Clean and comfortable Custom Tattoo Studio. We also have an Art Gallery featuring local fine artists.
Great Experience
by Bjoy
The place is very chill and comfortable, all the artists portfoios were really impressive... Lacie did an awesome job on the tattoo, she's a great artist and a lot of fun to hang out with for a few hours... highly recommended...
Pros: Good vibe, great artwork
Cons: none
Posted 10/21/09
Great Place
by lorilee1215
Marco that works at Pheonix tatoo just gave me my first tatoo. I love him. I went to blue flame first...big mistake. I was told that my simple tatoo would cost 180 bucks and that it pretty much kinda sucked in so many words. WOW!!!! I know, seriously?? So I left and went to phoenix and talked to Marco (who made me feel like a million dollars) who made my dream of getting a tatoo happen. Simple, 60 bucks, in and out within an hour. Great experience. Will definately go back. Thank to everyone that helped me thru this process. I LOVE my first tatoo and there will be more to come at phoenix!! P.S. Make sure you talk to Marco at phoenix tatoo and not Marco at blue flame.... because basically that guy is not cool.... at all.
Pros: Great vibe...even better people.
Cons: none at this time
Posted 10/14/09
Could not be happier
by lorax429
Everyone was polite and helpful from the first time I walked in to the shop. Steve is an amazing artist. He took the time to listen to me describe what I wanted and he showed genuine interest in my ideas. He designed an amazing tattoo for me and did a stellar job putting it on me. I could not be happier. A+++++
Posted 10/12/09
Awesome experience...
by mring
I have wanted a tattoo for about 10 years and finally decided to bite the bullet and get one done. We are from Chicago, so we searched Citysearch for a parlor and Phoenix came highly recommended. Even though they were busy, Kelly was able to fit both my husband and myself in right away.
When you walk in the shop is clean, bright, and inviting and all the artists are very nice. We worked with Marco who is very professional and pretty damn funny. (Not always the best thing to be when doing a tattoo on my ribs, but still appreciated all around.) Our designs were pretty simple so we were in and out without an issue. Love the tattoos!
Thank you everyone for making this a great experience...I would definitely come back. :)
Pros: Marco, Kelly, clean open shop, great attitudes...
Cons: None
Posted 09/25/09
Helped with Design and Great Detail Work!
by volvolumed
I walked in out of the rain with a bunch of printed ideas for two tattoos I wanted to get. The receptionist immediately came over to assist me, little did i know i was going into too much detail on what i wanted and didn't realize she only asked a simple question =)
She sent me right over to Marco where he figured out exactly what i was trying to communicate with my little pictures. At this point i was a walk in, with no appointment, and it was later in the shop's operating hours... and i had wanted to get the tattoos done that night. Marco explained to me a better version of what i had brought in that would "pop" more and not just look like a big ink blob. Sure enough i now have an awesome superbike on my arm that is truly unique. I'm obsessed with looking at it every 2 minuets.
My other arm had a work that had many fine edges and lines, was not a problem... Came out better than my original picture as well! The lettering i had done on both arms also came out fantastic, with fades and shadows and all that.
I totally loved the music selection in the shop as well.
Pros: Tattoo, Marco, Friendly Staff, Chill, tastey bottle of water
Cons: Was a rainy day
Posted 09/23/09
Good times.....
by cpk1979
Let me preface this review by saying I am a pain in the A$$ and very demanding.
I decided on a design around the first of 2009 and tried to find an artist that i believed would do it justice. I found one on line 500 miles away in PA. and called for an appointment. He was booked 60 days out. (This was June)
During this wait I came accross the Phoenix facebook page and noticed Lacies work there. I paid a visit to the shop, Lacie was out but I looked through her portfolio and knew I found who I was looking for (this is a portrait Tattoo and my first so I demanded perfection). I set an appointment for a consultation (30 days) and left.
I got Lacies email from the desk and contacted her that way sending my art work as well. Lacie got right back to me and told me to come in and make an appointment. I did (70 days out) and called of my PA appt.
