- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Pino Bros Ink
Categories: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Beauty and Spas Piercing Tattoo, Piercing [Edit]
1100 Cambridge StCambridge, MA 02139
Neighborhood: Inman Square
(617) 250-9903
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cambridge St @ Norfork St (69)
Webster Ave @ Cambridge St (85, CT2)
Columbia St @ Cambridge St (85, CT2)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
88 reviews for Pino Bros Ink
88 reviews in English
-
Review from Nico N.
Cambridge, MA
11/2/2011
Good stuff right here! Jamie hooked my tattoo up nice...its clean, its friendly, and its professional. I will be returning!
-
Review from Bryn B.
Boston, MA
7/6/2011
My best friend and I got matching tattoos done by Matt. The reason we chose him was because we had seen great reviews on Yelp (thanks, yelpers!) of Pino Bros and, in particular, of Matt.
This was our first time at this shop. The shop is filled with great artwork and is very clean. Everyone from the staff that we met was very nice and amiable.
Matt's work is not only phenomenal, but he gave us a really great experience as well. During our consultation he gave us suggestions on how to improve the design I had sketched.
Matt is personable and has a great sense of humor, which we both undoubtedly appreciated. The area we got our tattoos is pretty private and he was very professional. Not that you'd expect any less from a tattoo artist, but the reality is that not all are professional; he made us both feel very comfortable. I'll definitely be coming back to get work done here. -
Review from Erica T.
Boston, MA
Updated - 5/2/2011
My review is well over-due for an update (esp considering last year they became 'my' shop when I started going to see Andy their apprentice).
First off, Andy is fucking badass. I love going in to see him, getting some work and chatting with him cuz he's awesome! I'm definitely looking forward to future work he'll be doing on me (and we've got plenty of ideas).
They are truly artists at Pino Bros. And all that entails. This can sometimes rub people the wrong way. But, when you work *with* them what they produce is maaaagic. Like unicorns and fairies and shit. But not the actual work being unicorns and fairies and shit. Just really effing cool in that sense. Like dinosaurs, but magical.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/18/2008
I went here once on the advice of a fellow student living in the dorm with me. They're technically… Read more »
-
-
Review from Christina Z.
Winthrop, MA
5/13/2011
Rebellion against parents at 21 years old, August 2008.
I have to hand it to these guys - I went in with five girls (three of whom got tattoos) and we all clustered in a tiny closet-sized room, and these guys didn't tease us or give us hell.
Kurt is awesome. He has pictures of his art plastered over his wall, and he's super talented. Mine was in a location that compelled me to sit Britney Spears-Stronger style in a chair and try not to lose feeling in my legs.
Kurt was super professional. When it was going to hurt, he wouldn't lie to me - he'd tell me. His script of my beatles lyrics came out awesome, as did the strawberry fields strawberry. My friend got a gigantic white tattoo on her ribcage, and Kurt expressed his reservations VEHEMENTLY (the white would mix with the silver in the ink barrel and would come out grey), but she was insistent and her reluctantly gave her what she asked for. Came out great, and he was relieved.
This place is fun - light, bright, clean, and the guys talk to you and make beautiful art. Mine was inexpensive - around $110. -
Review from Meghan C.
Brookline, MA
4/7/2011
I had been thinking about getting my first tattoo for a few years now. After I decided what I wanted, I did research on local tattoo shops. After the advice of friends and yelpers, I chose Pino Brothers. I'm so glad I did.
My artist was Matt and he was such a good sport. My tattoo was only text, but I had a certain vision about font and placement. I brought in photos and text ideas and a general feeling of what I was looking for. He brought me back what ended up being the exact font I was envisioning.
Matt was personable and friendly. It was my first tattoo and I was getting it on one of the most painful spots, so I was a bit nervous. Matt put me completely at ease. He led me through all the steps and answered all of my questions. He chatted it up with me and the friend I brought for moral support.
The consultation was about 30-40 minutes and the tattoo took about an hour. I am so in love with my new tattoo. It is exactly what I wanted. I now have 2 lines of my favorite poem on my ribs and back. It ended up being the perfect tribute to my grandmother and I couldn't be happier.
When I'm ready for my next piece, I will definitely be going back to Pino Brothers. But more importantly, I will definitely be seeing Matt again! Thanks, man! -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/27/2011
This review's primary purpose is to rave about Deirdre Doyle, one of the artists here. I came to her with a complicated design of overlapping flowers to be inked in different styles -- some to be filled in and some to be left uncolored. She worked with me to turn my concept into an actual rendition that would be well-proportioned for my back in respect to my shoulder blades and would also work well with the tattoo I already had.
The end result? The tattoo of my dreams. Not only is it the kind of design that I was hoping for, but it's also beautifully done. She is a real artist with an eye for composition, and she also has a great sense of color and how to use negative space. Importantly, she's also an excellent technician and, therefore, the lines are clean and the color is well integrated.
I am going to tell everyone I can about her.
Re: Pino Brothers: it looks like pretty much everyone there is a good tattoo artist. I liked the space, and I also appreciated that they weren't trying too hard to be "hardcore" the way every other tattoo parlor I've been in does. In other words, they weren't blasting heavy metal, which I happen to love, but in a tattoo parlor, I feel like it just makes it seem like they're trying to make up for something. The art binders are easy to access, and there is always someone helpful at the desk to answer questions. It's a good place.
