Redemption Tattoo

5.0 star rating
56 reviews Rating Details

Category: Tattoo  [Edit]

2094 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
Neighbourhoods: North Cambridge, Porter Square
(617) 576-0097
Nearest Transit:

Massachusetts Ave @ Walden St (77, 83)

Massachusetts Ave Opp Walden St (77, 83)

Rindge Ave @ Pemberton St (83)

Hours:

Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm

Sun 12 pm - 6 pm

Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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56 reviews in English

  • Review from ariel a.

    • 3 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Belmont, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/23/2011

    A year ago on a chilly night in Cambridge, an old friend of mine turned to me and said in a conspiratorial whisper, "Ariel, we should go get tattoos!"

    I'd been wanting one for years. As is the case with most things in life, having a partner in crime was just enough for me to really go for it. My friend later changed her mind. So, I decided to go ahead and do it on my own (and drag my sister with me).

    After seeing all the Yelp reviews, I decided to make an appointment with Erick Lynch at Redemption. He was great--very patient and willing to explain everything as he went along. Basically, he had a better bedside manner than most local physicians.

    The studio was very clean, and everyone was laid-back and friendly. I definitely felt like Erick listened to my ideas on what I was looking for and offered advice to bridge the gaps in my knowledge. I definitely recommend these guys.

  • Review from David A.

    • 8 friends
    • 148 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/9/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Totally happy. Josh took great care of my wife for her first tattoo. Delicate, perfect. I've been under the needle once or twice, so I'm familiar but no expert. Josh was great. He was patient, gentle with both of us, and above all PATIENT.
     It was the princess' first ink so she was a tad indecisive, but Josh rolled with the adjustments and made it a pleasant experience. Very happy, reasonably priced. Will return for the rest of mine!
    Shop: Very clean. Comfortable, Neat. Atmosphere was very relaxed with some good tunes in the background. Comfortable seating for those eagerly waiting to be next in line.

    Was this review …?

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    • 5.0 star rating
      6/8/2011

      initial reaction is Good. Walked in with the princess and was attended to in a clean, neat, and… Read more »

  • Review from Sean E.

    • 35 friends
    • 187 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    3/8/2011

    So I've gotten 3 tattoos with Ben and couldn't be more pleased with the results, with the atmosphere and the overall experience here at Redemption. The last one, an 8mm camera gun, managed to turn out even better than I'd hoped due to Ben's fine drawing talents and skills with the needle.

    I recommend Redemption for the inked and newbies alike. It's easy to feel comfortable here - and be reassured, you're in good hands. Don't forget to bring a few bucks (cash money) for a deposit when you're setting up your appointment. Oh, and the music has been reliably great each time. I couldn't ask for a better first tattooing with The Ramones bouncing off the walls of the small place. \\m//

  • Review from Lindsey B.

    • 8 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/25/2010

    If you're a girl like me you maaaaybe carried the idea of your tattoo around for years before you got the courage to walk through the doors of a shop and make it official.

    if you're also like me, maybe you've walked into a shop and they were less than welcoming to break the skin on your big ideas. (i'm talking to you stingray)

    anyway, if you're a girl like me, get your ass to redemption and into ben's chair because if you're a girl like me, you're awesome, and you'll only be infinitely cooler once he's done giving you EXACTLY what you envisioned with no bullshit or full-sleeved snobbery.  

    thanks ben,  i tweeted springsteen a photo of the mastery that is your fine tattooing skills meeting his lyrical genius and he twerped back!  thanks to you, bruce and i are BFFS.  

    redemption is king.

  • Review from Peter I.

    • 6 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/16/2011 1 photo

    Got my first tattoo here with Ben McClellan back in January.   I chose Ben because of the excellent work he has done with shading of plants, and he did not disappoint.

    Ben is an absolute artist.  He was open to suggestions on last-minute edits, was able to quickly do the changes on the stencil without it looking sloppy or rushed, and even beautifully free-handed parts of the design I wanted changed after the stencil was applied.  He was a little hard to get a hold of at first, but learned if you call ahead you should usually be fine.  

    The parlor itself was clean and professional.  Safety and sterility were a priority, and the experience wasn't grimy at all.

    When I get the itch for more ink, I'll definitely be heading back here.

  • Review from Jenna C.

    • 140 friends
    • 112 reviews

    Haverhill, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/25/2007

    I cannot give this place enough stars.
    Josh alone deserves 20!

