Originally I had emailed the shop about booking for a tattoo with Angel in December because I know she gets pretty booked up really fast. However, today I got an email from Angel asking if I wanted to come in today and get my tattoo since she had an opening. That being said I came in and all I have to say is, Empire has the best service ever. The staff was super inviting. Angel, Paul, and the two ladies at the front were so sweet and one of them even asked if I wanted something from Starbucks, which was super nice and thoughtful. Angel is hands down the best artist I have ever been to. She was so kind and despite me having other tattoos she still walked me through the process and made sure that I knew that the needles and everything were sterile before we started, which I really appreciated. She even had a horror movie playing for me to watch which I absolutely loved. Angel also was very kind and continued to ask how I was doing throughout the actual tattooing process which I thought was very thoughtful considering other places I’ve been to have never asked. I didn’t get a big piece but I was very surprised with how fast she finished the tattoo considering the amount of detail she put into it. This is by far my favorite tattoo that I have and I will 100% be coming back for more from Angel in the future. And if you want any sort of tattoo I defiantly recommend going to Angel, she’s the best.

Got my earlobes pierced on Sunday. Staff was great help in making a same day appointment. Torri, who did my ears, is wonderful. It was quick and painless. She also gave me some helpful advice on proper post care. Highly recommend!

I spent about 15 months searching for a tattoo artist before I found Paul. Best decision Ive made in a while and it was well worth the wait! Im very picky and he has literally given me exactly what I wanted. In addition to their great artists, the shop has a relaxed and friendly vibe and they take hygiene/safety seriously. I cant wait to go back for my future sessions! Ill post pictures whem my work is finished.

Best tattoo place in Pittsburgh. Everyone here is friendly and know what they’re doing. I o go to Angel every time! I don’t think there’s a better artist in the city! I went from being referred and getting a small tattoo to one of her regulars!

I just got my first tattoo and I went to Paul. The store was very clean and he also explained how everything worked-I.e that the needles and other materials were single use and he helped make me feel at ease about the pain. Not just that-the tattoo turned out exactly as I expected and envisioned and I was very very happy with it

Empire tattoo is hands down the best parlor in Pittsburgh. All the artists are super friendly nice and personable. Specifically my tattoo have all been done by angel and her work is absolutely impeccable. Her lines are so crisp and clean and her techniques and skill with color are superb! An amazing artist. Ive left happy with every piece of work done on me!

Only take appointments by email. Don’t respond to emails. 2 days and waiting… Great business model.

My dog of 18 years passed away and I wanted his paw print on my arm. Alan was able to take my sweet boys actual paw print and tattoo it along with Shadows name. He brought what I had envisioned to life. I am so incredibly happy and pleased with how well Alan did. Will definitely be returning for more tattoos in the future!

I did a walk-in with Alan for a small tattoo and it went smoothly. Very clean line work, and also super friendly — I almost didnt realize that I was getting tattooed! Definitely recommended.

Angel did such amazing work. I would highly recommend to literally everyone looking for a tattoo.

Best experience you could ask for. Torri was knowledgeable, professional, flexible and kind. 100/10, highly recommend!

Kelly was absolutely fantastic, and despite the pandemic, she got us in for a pretty last minute appointment (no walk-ins, you need an appointment). Tattoo turned out beautifully, and she was super easy to work with and talk to! Highly recommend!!!

Beautiful work and very fast! Kelly was great!! A pleasant experience overall - well be back!

Angel did my friends tattoo today - Woooo! Its beautiful!Please go support your amazing local artists! They deserve it!

I had never gotten a tattoo before, so I was a bit nervous, especially since the one I wanted was quite detailed. However, my artist, Alan, made sure to make my design as close to my referencw drawing as possible, but change it enough so it would come out great. He walked me through the whole experience, showed me everything was clean, and told me what he was doing as he did it. He was very friendly and talked to me the whole time to take my mind off the process. In the end, he gave me great care instruction and the final product looked amazing. No regrets. Thank you Alan, and Thank you Empire Tattoo!

Excellent from top to bottom. Clean and orderly, as well as great artist. I had Allen, my tattoo is very good. Clean lines and nice color, it also wasn’t as hard on the wallet as I expected. Book an appointment you won’t be disappointed.

So I’ve come to Empire for the vast majority of my tattoos and honestly, I love this place so much. Angel has done my entire arm sleeve (which is awesome and horror themed) and I pretty much can’t have anyone else tattoo me ever again (Don’t get me wrong, all of the other artists there are super talented as well) because she’s fantastic. As a queer/trans person, Empire has felt welcoming, non judgmental, and safe. They’re awesome. Give them your money.

