forget to tip your artist! 😊 Read Less

Derek is working on my sleeve. I have had to sittings so far and he is a great and patient artist. He really listens and helps to make my vision reality. Not to mention his work is amazing. Very excited for the end result ! Read Less

I looked through everyone's portfolio and absolutely loved Shawn's work and his style. I had a picture that I wanted his interpretation of to cover up a small, not very good tattoo. He did a consult with me, professional and honest. When he came out with the sketch on the next appointment (s/o to Jenn for being awesome/super friendly when I got there) it looked better than I had even imagined! Shawn was a champ, getting it all done in five hours! The whole shop is beautiful and every work space is spic and span. My tattoo is stunning and healing so nicely. I have received so many compliments on it, everywhere I go. Thank you! Read Less

Darcy's work speaks for itself. She's one of the most talented tattoo artists in the Pacific Northwest. Plus she's great to work with, and has put up with my design changes and come up with ideas that exceed my expectations. Read Less

I've been tattooed by Shawn twice now- one was a custom drawn piece and with the other he fixed and touched up an old tattoo. He stays true to your ideas while also giving his professional and artistic opinion. Bold, crisp line work and an overall cool guy. Read Less

Extremely disheartened and disappointed after my "artwork consultation" with Derek Schaeffer yesterday. Derek asked me to follow him to the back of the studio and outside the back door into an alley way, away from the other tattoo artists, to inform me that he can not commit to doing my piece (nature themed realism half sleeve) and handed me a crinkled up deposit back, four days before my tattoo was supposed to come to life and a month and a half after the first time we had met to discuss my tattoo. After months of anticipating this tattoo this was very upsetting and a complete waste of time for me as I could have been notified well beforehand. Super unfortunate that an otherwise amazing tattoo studio with other great artists, I'm sure, has employed such a flakey and unprofessional tattoo artist - making the studio look bad as a whole. Read Less

I was the proud owner of a 1980’s faded, outdated, unicorn tattoo that I’ve wanted covered for a while, several years actually. I did my research for months, because while I had an idea in my head of what I liked and disliked I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted. I’m pretty particular and looked at hundred’s of pictures online and in a couple local shops. I asked friends, as well as strangers I would see in public, who had tattoos that I liked and was impressed with, where ...they had their work done and who the artist was. I didn’t ask about cost because frankly I wanted quality, professional work done and wasn’t going to sacrifice a few dollars for subpar work. The saying “you get what you pay for” definitely fits this situation and honestly any of the work I was impressed with and asked about, the owners never once said “oh, this person is reasonable or cheaper than someone else”. I was given the name Chalice Tattoo by an overwhelming majority, and Shawn Phelps in particular. I dropped in without an appointment one day hoping to get just a few minutes to discuss making an appointment for my cover-up. I was very fortunate (in hindsight I would not have done that I would have absolutely made an appointment) to be able to speak with Shawn directly. Shawn was very professional, looked at my retro unicorn and had a few suggestions immediately after just a brief conversation. Immediately I knew I had made the right choice. Everyone in the studio was professional and I could tell from the pictures of their work, very professional. I left the actual drawing of my new work of art up to Shawn, he is the artist after all, and came back in a few weeks to get started. Since I had a tattoo already I was pretty confident I could get the work done with little worry. I arrived for my appointment and was completely ecstatic about the work of art Shawn had drawn for me. I wanted something much bigger than I had come in with, with dramatic color work. The piece was amazing and I couldn’t wait to get started. We got the outline transferred to my back, Shawn was very careful to ask about placement and show me each step of the process. We started the work and whoa it hurt a LOT more than I remembered. Shawn was amazing as I sat in his chair, taking up his valuable time. He could not have been more patient or supportive at the crazy woman in his chair ready to throw up after 5 minutes. Needless to say an amazing piece of work that Shawn could have done after probably two appointments, took me 6 or 7 because of my wimpy-ness. Mr. Phelps remained the consummate professional over every appointment. We finished today and the work is amazing. I urge anyone looking to get their piece of artwork, to contact Chalice Tattoo and especially Shawn Phelps. I would give more stars if I could! Thank you so much for a beautiful piece I will have forever and have already, through the process, gotten countless compliments on! आणखी पहा Read Less

