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Absolute Tattoo & Piercing
Categories: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Beauty and Spas Piercing Tattoo, Piercing [Edit]
8055 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92111
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
(858) 715-8288
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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39 reviews for Absolute Tattoo & Piercing
39 reviews in English
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Review from Austin L.
Vista, CA
12/7/2011
This place is awesome. i got my first tattoo here and it was a very good experience. The shop is clean, organized and has a bunch of bitchen scenery to keep you distracted. The artist, Chris "Bud" Wilson is the fuckin man! He created something for me that was exactly what i wanted and better than i had imagined. Go here, you will NOT be disappointed.
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Review from Jon T.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2011
Walked into Absolute on Monday afternoon (4-ish) and immediately felt like, "yep, I'm getting some ink here." I was greeted almost immediately and was asked what I was in for. Gave them a vague description of what I wanted to do. Bud was very helpful and recommended what I should do to help him visualize what I wanted. I asked if he'd be around the following day - he acknowledged - so back I went w/ ideas in had round 4 again the next day.
Long story short - he took my vague idea and existing tattoo and literally blew my mind with the results.
I've got several tats from all over the country; Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, and what happened here at this little shop in San Diego beat all my other experiences - HANDS DOWN. The price was very fair for the amount of work I had done and Bud is extremely personable.
I absolutely would recommend Absolute Tattoo to anyone interested in getting quality ink here in San Diego... I know I will be returning here for future projects! -
Review from VINI EKA S.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2012
Got a tat and piercing. Didn't have to make an appointment. Sammy pierced my nose. I was nervous but he cracked jokes and immediately put me at ease. The piercing wasn't too painful surprisingly. Next, Asa did my tat. Awesome job. Very intricate details. Asa did a beautiful job and quickly too. Thanks guys!!!
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Review from Andrea A.
Mesa, AZ
1/26/2012
My experience here was exciting! Full of excitement and butterflies! I came in on a Friday the 13th in 2010 not knowing what I wanted to get but wanting to get something. I decided to get my Medusa! It came out nicely! I think the staff should be more professional! The girl who pierced me, I never got her name and who knows if she still even works here... But she made me feel a little un easy by saying "it's my first time piercing a Medusa" and being too funny + she looked high as f*ck! But after she was done I was astonished by the way it came out and is by far my FAVORITE piercing =*)
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Review from Alix F.
San Diego, CA
12/18/2011
Do not go here. This is not a good place to get pierced. I went here a few years ago to get snakebites done and the people were really friendly and everything, but the first guy that pierced my lip did a HORRIBLE job. They were completely crooked and I had to go in a second time to get it done a few weeks later... only to have them still be crooked! The second person that did them for me was nice about it and did not charge me but it still makes me mad that I had to get the same piercings done twice for them to still be crooked. I gave an extra star for the nice customer service, but lack of stars because of the poor performance. Not to mention they used externally threaded jewelry on me NOT ACCEPTABLE! At the time I had no idea about the quality of jewelry and thought that body jewelry was just body jewelry and now I know...
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Review from Jenn R.
Newport Beach, CA
8/24/2011
Got my 2nd tattoo and each one that followed at this shop, all done by the amazing Nick Fish. The work is wonderful, the sessions were really easy and fun to sit through. I have enough confidence in the clean and quality work to recommend Absolute Tattoo and this artist to several friends to get new tattoos, piercings and had bad tats from other shops fixed.
I could go on, but it is easier to say that the work on my skin speaks for itself. -
Review from RosalindaQueen C.
Chula Vista, CA
3/2/2011
The smell of weed that a previous review mentioned failed to state theres a collective next door!!!
Fella did my piercings and my ink the same day. All I can say is I LOVE this place!!! My ink is amazing... he drew the vines and leaves on me free hand and he truly captured my personality in the colors after knowing me only a short time! -
Review from Alyn P.
San Diego, CA
12/2/2010
I went here with some friends and the guy at the counter was very rude. I should have got his name because it was uncalled for.
Maybe you should learn some customer service skills before you start talking to anybody. -
Review from Caroline B.
San Diego, CA
8/29/2010
DON'T go to this business, please! I went to get my ears gauged with a friend, and the woman who did it wasn't very good. Something went wrong with my friend's ear and she pulled the needle out, let him bleed for a few minutes, and then shoved the earring into the hole. Also, her kids were running around, and she answered the phone EVERY time it rang, no matter what she was in the middle of doing.