I got 3 piercings by Torri Lynn in one sitting and it was the best Piercing experience Ive had! She was professional and informative and had a great attitude and energy! She made the experience so fun! I will definitely be going back to her for future piercings!

Came here while visiting. Loved it. Very clean. Will be back in the future

Amazing experience, clean and beautiful work !! Go see Paul you will not be disappointed!

Ive gotten 3 tattoos from Megan. Shes great!! She does better as an apprentice than other people I have gone to at other shops. The other artists are very supportive and the designs I have seen from them are awesome as well. Pricing is very reasonable and they are very accommodating.

I’m getting my half sleeve done by Paul and it’s looking amazing so far! Still have a session or two left but I will recommend this place to anyone and everyone. I also got my septum pierced & another tattoo back in October and those are amazing as well

Everyone there is super nice, quick to response, answering all questions and concerns, and very patient. The place is super clean. Got both a piercing and my first tattoo here. They make you feel super comfortable and reassuring. Looking forward to coming back again for more!Piercing done by Torri. Tattoo done by Angel.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! My husband and i have gotten tattoos done here several times and we are beyond happy with the art and how professional they are! We love Angle! She is always helpful with helping us design what we want and has always impressed us with her skill! We highly recommend Empire Tatto! 💚

Very professional, clean environment, friendly staff that doesnt make you feel out of place! I usually go to Paul, but every one of them has great work!

I’ve had work done by both Angel and Paul. They’re fantastic artists, very professional and super clean. I get compliments on my tattoos ALL OF THE TIME. The shops vibe is so on, top. :) their work is seriously incredible and the ink they use is just VIBRANT and perfect for all skin tones.

I had an amazing experience getting tattooed at empire. Extremely easy to schedule, fantastic artwork, incredibly professional and clean environment and taking all appropriate measures to keep everyone safe right now. My tattoos are gorgeous! Angel does amazing work. From photorealism, beautiful black n gray, to watercolor designs she can do it all.

Angel did a super magical She-Ra tattoo for me. It was awesome. Every one was nice, the establishment was extremely clean, and I cant wait to go back!

Empire is the best! Love all of the workers! I got my first tattoo and piercings here in college and have gone ever since and recommend them to all of my friends and family. You should definitely go!

Love this place! Will definitely be coming back for more tattoos

I’ve been to Empire tattoo twice and was not disappointed! Paul is currently working on a half sleeve of mine and I absolutely love it already! The place is always clean, everybody is super friendly and the atmosphere is super chill.

Ive had my tattoos done by a few people here and they always do amazing work..the staff is cool, and really down to earth. They let me pick music to connect to listen to while theyre tattooing me, and they have great prices. I always recommend them because theyre my favorite shop in the city!

Cannot recommend enough! Everyone here is super talented and professional, great vibe and great art!! I got a tattoo from Megan and it was a great experience and healed beautifully. Will definitely be going back!!

Gotten multiple tattoos/ nose piercing done here. Excellent staff. Some of the nicest people on the planet, endlessly creative. Wouldn’t choose any other place for my boredom-fueled tattoo whims.

Love Empire Tattoo and everyone that works there! They’re so helpful and friendly. The work Angel does is amazing, my husband and I both refuse to go anywhere else!

Best spot for a tattoo in Pittsburgh see Paul hes the best takes his time and it shows in his work

I have had several tattoos inked by Megan, she does great work. Shop vibe is good, plus one of the rooms had a tv and a well-curated horror selection, I was able to watch In the Mouth of Madness and several Twin Peaks episodes during my sessions.

Kelly was amazing!! The entire staff there was superb. They are the premier tat and piercing shop in Pittsburgh

Megan is a absolute delight and is a amazing artist that I plan on coming and seeing over and over again! She is such a sweetheart and made sure I was comfortable and feeling safe, thanks again!!

I’ve been tattooed and pierced by everyone that works at Empire (Angel, Alan, Paul, and Torri) and have never had a bad experience EVER. Always very clean, professional, on time, and super friendly. They all have amazing talent and there’s a reason I keep going back whether it’s custom tattoo work, something picked off the internet, or to get more piercings. I will always suggest them as a place to definitely get in with.

Megan was amazing! Very professional and a real sweetheart. I will definitely be going back to her again!

