Hubs and I came in a few weeks ago and met with Darren. He was incredibly professional, kind, and listened well to our wishes. We set up a time to get our tattoos done, and today was the day. Darren was again super polite and lovely. He did my piece first- incredibly detailed letterwork and old timey graphics. Darren had super focus as he did my tat and a light touch to boot. The tat took about 2 hours, during which time I found myself sort of closing my eyes and just kind of drifting in my own thoughts- not focusing on pain since it wasn't too crazy. Husband came next for the outline of his piece. Once again, attention to detail and lots of patience. Highly, highly recommend. Read Less

I found old Tacoma tattoo through the recommendation of a friend and I'm so glad he recommended it! Andre did my tattoo and he did such an amazing job! It was in honor of my grandfather a man I love and respect and Andre acheived that in a tattoo thank you so much! I can't wait to come back for some more tats! Read Less

I'm not gonna lie...my family has been following Andre Ortego, the Owner, for years.  All of our tattoo work has only been entrusted to him.Andre does great work in a clean, cool and hip shop.  He is not only our favorite tattoo artist, but a part of our family history. Just this week he offered to come in on his only day off to give us special tattoo's for he knew it was my son's Memorial Day.  We love our new tattoo's and look forward to our next visit! Read Less

I considered for a long time not to post this review but after my experience at another tattoo shop I felt it should be available for others to see. I will not name the other tattoo shop I went to I will just keep it strictly to Old Tacoma Tattoo. The shop itself is super clean and in a good part of town. It's nice being there. I normally go to a different shop but decided to try Old Tacoma Tattoo. Aron got me in same day (there were no customers besides myself at the time) and touched up two pieces for me. Now, getting tattoos is not the most comfortable thing you can do but this time around I found it to be more painful than previous times I had work done. I chalked it up to me being older and having a pain tolerance that had diminished. The next day both spots were clearly raised almost as if I had been branded. I mean I was swollen! I was bruised all around the areas that were touched up. I'm talking black and blue. The tattoos took about two weeks to heal. After reading a lot about recovery time etc.. I came to the conclusion that my artist was extremely heavy handed. I do have one spot where black just won't take and from what I've read that indicates scarring. It was hard to move my arm in those spots for a few days afterwards. Fast forward about a year later (which is now) and I just had another piece done at a DIFFERENT shop. 4 hours in the chair. Discomfort of course but no agonizing pain. Go home and try to be mentally prepared for the pain that will be occurring the following morning. Only there was no pain! And on day two following getting the tattoo I can hardly feel as if it was even done. Needless to say I have found my forever tattoo artist (as long as he stays local)! I don't want to knock Old Tacoma Tattoo I know they are well regarded but the day I decided to go in the shop is a day I wish I could have back.Edit: I know some may say it would be due to certain areas of the body. But the two I received at OTT are directly under the work I just had done with the new work wrapping all the way around my arm. Read Less

Andrea does the bast tattoo work. I have went somewhere else and had to have him fix there mistake. I have learned not to go to anyone else. He has always had a clean shop. I have been going to him for years and my brother has had amazing work done by him also. He takes his time and does a great job. Read Less

I woke up today and decided to get a tattoo and I'm so happy that Old Tacoma Tattoo accepts walk ins! I absolutely love my tattoo! Aron did an amazing job! The atmosphere is very clean and everyone is welcoming and friendly. This is my 6th tattoo and is by far the best experience I've had. Thank you guys! I will definitely be returning! Read Less

Wow! I finally had the opportunity to get an appointment to get some work at old tacoma. Several friends highly recommended them. Andre runs a top notch parlour. And his motley crew of phenomenal artist. Darin, Aaron and York will not disappoint. You will leave loving your work an offering to pay them more than they charged you. Best artist in old town. I was a little nervous about going to a new tattoo parlour. Darin, Aaron, and York were so pleasant and friendly, immediately putting all my anxieties at ease. I had the pleasure of having a custom piece drawn by York. I am so ecstatic with his artwork. I am an art snob and hard to please. I will be back for more. Cheers Read Less

