Gina C. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Over the last few years I've gotten 3 large & complex tattoos at this studio with 3 different artists. Each time I've come away with the same feeling... They are the BEST!
The people who work there are friendly and welcoming. Even the artist that aren't "your artist" take time to comment on the progress of your piece. Their artists are very talented and it's clear they want you to LOVE the art they created for you.
I've gone back at least 9 times now, each session lasting several hours, and every session has always been positive. Most recently I've been working with @theclicketyclick Jonah Ellis. He is soooo amazingly creative it's sick. His work is beautiful, delicate and intricate. He is also a great person with a really good heart and, let's face it, an amazing dog (Owen aka:TheScaredCow) whom I just love.
Going back in the spring for more work with Jonah. Can't wait!

Dave W. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

The absolute best. Every one of my tattoos is from this shop, since I wound up having them fix up a few less-than-stellar pieces from other places. The staff is friendly, the office is clean and unpretentious, and the overall vibe is very friendly. I have a standing monthly appointment. I wouldn't go anywhere else. If you want a tattoo, at least schedule a consultation and see for yourself.

Taylor T. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love.

What a great place with talented artists! If you're looking for a shop with beauty and soul look no further. I'm working with Jess, and I've given her the significant duty of sleaving out my arm. We've only had one session, but I can tell she's going to crush it!

I went to another big name shop in the city, and I walked away feeling salty and unsure of what to do next. When I walked in to East Side Ink I could tell I found my East coast tattoo home, and that's what I need. I love long relationships with shops, and I've had many a love affair in SF and Seattle. But, now I have my NYC place I'll gladly call my inked home.

Rebecca S. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

These guys are TRUE professionals. I went in with a beast of a tattoo and spent about 20+ hours in the shop. Everyone was kind & welcoming. The parlor itself is immaculate and looks more like a trendy coffee shop/massage parlor than a stereotypical tattoo shop.

Jonah Ellis is a ROCK STAR. He was the first artist to say yes to my tattoo (I had asked around 6 more at other shops). He is SO worth the price (as are all the artists there).

Ronnie D. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I just had my first tattoo at the age of 60- and Ceasar was artistic, calming and his work was spotless....

The place is spotless and I was totally confident from the minute I stepped in the door.

I highly suggest it- and expect I will be back for more

Kate C. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

With no previous tattoos, the decision to have an artist place something permanently on my body was one I took very seriously, and I am so thankful that Yelp reviews lead me to the incredible East Side Ink.

I called and described what I wanted, and they were able to set me up for a consultation that week. The studio is beautiful inside and when I met with Jess M. she sat with me and we talked about my vision, and I emailed her some photos that inspired me. She took a tracing of my arm where the tattoo was to be and we set an appointment for two days later.

When I went back, everything looked exactly how I would have envisioned it and I am so amazed at her artistry and ability to bring this idea to life.

Grace M. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

This was my first tattoo and I was definitely nervous, but I had Caesar as my tattooist, so I was very lucky. He made me feel more secure about the pain and aftermath of the tattoo and respected my choices while giving me great suggestions. I'm definitely coming back for another! (Prices are based by the hour everyone)

Abby W. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I'm convinced that tattoo artist Cheo Park is this beautiful shop's secret weapon. Sure, the place is famous for the owner tattooing all the Avengers, and while that is dynamite stuff, you really need to know about the quiet, petite genius set up in the far back corner.

I was looking for years for someone who could flawlessly design and execute my full left arm sleeve. There are a lot of complex elements that needed to be woven together visually and he delivered. We still have a few more sessions to go to finish it up, but it has been beyond worth every penny spent ($250/hour) and every minute (40 hours and counting) under his gun.

Cheo is friendly, subtle, funny, respectful, a true collaborator, ridiculously talented, and if you're lucky, he might have his adorable rescue dogs with him at the shop...

Atarah A. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Had the pleasure of working with Jen, who is the master of micro blading brows. She changed my whole facial world! It was amazing waking up today and looking in the mirror and being like "omg yesssssssssss" !!! She did such an amazing job, and was so patient and gentle during the whole process.
She made sure that each brow fits my face perfectly, working with the natural symmetry of my face, she is a true artist and sculptor. They are my new favorite thing about myself, I'm hooked!
Thank you thank you thank you Jen!!!