    He devoted his entire day to me and four of my derby teammates. We were all getting a team tattoo but I had changed my mind the day before and called asking if it would be possible for me to get something completely different instead. I knew it was a pain in the ass thing to do but by my appointment time the next day he had drawn up EXACTLY what I wanted. He was also extremely nice and comforting to me for the 2 hours I was sitting in his chair.

    It is by far my favorite tattoo and I am so grateful that Josh was beyond patient and kind to all of us. This place is highly recommended by me. I'm going back soon to get another.

  • Review from Richard F.

    • 45 friends
    • 180 reviews

    Malden, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2006 ROTD 6/30/2006

    I've been here twice and I'm craving another tattoo since the last time I've been was like a year and a half ago.
    The layout, the atmosphere, and the coloring (ok yea, i'm wicked gay and obsessive compulsive) are all really cool and make me enjoy this place even more.
    Mike Shea is a great guy and he did a custom graffitti piece tattoo of mine and a circular face logo of mine.
    they are decent for prices, but I mean, come on, it's Boston/Cambridge, it's not gonna be as good as some places like in New Hampshire.
    I love this place, and when I save up enough, I'm going back here to get more ink.... it's been a long year and half without any tattoos :(

  • Review from Katherine J.

    • 8 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/7/2006

    So I had shady (not shaded) tattoo of a star on my forearm. Seriously, it needed some work. I made an appointment at Redemption, they got me in that evening. Joe Bastek did the touch ups.  First, he had me lie down, which was WAY easier than sitting with my forearm out.  Second, the dude is just super cool! Third, and most important, he did a great job of fixing up the previous work!!!  This shop is great, clean, nice!
    Seriously, being repeatedly stabbed with a needle never rocked so much!

  • Review from Sam J.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/27/2010

    Let me start off by saying this isn't some friend of theirs, I am a real client. I've been tattooed by everyone who works in the shop over a span of 6 years. I have never had any problems. They are all terrific tattooers and very professional. I could not recommend another shop in Boston more.

    I am very surprised by the one review with bad feedback. I've never heard of a tattoo shop that takes appointments over the phone unless you are traveling from very far, and even then it is not without a deposit.

  • Review from Toni M.

    • 3 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2011

    Redemption Tattoo is the best shop in Cambridge! My husband and I got our very first tattoos done by Josh. He helped us from beginning to end..he answered every question we had, tweaked our designs to fit the area we wanted our tattoos, and calmed our nerves through the whole process. It's been almost a month now, our tattoos are healed/healthy and look bad ass!

    Thanks Josh & Redemption!

  • Review from Alia H.

    • 15 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2008

    I had an appointment with Josh on Thursday night. He was gentle, nice -- and we even had a 20 second laugh break. I got a simple medium sized tattoo on my upper back -- he was VERY comfortable to be with, I just wish I could have talked more...but I definitely spaced out during the tattooing process.

    His work came out AWESOME. I had a lot of LONG STRAIGHT LINES in the design I wanted -- and they all came out perfectly straight. I might go bake him some cookies or write him a card.

  • Review from Jen R.

    • 4 friends
    • 8 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    3/9/2010 3 photos

    I hopped on the tattoo train last Friday and I couldn't be happier with the results. This was obviously my first one and I did a lot research on which Boston shop to go to... in the end, it was Redemption all the way.

    I get my hair done at Judy Jetsons and the ladies there suggested Mike Shea but when I made my in-person consultation, I left it up to the discretion of the person I was speaking with to choose my artist. That must seem strange but honestly, their portfolios were all great and I felt like no matter what, I'd be in good hands. Plus, my idea was rather simple (Keep Calm and Carry On with the crown of King George VI, in black, on my right forearm. See photos!).

    I waltz in on Friday looking tough but really scared out of my mind. I was excited but also crazy nervous about the pain and whether the letters would come out as perfect as they had to be. Ben McClellan was my artist and was great when it came to resizing the text and crown (even though I felt like a jerk for asking him to tweak it a few times).

    My friend and I enjoyed looking at all the flash art framed on the walls (including a print of a seahorse wearing a top hat. What?! Next time I'm getting that...on my lower back. What can I say? I ooze class).