I am so glad I went here for this very important tattoo. -
Review from Annette A.
Brighton, MA
1/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not everyone who creates tattoos can be considered an artist. Being an artist takes talent, patience and a sharp sensitivity with both the medium and the canvas. At Pino Bros Ink, you'll find yourself looking forward to surrendering your body to some of the greatest talent Boston has to offer.
Being an artist myself, I'm familiar with all the garbage out there and I wasn't ready to just let anyone make a lifelong mark on my skin. I was looking for someone who was not only gifted, but who took pride in their work and how it was displayed. After reviewing Ben Pease's portfolio, I knew I had found a good artist - but it wasn't until my odd first session that I knew just how good.
My first rib session with Ben took over 4 hours and was absolutely painless. You heard me - painless. How could that be? All his materials were set up and ready to go - gloves, ink, chair. But after positioning the stencil on me the first time and rolling back in his chair, he shook his head and said "Ah... nope, I'm not feeling it. Do you mind if I try again?".
I got cleaned up and he re-positioned the stencil across my skin. He rolled back again, cocked his said to the side, and still wasn't feeling it. He took off the stencil, broke out the scissors and starting to cut apart the beautiful stencil he had prepared. We tried this again a number of times, while he patiently re-cut areas and taped them back together and free-handed new lines on my skin. I started to feel bad that he was taking so much time to tailor the stencil to make sense on my body, but he assured me that he didn't mind and he refused to put something permanent on me until he felt it was right. It was at this point I realized that I could put my full confidence in Ben - he truly cared about his work and his canvas.
Long story short, there was no inking that happened on the first session. Ben was very apologetic about having kept me there for so long with no ink done, but I assured him that I was very thankful that he did. And I was, because there are plenty of tattoo artists out there who would have simply run out of patience and started on you anyway because they were losing time and money.
The next time I saw Ben, he was excited to show me a re-worked stencil. He didn't charge me for the extra time it took for him to adjust the pencil (though I made sure to tip him anyway. Always tip!) After he laid the new stencil onto my skin, he rolled back again and looked at the placement from every possible angle... finally, after at least 5 minutes, he clapped his hands and said "That's it. I think it's gorgeous. You ready?!" Awesome.
Now with two sessions behind me, I have a beautiful tattoo started across my ribs. Painless? God no! It's my ribs we're talking about and this was my first tattoo!! However, Ben made sure I was comfortable the whole time, periodically checking to see if I needed a break and admitting whenever he needed a break as well (which is pretty rare, actually. He goes into this sort of 'zone' every now and then - You'll see what I'm talking about if you work with him). He made sure to distract me with jokes right before he'd go over softer areas and otherwise let me drift into my dazed, quieter states during calmer runs.
Many of the artists at Pino do take a while to book with, including Ben, but if you're a reliable customer, they'll do their best to call you about earlier openings. The rest of the people in the shop are hilarious and really entertaining to listen to. You'll feel comfortable there, whether it's your first tattoo or your 24th.
If you truly care about what goes on your body permanently and prefer a work of art over a careless, wiggly scribble, booking with Pino Bros Ink is well worth the few months you may have to wait, trust me on this. -
Review from Amy P.
Boston, MA
2/15/2011 1 photo
Where do I begin? Thanks to Yelp, I found Pino Bros when I decided to research places for my last tattoo. Over the years I'd always just picked any old place that was open to get my other ones, but this time I knew I wanted to go to the best place around... and Pino Bros is undisputably IT!
After checking out each artists portfolios, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted a piece of Kurt's artwork on my body. His work is phenomenal, every piece in his portfolio takes my breath away, even the less "pretty" ones. He blows all the competition out of the water, so I knew when I made the consultation appointment with him that it would be worth the 2 month wait.
When I met with Kurt we talked about some of my ideas, then some of his, and I left putting my full trust in his hands to come up with something beautiful. And he really did. He was booked out another 2 months so I made my appointments (4 since it was a large piece that would take some time to finish) and waited. He emailed me a sketch a few weeks before my first appointment and I was absolutely blown away, I LOVED IT! Even though it was somewhat larger than what I had initially intended on, there was nothing about it that I wanted to change so I went with it and don't regret it for a minute.
Kurt was so welcoming at each one of my sessions, he made me feel comfortable right away and didn't hesitate to start conversation so we could get to know eachother. Major plus that we have a lot of the same interests in obscure television shows, so conversation flowed easily. The fact that there are flat screen tv's playing movies all day definitely helped too. The banter between each one of the artists is pretty entertaining too, and makes you feel like one of the gang, so going back each time felt more and more like home.
I just had my last session last week and while I am thrilled to have it completed, I am sad that I won't be back... until it's time to get the next one ;)
Summary: Pino Bros is great and Kurt Brown is THE MAN. Get after it. -
Review from Ben R.
East Watertown, MA
12/23/2010
I'd been thinking about a tattoo for about 5 years and when I finally got down to doing it I did a lot of research. I went round and round between all the recommend shops in Boston and kept returning to Pino Bros. It was one of the best decisions I've made. I was drawn to Ben Pease's work and despite have to book months ahead of time, I decided to go with him. Ben is a great guy, funny, easy to get along with, has a healthy love of horror movies and he's a F-ING FANTASTIC artist. I had him recreate a painting of an English countryside that I've had for about 20 years and his attention to detail is incredible. The piece isn't even done yet and I already have people going "wow!" He's very thorough with advice about aftercare, very good at talking you through any misgivings you may have about the pain, and just very good in general.
