Ashley E. 4/21/24

Really love this place! New owners have made nice upgrades and the staff is still as kind and welcoming as ever. Billy worked with the ideas I brought in and came up with a stunning piece. I've been coming here for the last 10 years and will continue for the next 10 and recommending them to my friends and colleagues.

Kiryu 02/29/24

I really recommend you this tattoo shop!

I traveled to LA with my family from Japan in June, 2023. And we visited here because my younger brother wanted to get a tattoo. I just started learn English So my English was not good, My younger brother has never got tattoos and can't speak English So he was nervous but Billy was really kind, Billy made him laugh. My younger brother got the tattoo of hawk. My father said “Billy is really artisan, professional! Great!!". And this shop is very clean. My younger brother is lucky because could find and choose this tattoo shop! Peoples are amazing, tattoos are great, clean is perfect! And it’s one of our best memories. If I made mistakes of English and I’m rude in this sentences, sorry.

Thank you so much Billy, we appreciated it!

Katrina K. 11/12/23

I absolutely love this shop! Extremely professional and very talented artists. Fair pricing and quality service. I'll be getting my ink done here. Thank you. Knew the owner before he opened up this shop. Had trouble with other artists in professional attitude and skill at other locations. Came back here after learning some hard lessons. Here's my first tattoo correction by the amazing Juan G, aka Mr.Lerc. I highly recommend this shop and all of its artists. Everything is clean and straightforward. Can't wait to post some original artwork by Juan.

Danielle J. 10/29/23

Juan recently did my first tattoo and made the whole experience a very positive one. He took his time to make sure everything was exactly how I wanted and discussed options to make things look even better. He is very attentive to your needs and makes sure you are as comfortable as possible. His talent and skill is apparent in his attention to detail, the cleanliness of his lines, and his excellent vision that made my desired tat look even better. He is very friendly and personable and I highly recommend come to Mechanical Concept Tattoo and having Juan work his magic for you.

Mary P. 10/17/2023

Although I’ve been going to Billy Sarno for years I dropped in for the Friday the 13th Flash and met Alayna! I got a great tattoo quickly, cleanly, and had fun with the artists and clients. A comfortable and fun place for anyone! I finally got my Frankie!

Jennifer S. 7/11/2023

Beautiful, clean studio, and an awesome staff. I brought in an illustration from a childhood book and Billy worked with me to size and format it perfectly for my arm. Would absolutely recommend this place.

Eve F. 7/6/2023

I came in as a walk in yesterday and juan immediately greeted me and we started to discuss my tattoo. i got a cover up of an angel wing next to my roman numerals and juan sketched a butterfly and turned it into a BEAUTIFUL tattoo!!! i was amazed at his talent and creativity with this cover up and everyone absolutely loves it! this is the first time i've ever felt this happy about a tattoo and i'm grateful for juan's time and artwork. it was also a very great experience and an amazing shop. huge thank you to juan!!!

Max F. 4/23/2023

I was a walk in. I got a small tattoo. It turned out great. Very happy.

Agustina R. 3/15/2023

I’ve been going to Mechanical Concept for about a year now and have gotten tattoos from both Juan and Billy. This has become my go-to tattoo shop, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to absolutely anyone. The shop is extremely clean and the atmosphere is always very welcoming. If you like to chat during your tattoos, Billy and Juan are lovely to talk to. If you prefer to be mostly quiet during your tattoos like i usually do, they have TVs in the shop and will also not bat an eyelash if you tell them you’re going to wear headphones. No matter what, Juan and Billy have always made  me feel comfortable during the whole tattoo experience. The tattoos they produce are absolutely phenomenal.

Rachel F. 10/12/22

Been here 3 times now. Always great people and great tattoos. Tonight I had Juan for some little finger tattoos. Just great! Other than absolutely beautiful dainty tattoos, like I wanted, good vibe of the entire shop. Will definitely be going back. Thanks guys!!

Kourtney B. 9/26/22

After a decade of hem-hawing, I finally decided to get a tattoo. I walked in feeling nervous after watching too many episodes of tattoo nightmares, but after a consultation with Brian (who's ear I'm sure I talked off about every detail of my indecisiveness) I felt super confident and excited. They've got this process down to a T.

Mechanical Concept's studio is so clean and is filled with some phenomenal original artwork from the tattoo artists themselves. Brian's genuine care, informative responses, and insistence that my preferences are prioritized made me feel comfortable, and most importantly, empowered. Let's not forget what a rad conversationalist he is either, it made time fly and provided lots of food for thought.

I LOVE my tattoo so much, and have been contemplating getting more just to hangout in there and rep their artwork. The versatility and knowledge of the artists in there is just amazing. Getting to do something I wanted to do with people who love what they're doing changes the whole game. So, so happy that I listened to the people that told me to go here, and SO SO thankful to Brian and the MCT crew for creating a space like this. You're all rockstars!

Adriana M. 9/10/22

Every artist here is incredibly talented!! Huge shout out to Brian for all the amazing work he's done on me. I found this shop on a whim one morning while staying out in Huntington Beach and walked in asking for a small flash tattoo. Brian took me in and knocked it out of the park. This shop is clean, kind, welcoming, and very chill and relaxed. I would recommend this shop to any first time shopper looking for something easy, amazing artists, and reasonably priced. Thank you MCT for all of the time you've given me!

