Thanks for being awesome, Derek and Riley! My girlfriend and I came in to change some of our piercing jewelry, and they both were informative, helpful, and ultimately bad ass! Derek was very adamant on making sure I was comfortable; I never felt a thing because he's so gentle. In addition, Riley was very welcoming and sweet (and even showed us the process of coloring nose rings!) What a great first experience for both of us--we'll definitely be back in the future! Read Less

I went to Sink or Swim for the first time yesterday to get my septum done. Now I have 14 ear piercings and my nose is double pierced so I've definitely seen my share of tattoo parlors around the suburbs over the years. The thing that stuck out the most about Sink or Swim was the fact that they have you sign a book containing all of their piercing materials that they autoclave right before you get the piercing. Derek did my septum and walked me through exactly what to expect. Even before he even did any piercing he was stating exactly what he was doing while he was doing it, like using sterile gauze! Needless to say I was incredibly impressed with the cleanliness of the process.I will definitely be going back here to all of my piercing needs. Highly recommend! Read Less

This place is amazing. They were so responsive and helpful via email and got us set up with artists to get our tattoos. They were helpful in design consult as well. They did amazing jobs and the work was very quality. Read Less

I went to Derek to get my helix and tragus pierced, and he also changed the jewelry in my nose. This is by far the cleanest, most informative, quick piercing session I've ever been to. The shop is well taken care of, Derek knows what he's doing, and he is by far the best piercer I've gone to. I love the atmosphere of the shop compared some other places in the area. If you're looking to get pierced, this definitely the place to go to. Read Less

Pinstripe is the man you want. Did a beautiful tattoo of my dogs paw print its spot on. He made it a one of a kind knew it was going to be special to me. Would recommend this place to anyone clean and friendly staff all the way around. Read Less

Can’t say enough about this place especially LUIS! First thing...this place is immaculate! Went there and met Luis for the first time. He was so knowledgeable and helpful in advising me what options would work best on placement and fonts on the two tats that he created for me. Best thing about him is he will tell you the truth regarding your tattoos. He wants to make sure that you’ll be happy and your tats will last!!! Always open to answering any questions you will have during and after your experience! He will be the only person I will be going to and sending people to from this point on. Check out his own font too...it’s amazing! Read Less

This is the tattoo shop for the area. There is no comparison in terms of variety, artistic talent, atmosphere of an old-school shop, and reliability for anyplace in the area. This shop is the gem hidden in the rough of the tricities. If they had the acclaim of A Thin Line, this shop would be massive and constantly booked. Fortunately for you, they have availability within the week most times. Jump in on the ground floor of the best shop around. Read Less

My husband and I went to get my nose pierced last week. The lady at the front desk was very kind and patient. She answered all of my questions. The person (male) who pierced my nose was also very nice, patient, professional, and sanitary. He explained everything. I was very nervous, but he didn't make me feel stupid about it. I really like the piercing. I wanted to wait a week to write a review to make sure my nose didn't fall off and it didn't, so I will definitely return. Read Less

I had a pretty bad experience here last June - I'm a little shocked at the stellar reviews. First off - two of us made and prepaid our deposit for our appointments, we sent the guy all our stuff ahead of time. Then we get there and he doesn't know he has our appointments and has to be called in. So, we sit there forever while he draws up our stuff, he does the first person in our group's tattoo and hers is okay (there are spots he missed shading in...) and starts on mine and his gun messes up - the shop hand offers to get him a new one set up but he says he doesn't have time to reset up, so he pushes through because he's in a hurry and has another appointment after ours and so my tattoo looks pretty crappy. It's always looked very faded right from the start and you can see major differences in the shading in different parts. I had another tattoo artist recently ask me if I let an intern do it because its done so poorly. Now I need to pay someone else to redo the whole thing. Read Less

Walked in to get my daughter's nose pierced and was greeted by a pleasant lady at counter. The lady who did the piercing was very thorough and clean. Disney music played overhead which was fun and made us feel even more comfortable!! Read Less