Myself and two others booked an appointment with Shawn (2 small tattoo and one palm size) and were truly disappointed. I am from out of town and tried getting feedback on my design prior to the day of with no success. I spent 6 months drawing mine up and knew exactly what I wanted for my first tattoo. (A small floral design with a cancer ribbon) Ultimately we got what Shawn saw, not what we wanted. And paid twice what other places would have charged. Sadly all 3 of us are going elsewhere too get what we ultimately wanted completed. Read Less

Darcy is one of the most talented tattoo artists I've ever met. I got my first tattoo in Seattle and after looking at all the shops in town I ended up getting a good tattoo. . . . . . a few years later. . . I decided to go all in. . . I'd seen some of her work around town (I felt a bit weird asking people who did their tattoos - stopping a stranger on the street etc). So I got my back piece done. . . 4 sessions and 16+ hours later I have a piece of art that will always be with me. That was 3 years ago and it still looks great and I still love it. Darcy Nutt is crazy good! I could go on and on but her work speaks for itself. . . One final comment - a tattoo is for life - so while I understand the sticker shock. . . tattoos are kind of expensive. . . but Darcy's prices are more than fair for the quality of her work. (Also, t's nothing compared to having a junky tattoo on your body for decades - my approach has always been to save up until you can do something right!) Read Less

Our artist was Shawn Phelps, and the work was good and Shawn was pleasant. However they rescheduled us not once but twice due to scheduling errors on their end. When they called the second time citing a double-booking I felt like an inconvenience to them, but as they already had our deposit I felt like I was stuck going here... I've gotten work done by John at Talon Tattoo and their shop is full of very professional, solid artists! I will not be returning to Chalice in the fu...ture. As a side note, my sister, aunt and I all booked together to get a small saying tattooed on our arms. My aunt had to cancel at the last minute so I chose to get a second tattoo to fill that time slot, and for that reason Shawn charged me $160 for two very small tattoos (because they have an $80 minimum and our third party cancelled, he would have made that much between the two of us had she been there). Otherwise we would have lost our $50 deposit completely. I understand their 24-hour notice deposit policy and why they have it in place, but considering they had no problem moving our appointments around it was irritating they they were unwilling to work with us. Overall the tattooing experience wasn't bad but all of the run-around leading up to it put a bad taste in my mouth. आणखी पहा Read Less

I have only dealt with Shawn Phelps, and I am just echoing much of his praise already in the reviews. He is very knowledgeable about his work, and happily worked with me to come up with a design that we both liked. He listened to what I had in mind and then discussed what might work best on the area I wanted. It wasn't what I came in with, but it looks far more incredible than what I had originally would have had. It was important for him to discuss things with me so that I understood why that was the case, and everything he said made complete sense. The work that Shawn does is extremely clean and well performed as well as being quick and efficient. He is professional and was extremely good about making sure both he and I were as comfortable as possible throughout the inking. Read Less

In 2009, a friend of mine recommended getting tattooed by Darcy Nutt at the Salt Lake Tattoo Convention. She of course l was booked up for the weekend.  In 2010, I was able to get tattooed by her at the convention. The tattoo ended up winning tattoo of the day. Since then,  my buddy and I have been tattooed by her every year that she has attended the convention. We have made the 5 hour trip to Boise a few times to get tattooed by her at her shop as well. She is an amazing artist with a reputation and an endless amount of people wanting to get tattooed by her to back it up. Read Less

