My wife and I went here for the first time about a year ago to get matching tattoos and saw Brendt. He's a great guy and does great work. Today I went back to see him for something else and he came through again! Highly recommend! Read Less

(I know there is a completely separate yelp for Paul Zapico at Blu Gorilla, but this review is about my experience as a whole)I had been wanting a botanical tattoo for quite some time, so after doing my research I found what I wanted and I read up on artists. I have been to a couple other artists at another shop and was never really fully pleased with their work or customer service. I found Paul through word of mouth and then started looking up his work. I was extremely impressed. I called to make a consultation but he was booked up really far out, however, he has specific days that he does walk-ins only. I went on his next walk-in only day (which I believe are usually saturday and sundays, but don't hold me to it). There was someone ahead of me when I showed up at 11:30 (shop opens at 11). He asked I give him an hour and then I was next. No problem, I ran a couple errands and came back just around 12:30. He came out shortly after and asked for my ideas and designs. He asked if I was interested in getting tattooed that day. I said absolutely, but was NOT expecting that (score!) He drew up a design based off of the renderings I gave him and let me tell you I was blown away. I was honestly so extremely excited. I liked his drawing a million times better than anything I had found on the internet. True skill. It took him 2.5 hours to tattoo me. Sure it hurt, it was the back of my arm and it hit some tender spots, but he was so nice and allowed me to take a break if I needed it. He also had great music playing the whole time and was in his own room with no disturbances. It was clean and well kept and decorated very well. I have to tell you guys, I was almost in tears when I saw the work he did. He has more talent than I could ever describe. I am so incredibly pleased I have been telling everyone I know about Paul.The shop itself is minimalist. Clean, well decorated and a good size. The staff was very polite and friendly. The receptionist in the morning was new and was training, which i'm sure we all have been there at some time, so I can't judge based off of that, but even with her not knowing the ropes yet, she was so sweet and friendly. Chris helped her with her questions and he seemed really great as well.I would recommend this shop if you want a great, talented group of people in a comfortable, well-maintained atmosphere. I would HIGHLY recommend Paul if you want the most detailed, elaborate, beautiful tattoo of your life! Read Less

Had a half sleeve done by Tony Mingacci, biggest mistake of my life! Lady Liberty is inverted and over all quality is horrible. If your looking for someone that can trace a stencil, here you go, but if your looking for an artist look elsewhere. Read Less

A month or so ago, my husband and I called in to book an appointment. The gentlemen took our names, gave us the emails to send our designs to and took our deposit over the phone. We emailed Brent our artist and he confirmed that our designs would be ready on the date we had scheduled. We show up on the day of our appointment and we were told we didn’t have an appointment set up. The women at the front desk who is the manager becomes very rude and starts trying to blame us for the mix up. We explain that we spoke to a gentlemen who took our info and said he had scheduled our appointment for this date. She brings over Brent and starts saying that he never sets up an appointment with out a consultation. He then tries to say he never received our email with the designs. After we show him the email, he magically remembers our tattoos but he had already had another appointment set up. At that point we were very annoyed and disappointed because they are supposed to be the best in Charleston. We then start talking about rescheduling our appointment and again the manager at the desk is very rude. Brent then states that normally we don’t set up appointments on Saturday but I guess we can. We ask if Sunday would be better and promptly get told no by the manager. So we go with Saturday because we had no option. Brent then without an apology says that it won’t happen again. We left the shop and after talking, we decided to cancel our appointment. When we called to cancel, the manager again very rude and snarky about the situation stated we would not get a refund. We then ask to speck with the owner. She stated she would give our info to him and he would call us in the next week or so. To date, he hasn’t called us. Overall, they need customer service training. When you mess up, as a business, you need to try and make up for the error. You should never make someone feel like they do not matter or that they are bothering you by being in your shop. Read Less

