After a not-so-great experience with a visiting tattoo artist, Ozzy (incomplete, sloppy work), I first had a negative rating for this tattoo studio. The studio owner, Lalo, quickly contacted me, apologized, and offered the option to either fix my current tattoo, or work on another on, free of charge. I opted for the first offering, and worked with Melody to come up with some options to fix what was done. I've since had one tattoo session with Melody. I'm happy with the results so far, and I'm looking forward to the next session that I'll need to complete everything. There was a wrong, and they quickly righted it, and for that I've changed my rating. Thanks Lalo and Melody! Read Less

To address the one star review- The owner, Lalo, is an amazing artist and the tattoo I received from Lalo just won FIRST PLACE for Best Original Tattoo at the Empire State Tattoo Expo 6/16/2017. Everyone at this studio is exceptionally talented and very friendly to work with. Many thanks for a wonderful experience. Read Less

Really, I can only leave 5 stars? Because seriously, the work done here is phenomenal, and the atmosphere alone makes it worth going to House of Monkey. My girlfriend and I have been scouting out tattoo shops all over New York and Washington DC for a year now, since the last NYC Tattoo expo. I've been looking to start a sleeve on my right arm with three famous American figures: Lady Freedom (the statue on top of the Capitol building), Lady Justice (the blindfolded woman with ...the scales), and Lady Liberty (the New York icon). As a New Yorker living in DC, and as a veteran who studies politics and works in advocacy with the federal government, I was looking for an artist who I could trust to mark my body with images that are deeply meaningful to me, an artist who would do justice to these American icons. And holy **** did I find the perfect person in @MelodyTatoos (her Instagram handle) at @HouseOfMonkeyTatoo! I met with Melody for the first time about a month ago to describe the piece. Right away I could tell that she was just as concerned about doing a piece that she would have genuine passion for as I was concerned about spending my life with her artwork on my body. When I explained to her the meaning behind each feminine statue, how I wanted them to be true to form, but in a way, coming alive, Melody lit up with excitement. After we talked for a bit about what she'd need from me to inspire her work, I happily left more than was asked for the deposit to hold my appointment. Yesterday (June 17, 2017) was our first tattoo session of what I'm guessing will be at least six to do the main features of the sleeve. My girlfriend and I hung out with Melody, Lalo, and baby Boogie for about six hours between getting the stencils just right and finishing up. The atmosphere at House of Monkey is incredible. Having a bunch of artists who aren't simply "people who work together," but are indeed family, gives this tattoo shop a flavor unlike any other that I've been to. Melody, Lalo, my girlfriend, the other clients -- and baby Boogie -- were all chatting it up the entire time getting to know each other in a genuine way. Melody's passion and interest in the piece translated into what is by leaps and bounds the best of the seven tattoos that I now have. Her ability to translate a series of images into a photograph-like representation of an iconic image is second to none. The detail, the shading, the position on my body so that it flows with the shape of my arm... it's all incredible. I'm having difficulty coming up with words to describe just how realistic the image of Lady Freedom looks on my arm. So here's my advice if you're thinking about getting a piece that isn't just some hipster crap you're pulling off of Pintrest or Instagram: go to House of Monkey, go now. Check out the work they're doing, since they're always booked up. Strike up a conversation with the artists and see if you match. You won't be disappointed! See More Read Less

Badass people. Badass shop. Lalo, Melody, and all the guest artists I have come across there will take your idea, add their creative genius, and bring it to life. I never wanted a tattoo badly until I saw Lalo's work and stopped by for a consultation. Take advantage before I book all his time up. Read Less