Lacie called me 30 days early and told me of a cancel she had so I jumped on it. Over 4 hours in the chair (and a little input from Steve) I had what I wanted.
I waited nine months to get this done. Now I will have it for a life time.
Great experience, people and times.
Good things come to those who wait and you get what you pay for, both are true at Phoenix
Thanks Lacie and team for this great piece of art!
Pros: Excellent artists that take pride in their work.
Cons: The wait time but its worth it.
Posted 09/04/09
Great shop, great staff, great tattoo!
by McGirl
Wow! I'd been to Warlocks before and found a lot of attitude. At Blue Phoenix I felt comfortable and safe. I watched the artist, Lacie, open the needles and cover everything in plastic. She explained what we would do and how to handle aftercare. You know a tattoo artist is good when you have to ask them to stop for a sec because you have to laugh. Even while doling out the pain, Lacie was fun and funny and as gentle as possible (when needling my flesh.) She listened to what I wanted and gave me more than I expected. There's a difference between a tattooist and an artist. Lacie is definitely an artist!
I highly recommend the shop and I know it's the only place I'll go for tattoos.
Pros: artistry, clean, friendly, comfortable
Cons: didn't have one
Posted 08/28/09
Highly recommended
by Teachfit
I had my first tattoo designed by Steve. He was incredible! He took a picture I brought in and redrew it more beautifully than I could have ever imagined, and then the final work was detailed and colored to perfection. It was so much more than I had hoped for, I could not be happier. (well, except for the pain of it all but that is another story)
The atmosphere is clean but I would prefer a private room instead of booths open to everyone, but the work far outweighed that. The staff was courteous and handled my nerves quite well.
Pros: Excellent design work
Cons: Non private booths
Posted 08/28/09
Detail !!
by EdgewoodCustomCabinetry
I recently had a piece done on my arm and would like to thank Marco ... Ill be back!
Pros: Clean neat and experienced
Cons: I dont have one to list.
Posted 08/22/09
Best Tattoo Shop!!!!!
by WinstonGal05
Got a nice size tattoo done on my upper arm by Marco and I love it!!! It is way more than what I had expected. He took what I wanted and put a crazy spin on it and it came out wonderful!
Pros: Great Artists
Cons: None at all!!!
Posted 08/21/09
Best Tattoo Experience
by Dave31
I got my first tattoo at Phoenix and had an excellent experience with Lacie as my artist.
She did an absolutely outstanding job at bringing my beloved image to life. The aftercare instructions were explained thoroughly and the environment was exceedingly clean.
I could not have been happier with my experience and will definitely go back. I highly recommend Phoenix!
Pros: Great atmosphere, Friendly artist
Cons: None
Posted 08/11/09
Wouldn't Go Again
by VAborn
Like you have read in the other posts, the male receptionist almost made me turn around and leave. He was very arrogant and acted as if he did not want the business.
I have four other tattoos that I have gotten at Warlocks and Buck-A-Tattz. On the recommendation of a friend, I thought I would give Phoenix a try. For all other tattoos, I will go to Buck-A-Tattz. At least there, you are provided privacy, a mirror at the station, and a cape so you don't have to just "drop your drawers." Chuck Cassell has set the standard for the Raleigh area!
Pros: Tatto artist did good work
Cons: Attitude, no capes or gowns
Posted 07/15/09
very good experience
by ginnae
I just got my first tattoo at Phoenix and had a very good experience with Steve as the artist. He was very approachable and made me feel very comfortable. He did some great color work for me (based on my vague image and description) to make my design really pop, and I have gotten so many heartfelt compliments already.
I would say though, the receptionist (girl) was pretty goofy over the phone and the receptionist boy who was there when i got the tattoo was very sullen and would have intimidated me into thinking i am not cut out for a tattoo, if i were a less secure person. but don't let that stop you because the artists were totally unlike that. the shop was super clean and painted beautifully. My friends and i had a great time and i would recommend it highly to anyone.