I will definitely go back to Ben for future work.
The shop itself is clean, the staff is very friendly and they welcome you in, without any pretense or that "holier-than-thou" attitude that you might find at other places.
The only bad thing is that I fear my finances will probably suffer now that I'm addicted... -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
10/4/2010
Just a head's up that my review is based on a piercing experience.
Do you know what I love? Any business where the amazing, friendly, and polite, staff greet new customers as they walk through the door. Felt totally comfortable and at home as soon as Lys and I walked through the door.
Although it was Lys' day to get pierced I had a ton of questions myself about some current piercings and an upcoming one. Zid was totally patient, super informative, and fantastic with recommendations for vendors, tips for stretching my ears, and other info about new and old piercings.
Even though I was not the paying client I really appreciated that he took the time to answer the questions I also had and that he was informative and patient.
Lys had some concerns about the material for her new piercing, having had a bad reaction in the past, and Zid had lots of information for us about the contents of different rings, how people react to them, the types of jewelry he carries, aftercare, etc...The studio was totally immaculate and Zid was very careful about changing gloves often, and reminding Lys to take deep breaths while he did the piercing.
Having had some terrible experiences with piercings in the past (thanks to my days of being a young idiot abroad), I'm really looking forward to moving forward with new modifications at Pino's. I'd highly recommend them for anyone looking to get a first piercing or modify a piercing they already have. -
Review from maura d.
Boston, MA
3/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is awesome. Every one there is super nice. The guy behind the counter, Dave was awesome and super friendly. The place is a lot bigger than it looks! I has a whole other world down stairs! I had made my appointment a week before and they gave me a courtesy call to remind me of my appointment with Bob (as if I could forget).
I have followed Bob through a few shops now and this is by far my favorite. Bob is amazing, quick, fair and as gentle as you can be with his profession. I still to this day ger compliments on my tattoos and how bright they are even though they are 5 years old!!
can't wait to se him again! -
Review from Kurt E.
Sharon, MA
11/12/2010
I love this place. Got a tattoo here about 5 years ago now, nice work done by Brian who moved on to another shop. When I finally got around to getting my half sleeve done I came back to Pino Bros to have Kurt do it.
He's an amazing, I mean amazing, artist and a really cool guy. I gave him a big challenge with a crazy geometrical color packed half sleeve but he worked it out like a champ. At first I think he wanted to kill me, but once he got the thing sketched on my arm and outlined everything fell into place.
I had to go back for 5 sessions to get the whole thing completed, but honestly i didn't mind. I always had a blast hanging out while Kurt did the work, the guys are a lot of fun, professional, and easygoing. Even though I was having a needle jammed repeatedly into my arm for hours on end, I always looked forward to my appointments.
As soon as I'm all healed up I'll post a pic of the work, I've had many people tell me it's 'the' or 'one of the' best tattoos they've ever seen, and I totally agree.
Kurt's booked out months in advance, but he's well worth the wait. I've already got my next two tattoos planned out, now I just need to get them scheduled! -
Review from Sereia C.
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
If I were to sum up the attitude of some of the guys working here, I could easily sum it up in one word. DOUCHEY. I had an appointment scheduled with them. Upon making the appointment, I initially had the sense that the guy I was making the appointment appeared a bit cockey, but he had a great portfolio. I was asking a lot of questions because I wanted to be sure I was booking with someone who has the same vision as I do. He took it differently, saying, "Obviously you are a tattoo virgin," when I definitely was not. (but what if I was? Why make me feel bad about asking questions and getting details??) I later asked my friend if she thought he appeared that way, or was it just me. She agreed. The appointment that I made several weeks in advance was cancelled last minute (that day) by them, and couldn't reschedule until 2 weeks later. The day of the reschedule, upon getting there, I was told he was running over an hour late. Would have been nice to get a courtesy call. When I said that, all I got was a blank stare, and told I could just go get something to eat. Took my business elsewhere.
***I see they have lots of 5 star reviews for their work. They do have great portfolios, as I mentioned, but in the end, it's a business, and you are a customer. There are many other places to go that do equally great work, and also have great customer service. Please see my other reviews in my "Got ink?" list (link below) for better places to go to.Listed in: Scum of the Earth, Got ink?
-
Review from Deirdre C.
Melrose, MA
2/6/2011
First, let me start out by saying this is NOT the Deirdre who works at Pino Bros.; my name is also Deirdre, and being pretty superstitious when it comes to major personal decisions, I figured I couldn't really do better than to be tattooed by someone with the same name. Also her portfolio is pretty incredible, and I'm planning further tattoos within her specialty, so it ended up being a great fit.
While the tattoos I asked her to do this time around are a little bit boring and don't make the most of her talent, she was completely gracious, put me at ease, and did a beautiful job, especially with the color which was really important to me. She then tattooed my husband, whose work made better use of her skills - first in terms of sketching and planning, then in terms of detail and shading; I have to say, it came out so incredibly that I can't wait to come back and work with her some more. She even suggested a few details he hadn't initially thought of that we both really love.
