Had an amazing experience getting tattooed by Claire! I provided her with some reference images and she came up with a beautiful piece that I never would've come up with on my own. She was able to work with my budget to create a project that we both could be happy with, and also helped me feel comfortable and welcome in the shop. The tattoo looks great, and it was one of the best experiences I've had getting tattooed! :) Read Less

Thank you Steve for the quick response to our inquiry about piercing our daughter's ears. Jessica was great very good sterile technique, no infection for us. Our daughter could not be more proud of her piercings and the fact she got them at the tattoo parlor and not the mall. Read Less

Steve's is the best. I came here for my very first tattoo, and have continued coming here for my others. Corey is an amazing artist - always friendly and does simply amazing work. If you're looking for a clean shop with a laid-back atmosphere + a history in Madison, head over to Steve's! Read Less

I am new to town and I heard that this was the oldest shop in town so I thought I would check it out. When I walked up to the shop my first thought was this is a real tattoo shop. When I walked in I sensed a super chill but cool vibe. I was greeted by the manager of the shop who's name is Billy and he was super cool. I told him that I had heard Steve's was the oldest shop in town and he confirmed that. He also went on to tell me that Steve's is the second oldest tattoo shop in Wisconsin. He also told me a bunch of Wisconsin tattooing history. The guy is an amazing tattoo artist and historian of his trade. This place is super gnarly and the real deal. All of the artist here have many years of experience and they all made me feel like I was a part of the family and it was my first time there. In my opinion if you are a purist or just someone who pays attention to the details this is the shop for you. Read Less

I love my tattoo!! It turned out absolutely beautiful.. and It is by far the best shop ever! Corey was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing, staff was amazing, and it was just a great experience! I would recommend this shop to anyone! Read Less

Went with a friend to get our noses pierced to celebrate my freedom from marriage. Jessica did a wonderful job even though I was nearly bouncing out of my seat in excitement! I know where I will go for any future piercings or tats! Read Less

This was an extremely, pleasant experience. Corey did a great job. I felt very comfortable the whole time. The shop is very clean and the people are not pretentious. I went in with high expectations and Steve's fulfilled all of those. Thank you again.  See you next time. Read Less

Went in this past weekend with a friend who got his ear pierced. Jessica was so professional, sweet, kind, and funny that I immediately asked her for a recommendation in shop of who could do my next tattoo.Read Less

My wife and I came in for a couple's tattoo and we both felt Colton went out of his way to make us happy on our anniversary. Steve stopped in and just chatted with us, so cool. Everyone at the shop was great! The tattoos turned out awesome, we are both really pleased. We will be back! Read Less

Last night I got my second tattoo from Dave. I wanted to get a Christmas ornament for my granddaughter who was born on Christmas. Dave explained why what I wanted would not work and helped me decided on some Xmas holly with her name. I totally love it. Just because I moved to Florida doesn't mean I will find someone there to do my next one. I look forward to my next one by Dave. Great guy! Read Less

Very happy with my experience today at Steve's Tattoo Shop. Got a simple script on my forearm in my parent's handwriting and the man (I sadly forgot to get his name) did a beautiful job. I do NOT have a very high threshold for pain, but the artist made me feel comfortable and was very encouraging and personable. Thank you so much, this will always be special to me!!! Read Less

Ronnie is not only an amazing Artist of all sorts but he is an amazing man as well. When you're getting personal it is super important to have that. He is by far one of the best overall artists in the area! He has been working on a portrait for me and I get more compliments on that tattoo than any other! Highly recommend to everyone Read Less

Corey - as I said last night this is not what I had imagined, because I am not an artist, you are. I said swirling dots and stars (and you threw a few in for my amusement I think), but the custom work that you created for me is amazing! You made it all came together in such a well thought out, and playful way. I see the Mickey ears :) Thank you for caring enough about what would look good on my body, instead of "giving me what I want". I am so thankful that I discovered you while I still had some white space left, because you were able to work your magic, and bring it all together. Thank you so much Corey! Read Less

Ronnie James has been my tattoo artist for the pst 3 or 4 years that I have been dedicated to. His artistic talent is exceptional, professionalism is on point, fair prices for incredible work. I could go on and on! This is an artist you can 100% trust for creative control. I'm asked daily where I get my work done... Ronnie James is king Read Less

I've been to this shop many many times. Incredible work from Ronnie James. I wont trust anyone else. Professional, extremely talented. He does full custom work, and will not rip off something from the Internet. I will be back we have lots of plans for the rest of my skin! Read Less