I recently went to Chalice to get my first ever tattoo (rat paw prints and a tail, arranged as if a rat were sitting on my shoulder), and had a wonderful experience! The staff were friendly and willing to answer my questions, even though the piece I wanted was easy to execute. Shawn was my artist and he did a great job. The tattoo healed quickly, and his line work is beyond precise. Furthermore, I stopped by a few weeks later to get a small section of the tail touched up (it healed lighter than the rest of the tattoo), and Shawn offered to touch up the entire tattoo for free! I highly recommend this shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo, whether you're an old hand or completely new to the process. I felt their prices were reasonable given the quality of work I've seen from them, and in tattooing you really do get what you pay for, so I think it's well worth choosing this over some of the cheap shops. Their space is also very clean, well-lit, and professional. Overall, this has been a wonderful introduction into the world of tattooing, and I'm sure I'll end up back at Chalice for my next piece! Read Less

This review is a little different then most and it's also for their downtown location. I decided to get a tattoo while visiting family in Idaho and I got a recommendation for Chalice from a tattoo artist friend in Oakland where I'm from. I made the appointment 3 months in advance and then confirmed it two weeks before I went. I got down there a few minutes before my appointment and was surprised that they weren't open yet. I figured I was the first appointment and they were running a little late. Unfortunately an hour later still not open. I wasn't mad just disappointed. I ended up going to their location on Latah and the guys in the shop were super nice and tried to accommodate me by offering to do my tattoo when they had time later but I couldn't because I had to catch my flight home. I really appreciated their sympathy and wanting to fix the situation. I also got a message from the artist that evening apologizing for not showing up and wanting to fix the situation. Then I also got a call from Shay apologizing and letting me know that I could get my deposit back. The reason I am giving Chalice such a high score is because even though I left Idaho without a tattoo and disappointed, I am so very impressed by everyone involved for the way they handled the situation. I've dealt with my fair share of shops and they aren't always the nicest people, but the folks at Chalice Tattoo Downtown and on Latah are. I look forward to getting a tattoo from them the next time I come into town. Read Less

What's the most expensive tattoo?  A cheap one.  So, when shopping around for a tattoo artist.  Do your homework and pick up the extra shift at work, you'll be glad you did.In Boise, Idaho we are a lucky bunch.  We have a lot of very talented artists that work at Tattoo studios.  Chalice Tattoo being one of them.Andrew Pontius is my artist and I could be more thrilled.  I asked for a Mermaid sleeve with an Art Nuevo feel to it and that's what is happening.  And it's on lock.  My appointments have started a bit late.  But, as I am a hair dresser I am aware that you are at the mercy of your sometimes oblivious guests that show up late, or change their minds or whatever.  So, you just take it in stride.  I mean, who is excited about getting drilled on for 3 hours?Darcy Nutt is the owner and if you know anything about tattooing- she is the shit.  In fact her and Andrew took home a bunch of awards from the SLC tattoo convention.  Shay is the receptionist, among other things.  And is always super sweet, helpful and accommodating.  OH, I should mention the studio is VERY clean.  Which should be a no-brainer for anyone walking into a tattoo studio to notice. Read Less

I got a tattoo by Derek at Chalice. I came in and wanted a matching tattoo with my best friend. He used the same picture to make two stencils for us, yet they came out completely different. Mine is thicker all around, our colors are off, and he filled in mine where hers was not, without asking. Their website showcases amazing work which is why we didn't hesitate to go there. And he wasn't very friendly to boot. Everyone else there was pleasant, maybe he was just having a bad day. We are not completely unsatisfied, but we do wish that our matching tattoos matched.. Read Less

If you are going to permanently mark your body you might as well spend the money and do it right the first time. I wish I could give Darcy Nutt 10 stars, she is one of the best tattoo artists in the northwest! Her black and gray portrait work is fierce but she is kills it in all styles/ colors. She's also hard to get into (6-8 months before she can even take an appointment currently) but well worth the wait- I even fly in just to see her from Seattle she's THAT good!Their piercer, Steve, pierced my lip for the second time (through scar tissue) with no trouble. He orders some nice jewelry pieces for the shop but will let you order in special pieces if you want. Read Less