Please go here for your next tattoo.. They are the kindest most easy going people I've ever dealt with and I have been to several places to get tattoos. It is by far the best in the entire Chicago land area and the prices are the best!!!! Ryan is amazing.. Luis is man though... His skills are superior and he just a super cool guy that will make you feel comfortable and like you've known him all your life. If I could give them 10 stars I would. I tell everyone I know to go here.. Read Less

This place is the best shop I've ever been to. Luis did matching tattoos on my sister and I. We absolutely love them!! It was exactly what we were looking for. The environment is great and really fun. They are very welcoming and make you feel very comfortable! I can't wait to go back for my next tattoo! Read Less

Took my son in for a birthday tattoo. We were both getting our first tattoo, and had lots of questions! We had a consultation with Chris, who helped us work out our ideas, answer our questions, and put us at ease. Chris took my son's design and worked it out perfectly! And Chris helped me adapt my idea into something much more artistic, and work the placement to be placed in a very cool way on my body -- and it is AWESOME. I really understand why it is considered body art after this experience. The whole experience was great. Chris is very nice and helpful, very creative, and did a beautiful job. The environment was really fun, and the rest of the staff was friendly and fun. Can't wait to go back for the next one, and take in my husband! Read Less

I used to think I was die hard loyal to another shop for piercings and jewelry. I had been going there for 12 years until I got my Monroe (that had been out for about 3 years) re-pierced here tonight. Derek definitely has my loyalty now and who I'll be referring everyone to. I've had many piercings (septum, daith, anchors) and this was my first painless piercing. I was honestly amazed and shocked because I expected a world of pain since he didn't use a clamp. He's super awesome and friendly and definitely practices in sterile conditions. I work at a large hospital and can easily identify a sterile environment and non-sterile one and Derek's space is clean and safe. Read Less

Friendliest tattoo parlor I've ever been in. I went in to get advice on a bump on my nosering. The piercing staff was helpful and gave me options on what to do next. I went in and TJ took my nosering out and cleaned it for free. I did not originally get my nose pierced here, but the staff didn't mind that. I will be 100% returning to re pierce my nose and possibly for a tattoo in the future. Very respectable place. Read Less

I didn't get my original piercing here but my nose piercing is brand new. It got caught and came out and after struggling with it I couldn't get it back in. I came into the shop and the piercer took the time to fix it and explain that it wasn't any thing I was doing wrong. The shop itself was a fun and relaxed setting. I'll definitely be coming back and recommending Sink or Swim to others! Read Less

I came here to get my industrial piercing as well as my doubles. 100% recommend going here if sanitation is one of your concerns because they take maximum precautions and explain thoroughly how to manage after care. Derek really helped both me and my friend who got a cartilage piercing understand the process and was very open about even the dumbest of questions. They use absolute precision when it comes to measurements. I originally wanted my left ear for the industrial, whic…h he did not recommend because my ear wouldn't hold it correctly leading to it being problematic later on. I know other places would have gone through with it anyways, but they really focus on quality here. Derek really knew what he was talking about and wanted what was best for long term and short term comfort. He was very honest and even discouraged getting cartilage on my other ear because I wouldn't have a side to sleep on. They really care about the well-being of their customers and whether its tattoo or piercing this place is my first choice. Еще Read Less

Love this place!! I have gotten both tattoos and piercings here and highly recommend. Everyone there is friendly and welcoming. My last experience with Derek was filled with mix emotions. I came to get an industrail piercing in my left ear but ended up being told that I had a "flappy ear" and it wouldn't be the best choice for that ear. I was very sad to hear this but definitely appreciated the honesty. He ended up showing me another option that would actually emphasize my flappy ear and I am absolutely in love with it!! Pinstripe is my tattoo guy! He is so down to earth and talented! Oh! They have icy pops!! Read Less

Got my nipple pierced last night by Derek. Love him. Love my piercing. I was so nervous and he made me laugh and feel relaxed. Didn't rush me AT ALL. Was actually concerned about my well being afterward when I got a little woozy. Sat and talked and joked for a bit. Very cool guy! And very professional! Everything is disposable that he uses. He definitely cares about his art and his customers. I'm going back to get the other one pierced when this one heals. GREAT experience! Best piercing experience I've ever had. Read Less

