Reviews of Government Street Tattoo Parlour (Tattoo Shop)

H H

My wife was there a couple wks ago and here are her thoughts: "We were on vacation on the island and I like getting a tattoo from different places while on vacation...called them up and sent Craig an idea of what I wanted. He whipped up something based on that idea that he could do in the 1 hr of time he had - i loved it and it healed perfectly! Also, it is worth noting that I went in by myself and felt super safe, everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Will totally go back next time I'm in vic"

Emma Whicher

The best place in town!!

Peter Milne

What a great group of people and talented artists. I went in to see Brian with an idea and he made some important suggestions and he came up with an excellent design and tattoo.

Alex

Had the absolute worst customer service experience here from an actual tattoo artist, he said he would design me a tattoo and e-mail it to me. I sent him an e-mail saying I am waiting for the e-mail and he didn't respond to that. My fist experience here (same tattoo artist) he was so rude and condescending to me while he was tattooing me. I can't believe I gave him a second chance and look where it got me.

Where's Walt

10/10 tats. Clean, courteous, the artists are fun to be around.

Mathew Constantinoff

Craig is the guy you want to see at this shop. His attention to detail and willingness to work with any idea is so rad; he’s a true professional of his industry. Myself and two friends were able to sneak in for a walk in and he blasted tattoos that look like he’d been planning them for months. If you want a precise tattoo go see Craig Lunn at Govt St.

Gaelle Nicolussi

I had a tattoo done by Ryan yesterday and he did an amazing job. He was very light-handed and the tattoo turned out even more amazing than I had in mind. Great professional shop with talented artists!

Michaela Beange

I had read quite a lot of great things about this place, so I believed that I would feel safe and comfortable in this tattoo shop. BOY WAS I WRONG. I must have gotten the two most rotten employees there are. (The other employees are phenomenal so you can test your luck) Craig did my tattoo, and he was condescending and rude. if I wanted to change even a small detail about what he drew, he said, I quote “that is not relevant to my plan.” Wow. I apologized constantly just for speaking in this tattoo shop, because he seemed so annoyed with me. I wanted to leave before I even got my tattoo, but I didn’t want to waste their time. Now fast forward to the tattoo experience. Craig is not lighthanded. And he puts all of his body weight on you. I have 5 large pieces and I’ve never experienced something like this. I was afraid he would bruise my rib. And my tattoo was not even on my rib. BIG PROBLEM. If you are getting tattooed by Craig do not pick a sensitive area. You will jump just from the pressure where he rests his arms on you. Not even the needle.

Polina Chaykovskaya

Dan is an awesome artist, very professional and his line work is amazing. Very happy with my tattoos

KD Jones

Thank you Brian for the best tattoo experience I've had. Totally chill atmosphere with great music, friendly staff and just an already great vibe. I asked for a pretty complex tattoo and they were able to find me the right artist who worked with me to get it perfect. I couldn't be happier with the whole experience and I can't wait to come back for my next tat.

TwoFace Psycho

Chris gave me my first tattoo. He nicely combined my idea into a drawing. Lines are solid. Healed quickly and well. I'll be back for sure

MrRock NRoll

My wife and I got to the shop on a thursday at 2:30 and we were quite happy to find out they would ink us both that afternoon. We had work done by Chris David (super cool guy). We love the tattoos he inked for us. The shop is very clean and the staff is awesome. Next time we're in Victoria we'll drop in for more ink. Highly recommend this shop. Lots of parking close by.

Elias del Valle

I've never had a bad experience at this place. The guys are always cracking jokes and having a good time, and it's super friendly and positive environment. I always see Andy, and his creativity never disappoints.

blaine millman

Great people ! Fantastic artists ! Brian Carr rules !

zomfort

Did a great job

Asia Gill

Past two years I’ve been getting my tattoo’s done at Government Street and I probably won’t go anywhere else. Always a really good experience and super fun environment. Very clear the artists know what they’re doing, good group of talented artists. I had the pleasure of getting tatted by an artist new to the parlour, David Goertzen, last week and he absolutely crushed it. Big fan.

Ben Mason

Friendly staff and I got exactly what I went in for. It's cash only and you need to make a deposit if you want to book an appointment so come prepared.

CooperSM2

Great group of people. Very professional, very honest. They're not out to just take your money. I will definitely be back!

Robert Geary

I got a basic linear line tattoo. It looks terrible, lines bleeding under the skin, blow out - I won't be back

raina newman

Went here on a whim, Craig did my tattoo, he was rad, and the other guys in the shop are great too! Very friendly, accommodating, and helpful. The only thing to note is it is cash only, and if you don’t bring enough you’ll end up like me walking blocks to the bank! So bring them stacks. Thanks again GST and Craig!

