I always thought Verno was the best piercer, but whenever I wanted to come in and he wasn't there, I would work with Chad. Definitely switching over to Chad. Knowledgeable and super friendly guy! Worth the slight moments of pain. Read Less

Every time I’ve been to The Holy Mackerel has been great! Verno is amazingly good at what he does. He’s understanding, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. In general all the staff are friendly. The two girls who run the front desk and answer phones are also both wonderful people! They answer any and all questions you might have as best they can. The shop is always clean, inviting and fun to be in. I have been to many piercing/tattoo parlors and this is now the only one I will ever go to! Read Less

Been here for tattoos and piercings. I always recommend it to anybody looking to get something done. Large shop that is clean and has a great selection of jewelry. Had one mediocre experience with a tattoo appointment, but still went back another time and have not had any issues. Read Less

I did a walk in yesterday for a belly button piercing. The staff greeted us right away and were very friendly. Originally I came to just look at jewelry but decided to get the piercing and had to fill out some quick and painless paperwork. They had me in back ready to go in 20 minutes. They were extremely sanitary and clean and told me what they were cleaning and why as they were doing it. I was pierced by Chad and he was super funny, great to chat with. Made the experience less nerve racking. I love my piercing! Thanks guys! Read Less

Called before going with a friend, she wanted her lip pierced. Girl who answered said Verno would be there all day, got there and no Verno. When we tried to ask about it she was extremely rude. I went back last Sunday to ask about a couple piercings for myself and the same girl was there, rude as ever. Told me she didn't understand why I needed to ask questions "it's just a piercing". I was planning to make a significant jewelry purchase that day as well but decided against it. Emailed Verno about my experiences and it's been almost a week with no response. I have gotten tattoos and piercings there before but NEVER AGAIN! They have definitely lost a customer. Read Less

Amazing piercer!!!!! Vernon is the best in MN and I love that they are the ONLY shop in the metro that sell REAL body jewelry... I break out from anything fake and couldn't find real body jewelry anywhere and every shop recommended Verno and Holy Mackerel!!!! Read Less

Verno is hands down the best piercer in Minnesota. He knows what he's doing, I've had my tongue and two dermal put in by him flawlessly. I e had dermal elsewhere not nearly as quick, painless, or look as good. Highly recommended shop. Great selection for jewelry too. Read Less

One of the best experiences I've ever had at a shop. The owner is insanely knowledgeable and very willing to talk in great detail about tattoos and how to get the most out of your appointments. He made the entire experience fun and relaxing. The shop is very clean and organized. They have a great selection of jewelry at a reasonable price for the quality. I've definitely found my go to shop for any work I'll have done in the future. Very happy with my experience! Read Less

Yesterday was my first visit to The Holy Mackerel.  I came in to have my forward helix hoop switched out to something nicer, and ended up getting two more to make it a triple.  I was able to pick out some really nice studs from their inventory.  It was a Saturday afternoon and it was a little busy so I had to wait a bit, but I didn't have an appointment, so I didn't mind.  Plus, sometimes I figure that a busy shop can be a positive indicator.Verno is really nice and made the experience really fun.  At first I thought I wanted a stud that was a bit on the larger side.  He was really open to making it work, but I ended up choosing a smaller piece instead.  His placement of the second two piercings was exactly what/where I wanted.  He is also extremely knowledgable, and he truly understands the science behind the healing process.Overall this was the best peircing experience I have had to date.  While the jewelry was more expensive than what I previously had, the two piercings together only cost $40, and he changed my hoop for free.  Moreover, the whole shop is really, really clean.  I would definitely recommend to anyone, and will return in the future. Read Less

I am EXTREMELY happy with my new tattoo that I got from Sarah Jane. She took the time to listen to my ideas and create something that was amazing and I will love forever. I did quite a bit of research on local artists and chose Sarah because I thought she could create what I wanted. I was right! Her design consultation was excellent and very professional. She explained what she thought could be the best way to do my tattoo without shooting down any of my ideas. She really knew how to get the creative process started and we worked together to give her a very cool starting point. She took the ideas and ran with it, and made a really amazing sketch. I gave to go ahead and we did the line work. She has some super accurate and precise lining with tapering. Even the outline looked cool as it was. The shading on the second session made me realize how awesome this thing was going to be. I could see that she was a true artist at heart. Two sessions of color later (it is a large piece) and I couldn't be more impressed. I have some really colorful (and I think very cool) tattoos that I got from a well known artist in Mexico City in the past, but my tattoo from Sarah Jane is now hands-down the best one that I have. The colors are so bright and cool. It's really awesome and I happily will give my 5 stars to this shop and especially this artist! Read Less

