One of the only piercers in the Bronx that I really trust. The place is super clean. I've been here for two piercings and have had a great experience​ both times. My first was my lip and my second​ was the conch. They both ran me $30 not including tip which is beyond reasonable.The piercers are obviously knowledgeable and won't give you whatever you want it it's not the right or healthy way to do things. For example,​ I had my heart set on ring jewelry​ for my lip, but the piercer refused and politely told me it would be more prone to infection. I really respected how he stuck to the​ proper way and didn't​ just lead me​e astray​. He could sense I was nervous during the process, so he told jokes and made me do breathing exercises​. My piercing came out exactly how I wanted and they were virtually painless. They're a Bronx landmark for a reason. If you're in the Bronx definitely​ stop by for some new ink or piercings. Read Less

I visited TuffCity a few days ago to get my septum pierced. It was honestly such a great experience. The inside of the shop is so cool and extremely clean. Before I got pierced a friend of mine had her cartilage done, and it was quick and painless for her. Seeing how easy it was for her definitely calmed my nerves a bit. I sat down with the piercer, Ariel, and he looked at my nose carefully before piercing it. Apparently I have a deviated septum, meaning he had to be extra careful in order to get the piercing straight. Once he decided what angle he needed to pierce my septum at, he put the clamp in and had me take a deep breath before putting the needle through. It was completely painless, and afterwards, he explained in detail how to take care of the new piercing. So far, I haven't had any pain during the healing process. I'm so happy that I went through with it, and I'm especially happy that Ariel did an amazing job. He really took the time to make sure the piercing would be perfect, and he was extremely friendly and welcoming. All in all, the environment was awesome, the staff were friendly, and the price was hard to beat. I'll definitely be going back soon. Read Less

If I could give this place zero stars I would. I've received several tattoos here a few years back. So I decided to stop back in and see if my artist was there, unfortunately, he was no longer employed there. Which was cool, I mean it has been a few years. Was told by the front desk that a guy named B was available, looked at some of his work and decided to give it a shot. It was a very simple tattoo, worst mistake ever!! Tattoo was not done correctly and after I went back when it healed I was told it was my fault (yea ok, I have 7 tattoos that have healed just fine) and he wanted to charge me upwards of $200 to cover his mistake!So now I'm suppose to pay you extra for your mishaps? Management was not helpful and this jerk doesn't need to be tattooing anyone. Save your money and take your business elsewhere. Read Less

If I could give this place zero stars I would. I've received several tattoos here a few years back. So I decided to stop back in and see if my artist was there, unfortunately, he was no longer employed there. Which was cool, I mean it has been a few years. Was told by the front desk that a guy named B was available, looked at some of his work and decided to give it a shot. It was a very simple tattoo, worst mistake ever!! Tattoo was not done correctly and after I went back when it healed I was told it was my fault (yea ok, I have 7 tattoos that have healed just fine) and he wanted to charge me upwards of $200 to cover his mistake!So now I'm suppose to pay you extra for your mishaps? Management was not helpful and this jerk doesn't need to be tattooing anyone. Save your money and take your business elsewhere. Read Less

This is my second time at Tuff city for ink. The atmosphere is great for inspiring art. My tattoo was done by Elliot who was excellent. He contributed great suggestions to my idea and offered his professional advice. I like artist that can add ideas and insight from their experience of being an artist. Great conversation and me fell comfortable throughout the whole experience. Will definitely be back to get my next piece done! Read Less

They are friendly and helpful. I have had my nose pierced twice here. Each time I felt comfortable and it didn't really hurt either. Even on the phone they are patient and kind when answering your questions. I like this place! Read Less

My cousin and I came in not knowing if we’d actually want tattoos. This place is very welcoming and I had an amazing experience with one of the artists, Elliot. My head spinning and very nervous, Elliot did an amazing job on the tattoo and staying calm. Very recommended. Definitely coming back! Read Less

I came here on a whim and left with one of the best tattoo experiences that one could ask for. Much artist, Elliot, is a consummate professional. He will tell you everything you need to know and more, and will be sure to make sure you’re comfortable. I can’t believe I never came here before, and I don’t believe I will be going anywhere else Read Less