A month or so ago, my husband and I called in to book an appointment. The gentlemen took our names, gave us the emails to send our designs to and took our deposit over the phone. We emailed Brent our artist and he confirmed that our designs would be ready on the date we had scheduled. We show up on the day of our appointment and we were told we didn't have an appointment set up. The women at the front desk who is the manager becomes very rude and starts trying to blame us for the mix up. We explain that we spoke to a gentlemen who took our info and said he had scheduled our appointment for this date. She brings over Brent and starts saying that he never sets up an appointment with out a consultation. He then tries to say he never received our email with the designs. After we show him the email, he magically remembers our tattoos but he had already had another appointment set up. At that point we were very annoyed and disappointed because they are supposed to be the best in Charleston. We then start talking about rescheduling our appointment and again the manager at the desk is very rude. Brent then states that normally we don't set up appointments on Saturday but I guess we can. We ask if Sunday would be better and promptly get told no by the manager. So we go with Saturday because we had no option. Brent then without an apology says that it won't happen again. We left the shop and after talking, we decided to cancel our appointment. When we called to cancel, the manager again very rude and snarky about the situation stated we would not get a refund. We then ask to speck with the owner. She stated she would give our info to him and he would call us in the next week or so. To date, he hasn't called us. Overall, they need customer service training. When you mess up, as a business, you need to try and make up for the error. You should never make someone feel like they do not matter or that they are bothering you by being in your shop. Read Less

Sir/ ma'am  let me tell you this guy chris can put in work. I sat with Chris after a phone call to the shop and discussed what i wanted for finishing my sleeve did 3 sessions from my elbow up.1 5.5 hour 2 4.5 hours The man works great with awesome machines and passion for tattooing. One of the best experices ive ever had working with a talented artist. Easy to contact when needing to. Staff was friendly for a tattoo shop. From what i understand chris is newer to the Charleston area and is a tattoo artist of 25 years or so and his work shows it. From the wings to the clouds on me i would got back to him if I was 1000 miles away. Very satisfied with his work and hope to be seeing him soon. Good job and good luck Read Less

My wife got a small tattoo that had a lot of detail in it. Chris did a remarkable job. His line work looked incredibly delicate and fine. The shading he added enhanced the art. The tat also healed incredibly well. I think I have found my new artist. Read Less

Paul is the s#*t just to cut to the point. I'm so in love with my tattoo, and he drew it himself with 3 or 4 various references I gave him to combine. It only took about 2 hours and he played some dank tunes during my tattoo!! Definitely my new and permanent artist!! Read Less

I was visiting the area and decided to scope the tattoo studios. Was linked up with Paul as a walk-in and he was incredibly receptive. I came in with a vague idea and he was able to help me come up with a concrete image. I've been getting tattoos for 6 years now and this has been one of my best experiences. He's very talented, able to work with clients of different pain thresholds, and sets a very good environment. Read Less

Chad did my first tattoo & he was awesome! He talked to me & made me feel comfortable. I definitely recommend him & this place! The pricing isn't too bad either, & the quality of the tattoo is great. I love my tattoo. Thank you Chad & BGGC! Read Less

David is awesome, not chattie, nor does he have the "I'm a tattoo God complex". I explained I would be a challenge and he was more then professional regardless off my slightly bitchy attitude. I only have the outline done and have received sooooo many compliments.Read Less

Super happy with how my 1/2 sleeve is turning out. I was extremely difficult in the beginning and didn't see the artist vision. Now that it's coming together, I can see what he saw all along. If you don't like attention or constantly being complemented on your work, then I suggest going somewhere with artist who have less experienced (there are a lot of shops, with lack of experience, to choose from around here). I researched portfolios for MONTHS, with the help of a friend/artist that lives in NY. David was truly the best in versatility and style.. Read Less

Simple: Dave Riley. Thats about all you need to know.  The man is great at what he does and is pleasant in the process.  Ive sat with him over 15 hours now and have a few left to go.  He does not disappoint! Read Less

My friend and I walked in on a Saturday and was greeted promptly by a very friendly and attentive staff member. We were helped immediately and was told due to some "no shows" , if we waited a half hour we could be seen. Of course we did and around 30 min later we were taken back. Paul did my memorial tattoo for my dad and took my concept and improved it beyond what I expected. It meant alot to me because I recently lost my Dad. The design was simple, but one of the best tats I've gotten!Read Less

I went in for my second tattoo with David Riley, awesome artist. Had some of my own ideas and had him design something based off that; his design was not what I wanted; but he worked at it to get what was more of what I wanted. It turned out awesome. Thank you DAVID! Would highly recommend this shop; everyone is very nice and professional. Read Less

Normally you wouldn't want to go to a tattoo shop, car lot, etc right off a military base because you aren't going to have a good experience. But this shop has exceeded all expectations I had for it (which were high to begin with because of what everyone said about it). They have a really inviting staff and the artists have the talent and experience to create an amazing piece for you. Check out each of the portfolios for everyone and I'm sure you will find someone you will want to work with. Read Less