But the worst part of this business was that, while we were getting the piercings done, one of the tattoo artists was having a loud conversation with a customer about how THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CAN'T MAKE HIM FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES, all he needs is a license and it's up to the shop owner what he HAS to do. Thank god the woman who owns it makes him follow health guidelines, but he works at some other tattoo parlor where "all (he has) to do is show up on time and tattoo." YUCK!!!!! -
Review from Lyn P.
6/30/2007 1 Check-in Here
Tucked away in a strip mall in Kearny Mesa, you would never guess there was a really good tattoo/piercing place hiding out.
Nick is the standout tattoo artist in the shop. He has done 3 of my tattoos. He's easy to work with and is very good with working with what you want and turning it into something amazing. -
Review from Kerra A.
7/15/2010
Cathy (the owner) is really cool and she responds to emails and returns phone calls very quick
Got my tongue pierced by Fella
Got a couple ink work by Nick
Every Friday the 13th I'm there. My kids have a blast watching them work and looking at all the ink ideas on the wall and books that they have lying around.
Customer service each time i've been has always been great.
CON: Finding parking sucks when it's busy. I've had to park across the street where that strip club Cheetahs is at. But I guess it works out lol cause our boys try to sneak a peek inside (geez! haha i dunno where they learned it from)
Every Friday the 13th: $13 ink and piercings (you pick ink designs on 4 sheets of paper they have laid out....each one is $13)
DON'T FORGET TO TIP YOUR ARTIST!! -
Review from Erin V.
San Diego, CA
7/18/2007
Glen, Glen - He's our man! If he can't do it!
Well, you know how it goes.
Glen did my tattoo, and not only was he adorable, he was quite the artist. That was a couple years ago, so I am not sure who is still there and who isn't, but I can vouche for Glen and say he did an excellent job on my tattoo. It was my first one, and I was a little scared by the big burly guys in the place, but Glen had done a tat for a friend of mine that came out looking great, and I noticed he had a lot of urban art he had painted hanging on his wall that looked similar to the tat I was thinking of getting. He kept me at ease and designed and executed a nice-looking tattoo for me that turned out to be exactly what I wanted. I would have never walked into the place if I had not been referred, so I think it's my job to say, "It's all good, people. Go in!" -
Review from Alissandra L.
San Diego, CA
6/28/2008
I went to Absolute Tattoo for my one and only tattoo 7 years ago when I was 19, and the location was way down on Clairemont Mesa Blvd next door to a Christian Bookstore. Funny.
They've moved a little more west up on Clairemont Mesa Blvd, not far from the old location. Since then, they've been the go-to people for my family/friend's tattoo and piercing needs.
Yesterday we took the girl to get her belly button pierced. She's been in there numerous times for her other piercings, and both of her parents have been tatted by Absolute, so it was only natural.
They're very cool, but very professional. They make everyone fill out pre-typed forms on a computer set up for the customer. Type in your info, print the sheets, sign the papers, and you're ready.
Getting another tattoo crosses my mind everytime I go in there, but....nah. "Not today." - I've been saying that for 7 years. -
Review from Blair A.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2010
Got my first five tattoos done here by Fella. All the people who work here are very nice and helpful, all of them are very talented as well. The shop is very clean, free key-chains and bumper-stickers for customers, there's a Foosball table if your waiting.
Very professional people working here, nothing shady about this place, lot's of walk-ins, and of course everyone is certified. This place is highly underrated, forget about going down to one of the hundreds of shops in P.B and wasting your money, go here! -
Review from Jeremy N.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2011
Went to Absolute today with my sis to get matching tattoos to honor my dad passing away! Fella was the artist we used cause he knows my sisters man. I was impressed with the shop the second I walked in. It wasn't just flash but actual art on the walls. Now on to the ink. It definitely helped in my opinion that Fella was from the Mecca aka Mira Mesa for those not from there. We gave him an example of what we wanted and he started to draw! We were both happy with one of the designs and he started getting set up. The owner and another artist came in and were very friendly and chatted it up with us. He went to work on the sis and I wasn't going to do color on mine until I saw what he did with hers and changed my mind. Just a mellow spot with an amazing artist we both walked out knowing where we are going to get our ink done from now on. Thanks Fella and Absolute for being so chill and legit.
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Review from Niema F.
3/15/2009
Cool place. Cool people
I went there for their Friday the 13th $13 tattoo's.
