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 55%98+53.5Reliability 24%97+23.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%57+4Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 95Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.95SCORESideshow Tattoo and Piercing
San Diego, CA · Grade ALetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20. · #19Position by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. of 49 piercing studios · 5.0★ from 3,046 Google reviews
Report card
Percentile vs other piercing studios (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: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing for 8 kinds of job.
Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing for ear piercing
Clear ✕All 482 Google reviews tagged “Ear piercing” · showing 100
Isaac was very clean, quick, funny, and informative.
Isaac is the best piercer and I had such a great experience with him. This is my favorite spot for piercings and have gone multiple times. Got my conch here and had minimal pain and he was very knowledgeable and honest with me.
Isaac was great!! Super helpful and explained everything as he went along - highly recommend
Was very easy and clean, highly recommend!
Easy and quick experience. Isaac walked me through everything he did as he was doing it. Daith piercing turned out great!
My 6-year-old got her ears pierced here. Isaac was great with her. He was very professional, made sure all of the instruments were sterilized properly. He gave her a squeeze toy to hold while she was getting her piercing. Made her and myself both feel comfortable. Highly recommend for a good place for a kids first piercing.
Got a lobe piercing on my ear that has minimal space to work with and it came out perfect!
Came in wanting a tattoo for sure and maybe ear piercings. Got paired with Matt and the tattoo and experience was great. Right after that, Isaac came in and was available for my ear lobe piercings. Also a really nice experience even though that was what I was more nervous about. Both of those guys were super quick…
Isaac was awesome! He did such a great job with both of my daughters and made the whole piercing experience so easy and comfortable for them. He was patient, professional, and made them both feel at ease. Highly recommend Isaac to anyone looking to get a piercing!
Isaac is a great piercer! I have 13 piercings and counting, and Isaac has done most of them. He’s super helpful with resizing and whatnot too. My industrial jewelry is way too long, he noticed that and ordered me a new, better fitting piece. Piercings are always a breeze with him- super quick and easy. I plan to…
Isaac is the consummate professional! All of my piercings have healed beautifully and quickly with him whereas every other place I’ve gotten piercings I’ve gotten infected/irritated! I won’t go to another piercing place in SD now!
Isaac did a great job on my double helix piercing! It was less painful than my last helix piercing and he explained and walked through everything he was doing. He gave great recommendations and advice and made sure I thought it was perfect. I will definitely be back next time!
Isaac is the absolute best. Super knowledgeable, professional, and does an incredible job. He’s helped me curate an ear stack that works well with my anatomy and every piercing has been painless and healed fantastic. He really takes his time to make sure everything is measured well and helps you plan for whatever you’d like. Highly recommend!
Isaac was very professional and had great cleaning procedures! The piercing room was absolutely fabulous! I barely felt my piercings. They don’t hurt and I love them! He also took the jump scare I gave him really well lol!😳🤣
This was my first time getting a piercing and my stylist, Isaac, made it an awesome experience! Very glad I chose to come here
Great service. Made my 9 and 11 year old daughters feel very comfortable with the piercing process and helped to pick out appropriate jewelry for them. Not a single tear from either!
Did my piercing with Isaac and it was an amazing experience! he calmed me down so much and his expertise really showed throughout the process.
I rarely leave reviews but I have to shout out Isaac for being an amazing piercer. My friend and I walked in wanted a few different things and he was extremely kind, professional, quick, great rapport. Can’t recommend him enough. I’ll be telling everyone about this experience for a while, and I love my piercings
Isaac was amazing! I got two ear piercings from him, was professional and attentive. I get woozy sometimes and he made me so comfortable & checked in periodically. Measured my ears and got my approval more than once. The studio itself is clean and very sanitary. Jewelry options are limited but are very high quality. Reasonable prices too
made my daith feel like nothing
I was getting a real piercing for the first time. My first piercing was when I was a baby and it was pretty much botched as both sides were uneven. And honestly, I was pretty nervous. Isaac was the person who pierced my ears and I felt so comfortable. He took so much time to make sure that both sides of my ears…
Issac did an amazing job with my piercing. I hate needles and was super nervous even for a little piercing. Isaac made me feel super comfortable and was very kind. My piercing was also painless and is healing very quick!
I got my first real piercing here and it was amazing. Isaac was very thorough with the measurements and everything was perfectly symmetrical. Super nice, super clean, definitely will be going again!
