iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%96+52.4Reliability 24%94+22.8Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Craft & service penalty89−1.1Experts Score= 95Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.95SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#20 of 49 piercing studiosiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 60%
4.9★★★★★932 Google reviews · 24 photos
98%five-star reviews
4.97★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
99%reviews answered by the owner
$146typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Customers frequently praise the shop's clean environment, professional demeanor, and ability to accommodate walk-ins or last-minute requests. Many highlight the artists' patience in refining designs and their thorough explanations of aftercare, leading to high satisfaction with tattoo and piercing results. However, some lower-rated reviews cite specific complaints regarding pricing inconsistencies, perceived unwelcoming attitudes, and instances where artists declined services or failed to meet expectations for complex placements.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 932 reviews (98% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 932 Google reviews (695 with written comments, 211 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 13, 2026.
Service: Piercing Studio serving San Diego, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other piercing studios
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: craft & service.
This companyPiercing Studios median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
96
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
94
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
89
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.A
95
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
932 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars91398%
4 stars61%
3 stars30%
2 stars00%
1 star101%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 695 written reviews
99%praise
Praise91399%
Complaints61%
Price
What customers reported paying
$146+16% vs typical piercing studios
Middle half of what 132 customers paid ($108–$233) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude30233%
Quality & results22524%
Would recommend18520%
Speed & response10712%
Price & value425%
Communication394%
Honesty & trust192%
What customers talk about
We read 695 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“My sister and I were a walk in service and Niko did such an awesome job being patient with drawing and scaling what we had in mind.”
“…alked in and they did a tattoo and piercing for her but told me no so unprofessional and I have money and would have tipped amazing…”
“He had great attention to detail and explained everything right before he did it.”
“I highly recommend Waffles for all your piercing needs.”
“the piercing was quick and i love how it turned out.”
“Super super fast and clean (also very affordable), I would definitely come back for Waffles again!”
“i was a little nervous but he was very kind and walked me through everything.”
“He talked to me the whole time and is overall a genuine and nice guy.”
People customers mention
Tony41 reviews
Scooter35 reviews
Arjun31 reviews
Niko23 reviews
Kipper20 reviews
Alex16 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Shoshanna2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Waffles was very professional and accommodating. Fit us in last minute. Made us feel comfortable. As an RN, he’s got great bedside manner. Explained the procedure thoroughly and after care. Would recommend!!
Paid $150–200Piercings
Jessica2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I came in for a smiley piercing. Waffles is great! He didn’t have the correct gauge jewelry when I came in and recommended that I wait until he got it in. He wanted to make sure everything was just right. I returned when the correct jewelry was in and I LOVE my smiley!
I highly recommend Waffles for all your…
Paid $50–100Service not listed
Brittany3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Waffles did my nose piercing and it turned out so good! He had great attention to detail and explained everything right before he did it. He was calm while remaining personable. I can’t wait to go back for the chain!
Paid $150–200Nose piercing
Clare1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
It was my first tattoo ever and I couldn’t be more pleased! Sake was phenomenal and super nice and funny! Would recommend him to anyone!!
Paid $150–200Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings
LindseyLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
First time at Above All and Sake was helpful and patient while getting my design together and definitely an experienced professional during the session. a week later and it’s looking great.. definitely happy with my experience and outcome, thanks Sake!
Paid $150–200Tattoos
Frank6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
Great experience, love Christopher very accommodating and welcoming & the shop was very clean. I’m from the SF Bay Area but when I’m in SD and need a tattoo, I will always see him
My sister and I were a walk in service and Niko did such an awesome job being patient with drawing and scaling what we had in mind. I’m extremely happy with the result!
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Dear Nelly,
Thank you so much for your kind words about Niko! We are so glad to hear that you and your sister had a great experience with us. We strive to provide excellent customer service and it's wonderful to hear that Niko was able to make your vision come to life. We hope to see you again soon!
Sincerely,
Above All Tattoo - Pacific Beach
Shoshanna Reyes2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Shoshanna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Waffles was very professional and accommodating. Fit us in last minute. Made us feel comfortable. As an RN, he’s got great bedside manner. Explained the procedure thoroughly and after care. Would recommend!!
Price: $150–200
Services: Piercings
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Shoshanna, glad Waffles could squeeze you in and make it a good experience. That bedside manner comment is spot on, he genuinely cares about making people feel at ease from start to finish. And the aftercare explanation matters more than people realize. If you are ever looking for a tattoo shop in San Diego again, you know where to find us.