The line was out the door, but was moving pretty quickly. We went around 7-ish,got out of there by 9. Everyone including mothers were getting one. They were very well organized considering the line was backed up to Burger king almost. I convince my g/f to get one although she was VERY scared. They made her feel comfortable and inked her up in no time! we both got matching 4 leaf clovers, they thought it was weird that I wanted mine done in red, but hey I like that color. All the artist were joking around w/us & eating donuts(don't ask) The guy who done mine(Asa) was cool as h*ll. It's a very clean and sterile place, go check it out biotch's. -
Review from Luna L.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2009
I have gotten 3 tattoos from here, Quin and Denise are super nice and amazing and I highly recommend both of them!
I'm giving Absolute Tattoo 4 stars because of the bad attitude from Fella , He did a good job on my tattoo but he gave me a lot of attitude and treated me like i was an Idiot who didn't know what i was talking about ,and when i asked about a touch up on one of my tattoos he told me i would have to pay the minimum of $60 to get my back tattoo filled in with a little black ( ridiculous especially since it is rather small).
The manager of Absolute tattoo is very nice and responded to my problem fast so I raised up my review since I do love all of my tattoos :D I would definitely go to Absolute Tattoo and recommend talking to different artists to see which one you click with. -
Review from Kate D.
San Mateo, CA
4/13/2010
Overall, not a bad shop - a lot of flash, a lot of walk-ins, lots of artists...
As is true with anything, if you don't pick your artist well for the style of tattooing that you want and you don't have a good working relationship with that person, you won't be happy with your tattoo. I got one 'quick and easy' tattoo there, already had the print out - pretty much a copy and trace tattoo, very small - so I took the first artist available - a ton of fall out, weak lines, poor outline, some scarring. I went back for another piece of work, a big half sleeve - worked out the artist carefully and ended up with a really stunning piece of work.
They are a little pricey for tattoos, but since I get most of my work done on the east coast - everything in california seems steep! :) The shop is clean, the portfolios are thorough and they have a good little lounge area for waiting in. I can't speak on their piercings because I've never gotten any done at that shop.
For the most part, it was a friendly crowd, easy to work with. I will say, that privacy could easily be an issue for more 'personal' tattoo placement - its a large, open shop with multiple stations, relatively close to each other and it would take some work and lots of false walls to cover up what you may want to keep more private.Listed in: Stuff To Do In San Diego!, Body Rock
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Review from Sonia T.
San Diego, CA
8/10/2011
Had my large rib cage tattoo done here by Dean Semple about a year ago. He was very enthusiastic when I told him my idea and it definitely showed through the art. All the resident artists seemed very friendly, one of them even came over to chat because he was waiting for his next appointment. Overall a fantastic experience, Dean made sure I was very comfortable. There is also plenty of parking in the plaza!
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Review from Elle D.
San Diego, CA
6/16/2008
Well, Keith is definitely one of the best tattoo artists I have ever been to. Meticulous and conscientious, it calms you right down when you see how fastidious he is in his space. He has done 2 of mine, and people ALWAYS compliment me on them. Further, he did one for a friend of mine IN MY ACTUAL handwriting. SO cool!!
I will go back soon for a back piece, I cannot wait! -
Review from Jackie S.
Chula Vista, CA
4/21/2009
Well after months of researching I decided on Absolute. I loved reading the reviews here, checked out their website and was given a personal recommendation.
What really stuck out was reading (on their site) that they had to go through the same Bloodborne Pathogens video I watched a million times while in nursing school. As a nurse this was VERY important to me.
So off for my very first tattoo. I showed up with a print out of what I wanted. The checkin process was effortless and thorough. I was in and out of there within 30mins.
Fella did a great job of making me feel more at ease and my very first tattoo looks amazing. I'm already planning on going back after this one heals.
I've already recommended Absolute to my friends. -
Review from Christina T.
San Diego, CA
2/23/2009
This place looks small from the outside, but it's pretty big on the inside. Okay, well I'll cut to the chase.
The staff are very laidback, but at the same time very helpful. There's random art on the wall, but I can't remember too well since my first/last visit was over a month ago. Anyway, I got my ears pierced by Chris and he's really professional compared to the cheap employees at malls (i.e. Claire's). I got my ears pierced at Claire's before when I was 11 years old, but unfortunately the holes closed up about 8 months later. But I distinctly remember that the girl who pierced my ears did NOT wear gloves! All she did was sterilize my gun and my ears after marking them. Chris wore gloves and showed me the tools he would use, etc. Once again, very professional.
In addition, since Absolute Tattoo & Piercing is professional, they have rooms. When you get your ears pierced at the mall, anyone can see you. Some (or most) people might feel awkward about the chance that random people might see you get your ears pierced.
