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454 Tattoo & Body Piercing
Categories: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Beauty and Spas Piercing Shopping Jewelry Tattoo, Piercing, Jewelry [Edit]
454 N Coast Hwy 101Encinitas, CA 92024
Neighborhood: Encinitas
(760) 942-2333
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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44 reviews for 454 Tattoo & Body Piercing
Review Highlights
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"He is an amazing and talented tattoo artist." In 11 reviews -
"Thanks Brad, and see you at my next appt." In 8 reviews -
"...great job, and always made me feel comfortable through out..." In 4 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Julie D.
Encinitas, CA
4/26/2012
Ummmm LOVE! Lee is an amazing guy that will bend over backwards to give you great customer service. I got a set of plugs pierced there and was having a crazy wonderful day, didn't think that it could get any better. Lo and behold it did!! Got my plugs, my sani solution and left a happy pierced woman.
Best part is that I didn't have to worry a second about sanitary conditions or expertise. You can tell that the staff and ownership truly reflects excellence. I've been reccomending them for quite sometime now.
Go get yourself impaled. They'll do it just right :) -
Review from Andy R.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/2/2012
i went in on two different occasions, the first time i wanted a tattoo and new plugs for my ears, i bought some bone plugs that were hollow and i was a bit concerned about the life of these as i assumed they would dissolve easy if not cared for properly, so i asked what care should be taken to make sure they last. the person behind the counter said they require no care and to treat them as any other plugs i've had in the past. i don't remember the cost exactly but it is safe to say the plugs dissolved and fell apart within a few weeks, now i'm no idiot, i know how to handle these types of things, i've had plugs for years including wood, horn, silicone, metal, stone and plastic, but this was the first time i found bone in a store and I didn't really have much of an idea of how to care for it. i was given incorrect information and since i was from way out of town i really couldn't have returned them.
now for the "tattoo", I had a fairly open concept of what i wanted and could be open for artistic freedom, because after all tattoo artists are artists after all right? so i explained what i wanted the best i could and the artist asked if i had any pictures, i was from out of town (San Francisco area) and came here from a nice review from a reputable tattoo magazine, needless to say i didn't have any pictures so the artist told me he couldn't help me and sent me went on my way. pretty sad for an expensive, renowned shop!
second time i went in was around noon on a Saturday few years later, it was really quiet and i didn't hear any tattoo guns running in the back. I wanted a simple little design on my inner wrist, so i told the girl at the front counter what i wanted and she went in the back and asked if anyone was interested, she came back said there is an opening at 6:00pm and it will be roughly $200! needless to say my jaw hit the floor, the girl said that the artist may waive the price, i really had no idea what she meant by that so i asked further and she didn't know the difference between a waiver and a wager which are both irrelevant in getting a tattoo, well i should sign a waiver if getting a tattoo if the shop was legit, but a wager is something you do on a bet. so i never talked to an artist (which pissed me off), the girl at the front counter was clearly an idiot or a middle school drop out and they charge way too much money. so i went to San Diego on a friends recommendation and i was literally in, tattooed and out of the shop within an hour and it cost me $80 for exactly what i was asking for. -
Review from Rachel S.
Vista, CA
3/22/2012
454 is a really cool place to look at, as soon as you walk in, you see pictures on the wall and cool leather couches.
So, yes everybody there is very talented! They all do great jobs and have earned the respect of probably all of their clients, BUT most of the staff is so unbelievably rude.
I feel like some of them need to be humbled, yes you are great at what you do, but that does not mean you should be rude to your customers. Maybe they think they have nothing to lose because it's a privately owned business.
But I was cut-off when I was trying to explain something I needed help with (a piercing) to the guy that answered the phone and he was very sarcastic with me BUT I do trust the staff with my piercings and tattoos over many other body shops.
Its a win-lose situation. -
Review from Candace S.
Oceanside, CA
4/30/2012
I wandered in here while just shopping a bit on a Saturday and was instantly amazed. I got most of my piercing done while living on the east coast, where shops like this are abundant, and was thrilled to find this place out here! What a happy accident that I wandered in.
When I came in the woman at the counter let me browse a bit while chatting to me and then cheerfully opened every cabinet I asked and sized the plugs I was interested in until we found what I wanted. She was excellent and they gave me a discount while she rang up the sale.