Aron did a fantastic job of my daughters signature on my forearm----very clean lines and FAST (she's got a long name....whoa).  His professionalism and friendliness will have me coming back for more and touch up of others I have.  THANK YOU ARON!!' 5-Stars! Read Less

Andre is a terrific artist, and an all-around stand-up guy. Got three more tattoos today - all exactly what I wanted - actually much better than I imagined! See any of the artists at Old Tacoma Tattoo - you won't be disappointed! Read Less

My hubby and I got tattoos yesterday by Andre at Old Tacoma Tattoo. I have been to four other tattoo shops to get previous tattoos and Old Tacoma Tattoo is by far the best. Andre is an amazing tattoo artist as well as friendly and easy going. The place is extremely clean and organized. Our tattoos are PERFECT and we can not wait to visit the shop again in the near future for more ink. I highly recommend  Andre and Old Tacoma Tattoo, you will NOT be sorry! Read Less

I could go on for days raving about the guys at Old Tacoma Tattoo...they are all first class in their trade and honestly just really cool good guys. Aron came in on his day off to tattoo my best friend and I while she was in town to visit....he will never know how much that meant to me. If you want ink, and you want it done right, Dre and Aron are your guys. Read Less

Andre from Old Tacoma Tattoo was absolutely wonderful. My twin sister and I were looking for a place to get tattoos honoring our late mother for our 18th birthday. We brought in a baseline photo and one of the many cards she wrote us and yesterday (May 31st) he gave us both these beautiful tattoos that just blew us away. He was so kind, caring, clean and helpful. Would recommend to ANYONE, especially if it's your first tattoo! Read Less

It was my first tattoo and I Got it done with Andre!! He was amazing! I was so scared and nervous but he talked with me during my whole tattoo and. Comforted me! He was hilarious and overall a great artist! My Aunt told me about him and I went for it! I already have my second appt set up with him! Thank you so much Andre! 😋 Read Less

My sister and I went in to get memorial tattoos in honor of our late mother. It was my first tattoo, and I really love it. My sister's tattoo turned out beautifully as well. Thank you, Jesse Montgomery, for your exquisite artwork and skill. Nice, bright, clean, professionally run shop. Read Less

I got my first tattoo done by Aron back in June 2016-Aron went above and beyond to make my friend and I comfortable with the process before, during, and after he was done with both our tattoos. He was fun to talk to the whole time and gave clear instructions for care when he finished. He did an amazing job on both our tattoos, was efficient and didn't make us spend unnecessary time waiting or during the tattoo, and was not overbearing with pressure of the needle.I would recommend Aron to anyone looking to get their first tattoo or someone looking to add to some new ink. Read Less

I had heard many good things about the shop. I had an emotional tattoo I needed covered up. It took me along time to find the right place to do it. Aron is beyond amazing. He took the time to design a beautiful tattoo I could be proud of not just slopping on a bunch of ink to cover it up. I highly recommend Aron. Read Less

I've been tattooed by both Andre and York multiple times, they are amazing people as well as artists. The atmosphere there is awesome. I wouldn't want to be tattooed anywhere else! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!! Read Less

Absolutely in awe of Andre's work. He is so talented and patient. We only talked briefly and he drew up a beautiful design. It was my second tattoo and he walked me through the process and told me what to expect as far as pain. He couldn't have been kinder or more talented. I will definitely be back! Read Less

This shop is clean, classy, and has tattoo artists doing amazing work. I highly recommend Aron and Andre for any custom work or just pick something from the cool flash that's hanging on the walls. Great shop, great guys, good vibe. Read Less

Absolutely love my new tattoo! Aron was super fast and he cleaned up a tattoo that I just got a year ago and it was already crap. Now it's nice and dark. Had both tattoos done in about 30 minutes or so. Nice clean shop! Read Less