Soooooo when did this tattoo place become racist? The first few tattoos that I got were from this shop back in late 2000s but at 4pm today, the white man blatantly, without missing a word, said there would be no time for tattoo, at 4PM.. meanwhile someone else of different race walked in and didn't come out. God I miss the guys that were there before! Read Less

I was with MOM, CHARLIE, & DEE from the late 80s to early 90s. They were my greatest family, in a time I didn't know who I was. From there I was a Ranger in the Army for almost 17yrs. I still love my tats I got there.....you made me who I am.Loce You.......Dan Read Less

Over a year late writing a review but I felt they deserved one. At first I was a little sketched out from the exterior because it looks a bit shady, but looks can be deceiving. I got my first 2 (and so far only) tattoos here by Steve. The first one was the Eye of Horus. He was very friendly and laid back, but still professional, which is what I like considering you're in close proximity to the artist for an extended period of time. Mike was able to squeeze me in for an appointment within the week. I was very happy with the results and he did a even charged me less than the original price quoted, because of how quickly he was done! Second tattoo was a cartouche I sketched (poorly), however, Mike was able to do it exactly as I had imagined with his own personal flair! While I've never gone to Dee, it's clear these people know what they are doing and have been doing this for a long time. I'm currently branching out to other artists to look at different styles, but I have no reservations about going back for more! **This is personal for me, but the only downside was that the place was thick with cigarette smoke. I have asthma and it chokes me up a bit. Luckily I was under a fan while getting my tattoos done. Again this was a something that bothered me personally but, probably won't be an issue for others. Definitely not enough to deter me from going back, but just be aware going in. Read Less

I came here a few years ago for my first tattoo. When I arrived, I was not greeted or acknowledged so I just stood around. A man (who I'm assuming is Mike) looked up and asked me what I wanted and I said I wanted a tattoo on my hand. He immediately said no I will not do that. We don't do hand tattoos in the most rude way and went back to what he was doing. Mind you, I know a lot of places don't like tattooing hands for various reasons but he was so rude and off putting about it. I immediately left and gave my business to another company. I don't recommend this place. Read Less

I came here a few years ago for my first tattoo. When I arrived, I was not greeted or acknowledged so I just stood around. A man (who I'm assuming is Mike) looked up and asked me what I wanted and I said I wanted a tattoo on my hand. He immediately said no I will not do that. We don't do hand tattoos in the most rude way and went back to what he was doing. Mind you, I know a lot of places don't like tattooing hands for various reasons but he was so rude and off putting about it. I immediately left and gave my business to another company. I don't recommend this place. Read Less

Walked in as soon as they opened. I was greeted by Ms. Dee. Right after her 1pm appointment she was able to take me. I gave her a custom draw up of what I wanted, and she made my custom artwork perfection. I was a little scared because this was my 1st tattoo. Ms. Dee tried her best to keep my mind off the pain and made me laugh quite a bit. This was my 1st tattoo, but not my last! I will be back for all of my tattoos. Thanks again! Read Less

I got my tattoo suddenly after the death of my best friend and they designed the most beautiful font for me hand drawn and tattooed me that day. My first tattoo experience ever. I recommend to everyone! Mike tattooed me. Read Less

This place is a joke they refused to do a simple cover up on a little tattoo that had no color. She (Dee) then right off the bat said no I can't do that even before I could explain that I wanted the cover up to be all black. She then started to try to put me down in front of customers by telling me that I needed to place the tattoo I wanted in another location because she said the little black tattoo would show up on the cover up even though most of the tattoo is a solid piece. I don't know why I came to this place when I've already herd bad stories from bad tatto artist that they have had in the past. Read Less

My go to place for a tattoo. Ms. Dee is an amazing artist and person, I love talking to her while she tattoos me, great experience every time. She's is the best at making almost any idea come to fruition. Ms. Dee is booked for months in advance so appointments are necessary but always worth the wait. Read Less

Wonderful place for a tattoo...I've gotten three here so far from Dee and they always get compliments. The color is fantastic and although one's over two years old people think it's brand new. She has taken my ideas (I have zero talent to draw) and listened to exactly what I want and made it come to life just as I wanted. I highly recommend this place. Read Less

Best tattoo shop in the DMV! I've been going to Mike and Dee for years. Their work is amazing and the price is just right. They are also awesome people. You can talk to them about anything and they make you feel like family. Read Less

If you want quality work for a fair price this is the place to go.  Be prepared since they have a lot of clients that getting a tattoo without an appointment is almost impossible.  Both artist are really good and can tattoo a verity of different geners, they won't let you down. Read Less