In short, Deirdre was everything you would want in a tattoo artist - confident, talented, and extremely easy to spend a few hours with. Thanks, Deirdre!
In terms of Pino Bros. in general, I just have to say that the friendly banter between artists made me feel really welcome in a situation where it's really easy to be intimidated and nervous. Also, watching movies while you get tattooed is pretty much the best. -
Review from Dara C.
Updated - 10/6/2010
Having had more work done since my original review (by the amazing Dierdre,) I must reiterate the point that I love Pino Bros Ink. Everything this places does is golden. If they were to open a pizza shop, I'm sure their pizza would taste like manna. If the entire team converted to collectivist Judaism and relocated to a kibbutz, I bet their kibbutz would be the best kibbutz ever, with the best parties and the greatest artwork. And if Pino Bros ever released an album, and that album was nominated for Best New Album, but Taylor Swift won instead, Kanye West would interrupt Taylor Swift's speech and say sorry, but Pino Bros should have won because their music would [theoretically] make blind men see and beggars walk.
I think I've said my piece here.
Tattoos are awesome.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/21/2008
Honestly, this is the best place to get ink in Boston/Cambridge/Brooklin e, and I carry a business… Read more »
-
-
Review from Sabrina F.
Arlington, MA
7/11/2010
I can't say enough about Zid, the piercer. I went in a few days ago to discuss the possibility of having some piercings redone. I had some pretty bad scarring due to being stupid and going to a less-than-reputable shop a few years ago.
I told Zid my experiences and he went through all sorts of info with me. He was incredibly thorough, trying to help me sort out why my past piercing had gone wrong. After a long talk and a good exam of the scars, he determined that I could be re-pierced.
Zid takes his time with each step of the process. Never once did he make me feel rushed or like one of my questions or concerns was silly (that goes for everyone else in the shop as well....all very welcoming and friendly). He has a fantastic demeanor and is very calming during the piercing process.
The last time I had this piercing, it was weeks before I could comfortably wear clothing. This time, after only a few hours I felt fantastic. I know that's because Zid took his time to make sure that he used the right size and material of jewelry, and he was incredibly thorough in measuring and marking to ensure perfect placement.
I will never go anywhere else for my piercings. -
Review from Caitlyn L.
Boston, MA
2/23/2010 ROTD 4/26/2010
I was genuinely not nervous about getting my first tattoo. In all honesty, I was more nervous about being uncomfortable in a tattoo shop (I don't exactly look the type). In the end, I was never uncomfortable at Pino Bros., unless you count the actual process of being tattooed.
Deirdre was amazing, it's as though she knows what you want before you do. I went in for a consultation for a peacock feather tattoo on my hip and had an image in my head of a larger feather curving over my hip, but Deirdre drew up something a bit smaller and a different shape. At first I was nervous and a little skeptical, but I really love what she did, more than I loved my own idea (this is why I'm not the expert).
I'm not going to lie, it hurt. Pretty badly towards the end. But Deirdre was great about making sure I was ok. We chatted occasionally, but I didn't feel like I had to speak nor that I couldn't, but it was good to take my mind off things (as was the banter between the artists...they're pretty hilarious).
It was much less expensive (and much quicker) than I'd expected and worth every single penny. They went over the aftercare instructions thoroughly and Deirdre told me to email or call her for anything.
Pino Bros. was a great first tattoo experience and despite the pain, I suspect I'll be back. -
Review from Johanna W.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2010
I got my first tattoo at Pino Bros in March. It was a small tattoo on the top of my foot. Didn't require anything special, but was (of course) very important to me.
My tattoo was done by Matt and the entire experience (from scheduling my appointment to the actual inking) was terrific. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. And, when Matt did the tattoo he took the time to explain everything and help keep me calm. In the end, it was much less painful (and stressful) than I expected, and I have a tattoo that I'm extremely happy with.
Also, Matt did a great job of explaining the healing process to me since the foot can be a bit different. He definitely wanted to make sure it healed properly so that I was happy with the end result and didn't have any problems.
Would highly recommend both Pino Bros and Matt! -
Review from Melissa A.
Cambridge, MA
10/28/2008
I kind of sort of hate going into tattoo parlors. I have to feign an air of toughness that ends up with me looking constipated instead [strangely, more on that later].
If I got any of my first tattoos that I wanted, I'd have giant angel wings on my back [bah!], a guy in a straightjacket and a ball and chain ready to throw himself off a bridge, giant ants circling around my stomach, bees climbing up my arm and Sepultura on the inside of my other arm. And I always thought several random tattoos placed on your body in different locations was kinda cheesy and I'd want everything to tie in together somehow. So maybe if I decide I want to get more tattoos, I'm stuck with the insect theme and I'll have a Discovery Channel amount of bugs crawling all over me.
So instead, I waited several years to finally get one done and in the twilight of my twenties, I finally took the plunge. And uh...this tattoo will never seem lame to me. And I'll NEVER regret it. EVER. *koff* *koff* I'm going to be a single granny playing canasta and tugging up my support hose still sporting a giant ant on my arm. And once senility sets in, I'll probably have attempted to cut or sand it off or start chatting with it.
