Gastown Tattoo Parlour

I decided that I was going to get a Canadian tattoo, in Canada, on my birthday. I live in the States and during college I went to Vancouver often. I hadn’t been back in some time, so this was what I wanted to do for my birthday, all while obtaining a permanent keepsake. #nostalgia…maaaaan.
I was able to make all arrangements for my appointment online and via email, including sending reference, paying my deposit, and scheduling my artist and appointment time. One thing I absolutely loved was that they send email confirmations, and also appointment reminders. This is not something my tattoo shop at home does, so I wasn’t expecting it, but it sure did ease my mind of the paranoia that I would show up on tattoo day and be told I didn’t have anything on the books. Because you know, Murphy’s Law.
The actual shop is big, nice, clean, and super comfy. Henry was my tattoo artist, and although my design was probably nothing that got him very excited, he was totally nice and laid back about it when I joked that I had really taxed his creative abilities with this one (it was a maple leaf, flag-​style. Zzzzz, I know. Shut up. I love it.). I have several large tattoos, and this was a small one by comparison, but he still made sure to ask if I needed a break, and make sure I was alright. The two gals at the front desk were also super nice (sorry that I didn’t catch your names, but you were both just lovely.)
I would 100% recommend this tattoo shop to anyone, and if I ever get anymore birthday tattoos in Vancouver, you can bet your sweet inked ass it will be here!

I waited a very long time before getting my first tattoo. After researching some local portfolios online, I decided on Amanda Meowzen. After meeting for a consultation, I trusted her and decided to get 2. I had a very vague idea for a foot tattoo but she gave created something truly unique and brought it to life. I love it and get compliments every day. Everyone wants to see it up close and to know who did it. I knew what I wanted for the second one but her suggestion for the location was perfect and it looks better than I could have imagined. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend her and the shop. It’s comfortable, everyone was friendly and helpful, a really great experience all around!

What better way to celebrate art then making it a permanent statement on your body? I’ve had the pleasure of being Inked by not one but two of the resident Tattoo Artists here at Gastown Tattoo Parlour. Firstly let’s talk about Frank Grimes known for his skill in Traditional Ink he’s an amazing artist who puts his time and skill into every piece he does. I was previously tattooed by Frank Back in 2008 when he was apart of a different shop and am glad to see him find a new home at one of Vancouver’s most renowned Shops. His line work is amazing and even with all my sunny vacations the colour has held true and looks as if I got it just last month. Id highly recommend him for Traditional Pieces and a Bonus if you let him put his own flare on it you won’t be disappointed.
And now Amanda Meowzen, whom I will currently call my Hero I had the unfortunate event of having an un experienced artist tattoo me the first time around leaving me with a piece that was less then desirable, now Amanda (whom normally won’t work on others art) graciously excepted the challenge to change my not so pocket watch tattoo into the beauty that it is today. She has amazing attention to detail with a light hand and will gladly give you a break if (which I might have) decide you need. Her lines are impeccable and her neo-​traditional style shines through in not only her portfolio but in person as well. I’d highly recommend her for anything on the darker side of art especially Neo Traditional, she has a large portfolio with original pieces available currently and doesn’t have a long wait list as well.
Overall ⁵⁄₅ for this shop could not be happier and don’t forget to check out the other artist as well!
«Everything you can imagine is real.»
Pablo Picasso
Till next Time –Vancity Gypsy

I got tattooed by Amanda Meowzen at Gastown, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. She did an awesome job of taking the reference material I provided and creating a unique image based on it in her own style, which is exactly what I wanted.
This was also my first time getting tattooed, so I was pretty nervous, but Amanda told me what to expect without freaking me out or bullshitting me about it being painless. The actual tattoo process really wasn’t too bad, and she was friendly and fun to talk to throughout. By the time it was over, it hardly felt like any time had passed.
I love my new tattoo and I hope I’ll be back for another one soon!

Came in with a friend who is considering their first tattoo, the receptionist was so nice patiently explaining wait times, portfolio’s, consults etc. I’ve never been to this shop as I got my tattoo’s elsewhere but I may come back for my next one! The shop itself is gorgeous, and the people working there were so friendly.

I got my very first tattoo done by Arlin (a.k.a Uncle Arlo)
I am a huge fan of his work and style. I asked him for something simple with black ink and he delivered. My tattoo is a bit different from what I’ve seen on his Instagram but that’s not a complaint at all! It’s just an observation I made. It just shows me how skilled/​versatile/​flexible he is as an artist, something that I appreciate.
He only had my awkward, weird, and brief explanation of my idea to work on and he was still able to create a beautiful tattoo out of it.
I get compliments such as «it’s totally you» «it matches your personality», etc etc. I have concluded: He must have some mind-​reading powers.
Super friendly and easy to talk to. Professional and clean. I was able to talk to some of the other artists while I was getting my tattoo — very chill people.
I am thankful that I got my first tattoo from, Arlin. I will definitely be emailing him in the future for another tattoo. Thank you, Arlin! I love my tattoo.

I had this place recommended to me by a coworker with great tattoos. She said her friend worked there but that everyone there did great work and showed me a great little tattoo he did for her.
My friend and I set up times to go get tattoos. My artist ended up being Henry, the friend of my coworker! I was super particular about my design and he spent probably an hour just drawing up the perfect text for me. After that it was no time at all, the stencil was drawn up perfectly, on and done before I knew it.
My friend was tattooed by Mitch, who I believe is the owner. It was crazy how fast this guy worked, he had a stencil drawn up and ready to go… a full colour piece taking up 75−80% of my friends forearm.
From the time the stencils were finished and the needle hit skin we were both out in under an hour!