Went here on a whim Since I wanted to get a tattoo. It just so happened that Pinto was free that day and gave me an amazing tattoo! Everyone in the shop is hilarious and fun to talk to. I am definitely going to go back and get more ink. I highly suggest to go to this place! Read Less

Derek had done an absolutely amazing job with my piercings, and made me feel very confident and comfortable throughout the experience. He gave helpful care-advice for the piercings as well, and they all ended up healing very well in light of that. Would HIGHLY recommend Read Less

Went in for a single lobe piercing. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Derek explained everything, was meticulous in measurement and preparation, and I barely felt a thing. My recovery is also going much better than when I got the other lobe pierced years ago; I saw my mom two hours later and based on the lack of swelling she thought it had been a week or more. I'll be back for anything else I want done, and would send my friends. Read Less

Was in Geneva for the weekend and my wife found this shop. Came in to talk to them about some ideas we had. The staff was super friendly and very laid back so we hung around for almost two hours just to talk to them after he finished a tat he was workig on. Had an amazing experience with the consultation between us and Pinstripe and Derek. We set appointments for the next day and i got a fallen soldier memorial tattoo and my wife got a family and memorial tattoo for her grandparents. The quality of work is above our expectations and we will deffinatley be back for some more ink. Look forward to seeing these guys again. Read Less

Great atmosphere, super friendly staff over all great experience! I have many tattoos and have been to many shops. But sink or swim tops them all! I got a memorial tattoo from pinstripe! Outstanding job! I cried my eyes out when I left the shop it was perfect! Thank you Pinstripe from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to make it something special! I will be forever great full! Read Less

Sister, niece and I went and got tattoos for my niece's 18th birthday. They were tattoo virgins and I am not. I was very happy with everything. Employees were wonderful. Our tattoo artist was Pinstripe and he did not disappoint. He was great with my sister and niece, who had never had a tattoo before. Made us laugh & great personality & put them at ease. Great experience overall....with good quality tattoos! Read Less

Ive gotten 4 more difficult piercings here by DJ and Derek and they both take their time to ensure that the piercing will be straight and im happy with it. They always explain what the process will be, and they of course give very specific aftercare instructions. The jewelry is high quality, they are extremely careful to be sure everything is sterile, and they have a relaxed yet professional environment. I wont go anywhere else! Read Less

I've gone here for one of my tattoos and 2 piercings, had great experiences every time. Derek, the piercer does a great job of making you comfortable and being patient with you, it's also extremely sterile. Same with the tattoo. I would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in a type of body art. Read Less

My 10yo daughter had the most positive ear piercing experience ever at Sink or Swim!!! After doing a lot of research we knew this shop was the best choice for us. There is not one thing I could gripe about; everyone was very kind to her, Derek showed her everything and explained everything before he did anything... he keeps a very clean work space and is conscientious about using sterile tools. My daughter never flinched! Love, love this place. Thank you so much for giving her such a positive experience!!! Read Less

Awful customer service. Waked in and they told us to wait a couple hours and they would call. We waited 5 hours and after US having to call them they told us they didn't have time. We then had our plans ruined because all other places were booked because we waited on them. So annoying. Read Less

Everyone here is really friendly, the environment is comfortable. The piercer knows what he's doing and what he's talking about it and I always know I'm in good hands with him. I've gotten my rook and my nipple pierced by him and I'm very happy with both. You pay for good quality jewelry and quality service. I recommend all my friends to come here if they need anything pierced. Great place! Read Less

Came to see Derek for a piercing and couldn't be happier with the results. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere combined with experienced professionals. He made a point to sanitize and clean everything to an almost OCD extent, you can tell they actually care about their customers. Very clean and high quality piercing, guy was so good I barely even felt it. Read Less

Derek has pierced me three times and I'm absolutely in love with all three of my piercings!! He has a very clean environment, is calm and soothing while piercing, and leaves me with amazing and healthy healing piercings every time! Would recommend over and over again. keep up the great work. Read Less

