No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo

07/15/2008 Posted by westave

I had a great experience at No Ka Oi Tiki Tattoo last weekend. As nervous as I was, it was not as bad as my mind led me to believe. Prior to getting it, I did a lot of investigating on where to go and I had several people, that didn't know each other, some of them I didn't even know, tell me to go to Carla. While I was there, she was absolutely superb. She explained everything thoroughly and was actually very quick. They all made me feel very comfortable while I was getting the tattoo. The tattoo turned out awsome and I will be returning for my next one. Thanks Carla.

Pros: quick, professional, fantastic artists, place was extremely clean

Cons: needs larger reception area.

07/13/2008 Posted by kritter1217

I really enjoyed spending time with the ladies in the shop. Not only was everyone super nice, but they were also extremely professional as well. I cannot stress enough the satisfaction I feel going into this shop. The gold medal winner of customer service goes to the cute kid with cheek piercings that has superior phone skills, and is extremely personable. I would also like to single out the outstanding work of Ms. Carla Hopkins. Her skilled workmanship and attention to detail trumps all other color tattoo artist in the city. She offers great conversation, but is not overly chatty like an overly interested cab driver. Carla will not bs you into thinking that something is good if it is just a lame/unwise idea. This girl is going places, and will surely continue to gain notariety within the industry. I doubt I will ever go to another artist for the remainder of the work I plan on getting, and that means a customer for life. Here is the deal: If you don’t care what your tattoo looks like, you want a giant ridiculouly ugly tattoo or want someone that is going to kiss your feet, PLEASE go someplace else...I don’t feel like hearing you flap your gums while I am there getting an awesome tattoo.

Pros: Fun Shop, Women Artists

Cons: Right off of South Street. Ick.

04/29/2008 Posted by KimFal

This was my first time getting inked at Tiki. I actually had an appointment somewhere else and was only in there with my sister while she was getting tattoed by Cindy. The place is EXTREMELY clean, and everyone there was very friendly to us. I don't know everyon's names, but all of the women tattoing in there were friendly, helpful and TALENTED. The girl at the front desk was nice to me, but I can see how she can come off as rude to some people... she is a little sarcastic I guess and reminds me of Lucy from the Peanuts gang...LOL, however, she was working her butt off when we were there and accomodating every customer, whether they were walk-ins or had appointments. I ended up getting tattooed there without an appointment while my sister was there because I was really impressed with them. I highly recommend this joint.

Pros: talented artists, always working to squeeze people in

Cons: no private rooms

04/03/2008 Posted by sievar

i went here for my first (and only at the moment) tattoo. i had jackie brown design me a custom portrait and it is the most amazing tattoo ever...i have recommended this place to every singe person that asks me about my tattoo (i get complemented on it on average 25 times a day). i have plans to go in and see jackie again for my next piece they are amazing, talented, and are willing to work on anything you want.

Pros: extremely talented

Cons: a little pricey, but worth it

03/31/2008 Posted by sidewinder72

Went here after several recs, with a specific design in mind I'd been told by several friends who are tattoo artists that it should not be that big of a deal or difficult for someone with some skill. Was treated VERY rudely and condescendingly by the girl at the counter and the one actual artist who deigned to talk to me about my design...basically pointing out everything that was wrong with it unless I was willing to go much bigger (and of course, spend more money). I walked out very quickly with absolutely no desire to return. Will go elsewhere in the city to get the job done right!

Pros: nice looking shop

Cons: very bad customer service, major attitude

02/19/2008 Posted by themrswalker

I am not a Philadelphian, and after a long day of searching for a tattoo parlor than did just more than take your money...I discovered these fine ladies! The atmosphere of the shop has a Hawaiian theme and is the cleanest/most sterile shop I have seen in the South Street Area. It's hard to find a good tattooist, which is going to work for YOU, overcharge you due to area’s going rates, & take your money….while leaving you somewhat satisfied. It's hard to find a tattooist that encompasses a graceful touch, edge, & style while incorporating their innovative art background as well as the art of “copying”. Also, these chicks are tough cookies, so if you can't handle sarcasm & crazy chatter, then bring earplugs or a sense of humor. Because they are still worth seeking out for a rockin' tattoo. Carla Hopkins is the lady to see for floral pieces & cover-ups, from what I heard and from experience. She will do all that she can, with some limitations of the impossible, to get what needs to get done/can be done. Plus, she's great for conversation while you're under the gun. You want a great tattoo; see these ladies....hands down my new favorite hot spot. I’ll be back for more!