I was fortunate enough to book in with Uncle Arlo and I was absolutely blown away. I’ve seen his work on Instagram and I was sure I was going to love what I got but it turned out better than I imagined. I would never hesitate to recommend him or this shop.
Clean, professional, easy to talk to, skilled!

Wow such an unreal experience! i’ve been getting tattoos for over 20 years and Mitch Kirilo is the best so far. He was easy to work with and made the whole process fun. Very talented artist and super quick. Highly recommend this shop.

I was honestly really really disappointed I was expecting to deal with professional people who love what they do as a living they must really hate their job the receptionist came across as lazy and the girl next to her it’s such a shame. I’m from Cali drove to Canada and took the time to stop by because I got good word about this place well No it was a waste of time, save it and take your business elsewhere.

Got my first tatoo ever by Arlin yesterday and been feeling super happy and satisfied with his fantastic job! I’d definitely go back and also would recommend this place to everyone else! U won’t regret it! Trust me

Some of the best artists in the city, got a star wars tattoo from Stephen and he was great, professional and friendly, also did a great job

Not sure my experience with them is typical or not. It feels they are trying to milk as much money as possible from you. I asked the girl to reschedule an appointment for me due to an event that may cause medical risk by getting a tattoo so close to the event. They asked told me they will charge me $ 50 deposit for cancellation and then another $ 50 for next appointment. She kept on saying cancellation needs 3 days notice. And I kept on reminding her I am rescheduling not cancelling. She doesn’t sound like she gives a shit as long as she has the $ 50 charged already. So I told her I am gonna find another shop. She then rudely hung up the phone. So this is my experience, if their sole intention is to milk money out of you and their attitude is to treat you like dirt, I worry what kinda good job they can do with your skin.

A HUGE thanks to Logan Howard for creating custom script for my sister & I (memorial tattoo). He was a total pleasure to work with & i would highly recommend him! Anyone looking for a professional, truly talented artist to create something beautiful & completely custom, look no further. This is your guy.
Thanks again Logan!

THE BEST TATTOO PARLOUR IN VANCOUVER:
I have gotten many tattoos across Canada, and the last three I received from the Gastown Tattoo Parlour. They are so on point and most of the staff is incredibly friendly. I definitely recommend going here! (Especially if you like that whole traditional tattoo aesthetic.)

Matt Houston is insanely good– he has been so wonderful to work with regarding my sleeve. It’s too bad he is leaving for Europe but want to wish him well. The counter person (sorry cannot remember his name) is very attentive and welcoming. Thanks Matt all the best pal!

One of the best (if not THE best) tattoo shops in the city. I have had tattoos done by two different artists at Gastown Tattoo, and both times were very positive experiences. As talented as the pros at this shop are, the only «attitude» I’ve ever encountered has been professional, welcoming and non-​judgemental. These guys are great, and I’m looking forward to getting more work done here in the future.
Although Gastown Tattoo has a ton of positive reviews on here, I’m a bit surprised that no one has mentioned Arlin’s work. I was looking to get a sleeve done for quite some time, and I had spent hours upon hours pouring over tattoo artists’ work all across the West Coast trying to find that special portfolio that screamed «pick me!» When I saw Arlin’s portfolio, I loved every single piece he had done. Although many of the artists at Gastown Tattoo seem to favour the new school/​old school style, Arlin does a lot of watercolour, sketchbook, and geometric-​looking tattoos. Given that he has a constant waitlist going, it seems he’s got quite a few fans of his unique style.
When I finally got the chance to go in for a consultation with Arlin, I had only a few nebulous ideas of what I wanted, and a couple pieces of art to show what I was going for. In essence, I told him that I wanted something involving cats and outer space. When I came back to start my tattoo a couple months later, I was thrilled with what he had put together for me. We finished it over two sessions, and now I have an amazing piece of art that I get comments on all the time. One person actually said, «that’s the nicest tattoo I have ever seen in my life.» Well, shucks.
**TIP** If you’re trying to get work done by Arlin, follow him on instagram. Every so often he’ll post when the waitlist is open, or if he has a last-​minute spot open for a smaller piece.

Best Place to go!
I went already a few times to the Parlour to see Matt and I was always super happy!
He always does exactly what I ask for and even better.
The whole Parlour has an great mix of amazing Artists. Everyone is super nice.
I highly recommend it!!!

I might be hooked…
I got my first, tiny, inconspicuous tattoo 14 years ago. It was something sentimental and I decided it would be my only one… Until I met Matt Houston. This guy is a bloody genius and if he wasn’t already married, I’d propose to him.
I cannot express in words how utterly satisfied I am with my tattoo, and well the whole experience, really. From consultation, to design, to confirmation via email and phone, to outstanding hygiene practices, to gentle tattooing (if there is such a thing), to comfort and atmosphere and finally to my charming tattooist with his British accent, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
The comments I get consistently about my tattoo are: its so unique, it’s so clean, the lines are so precise. Yup, all true.
So after 14 years long years, all, I can think is: «Oooh, I wonder what I want as my NEXT tattoo!!!»
BTW, I know I am praising MY tattooist but I’ve heard that everyone who works there does excellent work. Somehow, I believe it.

Just go and book your appointment already. Stop searching. Stop second guessing. This is the place for you. For everyone. It’s the best.
This shop is clean and legit with a super relaxed atmosphere. The prices are reasonable. Everyone is really friendly, helpful, and professional. No attitude. No «you’re not cool enough to be in here» vibe. Which really works for me as I am the opposite of cool.

I could go off for quite some time about how rad Matt is but you’d get bored. Synopsis: he is bananas talented and a pleasure to chat with.
Now go and get that thing you’ve always wanted artfully added to your body canvas for all of eternity.