Me and my friend both got tattooed by elliott who did a great job of accommodating us. We both came in with very specific ideas of what we wanted and he did a great job of getting us what we wanted. He’s a very talented artist. The staff was also very kind and welcoming and didn’t mind explaining to us how certain tattoos work and how to care for them effectively. Overall amazing experience and we look forward to doing it again! Read Less

Tuff City has been around over 25 years! And there's a damn good reason - they are THE spot for tattoos, graffiti and street art. They've taken something normally considered illegal and provided a platform for people to CREATE their art. I will be going back again for sure!!!! AND, they’re super photo/video friendly. If you want to take some great photos or videos of people doing street art, this is the place!!!! Read Less

Tuff City has been around over 25 years! And there's a damn good reason - they are THE spot for tattoos, graffiti and street art. They've taken something normally considered illegal and provided a platform for people to CREATE their art. I will be going back again for sure!!!! Read Less

This business lack integrity. They are very friendly when there trying to trick you to get your money. When I walked in I told the artist before i made my appointment that I was working with a certain budget he agreed and didn't say anything about another payment. after my lining was done he then told me about leaving a deposit for a second session. I'm human....so maybe I misunderstood but I'm pretty sure I understand what we discuss and what I told him. Especially my budget! however, I was willing to go forward but once I saw that he had no empathy for the misunderstanding and could  less if I finish my tattoo or not that's what bothered me. I didn't schedule a second session or leave a deposit. I politely thank him for his service and left.  However, when I left you could clearly see I was upset and the fact that I have a full tattoo with only lining that may never be finish was so disappointing to me. I waited to see if he was going to be professional being that I'm his client and reach out to me being that I was upset. He never did.  I emailed him to figure how much would it be to finish my tattoo being that I hate to go to someone else to finish what you started. He told me a crazy price which would have basically run me  $1200. The moral of the story is he was very unprofessional and very distasteful with setting the right expectations with me when it came to the full price of the tattoo. If he was honest and told me full price was 1200 I would've never agreed. Read Less

My experience at tuff city was amazing. All of the artist are great at what they do. I've gotten a couple of my tattoos from their. And there team is very professional. I've had work done from many of the tattoo artist there like Eliot, Dr ink, crystal and many more . If you want your tattoo done right. I recommend tuff city Read Less

Just got a mystical creature tattoo done by a new employee at Tuff City, my good friend Elliot. He put such great time, effort, and consistency that everybody needs if they want a flawless tattoo. I’m in love with it especially with the detail and the fact he gave such insightful input in placement and after care. I highly recommend him to everyone! Read Less

this place is amazing. the store is set up like a tribute to the new york city subway graffiti artist era. when you walk in you are greeted by mock subway cars that you go inside to get your tattoos or piercings. the staff is friendly and helpful. the place is clean and comfortable.they sell graffiti culture utems like hats, t-shirts posters books, as well as art supplies like markers, spray paint, and black books. the prices are reasonable. in the back outside they have a tag wall for V.I.P and legendary artists. if you live in or are visiting NYC OR the Bronx EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A GRAFFITI HEAD, YOU HAVE TO VISIT THIS PLACE AT LEAST ONCE. the outside of the store is covered with amazing murals this place is a great place to take pictures at insde and out. Read Less

I went to Tuff City last week for a tat and it was the best experience from beginning to end. Elliott did mines and my two best friends matching tattoos and they came out better than we could have expected. I hate needles and even though this was not my first tat, Elliott made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Will definitely being going back!! Read Less

Elliott was amazing from the moment we walked in the door. Answered all of pur questions genuinely and thoroughly. Accommodated me and my friends so that we could get the tattoo all together. Made the whole experience very fun! The tattoos were perfect and he made sure we knew how to take care of them properly. Gave us a great price. 100% recommend! Read Less

My tattoo artist was Elliott. I have to say from the time I booked my appointment to actually sitting in the chair it was nothing but a beautiful experience. He truly seemed to care about what I wanted & why I wanted it & to me that was important in carrying my vision out. I am 💯% satisfied with the outcome & already planning my next one!! The added bonus was the good convo while I was in his chair...... Read Less

I had been thinking about getting my nose pierced forever and finally bit the bullet. I called just to make sure a piercer was available and they said to come on Saturday or Sunday. I walked in 30 dollars for the piercing a nice piece of jewelry. I was in and out in about 20 minutes and she didn't mind my friends being in the room and talking a lot. Definitely would recommend! Read Less