After looking EVERYWHERE for a solid gold butterfly piercing, Sideshow was the only shop that was able to help me achieve my vision by placing a custom order for me. Not only that, but Isaac did a phenomenal job with my flat piercing. He made the process easy and painless as he guided me through it with breathwork.…
I have a variety of piercings and have gone to a different piercer each time, and Isaac was one of the best. Definitely pierced them faster than anyone else (which let me tell you, getting my septum pierced kinda slowly was a gross sensation). I’m only four days into healing but the three piercings I got (2 forward…
Best experience. He was so nice and gentle. Awesome of explaining everything that was gonna happen. My daughter was super happy and so comfortable with Issac. She’s already asking for another ear lobe piercing. Recommend 1000%
Got a constellation piercing at another shop and they would not heal. Heard lots of good things about Isaac online so decided to stop by. He had lots of good info and helped me re-pierce and fix it. So great to work with someone who is a master of their craft and not just going through the motions.
I had an excellent experience getting my ears pierced here. I booked a last-minute appointment and they were still able to accommodate me with no issues. The staff was very friendly and welcoming from the moment I walked in. The studio felt clean and comfortable, which made the whole process feel easy and…
Isaac was incredible! My daughter was really nervous at getting her ears pierced. He did a better job than I could to keep her calm and ready! She was so excited and even wanted to walk by later to thank him. Highly recommend him. He was patient, honest and made sure she was 100% ready!
Got my industrial done by Isaac about a week ago and it seems to be healing pretty well. He was very friendly and the location was clean. I would definitely recommend!
A group of 4 of us went here on Saturday to get piercings and Isaac was great! He was very knowledgeable and took his time explaining things to us and made sure we had fun! I would definitely come back!
I was very nervous about my 4 piercings but Isaac was very sociable and reassuring. He also gave advice to my friends who were with me advice about their piercings
Amazing service!
I was pretty nervous going in just because I've heard of piercers having rude attitudes, but Isaac was super kind and sweet and walked me through the whole process with zero judgement. It was very quick and basically painless. I definitely plan on getting all my future piercings with him
The most professional experience, this was my first ever piercing and my piercer (Isaac) was so chill and made it a fun and forever memorable experience
I got an eyebrow and ear piercing by Isaac. The whole process was very simple and smooth. The staff were very kind and friendly. The building is also very clean. 10/10 would recommend for anybody interested.
I’ve had my industrial bar and conch piercing done by Isaac and both experiences were phenomenal! He’s extremely professional, kind, and I’ve had zero complications with either or (despite the industrial being known to be difficult). Both my industrial and conch cost about $80 each including the jewelry I chose…
Very knowledgeable and easy to talk to about getting my ears pierced for the first time.
Couldn’t of been a better place to get my piercings! Isaac was extremely knowledgeable and perfectly walked me through everything. I will now be recommending this place to my friends.
Isaac had a great deal of attention to detail and was very informative and welcoming throughout the piercing process. He was transparent about all the procedures he was conducting to ensure we felt comfortable and knowledgeable about the health and safety standards the shop upholds
Isaac is awesome!! I was anxious for my piercing the whole time but he made the process comfortable and easy to relax. Will be coming back here for my next piercing :)
Got my second pair of lobe piercings here with my friends, and Isaac was amazing! He was super nice and gentle while piercing my ears. We really trusted his process and appreciated the thorough aftercare info he provided. The atmosphere was chill, and I’d definitely come back for more piercings in the future!
Just recently got my ears pierced with Isaac- everyone there was super friendly and he made me feel super comfortable and safe! They are perfectly placed & look amazing.
Great piercing experience! Clean set up, friendly service. Walk-in. 10/10
The piercer was friendly and knew how to do his job quite well. The shop (as a whole) was very clean. The other artists there were also very friendly. I got my tragus and flat pierced, and my lobes re-pierced. Everything is healing well and I haven't noticed hardly any swelling or irritation since day one. And the…
We love sideshow! I’ve gotten many of my piercings here I can’t recommend it enough. My younger sister started getting piercings here at 13 and the piercers and staff have always been amazing. Thanks Isaac for the third lobes and conch this time!
My daughter and I went to Slideshow for piercing's, Isaac was our piercer and he was amazing, so clean and a light hand, he was so professional and I will absolutely be going back to him.
I was really nervous getting my second lobe, but Isaac was super kind and helpful. He explained everything thoroughly which helped make me feel less anxious; and the process was super quick and easy! I would definitely recommend Sideshow and specifically Isaac for any nervous 15 year old getting piercings.
Best experience ever, the reviews don’t lie! Got my triple lobe piercings and a helix, and none were very painful. Issac was super kind and helped me feel very relaxed! Everything was very clean and felt super comfortable, almost no pain when getting my helix which I was not expecting (many of my friends have said…
Got my 2nd lobe piercing with Isaac after my partner recommended him and I’m so glad I did! We just walked in and even though they were busy, the wait wasn’t long. The staff were friendly, the jewelry selection was great, and Isaac made sure I felt comfortable the whole time. He explained everything clearly,…
Shop was clean and well lit. The piercer we worked with was knowledgeable and thoughtful.
