Your Skin.Our Canvas.
Custom tattoos by a multicultural team that sees you, all of you.
$60 Walk-In Special
No appointment needed. Walk in any day between noon and 8PM and get a quality tattoo starting at $60. Perfect for flash designs, small pieces, and first-timers.
Cash only. Designs subject to artist availability.
Every Style. One Shop.
Our artists cover the full spectrum — whatever your vision, we make it permanent.
Black & Grey
The foundation of fine tattooing. Black and grey creates depth, shadow, and dimension that ages beautifully. From portraits to nature to abstract, our artists bring full tonal range to every piece.
Color Realism
Bold, saturated, and built to last. Color realism captures light, texture, and life in a way that stops people mid-sentence. Animals, flowers, portraits — if you can see it, we can tattoo it.
Traditional
Bold outlines, solid fills, timeless imagery. Traditional tattooing is the backbone of the craft — ships, daggers, roses, eagles. Proven for over a century to hold strong on skin.
Polynesian / Tribal
Deeply rooted in Pacific Islander culture, these geometric patterns carry meaning in every stroke. We approach tribal work with respect for heritage and close collaboration with the client.
Fine Line
Delicate, precise, and quietly stunning. Fine line work uses minimal ink to create maximum elegance — perfect for text, botanicals, minimalist art, and small meaningful pieces.
View Gallery
→We're Not Just a Tattoo Shop.
Pacific Ave Tattoo is Tacoma's home for custom ink — a shop built on community, culture, and craft. We're multicultural by design, LGBTQ+ friendly by default, and welcoming to every body that walks through our door.
Located on Pacific Avenue in the heart of Tacoma, we've built a space where people feel safe to express themselves. No judgment. No gatekeeping. Just good work, real conversations, and tattoos that mean something.
Walk-ins are always welcome. Appointments are always honored. And every piece — whether it's your first or your fortieth — gets our full attention.
All bodies, all identities, all stories. You belong here.
English + Español. Nuestro equipo habla español. Tu historia importa — en cualquier idioma.
What Our Clients Say
"I walked in nervous and walked out obsessed. They made me feel completely comfortable from the moment I sat down. My sleeve is exactly what I imagined — actually better. Pacific Ave is the only shop I'll ever go back to."
Marcus T.
Full Sleeve — Black & Grey
"As a first-timer, I was scared to walk into a tattoo shop alone. The energy here is totally different. Everyone was patient, kind, and spoke Spanish with me when I got nervous. My butterfly piece came out perfect."
Valentina R.
First Tattoo — Fine Line
"I've been to shops all over the Pacific Northwest and this is hands-down the most welcoming space I've found as a queer person. The work is exceptional but the vibe is what keeps me coming back."
Jordan K.
Color Realism — Back Piece
Frequently Asked Questions
How do walk-ins work?+
Just show up. We're open every day from 12PM to 8PM. Come in, talk to the artist on duty, pick your design or bring your idea, and we'll get you in the chair. Walk-in slots fill up during peak hours, so earlier is better — but we'll always do our best to accommodate you.
How much does a tattoo cost?+
Walk-in pieces start at $60. Custom work is quoted based on size, placement, complexity, and artist. We'll always give you a clear quote before we start — no surprises. Larger custom pieces may require a consultation appointment.
Do you take credit cards?+
We are cash only on-site. There is an ATM nearby if you need it. If you book an appointment online, we note a deposit to hold your slot — your artist will give you full payment details when they confirm.
How does the deposit work for appointments?+
When you submit a booking request online, our team will reach out to confirm your appointment and collect a small deposit (typically $50–$100 depending on the piece). This deposit goes toward your total. It's non-refundable if you no-show, but we'll work with you on reschedules.
How do I take care of a new tattoo?+
Your artist will give you full aftercare instructions before you leave the chair. The basics: keep it clean, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion twice a day, avoid sun and soaking for 2–3 weeks. No picking, no scratching. If anything looks wrong, call us before going anywhere else.
Ready to Make It Permanent?
Book your appointment online or walk in any day this week.