When you walk in the women at the front desk was super friendly & welcoming! This made me comfortable right away. The shop is really cool & all the employees are very friendly. I came in for another nose piercing. I already have one (that I got at another shop) & wanted another on the same side. The reason I came here was due to the Yelp reviews! My piercer was Derek and he was awesome!!! He took the time to talk with me about the jewelry & what would work best for me. He reviewed pricing with me beforehand to make sure I understand where the total was coming from. The work area is very clean & sterile. EVERYTHING that touched my face was brand new. Even the marker used to dot my nose (where the new piercing would be) was opened in front of me, used, and thrown away. He showed me how everything was brand new! He explained the whole process from start to finish. I would highly recommend!!!!!!! Thank you Sink or Swim!!!! Read Less

I have been going to sink or swim tattoo for years , however today was the first experience dealing with Derik for piercing , we originally went to get my daughter's cartilage earring changed out due to hers breaking and with her being 13yrs old she was nervous , however Derik made her feel at ease and she liked how his work area was so clean and his equipment was cleaned and how he explained everything to her , well then of course I could not leave without anything for myself so Derik did my nose piercing and again very very clean and sterile and very quick with little to no pain , we will for sure be using him again !!!! Read Less

I've only been to see Ryan, but everyone here seems incredibly professional, and like true artists. I have had a few more simple pieces done, my brother has had some more intricate work done, and we are both incredibly pleased. Not only were we pleased by the work done, but with the atmosphere, incredibly clean and safe, they are able to answer all of your questions and make you feel right at home with friends. I recommend Ryan, and the rest of the crew here to everyone! Read Less

I have to start off by saying I used to be a die hard fan of another local tattoo shop. I honestly never thought I'd go anywhere else. After repeatedly having my artist blow off appointments, I went searching for a new place...And that's what brought me to Sink or Swim! I love, love, LOVE Renee. I can't say enough positive things about her. She takes my basic, uninspiring idea and turns them into a beautiful piece of art. Her technique is great and really has a strong understanding of complimentary colors. She's done two large pieces (including a cover-up) for me so far, and I've already received numerous compliments. I can't wait to get more work done by her!Clean, friendly shop and good prices. REMEMBER: A cheap tattoo isn't good. And a good tattoo isn't cheap. Read Less

I have been to my share of tattoo shops and this one by far has to be one of the best groups of artists I have seen! They make you feel right at home right away. I had some sub-par work done at another shop and wasn't completely happy with how my sleeve was going and never thought it would be something I loved. Pinstripe reworked one of the ones I hated the most and turned it into a completely different work of art. It looks like a completely different tattoo----- BEAUTIFUL. He listened to everything I envisioned and I am so excited to go back and have the rest of my sleeve reworked. Everyone in the shop has amazing talent and I have now found my new "home" shop! Read Less

By far the best piercer I have been to and I have 13 piercings. I was a tad scared of the pain of getting my septum done because of some of the horror stories I have heard. He acknowledged my fear, walked me through step by step and told me everything he was doing and preparing to do. Everything was very professional and clean. Sterile equipment and a very clean working space. I was acknowledged right when I walked in the door and he even remembered me from the phone call inquiry earlier. I will definitely come back to him for all my future piercings. Very happy and satisfied customer. So much I'm even wanting to go back the next day (today) and get my lip redone. Check this place out. Read Less

My mom and I both came here for tattoos by Chris Dapkus. I got Roman numerals which require solid line work, and Chris definitely did not disappoint. Everyone in the shop was very friendly and helpful, and the shop itself was clean. This was my mom's first tattoo so she was very nervous, but Chris made her feel at ease and didn't get annoyed (at least not visibly) when we asked him to make changes to the design. Sink or Swim is definitely a good place to get a tattoo! Read Less

Awesome staff! They didn't make me feel nervous and my piercer was really nice! I am so bad with names so I forgot his name I am so sorry! But I had a great experience! I'm going back for my other piercings and a tattoo! Thank you so much!Definitely worth the drive and pricing! Read Less

Their website says "walk ins welcome". I walked in. No one acknowledged us. No one asked if they could help us. I was with my daughter. We wanted to get our noses pierced. We stood at the front counter in full view of several employees. No one said as much as hello after 10 minutes. So we waked out. Went to Ronin Tattoo in North Aurora. We were treated great there... As walk ins. Don't waste your time. Read Less