I read reviews one afternoon and had nervous gas just thinking about the whole experience. This didn't sound like it was going to turn out that well, especially if the tattoo artist and I were going to be in an intimately small room with no ventilation. Eep!
So Jocelyn C. and I finally make an appointment and we have an afternoon appointment with Dierdre Doyle. Just waiting for her to set up, I have a nervous poo in the bathroom of the shop. Luckily, there's plenty of nudie reading material in there.
After about an hour and a half of yapping with Jocelyn and Dierdre about this, that and the other thing [and nervous poos], my tattoo was finished and I immediately love it. Jocelyn's tattoo took about the same amount of time, but I think we ran out of stuff to talk about, so I got one of the Penthouses from the bathroom and we talked about surgically "enhanced" vaginas and huge round knockers. And with that, we were out and I felt like a total tool walking around Inman with a huge maxi-pad taped to my arm.
Apparently, Deidre had a very nervous costumer in a few weeks after our appointment and she asked her, "Do you have to take a nervous poo?" *blank stares from customer*
Then there's this: http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from C. S.
Natick, MA
9/19/2010
What an awesome experience. For my 18th birthday my parents paid for my fork and knife foodie tat, and I'm so glad I chose Pino Bros.
For the consult I brought in heirloom silverware, and Bob (THE MAN) infused the detail from the silverware with his own style. The result was a tattoo I'll be proud of into my old age. I told Bob I was looking for something detailed, but not over the top, and he really delivered.
Bob has some really great technique, I can't profess to any expert knowledge about tattooing, but the man works like a machine as far as I can tell... clean lines, beautiful shading, perspective, and a subtle infusion of his own edgy style.
The studio was really clean, they play your choice of music in your own private room, and everyone was friendly.
Some people I've met have said the price seems steep to them, but as far as I'm concerned, the price I payed was well worth the quality of service I received.
Highly recommend Pino Bros, but make your appointment well in advance, they seem to fill up pretty fast.
Also, my tattoo, which went from my elbow to armpit, was healed up in about four days, with virtually zero discomfort along the way... I have to think that this is a result of quality work... no scabs or anything.
Parking: there's a surprising amount of metered spots available near the studio, but there are also a couple municipal lots within three blocks. -
Review from Dawn E.
1/11/2010 1 photo
I got a tattoo when I was 21. It was a small butterfly, like maybe a little bigger than a golf ball. It was all black, right at the top of my spine before the nape of my neck begins. It was faded, old, tired, and sad.
And, by the way, there is nothing badass about a butterfly. However, there were reasons why I got it and I was happy with it for many years and nostalgia wouldn't let me give it up, exactly, but it was time for something new.
That's where Dierdre came in. I went for a consult and pretty much said, look, I know it's just a stupid butterfly, but it's MY stupid butterfly and I want to keep it, except now it needs to be better. Like way better, and it should look like something I'd doodle, only better, and I doodle like this ::random swirlies on paper::. Basically, I want to "spread my wings," if you will, metaphorically. /end conversation
She walks away and comes back with something quick and rough, but in the direction I was thinking. So we talked about it a little more, I booked my appointment, gave a deposit and went on my merry way.
This weekend I went back for my appointment. Dierdre had emailed me her concept a couple of days ahead of time, and I sent back some notes. When I got in, I was the first person there (they actually unlocked the door for me) but the joint soon became bustling. Dierdre was getting set up so my friend (Noopur S!) and I waited up front. Dierdre came up with a sketch based on my notes while I waited and it was pretty damned perfect. Also, while waiting, someone was making a coffee run to Dunks and offered to get us stuff too. We said no but the offer way way cool, and then, finally, tattoo time.
So that tattoo I got when I was 21 did not hurt. At. All. But I was also 21 and since then I've had spine surgery which amped up my nerves AND I was having, well, let's call it "special lady time" which I'm told amps up the pain a bit. Well, this hurt, a LOT. "No worries," Dierdre said, "your endorphins should kick in and you'll settle into it after a few minutes." Nope, no settling. This was PAINFUL. Noopur said that I didn't have such looks of anguish on my face when I had spine surgery. I mean PAINFUL.
This was not Dierdre's fault at all. Like I said, my nerves are amped up, especially around my spine, which is, of course, where most of the tattooing happened. (In fact, the parts that weren't along my spine didn't hurt at all, fyi.) But Dierdre took my anguish in stride, she was sympathetic, but not so much that it slowed down the process (which would not only have ultimately probably hurt more, but also would have cost more). At one point, I got the shivers (pain does that to me, see afore mentioned nerve comment) but despite whatever shivering, wiggling, etc I may have inadvertently done, Dierdre furrowed on with the straight or swirly delicate lines that made up my tattoo.
Noopur told me after the fact that she didn't think I'd still opt for the color, after the expressions of pain she saw on my face. But I took it like a champ, and I'm glad I did. During the experience I thought "I AM NEVER GETTING ANOTHER TATTOO AGAIN" but then, when it was done, I looked in the mirror (with another mirror) at the finished product and thought about my next tattoo, which will come one day soon, and probably under the expert artistry of Dierdre.
The tattoo itself held the basic original tattoo in the center, although corrected and perfected and then, with delicate and precise scrollwork extended from every wing tip, it has more than quadrupled in size.
