Laughing Buddha Seattle

Category:	Body Piercing Shop
Address:	219 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
Phone:	+1 206-329-8274
Site:	laughingbuddhatattoo.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–9PM

Location

Photos 82

Reviews 5

A Private User

This was my first horrible tattoo/piercing experience. First of all, the staff answering the phone could not understand that I wanted both a piercing and a tattoo. After explaining this for about 20 minutes, I was finally told that I could get a quick piercing for sure, but there may be no time for the tattoo. Fine. I drove from Bellevue to Seattle and arrived at the shop. There, again, I had to explain that I wanted both a piercing and a tattoo. Immediately after my explanation, someone who walked in after me was told that she could get an unscheduled tattoo right away, while I was ignored completely. I spoke up, and got to see the tattoo artist first. The tattoo itself was pretty awful and I had to get it fixed the next morning. Basically a simple, monochrome moon and star tattoo looked like a smiley face with one black eye and didnt fit at all with the other artwork on my shoulder. (But this was largely my fault since I came in unprepared, without artwork, and didnt look at the artists sketch and placement closely enough before it was too late.) Anyway, after I came out from the five-minute tattoo process, I saw people who came in after me going in to see the piercer first. I waited for about two hours, then finally asked the piercer when he would see me. At that point, the piercer snapped at me that because I was getting a tattoo at the time he called my name, I would have to wait until he was done with everyone who came in after me. In response, I mumbled something about the whole appointment taking much longer than expected and having to get home to let out my poor dog, who had been home alone all day. This led the piercer to grumble, "Fine, come with me right now." Then, as he was leading me to the piercing room, he said, in a threatening tone, "I cant *wait* to pierce you." While he was preparing for the piercing, he ran through the after-care instructions at break-neck speed, so that I couldnt understand a word. Im a masochist at heart, so the veiled threat of pain didnt scare me, but the rudeness was intolerable -- I actually cried when I got home. Not to mention that I prepaid and tipped both the piercer and the tattoo artist at over 30%. Oh, and it cost me another $100 to get my tattoo fixed the next day (after hours looking for a reputable shop that would add art to a fresh tattoo). In sum, this was a horrible experience at a low point in my life. I wouldnt recommend this place to my worst enemy. This was the most unprofessional and disorganized establishment Ive ever been to, and I actually fear retribution for posting this review. I also worry if the equipment used for the piercing was actually clean, since everything was done in such a rush.

Kerri Wingert

I was recommended to LB by a friend. While parking on a Saturday was a nightmare, it was totally worth it. The staff were really patient and let me "try on" about 6 different studs for my nostril piercing, helping me think about which side of my nose to pierce, and made me feel supported without being pressured. I esp. felt like I was in very good hands with Lil John. I would recommend his work to anyone - he helped me feel calm and well-cared for. He was also really patient and let me try out several placements of the piercing. He was really genuine and warm: "Stay as long as you need to - take some really deep long breaths." This was a much better experience than I had with any of my other piercings (two each in each earlobe, cartilage, a navel piercing) with other piercers. I also got excellent advice on how to keep the piercing clean and Lil John encouraged me to contact him directly "If you need ANYthing, even if youre just worried about something silly." I would very highly recommend Lil John and Laughing Buddha. The only downside to my experience was my first impression of the building. I was already nervous about the piercing, and we 1) couldnt find the studio once we got into the foyer area and 2) the place smelled like greasy food - not exactly an assurance of sterility. Just things to think about. Thanks for a great experience!

Sydney F. Rotten

I have gotten two tattoos here, both tattoos came out nice, but neither were anything too detailed. The first tattoo session went great, the guy was nice, I think his name was John. Then I went there a few times for jewelry and got attitude from the staff up front each time. I even had a 20% off coupon one time that they wouldnt let me use with no reasoning behind their refusal. Then the last time I went in was for the second tattoo I got there. I scheduled an appointment with the artist I liked from the work provided in the main shop area, walked around the area for like 5 hours waiting for the appointment time, then I get there and they told me that she went home for the night! So then I had to basically beg them to get me someone to do my tattoo. Finally some guy agreed to do it, he did a good job, but he wasnt really friendly. Its not like I want to chat when Im getting a tattoo, I enjoy tattoos as if I were getting a massage, but I do expect more than silence with a dirty look for over an hour, maybe the occasional "how are you holding up?" Or something to kill the completely awkward situation? Plus the grouchy face made me really not want to go back. Point is that there are other places...

Tayler M

My experience with this shop was amazing. I was reminded of a doctors office when I came into this place. Bright, fresh- just a really cool studio space. Im visiting from out of town, and they managed to fit me in the day after I called them, no problems at all. The receptionists were so nice, and the deposit, forms, etc, were very simple. Shain was my artist, and Im so happy he was available to do my work! Ive had a lot of tattoos, and I usually get freaked out before every single one of them, but everything went so smoothly. I got a lot of black work done in a difficult spot, and I dont think I would have been able to sit through it normally- but he was so, so patient with me. His positive and professional attitude helped a ton! At one point when I was taking a break on the table, another artist (I think David?) popped around the corner and asked me how it was going and if I needed water or anything. Small things like that really tell you that these people care about their clients and their work. If youre visiting or if you live here, whatever, everyone should check this place out! Thank you guys for such a positive experience and a stellar new piece of art :)!

Anna Anderson

It was my first time getting a tattoo, and I chose to go with something super basic and simple but still extremely meaningful to me. I chose to go with Gustavo as my artist, because his lines and colors seemed nice and clean and bold, and my tattoo was pretty much just straight up colorful lines. He was great to work with even though I was having trouble articulating some points. He understood exactly what I meant for the most part and was quick to fix things when I explained myself wrong. When it came to the tattooing, he was very meticulous about placement and worked with me at mixing up the perfect shade of purple. As for the process, everything was nice and clean and quick. It hurt, obviously, but it wasnt unbearable and the finished work healed up fairly quickly, in part thanks to the great aftercare directions, but mostly due to the sanitary environment and his careful handling of the equipment. Everyone at the shop was friendly and funny, and I will definitely be going back again for my more complicated tattoos!