Premium Tattoo 4130 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611

"Ok. I've had time to reflect on this and I left a $300 tip on a $400 tattoo assuming I would also be investing into the most basic of design into my following tattoo. No response to emails and they expected to free style an intricate followup tattoo. I suppose once you are considered a client, they put minimal effort into design. If you are looking for someone simple and have an immense amount of trust, then this place is for you. But, this isn't standard practice and while I love my first tattoo, I went elsewhere for future ones."

"I had a great experience at Premium from start to finish! The front desk staff and my artist Karime were all excellent to me and the shop was very clean and professional. My new tattoo looks beautiful."

"This place is not a safe tattoo shop. I went in as a walk in and the tattoo artist who worked with me was rude and dismissive. I asked for a simple black tattoo on my ankle and the guy, Matt, didn’t clean the area. He didn’t shave it or wipe it down with alcohol. He finished the tattoo and didn’t touch it up at all. He tattooed me so deep that the tattoo scarred above my skin. He wrapped my leg with no gloves on which was the final red flag that made me leave. I wouldn’t ever go here again and I wouldn’t suggest anyone else go too."

"My husband and I wandered into Premium Tattoo a few years ago and had such a good experience, we kept them in mind for future tattoos. The shop is clean, has a little sitting area up front and there’s usually a lot of street parking. I recently asked Paul to design a line drawing tattoo for me & it’s exactly what I wanted. ‘Had a blast talking to him while he tattooed me too. I give this place all the stars and will definitely be back."

"Matt is the man. Clearly is informed and cares about his craft — he is actually the first artist I've had thoroughly explain how the tattoo design I wanted will age. I've had three relatively small pieces done, and somehow never got to talk about it. When I came in for my tattoo, Matt suggested a complicated design I wanted to be upsized and placed elsewhere so that it wouldn't age into a blob, and I couldn't be happier with the result, especially knowing that in some years the pattern will be intact! Matt's work is both efficient and precise. I was surprised at the time it took him with the sudden change of plans. We still stayed pretty much on schedule, and the quality of his line work is just incredible. I'm amazed at how clean it is. Compliments from pretty much everyone in my life who's seen this piece, I can't wait to see how it fully settled! As for the studio, they are clean and sterile, but the place is packed with cosy atmosphere. Lots of the resident artists' designs to look around at whilst you're there, and plenty of mirrors paired with great shop lighting so you can check out your stencil and finished tattoo... Everyone there was super chill and it was a comfortable experience. Super rad to always see someone chipping away at a new design or art piece. The people are cool and clearly love what they do."