Pros: comfortable and clean
Cons: receptionists could be a bit better
Posted 07/09/09
Couldn't have asked for a better experience
by geoffpartyusa
This is my first tattoo and it took me a long time to find a studio and artist I liked. After looking at other studios in town, I met with Steve and showed him the design I had and he was very professional and understanding during our conference. He took the time to talk to me about the meaning behind the design and he discussed the minor tweaks he made to it before finalizing the design. Some of it had to be done freehand due to placement and I am really happy with how it turned out.
During the sitting, I started feeling a little queasy and the whole staff was very understanding and encouraging. Two hours and a Sprite later, I am now the owner of a tattoo I am extremely proud of. I would recommend Steve and Phoenix to anyone thinking about getting a tattoo.
Pros: Great staff, talented artists
Posted 06/21/09
BUTT KICKING to the maximum
by sallybakescookies
i highly recommend this place, annie has always been great to work with and does phenomenal work and everyone that works there is awesome (except the girl that works the desk... but shes not there too often). i've had nothing but good experiences, and have always felt welcome.
i appreciate the honesty in regards to what can and cannot be tattooed on my body (realistic results!) and it is worth it to sit down and talk with the artist you are working with to find out why a certain tattoo will heal a certain way because there are always alternatives and you will probably be able to reach a decision that works for you and that will have a great lasting result. after all, it is going to remain on your body forever and you want it to look good.
love this place. go there!
Pros: amazing tattoo artists and service
Cons: that skinny counter girl
Posted 06/17/09
annie is an absolute ANGEL!!!!!
by thekim
After getting a tattoo I wasn't completely satisfied with from another establishment, I made an appointment with Annie from Phoenix tattoos to see if anything could be done to improve my tat.
From the moment I met Annie, she was extremely sweet and approachable. She understood my concerns and the vision I had and worked with me to the best of her ability.
Not only does Annie's talent shine through her work, she has a personality that I haven't found in any artist I've worked with before. I felt very comforted knowing she was just as concerned as I was for my tattoo to come out just how I wanted. She even thanked ME for trusting her and made sure I knew that if i had ANY concerns, not to hesitate to bring them up to her. I have to say I have never felt so at ease with any other artist before (I've had work done by 4 others before finding Annie).
The shop itself is very clean and the staff is professional. In regards to a previous review regarding Lacie and the guy working the desk, I could not disagree more. I have not met Lacie but I have seen her work online and the girls at Phoenix are INCREDIBLE. As for the guy (sorry, dont know his name), he was very nice and asked if I needed a beverage practically right when we walked in.
I will definitely return to see Annie again for any future work I have done.
Thanks again, Annie. Words cannot express just how much this new tattoo means to me (though you may have an idea because I started tearing up at the end of the session)!
Highly recommended.
PS: u have got to make appointments first and consult with the artist youre going to work with. this should be standard practice across the board. i dont understand why people would get upset about this. the conversation and rapport you build with the artist during a consultation only helps the end product and ensures you get what you want.
Pros: best in raleigh, artists have incredible talent!
Cons: nothing.
Posted 06/17/09
Inconsistent Results
by Ags
After receiving a personal recommendation from someone close to me, I decided to get my most recent tattoo at Phoenix. The experience was fantastic - the staff I dealt with was very pleasant and accomodating. I can't say enough positive things about Steve, the artist who did my tattoo. He took my barebones design of a lotus flower and turned it into a work of art. He's amazing, and I would recommend him to anyone looking to get a tattoo (he's done both my brother-in-law and sister.)
Unfortunately, my experience this evening at Phoenix was less than pleasant. The kid working the desk apparently felt himself to be superior to myself, and not only inferred my tattoo idea to be stupid, but informed me that "it wouldn't look the way you think it would look." Apparently, he was a mind-reader and knew exactly what my expectations were. This was backed up by Lacie, the tattoo artist on duty, who apparently also had the ability to read my mind.
