This was my first visit and I enjoyed my experience. The Receptionist, Riva, was very nice and extremely patient with me as I explained to her what I wanted. My Tattoo Artist, Avery, was also extremely patient and he took care at every stage of his stencil drawing to ensure this tattoo was going to be exactly as I wanted it. Best of all I did not have to argue with him when I told him what direction on my arm (facing me or not facing me)I wanted this tattoo. Back in April, I had to argue with another tattoo artist at a shop not affiliated with Red Octopus about the tattoo direction and I decided afterwards to never return to that Artist/Tattoo shop again. This tattoo shop is very clean, with great decor, a very comfortable waiting area, a free drinking water cooler, and a great sound system with nice music playing. The Artist workstations are all very well-organized and they have the appropriate privacy partitions and rooms. The outside entryway also includes an Assessible Ramp and there is Reserved Parking for those with the appropriate Disability Parking stickers/tag(s). This shop also has electronic receipts if you want your receipt sent to your e-mail address. Read Less

Came in not knowing what I wanted as a cover up. Looked through a book an artist put together of his own paintings and drawings. Loved every single one but I unfortunately only had enough money to get a bird off of a bigger painting in the book. Very clean, Very professional, Great Staff. I’m in love with this tattoo, he said it’s the first one he’s ever done out of that book. So I’m glad I can represent someone’s talent, and also have a small meaning of my own behind it. I have an appointment on Thursday for an anchor I’m going to get as another cover up, and I’m REALLY looking forward to it!!! Read Less

Since Joe left my experience hasn't been the same. I showed them a beautiful picture which they said they could do, but when it came time to put their words to action all I got from Rico was other alternatives.so I asked if someone else could do it. I sat for two hour today and both drawings were as if he didn't even look at the picture. With that said. I will not be back. Thanks for nothing Red can't say octopus because no one has those drawing hands, or no one I dealt with. Read Less

Love the artwork they do here! I enjoy the clean, open atmosphere, the staff are friendly and professional. This is a place i enjoy coming to get tattoos. I  highly recommend it and they also give military discounts/veteran discounts as well.Another bonus is that the artists are Vets as well! Read Less

I love, love, love Red Octopus. I have been coming to this location and to the location in Landover Hills for several years now. I have gotten the majority of my tattoos (I believe that's 6 tattoos) from these 2 locations from different artists and I have been completely satisfied every time.One day hanging out with my girlfriend, I decided that I wanted to get my tragus pierced. I have always thought it was such a cute area to have pierced, but I have always been afraid of the pain level for having that area pierced. So what did I do, searched the internet on pain levels for all the different areas that you can have pierced, and the tragus was surprisingly not at the top of the list.Once I get in the chair I had the pleasure of Jax piercing me. Before she began she explained the whole process and assured me that it was not going to hurt at all. And within seconds it was all over, no pain but a little pressure and that was it. Jax did a great job and made me feel very comfortable. And it has healed with no issues.Now about a couple weeks later, while having lunch and swirls with my girls over at Lauriol Plaza I decided that I wanted my nose pierced. So back to Red Octopus it was. But this time Jax was not available, which made me a bit nervous, but instead I met Ruthie and she too explained the process. She asked me which nostril I wanted to have pierced and once she put the cork in my nose, all I felt was a quick pinch and, there you have it my left nostril was pierced and shining bright like a diamond....LOL!!!Currently working on my next set of tattoos that I want to have done and then back to Red Octopus I shall go!!!!! Read Less

Been going to this location for years. The shop is always clean and the guys that greet you at the desk are always nice. They recently got renovations so the space is more accommodating for a large number of people. I've never got a tattoo here so I can't speak on the artists' work but Ruthie has done all my piercings (tragus, nipples, 2 nose) and she is amazing! She's so sweet and personable. And when it comes to someone who has a low tolerance for pain she's very patient and knowledge about each piercing lol. I recommend all my friends to Ruthie. Read Less

Great tattoo design.   Price was nice, shop was very clean, professional staff will definitely get more tattoos from this shop. Charlie did a great job designing my concept and doing it exactly as I wanted.  Even afterwards when I wanted a slight adjustment the shop did not hesitate with accommodating me.   Great customer service. Read Less

I've been going to this red octopus for over 5 years to get piercings and occasionally I would get my earring and nose ring changed. Everything was great up until they renovated, they hired this one lady I believe she manages the shop. I didn't really get to her name because I experienced such awful work from her.. to make a long story short I went in to get my nose ring changed ( I had my nose pierced for over 4 years) she couldn't even get it in the hole so my nose started bleeding and I'm still in pain from it, I spent 30 minutes just to get my nose ring changed I usually go in and then I'm out in 3 minutes. She didn't even clean the piercing before putting it in my nose I had to remind her... I am just so disappointed in red octopus for hiring just desperate ppl who don't even know what they're doing. Read Less

Got my smiley done here, Ruthie did it. Let me tell you, it's virtually painless. Clean, friendly environment. She walked me through the whole process. Gives you a piece of paper gives you options on taking care of it I loved it. I watched her put her tools and piercing choices in a autoclave. Also, another plus, SHE GIVES YOU OPTIONS! I love it here, and the prices are fair. But you get what you pay for and that was pure excellence Read Less

If you go here ask for Jared. Guy is professional and can turn anything into a masterpiece! He has done 3 of my tattoos, a family crest on my back, an American flag on my inner arm, and some lettering on my triceps. People always compliment these works! As long as Jared is there, I'm going to him. I suggest you give him a call and tell him what you want and let him draw it up ahead of time. The prices are pretty good! People complaining about prices on here don't understand that you pay for quality! Read Less