My friends & I stopped into Sideshow for piercings on our vacation and had the most wonderful experience. Isaac was honest, helpful, and knowledgeable about the entire piercing process. I got my floating lobe done and it has healed wonderfully. 10/10 would recommend!
Piercing was quick and painless 10/10
Excellent piercing, looks great, centered, and healing nicely … will return!
LITERALLY AMAZING!!!! I got it done in like 30 min, it didn't hurt at all, Isaac wad super funny and really kind. 5/5 stars definitely recommend
Isaac was such a pro! I got my tragus and lower helix pierced and it was virtually painless. He explained everything he was doing and showed me all the tools, and the piercing room had a really cool chandelier so it was nice looking at that. It’s been about a week and I’m healing up nicely - I just have some slight…
Went in and got my ears pierced for the first time. They were very particular about placement and making sure it looked as good as possible. Highly recommend!
Isaac’s the man! Awesome dude to chat with while getting a piercing.
Idk how he did it, but he made me sexy 🙂↕️✨ 10/10 would go again for more piercings!! Really good energy in the shop and from the people!! Isaac will make you feel safe and comfortable, so don’t hesitate to get your piercings done by him!! #Goddid #Yahweh 😮💨🙏🏽✨
So glad I chose sideshow for my second hole piercing! Isaac was super cool and professional and the place was super clean. I’d recommend this place 1000 x’s!
I came to get my ears pierced for the first time, the piercer was really nice and acknowledged my worries about getting pierced. The whole place was clean and they took sanitation seriously, I would definitely consider going back later on if I want another piercing or a tattoo
My daughter and I went to get our ears pierced a few years ago and we found Isaac based on reviews. This year my daughter wanted a Tragus piercing, so we went back and we both got the piercing. Isaac was hands down the best! He gave all details of the process and showed us how he sanitized everything. The process…
Had such a great experience. Issac was seriously the best at what he does. I was having a little bit of issues with my ears and he knew what was up with me and how to go about it. Walked me through the process. Very knowledgeable great person. 10/10 would recommend and would go back again!
Isaac was very nice and professional
First, we had the best experience when we called ahead to ask what kind of documentation was needed to get two 13-year-olds' ears pierced... Super helpful lady that answered the phone and gave us all the right information. Next, we walked in around 1:45 PM on a Saturday and only waited about 10 minutes before we…
Isaac did a great job with my piercing.It was my first piercing and it was very quick!
Everyone here was super nice & welcoming. Isaac was awesome about listening to what I had in mind & advising me on how to go about it properly. I needed an old piercing reopened & he hooked me up with just charging me for the jewelry to keep it open. Really took his time on the placement, measured it all out &…
I came in an hour before closing and they were able to schedule me in right away. The process did not take too long from filling out the form to getting the actual piercing. I really liked how enthusiastic and welcoming Isaac was. He thoroughly explained how everything was being sanitized which made the experience…
I've gotten the last 5 piercings from Sideshow over the past 7 years and I won't trust anyone other than Isaac for piercings! Isaac is professional, detailed, and knowledgeable.
Walked in, and there was a bit of a wait but the entire staff was incredibly attentive. Isaac was the man. Entirely professional and made the process so easy. I received three piercings from him and I’m so pleased with the outcome! I would recommend calling ahead or making an appointment since they’re so popular.…
Isaac is such a talent when it comes to piercings! Four of us got various ear piercings and he was so thorough from the moment we walked into Sideshow Tattoo! He made us all feel so comfortable and the place is incredibly clean. Highly recommend!
I had a great experience with me and my boyfriend getting our ears pierced. Sideshow was very cleanly and really helpful on what to get and how to take care of your piercings. I would definitely recommend.
I was in town from Lake Tahoe, out and about solo, and decided to pop into Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing — and wow, am I glad I did! Isaac was an absolute gem. Not only did he get me in within two hours (a miracle compared to the months-long waitlists back home), but he was incredibly thorough, clean, and…
I came to Sideshow Tattoo to have my ears pierced because of all the positive reviews I read online. Isaac was patient and professional. I didn’t feel rushed in selecting my jewelry and I appreciated being walked through the entire service, including the sterilization of the equipment and jewelry being used. Isaac…
I’m 81 and had always wanted to do this and it was a fun experience with my Granddaughter and Daughter-in-law.
Isaac is the best for piercings! He made the whole process so easy and comfortable. I’m absolutely loving my new piercings and wish I would have come in sooner to see him!