Chloe M. 9/7/22

I don't even live in the country anymore but I'm still willing to wait to come back to this studio. Ive been in the process of getting a half leg tattoo done with Brian. Not only is the studio clean and organized, all the employees keep the atmosphere fun and entertaining. There is always a good tv show or movie playing. they also take recommendations! you'll never be bored in that studio. Can't wait to get back for more work. I'll add photos to yelp when it's finished

Joaquin G. 9/7/22

Such a nice shop with great artists! The vibe here is always friendly and positive. Brian always makes sure I'm comfortable before each session. He runs a VERY clean shop and that is super important to me. I love that we can watch Netflix movies while getting tattooed. That's pretty awesome. If you're looking for a tattoo shop in the HB area check this place out!

Judah H. 9/7/22

Amazing art work and very friendly people! The vibe is amazing and I've gotten a lot of work done here. Brian is the person who's done most of my work and he's amazing. Very easy to work with and a very smooth and professional process. Highly recommend every artist here!!!

Lauren M. 9/7/22

I can't recommend this place enough!!!

Whether you're looking to get your first tattoo or want a large piece, do yourself a favor and go to Mechanical Concept. The vibe and energy is so good.. everyone is inviting and makes you feel welcome, you never feel judged, it's clean, without drama and the artists know their stuff.

I've had quick tattoos done here as well as this one that took 6 months. After spending 24 hours here and 8 sessions, I couldn't imagine having gone anywhere else. It felt like home!

Thank you, guys!!!

Karen H. 4/9/22

My sister, daughter, and I wanted to get tattoos in honor of my dad who passed away.

We've been to MCT before and had a great experience.

Billy was our artist and it was our first time with him.

We went in and met Billy for a consultation with a list of items that were important to my dad but literally no idea what we wanted it to look like.

As we chatted, billy listened to us and jotted down a rough design. As soon as we saw it we were like "that's it!"  With some minor tweaks we finalized the design and we are beyond thrilled with the results.

We're going back to MCT soon to get more fabulous and meaningful tattoo work from Billy! Thanks MCT, Billy, and owner Brian for a wonderful experience!

Olivia V. 6/10/21

The only place I will get tattooed. Staff is incredible & super respectful. They will take ur ideas to the next level & create a piece that is far beyond what you could have imagined. The studio is clean & welcoming. I trust this studio with my art & my heart!

Era A. 2/20/21

This place is amazing!

I don't think I'll ever go to another shop other then mechanical concept tattoo. All their artists are amazing and the atmosphere is all positive vibes. They really work with you in what you want and make sure it is perfect before placing on your body. The artists are super professional and will make sure you leave happy. I highly recommend this shop for your next tattoo!!

Vanessa N. 9/26/20

My friend and I came in for our first tattoos and were nervous until we met Billy and Juan, such fun people!!! We're in love with our tattoos and had the most fun, we'll definitely stop by just to say hi

Syd. C 3/19/20

Respectful, friendly, phenomenal artists. Clean shop. Comfortable chairs. Fair pricing. Wide range of choices of distraction when you're getting inked is rare and SO NICE!!! (NOT the normal sh*tty music nobody likes that is playing that you practice swallowing your tongue to, to get out of your misery that you normally hear at a tattoo shop)

I got both my arms sleeved by both Billy (left sleeve) and Brian (right sleeve) and have absolutely no regrets! Except for the fact that I don't have any more room on my body for more! BOOOO!! I love you guys!

George B. 6/23/20

You want to get tattooed here!

Clean, friendly, professional & amazing artists! They worked with me even booking from Canada & I ended up with a tattoo I will treasure forever!

Sas O. 9/14/19

Very clean shop. Clean work. I've had work done at other shops and by far have had the best experience here. Really cool guys, Very personable and funny

Michael N. 8/5/19

Mechanical Concept, in my opinion, is a relaxed, clean and comfortable place to get some great quality work done with some friendly staff! When you walk in, you will be greeted in a friendly manor and feel comfortable talking to any one of them about what you like done while not feeling intimidated in their approach. They're very knowledgeable in their artistic work and will give you their best recommendations while still focusing on what exactly you want done. Brian was my artist, he was funnier than you know where, friendly and easy to work with on scheduling, design and conversations. Highly recommended to friends, family and yelpers considering getting a good tattoo done.

Brian D. 8/1/19

Long time client. Great work in a comfortable atmosphere. The place is very clean and the artists are very friendly.

Liz N. 7/26/19

Thrilled to have found "MCT"! Got my first tattoo in 1983, so I'm an oldie but a goodie! Billy helped me and he is amazing! We tried to solve the world's issues & even with 2 new tattoos. Not quite enough time!

Seriously, my new art is amazing & I'm one happy customer! Watch out guys, I'll be back & bringing vodka!! (JK) - you all ROCK!

