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Speakeasy Tattoo
Category: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Tattoo [Edit]
299 Harbord StToronto, ON M6G 1G7
Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park
(647) 378-2481
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
5 reviews for Speakeasy Tattoo
5 reviews in English
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Review from Angela H.
York, ON
1/23/2012
Invariably when I discuss my tattoos with anyone, I don't talk about the place where I got it from but rather the name - 'Lizzie'. It's not really about the place or the atmosphere of which you got your work at (for me, anyway), but the connection you have with your tattoo artist. That shit is rare to find.
Lizzie is professional, first of all. Kind of a perfectionist but still warm, creative, down-to-earth and witty. She's not the kind of person you have to explain your idea. You say it once and she gets it and get down to business. It is refreshing that all I have to is say 'Beetlejuice as a snake" and she gives me exactly that.
Speakeasy definitely have a mom'n pop vibe and it's nice because you know you will get the attention you need. They also check with you to confirm your appointment a couple days before (which is a bonus) and do answer questions if you have any (even if they are stupid).
Altogether Speakeasy is a great place with great people, it's also a place that operate on using common sense. All they ask of you is to show up on time and not be a jerk. -
Review from Matt F.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2012
With Tattoo shops popping up faster than Starbucks locations over the past few years, there's no lack of variety for getting tattooed in Toronto. With all of that variety, you can afford to be picky and find exactly the right shop for you. Want to get a tattoo in a shop window or a dance club? There are places for that. Want a haircut while you're at it? There are places for that too. There are experts of every style if you know where to look.
For me, I like a smallish, friendly tattoo shop with a fun atmosphere that drips with character called SpeakEasy Tattoo.
I was first referred to Lizzie by a friend after being turned away at a large, well known Queen street tattoo shop for having what was described to me as an "untattooable" design. A phone call and appointment later, Lizzie managed to make my "untattooable" design into an amazing tattoo, and I've been returning regularly ever since. She remains continually impressive and always up for any style or silly idea I come up with, but also doesn't shy away from suggestions for the betterment of the tattoo.
The atmosphere at the shop has been always familial and welcoming, and the decor alone is worth the trip inside. Pricing and general availability are reasonable, but I would suggest calling ahead for best results. The shop often has guest artists from all over the world, and even has a fun blog and contests, often involving official shop mascot and fucking-showdog-with-fucking-papers, Wilma.
So really, what's not to like? -
Review from Laile B.
Toronto, ON
1/11/2012
It's nice that the shop is off some of the bigger streets/blocks because it eliminates a touristy tattoo crowd.
Agree that it's a bit awkward right when you walk in, perhaps just because of the set up? A bunch of the staff are kinda cocky, they were a bit rude and so if you've been there before it is awkward because you know to expect that attitude.
That being said they do have a lot of really great artists, a cute Pomeranian , and I trust them to do what I ask for. -
Review from Matt H.
Toronto, ON
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favourite tattoo shop in Toronto. Best people and great tattoo artists. Very clean and thorough.
You might feel a bit awkward at first when you walk in, it has a real mom and pop vibe to it which is better than most tattoo shops in Toronto.
Lots of guest artists are coming through speakeasy from all over the world. Keep your eye out! If you're lucky enough to meet Wilma, you're in for a treat! -
Review from Allison D.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2011
I went to Speakeasy this weekend for my birthday gift (to myself) and was so pleased! I initially booked for the artist; they've just hired on Jen Liles, who I saw at TCB in the fall for my last tattoo and was super happy.
PROs
- The shop is on a lovely block on Harbord, directly beside a coffee shop (Sam James, I believe) that, at that time on a Saturday afternoon, was staffed by two very friendly and ridiculously attractive men.
- I was called the day before as a reminder/confirmation call, which is nice for those of us whose datebooks aren't exactly up-to-date. Also, I've had to call a couple of times with questions/rebooking and the guys have always been incredibly helpful and friendly.
- Jen is a fantastic artist; I came in with what I thought was a relatively abstract idea "a red tiger lily, yellow rose, and pink chrysanthemum...more realistic than cartoon-ey" and she developed a beautiful piece that fits the location on my body perfectly. She is also extremely reasonable for what she does (my piece is so incredibly detailed and absolutely gorgeous, I nearly died when she told me how much it would be - in a good way, as I was expecting much more) and got involved in the conversation of my best friend and I.
- The atmosphere is great; the main room you walk into from the street is bright and big, but I was amazed to see that there was a whole 'nother floor! Jen and (I think) Lizzie are upstairs in rooms that are lofty, bright and spacious.
CONs
- I made an appointment for 4 and didn't begin until 5, despite emailing Jen about a week and a half in advance with what I wanted. That was a little frustrating; that said, as she'd literally just moved from TCB to Speakeasy and was still getting things sorted in her space, I can appreciate being busy! Plus, had I not had to wait a bit, I would have never discovered Sam James coffee next door (or the two coffee men).
Overall, I am super happy with Speakeasy and my tattoo (though it's not yet coloured in); I've already recommended Jen and the shop to a number of coworkers!
Thanks, guys :)