Steve's is my go-to for all my piercing needs. The availability is flexible and open. Jessica is my first choice in the area if I need assistance with my facial piercings. I once got a poorly-done anti-eyebrow at a questionable place in Madison, went to Steve's to have it cleaned and corrected with a proper piece of jewelry. I will say, for facial jewelry, they refer to other shops since their selection is pretty limited. I would definitely recommend for piercing. Now onto tattoos! Read Less

I went to Steve's with good expectations. Heard mostly good things about the tattoos done there. Had just got paid and went in for a walk in around 8pm after calling in. Long story short the artist seemed tired/ lethargic, did some of the lettering crooked, and didn't completely fill in some of the letters. Didn't notice till much later due to the wrap.Paid $150.00 plus a $50.00 tip. Really regret it. Was a very simplistic tattoo. Not sure where the problem came up. Will not be going here again. Read Less

Let me just start off by saying that the experience here was fantastic. If you're someone who just reads the first sentence that's all you need to know other than I would highly recommend working with Alex. I came in with a vision of what I wanted but not necessarily with a vision of how I wanted it done. Alex was super chill and made the experience extremely good. Not only was he great with his customer skills he is an amazing artist. He drew up what I wanted, and I truly captured everything I was looking for. He asked questions trying to make sure that it was right for me. He gave me a little bit of guidance to help lead me away from some potential misguided notions about what I wanted, but he did it in a nice and pleasant way. I will recommend Steve's and especially Alex to anyone and everyone who asks me about my tattoo and tell them about the awesome service that was offered. Please keep up the good work and keep Alex around he is an asset to your business. Read Less

Went in for a walk in consultation and had my mind blown. Dude I talked to was incredibly pretentious about everything. I just wanted to get a couple bands wrapping around my arm with a symbol on top of them. He didn't bother to ask any questions about what I wanted to do with the tattoo just suggested that I do the full forearm, when I only wanted to do half. I preceded to ask the cost and he said $150 an hour. Then I asked him for an estimate on how long it would take and he scoffed and said probably an entire day. Are you kidding? I have had work like this done before for less than $200 in an hour, and went to another shop with this same idea and they told me that it would not take that long and would only charge $100 an hour. He only gave me his opinions about my tattoo rather than ask me what I wanted which offended me. That place is a joke. Read Less

I just called to get advise on a tattoo cover up. I have three bands around my forearm and want them to be covered in one single thick band around my arm. I thought it would be nice to give an apprentice the opportunity to work on my arm so inquired about that. I was met with a lot of resistance and the guy I talked to on the phone was not only rude but demeaning. He said you really need a professional to work on that. I asked if he could explain why and he gave no reason just restated that a professional needed to do it. I immediately called another tattoo shop to ask for their opinion in which they replied that guy was clearly out to get your money and your coverup would be PERFECT practice for an apprentice. I left the phone conversation feeling utterly disappointed in their professionalism and respectfulness. Read Less

my first tattoo and Colton did an awesome job. Very impressed with his style and making sure he explained why he does things certain ways.  I just had seven words put on my forearm, and he was super quick not intentionally, but because he is just very talented.Colton was professional, funny, nice, and careful about the application process, and not rushing.  I walked in with a smile, and walked out with a smile.  Thanks guys...and thanks for telling me about my tag hanging out of my dress :-)  Great place, good employees, and overall really happy. Read Less

I've had two tattoos done here, but the latest one was one to tell my friends about!! I had an appointment at 11am, so it was right at opening, and I met with Alex. He was very helpful, honest, and genuinely fun to work with! He took the time to draw up the sketch for me, which I expected to take some time, and go over sizing with me. It took some time to get into the chair, but then it was really awesome! He put on some music we could sing along too, and at one point we were literally singing Taylor Swift together. That had to be the best tattooing experience I've had so far! He took time with the shading, and was very meticulous about it, even telling me straight up that shading in black and grey wasn't something he was 100% comfortable on, and it took him longer and he wanted to do it right, but I'm sure glad he did! The piece turned out amazing! I'm absolutely in love with the work, it's artwork I'll never get tired of staring at. Aside from Alex, the shop is filled with awesome people, a standout being Jess! She was floating around the shop, doing her work and occasionally coming over and talking with me and another person being tattooed. The chatter was wonderful distraction, especially since I could join in! All in all, an awesome experience! Definitely going again. Read Less

Had so much fun getting my tattoo! My friend took me with him and I had a great time! Our artist, Paul, did a great job, was really funny, and had some awesome ideas that made our tattoos even better. If you're going to get a tattoo, go to Steve's Tattoo! Read Less