Jenny M. 5/2/19

Brian at Mechanical Concept is truly a master of his craft. He took my half formed idea and created a stunning piece of art upon my body. I had four sessions total to complete my piece - upper arm sleeve with some chest as well, in color- and at each stage the tattoo looked like a finished piece, never looking "rough" or "incomplete". His attention to detail and eye for color puts him on a higher level. The shop itself is clean and I loved how they played movies versus music in the shop. Everyone there was friendly and funny making every session so much fun and as relaxing as it gets when you are having tiny needles stab you- haha! Seriously though, I have many tattoos but this was my first multi-session piece and I can not imagine having gone anywhere else. Now my only dilemma is what to get next!

Josh L. 1/12/19

I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get a tattoo by guys who legitimately know their craft.

I just completed a very large and detailed cover up of an older tattoo.

It took probably 13 hours and four separate trips for designs and actual inking ... and it was an excellent experience!

Couple highlights that i think others might see value in.....

First this shop is exceptionally clean.... i am talking doctors office clean. For those that want tattoos but are germ freaks, this place might finally convince you.

Secondly these guys are extremely professional..... they make and track appointments using computers, always on time, in short extremely professional.

Third this shop is extremely relaxing.... they got TV's all over the place and play movies all day so you got something to distract you while getting inked.

I spent close to 13 hours with Brian over my multiple sessions and he was easy to talk to, we joked and talked about everything, and most importantly he had so much knowledge to share about the nuances of tattooing that i felt like i was getting inked by the dude who invented it.

All the dudes in that shop that i met, (Brian, Billy, and Juan), are cool as hell to talk to and work with, and they create such a chill vibe in the shop i look forward to my next tattoo idea just so i can hang with them again.

I've been tatted in 5 different shops over my life and this place was hands down the best shop i have ever stepped foot in.

If you are serious about a quality tat and are looking for a legit shop with some seriously skilled guys, check this place out.

Al R. 12/14/18

I am here at Mechanical Concept Tattoo with my daughter, she is getting her first taste of ink and she was a bit nervous, Thanks to Billy and Brian for making her first experience a good one! The place is very clean and the artist are very friendly.

Not to mention the work is awesome! I would highly recommend this place if it's your first time and your are a bit nervous they really make you feel comfortable! Thank you Billy & Brian!

Megan R. 11/28/18

I've had the pleasure of being tattooed by Brian for the past year. He's a true artist, knows his craft, professional, a master of placement, and always tells you what he thinks will look, and translate best into your piece.

I'm currently having him draw up my next piece, and will continue seeing him for the completion of my full sleeve.

I've also seen Billy's work first hand, as my friend recently had work done by him. Her piece turned out beautifully. They're both amazing artists, funny, great guys and I highly recommend them both!

The shop is ALWAYS spotless, always inviting, and they withhold the utmost professionalism.

Olivia C. 6/19/18

I have had 3 tattoos done by Chas now and could not be happier! His work is great, and more importantly, he makes you feel extremely welcomed and comfortable.

They also offer gift cards! A great gift for the tattoo lovers in your life.

I would definitely recommend checking out Mechanical Concept for your next tattoo.

Taylor D. 6/10/18

This tattoo parlor is a diamond in the sand, Brian is incredible and has made it worth the hour and a half drive there from where I am a few cities over so I can get the best ink.

TVs on the walls allowed for a good movie experience while I was being tattooed.

Accommodating times allowed me to get in one last finishing session before I left the state for good.

Courtney G. 5/12/18

What a great experience! Not only from Chas who did my tattoo, but everyone in the shop is so friendly.. my third piece and I finally found a place I will continue coming

Ashley E. 3/12/18

This was my 2nd time back at the shop and I am again super happy with my newest addition. Billy was wonderful and was able to take my trash polka design to an elevated level. I love the vibe of this shop and I look forward to coming back in the near future!!!

Jenna P. 1/18/18

Best tattoo shop I have been to by far. I have had most of my tattoos done at Mechanical Concept Tattoo by Brian and Chas. Both artists are phenomenal. The tattoo experience is always so easy here. There is always a movie playing while you are getting tattooed which takes your mind off of the tattoo and makes the time go by a lot quicker. The shop has a very chill and friendly atmosphere, and the artists work with you to create the best tattoo possible.

Mirella Y. 12/1/17

So got my first Tat and I'm beyond stoked....I walked into 4 different shops between central Cali and SoCal and Billy sarno was the one that earned my trust right from the start ! I walked in the day after thanksgiving just to check out the place and Billy was there working on an image for his next client but he was more than happy to help guide me , knowing how scarred I was ! Right away with his quiet demeanor he made me feel at ease and took my idea and ran with it ....before u knew it I was paying a deposit and coming back the next day to get inked !  

He was so thorough with explaining the process and the day of he was making jokes so I can laugh and not pass out ...he has the lightest touch and before u knew it I was done less than 20 min !

I'm a happy gal thank u Billy and MC for my first tat...he even joked see u next week for ur next one ! U guys rock ! Keep making clients smile, Billy, Chas, Brian ...amazing group of guys !

Cate N. 9/24/17

Unless I'm getting a tattoo out of state when I visit my brother this is the only place i go. All the artists are nice and fun. Its a really cool environment to get tatted in. I go to Lerc and have for years.

Jade P. 9/16/17

This shop was a gem to find! Clean, friendly & inviting. Brian is extremely talented and professional. I'd recommend this spot to anyone. Can't wait for my next piece with him! Thanks again!