In the end, I'm torn about the rating to give this establishment, but I must go with my most recent experience. Many kudos to Steve, but anything but to the blonde kid and Lacie.
Pros: Certain staff members are GREAT
Cons: Certain staff members are cocky & rudy
Posted 06/15/09
AMAZING!
by DeeDooDaniel
This is the best tattoo studio in Raleigh. I've been twice and recommend it to all my friends looking for ink. Steve is my artist and he is great! The artists are all extremely talented while being super friendly and willing to work with you. Great for seasoned tattoo lovers as well as first timers looking to enter the wonderful world of body art.
Way better than Blue Flame!
Pros: Great price, great artists, great atmoshpere!
Cons: None
Posted 05/07/09
Great Work-Great Service!!!
by 4rch3typ3
after doing some research i finally decided to go to this parlor.. i must say that i could not have been happier. The staff is very very nice and helpful. Work was A+..
Pros: People very nice and work is great.
Cons: none
Posted 05/07/09
Best Tattoo Experience
by TaraL
I was looking for a certain style for my next tattoo and I found Lacie Frain...little did I know what an excellent choice I made! From the extremely clean shop to the great service by Kelly to the amazing workmanship of Lacie....I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else ever again! Thanks to all there who make ya feel at home!
Pros: Excellent Staff, Great Shop
Posted 05/02/09
Best shop in town
by kisexton
Got my third tattoo at Phoenix last night - first visit there. This shop is appointment only, very professional and willing to work with you to make your design fit your style and your body. Steve Clark did my design but the entire staff was friendly and courteous and it's the best tat I've gotten to date.
Pros: skilled artists, quality shop
Cons: parking
Posted 05/01/09
I love Phoenix Tattoo Studios
by DimiWilliams
This is my third tattoo that was done by Lacie Fran over at Phoenix Tattoo. I've been to many shops around town over the last 8 years but once I found Phoenix and Lacie I vowed to never go elsewhere. All the artist are absolutely great! They treat you are friends and not as clients which is important for someone that you will spend and hour or two with. If you are looking to get a tattoo check out Phoenix. You want regret it!
Pros: great atmosphere, friendly artist
Cons: parking
Posted 05/01/09
Good work, good environment
by DeaconCider
I got my first tattoo just over two weeks ago at Phoenix Tattoo. I was advised that two weeks was around the time it would take for it to heal and I can't express how perfect it looks and how much I love it. The entire process went really smoothly, there was a good atmosphere, and Marco (the artist who did my tattoo) was very understanding about exactly what I wanted. The aftercare instructions I were given were very explicit and the healing process went very smoothly. If I choose to get another tattoo, I will definately go back to Phoenix.
Posted 04/19/09
Amazing!
by stuckinsea
I just got my first tattoo done by Annie and not only was she sweet and friendly, but she made me feel at ease and calmed my nerves down so that I wasn't scared. The atmosphere is great and everyone was friendly and extremely funny and entertaining as I waited.
If you're a first timer like myself, I say give Phoenix a try, because not only were they really personable but they've got some great artists there.
Pros: Fantastic Artists and Excellent Staff
Cons: None
Posted 04/16/09
Excellent Experience
by myralynn82
After 8 years of research, I finally got my fist tattoo on April 8 at Phoenix. Everyone was very friendly and professional, and I felt very comfortable. Lacie was my artist, and she did an absolutely fantastic job at bringing my beloved image to life. Healing and care were explained thoroughly and the environment was exceedingly clean. Prices were beyond reasonable for the excellent work being done. I could not have been happier with my experience and will definitely go back. I highly recommend Phoenix!
Pros: Clean, Professional, Friendly, Non-intimidating
Cons: None
Posted 04/11/09
Love my Tat
by dandor134
I received my first tattoo just the other day. This is something that I had been thinking about for a while but just could not seem to make the commitment. Although I'm 46 years old and never had a tat, I found that Steve Clark at Phoenix was willing to sat down with me and discuss exactly what I wanted and then came up with a great design. Super place of business, with 4 artists and Kelly, who is a great customer service rep.
