Fantastic - I had 6 sessions with JP Rodrigues working on a large freehand cover-up dragon tattoo that I absolutely love. The atmosphere and professionalism are top notch, and the artistry is masterful. The other artists here are also excellent. I highly recommend them to family, friends, everyone! Read Less

Best experience I could ever get!Casually walked in just to discuss a couple ideas I had for my arm and boom! There is no coming back. The connection happened right away and somehow I just knew it was going to be amazing. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I tattooed with Xim, and he is absolutely talented. He just started with a pen in my arm and suddenly I was in love with the way he translated into art what I told him that was my idea. I highly recommend this experience and will surely be back for more Read Less

This place is a little bit "hidden" since it's located in the basement, and all the way in the back (past the Barber Shop). There are no signs calling out the business, which I'm sure minimizes the chances of passersby randomly deciding to get a tattoo of just about anything. No, if you're here, you intentionally made your way here.I got a tattoo a few weeks ago by guest tattoo artist, Ania. My husband is completing his 2nd session next week. While Ania is a guest tattoo artist here, the time I've spent in the studio gave me the opportunity to see the owner's work and enjoy the overall vibe.These guys are COOL. They are super friendly, chill, relaxed. I felt right at home the whole time. Which is nice for long sessions! I've seen a few people Joao worked on and it was AMAZING! Love to see his freehand work come to life.I'm so glad I found this place!As far as Ania goes...boy did she make my vision come to life (thank you!). I've been getting so many compliments on the watercolor work. Read Less

The shop is clean and the vibe is truly amazing. I love how the tattoo artist welcomes you like it is your home and family. Fabio is a talented artist. I brought him the idea for my tattoo and in the end I was truly happy how he turned my idea into something beautiful. This shop has good talented artists and I'll be happy to be back for my next. Read Less

One of of the most amazing tattoo studio's in New York. Very great atmosphere and the tattoo artist are very friendly and talented. Ive been coming here for a while and really love it. I super recommend!!! Read Less

Aqua Santa is a small tattoo shop, it's extremely welcoming clean, and very professional. The atmosphere is filled with exquisite art, tattoo painting, and outstanding decor. I've met with Joao Paulo, and discussed on the type of tattoo I wanted, color options, and the best location on the body would look best. I was absolutely impressed by his amazing work, the level of creativity and patients shows in his work. I am amazed and satisfied with his work, that I am proudly to wear his artwork for a lifetime . I highly recommend Joao Paulo is an extraordinary! Read Less

After almost 20 years dwelling if I should get a tattoo or not, I met João Paulo. I went to his studio and saw his amazing work, his kindness, his confidence on being the best. I'm finally ready to have to be part of the selected group of people who will carry his art work forever. See you soon. Read Less

JP is, very simply, the best. We've been working together for 4+ years and I've grown to trust his instinct, his talent, his skill, and his understanding more and more. JP is a collaborator which makes every bit of ink he puts on my body unique to me. JP is a master of traditional Japanese tattooing - I couldn't be happier and more thrilled to collaborate with him. Thank you JP! Read Less

I was a walk in; and was recommended by a Friend to try them out; spontaneously called and asked if I can come through; I had an idea what I wanted but trusted the Tattoo artist completely. I love the vibe of the place you can tell they put a lot of love into the work place. I only had an idea and a couple of pictures of what I wanted. Fabio was amazing and added his personal touch and easily understood what I wanted; he also added some shading and I have him full permission ...as an artist to do what he wanted and I'm glad I did- he is trustworthy and extremely talented. The owner is very welcoming and inviting. I loved the vibe of the place; and the music was awesome I think they should also have their own radio station; they made me feel right at home and offered me drinks and water as I hadn't realIzed how dehydrated I was. Fabio's estimation of how long it would take was on point ; I walked in and out in 3 hours with my largest Tattoo yet. �I'll be coming back xoxo See More Read Less

I had already few tattoos when I arrived in NY from Italy. I heard about Acqua Santa from a friend of mine and I got two tattoos wit JP. I loved this studio right away. Everything is very clean and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. I brought more friends to get their first tattoo and the way that JP and Terra make everyone so comfortable is amazing and very professional. I will definitely recommend it for any style of tattoos you willing to get! Absolutely one of the best!!! Read Less

This place is awesome and has some of the best artists in town.Talented, personable wonderful people in a super clean and inviting environment. Cannot say enough good stuff about Acqua Santa The artists at this place are extremely friendly and does a great job ensuring a comfortable environment for their customers. Their artwork is phenomenal, always surpassing my expectationsSuper recommend ! Read Less