Pros: Great Talent

Cons: No Private Tattoo Rooms

09/21/2007 Posted by shenanigan137

I was referred to No Ka Oi by a friend and co-worker. I originally wanted to go to Jackie Brown because she had done a really beautiful sleeve for a friend. My co-worker, however, asked me what I was planning on getting and when I told her, she recommended Carla Hopkins because she said that Carla was really wonderful with realistic looking flowers/botanical stuff, etc. So I went to see Carla without an appointment and she was VERY VERY HELPFUL! She spent nearly an hour with me looking over photos and discussing the size/scale of the tattoo I wanted (A sleeve of flowers). I had an idea in my mind when I came in, but thankfully, Carla was there with great advice (As I really know little to nothing about tattoos). She told me to think about the original size I wanted the flowers and that she would recommend tattooing them larger because of the amount of detail. We set up an appointment for her to draw something up so I could get an idea. When I came back, the drawings she did were spectacular. I am a florist, and I wanted to have the flowers look really "botanically correct" and she really did her homework!! It wasn't my "original" idea, but after talking to Carla, I realized that my original idea wouldn't have worked very well. So we were able to come together and she was able to translate my idea into something even better! They looked exactly how I pictured them, and now having had the line-work and shading completed on the piece, I am ecstatic! Carla is fun to work with, and an amazing artist. The flowers look like they could pop off of my arm and start growing as we speak! I am very happy I went to this shop, and more specifically, Carla for my work, because the experience has been awesome every step of the way! I am VERY happy with my experience and look forward to having color put in at my next appointment!

Pros: Extremely knowledgeable and friendly

Cons: They're usually pretty booked

06/09/2007 Posted by zoey28

I went to get a tattoo for my 30th B-day/graduation present to myself. I saw portfolios of different artists, and really liked Mony's work. So I went in the around 1 pm, showed him the pix of tattoo I wanted, and he told me that he will be ready for me around 6 pm. I left $20, and my cell number, and they called me by 5 pm telling me that they were ready. I thought the ladies at the front desk were nice. I don't look like typical tattooed person, and I was bit apprehensive after reading some of the reviews on this website. But they were all friendly. The place is pretty, clean, and smells really nice. Price was reasonable. This tattoo costs about 3X my first tattoo, but it is much bigger, and much more intricate work. Mony was very professional, and asked me questions regarding how I wanted my tattoos to look. I also liked the fact that he was very busy concentrating on his craft, instead of chatting with me. Only thing was that I was getting tattooed in the middle of the place. I wish there were a private room because I was getting tattooed on my right hip and felt little exposed (Not thinking ahead, I wore a dress, so I had to hike the dress all the way up my butt, so my right cheek was hanging out). But Mony made sure that I was properly covered. Most importantly, my tattoo looks GREAT. It's so beautiful...

Pros: Great artist, pretty studio, smells really nice.

Cons: No private tattoo rooms.

02/20/2007 Posted by zeppmoondreamer45

I went there on a Friday night, they were not busy at all. From the moment I walked in the door, I received looks of disgust. I suppose I do not look like the tattoo type... though going in there, I was asking for a quote for my fourth. I had a quote from a poem that holds a special place in my heart. The woman at the desk was extremely rude and wouldn't listen and told me that she "Wasn't necessarily fond of word tattoos" my immediate thought was "Well thankfully it's mine, and not yours." She gave me a quote of a $100 more than I wound up getting it for, and that was without any background [as I wanted...] I had a bad vibe the entire time there and couldn't wait to leave. I suppose you have to walk in there with arms full of tattoos and piercings, and asking for an Old School, or a flower tattoo to be considered. I went to my normal place, Kadillac Tattoo and was given an amazing tattoo, everything I asked for and I was treated wonderfully. Never will I go there again... And if I hear anyone considering this place, I will tell them otherwise.

Pros: The Ambience is nice and cheery.

Cons: The woman at the desk was anything but cheery, and extremely rude.

12/06/2006 Posted by phillies_babygirl

I've been a HIGHLY SATISFIED CUSTOMER since this Tattoo shop opened, I followed Jackie Brown from her prior shop and would never change artists. I have never had anything but a goodtime everytime that I've been there and I am a frequent customer! Anna, has always been the coolest when I am there taking the time to make sure that all of the customers are comfortable. Yes, they are a very busy shop so an appointment is recommended, but its well worth the wait... because that's how good they are. And to some they may be a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for and when it comes to something that is going to be on your body for the rest of your life, a bargain is the last thing you should be looking for! And they are WORTH EVERY PENNY.