Pros: Friendly, clean, great art work.
Cons: Small mirrors for looking at tat
Posted 04/04/09
Excellent experience!
by tgprn
I just got inked at Phoenix. Steve did a wonderful job, and I LOVE my new tatt. Everyone was nice, they put my right at ease. I was nervous because my tattoo was going on top of my foot, and I had heard so many stories about how bad it hurt. Kelly was kind and professional when she checked me in and Steve quickly calmed my nerves. They were clean, professional and I will never get ink anywhere else again. They treated me great even though I'm not covered in tatts, mine are under my clothing(except for my new one!!) Thank you guys for a great experience!
Pros: Professional, personal customer service
Cons: none
Posted 03/19/09
Amazing shop, amazing artists, amazing work
by Tat2dIrishGurl
This is one of the most professional shops I have ever visited. The counter staff is helpful, friendly, and greatly skilled at helping you start the process of getting your new tattoo. The shop itself is kept extremely clean, and in excellent working order. You walk into a warm atmosphere, are greeted by smiling faces, and are spoken to with the respect you deserve. The artists are astounding at what they do, and can turn any image you have into a completely original work of art. The artists take the time needed to make absolutely sure that the piece you get is 100 % what you want and that it is a custom piece you will be proud of for the rest of your life. No one will make you feel like you are wasting their time or that they have better things they could be doing. You will get complete and undivided attention from anyone there. Go to Phoenix for the tattooing experience of a lifetime. I guarantee you will never go to another shop.
Pros: friendly helpful staff, parking right across the street, and amazing art
Cons: NONE
Posted 02/27/09
best tattoo shop
by megablu
i am extremely happy with my tatto from lacie, she was right on with the piece & added an awesome touch of her own. i was impressed by the cleanliness & professional setting of Phoenix. I will definitley be returning & referring others.
Posted 02/06/09
Clean and Affordable
by KittehCat
I spent a lot of time researching places for my first tattoo. Nothing seemed to fit right. Then I stumbled onto this place (from THIS website) when searching for a place for a friend. After checking out the artist's portfolios online I settled on Lacie. I came in for a consultation and she said she would email me the final drawing for my custom work. I was not disappointed. She did tons of research to flesh out the paltry drawing I gave her originally. She even did hand drawn lettering since there was no stencil for what I wanted! She was very courteous the whole time I was getting the tattoo done, asking me if I was dizzy or needed something to drink. And when the tattoo was done faster than expected (the shop charges by the hour) she only charged me for that time, not the original estimate. (I also gave her a tip!) She was very thorough with explaining the after care and gave me a kit to take home. Her work is amazing. I've had people asking me where I got my tattoo all week! I will definitely come back to her for more custom work.
Pros: Clean, Easy to find, Affordable, Friendly Atmosphere
Posted 11/17/08
best tattoo shop in NC
by spacerator
The staff was amazing. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of work. I was able to connect with my artist (Lacie) and she was so nice! She drew up the most beautiful piece and we were able to do it the next day. I loved it! I recommend Phoenix Tattoo to anyone looking for great work and a great experience.
Pros: The people are nice and the quality is exceptional!
Cons: -
Posted 11/03/08
great tattoing great artists
by pokystix
Phoenix all around is a nice shop. and I could go on and on about various aspects of the store and my experience but the bottom line is this: when I want a tattoo I want it to be a custom drawn piece, I want it done well - what I don't want is to end up getting ripped off, and I don't want to endure a bad attitude.
That is why I go to Phoenix tattoo.
thanks guys!