I then asked a few questions about a tattoo I've been planning and she had one of the artists come from the back and talk with me. They showed me the portfolios of the artists they thought would mesh best with my ideas. The gentleman (didn't catch any names, sorry!) even brought out a book of illustrations that matched the ideas I was talking about. I will be back in with some source images and my ideas to talk to the artist they suggested next week.
If you have complaints about customer service here, please come back and see for yourself, they are really excellent these days! I think most people's mistake when addressing artists is to expect them to up-sell like a shop girl trying to get you to buy a knock off blouse or just say "yes, of course" to everything you say like you are ordering a burger. These are artists and they are looking out for your best interests, treat them with the respect they deserve and you will get the excellent customer service you expect. -
Review from Molly T.
Carlsbad, CA
2/27/2012
454 is a great shop. Everything is down to earth, the artists are really nice, and the environment is comfortable. I got my labret pierced here when I turned 18. At the time the piercer was Kelly. She did a great job, but I didnt keep up with the after care and the hole closed.
When I was ready for my tattoos 454 was the first place on my list. They were highly recommended by many people I know, and I was impressed from my piercing experience.
I got my tat done by Logan (whom I dont think works at the shop anymore), he was very professional. All the tools were properly cleansed and ready for business. I wont go to any other shop. -
Review from Shell B.
Escondido, CA
2/24/2012
I called in wanting dainty script right underneath my boob/rib cage and Ryan was amazing helpful tryin to explain everything and help me get exactly what I wanted over the phone.. The next day I came in for a consult and he let me know BRIAN SEGHERS had the prettiest script in the shop. He's an amazing all around great tattoo artist! His script is absolutely gorgeous! Also, for you girls that are getting tattooed in maybe not the most comfortable place to get tattooed by some random artist.. (Which I was worried about=\) he's so tasteful and respectful. But anyways today I got my butterfly behind my ear redone & he listened to exactly what I said and turned it back into a gorgeous vibrant tattoo that I ask him to do(: and as for everyone in that shop... They are super nice, honest, and down to earth. All I can say is great vibes from that whole shop(:
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Review from Angela K.
8/17/2011
I've gotten 4 piercings & 3 tattoos here.
Everyone that works here is exceptionally nice, friendly and willing to give their input/advice to the work you are having done.
The are very clean & sterile, but its in a low key down to earth environment. Tattoos are expensive in general, but they don't overcharge you, and definitely give repeat customers hook ups.
Ryan has done all three of the tattoos I have had done here.. He is an amazing artist, that has really worked with what I want.. transforming my loose ideas to beautiful works of art. He really knows what translate well on the skin, color and with the lines of the body. Being a girl, its very important to me that my tattoos are flattering and not masculine. My tattoos are not girly in style or subject, but are very feminine and attractive in shape and placement.
Ryan and the staff are also funny and good at keeping you calm/taking your mind of the pain.
Thanks guys! -
Review from Sammy B.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
5/29/2011
I've got some pretty mixed feelings about 454. There are many really great attributes to the shop, but also quite a few things that I'm not too fond of.
I got my tragus pierced here on my 17th birthday, which was a very good overall experience. The shop was very clean, with a couch to wait on and flip through tattoo books or wait for your piercing/tattoo.
They did a very good job with my piercing. Sterile tools, calming and actually good music in the piercing room, and very nice jewelry. They have some of the most gorgeous plugs and dangling gauges I've ever seen. Anyways, back to the tragus, it came out very well and they did excellent breathing exercises. It still hurt, but was overall a generally good experience.
My main issue with this shop, however, is some of the staff and the overpriced services. I'm planning on getting a navel piercing, and went in to ask how much it cost. MINIMUM cost was 65 for the plain metal barbell.......anything above that will probably run you at least a hundred. Nose piercings are also extremely over priced. Also, they sell plain silver hoops for 15 dollars each, which is way too much. The balls always fall off of them, and every friend I know that has one have dealt with it breaking. It happened to my sister and they refused to replace it, unless she wanted to pay for a new earring.
Also, I'm not sure if the woman who was there when I got my tragus pierced still works there because I haven't seen here there in a while, but the brown haired woman that worked there was extremely sassy and seemed to find me irrelevant and not worth speaking to because I didnt have sleeves of tattoos or a ton of outlandish piercings.