Lastly, he used a needle. Needles are a lot safer than the piercing guns, since they are sharper and often one-time one-use tools. The guns are usually just blunts that pierce your ears. It will cost more, but really you're paying for the service as well as the process. It hurt less than a shot on the arm (doesn't really hurt much anyway), but my ears bled quite a bit. Haha Chris told my boyfriend and my best friend, "yep, she's a bleeder."
Highly recommend and remember that these people are PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED and LICENSED. -
Review from Andy C.
Carlsbad, CA
4/9/2008 2 photos
The people here are so nice and friendly!!!
I came here to get a pricing on a tattoo that I want to get and the guy, I think his name was chris, was really really nice and straight up truthful with me.
They treat their customers with such respect and care, and this was just to get a pricing!!! I can't image what happens when I get my tattoo done!!! -
Review from Maureen J.
La Mesa, CA
7/7/2009
I went here with a buddy of mine to get a tattoo to remember a girl we went to boot camp with who died in Iraq. Dave was our artist.
He did a real nice job on both of our tattoos and we both walked away super happy. The guys at the shop were all really chill and we enjoyed talking with them while we go inked up.
Since we were military we got a really nice price ($175 for work that was worth at least $250). Defenitly a fan of this place. -
Review from Nick O.
San Diego, CA
3/20/2010 1 photo
I've been going to Absolute for the past 10 years and would never go anywhere else. I tried other places and went with friends to other shops around town before but once I found Absolute that was it...no one is as professional and trustworthy as them.
I can only speak towards the tattoos, don't have piercings, but it's a clean shop, they use sterile equipment of course, have their certifications (bloodborne pathogens), someone always at the counter to help you out, and will offer help if you need it. The artists work with you and provide great ideas unlike some other places that may brush you off.
They have a good size waiting area with a couch in front and on the side, foosball table too if you want to play. The artists each have their own space. The walls are half-walls though, so anyone in the shop can see you getting worked on if that bothers you, but then again if you went with friends they can stand and watch too.
The entire staff is friendly. I personally would recommend either Nick Fish or Dennis Miller. Schedule an appt in advance to make life a bit easier vs. walking in, but walk-in's are welcome, no guarantee which artist you will get though. Parking can get a bit tight...I usually just snag a burger king spot.
Go to Absolute...it's "absolutely" a great shop har har corny but true! -
Review from Lucy L.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2011
The customer service here is very horrible. I called one night to confirm an appointment and they said it was fine. When I got there they told me the piercer had already left. WTF I made an appointment for a reason! I came back a few weeks later to get my tragus pierced. Ok first of all, the place reeked of marijuana and second the piercer told me he could only pierce with a ring not a stud. I honestly do not want someone who is stoned to be putting a hole in my body and I was sure pissed because he wouldn't allow me to choose the jewelry I want. I would not recommend this place to anybody. If you are looking for a good piercing shop I would suggest going to Enigma.
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Review from Sharon M.
San Diego, CA
3/16/2010
The BEST tattoo shop in San Diego; without a doubt. Cathy, the owner, is a doll - and will always welcome you with a friendly word.
Nick Fish is brilliant - I wanted to do a half sleeve, but in stages with all sorts of oddities - he knew from the outset where to place things so that the end result would be just perfect.
I tried other places before settling here and now Nick has done all of my tattoos and I wouldn't go to anyone else. I"ve been going now for some 7 years and never been anything but extremely pleased with the results and my treatment. I've recommended Absolute to everyone who has ever asked where to go - and they have all come away just as happy.
While I will only go to Nick, I know Bud and Fella do amazing work from watching them and their clients leave.
In short - anyone can go to a shop and get a tattoo - but I found here they will talk you through the process and advise you if it's not going to look right or it would be better with a different colour, line, addition - something so permenant should be done the best possible, so the advice from the professionals is well worth listening to rather than having someone slap something on you that you'll later regret :) -
Review from casey s.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2011
Had gotten an ex boyfriends initials done a while back. Went to Nick Fish today on my lunch break to get it covered up finally. It turned out AMAZING and was done really quickly. He was really sweet and easy to talk to, everyone in the shop seemed really nice. Smelled clean, they were mopping and cleaning up since it was slow. will 100% be back
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Review from mandy m.