Pros: They offer custom work, Clean, Good customer sercive
Posted 10/31/08
better than the "popular" tattoo shops
by furrycelt
i have dealt with a few other tattoo shops in the area. i am very impressed with Phoenix Tattoo. everyone there is friendly, helpful, and non-intimidating. the place is clean and well kept from the waiting area to the restroom and in between. their appointment keeping system is detailed and efficient. they offered me a drink (water, soda) at the beginning of my session, and afterwards they give you an after-care kit. they do an excellent job of before/during/after on educating you about the all tattoo process. there's no snobbery here either. i had a custom job and the artist was more than willing to collaborate. the place looks humble on the outside, but they are fantastic on the inside.
Pros: see my review... the place is awesome
Cons: the only drawback is the parking
Posted 09/22/08
Artistry at it's best!
by believer49
I had my first tattoo experience yesterday at Phoenix. I'm 49 years old and this was a big decision for me. I brought a picture with me of the tattoo I wanted. Steve, the artist who helped me, took a picture and turned it into a work of art! He took a lot of time explaining what he was going to do with the tattoo, sketching it to a thing of beauty. The salon itself was very clean and sanitary. The whole staff was friendly and helpful and supportive. After he finished, Steve took alot of time going over the after care instuctions, making sure I understood how important it was to follow the instructions exactly. I highly recommend this salon, especially for first timers like me. My experience couldn't have better. I will be back!!!
Pros: Very clean, Helpful, Friendly, Talented
Cons: None
Posted 08/16/08
Great Experience
by Jovan1
First tat and I have no regrets. Lacie is da shiz. Very Friendly and able to keep you entertained while work is being done. 5 stars without hesitation!!!
Posted 05/26/08
Great Tattoos
by dietrying0
Great custom tattoos. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Very clean and professional. I definitely suggest getting tattooed here.
Pros: Awsome work!
Cons: foul language, but whos complaining?
Posted 05/13/08
Awesome shop!
by awaple
This studio is one of the cleanest places I have ever seen. When you walk in you are helped right away, the desk people can answer any questions you have right off the bat. What I liked was that the artists don't seem like you are wasting their time, they pay full attention to you, and try to understand what you are looking for, instead of sending you to the flash books for ideas. I came out of the shop with a beautiful tattoo that couldn't have been done any better.
Pros: Parking accross street, awesome people, gorgeous tatts!
Cons: NONE!
Posted 05/13/08
Annie is the Bomb!
by Synistergrrl
I have gotten tat's in different places in the south east, and I have to say that Annie really impressed me. Not only was she a great artist, but also very friendly and helpfully. She helped me redesign my own idea and work into this beautiful piece of art that I want to show off to everyone. On top of all that, everyone was so friendly that I hardly was aware I was getting inked. The best part was that after it was all done, my piece healed up very nicely, with no trouble. The whole shop is very clean and I recommend it to everyone. It's the only place in town I'd say go to and Check out Annie's cool work!
Pros: Great work, Friendly people, very very clean.
Cons: NONE
Posted 04/17/08
Good place to go for nice artwork!
by mambaseth
The artist at Phoenix Tattoo are very polite and helpful. When I went in asking about a tattoo, they were very kind and informative. The shop is very clean and I love the artwork that was displayed on the walls. I think that adds a nice touch to the place instead of walls and walls of flash. That gave me the idea that they were all about creative artwork. I love my tattoo and I want to show it off to the world. I would recommend Phoenix to anyone that wants a great piece of artwork to last a life time.
Posted 02/19/08
quality artwork in a safe and friendly environment
by simple1809
I have lived a lot of places and gotten a lot of tattoos, since I have lived in Raleigh this is the only place I have considered going. The shop is clean and the atmosphere is welcoming, the tattoo artist specialize in doing custom work (not just cheap pick it off the wall "flash").
Anne does my tattoos - Marco is doing my girlfriends back piece. Honestly I would not consider going anywhere else.
Pros: Custom work, clean, relaxed
Posted 02/19/08
best tattoo artists in raleigh!
by wkenkins12
each artist there has very different styles and are very creative. go try out each one! they are truly amazing!!!
Pros: right beside progress.. and intense creativity
Cons: none!
Posted 01/15/08