The guy with gauges and gauged conch piercings is really nice though, and so is the red headed girl. Both of them have given me great service and answered my questions without even a slight bit of judgement.
Overall, I probably won't be coming back simply because I can't afford the work, but they do a good job on mostly everything and I like the cleanliness. -
Review from Juje J.
San Diego, CA
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was here while one of my oldest friends was getting a tattoo done here at the 454 Tattoo & Body Piercing shop in Encinitas.
First off, let me just tell you how impressed I was at the art work that was done on her back...the tattoo artist was fast and funny and he did really good art work. I think that's what impressed me the most was how well the artwork was done in so little time.
I've had Tattoo's done on myself before, and I've seen on an average, how long it takes for an artist to get a job done (especially with all the detail they put into it) but this artist was extremely good and fast.
Realistically, I would give this Tattoo Shop 5 stars, but since I was only there as a spectator, I have to be as honest as I can on this review. The 454 Tattoo & Body Piercing lives up to their billing and has a lot to offer. The artist here is very professional and knows how to lay on the ink. The quick service my friend got was quite impressive and kinda makes me want to get one in the near future.
Who knows...maybe the next time I come here, it'll be for a tattoo I want for myself...Great Job 454 Tattoo! -
Review from Stephanie T.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011
Did not get a tattoo here. But my friend and I wanted to get our lettering tattoos done. So one of the guys recommended Billy. The tattoo I want is very specific and detailed. Just like many others who get a tattoo, it's supposed to mean a lot and mine does obviously so I wrote it out and told him this is exactly how I want it. I also wrote out my friend's tattoo and it was the only one he drew out. We went over to check it out and he showed it to us, very lovely.. but not the style we want. We wanted something to look handwritten and it seemed like it was just a tattoo font. It was beautiful but like I said, not what we wanted. I told him how I wanted mine and he seemed like he didn't give a damn about what we wanted. He was so uninterested and I didn't like his attitude. He just went on to tattooing the other girl when he was done with his break as if we weren't even there. Ugh ok thanks buddy.. wasn't awkward at all! Maybe if you were a little nicer to your customers, gave a f***, and wasn't consumed with your wants and needs instead of theirs (after all the tattoo will be on my body forever, so if I was gonna get it, it has to be EXACTLY how I want it obviously) then maybe we would have put our down we went through with it.
Welllllllll apparently that's just too much to ask. So guess not. -
Review from Roxanne R.
San Marcos, CA
8/28/2010
I was a loyal customer to 454 for nearly 2 years. Got every single tattoo and piercing done here (we're talking way over $1000) and never had a single complaint.
Granted, the staff is not particularly accommodating, some may even say downright rude, but I have a sense of humor and went alone with the sarcastic bull.
Needless to say, after dropping over a grand I would obviously expect at least SOME kind of special treatment...oh I don't know...a discount maybe?!?!? But no. Never. Lee gave me a free t-shirt once. That was about it. Oh...and the piercings...almost every single one I had got infected. All 22 or so that I had done there. Again. I spent a LOT of money.
After my last over $200 tattoo (black script...took 30 min...what a joke) I was completely fed up and swore off the place. Brady is a great artist, I have some tattoos to testify to that, but some of them look like he didn't even give a shit...because he didn't.
Here's a hint 454...when someone spends that much time and money at your shop, it's usually a good idea to accommodate them. Half the time when I would walk in the staff would actually ignore me.
If you have money to waste and aren't easily offended, 454 isn't terrible in terms of the actual work they do (except for the piercings -.-), I've seen some pretty horrible tattoos from other places, and the staff here does know what they're doing. But they are FAR from exceptional, especially for the outrageous prices.
My recommendations? Big Fish Tattoo in Solana Beach (Dave Hartman, the owner, used to work at 454) and Enigma Piercing Studio in Pacific Beach.
Don't waste your money or your time here, because even if you do, you'll still get treated like shit. -
Review from Devi D.
Escondido, CA
12/20/2010
A friend of mine was getting his leg tattooed and I was meeting him there to see it get done. I decided that while I'm there, I wanted to get my septum redone because ever since having taken it out, it's been my most missed piercing. I called ahead of time to just ask the prices and they said I could just come on it. By the time I got there, my friend's leg was already finished (the guy works FAST and the piece was awesome), but he didn't have to sit around and wait very long for me to get done.