If you care about talented, cutting edge tattoo artists with integrity Tuff City is your spot. Got a cover up tattoo of wings that filled half of my back with Elliott. 100% down with the work he did the first session. He makes the process getting inked up an epic, stress free experience. Going back to finish it up in 2 weeks. Got my last tat here as well and will keep coming back for years.instagram.com/desadevian… Read Less

I accompanied my little sister to get a small tattoo here on her wrist. When we arrived they said it was an hour and a half wait so we waited in the car outside. My sister wanted Ctrl on her wrist(spelled that exact way), about the size of a quarter in a Times New Roman font. They said it would be $60 dollars. She was pretty annoyed being that she has a full quote on her arm for $65 in another place. I convinced her that we waited there so we might as well do it and I'll put in half. She goes to get the tattoo with an artist who was pretty quiet so my sister introduced herself. He said his name was Ceez. She wanted the tattoo closer to her hand and he replied "I'm not going to do it there because it won't heal right. I'm going to do it here." My sister just followed suit because she's not an artist. I FaceTimed my mom because she wanted to seeing how it was going. Ceez then said "Do me a favor? Stop recording. I don't like that". I replied that I wasn't, I was on FaceTime. Good thing the tattoo was like 2 minutes because I was annoyed. Once he was finish he told her to purchase the Aquaphor for the healing. I told him yes, we have one thank you. He proceeded to say it loud over me to get the one in the front of the store. We left. Our first & last time at this Tattoo Parlor. Read Less

Basing this review only on Spray Paint & Space & Staff. Very good selection. Amazing space - worth visiting just for the place itself. Hopefully Biggie is there, great person - and if you're lucky you'll get to see the backyard. Beautiful place. Tattoo section seems pretty cool too - inside subway cars. Read Less

Tuff City truly is an iconic institution in the Bronx. The friendly and professional staff take you into charming "subway cars" and walk you through the whole process of getting & taking care of your tattoo or piercing. I must've gone there half a dozen times there with friends getting tattoos, nipple piercings, ear piercings, everything. I personally got a helix piercing there - l was in and out in maybe 20 minutes, and it was only $30, which is pretty unbeatable in my experience. Read Less

Before I came to Tuff City, I got my nose pierced twice at another piercing shop, not to mention it was the worst mistake I ever made. Those piercings never made it past a month or two all because of the person I went to. I decided to get my nose pierced for the third time and I came to Tuff City. I got my nose pierced by Roxy, and she did an amazing job. I've had this piercing for four months now, and I plan on coming back here for any other piercing I may get. Read Less

This place is Super cute, & I really appreciate how they do things, the professional way.  They ask about your health and identification.  My 1st tattoo, I wasn't asked any of that(wasn't done there). Teddy is an amazing artist, NOT A COPY ARTIST.  All 4 times he did my tatts, I showed him what I wanted & he did it. Absolute professional. I 100% recommend this place, especially for its cleanliness. Read Less

First time visitor got my piercing from Will. He was amazing I got my nose pierced a piercing I wanted forever, he was very detailed and every step he took with me. Just for anyone wondering about getting the piercing done you will tear and it's only a second of pain just hope you have someone as great as Will to walk you through the process. I'm still in the healing stage and loving my new piercing to death. Thanks guys!!! Will be returning. Read Less

I personally like it here. They are very nice and friendly. Good at giving tips and helping you find out more information for what you need. They are very clean and comforable to work with whatever you want to do on you body. I got my septum pierced twice. I only got it twice because i thought i didnt want it at first but now i really like so thats cool. Read Less

