My best friend and I decided to get tattoos while we were on vacation. It was her first. Researched shops online and decided to go with Elite. It being my friends first tattoo, I wanted to make sure she got the very best tattoo experience. Elite did not disappoint.  Communication with Bethany from the very beginning was outstanding. She went out of her way to come in on her day off because that was the only day we could do it while on vacation. The entire staff was so nice and down to earth. The decor in the shop is awesome! Comfy chairs and movies while you wait. Complimentary snacks and drinks. Beautiful artwork books to browse through. Bethany was very knowledgeable and professional. Thank you Elite for living up to your name and giving us an Elite experience. We are honored to be part of the family now. Read Less

I went to several places around Jacksonville to set up consultations to get my entire back done and when i came to Elite i was really pleased with the friendly staff. The staff is very hospitable and the artist are really good. I would definitely recommend going to Elite for anyone looking to find a great tattoo place in the Jacksonville area. Steve Silvey is the artist doing my back and he is a great guy. Will post pictures soon. Read Less

Elite Tattoo is by far the nicest tattoo shop I have ever been to. I have gotten several tattoos over the years, but this place beats them all. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with a friendly face and offered complimentary snacks and drinks while you wait. I didn't wait long at all! I had an appointment with Gabriel for a pet portrait piece of my dog. He did such an amazing job on it, I still can't stop looking at it! His talent is insane. I have gotten so many compliments on how beautiful it is. So thank you, Gabriel, and Elite for such a wonderful experience. The vibe of the place is so laid back and chill, and I can't wait to come back in the future for more ink. Now I don't want to go anywhere else! :) Read Less

Reached out to a tattoo artist from this parlor on instagram, explained what I had wanted because another tattoo artist had recommended him since it was his style, after showing him what I had wanted and where, I was ignored. I decided to go into the parlor because maybe he had gotten busy, the lady at the counter was extremely rude and told me that other tattoos take priority even if there was an appointment lined up, but she still gave me his email. After contacting him on his official business email, he ignored me again after showing him where I had wanted my tattoo (arm). I will never recommend anyone to this parlor which is unfortunate for them. Read Less

I have been going here since March 2017 (about 16 sessions) with Stephen Taylor. First, I love this shop because the people are awesome and it has been fun every time I got tattooed there. Second, they leave out snacks and drinks and I love that. They design original tattoos at an exceptional quality. They have artists with all different style and they can turn your visions into beautiful one of a kind artwork. If you're looking for cheap flash, this isn't the place for you. You get what you pay for. They charge hourly but it will be well worth the cost. I highly recommend going here. I don't trust anyone else with my tattoos after seeing the caliber of work come out of this shop. In fact many people (including me) travel to come here. Read Less

Being a 20 yr retired Marine and never interested in tattoos, I finally broke down and went to get my first one because I promised my daughter if she joined the Marine Corps and graduated, I’d get one. I dropped off samples of what I wanted and was supposed to be contacted ASAP with results or info because I’d only be in the area for a limited time. That was over a month ago. I’ve sent e-mails inquiring the same..... and STILL no reply. I’m back in the area for my daughters grad ceremony, stopped by the tattoo studio and it’s closed.... even though the sign clearly states Open on Monday from 12pm. It’s currently 1:40pm. All I can say is that I’ve tried. They may have good artists there, but customer service needs some work. I plan to keep my promise to my daughter, but from someplace else. Read Less

Hands down the best tattoo and piercing shop in Jacksonville. I refuse to go anywhere else. Sterling did my sternum piece, and is absolutely the best with geometric patterns and black and white. They make you feel right at home there, and also include complimentary snacks and drinks while you wait. Read Less

I walked in and was greeted by the front desk lady, she was really nice and I was offered snacks or a drink along with a book to pick fonts for the tattoo I wanted to get, Shane did my tattoo and he was awesome. I highly recommend this shop, I will be going back for more work here Read Less

I've been tattooed at Elite multiple times, and I'm always amazed at how nice the shop is all around. The artists are all extremely skillful in their work, and they are pleasant and open to talk to. The tattoos I've gotten here (from Melissa) are gorgeous. The different artists cover a wide range of styles and do it well. The shop atmosphere is luxurious, and there's always someone looking out for you and what you need (snacks, information, guidance with the portfolios, etc.). It's also really approachable, and the front desk staff are always ready to help as soon as someone walks in. This place is great! Read Less