    So everything is in place. The stencil looks great and my friend offers his hand but since I'm a stubborn son of a bitch, I decline and expect the worst. But...it never came. I didn't even flinch. Actually, the 'pain' was quite enjoyable (aka I'm going to look like the tatttooed lady in 6 months).

    The tatttoo took about an hour and I didn't want it to end! Ben was great throughout the process (didn't talk much but laughed occasionally when I told him about my pining for the daper seahorse). Even after cleaning it off for the final time, he decided it wasn't perfect yet and asked if we could continue for another minute. My ears perked and I happily obliged!

    The tattoo was $220 including the $40 deposit and I gave him a huge tip for doing a flawless job (getting the letters that straight while wielding a vibrating brick? He deserves a cupcake!) and being easy on the eyes (Hey, don't judge me- that's always a plus).

    Putting my rambles aside, GO.HERE.
    You won't be disappointed.

    EDIT: Ben has done 5 more tattoos on my since I wrote this and they're all lovely and perfect. (11-14-11).

  • Review from Orly M.

    • 326 friends
    • 280 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2010

    I chose Redemption for my tattoo, and Josh as my artist, based on the reviews here, especially by people I know.  I had originally considered Pino's but the wait was insane, and my tattoo is pretty simple -- some Hebrew text and a bird.  

    I strolled in about a month ago with a dove I liked but wanted a small modification to, and a Hebrew font I liked, and told Josh what I wanted, and he said okay.  It was all pretty nonchalant, which is fine with me, it actually made me trust Josh more.

    I came in a week ago for my actual tattoo with Emily, and I am sooo glad I had her with me.  Josh showed me his sketch and I was like ahhh, the letters were backwards, which was my fault because I didn't tell him Hebrew goes right to left.  So ge quickly resketched, I moved things around a little, he put the stencil on me to show me how it would look, and i was ready to go.  He didn't coddle me at all which is where havinng a friend with me was key.  It was my first tattoo and I was terrified of how much it would hurt, and the pain was even worse than my expectations.  It was like being stabbed in the ribs for an hour while my insides rattled.  I made Emily regale me with stories, though, while I apparently made constipated faces, and Emily was kind enough not to get any photographic evidence of that.

    An hour later and I was done and I absolutely love my tattoo.  Love love love, it's a torrid love affair.  I really couldn't be happier with it and would recommend both Redemption and Josh in a heartbeat.

  • Review from Maureen H.

    • 93 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/18/2008

    I went in originally just to talk about getting a tattoo and decided to just go for it!
    I was so happy with how it came out. It is really simple, just tracing my handwriting, but every day i am amazed at how authentic it looks! My friend brought me here on a recommendation. It is def. not cheap, my 10 min, 1 color tattoo cost $80 (shop min) but in life, you should never skimp on tattoos and sushi. I would highly recommend this parlor not only for skill, but also for very friendly staff!

  • Review from Anna G.

    • 30 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Foxboro, MA

    2.0 star rating
    4/12/2008

    I am not a fan of this parlor. The first time we went, we were laughed at because we wanted to make an appointment for 3 months away. The second time we went(we wanted to give them another shot), we were told it was impossible to create a galaxy themed tattoo.

    We went to Fat Ram's instead on both occasions, and we will not be going anywhere else from now on.

  • Review from Etta M.

    • 28 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/6/2007

    had my foot done a few weeks ago and plan on getting the other one in a few more weeks. Josh did a great job drawing out exactly what i wanted. he made sure i was happy with everything before he started (all tattoo artists should do this, but it's appreciated just the same). he made sure i was comfortable, or as comfortable as you can be when you get your foot tattooed. it came out beautiful and i couldn't be happier.

    the shop is simple and clean- everything i would want in a tattoo shop. josh has tattooed 4 of my friends and joe did a friends arm. if you are in the market, these guys are worth a visit.

  • Review from Daniel M.

    • 10 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Dedham, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2007

    It had been a few years since my last tattoo and after looking around at the other shops in the area, I chose Redemption based on it's reputation and it was a great experience.

    All the artists are talented but I had Mike Shea add on to a pre-existing piece and it came out beautifully. I've gotten a ton of compliments on it.

    If you want some high-quality work done, check these guys out.

  • Review from Ken P.

    • 7 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Reading, MA

    5.0 star rating
    3/18/2008

    Redemption is the best studio in the area. I've shopped around for quite a bit, and these guys have the best work if you're looking for American classic or Japanese traditional. I went there originally to see Grez who did some fantastic work. Eventually, he moved to Long Island to open a studio (http://kingsavenuetatt...), so I started getting work done by Erick, another one of the founders.