The staff was super friendly and everything was sanitary. We joked around while I was getting pierced and it was quick and mostly painless. The price for the piercing was average and the service is quick and thorough.
I'd definitely recommend for piercings through personal experience and I'd recommend them for tattooing through several friends' experiences. -
Review from Amber F.
San Diego, CA
11/16/2010
I've heard good things about this place as far as artists go.
Just wanted to share how nice they were to me when my stupid arse came in one day cause I couldn't get my nose piecing back in! Doh! I had to take it out for my job, but couldn't get it back in this time! I went over there hoping they would help me and expecting to pay of course but the guy was so cool he told me don't worry about it! I tipped him and thanked him much! On the way out I spotted some dope ear plugs, which my friend went back and bought me for my B-Day! They were blown glass curly plugs and I love them!!
Thanks 454!! Your COOL =) -
Review from Kira K.
Carlsbad, CA
11/4/2010
I moved down to Encinitas two years ago and wasn't a fan of piercings then. My cousins dragged me in to 454 to get my second ear lobe holes done. We were able to walk in and be helped immediately. The piercers at the time BradLee and Tom Lulu were very knowledgeable and put up with my nervous giggling.
Since my first encounter, I havent been able to get enough piercings! All of them have healed very nicely. There is an exceptional variety of jewelry and the two new girls there are very friendly and accommodating.
Lee is my go-to guy when I have an urge for a strange new piercing (most recently 2 dermals on my ribcage.) He gives open-minded suggestions while still helping you get what you want. Im definitely a frequent and intend to stay that way! -
Review from Ronald D.
Encinitas, CA
1/30/2009
It is a common misconception that the road to enlightenement is purely metaphysical. This as most of us in the real world know is entirely false.
Enlightenment isn't some two-bit shithole gift you get from your asshole Uncle on Christmas when your in the 8th grade. Its like who gives a kid in 8th grade the new "Hammer" CD? Uh...maybe when I was in the 6th grade and there was an "MC" preceding the "Hammer".
Enlightenment requires pain, sacrafice, a surrender of one's body to a man with a pulsating needle (Dave Hartman). Etching your love of the divine into your fucking skin to where it is so goddamn raw it feels like a third fucking degree burn.
Pain so intense I couldn't even focus on the first hour of "Pineapple Express" when I got home.
That is enlightenment. -
Review from Steph J.
Escondido, CA
8/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Pretty much the greatest shop ever... Done the majority of my lower back and sides now, Brad worked tirelessly to cover up a significant scar I have (well had now...) for 5, 3+ hour appointments. The work and detail is truly amazing and comparable to none, he's in his own class. Brad has also done both my dads sleeves and his work is also impeccable.
The shop is sterile, friendly and has a good vibe. If you want good work, you might not get in the same day but it's the best work around. So save your pennies and head to 454 when you're ready to be turned into a piece of art! -
Review from Andy C.
Carlsbad, CA
3/15/2008
454 Tattoo is one of the best places that I have ever seen!!!
I trust everyone here in this building with anything that goes on my skin or through my body!! The staff here is so friendly and they keep their stations clean.
I got my first tattoo here at this place by Champ. He made me feel so comfortable and relaxed and I would totally love to get another tattoo done by him again.
I also got my second tattoo done at this place. The chick who did it, she doesn't work here anymore, did an awesome job.
I also got my piercings done here as well. I got my cartilage done here and the lady who did it was so nice and respectful. It was my first ever piercing and she, as well as Champ, made me feel at ease! I got my third piercing here done here as well! (my second piercing was done in Virginia) Brad did my third piercing, I got an Industrial done and I was so scared to get it done. He just like all the other staff at this location made me feel comfortable to get it done and I am happy with it.
Overall, I come back here to get all my tattoos/piercings done and I will bring all of my friends here when they need any work done!!Listed in: Shop Till You Drop!!, Damn....I look good!, The 5's
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Review from Sally Y.
