Great Lakes Tattoo

Category:	Tattoo Shop
Address:	1148 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
Phone:	+1 312-870-0458
Site:	greatlakestattoo.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM 12–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Stephanie Pagnucco

My friend and I were in Chicago for the day and decided to get tattoos kind of on a whim. We saw how great of a reputation this place had online so we decide to make the trek up Grand Ave to see if they would fit us in (we were both getting small pieces). When we walked in the young man at the desk told us that they do take walk ins so we were pretty pleased and excited (this was my first tattoo). At the end of the day my artist was amazing (Eric) and he did exactly what I wanted, while listening to my many many comments and questions... so I really think this place deserves a great review... Thank you so much Eric. HOWEVER, the front desk person (receptionist? Office person? Im not sure) - the young man at the front, whatever his position is... was HORRENDOUS. He made both me and my friend feel so uncomfortable that we were on the verge walking out until Eric, the artist, came to talk to us. He was miserable and had zero customer service skills. He dismissed our ideas when we were talking about our stencils and everything that came out of his mouth was extremely condescending. He took the drawing my friend made to give her artist an loose idea of what she wanted and literally scanned it and made it into the stencil that would be actually tattooed on her. When she asked why he was using that (he had told her before just to draw it and it didnt have to be pretty) he replied "well it should be pretty if its going to go on your body." Regardless of that individual, we still love our tattoos and thank you to the amazing artists... as for the front desk guy... I want the owner to know that he almost lost two customers and would bet we wont be the last people he offends.

Jack Pochop

I got a tattoo this afternoon from Matt Ziolko after walking in only to schedule an appointment. The front desk dude is pretty no BS in only the most efficient and non-offensive way. Matt and another artist overheard my friend and I talking about what we wanted and they pretty much had us in the booth 5 minutes later. I havent had a tattoo in a number of years and was a little nervous, but the artists there have a pretty solid bedside manner. Great Lakes tattoo was also really welcoming and clean as f***. I spent more than I wanted to, but you get what you pay for and I am extremely happy with the results. I would wholeheartedly recommend Matt Ziolko and would / will go back when the time is ripe.

Shartrica Polk

I have to preface this review by saying we DID NOT GET TATTOOS here. But the gentleman was very polite on the phone call. We drove over an hour to the shop & was welcomed warmly by the host. The startig price of tattoos is $80 and the rates vary based on size, complexity, & location on body. We deemed it overpriced to pay $120 for a quarter size ribbon so we declined their services. We were visting from Houston, Texas. The front desk man was very helpful & polite. I have to say that I really liked the atmosphere & would consider coming here if I lived in Chicago.

Caitlin Murray

Matt ("Beatdown") is amazing. I got my first (4 hour long) tattoo by him, and went back for another one as soon as I could. Hes a great guy, makes you feel really comfortable, and is an amazing artist. You can tell he lives and breathes for this stuff- its not just a job to him. Both of my tattoos are one of a kind, colorful, and worth every penny. I recommend him hands down...you need to check out the beautiful new store and ask for Matt (or any one of the other amazing tattoo artists there).

Jaime Meyer

I got a tattoo from Nick about 1.5 years ago now, and I am still in love with it. I was living in Minneapolis at the time and flew to Chicago solely to meet with Nick for the tattoo. I had such a great experience here. The whole staff was friendly and all the artists are extremely talented. The shop has a great atmosphere and cool vibe. Whenever anyone asks me about any of my tattoos, I always recommend this shop. I live in Milwaukee now, so I am much closer. I will be back for another!

B Evans

I was looking for a place to get a traditional tattoo and stumbled upon Great Lakes Tattoo as a walk in. Originally wanted a dagger on my side burn but was quickly informed that they "dont tattoo faces" by the receptionist. Already being heavily tattooed to include my head, I didnt really get it but oh well. Their policy and I respect that. Still got an awesome little filler on my arm and called it a day. Very clean work from all the tattooers, a bit pricey but hey...its Chicago.

Armin Alo

I walked in some days ago and got my finished 2"x2" line work design with me. Pretty small and everything was done in 15 minutes, they made a good work too. As it was my first tattoo I had no idea about prices (little bit my fault too) and thought as it is a serious shop and so theyd make serious prices... Some days after I met a friend who got inked there as well and he laughed about the price I payed. Well I love my Tattoo, but Id never pay 120$ again.

Carlos Roman

Awesome tattoo shop, the artist have a great attention to detail, always making amazing suggestions and extremely flexible with payment. If youre looking for a new tattoo or ideas on American traditional- this is the place you want to be. Nick and the whole team make me feel right at home, excited to continue my sleeve through them.

Gigi ONeel

It has a great vibe. The tattoo artists are all friendly and gave a great tattoo to my son. I also very much appreciated that they helped him up the stairs ( hes in a wheelchair) without us even having to say a word. The artist he had also worked very well with my sons spasms. Outstanding place. We will go back in a couple months!!

Weronika Bobula

Matt Ziolko, "Beatdown," is the best tattoo artist I know. Much of my body is a dedication to his creativity and skill. He and I have become good friends after spending countless hours getting tattooed by him. For anyone I meet looking to get a tattoo, especially of the traditional style, I send them directly to Matt.

jennifer barthold

i hadnt gotten a tattoo in over 10 years. this place was fantastic. completely professional, and they actually care. walked right in, met with mike to discuss my design, and hour later (it was small this time) i was done. i am so happy with the results i will definitely go back there for the next one.

Reggie Vega

I did a walk in to get a tattoo and the artist said my tattoo idea was too big for the spot and then he just walked way. Looked like he didnt want to tattoo. He didnt even work with me to try to figure out another spot. I gave them three stars because the person behind the counter was really nice.

Michael Sierra-Arévalo

Landed in Chicago and got a walk-in maybe two hours later. Nick Colella is the real deal - solid tattooer and a super nice guy. Drew on a traditional swallow and flowers to fit some gaps, and it turned out awesome. Cant go wrong with anyone who tattoos here.