I've been getting tattooed at Great Southern for almost four years now. First off, this shop has been open for a very long time, and it's a family business. Miss Dee and Mike are a great pair - the two artists here currently - both for their extensive artistic talents and the incredibly friendly atmosphere they provide. Make no mistake, Mike will bust your balls, but if you're a first timer, it'll only make you feel more at home. All of my friends go to Mike and Dee now, and we are all so happy with the work they do.Whether you're looking for something traditional or photorealistic in style, Mike and Dee have got you covered! Dee is harder to book, so if you're looking to start something big, go in and say hi and have a chat with her. As Rae stated in her review, they won't just tattoo you for the sake of making a buck. They're artists with integrity, who will tell you honestly when something won't work in a particular color, size or space. It's not to discourage you, it's to advise you because THEY CARE about the work they produce! Between the fun environment of the shop itself and the caliber of work, I can't see why you'd look any further in this area. I absolutely love GS and plan to be a patron of the shop for years to come! Read Less

Ms. Dee is the. best.She's been working on my sleeve, and I might be biased, but I think it's the most gorgeous tattoo in the world. Her line work is so damn thin, it's like the Kiera Knightley of tattoo line work. Seriously, check out my photo of the feather she did, as well as the intricate leave work. She's also fantastic with shading, again, see photo. I'll post more when it's finished. I probably have another 2 sessions to go. The shop itself is small, and if there are more than two people getting work at the same time, it can be a bit crowded. But the shop is clean (actually, they wouldn't let me in a few minutes before opening time because they were still mopping and the floor was wet), and everything is sanitized--I never worry about that here. There's no piercing services, which I actually think is a plus: way fewer people coming in and out of the shop while you're getting tattooed. Definitely makes it a less stressful experience. Of the people that do come in, almost everyone is there for an appointment, although since Dee and Mike are nice folks, there were a few people coming in just to say hi. One guy was there to deliver compliments to the artists for their work.Dee is kind of expensive, but she's 100% worth it. Her work truly is artful and beautiful, and since it's going to be on your body for the rest of your life, you probably should be willing to pay the price. 100% recommended. Read Less

This is my fourth tattoo, but the first time I went to Great Southern Tattoo. I made an appt with Mike the prior week and in preparation sent a drawing over through Dee, who was very gracious and responsive. I was nervous when I got there but right away, the atmosphere and Mike and Dee put me at ease. Mike started on my tattoo and kept the conversation going which in turn, took my mind off of the pain. My tattoo is beautiful and unique and I will certainly come here again.This is not a shop that cranks out tattoo's for the hell of it, they will tell you what will work and what wont.  I'm already thinking of what my next tattoo is going to be and I will definitely go to Mike again. Read Less

I've been coming to Great Southern Tattoo since 1998.  I'm not a tattoo junkie, but I do have 4 and I know good artistry when I see it.  Uncle Charley is an ultra rock star!  He and his wife Sandy have both done tats for me and have done outstanding jobs!  Their son in-law also did some nice artwork on me.  It's a very sanitized environment, the tools that are used are sterile, the employees are very friendly and helpful.  I don't trust any other tattoo parlors, especially the ones where the work comes out looking like a 4 year old drew it on your body.  The tattoo artists here do quality work and have years of experience and talent to back up any design you desire.  They do stencil, but they also freehand some jobs that are a bit custom.  Now how many freehand jobs do you see out there that actually looks like a stencil backed it up...not many that I know of.  Yes, it's a bit pricey, but this is going to be something on your body for the rest of your life, so why would you want a cheap tattoo?  You pay for what you get!  Leave all those lame tattoo parlors like "Red Octopus" and those bootleg tattoo parties being thrown by your little cousin's boyfriend who claims he can do a tattoo for $25 ALONE!  Be sure that the lifetime investment you are making to get a tattoo actually lasts a lifetime!  Take it from me...Great Southern is the BEST....HANDS DOWN! Read Less

Got my first tat done here because I liked the artists and their artwork.  The place felt welcoming and clean.  It wasn't some factory pumping out tats for the younger crowd.  This place is for those who know who they are and what they want, and put some thought into who inks them.  Going back again soon because I'm hooked. Read Less

These are the only folks I will let ink up my skin.  I've been going to Charley and Sandy's shop since 1989 and I still have some un-inked skin left, so I'll be going for years to come.  I have received some amazing art work from several different tattoo artists over at Great Southern and I always get a million compliments on the work.  I have had very detailed work done over the years and I'm always amazed with the result.  Thanks, Great Southern Tattoo! Read Less