    Erick has done several pieces for me and I love his style. His line work is straight, color and shading top-notch and he's a very quick artist. I have yet to even go back for a touch-up. At this point, I trust him enough to just give an idea over the phone, come in and get it done. I have yet to be disappointed after several big pieces (including a Japanese traditional sleeve that goes from my wrist and covers half my chest).

    I highly, highly recommend Redemption and Erick in particular. You won't be disappointed.

  • Review from CC S.

    • 4 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Scituate, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/20/2007

    Josh recently inked my fiance in july and I absolutley LOVE the work.  Yes, it's my name, so what?  It would not be as adored if it were done by a hack.  Josh and the rest of the guys were sweet and very unintimidating. (I also appreciated the fact that they did not rag on the tattoo.)  No, "we're too cool" vibe at all.
    Thanks, Josh!

  • Review from Karen K.

    • 3 friends
    • 55 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/15/2008

    I had an 18-month-in-advance appointment scheduled with someone else, but when I saw the work Josh did on a friend of mine, I immediately switched allegiances.

    I went in specifically to have a 4-year-old tattoo fixed - it was a good concept, but the original was poorly executed, didn't heal well, and had turned into a mud puddle.  Josh let me email him a number of photos, came up with some really cool ideas, and even worked in a color I really wanted but was difficult to execute.  He had a gentle touch, but worked quickly, and I was out of there in an hour.  It's finally the tattoo I always wanted it to be.  

    Hooray!  Thank you, Josh!

  • Review from the g.

    • 5 friends
    • 19 reviews

    MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/18/2008

    Erick is by far my favorite tattoo artist in Boston. After moving to Boston i asked my friends in other cities where i should go for my tattoos and it was always, go to Redemption.

    Erick has only done one piece on me, and he did matching pieces on two friends. He is always helpful, creative, and understanding about what you want. He pays close attention to detail and he is easy to talk to.

    although i haven't had anything done by the other guys at the shop, i know all of their work is top notch.

  • Review from poco s.

    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    Lafayette, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/31/2008

    I have not gotten a tattoo at Redemption, but I walked in and spoke with them. They were nice, friendly, and professional. The place looked clean, albeit small, and the "lobby" area had nice couches.

    They do walk-ins (esp. for smaller tattoos) and also do appointments. The work they do here is amazing!! Def. check them out. My only gripe is that the price they quoted was fairly steep for a small, black design...

  • Review from Anastasia C.

    • 4 friends
    • 132 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    3/30/2010

    Ok, its finally time to write this review.

    I've gotten seven tattoos here, some spanning multiple visits. Salty Dave, the amazing apprentice, has produced six super tattoos on me and Josh has worked on my arm during four or five sessions over a year (one touch up appointment left and I'm done!). I love all of my tattoos. Both Salty Dave and Josh have given me bitchin' tattoos and I am obviously a very loyal customer. I won't be going anywhere else to continue adding artwork to my body.

  • Review from Brita F.

    • 97 friends
    • 124 reviews

    Wakefield, MA

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    My boyfriend has been getting his work done here for years, and last time, I came along. WOW! Cathy (Kathy?) is an unbelievable artist. I am going to her next to have my sleeve designed! They were also super cool with me just hanging out and using their electricity to charge my phone while I waited, and peeking in occasionally to see the progress. Expect an update afterwards.

  • Review from Ethan H.

    • 1 friend
    • 32 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/11/2011

    Erick Lynch is wonderful.  I had a Koi shoulder piece started when I lived in Boston, then I moved to Oakland CA.  I wanted to continue it down my arm so I went back to Boston for two more visits.  I couldn't have been more pleased.  Erick takes his time and does an amazing job.  Give him your idea or a photo and let him take it from there, you will be blown away.  Thank you Erick for all of your hard work!

  • Review from matt o.

    • 28 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Belmont, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/20/2007

    I havent been tattooed in 5 years but I got the itch and just finished mapping up my arm this sunday with joe, I cant even explain how great he is in helping me with decisions.  I start the outlines on dec 12 and have no worries.  Everyone in the shop convinced me to go with a full sleeve and not the 3/4 I was thinking and now I wait.

    Best of boston 2008

  • Review from Joseph T.