I have been getting a sleeve from Paul since June. I am very happy with the results so far and it looks incredible. Highly recommended this shop to anyone. He could charge way more if he wanted for the quality of the work but hes kept his prices low.

Ive gotten both my nose and rook pierced here and had a great experience both times! Torri makes sure to clearly explain how it will go, and makes you feel safe. The whole place is very clean, the prices are good and the wait is never long.

Angel is awesome. She worked with me on scheduling, when she didnt have to. Her talent and skills are amazing... my tattoos look wonderful. I cant wait to go back.

Got a lip vertical labret today and absolutely in live with her work. She made it quick and virtually painless unlike the last time I had it done. Very informative and tells you exactly what she is going to do before even touching you with the clamps. I am so glad I ended up going here as I was looking at a few other places. Definitely will be coming back for future piercings.

Paul demarco is doing a whole leg sleeve on me, so far I’m 100% impressed. He’s one talented dude and always charges fair prices. Everyone I’ve talked to who works there are pretty nice, I’d highly recommend them to anyone! I plan on getting all of my tattoos from now on from Paul!

The whole staff was great! My friend and I came in as walk one and the service was fantastic. Allen did our tattoos and was exceptional. He was crazy friendly, but also very informative throughout the process. The pricing is very good as well! I would go back here in the future.

Paul is amazing. This shop and so clean and professional.my boyfriend and I are repeat customers and will continue going back to see him until were covered. Very polite and talented.

Angel is the best. I had a photo of what I wanted, but had some tweaks which I explained to her. She nailed it. Her line work is great. Plus she is a cool person and I was happy with the price.

The service is extremely good at empire—a very nice, funny, and personable experience. My girlfriend and I went for a walk-in appointment and ended up with Paul who was incredible. He did an extremely well done job on some thin cursive writing for her and normal lettering for me. Very crisp lines and also a good time chatting. Definitely plan on returning.

I’ve been going to Angel for about 6 years now and she is amazing! I love all my tattoos by her she understands what I want and makes it 10x better!

Best shop in town! The crew is awesome and makes everyone feel comfortable. Highly recommend.

Got my tattoo done at Empire nearly 2 years ago by Alan and I still absolutely love it. I also have had multiple piercings done here as well, and the staff that I have interacted with are very kind and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Empire for both tattoos and piercings!

Angel and been doing my boyfriend and my tattoos for about 2 years now and she is just amazing! We’ve never been disappointed at all! She’s an amazing person great to talk to and incredible tattoo artist! I always get nervous when I’m about to get a tattoo but she’s so great with taking her time and making me feel comfortable! If I could give her higher than 5 stars I would!

Lovely folk at Empire Tattoo! Angel was super nice and did a fantastic job on my tattoo (black/gray traditional). She was a pleasure to collaborate with and has a great sensibility about tattoo design, size, and placement. The shop was clean and the whole crew there is friendly. Pricing was super reasonable and Angel was very transparent about costs. The overall experience was awesome 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

I really recommend this place. Awesome shop with awesome artists. I am in town for work for a short time and my wife came out to visit me with even more limited time. We explained our situation and the want to get matching tattoos. They easily worked out an appointment for us that would work with our schedule. Angel did amazing work for my wife and I. If I ever make it back out to this area, I will be going back.

I went for a dermal and the place was very clean, everyone was polite and knowledgeable. Im nervous by nature but @torriholes made the experience awesome. 10/10 will recommend and return 💘 also the prices were appropriate and affordable 😊

Angel fixed my memorial tattoo for my husband and she did a GREAT JOB! Very nice place... very clean and really nice people... I found my new tattoo place! Thank you :)

So professional, clean and just great. I got a piece done by Brian, who was very conscious about cleanliness and safety, something Ive never experienced at a Pittsburgh shop before. He did exactly what I asked for, and it is beautiful. He was very patient, respectful, and a lot of fun. I will definitely be returning to this shop for all future tattoos and piercings.Thank you!

I drive nearly an hour to get tattooed by Paul at Empire Tattoo Pittsburgh. He is incredibly talented! Everytime I am in this shop I am so relaxed and content, the atmosphere is super chill. I have gotten several different pieces now with plans for many more to come. :)

I had a few days off from work and decided to message Empire tattoo to see if they had any openings, they replied quickly and set up an appointment. It was my first time there so I got an artist at random and was incredibly lucky to get Alan D. I sent a few pictures and Alan was able to draw up what exactly what I wanted. The session went great (about 5 hours) he absolutely knocked it out of the park, by far my favorite tattoo yet. I cant wait to go back.