Maybe I'm a follower, since Dierdre is popular on Yelp, especially with Yelp's ladies (many of whom are my personal friends), but I'm telling you, she is popular for a reason and I got a little look at the handiwork of some of the boys there at Pino Bros, and I'm certain that they, too, are also worth their hype.
So, in the end, I still have a butterfly. But this butterfly, is BADASS.Listed in: Written in Blood - The…, Treat Yourself!
-
Review from Matt K.
Cambridge, MA
1/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
After over a decade of debating it in my head, I finally got my ink done, and after reading reviews around town was pretty much decided that Pino was the only place that I could trust to mark me permantly.
I didn't have an appointment set up, but instead was able to just do a walk in early Monday afternoon and was greated warmly. The young woman behind the desk asked me if I knew what I wanted, and upon showing her a picture I had on my phone, she had me e-mail it to their servers
From there they printed out several different sizes of my soon to be tattoo. I was a little picky because it as my first tattoo, but they were constantly glad to work with me and never once expressed any fustration at how many times I kept having to repeat this process until I got just the right image size.
Next my tattoo was actually applied by Ben. He did an a amazing job at making me feel at ease during the process, telling me what was gonna happen every step of the way. A nice touch was the instant the needle hit my skin he congratulated me on now having a tattoo.
The entire process took about 20-30 minutes and Ben was very professional the entire time.
When he was done he took several minutes to go after care instuctions with me.
I really can't imagine tlmy first tattoo going any smoother then it did with Pino Brothers. -
Review from Beck N.
Updated - 3/3/2010
Recently finished a quasi 1/2sleeve which took 4 sittings. If you want a tattoo that big that requires a lot of detail & you want it to be awesome, there are certain things you need:
1. Patience -- sometimes it takes awhile to get an appt - these artists are in high demand & sometimes things come up
2. Trust -- of course you need this when someone is going to permanently mark your body, but Ben has gained my full trust & I'm beyond amazed at what he comes up with
3. The bucks to back it up -- While I wouldn't say Pino Bros. is expensive, I wouldn't say they are cheap, either. I am a firm believer that art is an investment.
I've been to other tattoo shops, but after this experience, I don't think I'll go anywhere other than Pino.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/25/2007
I have to admit that when I first walked into the shop, I was beginning to second guess myself, but… Read more »
-
-
Review from J R.
Allston, MA
Updated - 10/20/2011
after a long hiatus i decided to get some more work, worked with matt on a cover up piece and it looks fantastic this is why i have been going there for 4+ years staff as always friendly and helpful and the work kicks ass
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/9/2007
i have had my last 2 tattoos done at pino bros, Brian did the last piece of a samurai on my… Read more »
-
-
Review from Cara P.
Cambridge, MA
7/16/2008
Pinos Brothers is the BEST, I repeat BEST place to get a tattoo or piercing.
I not only live right down the street, but got my first tattoo here. I don't think you could ask for anything more. They are professional, yet fun. Clean, yet their atmosphere is not sterile. Down to earth, yet hot. Yup, they have some mighty fine artist working there.
I would never go anywhere else to get work done. Not only are their prices reasonable, they put you at ease, explain everything up front and care about each and every tat they give.
I will say that I grew up in the same city the Pinos brothers are from yet I was younger then them. Even back them, they were known for their very chill attitudes and being very artsy...and well, hot.
P.S Yay 300 reviews!!!Listed in: My Neighborhood: East…
-
Review from Amanda L.
Brighton, MA
9/8/2008
So, for those of you that know me, I'm terrified of needles. Seriously, I still wish my Mom would hold my hand every time I get shot. So, needless to say, I never thought the day would come that I would actually be brave enough to go out and get a tattoo. (The last time I went with a friend to get a tattoo, I nearly fainted, so yeah)
I immediately knew I would go to Pino's Bros. because Jessika had raved about Deirdre and how cool and awesome she was. After some careful decision making and printing of pictures, I finally got around to scheduling a consultation.
While waiting for my consultation to start, I witnessed a group of boys very seriously contemplating with gigantic bong they would be purchasing. They kind of reminded me of a twisted family shopping for the perfect family car, awww how nice. Anyway, Deirdre finally came out, and besides being totally awesome the second I met her, she calmly told me how getting a tattoo is absolutely nothing like getting a shot. I told her what I wanted and she assured me she would give me something awesome.
Before I get to the actual tattooing, I have to say how AWESOME the guy is who let me re-schedule my appointment THREE TIMES because of annoying (kidding!) future mother-in-law and previous engagements that kept getting changed. But he was totally cool about it. 10 million stars for his patience.
Ok, onto the tattoo. Surprisingly enough, I was not nervous, even while I was getting prepped. Even though Jessika and Paul were just DYING to see pain on my face. Well, they were sorely disappointed. First off, the sketch that Deirdre made was phenomenal, and I think I was so excited about how beautiful it was that I forgot about being nervous. She told me that she would be give me a poke so I would know what it felt like, then draw the first line. It went something like this.
Deirdre: Ok I'm going to do the poke now
Me: ok
Deirdre: ::Poke:: How was that?
Me: ::Blink:: That was it? Yeah I'm fine
Deirdre: Ok I'm going to draw the line now ::Draws line:: How was that?
Me: ::Double blink:: Great!
Deirdre: Ok then, I'm just going to start now.