Barbara B. 8/9/17

My 18 year old daughter did research on so many tattoo places and what tattoo she wants. She found this place on Yelp. After numerous and timely mannered emails with Chas, we did a walk-in.

We were greeted by Brian immediately. Such a nice guy. My daughter asked if they take walk-ins. He said yes and asked what kind of tattoo she wanted. Brian told us they would have an opening in 2 hours with Chas. We just waited in the sitting area. They had a movie on so the wait wasn't too bad and it wasn't 2 hours.

We finally met Chas. Great personality and very professional. My daughter showed him what she wanted. He drew up his version of the tattoo and we could not be happier with the end result! Such a great job. Great line work, beautiful detail and his price was very reasonable. I'm thinking about getting one myself!

Highly recommend this tattoo shop.

Jamie G. 7/11/17

I am so happy that I walked into this shop a year ago for a walk-in. My first of two tattoos here was with Chas. I walked in with a piece a friend of mine had drawn for me. Chas was awesome from the beginning. The placement and size are perfect and I couldn't be happier. His attention to detail in this smaller piece is going to last for sure. The second piece was with Brian. I pitched him my idea of a llama and wheat and he killed it with the drawing. 2 days and 10 hours later, it came out way better than I could imagine. For both sessions Brian was good about cracking jokes and making sure I was comfortable giving the circumstances ( the back of the arm was a weee painful haha).

This shop is by far the best one I have walked into in a while. It's clean and comfortable. All of the artist are all fun guys who truly love doing what they do. So look no further and get your appointment now.

Holly J. 5/22/17

In love with my first tattoo :) My artist listened to all of my concerns and answered all of my questions. I would totally recommend this place to anyone

Chris N. 4/28/17

I really recommend this place for getting a tattoo. Everyone at Mechanical Concept Tattoo is really nice and talented. I got my tattoo done by Brian and love the result. The place is really clean and professional. The price is a little high imo compared to what I was expecting but you really get what you pay for in this case.

Denise N. 4/10/17

After doing some research on Yelp and base on MCT reviews, I decided to give it a shot and call to make an appointment. I'm sure we can all agree that some tattoo shops, customer service isn't so great but I have to say, their customer service was awesome!

I made my appointment with Brian and was introduced to Chas who took down my information. Chas was very friendly, helpful with suggestion and ideas for my corgi outline.

I came in the following day to get my piece done by Brian and loved it! He captured exactly what I wanted and more. I am definitely coming back and highly recommend MCT for your next tattoo.

Emma H. 3/3/17

I have been working on my sleeve here with Brian for more than a year and his art is phenomenal. He is very personable and each piece has its own way of saying that it's yours. Brian has also done other tattoos for me in the past that were small and yet you can tell he puts his all into the drawings. The shop is very clean and Billy and Chas are also very friendly and I enjoy having small talk with them. Compared to other tattoo shops Mechanical Concepts takes the cake for not only their artists but for the respect they have for their clients.

Jon R. 12/15/16

Brian, Billy, and Chas are all great! They are all super friendly, and do excellent work! I have referred several of my friends to this shop, but unfortunately they did have a waiting list and weren't able to get them in quick enough. Which makes sense, because of the amazing work that they do. I will definitely be returning to get another piece done though! Everything that I have seen come out of their shop is just quality tattoos. I recommend all of my friends looking to get tattooed to this shop. The shop is very clean, and looks nice. They have a cozy lobby area, and we just overall had a great experience. The shop is located in a very small shopping strip right off of Warner. Highly recommend them though!

Alexis H. 9/1/16

My best friend and I went in to get small, simple matching tattoos that we've always wanted. She had been to Mechanical Concept before and absolutely loved it, so it was an easy choice when we finally decided to get them done. I was intimidated at first since this was my first tattoo and I didn't want my nervousness to show because it was just a small design. However, Brian and Billy exceeded all of my expectations and helped calm my nerves with their balance of humor and professionalism. These guys definitely know what they're doing and make the experience enjoyable as well. If I ever decide to get another tattoo, these guys will definitely be the ones to do it. I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Christopher V. 7/22/16

WHERE DO I BEGIN?!!!

Clean, friendly, professional, sense of humor, customer oriented, great artists, I could go on, but just know that whatever criteria you may have for getting a tattoo, any of these guys rise to the challenge.

I have been going to Billy Sarno for the last year to finish a sleeve, and he has exceeded my expectations. But you should know that over the last year, I have watched Brian and Chas absolutely bend over backwards to get the job done. All of these guys, when they aren't putting ink on someone, they are at their tables sketching ideas, drawing, or talking about tattoos. This is a no BS shop. These are true artists. Get in there and see what I mean. But bring your calendar and your money because these guys are serious too. They will get you scheduled and get to work.

I just wanted to add that I have read two complaints about price. First, all of these guys are fair on their price as it relates to the excellent quality of their work. I have paid more and I have paid less, as have my friends and family. Anyone that has been getting inked knows, wait for it, wait for it, you get what you pay for. If you want a quickie for cheap, there are tons of dumps around OC and L.A. where you can waste your money. If you want consistent quality by an artist that gives a $hit, this is the place.