San Diego, CA
2/11/2009
i have had 3 piercings done here, and two of them were good and im happy with them...however, i got the third piercing 2 years ago and after about 8 months (it never really healed in all that time) piercing came out, my body rejected it, etc. etc. So I wasn't sure if it was just because my body rejected it, i didnt take good enough care of it, or if it was just a bad piercing job, so i went back, told them my situation. the guy took one look at my piercing and i told him who did it. he says "really really big guy? long hair?" i say yes and he tells me "oh we fired him, he did really shitty work. he sucked."
so my question is WHY would you hire someone and keep someone around for so long if he sucked??? how many people did he pierce before they fired him, and how many of those jobs did he screw up on?? i dont think i'm ever going back to this place again because i just find it so odd that they would even hire someone who wasn't up to their standards and allow him to do work on paying customers. it doesnt make any sense. i dont want to get a piercing or a tattoo and then find out afterwards that it was a bad job.
so anyways, two stars for the piercings im happy with :)
anyways, if you do still want to go, you can do walk-ins for piercings or tattoos, but for tattoos more likely than not they'll tell you they're booked for the day.Comment from BradLee T. of 454 Tattoo & Body Piercing 8/11/2009
As you know, all companies unfortunately go through… More » -
Review from Cyndi S.
San Diego, CA
5/30/2007
454 Tattoo is awesome! We followed Brady from Avalon to this location and well worth it too. Brady has done two of my tattoos, one of my husband's and one of my sister-in-laws. He is very professional and he is honest as all get out! He will tell you what tattoos shouldn't be done and where they shouldn't be done. He just doesn't want you to waste your money.
Brady does shows and travels too. There are other people at 454 and they are all friendly. Brady is requested a lot and you need to schedule with him way in advance!!
They have piercings there too, but I haven't used that service. They have a nice porch to sit and hang while looking at their books and are real close to some nice eating places.Listed in: My 5 Star Spots
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Review from Briana S.
Carlsbad, CA
10/9/2009
I got my first tattoo here, back when it was called Beachin' Tattoo and I was 18. Fast forward 11 years, it's now 454 and the artist that did my first tattoo, Brad, is now the owner. He's never been anything less than friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The shop is so clean, you could eat of any surface - including the floor. I'd be comfortable getting tattooed by any artist at this shop, but so far all 3 of my pieces have been done by Brad. I guess that's just how it worked out!
He works quickly, yet not rushed - he pays super close attention to every detail, and he doesn't have that "attitude" that you can sometimes find with other tattoo artists. (Believe me, I know, I used to date one! But I digress...) He let me take a few quick breaks when I was being a weenie and couldn't hang without making me feel super lame about it. Much appreciated on that for sure!
Bottom line is, if you want some sweet original artwork done in the very most professional and pristine of shops, 454 is where you need to go. -
Review from Jennifer J.
San Diego, CA
9/16/2010
I don't get tattoos but body piercings, well that is my weakness. I made an appointment years ago for a body piercing but when the day came, the piercer was no where to be found. In fact, no piercer was there.
I do give it 5 stars based on the fact that anytime I have a "piercing" emergency , 454 takes care of me with no charge.And by take care, they fit you in with a phone call that occurs just minutes before you arrive. -
Review from Chad S.
Carlsbad, CA
8/18/2008
To be clear, Im a veteran in the piercing / tattoo subculture. Have always thought it was very funny to walk in to a piercing parlor during the work day in a suit and tie and have the young interns behind the counter look at me like im a narc or something. Until of course they get a gander at a few of my more discrete piercings.. and then its like talking to one of their own. Always makes me laugh.
So, the Squeeze and I headed over to 454 for our second visit. Ive been looking for some new jewelery and 454 seems to be THE place in the north county area. They have a fairly decent selection of very original and not so original pieces. Good enough to satisfy my needs. I come from the land of "Braindrops" or see " www.braindrops.net" a local SF institution when it comes to an amazing selection.
I wasnt expecting much from the small but reputable tattoo parlor. I must say, what they do carry is very nice.. and they have some amazing pieces of glass and horn.
I'd been in previously and spoken to their piercer, Lee. ( http://454tattoo.com/p... ) He's a very personable and knowledgeable guy. Very easy to talk too and ask questions of.
On Sunday however, I believe he may have had the day off as I was handed off to what im sure was an intern. Non-interested, couldnt be bothered, lack of knowledge having burnout who im sure would rather be surfing or tokin on his favorite bong. Was kind of sad to have such a foul taste in my mouth after really enjoying the experience I had with Lee.
Its sad that most tatt parlors employ young, unmotivated FREE help. I just have to say, 454 would do a ton more business if their FREE help had at least somewhat of a personality or at least could fake some interest!