So I actually live about 3.5 hrs aways didn't want to veer too far from base due to surgery recovery saw the shop was close by was bored out my mind decided to check it out. The experience was great they have prior military working in the shop as well as some really great artists mine being CHARLIE he cooked up a pretty A1 sugar skull for me if I get any more ink done while I'm on the coast I'ma make that 3.5 hr drive ...Dope people, excellent art, fare price ..checkem out Read Less

I was thinking about getting my nips pierced for the longest . One night I decided ... LETS GOOO ! Found this place on yelp . & I seen Ruthie had great comments . I was hoping she was here . Went in & the it at the front desk helped me . It's pretty bright in the shop , VERY clean in the shop . I paid for my piercing first , and the other accessories i purchased . Once Ruthie was ready for me , she closed the curtains & we had a personal conversation . She remained calm the whole time. She talked me through the wholeeee thing . I never once felt uncomfortable with the shop . I'd recommend to anyway looking for a piercing . Read Less

I had a couple of tattoos done here years ago, so when I decided on a whim to get my nose pierced it was my first choice. The location is always impeccably clean, the display cabinets are fully stocked and the prices, disclaimers and such are clearly visible. I get that it's a tattoo parlor full of artists but sometimes the conversations can make a lady quite uncomfortable. Ruthie was my piercer, she was very kind and talked me through the whole process. She made me feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this location. Read Less

I've wanted one of these for years. Today I bit the bullet and finally got it. My experience was excellent thanks to Ruthie. She lived up to all the great reviews I read about her and then some. She explained the process step by by and answer all my questions. She was very gentle and it took longer to pay then to get pierced and that was quick. It's clean and very sanitary. I would highly recommend Ruthie for novices and advance piercers. Read Less

Love this place. Everyone is friendly and helpful. They are reasonably priced and have great artists. Gina in particular has been super helpful to me with all the issues I've had with my navel piercing. Will return again and again.Read Less

Charlie is fucking horrible! I went back for touch ups twice. And while i was waiting another female was there waiting to get a touch up to fix charlies errors.  He has no clue on what colors contrast. His judgement is complete shit. Its that if a stoner. Read Less

I got my nose pierced by Ruthie/Ruby (she goes by both). This is the second time I've gotten my nose pierced, and I've had a couple other piercings as well at different shops. She's nice, and I was in and out in a jiffy. The place is super clean, and piercings are done in a private room (unlike the tattoos, which are done in an open area with different stations). Nose piercings are reasonably priced-- $35 for silver and $60 for yellow gold, both with a small rhinestone.I'd consider getting a tattoo there because they are friendly and clean, but I won't because I'd prefer somewhere with private rooms so I can wince at the pain behind closed doors. #dontjudgeme Read Less

I got my belly button pierced by Ruthie, who did an amazing job.  She was very detailed and gentle.  I barely felt it and it is not even sore afterwards :). The whole staff is friendly and the place is very clean and professional.  I highly recommend Ruthie and Red Octopus! Read Less

This my tattoo place to go. I only have two, but I plan to get more. I will always come to this shop. I've used to artist feom here and loved them both.Paul did my tatto on Tuesday, and it looked amazing! He was super kind, and made sure I was doing okay the whole time. This time I will not forget his name because I'll be going back to him!! I don't know if hell see this, but THANK YOU PAUL!! Everyone at my job says your awesome, and they keep asking who and where. I am pointing all fingers to you!! Read Less

Love this place. Clean, quick and almost painless. Very professional and they explain everything they will do and while doing it,  which keeps you at ease. They prep in front of you and show you all equipment before use.  I went 6*27*2015 for a beautiful piece. You receive one free touch up within a years time frame. My cousin doesn't do pain well and even she was relaxed. Love it here. I highly recommend. Read Less

Ruthie is the BEST piercer at the shop !!! She is so sweet and easy going  . I always feel comfortable and never have to worry about my piercing . She's really knowledgeable and very professional . Highly recommend..... Read Less

i went to this place.. very unhappy...it seemed like a slow day and i got NO service while i saw the people that worked there standing and talking to eachother. and then when they finally talked to me they just didnt seem to care. Read Less

I've wanted to get an arrow tattoo for awhile now, but I wanted to come to a place that I knew would give me a new piece of art, without overcharging me for something simple. The receptionist was very friendly when I called and greeted everyone with a smile as they walked in. She quickly got my payment and info, within 10 mins Joe started in my tattoo on my wrist. Then I headed over to Ruby who removed my sore tragus. Overall, clean and respectful place filled with dope individuals. Read Less

I got my first tattoo from this place. The customer service wasn't all that great and neither was the tattoo. The artist whose name I cant recall was a little rude and impatient. The tat was overpriced too. All in all, I have gotten 4 more since then but haven't gone back! Read Less

Visited twice in two weeks. Clean establishment. Very friendly and helpful staff. I called to find out how crowded they were after I left work. Each time I call I get an enthusiastic person on the phone and that means alot. Each visit I saw Ruthie and she is superior at what she does. I'll be returning in a few weeks. Highly satisfied customer and I highly recommend this place of business. They are very reasonably priced. Last but not least, I was in and out within 15 minutes each time. Read Less

My friend and I decided to get matching tattoos on a whim and after reading reviews this is the place we decided to go. My tattoo was done by Warren and I think he's fantastic. He was friendly, made me feel comfortable, and crazy talented. I have gotten tons of compliments on this tattoo. And it was done at a very reasonable price. The rest of the staff was friendly and they play a wide variety of music to keep you entertained throughout the process. It was very clean too. Read Less