Rick is my favorite tattoo artist around. He's good at what he does, easy to chat with, and an all-around cool guy. I've been his loyal customer for almost a decade, and will be as long as he sticks around. Read Less

This shop came highly recommended from several of my friends who use Rick as their guy. My first tattoo exp wasn't great (shady dude in his living room), so moving forward I wanted the best. Rick has done 3 tattoos that all have very special meaning to me and he took his time to make sure it was perfect. I am so in love with them and can not recommend someone more than Rick !! He is phenomenal at his job and it shows in his work ! Read Less

I've been coming to Cape Fear Tattoo since I was the age of 16 and got my nostril pierced. The laid back atmosphere is what drew me in on my initial visit. Everyone there makes you feel welcome, and are incredibly nice. Everyone is so professional with their work, but also very cool. Rick, a tattoo artist, is one of the ONLY people I will come to if I want a tattoo. When I got my first tattoo, I was nervous and Rick calmed me down, assured me I was in good hands, and soothed my nerves. Years later, I came to Rick with an idea for a chest piece (I gave him song lyrics) and I let him take the reins on the design and I was floored at how amazing the design is that he came up with. Hands down the best shop I've ever been to. Would recommend 10/10. Read Less

My husband and I found out about Cape Fear Tattoos by word of mouth. We decided to check it out and now REFUSE to go anywhere else or see anyone else. Our go to guy is Rick! Hes done work on both my husband and myself and we have absolutely no complaints. My husband has 2 sleeves done by him, and I have a half sleeve, leg piece and foot piece. Amazing work, great prices and a cool guy to spend a couple hours with. He also always asks about our son and how he is which means a lot to us. We now live in Kansas due to the military but are looking forward to making trips to NC to see family....and get tattooed! And Rick always manages to squeeze us in! Seriously, go see the man! Read Less

Got a tattoo here a few weeks ago. Awesome experience. If you're looking for a talented artist with a great attitude go see Rick Welch!! Absolutely love how my tattoo turned out and I will definitely come back here for more! Read Less

The tattoo artists I had was a joke my tattoo came out with missing lines and he didn't even do the lines right there patchy and faded looking already and it's only been 3 weeks. I do not suggest going here Read Less

Drew did an amazing job on my very first tattoo! I showed him my idea and obviously let him have some artistic freedom with it, and it turned out great. I couldn't have been happier. I only wish I didn't live 12 hours away so that he could do more! Read Less

Great place, clean tools, and absolutely awesome artists. Went to make an appointment today to get a very sentimental tattoo. They made the appointment for that evening. Drew did an amazing job and the tattoo ended up better than I imagined it! He is extremely talented and gets awesome work done pretty quick. This shop is also really affordable. Cape Fear is an all around great place, and I'll be back. Read Less

So I'm a pretty picky person in general and when it comes to something permanent on my body, I'm VERY particular.. When I first wanted to get a tattoo, I went to a few different shops that had horrible customer service. And no I don't mean they were just more quiet and laid back, I mean they spoke to me like I was an idiot and did not seem willing to work with my ideas. Luckily, I then stumbled upon Cape Fear Tattoo (where up to date I have had 7 tattoos from and 3 more in the process of being drawn.) Rick Welch has been my only artist and let me just say, he's THE B O M B. Everyone at the shop was super chill and they still all greet me when I come in, literally a year later. Not to mention, their shop is CLEAN AS F***. I'm OCD when it comes to health/safety and I have never had ANY issues with that. You can tell they take pride in their work and especially the environment they tattoo in. Rick has worked with every little nit-pick I have made at his drawings and is honest with me in what he thinks will look good or what is just impossible. He never tries to sway my opinions/ideas and he helps me visualize "hey this will actually look sick" or make me realize a certain idea wouldn't fit/lok as I would want on a certain area of my body. Sorry for this novel but Cape Fear Tattoo has always treated me well. Definitely worth your time, money, and pain (not much, don't worry) to stop in here. They will fit you in their schedule as soon as possible and are super reasonable with their prices. LOVE YOU GUYS U ROCK Read Less

Myself and a group of ladies walked in today for tattoos and this business is truly amazing! They were accommodating, helpful and a very fun group to work with! Special shout out to our artists, Mike and Sam, who gave us their professional opinions and made this a fun experience! We highly recommend this place, especially because of Sam and Mike, to anyone looking for tattoos/piercings! Read Less

Drew has always been the best! Listens to me, but is creative and knowledgeable enough to let me know what can work, and what won't work. I've moved to CA, but will be waiting until I visit NC to let anyone else tattoo me. Read Less

What an amazing shop. Rick is am absolute tattoo genius! Such an amazing artist and all around good dude. Everyone in the shop is super friendly and they are all incredibly skilled in what they do. You can't go wrong with going to Cape Fear Tattoo. I will never go to another shop as long as Cape Fear Tattoo is around! Read Less

They are the best. They have done both of my tattoo's and I still get compliments on how awesome and colorful my tattoo looks after being done years ago. Everyone asks if I just got it done recently. I wouldn't go anywhere else. Read Less

Rick was great! I got a pretty simple, black tattoo. I was worried the artist I got would give me a hard time, but not Rick! He did a great job, handled it just like it was a huge sleeve. Thanks again, Rick! I'm loving it! Read Less

Both me and my wife got our first tattoos here, and we both had a fantastic experience. Very comfortable, very clean shop with incredibly talented artists. Go see Rick Welch!! His lines are off the wall, and he's a great artist if you're looking to create your own design. Read Less

Sam, Sam, Sam. Took my mom and sis to get a trio of tattoos. This guy was AMAZING. He's not only a great tattoo artist, but he also owns the place! He's very easy on the eyes ( ;P ) and is also a great conversationalist and has awesome customer service. If you're in the area and get the ink itch, this is the guy to scratch it. Pricing was awesome, the shop was clean, and the music fit the mood. I look forward to getting another piece by him soon! Read Less

Sold on this place. Good humor amongst the staffa and very helpful and professional weather it be your own idea for a design or the hundreds they have on display. THey are great about coming back for touch ups as any good business would. Tips my hat off to Cape Fear Tattoo! Read Less