    • 12 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Trenton, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    11/25/2007

    Redemption has really good tattooers,who excell at asian work,and traditional work.

    http://www.redemptiont...

  • Review from Rowan K.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Arlington, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/22/2011

    I have gotten tattoos at 4 different shops over the years and this place is by far the best that I've been at.  I wanted a fairly simple text based tattoo that multiple other shops had just been baffled (somehow) by. Josh meanwhile immediately understood what I wanted and did a beautiful job.  It is one of the only tattoos (out of about a dozen that I have) that has never needed touchup and healed just perfectly.  

    The shop itself is clean and Josh (and as far as I can tell all of the artists there) is professional and friendly.  I wouldn't hesitate to go get a first tattoo here and will definitely be back for others.  

    The only thing to remember is that they do need cash for deposits!

  • Review from Amy L.

    • 5 friends
    • 17 reviews

    North Billerica, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/27/2010

    My experience at Redemption Tattoo has been nothing but top notch. Several years ago, I got two small rib tattoos at a place in New Hampshire; I just figured all tattoo shops were like that one. The work was so-so, the staff was rude and creepy, all it all it was a little seedy. When I came to Redemption I was pleasantly surprised. 100% professional, clean, reassuring... not to mention incredibly talented.

    This summer I had a large hip/rib piece done by Mike Shea. The appointments spanned over a few months, and totaled around 12-15 hours; time and money well spent. Sure, it's not cheap, but cheap isn't exactly what you should be looking for when you're having a permanent piece of art put on your body. The colors are amazing, the detail is superb. I'm very proud to show it off.

    My husband had his entire sleeve done by Mike Shea as well, and he has plans to continue with more work (as do I). I wouldn't go anywhere else.

  • Review from Nika O.

    • 3 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Arlington, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2010

    Josh did a back piece for me in July of 09, and I couldn't be happier with it. The b&w detailing was rather intensive and he did an amazing job with all the shading (double headed Russian imperial eagle). He wasn't very talkative, but that was okay with me, as I was trying to distract myself from the discomfort of getting needled on my spine!
     For the quality of my tattoo, I was glad to pay $280. It healed beautifully and I have no hesitation in recommending Redemption, and Josh to anyone looking for a tattoo.

  • Review from Shana J.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Arlington, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/18/2009 5 photos

    Josh is the best. He has done and entire sleeve on my fiance and three large tattoos on me. All of his ink is precise and incredible well done. He is an amazing portrait artist, and had gentle hands. My first tattoo, I was new to the process and wasn't sure how to convey my idea. "I wanted a tree nymph, but powerful looking, but with cool hair, blah blah blah." I didn't realize that nothing I was saying was useful to him. He told me that I should go home, get reference pictures of the hair I like, of the body style, and they after I have those concrete references, then to bring them all in and he would draw something up to put it all together. All said and done, I have a beautiful, powerful tree nymph on my side. He has done two more large one since then and all three are wonderful.

    Josh will be straight with you. He will tell you that having a tattoo with no black border will look like shit in less than 2 years b/c color ink is designed to disperse and black is designed to be the barrier. He will tell you what part of your idea will translate into a tattoo and what wont in a helpful way. He doesn't want you walking around with a shitty tattoo anymore than you do. He takes great pride in his work and is a great guy.

  • Review from Sarah V.

    • 14 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2009

    Yesterday, I got my first tattoo at Redemption....and it definitely won't be my last. Mike Shea drew up a really awesome koi piece for a 1/4 sleeve. It came out fantastic! I seriously couldn't be more happy with my tattoo....and it's not even done yet. I go back in a few weeks to get the rest of the colors filled in....I can't even imagine how nice it will look once it's 100% done.

    Redemption is one of the cleanest, most professional tattoo parlors I've ever been in. Everything is EXTREMELY sanitary...which is obviously the way you want it to be when you're getting work done.  I also can't say enough good things about Mike Shea, his work is amazing, and he's very nice.

  • Review from GirlWithACurl A.

    • 5 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/18/2009

    Ok, I'll admit, I'm no ink junkie.
    But, when I had a small and delicate piece of memorial work I wanted done, and had been scoffed at and shooed out of another (Harvard Sq) ink parlor which shall remain nameless, Redemption did me right.