Adam Carreira1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Adam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Waffles was amazing not only did he bring to life my idea, he suggested a few ideas that showed experience and that he really cared as an artist. Definitely coming back soon as I can. Sake was cool too
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Adam Carreira, love hearing that Waffles brought your idea to life and actually pushed it further with his own suggestions. That's the difference between someone just doing a job and someone who genuinely cares about the work leaving their station. And Sake getting a shoutout too, that's a good day for the shop. If you're looking for a tattoo shop in San Diego that takes your vision seriously, you found it. See you back soon.
Jessica Hale2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jessica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I came in for a smiley piercing. Waffles is great! He didn’t have the correct gauge jewelry when I came in and recommended that I wait until he got it in. He wanted to make sure everything was just right. I returned when the correct jewelry was in and I LOVE my smiley!
I highly recommend Waffles for all your piercing needs. He’s incredibly informative at every step and I felt zero pain with this piercing.
Price: $50–100
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a month ago
Jessica, the fact that Waffles told you to come back rather than just make do with what he had says a lot about how he approaches his work. That kind of honesty is rare. And a smiley with zero pain? That's a win. If you're ever looking for another piercing or know anyone searching for a solid tattoo shop in San Diego, send them our way. Really glad you came back and love it.
Brittany Cooper3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brittany has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Waffles did my nose piercing and it turned out so good! He had great attention to detail and explained everything right before he did it. He was calm while remaining personable. I can’t wait to go back for the chain!
Price: $150–200
Services: Nose piercing
Response from the owner · a month ago
Brittany Cooper, glad Waffles took such good care of you. That combo of calm and personable is honestly hard to find, and the way he walks you through everything beforehand makes a real difference. If you're already excited about the chain, you're going to love coming back. We're lucky to have him as part of one of the best piercing spots at any tattoo shop in San Diego.
Clare1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Clare has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It was my first tattoo ever and I couldn’t be more pleased! Sake was phenomenal and super nice and funny! Would recommend him to anyone!!
Price: $150–200
Services: Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings
Response from the owner · a month ago
Clare, your first tattoo is such a big deal and I love that Sake made it a great experience. He really does have that perfect mix of skill and personality that puts people at ease. Come back and see us anytime, we'd love to be your go-to tattoo shop in San Diego for whatever you get next.
Lindsey PLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lindsey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First time at Above All and Sake was helpful and patient while getting my design together and definitely an experienced professional during the session. a week later and it’s looking great.. definitely happy with my experience and outcome, thanks Sake!
Price: $150–200
Services: Tattoos
Response from the owner · a month ago
Lindsey, it's great to hear Sake took the time to really work through the design with you. That part of the process matters so much and he's genuinely good at it. Glad it's healing up nicely too! If you're ever looking for the best tattoo shop in San Diego to come back to, you know where to find us.
Brittany Robbins1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Brittany has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Waffles did the best job on walk-in tattoos for me, my mom, and my aunt! We all got small tattoos for my mom's birthday and he was so kind and patient and made the experience so good! He's a kind person and we love the work! Thank you!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Brittany, what a sweet thing to share. A birthday tattoo trip with your mom and aunt is such a cool way to celebrate, and I'm glad Waffles took such good care of all three of you. He really is one of the kindest people in the shop. If you're ever looking for the best walk-in tattoo shop in San Diego, you know where to find us. Hope to see your crew again sometime!
Frank Luna6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Frank has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great experience, love Christopher very accommodating and welcoming & the shop was very clean. I’m from the SF Bay Area but when I’m in SD and need a tattoo, I will always see him
Price: $250–300
Services: Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings
Response from the owner · a month ago
Frank, a clean shop matters more than people realize and I'm glad that stood out to you. The whole crew takes real pride in keeping this place tight. If you're ever looking for a tattoo shop in San Diego that feels as good as the work we put out, come back and see us anytime.
Sheila Pike9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sheila has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The overall experience was absolutely amazing, and the atmosphere was even better. Although I was initially undecided about exactly what I wanted, my artist was incredibly helpful, guided me through the process, and did a fantastic job.
I am so thrilled with the final result and absolutely love how my new tattoo turned out.
Thank you again for such a wonderful experience!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Sheila, being undecided going in can feel stressful, so I'm really glad your artist was able to guide you through it and land on something you love. That's honestly what good tattooing looks like. San Diego has no shortage of tattoo shops but we really do care about making sure you walk out happy. Hope to see you again soon!