Jennifer N. 5/29/16

I just got tattooed by Brian this past weekend and he is great. It was my first (and although very simple) Brian did an awesome, clean job. He was SUPER friendly and nice which made me feel at ease.  

The shop itself is very clean and has a great vibe. You can tell the guys there love their jobs. I was never uncomfortable.  

I definitely recommend this place and will for sure be back to get more work done here. I also can't wait to take my mom here for her first.

Check them out, you won't be disappointed.

Chase Y. 5/18/16

The professionalism, accuracy, customer service, and cleanliness is absolutely off the charts. This is by far, the absolute best tattoo shop i've ever been to. It does not have a traditional shop's appearance of "vibe". It almost comes off as a dentist's office in a way, but, as odd as that sounds, it's quite pleasant and refreshing. They have great artists there, and the man who works the front, Chas, is the friendliest guy you could ever meet. Everyone there has a great sense of humor, and all are great artists in their own way. I would recommend this shop to the more "beginner" or even "mature" crowd, which is not in a negative context. It just doesnt have the loud music, rugged, inked up walls, and the "let's blast some ink bro" that alot of other shops have, but, i don't mind that either haha.

All in all, great shop, great artists, fair pricing. Absolute must visit. I believe they charge $100/hr. and a $60 minimum.

Brittany S. 5/17/16

Does this place even have a bad review? I should have definitely done my research before I went to Bad Influence Tattoo in Fountain Valley and got the worst finger tattoo ever! My review for this place is not for a tattoo I had done its for the great customer service they gave me when I came in asking if my finger could be fixed. Both guys were with clients yet they both looked up and greeted me with a smile. They paused and answered all my questions even said "they don't tattoo on that part of the finger here because it tends to blow out" something that was NEVER told to me at bad influence. I really wish I would have done my research before hand and came to this place they knew what they were talking about! Since I know nothing about tattoos I needed an artist who knew it all. For my next tattoo I will definitely be coming here. Not sure about the prices here I didn't ask haha but I mean you definitely get what you pay for!! And I would have paid more for my tattoo to not look like this lol

Sabrina M.  3/2/16

I followed Brian from Long Beach and all my tattoos (save for two lick and stick style from my younger years) have been done by MCT artists (Brian and BIlly) or guest artists (Cory). MCT is a clean, friendly and welcoming environment alongside stellar custom work. They genuinely want you to be happy with the art they place on your body and will fine tune your design until it's perfect for you. They are also willing to share how a design will and will not work (offering suggestions which ultimately enhance design!) so you walk out of their shop 100% satisfied for years to come. Their art is clean, clear, and timeless. You can be assured it will not be a muddled mess over time.

D S. 2/17/16

Loved loved loved this place! I am a 50 year old woman who decided it was time to get her first tattoo. I was a little nervous but everyone was really friendly and made me feel very comfortable. I will totally come back here for another one!

Craig W. 12/11/15

This is one of the coolest tattoo shops I've been to. They do nothing but custom work and no flip through library on the wall for the infamous "I'll have a #17 in large on my leg". You can look through their computer to see the work done and different styles from the artists for your own idea! They give great suggestions to let you know pros and cons of your tattoo style and location for best results too!

D M. 12/6/15

MCT is a quality shop with great artists! The shop is always clean and welcoming. I just finished my third tattoo, all with Brian, the owner. My wife has worked with both Brian and Billy.

You definitely get what you pay for here, which is high quality work that you will be proud to show off! All the artists will work with you until you are completely satisfied with the artwork before applying any ink.

I won't go anywhere else, ever

Evan S. 11/1/15

This place is a great place to get a tattoo. I had Brian give me a tattoo back in late August 2015 an he was super friendly and a good artist. I was getting my 1st tattoo and wanted something simple. I gave him a few ideas and he sketched it up for me. The place was clean, comfortable and in a nice area. The tattoo didn't hurt at all and i got to watch some funny movies to keep me entertained while I was there. Since this was my 1st tattoo I don't have much to compare them to but I bet if they were on a list of the best tattoo shops in this area they would the at the top. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Jessica B.  10/24/15

My husband and I wanted to get simple tattoos of our wedding date on our wrists. I found Mechanical Concept Tattoo on Yelp, and looked through all of the great reviews. My husband called to see if we could make an appointment, and Chas was great. He was polite and friendly, and set us up for an appointment the next morning with Billy. We stopped in to pay our deposit, and got to meet Chas and Brian. Both guys were nice and seemed stoked to work with us.

We came in for our appointment in the morning, and the guys let us choose a movie to watch while we got tattooed. They offered to get us coffee, and generally provided good company during our appointment. The shop was super clean and uncluttered. Billy, our artist, was awesome and did a great job. He joked with us and made us feel comfortable. He was light-handed and quick.

We are both very happy with our work. None of the guys were pretentious or arrogant, which makes a huge difference. We will definitely come back to work with these guys again, and I'm actually already planning my next piece.  

Thank you, Mechanical Concept Tattoo!

Kt r. 9/28/15

Best tattoo shop I've been to by far. The shop is clean and open. The staff is incredibly friendly and the artists are fantastic!! Brian is my artist and he's never done anything less than perfect! His colors are bright and vibrant and his black and grey is on point!! His portraits are beyond amazing! I recommend this shop for newbies and vets.