Oceanside, CA
8/15/2010
Wow. Friday the 13th. My sister and I decided to get a couple tattoos and a piercing. They were advertising 13 dollar tatts and 13 dollar piercings. First off, my sister got her belly button done and it's CROOKED!!!! Then I get my 3 tattoos and they got away with printing smaller stencils than what they advertised on the print outs. RIP OFF! Then they said they had 4 sheets to choose from, however there was only 2. Not cool! And then they fail to tell you that the fill in costs more and is not included in the 13 dolalr cost. The 13 dollars is only for the outline. WTF? You might as well get something you really want since you are paying a premium anyway. Lastly, I didn't find the people there to be very friendly anyway. I'll stick to Guru and Full Circle. Great work, fair pricing, and NICE! They are the best!
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Review from Donna B.
San Diego, CA
11/17/2008
see review from erin below...i am that friend...
i give this place 5 stars because they are absolutely wonderful!! the first time i went here was when they're location was on kearny villa rd/clairemont mesa blvd cross street by the arco. my mom got her tattoo here from Nick (Fish). he was super nice and super chill. the place was clean and wasn't scary...
so when it came time for me to get my tattoo, i went back to absolute and glen had done a design for me that was absolutely perfect...erin ended up using him as well and within a couple of years, my mom had her first tattoo retouched by nick and had another one done by him as well...
i went back a few weeks ago to get another one done....glen is no longer here but i do have a new artist...bud...i took another friend of mine to get her inked too and the service was just the same as in the past...perfect and very relaxed
absolute...you are absolutely amazing!! if i could give more stars i'd give you 7 -
Review from Tori W.
San Diego, CA
6/18/2010
Chris is Hawt! And my tat didn't hurt one bit.
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Review from Cynthia B.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2010
I went into Absolute to have my nose re-pierced. Carol, the lady who helped me, was very friendly and professional. The location is clean and orderly. Just how I like it. ;)
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Review from Andreena S.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 8/16/2010 3 photos
I waited 2 hours for Bud. It was worth it. I love this place!
1 Previous Review:
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4/19/2010
I like-ee. Bud rocks! I won't go anywhere else for ink. Competitive prices, chill atmosphere.
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Review from Sarah Kouoon Y.
La Jolla, CA
7/8/2008
chris!!
so helpful! i didnt get a tattoo but i got a nose ring... he got me a cool salt spray to help me out! so helpful!! -
Review from Maria P.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2008
So I got a piercing, its cool and all. The place is hidden but once inside its full of visual stimuli. My piercing was quick and Chris took the time to answer my questions and talk to me my about options, awesome! I will absolutely be back for some more and maybe a tattoo or two.
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Review from DaveVivian K.
Long Beach, CA
Updated - 11/11/2009 1 Check-in Here
i am giving another 5 stars for Dennis just cause he is so great...he has worked on my entire back piece and i have been going to him for 2 years. He is very talented and good at his job. all around great guy and we have become great friends! LOVE the Absolute Staff....
1 Previous Review:
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4/22/2009
5 stars!!!!! Dennis Miller is the greatest. =)
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Review from Jessamae C.
San Mateo, CA
5/13/2010
I received my first piercing here (eyebrow) & of course was very scared. The guy was really nice & I had to hold one of my friends' hands to stop from squirming. Paid about 40 (not including tip), pretty decent price & even bought sea salt for the cleaning.
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Review from lorien s.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2010
My 5 year old daughter finally decided that she wanted her ears pierced, so I took her to a place in OB, where she was thoroughly traumatized and refused to have a second ear pierced. Today we went to Chris and he pierced the second ear with no trauma. He was patient and gentle, great with her. I recommend him highly.
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Review from Stacey A.
San Diego, CA
6/12/2010
STOKED! I strolled in on a Tuesday on a whim with my daughter, 14 yr old, to get a piercing for her and potentially a new tat for me...I should know better that the minute I walk in, I'll be in the chair! I was greeted by Chris (Buddy) who was behind the front counter, I knew what I wanted but not a solid idea of how I wanted it...simply....I want 2 butterflies, one with the wings open for my daughter and one with a side view and smaller for her younger brother. Vetod the traditional pretty quickly, while I was filling out paper work he came back with some that he had done and they were amazing! He has great chairside manners, kept the conversation flowing, the guy next to him was hilarious ("I never bleed" - hahahaha), so it was easy to stay distracted from the potential discomforts. The coloring he did was OUTSTANDING and the price was great! I can't wait to go back and have him help me with a cover up piece for my current tramp stamp, hopefully in the next week or two, and build on it to connect with the butterflies. Chris is awesome!!!!! I will be returning and I have been referring to everyone - Absolute is great from the people who work there, the shop and the work that is delivered! The piercing that my daughter got was equally as good, I'm not sure of the name of the person who did it but he coached her through it well and gave her clear and concise directions for treatment. She's stoked for another one too!