I hate it when you feel like your managing some slacker retail dope who could give a sh*t if you live or die.... let alone if you buy or not! At least, had he been knowledgeable... i might not have been so frustrated. But you couldn't ask the kid if the sky was blue with out him having to go to the back to ask for direction... ugh!
None the less... after about twenty minutes of pulling teeth, i finally settled on a nice set of plugs.
454, get rid of the lame, barely warm bodies!!! Their killing your potential sales numbers.
By the way, their prices for jewelry are very competitive and despite the tool who helped me, i decided to purchase direct vs. shopping online.. and this was a first for me.
Go see 454.. but ask to speak to Lee directly!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Dan M.
Staten Island, NY
6/8/2010
I always wanted a tattoo and after about 10 years of being indecisive I finally figured something that was worthy of getting a tattooed on to my body.. After a few days of checking out shops in the area a friend referred me to brad @ 454.. But after checking out the website I decided to go with Billy.. All of their work is great though.. I went in for my initial talk/deposit and close to 2 months later I had my first appointment set up..
Billy was the man.. Super cool dude who made me feel really comofortable throughout the process.. I was kind of worried about sitting in a chair for 5 hours making small talk with somebody I don't even know but with billy I felt like he was an old friend I was catching up with..
The prices were a bit high I guess but you get what you pay for.. I am definitely happy with my tattoo and will be going back there to continue what I started (once i figure out what that is..) (although this may be tricky since I moved 2500 miles away)
Pros: great art work, friendly staff, no attitude, very clean
Cons: i wouldn't consider the higher price a negative because you get what you pay for..
Just a little fyi... The only real negative is that the initial talk is a little awkward... When I first went in to show him what I wanted he was tattooing someone and barely looked up at the picture I had. I was definitely a little put off by it but it.. But hey time is money.. Everything worked out great and I cant wait to add on to what I have.. -
Review from Donovan A.
Vista, CA
Real professional staff especially Billy , this guy is the epitome of a great tattoo artist ..... calm , creative and unique in the fact that he doesn't have any ink but understands a persons' vision and really helps throughout the entire process .
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Review from Angel B.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2009 2 photos
I love this place! Service was amazing and the artist was super cool and really patient with my little girly pains.
Brad was the artist BTW. -
Review from James H.
Carlsbad, CA
10/28/2010
Excellent shop. The staff is great and every artist there is extremely talented. I've been a customer for over 2 years and have spent many hours getting tattooed here and I am more than satisfied with the work, and the service. I always recommend 454 to everyone and would never go anywhere else.
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Review from Chris M.
Encinitas, CA
12/31/2010
All I can say was that when I went in to get a 9 year old her ears pierced and one of mine that I was super impressed. The place was so clean and the staff super professional. They were so kind to the little girl and went out of there way to make sure she had parental approval and documentation. I had some work done also and it was great.
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Review from Angela B.
Ventura, CA
3/23/2011
I got a fairly large custom designed tattoo by Ryan Breceda. He is a very VERY talented professional. In fact, the entire staff including are all insanely good artists, friendly, funny, and always professional.
I had a great experience from start to finish. This was my 1st tattoo in this shop, but my 3rd tattoo total, and I was amazed how little the healing time took. It never scabbed - just some slight peeling after about a week and then it was done. It is also my most complimented piece, and I have to say, it is really beautiful work. I LOVE IT!!!
Also, while I was waiting for my turn in the chair, I watched some other people getting work done, I never failed to be amazed at the quality of both design and execution being done by any one of the the artists. I was really really impressed by this shop and I highly recommend it. -
Review from Myra C.
Oceanside, CA
4/27/2009
I have been doing some research on getting a new tattoo and several friends recommended 454 tattoo, so I went to check them out. The good thing is the work on Sundays, so that was a plus. But once I walked inside, the guy who was at the piercing counter just looked at me not saying a word. Then he walked to the back room and I didn't see anyone else for a good 5 minutes. I'm not completely covered in ink, but I do have a few concealed tattoos... so I'm not a virgin when it comes to tattoos or shops for that matter. I felt like I was an inconvenience to the staff and they didn't even want to bother with me. Finally when someone came out to "greet" me, he was a shady individual who didn't even seem to care why I was there. I walked out of that shop without a backwards glance. Their artist could very well do amazing work, but if you're going to treat me like scum, I'd rather not give you my business and take my money elsewhere. And I did.