Bailey F. 9/1/15

My friend and I got tattoos here on our road trip, we didn't make appointments or anything since we were just passing through but they got us in immediately. Billy tattooed us both and he was probably the friendliest tattoo artist I've gotten work from. The place is clean and they were very strict about health codes and very excellent about explaining everything. Honestly it was just a great experience overall, if I hadn't been getting a tattoo I would have been happy just to hang out there. Really great people. Pretty sad that shop isn't in my hometown as I would definitely get more work done there.

Lorelei A. 7/22/15

This place is awesome. The staff is friendly and quite professional. The studio itself is clean and well kept. I got a dreamcatcher tattoo done by Brian and I absolutely love it. I would definitely come back here again for another tattoo.

Betsy R. 5/31/15

I've been tattooed by both Brian and Billy, and they're AWESOME!!! The shop is one of a kind - there are TV's all around the shop so you can distract yourself by watching a movie, and the chairs/tables are really comfortable. The guys there are sweet and hilarious, and make you feel right at home. I HIGHLY recommend this shop!!!

Rachael K. 5/23/15

I'm originally from CT and moved out here in January. I was looking for a new artist and visited the shop a few days ago. Chaz was so friendly and informative, I had to go back. Got my tattoo today with Brian and I can't say enough good things. He was so friendly, informative, honest and professional - it was like I had been tattooed by him for all my tattoos...I was completely comfortable. My tattoo is beautiful and I will definitely be going back.

Shalini M. 2/5/15

Had the best first tattoo experience at Mechanical Concept Tattoo. Not only is the facility clean, but the staff is very sweet, professional and personable. I had a concept in mind and rough sketch in hand. I'm a designer by profession, but not an illustrator. Brian took my idea to the next level and created a beautiful work of art--one that holds special value to me as it represents my life, my boys, and my mother with Alzheimer's. Brian's precision for detail is noteworthy. He also made my first tattoo experience go quite smoothly. I will definitely be back for another tattoo soon! Check out the gorgeous portfolios of each talented artist on the website and book an appointment--you will not be disappointed.

Kelso T. 12/9/14

Awesome tattooing experience. My best friend just got a huge thigh piece done by Billy and it is immaculate. I would describe her piece as classy, new-age Americana style, which Billy specializes in. I then had a brief consult with L about my sleeve (which has insane detail work) and her excitement was so catching and genuine that I cannot wait for her to start working on me and see what she can do. I chose her because she specializes in fine details and extensive work.

Everyone there had great vibes and are incredibly professional. All of the artists there have their own styles and specialties to fit exactly what concept you would want. I would recommend this tattoo parlor because of the cleanliness, professionalism, and the all over great feeling you get from being there.

Saida H. 11/13/14

This place is the best. The receptionist Chas was super informative and kind. Brian was the one who ended up tattooing me and he made me feel so at home. He made getting a tattoo as painless as possible and kept me relaxed the whole time. And I loved the final work so much I'm going back to him in a couple weeks to get a touch up on a previous tattoo. The guys here are the best they explained to me how to care for my new ink. Great vibes and great customer service!!

Joanna M. 9/14/14
I am absolutely in love with the Lotus flower tattoo that was done by Brian! Not only is the tattoo perfect but the experience was great. Brian was very helpful with the design and was supportive during the painful parts of the tattooing session. I look forward to coming back the next time I want a tattoo!

My sister was tattooed by Billy last year and recommended that I get my lotus from here. As soon as I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by L and after a few minutes of chatting with her and Brian I felt extremely comfortable and knew I had to get my next tattoo here. Not only were they friendly but the establishment is clean and there are tvs all around. A few hours later, my sister and I were back in to set up dates. Last week we went in and came out with fabulous tattoos.

Bri N. 6/9/14

I've been shopping for someone local to tattoo me for a while now. I've done my yelp shopping around, followed up by looking through their artists Instagram pages and finally calling different shops.

I made the decision to come here because not only did they have great reviews and impressive artwork, but when I called looking for an appointment the, I'm assuming, shop apprentice was SO professional. He was nice, helpful, and had a great positive attitude. This was something I had yet to hear when calling other places.

When I went in for my appointment today EVERYONE in the shop was friendly. The shop was very clean, no clutter, and the atmosphere was laid back. I was pretty nervous coming in. I have a few tattoos, but I wasn't sure about how the location of this one would feel. The general attitude of the shop and the artist I chose made me feel completely at ease.

The artist I went with, Billy Sarno, gave me a good consultation before we started anything. I appreciated this so much because I feel like this is where you can make a lot of mistakes. He was patient, informative, and gave me a great tattoo.

I'm very happy with my experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend this shop and Billy Sarno to anyone looking for a tattoo in a professional environment with a great outcome.

Layla M. 6/5/14

Went in yesterday for some help with my idea and Brian gave me some great feedback. Today I went in and Billy did the tattoo for me. Such a calm, clean environment and both artists are fabulous. For my first tattoo I am really glad I went with Mechanical Concept.

