Got an infection in a tattoo that carries a lot of sentimental value I got from here. In addition to some uneven shading and blowout, I became increasingly worried about inflamed areas in the tattoo. When I emailed my artist, she said redheads can sometimes have adverse reactions... except I have several other tattoos and have never had a reaction. Currently on antibiotics to treat my arm. There was also a roach on the floor of the shop. I really regret not just walking out then (or walking out when I realized not all of the staff were wearing masks correctly), but I am now stuck with an infection and a tattoo that will require serious touching up down the road. I debated posting this but think other people deserve to be warned.

Professional and knowledgeable. I had my nose pierced three weeks ago at another place and I accidentally pulled the L bar out. When I called them they suggested I get a flat back. I didnt know that was an option. I hated the L bar. It kept flipping all over. The piercer explained everything before she did it. She was fast. I love my new flat back jewelry. If I ever get another piercing it will be here.

These guys are awesome. Great tattoos and piercings and super nice people.

I called store asking if I could pick up a tongue piercing, and was told over the phone that it was fine for me to just come in and pick it up. I get to the shop 30 minutes later, took 10 minutes for anyone to even come speak to me about what I needed. Was told that only one person in the entire shop would be able to sell me my piercing, and to wait till they were done piercing their current appointment. 30 minutes later I come up to the counter, and I’m told they do not know when they will be able to sell me the jewelry ( which I would expect would take 5 minutes max to sell me.) I understand the piercer was busy, and I am not a priority at that time. But just have your receptionist be transparent and tell me that before I come in! Would of saved us both time. Really just frustrating.

Great service but outrageously expensive. I got my second lobe piercings here and it was $150 total - originally they wanted to charge $360 including jewelry. Not coming back here again for piercings.

This place was awesome! Cool staff, took me as a walk-in, did exactly what I wanted.

I came here for my basic lobe piercings and had a fantastic experience. I am very nervous around needles and they made me feel comfortable and explained the whole process. I never felt rushed or pressured. I would recommend to any friends looking to get their ears pierced.

Walked in and was tattooed by Brian. He did an amazing job, the shop was clean and everyone there was friendly and professional. Would definitely recommend and I will be returning.

I’m incredibly proud of the ink I got from this shop. I got a picture perfect American traditional snake and Eagle. I also got a super custom Minnesota tattoo with a walleye jumping out of the state outline. Remarkable work. Total professionals. I’d give them more than 5 stars if I could. This shop is absolute top of the line and I might fly to CA for my next tattoo based on the quality of the work.

Have been going here for over four years. Gotten many ear piercings and nose piercings. Tried others in the area but this is the best. All of the piercers are incredible. And when I decide to get a tattoo there is not doubt I am coming here. Not a lot of jewelry selection in my opinion, though I am picky. Regardless, this place is still the best and I look forward to all my appointments here. Customer service is also always top notch. The piercers know what they’re doing and take their time with you. Sometimes there is a wait to buy piercing cleaner, so you must be patient. But it is a great atmosphere to wait in. Very interesting gauge earrings and tattoo drawings that will keep you busy to look at while waiting.TLDR: come here. I didn’t write a paragraph for nothing.

I was so nervous for my ear piercing experience (my originals were done as a baby), but the process turned out totally easy! The staff was kind and knowledgeable, they let my indecisive self take as much time as I needed to pick my studs and pick my placement. Zero pain, amazing healing already in only a couple weeks, quality studs. I’m thrilled!

Love my tattoo! Came down from Seattle for the weekend and got an appointment a couple days before. Sent Worm images of inspiration for my tattoo idea and he came up with a design that I love! He was super quick, which is surprising because it is very detailed for the time spent. (Ignore the blood trapped under the bandage)They seem to take walk-ins quickly too. They got a couple people right at open asking for a tattoo, which were able to get started on within 40 minutes. I would recommend an appointment if you are pressed for time. Highly recommend!

Incredible tattoo shop, the only people I trust to work on my body, family crest done for myself and three sons. They make sentimental thoughts a reality. Hands down the friendliest most talented group of people. THANKS ALWAYS!

Went in on a walk-in and got exactly what I wanted. Hector, my artist, was more than I expected and made this tattoo perfect! Everyone in the shop was good company and fun to talk to. Pricing was awesome as well highly recommended.Thanks again guys!The Idaho crew..

Got a tattoo from Ryan. Great consultation. He put together an awesome composition and really helped me actualize what i wanted done because i came in with very little idea of what to get.The tattoo session was great. Wasnt stuck in the front with all the walk ins so the session was relaxing (minus the line that went thru the elbow ditch 🤣). Ryan has been tattooing for a long time and it shows. The work is amazing. I cant wait to finish up this sleeve.Will definitely be coming back (obv to finish this sleeve) for more work in the future.I also follow several of the artists from here on IG and all of their work is superb.

Absolutely phenomenal work, great people and a very reasonable price. Highly recommend checking this place out.