    After a look at my sketch, they sent me home with a few suggestions of how to tidy it up. I walked back in a few days later, fixed sketch in hand, and Mike took care of me. It was my 1st, I was determined, and he was really nice about checking in with me frequently while he was working.

    Professional, clean, honest, and damn fine work. Why would you go anywhere else? Thanks guys! I recommend you as often as I get a chance!

  • Review from Laura P.

    • 3 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/11/2009

    Mike Shea is one of my favorite artists right now. After a troubled youth and more than a few subpar tattoos littering my arms and legs my boyfriend referred me to Mike. Who I had do his version of the classic "rats get fat" tattoo on the back of my arm. Which went very quickly and turned out better then I had ever hoped. He also did a touch up on one of those crappy youthful mistakes and it now looks amazing. But what else would you expect from such a great shop. I also tell anyone that mentions wanting a tattoo to go here if they want a piece of lasting quality.

    I have yet to get pieces done by any of the other artists here but believe me I plan on it. Each guy does great work and id never worry about getting something I wouldn't be happy with for the rest of my life.

  • Review from Dan C.

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2009

    Nothing says "I'm over him/her," like getting a tattoo to get that sexy back and go out into the urban jungle.  If you are a first timer, or a seasoned collage of ink, Redemption is a place to look into.  Rated Boston's Best, the store is a little off the beaten path (Mass ave. a little past porter square), but worth it.  Comfy chairs and a great staff give you just what you ask for (I brought in a design that I wanted on my ankles).  Getting my first tattoo I was a little scared: I may be allergic to pain, I definitely am allergic to "pain and suffering."  The tattoo was fast, clean, and mostly painless (nothing over a 5 out of 10).  The tattoos are reasonably priced for the quality, so if the Redemption quote seems like too much remember, you get what you pay for.  Deposits are required, and you need to be sober to get your ink.

  • Review from Ellen A.

    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/3/2011

    So happy to recommend Redemption Tattoo!  After receiving less-than-stellar pre-appointment customer service from another place, I decided to go with Redemption Tattoo and I am so glad I did!  Great atmosphere, they made me feel welcome and everyone was really friendly.  Listened to my ideas, offered their own.  I am really happy with the tattoo.  Highly recommend

  • Review from Julie A.

    • 67 friends
    • 453 reviews

    Arlington, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/30/2008

    I have been to many tattoo shops around the country and have to say this is one of my favorites. it's a laid back place, clean, has a good vibe, and has great artists!
    Every time I see a great tattoo I ask where they got it and if it was local it would be from this place 9 out of 10 times. Most of my friends have gotten a tattoo from one of these guys at some point and it's always one of their better ones. Everyone of the artists have done great work, so when I wanted something rather simple and small I just walked in and asked for the soonest appointment by anyone available. They were pretty booked but managed to squeeze me in with Mike. SCORE!.
    A week later I went in and they tattooed me. It was very gentle and barely scabbed. I'm a bleeder, but not this time! He even was cool dealing with my very talkative 13 year old step daughter, who I am sure was terribly annoying to him through-out. It healed better than all my other tattoos have and looks great! ok, so it was a simple and small thing that I'm sure would have been good if almost anyone did it, but I really liked this place, like what I see comes out of there, and would highly recommend it to anyone out there. and it wasn't a total rip off like some other places are.
    It's a chill place that puts out good work.
    If you are in the area and looking for ink, go here.

  • Review from Delilah W.

    • 42 friends
    • 78 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    2/12/2008

    I received a custom tattoo from Josh at Redemption last week and he did a great job.  The piece was outside the realm of the usual styles in his portfolio and he took the time to accommodate the feel of the piece to how I'd described it.  He was patient with reworking the image a couple times to get it just-right and he was personable and really quite a nice fellow to work with. I highly recommend the shop itself for its professional atmosphere and staff.

  • Review from Laurie C.

    • 12 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Newton, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/16/2006

    Redemption gets my five stars.  I've checked out a lot of places in the area, along with their portfolios and artist history.  Redemption is by far superior to anyplace else.  I had a large traditional backpiece done by Mike Shea, and it is amazing.  He was so talented and friendly.  HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.  I can't wait to get back in there!

  • Review from Meghan M.

    • 6 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/29/2010

    I went to several different tattoo parlors before I settled on Redemption.  Not only were they courteous and professional, but they did a great job on my tattoo.  I'm thinking of getting another one and will definitely go back to Redemption.

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