Elite Tattoo Gallery is hands down the most professional and comfortable shop I've ever been to. I have been in shops from Anchorage Alaska, all the way to Baltimore and everything in between. I am more than confident that every artist that works there is capable of producing exactly what is requested, and will do it better than any neighboring location in the area. The Artists are extremely welcoming and personable, and the environment is flawless. Good music, great artists, engaging conversation, and even complimentary food and beverages with free after care products! What more could you want in a tattoo experience!? Read Less

This review is for Shane, I am sure the rest of the place is nice, but I'll never know as I will never set foot in this place again that employs someone so unprofessional. I made an appointment with Shane to do a cover up back in mid May. I explained what I wanted and he asked that I get pictures together of what I was looking for, I did and met with him the next day and paid a $140 deposit as this is what he charges an hour and booked my session for 6/24, I was called a week... ahead of time and was informed he had an emergency and had to go to California during that time I was scheduled. No problem, I completely understand and had to wait another 30 days for an appointment. I was called the day before to confirm which I did and the next day 30 minutes before my appointment I was called again to confirm the spelling of the name I wanted in the banner, I show up on time for my appointment and Shane informs me it will be another 25 minutes to complete the drawing, I said fine...he then proceeds to take a 15 minute smoke break with another employee....30 minutes after that he comes with 2 pieces of paper showing me what he had drawn up. I liked it and told him I wanted a ribbon added (as we had previously discussed 60 days earlier) He said no problem and went back to finish. 40 minutes more of waiting I had had enough and went to the desk to ask for a manager or someone in charge as I had been waiting an hour and a half. It was then explained to me that Shane had a doctors appointment earlier that went longer then expected, again I am totally understanding of that, I explained then why when you called me at 4pm, didn't you just tell me to come in later instead of having to wait 90 minutes??? I would of gladly came in later so I wouldn't be sitting there, not to mention Shane had 60 days to complete the design! I was waiting for push back, but they at least offered to refund my "nonrefundable" deposit, which I took to another tattoo studio right down the street that got me right in and did a wonderful job! See More Read Less

This is by FAR the best tat gallery we have ever visited. CLEAN, friendly, happy and accommodating; from the complimentary drinks and snacks, the fully stocked restrooms and the tasteful way their art is presented. Loved it. Read Less

I would say this I was skeptical at first due to this being a military area and them over-charging. I will say this,though you get what you paid for.Nick is by far hands down the best tattoo artist in there,and no offense to the other tattoo artist. He's super-cool and laid back to the fullest, you tell him what you want and he will make it happen. I came in for a full sleeve recently and we sat and talked for like 20-30 minutes about the whole piece.He sat me up some dates to get it everything done and I came in recently for the top portion of my sleeve and I was sceptical at first, then once he got done, I was Blown away about how much he accomplished and the detail of the what i what I asking for he got it, hands down to fullest He did his thing and fits to my arm. I was super comfy in the shop + the atmospher was super laid back. Major love to you guys, I still have a couple more session,but I can't wait for the finish product and i will be recommending other people to your shop as well. Read Less

I was impressed just by the setup of the place, and the friendliness of the staff. I had already been blown away by the artwork I had seen online, so I knew this was the place for me. I met Nick, who wasn't listed, so I was a little wary at first, until I looked over his work on instagram. I was sold. He did a forearm piece of my pet ferret and it's stunning. I've already gotten SO many compliments. He is very thorough and also super cool to just hang with, so the time flew by. Thanks Nick for an awesome tat, and thanks Elite for a wonderful experience! Read Less

I genuinely cannot say enough good things about Elite Tattoo Gallery and Body Piercing the entire staff was so incredibly kind and helpful to me and my friend while we were there. Sterling was open and immediately warm and kind and helped me come up with the perfect tattoo. The process was very minimally painful, he gave breaks at good times and was engaging and perfectly willing to answer questions and chat with us. He was kind and helpful to his apprentice and I could not h...ave loved the more. And that doesn't even touch on the beautiful artwork on my leg. I've never been so happy with something on my body. This shop deserves every customer they get. They are such warm, wonderful people that are genuinely invested in creating beautiful work and a comfortable environment. Thank you so much for the art guys! See More Read Less

Bethany did an amazing job on my tattoo and she was able to produce my tattoo very fast (about 3 days to draw up my tattoo). I highly recommend going to Elite Tattoo. The atmosphere was great and the staff was very professional. Read Less