I gave this place 2 stars because the artwork in their portfolios was good, I just didn't like their attitude. -
Review from Mike B.
Encinitas, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
real cool and honest guys
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Review from Kris Q.
Encinitas, CA
7/10/2008
I highly recommend 454 Tatoo for any piercing or tattoo!
The staff is wonderful and knowledgable, and the place is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! My daughter and I had our belly-buttons pierced by Lee, and my daughter has also had her ears (lobes and cartilage) and nose pierced.
When she turned 18, she wanted a tattoo...I told her that she had to come home from school because this was the ONLY place I trusted. Logan was amazing! He told my daughter what to expect and kept this mom completely calm while I watched the image of an anchor & my dad's initials appear on her wrist!
Trust me...go NOWHERE ELSE! -
Review from Jennifer S.
Oceanside, CA
11/3/2010
My husband and I get all of our work done by Brad. He is an amazing and talented tattoo artist. I constantly get compliments on his work. The shop has always been a very peaceful and calm environment and all of the employees have always been friendly. I can't say that for many other shops in the area. You will not be disappointed with the artists (all do very good work) and service!
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Review from Caroline D.
Carlsbad, CA
10/29/2010
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.
Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. -
Review from Jesse L.
San Diego, CA
11/15/2009 2 photos
Let me start by saying I had no intention of getting a tattoo yesterday. I came into 454 to inquire about the feasibility of my tattoo. I wanted a long quote in small detailed lettering. I went to Avalon another highly rated tattoo shop and they said they could not do that type of detail. I walked away. I asked 454 and they directed me to Billy Barnett, the detail master. He told me it was possible if he blew up the font by 10%. Unfortunately he was booked 2 months in advanced. Bummer. For some reason the stars aligned, and he had an opening right then and there. We dove right in. He sat me down and worked on my back for just under two hours.
Billy is a master of his craft. His attention to detail is impeccable. Each letter is so crisp and solid I consider each of the 96 characters a work of art.
Billy put on some music, made sure everything was sterile, and went to work. He was in the zone the entire time ignoring his surroundings and my friends hanging over his shoulder taking pictures . It was just him, the needle, and skin. Once he finished, he instructed me on care and sent me off one very happy customer.
I will be telling everyone about my experience there. Professional, friendly, and quality service. Now if I can just find a coffee shop that does that I'll be golden.
p.s. The price was very fair for the amount of time, effort, and mastery of the work. -
Review from Scott H.
Alexandria, VA
Updated - 6/15/2010 1 photo
I saw Brad again this past week and once again, I walked away with a piece of art. I had him add some work to the tattoo he did on my arm about 5 years ago. He did a great job, and always made me feel comfortable through out the process. Thanks Brad, and see you at my next appt.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/4/2008
A friend of mine told me about 454 after she had her back piece done there by Brad.
I had a couple of… Read more »
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Review from Alley S.
Portland, ME
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Review from Emma R.
Encinitas, CA
4/4/2011
I had my nose pierced by a guy piercer there. The piercing was sanitary and done well, however the guy was not very patient or genuine in my opinion. He sort of reminded me of a human doctor in a sense, talented, but thinks he is all that and a bag of chips, but really he just needs to get over himself. He made me feel quite uncomfortable, tense and very put off by the whole interaction with him. It was my first piercing and he sort of ruined it for me. Will be looking elsewhere for more piercings and tattoos because I like more down to earth, real folks.
Comment from BradLee T. of 454 Tattoo & Body Piercing 4/8/2011
Hey Lisa, Thanks for your feedback! I'm sorry to hear you a… More » -
Review from Yin Q.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
2/19/2010
Very talented artist, we will work well for long time together
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Review from chrys p.
Encinitas, CA
4/23/2010
I had helix piercings in my ears done at 454 about a year and a half ago. It was busy and a little chaotic (presumably because the place is so popular with a young crowd), but the environment was very clean and the guy who did the piercing was competent and professional, if a bit aloof. I only wished there was a larger selection of jewelry- perhaps they have more by this time.
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Review from james m.
Encinitas, CA
3/22/2009
honestly this is an amazing professional shop.i see billy barnett.hes a true artist and has done my last two pieces.i recommend him highly.all the guys are great though and you should look at their work to fit your style.billy is so clean and my pieces look as they should even after time.go to 454.you will not be dissapointed.