...And it was on from there. She was so nice, and she and I and Teri all talked pretty much for the duration of the entire experience. I was so completely at ease, that it barely hurt. It also went a lot faster than I thought it would. She managed to give me a truly awesome tattoo while keeping in mind my budget. I really thought I got a great price for the total awesomeness that she gave me. I'm already contemplating my next tattoo, so thanks Deirdre, you've officially made me a tattoo addict! I could never even think of going anywhere else! -
Review from Jocelyn C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Updated - 9/8/2008 1 photo
Just got another tattoo this weekend (my second from Deirdre) and I couldn't be happier (again). I can't stop staring at it, my bf can't stop staring at it, my co-workers can't stop staring at it... it's just so amazing!
Decided to get Meh (aka Melissa A) a tattoo for her birthday, mostly because I selfishly wanted another one myself. I talked Meh into it, we went in to talk and make appointments with Deirdre, and we ended up spending our entire Saturday afternoon with her.
Both of our tattoos took about 2 hours each, with some waiting around in between, so I just hope that all of our talking and giggling like little schoolgirls didn't annoy Deirdre too much... especially since now I have to go back in a few weeks and get the rest of my tattoo finished!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/8/2007
Yes... what Annie P. said, because I was with her and know that she speaks only truth.
I also got… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jena C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2010
I got my nose pierced here last week and Zid did a great job. Speaking from personal experience, I have become aware--over the years--that you can have really good and really bad piercing experiences. I previously had a pretty botched job on my eyebrow by a place that will remain nameless in California and was pretty nervous to have anything pierced on my face again since I still have a scar.
Enter Zid. He was super professional, if a bit removed. Everything was really clean and tidy and sterile in the best sort of way. I wasn't nervous when I first walked in, but by the time I was sitting on the table I was a little rattled. He walked me through breathing steady and told me when the jewelry was in (I had my eyes closed). There was very little bleeding and by the next day, the area piercing wasn't even red anymore!
He was very thorough with aftercare instructions and urged me to call or drop in if there were any problems. I chatted with one of the tattoo artists on the way out and would definitely come back here for more piercings and/or tattoos. -
Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Updated - 11/8/2009
I have returned to Pino Bros twice now. Once to take a friend to get her nose pierced by ZiD, zen piercing master, and then again yesterday to have same friend get re-pierced by ZiD after having to lose her piercing for surgery and me to get a spur of the moment tattoo.
Yeah. I know. I've been deliberating the tattoo thing for at least 16 years and then I go and pop the tattoo cherry on a whim. But I love it. Seriously love it. They took me as a walk in since someone had canceled their appointment and they now had time. And since I was only getting my first initial done, it wasn't exactly hard.
I was lucky enough to get Deirdre Doyle (who is turning out to be the resident tattoo artist of Le Clique). She is über cool. One of those girls you really want to hate because she's cool, pretty and wicked awesome, but you just can't because she's cool, pretty and wicked awesome. She did a phenomenal job. The placement is perfect, she managed to keep me calm, and, like everyone else in the shop, is seriously patient and lovely. If I ever decided to add to the tattoo collection I am definitely going back to Pino.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/7/2008
Piercings hurt. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. My nose is sore and I can't really blow my… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mandy H.
Somerville, MA
7/31/2008
It's been over a year since I went there, but after I caught a glimpse of the name on the Yelp welcome page, I had to write a review...
I waltzed in and asked Kurt Brown for a custom tattoo of a dogwood branch, and I told him I wanted it to evoke the style of Asian paintings of cherry blossoms. What he had drawn up when I came back a few days later was better than what I had imagined. He did a fantastic job and I get compliments on it constantly, and Kurt was super nice about the whole thing, even after I pretty much forced him to do it all in one sitting and stay after hours to finish it. (When I want a tattoo, I want a tattoo, dammit...)
I also really liked the shop as a whole -- everyone was really friendly, funny and down-to-earth... No attempts to be intimidating or snobby, unlike many other tat shops in Boston (particularly Stingray, who unfairly verbally abused my then-boyfriend who was getting a pretty kickass tattoo... but whatever).
Recommended. Fo sho. -
Review from Joanne M.
Woburn, MA
3/29/2011
It was my first time getting a tattoo, & I was nervous, but Bob Vanderberg from Pino Bros made me feel very relaxed as he explained the entire process to me. He told me about how everything was new and sterile, & exactly what was going to happen during my visit. I got two tattoos done that day, & it went by so quickly because he was so funny & talkative with me & my friend! It was a great time & the whole experience was awesome! Definitely recommend them to anyone, and I will definitely going back there as well!
-
Review from Erin C.
11/2/2008
I can't say enough good things about Pino Bros.
ZiD did a fantastic job getting me ready for my nose piercing. He was great with telling me what he was doing, talking me through the process and gave awesome after care instructions.
I went back a few times after to get new jewelry. He was also willing to take the time to talk over my choices with me and check on the jewelry.
I would totally recommend this place to any one looking to get a piercing from a qualified and experienced professional. -
Review from Mark C.
Roxbury, MA
1/7/2009
Absolutely.