I am so glad that I decided to come here! I was on vacation last week with my husband for our anniversary and wanted to get a tattoo to represent him and I. Adam did an excellent job! I showed him a picture of what I wanted and I am so happy with the result! Thank you! Read Less

Shane was amazing! I'm so glad out of the millions of options in Jacksonville, I chose elite! He made the process fun and not scary at all. I was a little nervous getting my first machine tattoo (I have one tebori piece as well) but Shane is a wonderful artist and I can't wait to work with him more in the future! The shop itself is beautiful with wonderful ambiance and everything is super clean which is the most important thing to me. Read Less

I just visited Elite today for my nipple piercings. The atmosphere was amazing, the shop was clean, and I had a wonderful experience. I tend to talk a lot when I get nervous and Jessye let me talk her ear off. I felt very comfortable with her and she made me completely forget about having a needle stuck through my body twice. Read Less

I had an amazing experience at Elite Tattoo with my tatto artist Fabian. He did a great job on my script tattoo and I look forward to my future visits. The environment in this shop is superb and very professional. I love the feel of the shop and the attention to detail that they bestow upon their clients. Definitely a place to go for a clean and wonderful tattoo experience. Read Less

Professional staff and excellent establishment, customer friendly hours and an ample amount of staff which was great because that is a very popular place. My brother and I were lucky enough to get tattooed by Warren, a guest tattoo artist from Brazil who was fabulous. My husband and I will definitely be becoming regulars! Read Less

What good is the piercer if she doesn't respond to her clients calls and inquiries? Lack of communication. Receptionist doesn't know the schedule of when the piercer would be physically in the shop. It was pointless to talk to her and pointless to call the piercer neither responded worth anything. Had to take business elsewhere and let another piercer fix what was done here. Smh. Good ol Jacksonville Read Less

This place is awesome! Best studio I've ever sat in for a tattoo. It's clear everyone works well together - and listening to their banter while I was there for 7 hours was highly amusing. I got a giraffe piece from Gabriel Luna and all I can say is !!!!! By far the BEST tattoo experience I have ever had. Gabriel is truly amazing. I came in with an idea that I thought was pretty great - but he created an original piece that was WAAAY better. It is so obvious that he is passionate about what he does! He put so much time and attention into my piece - and the amount of care shows. He's a very thoughtful artist, gentle and just plain brilliant! This is the first day after my tat from him and I already know I want more of his work on my body! Thank you Gabriel for honoring me with this giraffe - she is gorgeous!! Read Less

The front desk staff are terrible called about a touch up on existing tattoo and they told me once they found an artist that would do it (other artist was a guest artist) they would call me. Never got a call, this has happened several times. The staff do not care about returning customers because there will always be new clients due to all the military. I suggest going next door to mad tatter or down the street to ink slingers. Those two shops care about your business and will make you feel more welcome. Go out and find the little shops and the artist you like don't go here just because of the name.Read Less

Went to try and get my tongue pierced yesterday, when I got there the place looked dirty, and smelled nasty. There was a child playing on the computer at the front desk and I was there a few mins and tattoo artists just stared and didn't say a word to me or my friend around about 5 mins no one had come to try and help us or see what we needed don't so we just walked out. I would never recommend this place to anyone for a tattoo or piercing. It did not look like a professional place and I would be sketchy to get any work done there. Read Less

I've been to several tattoo parlors so I could immediately tell the difference when I walked in to Elite. From the free snacks and beverages to the super friendly staff, this place isn't that seedy tattoo parlor that you conjure in your mind when you think about getting tatted. My wife and I were fortunate to get work done by Gabriel Luna, who puts the artist in tattoo artist. All around us you could see amazing work being done. The place literally inspires greatness among its employees. This is the place to go if you want stellar work done. Read Less

Shane Prater has done 3 tattoos for me now over the past month, and 1 for my husband. One of mine was a difficult coverup, that he nailed. The dude has skills. You get what you pay for. Great tattoos are not cheap, and cheap tattoos are not great. The shop is very clean and beautifully designed. It's also nice watching Shane sanitize everything, using unopened sterile products, etc. There's no question about the work done or the health standards. We've experienced nothing but friendliness and professionalism from every employee we've encountered here. You won't regret going to Elite Tattoo Gallery. Read Less