A really nice place. Everyone there was kind and helpful, especially Paul the owner, who did my piercing. I got an industrial and it went great, also the prices are great! Would definitely reccomend.

My girlfriend and I came in to get septum piercings done and the guy who did them was super sweet and really professional. The whole thing took like 10 minutes for both of us and was practically painless. Also, they have an amazing student discount that basically cuts the price in half! Would highly recommend :^D

My husband and I have been going to Angel for a few years. She is amazing. We give her ideas of what we want or in my case a crappy picture and she always makes it 1000 times better than I hoped. We are currently scheduled for our next round of tattoos with Angel of course. The shop is very clean and the atmosphere is relaxed. All of the artists seem to be a great bunch. We highly recommend Empire Tattoo(Oakland, PA) to anyone looking its definitely worth the drive.

Ive had three tats done here and one piercing. Always a great experience! Theyre affordable, especially as a student with their piercings being $30! I love the staff and i feel so welcome there always.

My husband and I were visiting family in PA and wanted to get tattooed. It was short notice (about 4 days notice) and we both wanted decent sized pieces. When I called Empire, they were extremely accommodating and willing to fit us in. Alan Dippold spent all day with us and did both of our tattoos (about 7 hours of tattooing in total). He is amazing! He was funny and down to earth. Best of all, he is a great artist! He designed both of the tattoos with very little reference material. Alan made it a great experience. Our next trip to PA will include a stop at Empire to get more tattoos.

Amazing shop! Top notch work done. They have some amazing artists working here! I highly recommend you stop in if your in the market for a new tattoo!

I was amazed at the welcoming and comforting environment in the store. Angel was so great to us. She was very upfront about the costs and professional about her work - not to mention easy to talk to.I really appreciated her transparency, honesty, and how she set the expectations for my appointment. She took the time to make sure we had the best experience possible. If youre looking to get a tattoo in the Oakland area, I would highly recommend stopping here first and having a conversation with these guys. Thanks again!

Super great place, got my nipples done here. Really affordable, especially with the nice college discount. Phenomenal service and very professional considering how awkward I felt going bare tittied in front of a stranger. Paul was super nice and talked me through the whole thing. 10/10 would go for another piercing, and will definitely be going in the future for a tattoo.

I have been going to the shop and getting tattooed by Angel for the past 2 years & just had work done tonight! I am planning on getting many more from her too! I would recommend the shop to anyone and have been spreading the word about the place.. its a great atmosphere, great experience, and they are clean, sterile, and as well as professional..

Paul Demarco is AMAZING. Great rates, chill atmosphere, all the employees are very welcoming and friendly. 10/10 coming back again and again til Im covered

Went for a tattoo with Greg, and he did a fantastic job and totally exceeded my expectations. The shop was very clean, and everyone there was professional and cool. My tattoo turned out amazing and I will definitely go back. Very reasonable rates and good atmosphere, I would highly recommend this shop.

Meghan is phenomenal. If you are looking for permanent makeup, I cannot recommend her enough. I was made to feel welcome from the moment I walked in the door. She took her time to give me exactly what I wanted.

Paul recently pierced my septum, and I dont have a single bad thing to say about the experience. I have many piercings and Paul is absolutely the best I have encountered. In addition to being quick, (almost!) painless, and professional Paul was fun and friendly-- He absolutely knows his stuff and seems passionate about his trade-- I wouldnt recommend going anywhere else.

Very great experience overall. Made my piercing experience pleasant and quick. Very clean studio and would definitely come back.

I get traditional style work done by Angel here and she does a killer job. Shes a very quick worker and has a light hand which everyone looks for in an artist. The shop has a little parking lot out front which, in Oakland, is hard to find and much appreciated. May be a small shop, but its very clean and there are 3 semi-private rooms in which the artists work in (which I prefer over one big work space with multiple stations set up next to each other like other shops Ive been to) so strangers arent watching you. One of my favorite shops so far in the area... Would highly reccomend!

Amazing experience as a last-minute walk in with a friend who was getting pierced (I was getting tattooed). The guys can be a little grumpy at first, but warm up really quickly! Im incredibly impressed, and I cant wait to go back and get another piece there. Definitely one of the best options in Pittsburgh, and 100% the top shop in Oakland!

I recommend every artist in this shop. Everyone is very knowledgeable, professional, and the shop is very clean! Ive had two of my tattoos done here and I dont plan on going anywhere else anytime soon!