Jessie Z. 5/17/14

Brian is the best. I have been Brian's loyal follower and client for probably close to 10 years. Man, that's a long time. Anyhow, I was thrilled when he told me that he opened his own shop, Mechanical Concept Tattoo. This shop is squeaky clean. For privacy, there are floor-to-ceiling curtains. There are also 4 flat-screen monitors (one for each chair). Their movie selection is abundant. I have been to MCT for work many times, and it keeps getting better. The artists are professional, and their work is amazing. I look at my tattoos as an investment in myself and in my storyline, and I won't go anywhere else.

B L.  5/13/14

Mechanical Concept is the BEST! I'm one of those people who really researches places/things before going to them (especially when it's going to be on my body permanently), so I knew this place was going to be good before I went (plus it was recommended by many people). It exceeded my expectations in so many ways!!!

There are 3 artists currently, but I got tattooed by Billy...although I know the other 2 artists are also awesome. Billy was so amazing. Everything I could ask for in a tattoo artist. He really listened to what I wanted and I could tell he truly cares about his work. Plus his personality is great so that's always a bonus :) I was super nervous about my tattoo turning out well, but Billy made it look perfect! I don't know how he does it, but it looks amazing and I'm so happy with it. The flow and detail of the script is so beautiful. Other than the amazingness of the artists, the place is super clean and professional. I 100% recommend Mechanical Concept!!!

Miranda N. 12/10/13

Here's a quick summary of my experience: clean, professional environment. Both Brian and Billy are knowledgeable and funny guys. Only downside is it is a little bit pricey. Now for the long review.

I went here with my boyfriend for our first tattoos. When we arrived to schedule appointments, we were quickly greeted by Brian, who was able to give me some advice on how to make my tattoo look nice, how long it would take, and about how much it would cost. We put down deposits of $100 each to go towards the final prices of our tattoos, and scheduled an appointment for two days later.

We had back to back appointments with Billy, who was able to draw up our designs beautifully. My boyfriend got a black and gray ankh on his calf, about five inches long. This took Billy only 50 minutes to complete, and cost $125 total.

My tattoo is a black and gray crow standing on a branch, with some blue in the background and green leaves. It's about 7 inches long. Anyway, this took around 2-2.5 hours to complete, and ended up costing $300 total. Billy did a great job of making me feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, and was really fun to talk to to help pass the time.

I'd definitely recommend this place!

Brian W. 9/22/13

I love this place. Brian did a bad piece on my leg and is currently doing my 1/2 sleeve. Billy did my kids names on my wrists and they are perfect. I live in the neighborhood so I plan to keep going in as often as I can. I'm so glad I finally found an artist instead of just another guy who can trace a stencil.

Robert R. 9/4/13

After doing a lot of research about where to go for my first tattoo, I decided on Mechanical Concept, based in part on the great reviews on Yelp. They are all true!  

I went for a consultation with Brian, who couldn't have been more helpful and welcoming. We decided on a design, and he scheduled me with Billy a few days later. It was the most positive experience imaginable -- the place is clean and welcoming -- so much so that I felt comfortable bringing my kids along to watch! Billy did a beautiful job, and he was quick and nearly painless. I also appreciated the detailed after care instructions. This is definitely the place to go, whether for your first or your tenth tattoo. Highly recommended!!

Cliff S. 8/25/13

I highly recommend Mechanical Concept Tattoo for anyone and everyone that wants top notch service! Thank you, Billy Sarno for the kick Ass Tat. Kick back no "I'm better than you attitude" you get at some shops. Great feed back via contacting the artist on there web page and open honest in site to bring your Tattoo to life. I would highly recommend this shop…

Fred R. 7/25/13

This place is the best of both worlds. It's definitely not your grandpa's tattoo parlor as far as atmosphere goes. Don't be misled by what appears to be a small shop nestled in an ordinary little strip mall. Once inside you find a large, modern clean as a whistle shop with possibly the most comfortable chairs in So Cal. The shop definitely passes the white glove test. The artists display a wide variety of styles and couldn't be easier to talk to or work with. Customer service is king - no question is too dumb to answer. Clients are treated with the utmost respect and the artists are there to please you. But on the other hand they also feel it is important to provide their opinion and give you all the information you need. Wall mounted video screens with constantly streaming movies make it an easy wait. Go see Brian. You won't be sorry. Special thanks to visiting artist Emily from Baltimore. She's some kind of special!

Nancy I. 7/15/13

As you can see by all the past yelps, these guys are the real deal. If you want to be wowed by two very talented artists, this is the place to go. The shop is very welcoming and clean. Brian and Billy are great guys and I can't say enough about how much I appreciated the experience.

If you are just shopping around, stop in and chat with them, you'll be very impressed. Thanks Brian, I love my new ink!

Ariel D. 7/2/13

Amazing, CLEAN shop. Brian did a great job on my tattoo. He redid a previous tattoo and was able to fix all of the errors the first 'artist' made. Not only that, but he added in some great peonies that truly made the piece pop (and put up with me in pain). Totally deserving of the 5 stars. Save yourself the agony of redoing a tattoo and just go here in the first place.

Erik D. 6/27/13

This was one of many shops I stopped in to today looking for an artist to refresh and finish a tattoo I've had for about 8 years. After speaking with both Billy and Brian who are both extremely knowledgeable and professional, I booked a session with Brian for tomorrow morning. I couldn't be happier with the consultation this shop gave me. Before you decide on an artist, stop at Mechanical Concept and talk with one of the guys there. You won't be disappointed.