I rode into NYC on a cross-country motorcycle trip, and knew that I wanted to get a tattoo, but was only going to be in town for a day.Fabio (Terra Xim) at Acqua Santa agreed to get me in for an appointment that day, on short notice. The results were amazing.The shop is super clean, well-decorated, and professional looking. It's small, but it's bursting with tons of personality and you can tell that the folks that work here are true artists.The way the shop is hidden, it's like finding an awesome secret. I explained a custom design idea to Fabio and he completely threw himself behind it, coming up with a couple of sketches and being open to giving me advice based on his own artistic sense. In the end, I totally put my trust in him and he created something awesome. I ended up getting a tattoo much bigger than what I originally intended because I loved the design and how it fit on my body. He also gave me excellent advice on after-care.It was an incredible experience and I'd get another tattoo in NYC just for an excuse to visit Acqua Santa again. Thanks y'all. Read Less

Upon arrival, I was immediately drawn into the speakeasy aspect of it all (located in a basement with a barbershop sign at the front #loveit!). I was greeted by JPR and Terra who were both friendly and welcoming. Terra was very nice and worked with me on placement and sketched out a cute moon.Overall- 5 stars for the experience, tattoo and cleanliness of the shop. Read Less

My best tattoo experience yet! I really love this shop and the tattoo artist here.  I really love my tattoo and I appreciate the time Fabio took to make me feel comfortable with the experience. This place is probably my best find on yelp. I will definitely be back for more Read Less

So today I got my first tattoo and I'm in love. This place has a very inviting atmosphere .. I got my tattoo done by Fabio . He is amazing.. Made me feel so comfortable and listened very intently to what I wanted. I'm definitely coming back very soon Read Less

I like to say that this is a great place with great atmosphere, they will work with you. I've been getting inked by Joao Paulo Rodrigues since his day at rising dragon and have not changed artist since. I've gotten a leg and arm sleeve and hopefully my addition will stop soon.I'm still getting compliments on my sleeve, people are amazed when they see good ink on dark skin with color. Read Less

I went into this shop after being recommended by a few friends. I was immediately impressed how attentive they were even for a consultation. I originally went into see JP but once I showed him my idea he directed me to Meia which was a match made in heaven. I gave Meia some guidelines and what he produced was truly stellar. I also found him to be incredibly chill and friendly I will be def be going back to this shop in the future for more work. Read Less

I went into this shop after being recommended by a few friends. I was immediately impressed how attentive they were even for a consultation. I originally went into see JP but once I showed him my idea he directed me to Meia which was a made in heaven. I gave Meia some guidelines and what he produced was truly stellar. I also found him to be incredibly chill and friendly I will be def be going back to this shop in the future for more work. Read Less

Visited the shop for the first time yesterday to see Meia for a tattoo that I've wanted for about a year.  Stumbling upon Meia's Instagram feed I found the perfect Rat drawing.  Having never even met I trusted that he would have drawn exactly what I want.  It was perfect and even more so on skin!  The shop is private and comfortable. I'll be back many more times! Read Less

I got my first tattoo (a leg sleeve) in August 2011. Joao Paulo was great at making me feel comfortable. As the weeks went buy we formed a strong connection revolving around music and our Brazilian heritage. I went back to him earlier this year and we finally completed a full sleeve on my left arm about 2 weeks ago. I could not be happier with the tattoo, but more than that, I'm happy I got to know him as a person. I will probably never stop getting tattooed.Warning: dont get tattooed by JP unless you want people stopping you on the street every day saying how amazing the work is. You will not be disappointed. Read Less

Been working with JP for a little more than 7 years on my ink. There isn't a week that passes when I'm not stopped on the street by someone complimenting the work, the color, and inquiring about the artist. Tattoos are an investment and I'm glad I've invested wisely with JP. Read Less

So I was introduced to JP when an ex-boyfriend of mine got a piece done by him and this introduction was the only good that came out of that relationship. Anyway, I digress.JP, founder of Acqua Santa is, by far, one of the most talented artist I've ever come across and I'm so honored to have one of his pieces. I came to him with an image and an idea and he executed what I wanted to a tee. In addition, he's honest and not trying to squeeze every penny out of you like other artists I've been to in the past. He originally quoted me a price of around $400 but since he charged me by the hour and my piece didn't take nearly as long as he thought it would he only charged me for the hour or two and change when he could have just as easily charged me the original amount we agreed to. That's what I call integrity! Aside from him being an internationally acclaimed artist, super funny and smokin' hot with a portugese accent his shop is always ridiculously clean and I never have to second guess whether I'll catch someone's cooties! What mote could I ask for?! Read Less