i live in New Jersey but was on vacation in NC. I thought about adding a new piercing to my cavas so i decided to Yelp some near by places. This place was the best rated one near by so I stopped in. First off, the person at the front desk was extremely sweet, helpful and made all the paperwork super easy. Second, the place is spotless and cozy.  It's just the enviroment you want to be in when youre alittle nervous. They have two seprate seating areas, one with a nice flat screen playing netflix. Another convience would be that they do offer complimentary coffee, snacks and drinks. Yay! I was a walk-in, but it only took about 10-15 before i was in a room with a wonderful women named Jessye. She was amazing. I was alittle nervous and she made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. She knew what she was talking about and was just wonderful. I 10/10 recommend her! Shes great! The price of my piercing was defenitey on the cheaper side so i was VERY happy. This place is amazing. I actually talked to the owner who was from Jersey as well and she seemed like a great, humble person. I love this place and wish I could come here for everything. Amazing place with amazing people. Read Less

The moment I walked in this place I felt at home. The decor really stood out to me. This place isn't dirty or loud. The paintings and various memorabilia on the walls are great. The receptionist was helpful. I had Bethany as my artist and she was friendly and efficient. She did some Latin script on my chest for me. Highly recommended. Read Less

Amazing work amazing experience. Had a piece done by a "butcher" years ago. Girlfriend asked if it was a jail tattoo and that's when I knew I needed to stop being lazy and fix it. Shane at Elite was recommended and wow. Not only did he bring it to life and make it look 100xs better, he didn't change the original idea of the tattoo, was light handed, did perfect color blending, and was one of the fastest artists I've had. My next ink, will with out a doubt, be done by Shane at Elite. Read Less

Awesome place!! Very friendly, welcoming, and talented staff! I am completely happy with my new tattoo and would recommend Elite to anyone looking to get a new tattoo or piercing! I even received a handwritten thank you card from them! Read Less

Stephen Taylor did a great job on my tattoo. I really didn't know what I wanted but had an idea. Stephen came up with something pretty cool that looks awesome! Your next tattoo should definitely be at Elite Tattoo Gallery. Read Less

While on vacation from NY I went to Elite with my daughter, we both wanted piercings. My first impression was that it was a clean and professional shop! We were immediately greeted and asked to fill out a form. Then we were introduced to Kassi, who would be doing the piercings. She is awesome! Explained everything to us in detail and answered any questions we had. Her station is immaculate and she used utmost care to keep everything sterile. She kept us calm and unafraid of a helix piercing, for me and tragus for my daughter! Wish she lived closer to NY, I'd get more piercings by Kassi! I HIGHLY recommend her for piercings! You would not be disappointed. Read Less

I went to get a piercing done yesterday and Kass was so awesome. She's warming, welcoming and energetic. She has awesome tattoos and it's clear that she loves her job. I was nervous about getting it done but she was majorly comforting and quick about it. I will definitely be returning. Read Less

In doing my research for a black and grey realism tattoo artist in the Jacksonville area, I found Melissa Ferranto of Elite Tattoo Gallery. She was great to work with, really listened to what I wanted, and delivered on point. It's obvious how passionate she is about her work, as well as the clients she works with and the connection between them and the tattoo artist. Elite Tattoo has an open and welcoming environment. The staff was very friendly during both my consultation visit and the day of my tattoo appointment. Upon walking in, one of the things that impressed me the most was that instead of the walls being covered in tattoo work, it was instead covered in original art works from the tattoo artists. This is a great way to show off their extended creativity.If anyone in the Jacksonville area is looking to get a tattoo, I highly recommend calling Elite and setting up a consultation. Read Less

Love this shop, have gotten several tattoos here and have had an excellent experience each time. The artists listen to what you want and the significance behind the design you've chosen. Don't take my word for it, come down look at each artist's portfolio. Prices are also great, have been to other shops in this town and thought i was getting a "great deal" because I wasn't spending "a small fortune", in the end, I had to get Nik to fix the work I had done elsewhere, lesson learned, the best price doesn't always mean you are going to get great work. FYI, its more costly to have a tattoo removed or covered, opposed to just having it done right the first time. The piercer,Dyz, is not only very professional and courteous, but doesn't treat your skin like saran wrap, he has a gentle touch and is compassionate, regardless if this is your first piercing or your 10th. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my tattoo and piercing needs, so check them out and become part of the family:) Read Less

Very clean and awesome place. Nick did my tattoo and he also has done 2 of my husband's tattoos. This is our new place for future tattoos. Nick is the manager and does a great job and also has a very light hand. My husband got his family crest on the his back shoulder and loves it. Highly recommend this place if you want a clean environment (who wouldn't?) and an awesome tattoo. Read Less