Was greeted immediately by Skylar and I didnt even have to wait ONE SECOND. Kayla did my conch piercing and was very professional especially with the extra precautions due to COVID. Ariel (Im sorry if I misspelled it) accompanied Skylar and Kayla through the process of selecting a piercing for me, to which ear it should go on, and finally the needle stabbing process 🤣 What a great trio to have working there, I felt very comfortable throughout the entire process and was able to go home as a satisfied customer!!!Also, great selection of jewelry! I wanted to take them all home 😭😁

My daughter wanted a tattoo for her birthday and this cute lil spot was friendly and got the job done. Shes happy!

Got my daughters there first tattoos and the guys were very nice and answered all there questions yes they are matching.

One of my favorite shops! Ryan does amazing work, as does the rest of the team!

I called and the girl at the front desk was rude transfered me to someone when I was not done talking

I have come here three times, twice for tattoos, and once for an ear cartilage piercing. I’ve been very happy with all three of my experiences; all three have been walk-ins and I was helped quickly and treated with respect. My first tattoo was small and only cost $80, my second tattoo was medium size and cost $160. So they are not super cheap, but a lot more affordable than the Arcade in Oceanside ($220 for a medium sized tattoo)! I’m very, very happy with the quality of my tattoos and my piercing. I will definitely keep coming back. Shoutout to Dakota and Kory for doing AMAZING work!

We heard good things but seems we had a bad customer experience. I came over and was told to add myself to the list and that they will call me when they are ready for the appointment. I haven’t heard back and when I called they told me to come in person tomorrow to add myself again to the list. Why?!

Amazing place. Well done, Brad (owner)

Very professional, very safe, very friendly, very attentive

Loved my experience being pierced!Clean and professional!

Henry Saskatchewan does amazing work, would highly recommend this place to anyone.

I just got my new tattoo from Lauren here at 454!Shes amazing, very friendly and a great artist!I love the tattoo she made me!STRONGLY RECOMMEND!!!

Exactly what i wanted. Hector is a very talented artist.

Had Ryan do a piece Ive been wanting for a long time.. Fantastic work and great experience. Made this first timer feel very comfortable and welcome.. Thanks Ryan!

Excellent service and environment! Great artists and people. Ill be back again.

Got my first tattoo here. Henry was extremely helpful with making my vision come to reality. Couldnt be happier with the results.

The piercer was very professional, but also easy to talk to. This was my first piercing, and she helped me stay calm through the process.

Went in with some ideas, asked about ideas to make it better or how to piece it together and nothing. No opinions and no creativity. The work they do seems to be great but you need to know what you want without input. If you want opinions and creativity dont go here. They seemed to not want my business at all.

Ask for Brian! All the other guys seemed awesome too!

If Im getting tatted, I go here.If youre looking for American traditional, ask for Lauren shes the best.

I had to book my appointments over a month out but thats just because Brad is so talented that he fills up quick. I got a huge piece on my ribs and Everyone was very professional and very helpful when it came to making me comfortable and talking me through the pain. Brad took an old out line that I had and made it into a beautiful side piece. Nothing printed off google. He free handed everything he put on my body and it came out perfectly!!! Prices are reasonable also. Hes a great tattoo artist and his prices fit his work!

I had an amazing experience getting my first tattoo with Ryan Breceda. Im a quadriplegic and Ryan and the staff did everything they could to make sure I was comfortable, including picking me up to get me on the table! I got crazy muscle spasms during the tattoo and Ryan was so patient and cool about it. Plus my tattoo is beautiful!

Ive been coming here for over 10 years. Lauren has been my artist for 4 if those years. Top notch work done by great people. Ive had plenty of tattoos done here as well as a couple of piercings. Always been happy with how Im treated here.

Terrific little spot! Traveling and read reviews. No long wait, ink’d perfectly, nice staff, affordable, and I’d go back in the future. Thanks guys!

Awesome vibe. Very nice people, and they know exactly what to do for you.

A bit pricey but they did great work and were good about getting my friend in last minute

Went to Sean for my first tattoo. I gave him basically 3 pictures of things I wanted incorporated in to the tattoo. And threw a little bit of a curve ball at him unintentionally at the time of the appointment. I was very detail oriented as it was my first tattoo and had a huge significance. He worked with me and worked it out to the original price I was quoted. Tattoo was everything I wanted and then some. Looks great, stoked on the work he did, wouldn’t change a thing!

I am from Chicago Illinois and this is my first time in California and my first tattoo by Brad. Wherever you are going to get your tattoos and piercings stop and get your butt over to 454 tattoo. They made me feel like I was family great prices and after I saw my three new tatts I would have given him twice what he asks for. This place was very clean and accommodating I have a back injury and I was using a walker. I will be back in Carlsbad in May of 2018 and I am going back to buy these guys lunch and get me and my family more tattoos! THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY FIRST TATTOO EXPERIENCE AWESOME!!!