Finally getting my tattoo removed! I had a tattoo done here a few years ago and I hated it every since he told me to look in the mirror when he was done. He was such a pretentious jerk who convince me to stray from my original idea that I had wanted bc it wasn't "realistic" - after he drew a new sketch, i did liked it and agreed to it, however, when he started tattooing, he added shading and darkness that I did not agree to. it looked completly different from the sketch. I wanted to cry. now I have to spend hundreds on getting it removed. What they should have done was pay for at least part of this treatment. Awful treatment and awful tattoo. I am never going here again. Read Less

I always cheap out and get my jewelry online, sometimes with bad results. The piercer helped me pick out a better solution and changed an ear cartilage piercing painlessly (and complimentary with the purchase of jewelry). He was very professional and friendly, too! Read Less

Been coming her for 7 years for ANY AND EVERY piercing/tattoo I want. Verno has a standered unmatched by any other shop I've accompanied friends and family to.  The shop is not only pristine, it's huge, decorated beautifully with a series flare,  and has the largest most beautiful (as well as humainly sourced) jewelry I've ever seen.  I've had a micro dermal, unique ear piercing, for arm tattoos, and most recently my septum done here. Also accompanied my cousin here on a beautiful flower hip piece. Vernos experience and knowledge are clearly apparent in the artists staffed. Never had a bad expirience here, won't go anywhere else. Thanks for having such an amazing shop! Read Less

Took my GF here to have one of her ear piercing bars replaced.  Not being into ink or piercing myself it's not my normal place to visit. The staff was very friendly and very professional. They are also very sanitary. When anyone would come out to get a piercing part they always put on gloves. Everything I observed was done with proper sanitary conditions. (I used to work in the medical field and am a former Navy Corpsman.) If I was into ink or piercings I'd trust this place. Read Less

Brought my daughter here today for her 17th birthday. She had her septum pierced, and because it was her birthday, they offered a 2nd piercing from free, but we buy the jewelry. Deal!This place is very very clean. Awards galore on the walls. Everything is disnfected, and used once, then disposed of. I think the guy used 4 or 5 pairs for gloves during our visit.Nick was who pierced my daughter. He was very nice, put her at ease with his comedy, and did a good job explaining what's about to happen so no surprises. He was knowledgable, and was sure we understood the aftercare.Reception desk seemed like a clinic check in. Paper work was legit, they asked for all documents needed, i.e. I.d., birth certificate. Drivers license. As a parent I feel good knowing they take this seriously.My daughter felt at ease with Hailey, the receptionist. She was personable, and helpful, and didn't rush her. Anyone who has a teen girl knows how quickly they get agitated. My daughter didn't while here, she made comments on how clean, the awards, the receptionist, the nice furniture, etc. "Mom, the last place wasn't anything like this place". So, all in all we like this place alot. I trust this place. With that being said, I do think the prices are a little high...but for cleanliness and piece of mind...I can do that. And I'd rather the artist not take a personal phone call on their cell phone during our visit, but it wasn't the end for the world.Yes. We will go back. Read Less

Benny is great!  I started seeing him a few months ago after looking through his work online and having a few reccomendations from friends.  We've been working on a sleeve of realistic-full-color flowers, and having 3 appointments done we're about halfway there!  Benny is very easy to talk to, fun, friendly and  amazingly talented! Read Less

This review is for Verno specifically since I have the most experience working with him in different locations than this one. I met Verno over 10 years ago when he pierced the nape of my neck. And yes, if you're wondering, the piercing is *still* there (they sometimes have a tendency to reject and basically push itself out). He may come off as a little intimidating at first, considering all the piercings and tattoos he has, but trust and believe when I say he's one of the nicest people you'll meet. He genuinely cares about his clients and stands by his work 150%. There's a reason everyone in town knows him: he's knows what he's doing. I'm so glad he was able to open his own store, he definitely deserves it! Read Less

I highly recommend Holy Mackerel. The jewelry selection was good quality and diverse. The prices are comparable to other shops. I came in on a Saturday around 2p. Fortunately I had just missed a rush and was seen promptly by Nick. The front receptionist was friendly and helpful. Nick has a great smile, personality and work ethic. He was friendly and witty to boot! Overall I was in and out within 25 minutes :)Tip: you're not able to tip via plastic so be sure to bring some paper Read Less