Pete Q. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Everything about this place was great. The staff. The artists. The cleanliness. The professionalism. Perfect place for a first tattoo or an addition.

Kristen P. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I've been to this shop numerous times, all of the tattoo artists are very talented and the front desk staff is always helpful. I would recommend and I hope to be back soon!

Kayla S. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

East Side Ink exceeded our high expectations!! The receptionist Melanie is so sweet, and really takes time to learn your name, and give you proper advice on after care treatment. The talent is incredible at this spot, each artist takes their work very seriously without being snobby, rude or indifferent to their customers. Cesar did a great job, had wonderful bedside manner and has definitely gained regular status from us. We will go nowhere else. Thank you guys for a spectacular job!!!

Ida E. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Another long overdue review!

I got my second tattoo at East Side Ink as well as a touch up on my first one, and I was very happy with the service and the result.

My brother and I came here when he visited me in New York back in November of 2014. He was getting his first tattoo and he wanted it to be detailed and realistic, so he had done some research and felt that East Side Ink would be a good fit for him so I tagged along.

Both our tattoo artists took good care of us and listed to our wishes. We are both very happy with the result and could not have found a better place.

Yes, East Side Ink might be more on the expensive side, however they do take great care of their costumers and try to mach you with an artist that fits the style of the tattoo you want. In the end you pay for a great result that will last your whole life so it is worth the money.

The place is clean and intimate and has some nice leather couches to hang out on while you wait (if you go with someone).

Keep in mind that this is a cash only place! There is a local neighborhood store right across the street with and ATM, but it has a $200 limit for each withdrawal.

Abigail G. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Getting my eyebrows microbladed after years of penciling them in and feeling self-conscious when they inevitably smeared at some point during the day was one of the best decisions I've made and I'm so glad I found Jen at East Side Ink to make it happen. Jen adores her clients and truly takes the time to get to know them and find out exactly what they want before getting down to business. Her attention to detail is outstanding and she does a great job of answering your questions and allaying any concerns you may have. I am in love with my new brows and receive compliments on a daily basis. If you're considering getting microblading done, I highly recommend you make an appointment with Jen. She is fantastic!

Victor P. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Spontaneous urge to get some more ink while on our brief visit to NYC, found these guys and was very glad I chose them.

Clean shop, pleasant staff. Artist Caesar was available for my walk in. Consult was well done, he drew it quickly and perfectly and we were in and out in about an hour. I've been to many shops and have had ink done from Seattle to Mexico. His was an excellent shop and best part is you can explore the east village afterwards.

Zach B. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I came here (terrified) for my first tattoo on my 18th birthday.. I was greeted by Angela De Rosette, who was beyond incredible.

Since it was my first tattoo, I was panicking about how bad it might hurt, or if I flinch, faint, etc.. Angela was super understanding and helped me calm down beforehand.. I got a simple Aries tattoo on my wrist, and I LOVE IT.

The shop's vibe is so positive. Everybody there truly loves what they do.. I would recommend this place 100%!

Luke H. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

My wife and I both are customers of Jonah as our artist. One of the best experiences and very light-handed as well great conversationalist. We can't wait to come back soon!

Lisa G. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I had microblading (my eyebrows done) by Jen a couple of weeks ago. I am absolutely thrilled with the results. Everyone thinks they look fantastic and that I actually look younger. I couldn't ask for a better result. Plus, the whole experience was fun. Jen is super nice and personable and funny. She is also serious about her craft and spent a long time drawing and redrawing my brows until we both agreed on shape etc. Worth every penny!