Angie M. 5/21/13

I am yelping on behalf of my husband...because Brian and Mechanical Concept are so good - that a non-yelper feels inspired to yelp. So, I am serving as non-tattooed proxy.

First off, the studio is clean, bright and welcoming. There are flat screen T.V.s playing movies throughout. There is nothing intimidating or off putting about the environment or the team, which is amazing for the level of talent - who's ever heard of a humble, nice and talented tattoo artist...just sayin'.

My husband has two tattoos, both by Brian, both lettering, and both on the underside of his respective arms between his underarm and elbow on the interior of his bicep. Brian has great, clean line work and managed to keep both super true to text and straight. While, by choice, they aren't the most exciting tattoos - the room for error was huge and Brian pulled off both with ease - even spacing, clean characters, et cetera, etc.

As a bystander, I feel welcomed. Always invited back to hang-out with my husband while he's getting tattooed and included in the process. Five stars for sure.

Keith S. 5/3/13

There is absolutely no need to post anything other than a five star review for Mechanical Concept.  

I can guarantee you that you won't get a tattoo in a more comfortable environment than MC.  

I can guarantee you that you will not find better artists (in any way) for the price.

I can guarantee you that both Billy and Brian are the essence of "professional".

I can guarantee you that any idea, fear, or step in the tattooing process will be completely explained and as pleasant as it can be as a bunch of needles stab you repeatedly in your body.

I can guarantee this because I'm an older dude whose seen a few shops. I've had some work.  

I wouldn't have walked through the door anywhere else but MC

I may sound like the script of a used car dealership commercial, but there's one difference: My words are actually true, and this place is actually that awesome.

Yup

Kathryn M. 4/2/13

My girlfriend who was visiting from Connecticut and I walked in to this studio for our first tattoos. Brian did mine and Billy did hers. They were such cool guys, making us feel 100% comfortable (and not scared) about the ordeal. Brian drew my tattoo from one I picked out, only made it nicer, and he positioned it on my hip so that if/when I wanted to add to it, it would be easy!

We both walked out of there so happy, and have been talking about our next one.

The studio was super clean and bright, and they guys were extremely professional.

Dayna G. 3/13/13

I went to this shop based on the great reviews, and I'm glad I did! Billy and Brian are seriously the nicest tattoo artists I've ever met. They greet you when you walk in, and aren't condescending or intimidating in the least. Unlike other shops, theirs is professional and clean! Not to mention my tattoo came out beautifully and is healing without any problems whatsoever. I will definitely be back here again when I want more ink!

Sera O. 1/15/13

I have been intent on getting a pair of tattoos for a long, long time. However, my first tattoo experience [at a different tattoo shop] was a complete abysmal disaster because I was young, stupid, and downright inexperienced.

Fast forward six years where living on my own and a few cans of whoop ass taught me a lot of great life lessons--including checking every contractor/artists/merchants portfolio and reputation before you lay down your money (and your skin!!).

I was visiting family in the area and had some sweet birthday cash that I was instructed specifically by the giver to NOT use on bills this time and to actually get something I wanted. I can't remember the last time I did that...

So after looking at the portfolios here I was extremely impressed. I didn't see the typical cliche, junky tattoo art here (sorry if you like that sort of thing, its not my flavor). I saw gorgeous realism and incredible detail. The tattoos I want have to be timeless, feminine, and lovely, so I really needed to see a detail oriented artist that went outside of the box.

While Mechanical Concept wasn't able to get me in my last minute time frame (don't blame them!), the gentlemen I spoke to on the phone (Billy or Brian) was SO awesome. He spoke to me with so much more respect than I've ever received at a tattoo shop and had fantastic manners. He answered all my nit picky questions, didn't treat me like a high maintenance pain in his ass, and really made me feel appreciated as a potential client.

You would think professionalism and a set of manners should be standard, but sadly, most people lack both...

Because I was treated so well by this staff, I am going to wait until my next visit to California to see these guys, even if its a year from now!

Mike F. 1/1/13

Spent a large portion of the first day of 2013 here. I have to say, I appreciate a studio with a simplistic approach. I hate walking into a shop and feeling like I just walked into a biker bar with a couple tattoo chairs. The environment here is safe, clean, and unassuming. Just goes to show that you don't need to be the oldest shop in the US to have good, quality artists and people.

Giovanni A. 9/1/12

If you are looking to get work done in a down to earth tattoo shop this is the place to go. Most shops have artists with attitude or poor customer service skills. Mechanical Concept is a great local shop with a welcoming environment. Both Billy and Brian are nice, welcoming guys who will always greet you with a smile.

I've had two tattoos done by Billy Sarno on my shins. Both times Billy has taken my concept and what I envisioned to the next level - making my tattoos look incredible. He has an amazing talent of understanding what you want and converting it into reality. Its like he can read your mind! I plan on getting sleeves and will only trust Billy with the project.

If you want some ink this is the place to go in Huntington Beach...you will not regret it!!!

Melissa S. 9/1/12

This tattoo shop is by far the cleanest & the best you'll find. From concept & design to tattooing technique, you won't find a group of artists more committed to producing great body art anywhere