When there to get a half sleeve, they were very professional. I was tattooed by tony at the goose creek location and he was amazing, the design he made was exactly what I was looking for and he did an amazing job I am extremely happy with how it came out. I recommend that everyone go there. I will be definitely going back for any other tattoos I want. Read Less

When I went in a week before to ask them some questions, Paul was very polite and informative. Everything he told me was spot on and all prices were just as he said they were going to be. Once I returned to get my tattoo, I was a bit nervous about it because it was my first and the artist, Chad was very good at making the experience a good one. He talked me through the process and did an amazing job on the tattoo. I will definitely be going back and requesting him as my artist again. Read Less

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Oh, did I mention awesome! Love Tony Gacci. He's tattooed me three times now and flawless every time. Love Chris and the rest of the staff. Always professional, respectful and genuinely cool. Read Less

Chad is absolutely amazing! My previous design was not able to be done and he come with another in less than 20 minutes and I'm glad I made the switch! Chad was caring, entertaining and knew when to make small talk to make the 3 hours less awkward lol. The overall environment was clean and super jokey and I instantly felt comfortable to be there! Blu Gorilla is the best and would highly recommend any of their artists! Read Less

Amazing work!! Excellent artists and very nice people!! Paul did my tattoo and it is amazing. I wasn't even sure what exactly I wanted, but he took my basic idea and made it spectacular. He also told me it'd cost a specific amount, then after we got done actually charged me less. I'd definitely go back again, and I recommend anyone who wants a tattoo come here. Read Less

I was super nervous before I got my tattoo! I heard from a lot of people that this was he shop to go to...and boy were they right. The staff was amazing from walking in scheduling an appointment to walking in for my appointment! Chad is a wonderful tattoo artist! He talked me the whole way through the tattoo. He let me finagle some details of the tattoo! When he finished I was like your done already! Let's do it again! Awesome guy and he always has customer here! Thanks Blu gorilla for my making my first tattoo and awesome experience!! Read Less

Love this shop!!! All the artists do superb work. My husband and myself each got tattooed by Chad on a walk-in weekend. Our son has been tattooed twice by Paul. I'm getting a rework of an old tattoo by David tonight! Chris the front desk guy is awesome, very personable! The shop is clean and all the artists have clean stations! I would recommend any of these artists. They are all very skilled and are as good as any artist you would find in any big city! Read Less

My son and his friend went in as walk-ins and were seen by artist, Paul Z. He did awesome work, and we couldn't believe he has only been tattooing a few years!! He was very friendly and professional. One tattoo was an American traditional of friendship hands and one was a funky skater tattoo (Toy Machine). The colors were bold and line work tight! Chris the shop manager was awesome, too, as were all the artists we met! Clean shop and I would get tattooed by any artist in the shop! They are all awesome! Can't wait for my appointment with artist, David! Prices were fair also!!! They don't gouge you, but set fair prices for great work, which will keep us coming back! Read Less

Short wait. Seen on time. Very clean. Tony did a great job. Nice crisp edges. Its on my right fore arm. It translate in English to "Proud Father". Not my 1st tattoo. I have a total now of 9. I got a few in New Hampshire and Florida. It was a bit more expensive then thought it would be. Read Less

Beyond excited about this place, even more excited about David Riley. I am from the Pittsburgh area, and my tattoo artist, will, of the past five years recently passed away. So I was not only very skeptical but also emotional about my first tattoo from someone else. This location is of course busy, I definitely suggest an appt. I have done some serious investigation throughout chs for tattoo artists and he was my fav, he was polite, and extremely professional. I sat for three hours for the most amazing, realistic, and detail oriented piece of art that I have ever put on my body. He was clean, light handed, and his lines are flawless, as is his shading. As an artsy person, I am no expert, but obviously a little more aware than the average person, and he out did my expectation. There is so much meaning for me behind this tattoo and even more because it was my first tattoo without will. My aunt, who this is a memorial to would be proud, and I like to think that will would also be proud. This is my go-to place and I will be returning before I move. Read Less

Best tattoo experience I have ever had! My mom and brother got their first tattoos, my aunt and I got one as well. Tony was super nice and professional with all of us. He was so patient with the whole family! (We are a loud clan) I will definitely come to him next time I am in town!! He was amazing! Read Less

I have had 2 tattoos done here, as well as brought 3 other people here, and it's always high quality work at reasonable prices. The place is also very clean, which is a huge factor for tattoo parlors.  I will definitely be back for my next one and might possibly talk my husband into his first soon! Read Less