Cressa B. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I have 17 tattoos, and this was by far one of the best experiences I've had. SUPER chill, super accommodating (that front desk girl is the SWEETEST). I came in for a new year's special from Mare, someone I'd been following for years with the hopes of someday getting tattooed. She took my super vague idea and turned it into now one of my favorite little pieces. Just a joy from start to finish. Thank you so much, I'm already planning to come back for multiple things :)

Heidi C. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I could not be happier with my first tattoo experience at East Side Ink. My tattoo artist was Valentina, and she was kind, patient, and just an overall good vibe. I think it's really important having someone that makes you feel comfortable in the process. A couple of months before the actual session, I sent her some reference photos, and then a week before the session, stopped by the shop to see her sketch and go over finalizing the design. I'm super happy with the outcome! Definitely thinking about what to get next.

Yummy T. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

They moved to 88 rivington street. A new better location. The place looks really nice and there's a hot chick in the front desk to welcome you. Can't go wrong I highly recommend

Julia Y. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

ESI is Alpha in the Alphabet City!! I love everyone here! The Artists here are extremely talented and have beautiful souls!! Jessica had done such a great job on my Tattoo!! I am just itching to go back for a touch up and for more Tattoos! Don't worry about not knowing what to get. The Artists over at ESI will inspire you and make your visions into reality. Trust them, they will surprise you in everyway! I love ESI!

Danny W. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I got the baby Simpson tattooed on my leg here. Sounds like it would be a joke, but it actually makes a ton of sense considering my fiancés name is Maggie. Some people get their partners name tattooed on them. Others get a similarly named cartoon. I guess I just fall in that second category.

Well, regardless of how dumb, funny, or frivolous of a tattoo idea you have, you can be sure that East Side Ink is going to take it seriously. Everyone in the shop from the woman working the front desk to the person that filled in the blue bow on my Maggie was incredibly professional from start to finish.

It's not cheap, but I know from experience that you definitely don't want to go that route if you're looking to put something permanently on your body. They also let my friends drink wine while they were waiting for me which made the whole experience even more of a social function. If you're in the East Village and opting for a tattoo to keep you entertained, you really can't go wrong at this shop!

Christina P. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

Though everyone and their mom has tattoos these days, it's surprising to me how many places can still be snobby or unwelcoming when you're researching them for your first one. I've heard that lots of tattoo artists don't want to be responsible for those who are looking for their first one, and that others look down at those who want to do small tattoos instead of going in for an entire sleeve or chest or something. I fell into both of those categories (first-timer, small tattoo), so I was very impressed with how comfortable they made me feel at East Side Ink. First of all, the space itself has a warm and welcoming vibe, something that's not easy to do with the buzz of needles in the air and bare skin being exposed all over the place. There are lots of women working in the place (though not exclusively), which was comforting to me, too.

I had an appointment with Angela, who is obviously a badass and very talented from her book and IG accounts but is also super sweet and helpful. She's confident in her work but wants to hear everything you're thinking in terms of what you want - a good balance. She must see hundreds of people a week but she still made me feel special and not at all rushed as I got my first little tattoo. I walked out of there feeling great and, of course, looking great too because she did an amazing job. Coincidentally a couple of coworkers also went to her after me to get more intricate, colorful pieces and they turned out fantastically as well.

They had a $100 minimum (lower than other trendier spots I consulted with in the past), and somewhat inconveniently they only take cash. There's an ATM at the bodgea across the street if you're in a bind. I'd highly recommend it to someone who's looking for a new spot or a first-time experience that will leave you wanting more tattoos immediately!

Ruggy J. ✮✮✮✮✮ YELP

I've been under a tattoo gun many times in my day, and some experiences have been better than others. I've had some terrible tattoos, I've had some pretty great tattoos, and a few sprinkled in between. But what's funny is that my last tattoo was intended to be somewhat of a joke, but it may just be my best tattoo yet.

The crew at East Side Ink are all total professionals. Whether you're walking in unannounced, or you have an appointment, they'll talk you through in a way that's very straight forward, and they'll talk you out of any tattoo they don't think you'll love in 10 years. They don't want that blood on their hands, and you don't want it on your body. They could take the money and run (trust me, it's been done to me in the past), but they have a reputation to uphold, and adhere by the proper ethics of self-respecting artists.

It might not be the cheapest tattoo in Lower Manhattan, but do you really want a cut rate piece that'll go to the grave with you? No. Don't learn the hard way like I did, just go to East Side Ink and love the new you.