Love love love Empire Tattoo. Ive gone there for 6 tattoos and 6 piercings over the past two years, and Ive been 100% satisfied with everything theyve done. Everyone is extremely nice and talented, and I dont think that Ill ever go anywhere else for tattoos or for piercings!

Angel is amazing! She pays attention to detail and gives honest advice on tattoos. She won’t let you get something that isn’t going to last. Looking forward to my next appointment with her.

Ive been getting tattooed by angel for a little over a year now and every tattoo Ive received has been amazing. She takes her time, is very meticulous and makes you feel comfortable while getting a tattoo. She is personable and reasonable. I would recommend this shop to anyone who is looking to get their first or even their 20th tattoo, Id give them 10 stars if I could!

BEST TATTOO SHOP IVE BEEN TO!! Customer service was great. Alan is great! Very personable. Will be going back again

Had two pieces done here over the past two months by Brian Hooker, guy is amazing. All the guys though are absolute professionals and are very passionate about their work. They make the experience very enjoyable. I recommend Empire Tattoo to anybody that is looking for a new place to get work done. Youll never want to go anywhere else.

Two friends and myself walked in at 8pm (when they close at 9) for a walk in tattoo. Two of us intended to get pierced elsewhere, but Paul asked us if we wanted him to do it and gave us a student discount. Angel tattooed my friend and Paul pierced myself and my other friend. They were both AMAZING. They were very personable and kind. Paul was hilarious and made my friend (who got her nipples pierced) feel very comfortable. We ended up keeping them past 9, but they were so kind to us and did not seem to mind at all. 11/10 would recommend! I will definitely go back to Empire (Oakland location) for any further piercings or tattoos.

I can’t say enough amazing things about Angel at this location! Every time I say “this is my favorite”, the next time she out does herself. She’s fun to work with, light handed, and will guide you through design choices that will not only be more aesthetically pleasing, but will exceed your original idea. I tell everyone about this shop and Angel, you should come check it out to see for yourself! Not just Angel though, Paul their piercer and tattooist, is also amazing, funny, and an all around great guy. There is a reason this shop was voted top 4 places to go in Pittsburgh!!!!

This place has the best artists in oakland. Theyre also really reasonably priced and their get to know you deals are awesome- $50 off a tattoo?!?! Im not one for pricing but their jewelry selection has me rethinking it...

Got my nose pierced today. Paul is fantastic. Super cool, quick, attentive, & knows his stuff! Made me so comfortable! I highly recommend this establishment and staff.

I went a couple weeks ago for a piercing and the guys that work there made me feel so comfortable and not nervous at all. They have great prices and are very professional and knowledgeable. They gave me aftercare products and its healing really well! Since then, Ive been recommending this shop to all of my friends. If I ever want to get another piercing, this is where Ill go!

Great work by great people!

I recently went in to get my first tattoo and found that all of the staff were very easy to talk to. They answered all of my questions and told me about the process to make sure I knew what I was getting into, and in the end I got a great well-done design from Angel.

This is the best tattoo shop ive been to in the Pittsburgh area. The cleanliness is that of a doctors or dentists office. The artists are by far the best and also very friendly and educated on their craft!

Very clean place. receptionist was really nice. I got a piercing. He was professional explained everything would highly recommend.

Walked in one evening to get a tattoo for my dog who recently passed, got me right in and gave me exactly what I wanted. It’s perfect and the price wasn’t bad for it. Super friendly, clean, told me every step he was taking. I’ll definitrly be back for further tattoos!

Got my daith pierced here by Paul, what a great experience! The shop looks really clean and everyone was really nice. He showed me everything was sterile and walked me through the process which really helped me keep calm. He provided me with aftercare and explained how to take care of the piercing.. it is healing great!

Awesome place to get a tat. Real professionals

Super friendly staff with extensive knowledge

Amazing art! Turned a super ugly tattoo into a beautiful piece of work! ❤️ Very pleased!

Paul tattooed my forearm a couple of months ago, and Im still stoked on the piece. His tattoos are incredibly clean, and hes super cool.

Me and my sister got tattooed by Angel and shes amazing!!! I am going back with my fiance to get our wedding tattooes done by her as well. I am so excited to be tattooed again by one of the best in the area!!!!

Gregory Tepper did my tattoo and he made it a great first experience. Very welcoming and happy to work with my ideas and the changes I kept making. Highly recommend!