How do I start off hmm. Tuff city is a cultural institution in the Bronx. The whole graffiti vibe is authentically the bronx. I've have visted tuff city for some time now ever since it was located on the upper floors on Valintine ave. At first I was a spectators as other got their tattoos and later became a loyal customer. What do I have to say about tuff city, they are family there. They are inviting and friendly they speak to you as like they knew you for years. This place is artfully decorated and very clean which is a plus for me. So here are the deets. I've been a patron at Tuff City for about 7 years now and I have never had a negative experience. I have gotten a total of 5 piercings from them ( Bellybutton, nipples,  nose and lip) and 5 tattoos. My main artist is Teddy (you guys probably seen him on a episode or two on Black ink ). Teddy was the first tattoo artist I ever had an experience with. He has done my very first tattoo as well as two other large pieces. The most current a profile day of the dead tat. Teddy is very good at what he does. His line work and color saturation is spot on . Teddy does specialize in Japanese tattoos buy he is comfortable doing other styles. When sitting for a tattoo with teddy he makes your wants his priority but also works with people who let him have creative rein over the tattoo. When tattooing the session seems to go by quickly with minimal discomfort . Teddy is also great because he has a background in art and understands the basic foundations between colors and postion. Overall teddy is awesome.My other 2 tattoos were done by Phil and Josh. They are both friendly tattoo artist and very genuine. Phil specializes in American traditional which knocks your socks off. Josh is a newbie to the game. He did my mandala and I have to commend him for his line work. My tattoo experience is all together a very positive one and they have a loyal customer in their hands. Remember guys when getting a tattoo it is always quality over quantity. Read Less

How much is It to get my septum pierced? I haven't been to Fordham rd in li10yrs. My tongue was 20 and so was my belly button. I'm mad I forgot the name of the shop so im searching reviews. Does anyone know a tatt shop on Fordham rd close to McDonald's?Read Less

This was my very first tattoo and I really wanted to get it right the first time. I am glad that I decided to go with Tuff City because that is exactly what I got. Josh was able to get my logo exactly as I wanted it. Without a doubt, I will be coming back to get my next tattoo done here. Read Less

They are very clean and have wonderful customer service. I have been getting tatted here since 2005. The only down fall is their pricing is a little much! Mitch did my tattoos on my back, he's awesome! Read Less

I reluctantly made an appt with NB at the suggestion of another artist in the shop, who claimed he was one of the best @ cover-ups. NB was really professional & his attention to detail on my tattoo was very impressive. I spent about 5 hrs in there & although it was painful, his personality & horror movie action figures put me at ease, lol. I get constant compliments on the work he has done & what's even better is that no one can tell what he covered up...thank goodness! I am so proud of my tattoo that I no long cover it up with my hair & enjoy wearing tank tops as often as possible, which was something I was very uncomfortable with before. In response to the woman whose skin was falling off...the moment you walk out of any shop, the aftercare is now YOUR responsibility. I have 6 tattoos & am a huge tattoo aficionado...never in my life have I heard of someone taking good care of a tat & then just having their skin fall off. Something sounds very odd about that story & smells like Hennessey if you ask me. I did extensive research on this shop & that was literally the ONLY negative review I found, so what does that really say? I plan on getting more tattoo's in the future & will no doubt return to this shop, as corny as it sounds, they really changed my quality of life. Read Less

My wife and I each had 3 tattoos done while were in NYC from Hollywood Fl to get married. NB and Base are FABULOUS!!!! The work they did is outstanding and the staff at Tuff City Tattoos is the best. We'll be back for more on our next trip to New York. Read Less

thanks NB for the tat! i had a very enjoyable first experience, and i'll never forget it! as a matter of fact, im coming back to you for my next tattoo nb! i reccomend this place for anyone who wants to get a tattoo. its very professional, clean and friendly. i had a great time here, and im sure you will too! Read Less

thanks NB for the fresh tat. i actually went to the new spot on fordham rd by crotona. i love the atmosphere, very friendly people and especially the old skool subway art from the 1980s brought back alot of good memories! ill be back for more. Read Less

first off, the shop is hott...great location, parking, clean...I felt very comfortable there. They were very busy,,,which was a good sign{ the must do good work} and they helped me bring my idea to another level....the end result - it was a great experience...im already looking forward to getting more work from tuffcity. alex Read Less

jsut got my second tat from tuff city at thier new location at 650 fordham rd. and like my last one (my daughters name) this one (a sacred heart with rosary beads) came out exellent! the artist drew my tat for me custom on the spot- fit it to my arm and did a great job w/the color- AND if you havent seen the new location you should check it out its reaaly cool- clean bright and just a cool vibe from the staff. i was reccommended to them from a friend who got his ink there and im reccomending them to you all! they also have a great array of t-shirts for sale that they designed. impressive Read Less