Black Thorn Tattoo

Tattoo shop · Kimberly, WI · reviewed since 2022

How 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 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%96+29.5Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.98SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#2 of 19 tattoo parlorsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 94%
5.0 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
$462typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).

Black Thorn Tattoo at a glance

Black Thorn Tattoo holds a five-star rating from fifty-one Google reviews, with all feedback being positive. Clients frequently cite the shop's cleanliness, friendly staff, and diverse artistic talent as key positives. Recurring themes include reasonable pricing, punctual scheduling, and detailed communication regarding design, placement, and aftercare. No low-star reviews are present to indicate common criticisms, and the owner has not replied to any customer comments.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 51 reviews (100% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 51 Google reviews (39 with written comments, 8 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: September 11, 2026.
  • Service: Tattoo Parlor serving Kimberly, Wisconsin.

Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.

Score profile vs other tattoo parlors

Score per factor (100 = best)Each 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: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction99Reliability96Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 99 (median 90)Reliability: 96 (median 90)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Black Thorn TattooTattoo Parlors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 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.Black Thorn Tattoo: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
99
ReliabilityReliability · 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.Black Thorn Tattoo: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
96
Craft & serviceCraft & 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 89.–
–
ValueValue · 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumMomentum · 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.Black Thorn Tattoo: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies 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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 40.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

51 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars51100%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 39 written reviews

  • Praise43100%
  • Complaints00%

Price

What customers reported paying

$462+192% vs typical tattoo parlors

Middle half of what 11 customers paid ($238–$705) · gold mark = category median.

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Quality & results1433%
  • Staff & attitude1330%
  • Would recommend1126%
  • Communication25%
  • Price & value25%
  • Speed & response12%

What customers talk about

We read 39 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “From what I’ve seen, all of the other artists here do great work as well, whether you’re looking for fine line, realism, or coverups.”
  • “He’s done most of my tattoos and he’s always really helpful when it comes to size and placement.”
  • “If you’re looking for a great Traditional artist, Steve is the go-to guy.”
  • “Jorge was super friendly and took the time to explain process and after care for a first time tattoo recipient.”
  • “He’s great conversation, works quick, and has crazy reasonable rates.”

People customers mention

  • Jorge 4 reviews
  • Angie 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Black Thorn Tattoo for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent priced reviews

Layne7 reviewsTotal 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 year ago★★★★★

every thing I've gotten here has been so amazing. very cool and detailed work!! the people here are so nice, shout-out to Steven and common 🫶🏼

Customer photo from Layne's reviewCustomer photo from Layne's reviewCustomer photo from Layne's review
Paid $200–250Tattoos
Bex3 reviewsTotal 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 year ago★★★★★

I went there today and had a piece done by the wonderful Majo, she does such excellent work! Everyone at the shop is super nice, and she made sure I was comfortable during the whole experience. I've never had so much fun getting a tattoo before, she was so nice to talk with, and I will definitely be going back for…

Customer photo from Bex's reviewCustomer photo from Bex's review
Paid $250–300TattoosTattoo design
CrystalLocal Guide · 61 reviewsTotal 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 2 years ago★★★★★

Walked in on a Wednesday and got matching best friend tattoos on my birthday. Super chill fun place!

Customer photo from Crystal's review
Paid $100–150Tattoos

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 51 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
KaraLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Owner is amazing!

  • Price: $350–400
  • Services: Fine line tattoos
Kelly QuirogaLocal Guide · 23 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Highly recommended this tattoo shop! Clean space and super clean tats!

  • Services: Abstract tattoos, Color ink tattoos, Tattoo aftercare, Fine line tattoos, Tattoo design, Tattoos, Photo-realistic tattoos
Adam HullLocal Guide · 30 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Adam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Best shop ever! Great artists, chill vibes, and quality work!

Grant JohnsonLocal Guide · 16 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Grant has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Greasy Steve was awesome to chat with during my tattoo.

  • Price: $450–500
  • Services: Tattoos
Jason K10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

All the staff here was friendly. Jorge did a great job with a tattoo cover up!

  • Services: Photo-realistic tattoos
Adalia Oates5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Adalia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I’ve been coming here ever since Steve started here and I love this shop! It’s super clean and I love every piece I’ve gotten done here. If you’re looking for a great Traditional artist, Steve is the go-to guy. He’s done most of my tattoos and he’s always really helpful when it comes to size and placement. He’s great conversation, works quick, and has crazy reasonable rates. From what I’ve seen, all of the other artists here do great work as well, whether you’re looking for fine line, realism, or coverups.

Gunnar CleatorLocal Guide · 95 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gunnar has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Bee did fantastic work, 8/8 gr8 m8

  • Price: $500+
  • Services: Tattoos, Tattoo design
Layne Van Stippen7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Layne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

every thing I've gotten here has been so amazing. very cool and detailed work!! the people here are so nice, shout-out to Steven and common 🫶🏼

  • Price: $200–250
  • Services: Tattoos
Bex K3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Bex has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I went there today and had a piece done by the wonderful Majo, she does such excellent work! Everyone at the shop is super nice, and she made sure I was comfortable during the whole experience. I've never had so much fun getting a tattoo before, she was so nice to talk with, and I will definitely be going back for more! I'm so pleased and will be recommending this shop to everyone 🥰

  • Price: $250–300
  • Services: Tattoos, Tattoo design
Jason HazugaLocal Guide · 19 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Jorge came in on a Sunday to fit our schedule. I would highly recommend this place. Jorge was super friendly and took the time to explain process and after care for a first time tattoo recipient.

  • Services: Tattoos, Tattoo design

Black Thorn Tattoo on Google Maps →

Business details