I did not have the best experience with my piercing from 454. I got my forward helix pierced while on vacation and after following all instructions given my ear became very infected and I had to have my piercing dug out by another piercing studio. I kept my hair away from the area, cleaned the site daily, did not sleep on that side and avoided any water but in the shower. When I reached out to my piercer about my concerns they were not helpful and told me that I probably slept on it but they would be happy to redo the piercing for and additional $35. I already paid close to $80 for the piercing and jewelry. I went to a different studio and they took out my piercing and let me know that the earring they used was way to long for my ear and that was probably part of the problem. At the different studio they took it out free of charge and were happy to redo the piercing once that area had healed over for FREE!

Gab, is an incredible tattooist. I highly recommend him and the rest of the shop.

Ive been four times, each time with Lauren. She does amazing work, and is easy to work with. Pricing is fair, the shop is clean, and if you cant find an artist here that does what you want you should go ahead and never get a tattoo.

I’ve gotten all my tattoos here. They’re all very friendly and are wonderful at making your idea come to life. Hopefully going back there soon! 🤞🏻

Super nice guys!! Stopped in to see if they would help me re-wrap my ink and they were super dope and hooked me up! Thanks!! Highly recommend!!!

This evening Shelby pierced my 5-y-o daughters ears. Super professional, friendly place. Thank you to both Christina and Shelby for taking the time to show my daughter around and explain things so she could be comfortable. Great experience and highly recommended.

Super clean. All Star Professionals. Great artists.

Clean. Great service. Ryan was really patient with me getting my first tatoo. Would go back again and reccomend.

Kayla was amazingly helpful and attentive. Thank you!

Ruby was kind and did a great job replacing my jewelry and with a new piercing. Professional, clean, and a really good vibe.

Great artist friendly people. I use this place for all my tattooes.

Very professional and quick! Love my new nose piercing

Came in for an appointment with Gabe Munoz! His work is awesome. Highly recommend checking him out. Super friendly and put me at ease with my pre-tat anxiety.

SUPER friendly, clean, and talented! An easy choice!

Had my tragus repierced and was very pleased! Friendly service and small intimate Leucadia feeling 😃

Ive been meaning to write this for a while, I went here in mid-October, while on vacation. The super skinny piercing dude was so condescending and made me feel super uncomfortable, he was the worst and I will never be back. I was wanting a gold cartilage hoop to replace my older one and a new flat nose ring. He did not go over anything with me nor act like he even wanted to deal with me. He put the nose ring and and left the stem much too long and was totally going to let me walk out of there with it like that until I asked him to make it shorter and he was audibly annoyed at my request. He was AWFUL. The 2 piercings cost me $172 and he did not inform me of this beforehand but he had made me feel so awkward for even being there that I paid it and left. Dude you pierce people for a living, its not that serious, try not being a jerk to your customers.

See my girl Ruby! She is the Ultimate Piercer!

I am in SoCal visiting, and managed to lose a piece of jewelry. Ruby was *AMAZING*!! I also spent too much time drooling on their BLVA selection.

Love this place! Everyone is great

Phenominal Shop! Great artists!

If you go ask for hector he does awesome work

Best place around. Kory is an awesome artist!

I recently had a double ear piercing and returned to the place twice complaining of pain. I was told to wait 6 months for the ear to heal. It just didnt seem right and finally went to a dermatologist 6 weeks after the piercing and told I had a keloid and that it would probably get worse if I didnt remove my earring. I cant believe Im the first one this has ever happened to and was disapointed in the reaction I received at 454 for my $75 ear piercing. The first time I returned I was told nobody was there that knew anything about piercing. The second time Christina told me to wait it out as long as I didnt have an infection. In the end I had to realize my left ear just wasnt tolerating a piercing and forcing it wasnt going to help, and likely was not ever going to get better.

Lauren is the best. She treats me well:)

Staff is super friendly and do an amazing job on my piercings

I have been to this shop 5 times now and although I have only been tattoed by Billy (been there15 years) and Brad (owner) -- all artists are equally talented.. The shop and all artists make you feel very welcome - which I think is a very important aspect. Customer service is good. Pricing might be slightly above avg (not much) - but you are getting a TATTOO that lasts forever -- so you want to get it done by a skilled artist!This shop does get busy so cruise in and make an appt. with the artist of choice.. FYI -- Billy and Brad are usually booked for 2-3 months. It always helps if you bring your tat idea/concept to review with the artist prior to making an appt.

Best local shop!

They did amazing work

Been coming to this place for 15 years. Trusted and reliabale

Ryan is the best!

Clean work, chill enviornment

Way too expensive.

Awesome

Clean, friendly, recommend

Rude,rude,rude.

Fantastic artists. Super nice people. Highly recommend.

Professional and very clean !!I got a piercing and a tattoo here, I was really thrilled !!!Great, I recommend to everyone the 454 tattoo to get a tattoo or a piercing as a souvenir of a trip to California !!!I was served by Max, really professional !!!Thanks 454 tattoo, see you soon!