Lyle Hendriks

Came in for a walk-in and didn’t have to wait long, Brian did a great job of adapting my idea into a design, and my tattoo looks awesome. Great vibe, funny and friendly staff, and good music inside. Definitely recommend.

Scott Kosasih

I got this tattoo from Brian.

Christina Chen

Always love it here! Probably my favourite traditional (but it’s not just that style!) styles tattoo studio. I’ve gotten tattooed by Dan twice and he’s very talented. First time by appointment, second by walk-in. Great atmosphere and talent. They are all nice and have a good sense of humour.

Garett

Gpt some sick ink 2 years ago here

Devin Zerr

INK VIBE

Soleil Patterson

They call him Cosmic Craig because his tattoos are out of this world!

MaKenzie

Great guys! You can potentially walk in and get your design that day, but they are also super quick at drawing up your ideas and then laying your ink in a couple days later. Clean facility. Great atmosphere. Parkade and street parking nearby.

Alison Strumberger

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I went for a walk-in and was greeted by Craig Lunn. He was friendly and accommodating, and happy to work with the idea I had. It was obvious that he wanted me to be relaxed and comfortable, and he was very meticulous. The shop itself is a very cool and welcoming space. I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience and my tattoo is perfect. I highly recommend Craig and would definitely go back.

Matteo Ironborn

Brian was a straight up G, the people there know what they are doing and they were very friendly and understanding to me as a first time receiving a tattoo!

Mya Rivers

Great tattoo, no problems of any kind with it. Not to great at getting back to you though

Nino Aveni

Had my first tattoo done by Daniel, who is clean, reliable, kind and talented - he deserves a good tip. I can only talk for him but it seems that the other guys at the shop are real pros too. The hourly rate is down to earth. The vibe is relaxed and jokes are being cracked all the time. Only negative note: the girl at the counter makes you feel like she's doing you a favour when she answers your questions. So much that you'd rather not ask questions. But you kind of get used to her vibe, so although she could make an effort to be nicer, I guess you'll have to live with it. That being said I'd go back again and get tattoed any day!

ShatteredAngel666

Craig did my tattoo, the lines aren't straight and look blobby some spots, there's a few areas where the ink is bleeding away from the main tattoo, ngl now that my tattoo is healed and I can see all the errors I'm not happy with the end results. I won't be coming back.

Aleks Klassen

Got a design from the gumball machine. Almost fell asleep while James tattoo’d me he was so smooth.

Emma

I had a great time here. My tattoo was done by Daniel Doukakis, and it was my first time getting a tattoo. I was at first a little hesitant because he is a younger artist but it became clear that he is extremely talented and more than proficient in a variety of styles. He was super laid back and made sure that I felt really comfortable before we began- no pressure or stress. Very clean shop as well. Thank you Dan!!

Brandon Reid

Last two tattoos I got are incredible, worth the price, clean lines and dope parlour with chill employees. Planning on third already ????????

DOOBIE DOO

Got my first ever tattoo here in August 2016, on the 4 year anniversary of my dad passing away. Chris David did the piece. it was one that I designed and he perfected. It came out perfect, and made my wife decide to get tattooed the same day(by Miles, Also amazing work btw). My piece came out even better then I had hoped, and I will be returning for more ink very soon, as will my wife.

Stevo B

Drove all the way from parksville as two walk-ins at 430pm. Artist stayed late and slammed the work off. Crisp lines and awesome shading. Will definitely be back! Thanks for the time and great ink#

Tayber Voyer

I have been tattooed here twice by Ryan. Both times were a great experience. Everyone in the shop was friendly and professional.

Karen Forshner

Fast and friendly. Good work. Expensive though

Nicole “GamerXxPrincess” Forbes

Craig does an absolutely incredible job on every tattoo! He brought this piece to life for me. I'm glad I waited/planned it out and found the perfect artist for the job! I couldn't be happier!!!

Avilion Administration

Lorrie and I came here today to see if they could accommodate a walk in small tattoo. They took us in almost immediately and were super friendly and professional. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and can help make your decisions a bit easier! Overall a really great group of people and would definitely recommend to family and friends or anyone thinking of getting some ink in Victoria.

Rhys Ure

Been here twice, great vibe and I've left happy both times.

david willmore

Awesome work and expertise

Matthew Maguffee

Craig did an awesome job on a dagger for me 10/10 would recommend

Shona Fetter

The boys at this shop are great! I have had a cover up and fresh tattoos and I am super happy with all of them. I have ( mostly) stuck with the American Traditional style but my husband got a“spartan “ done there and the lines and details are amazing. Can’t wait to book our next appointment!

