Port Side Tattoo, San Diego CA

Hands down my favorite tattoo shop. Some of the best artists reside here who truly show a passion for their craft. Tim did an amazing job on meeting my needs for a specific piece. Clean and straight with great color saturation. A truly professional business. I'll be back!

I’ve been getting tattooed by Tim for 7+ years now he is a top notch tattooer and top notch guy. Everyone at the shop is amazing and the vibe is unbeatable. Do yourself a favor and collect a tattoo from anyone here.

Excellent shop. Got my first ever tattoo here and was back two days later for their Halloween flash sale. I worked with Jeff Young. He and everyone in the shop were very welcoming and had a relaxed and cool environment. Sanitary, clean, and professional. Tons of flash and original pieces all over the walls and ceiling; my mind can't help but think about what to get next!

If you're looking for solid American traditional, this is the place to go.

This is my favorite shop in San Diego. The artists are all incredibly respectful, always on time, and truly work with you to get you what you want. I’ve been tattooed mainly by JC, who has always been wonderful, and crushes it every time. He’s considerate, responsive, and I can appreciate his opinions and creative perspective on pieces. I’ve also been tattooed by Adam for a flash day, and he was nice to work with too. The owner Tim is always so kind and welcoming. After being tattooed here multiple times, I can say confidently that any artist would do an amazing job. I can’t say enough great things about being tattooed here, if you’re looking for a nice atmosphere where you feel safe and valued, definitely check out Portside.

I've been getting tattooed by Tim for around 10 years, he always does amazing work and is a super nice guy. The shop is really nice and clean, and all the guys are professional and clearly love what they do. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

These guys are the best. I found them through a mutual friend (Leftys Barbershop - best barbers in SD) and I am so glad. I was looking for a great shop since I left NY and I’ve now been here twice and they consistently deliver. Tim is incredible, he freehanded one piece on me, and I met the other artists he has and they are great! Friendly, professional, fun, and do great work. I’ll def be back!

I have not been looking forward to this review as I love to support local businesses. And I believe that support should be reciprocated as well. I spent $700 on what I thought was the first half of my dragon tattoo. Tim Howell was the artist. The first session all the outline and most of the shading was done, with the understanding I’d come back for color and rest of shading. While waiting for first session to heal, the shop had a flash day. I happily went in and spent $350 on a smaller piece by JC, which I like very much. Forgot to mention I had put a $200 down payment on my dragon. Due to a very close relative passing away in Northern California it was a crazy month that I had scheduled the completion of my dragon. I had to reschedule my appointment twice, which both times I notified him the prior day. After talking to a handful of shops, they said that 24 hours is a standard in the industry. Apparently Tim has a 48 hour, which I was unaware of as I didn’t really look at his business card. Long story short he was not willing to work with me and said he was keeping my $200. Even after spending over $1000 at his shop, and was intending on spending much more. In todays world I would like to think that we should have more compassion for each other, as I certainly do. If you’re looking for an old school pre Madonna artist, look no further….

I've been to the shop a few times. JC and Jake did a great job on my tattoos. The shop is clean and has a great atmosphere. I'm looking forward to having more pieces done in the future.

This shop is a hidden gem in San Diego. Every artist’s portfolio is immaculate and they are all REAL professionals. This one was done by Jake Emery who went above and beyond what I thought he would. If you’re looking for a shop that’s clean, professional and courteous, LOOK NO FURTHER. You will not be disappointed.

Even though they specialize in American traditional, they were very accommodating. I will be back to get some more pieces from them! Very clean and professional!

Amazing shop close to the beach with a classic tattoo parlor feel. As you enter the walls are covered in classic and original flash art. An open floor plan allows for a nice flow of conversation and ideas. It also allows a bit of creative competition amongst the artist pushing each piece from each artist to be better than the last Many talented artists with wide ranges of specialties from each. Not much if any "attitude" from anyone in the shop. Very welcoming to walk ins and custom piece ideas. All around great shop with great people who will treat your time, money, ideas and flesh with respect.

5 out of 5 stars.
Definitely would recommend.

The vibe and artists are mello and pleasent. WOW I'm stoked.really happy with the outcome of the experience provided

This review is long overdue. Both my husband and I have had over six hours each of Tattoos by Tim over a few years and they have healed faster and better than all our other tattoos. We started working with Tim before he opened Port Side and followed him to portside because he is the total package, easy to work with, kind hearted and does amazing/quality work. After completing my husband’s sleeve I approached Tim with a major rework project that covers 1/2 of my back. For years I hated my back piece and I was terrified to ask anyone to rework it but I trusted Tim and he went above and beyond to rework my back piece into something I am finally proud of. I beyond grateful for his time and talent. As for Port Side, Tim also goes above and beyond to build a team of artists that are ethical, talented, and all around good people. We always make a stop here whenever in SD. Thanks guys!

This is a great spot! All of the artists are super talented and the shop is professional, warm and welcoming with a ton of American traditional and other options to choose from. I had a custom thistle and banner tattoo beautifully done by Adam. We chatted a bit before the work was done and Adam created an incredible piece that is beyond what I could have imagined. It took about two hours and the entire time, Adam made sure I was comfortable. I can't recommend them highly enough.