Pino is hands-down my favorite tattoo/piercing shop. I've gotten two piercings each at Chameleon, Stingray, and Pino, and then came back to Pino for my tattoo as well. The staff at Pino is friendlier than any of the other places, and are much more comfortable to "hang out" with while getting your stuff done. ZiD (aka Adam), the piercer, is much more knowledgeable than any of the other piercers I've seen; he really goes above and beyond to make sure you're comfortable throughout and after the whole process, as well as well-informed about what he's going to do, what he's doing, and finally, what you need to do yourself.
The tattoo artists are the same way, making sure you want what you say you want, where you want it, and Deirdre was even accommodating when I asked her (like a big wuss) to run the tattoo needle over my leg with no ink so i wouldn't jump when she started doing it with ink.
I would absolutely recommend going to Pino for anything you need done. I think I'm over my piercing phase, for the most part, but will definitely be going back there for more tattoos. -
Review from Vanessa W.
Allston, MA
6/17/2008
I got my first tattoo last night. I woke up that morning and I just knew exactly what I wanted. As an artist I've been very obsessive about choosing just the right thing with the right meaning. I ended up getting something completely random that meant nothing and everything at the same time (a scrabble letter L that I found on a plane). I did a walk in.
Ben was my artist, and he was great. (Cute too, but that's beside the point). His artwork is amazing and we collaborated on how to make my tattoo the best it could be. He did it in color and gave me woodgrain and basically made it as awesome as a tiny little square can be. The shop was clean, the staff was cool, and they played movies. Ben was a sweetheart and I'm glad I went Pino Bros. I'd do it again in heartbeat. -
Review from Whitney R.
Roslindale, MA
After 25 years of waiting, I finally got my first tattoo from Kurt at Pinos. I discovered the shop on Yelp (thanks guys!), and based on the ratings, decided to look up the artists' portfolios on their website. The vividness of their colors are striking and the style is diverse and apparently well-trained. I knew they could deliver.
To cut the details short (I'm sure you don't want to hear ALL of them), the result is absolutely amazing. It's a replica of a 1930s painting, and is perfectly precise. Sure, it was "the neverending tattoo", but the 2 sittings and 6 1/2 total hours spent on it was so worth it (for me... poor Kurt!); I had never expected it to turn out so wonderfully, given the complexity of what I was asking for. It's also remarkable that he was willing to tackle a replica, since the joy of being an artist often lies in putting your own spin on things. Hopefully I'll someday have the cash to continue an extension of this arm piece, and give Kurt a chance to improv. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my skin! -
Review from Sameer N.
New York, NY
11/2/2008
I didn't get inked up in this joint but my roommate did. His tatts look juicy. I heard that these dudes sold "water filtration devices" so I totally rolled over there one night when I wanted a new one. I just got some primo "tobacco" and wanted to smoke out of a "water filtration" device. Either way, they were 2 seconds away from being closed but I made it in there and got a 2 footer. The dude totally hooked it up on the price and it became my prized possession.
A year later, while washing it I cracked it accidentally. It broke my heart. I had to put it out of commission.
Either way the dudes who work here are real nice and my roommates ink looks word up. I'd poke around in this piece if I were you.
Get a mural of children playing in a sandbox on your back. That way I'll know you read this if I ever see that. -
Review from Corona W.
Somerville, MA
2/28/2011
Several friends recommended Pino Bros for my first tattoo. I am so glad that they did. Not only are the staff professional, they are incredibly good at what they do. They also take the time to position the tattoo on you and explain the best areas for placement. No one wants a saggy tattoo when you're 50...nah meanzzz??? If you don't want to listen, that's your problem, but I trust the professionals. Two tattoos later -I still highly recommend this place. :D
-
Review from Rachel L.
Ponca City, OK
7/25/2008 1 photo
Came here on a recommendation from a friend who's landlord owns this business. I had an idea of what I wanted and with the little artistic ability I have drew it out. I made an appt. with Ben. Total luck of the draw. Best thing that happened to me. He totally understood what I wanted and worked with me till I was completely satisfied. Before we started the actual inking he admitted that sometimes he takes a bit longer because he's a perfectionist. Who doesn't want there tattoo artist to be a perfectionist? Sufficed to say I was so pleased with my tattoo and the entire experience. If I ever decide to get another or need a touch up this is were I'll be heading.
Oh please who am I kidding .....see you next week for the sleeve? -
Review from Christopher D.
Boston, MA
1/17/2010
I have finally found my permanent tattoo shop.
Ben and all the employees at Pino Bros Ink are kind, funny, and helpful. I started my chest piece at this shop and going in was nervous as to how my artist depicted and redrew the drawing that I gave him. It was amazing. I've never felt so comfortable and welcomed in a shop.
I encourage and recommend all people to Pino Bros Ink. -
Review from Mojo M.
Somerville, MA
8/15/2007
I whole heatedly admit to being a tat snob and refused to get any ink in Boston.
This had to do with A. Most of my work was from my time NYC and B. Massachusetts has had legal tattooing for like 2 months (and all the work I saw sucked).
I will admit I was mistaken--sorta . I still think 99.999% of the tattooist suck around here, but I did find a real gem. Deirdre at Pino's is an absolutely fantastic artist and technician. I can't speak more highly of her work --and frankly she is as fun as shite to sit with while you bleed for a couple of hours.
So long story short -- Deirdre is the exception to the rule that tattooist in Boston suck. Go to her or buy a Jet Blue ticket to NYC, LA, Miami or SF.