I got a helix piercing from Isaac and had an amazing experience! He also helped my cousin with her bellybutton piercing and was extremely helpful, efficient, and knowledgeable about everything! Would come back again if we ever find ourselves in San Diego again
Issac hooked me up with my first ear piercing. He was super informative, professional and cool. Going back to him to start stretching for sure!
i got two second lobe piercing and a helix piercing. Isaac was the one that did it and he was amazing. He was super kind a did a good job making me feel comfortable. They came out great and i’m very happy with the results
Isaac was awesome! He was very knowledgeable, professional, and made my daughter feel extremely comfortable throughout the entire experience. I would highly recommend him for any piercing!
super quick n easy, they’re nice and honest
They except walk-ins. I went here to get my Rook pierced, but knew I wanted more than one peircing so I asked the piercer Issac what his opinion was and he gave me ideas that worked best for my ear anatomy. I decided to get a conch as my second piercing. The process was super quick and thorough. Issac explained…
My experience was positive. Every single individual was so professional and friendly. I felt so comfortable. 10/10 recommend!!! Isaac and Bethany are amazing. If you are trying to determine where to go; this is your sign to check out Sideshow.
I recently got three piercings with Isaac and I could not be happier! I got my helix and second lobe piercings all in one go and he was amazing. The shop was great, the jewelry and work station was very clean and Isaac took his time measuring out each piercing to make sure they aligned perfectly. My piercings are…
very clean and professional! love it
Super nice people, really straight forward and no bs. Loved it a lot.
Great experience with Isaac! My friend and I were walk-ins soon before closing time and he was kind enough to fit us both in. I really respected how honest he was about our anatomy and what piercings would work or wouldn’t. My cartilage piercing is healing perfectly and I’ll be back for my navel!
Great experience as my girlfriend got her nose pierced that had a lot of information and very open to her ideas.
Isaac was professional, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and efficient!
very nice fast and very clean
10/10 experience with Isaac! If you’re considering a piercing, I definitely recommend going to Isaac at sideshow tattoo. He was really knowledgable about anatomy and told me about things about piercings that I wanted that I never would have thought of before. He was super honest and gave me and my friend the best…
Got Conch, Helix, and doubles. Very easy making the appointment and very nice and professional when picking out jewelry beforehand and during the piercings. He really made sure they were in good places and confirmed with me every step of the way. Very seamless when piercing and quick but efficient. Would def recommend
I did a walk in recently and got a nose and a lobe piercing with Isaac and could not recommend him more! Extremely professional and skilled. I appreciate that he took his time to make sure everything was measured correctly and looked aesthetically pleasing. Made me feel comfortable and explained every step to me. Thank you!!!
My daughter, friend and I went for our annual piercings. Tragus, conch, and double helix were on our agenda. We were recommended to Isaac and he did not disappoint. His space was clean and his workflow was efficient. He has great options to choose from ranging in prices. We will definitely be visiting Isaac again.…
Got my tragus pierced by isaac! He did such a great job was really calm and kept the conversation going which made it easier. I came in for my birthday and he gave me a little bottle of saline spray as a gift, really great gesture!
This was by far the best ear piercing experience I’ve had! Isaac was very thorough and took time to ensure I was happy with the placement and final result. 11/10 recommend!!
Guy was very professional and talked you through the entire process
Not much of a review person but I had an appointment to get my lobes pierced with Isaac and he was amazing! I previously had surgery to close up my stretched ears and today i got them re-pierced by Isaac and he made sure to check that they were healthy enough beforehand and was very meticulous from start to finish…
Isaac is incredibly thorough, a very calming presence while you’re getting a needle stuck through you, and all around very skilled and knowledgeable in his craft. If you’re going to get a piercing, he’s your guy! (I got a second pair of lob piercings for reference.)
Came in for a youth double and adult double - both second lobe piercings. Isaac is amazingly friendly, calm and efficient. He guided my daughter’s breathing and she barely felt anything. The placement of both the youth and adult piercings was beautiful and perfect. He has an extremely hygienic and inviting private…
Price
Bar = middle half of what customers paid · gold mark = category median.
Price verdictsGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Jobs customers hired them for
| Job | Reviews | Category typical |
|---|---|---|
| Ear piercing | 482 | $62–$132 |
| Tattoo design | 371 | $119–$290 |
| Nose piercing | 258 | $52–$88 |
| Piercings | 256 | $52–$96 |
| Fine line tattoos | 250 | $108–$170 |
| Tattoos | 229 | $114–$277 |
| Helix piercing | 62 | $61–$132 |
| Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings | 57 | $132–$310 |