Ella Clark

This is my new favourite tattoo place in Vic. Both Daniels are great artists and David (who used to be at WolfSheep) is phenomenal, they all have great banter too.

olivia dawson

really great service, was a walk in and they fit me in and did a great job, looks amazing didn't hurt.

Melanie Molloy

Andy was great. Had two tattoos I was considering. Gave good advice and whipped out a drawing super quick. Friendly, personable, and didn’t make me feel like more of a square than I already am. I’ll go back.

Connor thatguy

Had some work done in September, turned out great, came back and they even did a free touchup! Friendly staff. Will go back.

Harj Sangha

Sent Dan a Message with a weeks notice and and got me and my sister in for matching tattoos within a week very nice guy amazing work and such a great shop 10/10 would recommend to friends and family

Emma Speight

Craig tattooed me and my girlfriend's for her bday and he was super kind and respectful and made my experience a great one! Appreciate what u do and just thanks for making me feel comfortable, will be back!

Gavin Teagle

Great guys!

Deborah Blankenborg

Fast service, good quality tattoo on short notice.

Morganne Plsek

Quick, professional, personable! Got us in really fast and decent price!

Marnie Sullivan

I’ve been to this shop for a couple tattoos now, and the experience is always super positive and fun. Craig Lunn did a walk in bonsai tree for me today, which he threw on there freehand. Soooo cool. I absolutely love the piece and the process was very relaxed. Craig is a really talented artist, it was cool to see him in his creative flow. Will definitely be back!!

J Vans

Place is awesome!! good people good music and especially good work!!

Kath and Angus Sabo

My friend Alli and I had such a fantastic experience today with our walk in tattoos. The shop was recommended by multiple locals we asked. Our spontaneous idea and urge was met with enthusiasm and as a result we exceeded the plan!! So good!! All the guys were great and Dave our artist nailed it - he was so dialed in to our dreams!! We were so impressed and will definitely be returning:)

dave pedde

Best

dirt worship

Friggin best tattoo shop in victoria. Super nice guys. While im getting tattooed they're always crackin jokes and havin a good laugh, which adds a nice distraction from the tattoo needle in my skin.

Fraser Coull

I recommend GST; I have been going here for years they do top notch work and the shop has a good environment.

Sara Arsenault

Craig did both my tattoo & my guys tattoo Let’s say this our greeting when we entered the shop with him was horrible I wanted to leave before he even started. He was RUDE & defensive immediately not wanting to do the tattoos we had planned which were booked for weeks ahead of time & only small tattoos. We tried to be friendly & navigate him but he was very unpleasant & unprofessional complaining & insulting the work we wanted done. He was very difficult to work with & I have quite a few tattoos including a full sleeve but NEVER have I felt that much pain during a session ever! . VERY heavy handed & over stretches the skin !!. He left my guys collar bone Bruised horribly around the whole tattoo. Really dug the needle in badly. Would not recommend Craig to anyone & we will NOT be back …..

nick hadgelias

I had a great experience at GST. Yesterday I got a walk-in tattoo done by Craig Lunn and had a really good time. He was professional and easy going and I’m super happy with my tattoo. He was focused and efficient when he needed to be and we had a good chat when it was okay to. Definitely recommend and I’ll be back for more!

Danyelle Faith

Very accommodating! I got in the same day I called for a cute moon crescent on my shoulder! Dan was very professional and made sure I got exactly what I wanted! They are also very cool with there touch ups as well! Deff recommend!

Alex V

The guys did a great job of a cover up of my old bad tat. They also gave me some great ideas to finish my sleeve and my girl's finger rings. Nice people and very skilled !

James Hunt

My first tattoo was good the lines were straight and it was perfect. But when a different guy was asked to do mine he looked nervous like is wasn't his style. After the healing there's more and more mistakes lines not straight and a little disappointed now...

Dereck Bourassa

Best walk in experience I've ever had! Great atmosphere and the staff are professional and friendly. This place has a vibe that catches you from the street. Big up nick for killing it on my tattoo ????

Michelle Nagy

I walked into GST with a design for a tattoo this past summer, and was able to get an appointment right away. It was my first tattoo, and Craig was extremely compassionate and patient with me. The piece came out even better than I’d hoped! I just stopped by again today for some touch ups (I’m from out of province) and saw Craig again, who fixed up the little details I asked for and it looks fantastic. 11/10 would recommend. Thanks again!

Rebecca Simms

Came for a walk in and was looked after from start to finish in under 45 minutes. Really friendly guys!

Jeffrey vW

Super friendly guys, world class talent.

Anna Matthews

Dan was awesome and did great work

Emily S

If you have a fetish for being spoken down to, I would highly recommend this shop. If however you are a person capable of self-respect, I would advise against. The work was okay (on an extremely simple piece), but the guy was so needlessly condescending it really put a damper on the experience.