The staff is personable, patient, kind and really wonderful at what they do! And the building/utensils are kept so clean. I Was so happy with my piercing!! I’ll only come back here

I would highly recommend going to Empire for your next tattoo. This was my first tattoo, given I was nervous and had some anxiety as I never experienced this process. I worked with Devin Burnette, who was awesome during the whole. I was able to talk with him and send him a few photos for reference, and he totally knocked it out of the park. The tattoo was beyond my expectation, I couldnt have imagined it coming out any better.

Very welcoming environment and very clean! i got my first tattoo here and they were comforting and totally helped make my tattoo perfect

Visiting from Northern Virginia like I have for the past 15 years and saw Empire while I was walking downtown, looked at the reviews, called and made an appointment, the whole staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. Discussed what I needed and provided me their expertise, I’m ecstatic about my piercings and service was top notch!! Highly recommend!

I HIGHLY recommend coming to this shop for any Tattoo needs. Tattoo artist Matthew did a phenomenal job and I couldnt have asked for anything better.

Good local spot + Great experience here! This is my first tattoo here (I have 15+ tattoos) and I loved the environment, hospitality, transparency, and quality of work. I got in with Alex and he was super easy to work with, fairly priced, and has a light hand / efficiently paced. I’ll definitely be getting another tattoo with Alex, super happy with this appointment.

Staff are relaxed but professional. Every piercing Ive gotten here has been well done, well placed, and easy to care for. The same for my tattoos (simple blackwork but well done and still dark and bold after several years). The shop is clean and relaxing. Definitely recommend this place.

I recently got my first tattoo at this shop. The staff was nice, helpful, and talented. Thanks guys, my girlfriend and I had a great experience.

I had the most wonderful experience at Empire Tattoo! I went in to get my nose pierced and Greg Phipps was so kind and made me feel very comfortable. I had a great time and Greg made me laugh and eased my nerves. I was very excited that I could get pierced with a hoop instead of stud ring. Everyone was very professional and welcoming. I am so glad I came to Empire Tattoo, I will never go anywhere else for a piercing or a tattoo!!

Love to go to empire every chance I get- everyone there is so helpful, kind, and informative.

Went to get my nose done and they were all awesome! Super chill people and Greg was super cool and explained everything so well and made me feel super comfortable! Definitely going back again, thanks guys!!

Staff is so friendly and Isaiah did an amazing job on my tattoo, definitely recommend!

Went in for my first actual big professional tattoo, It went smooth, Isaiah was hella friendly and the other staff was nice as well.Would recommend.

Ive gone to previous tattoo shops, but this was by far the best one. All of the staff is very friendly and outgoing! They make sure you feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the whole time. I got my nose pierced and loved Gregs job. I will definitely be coming here next time I want a tattoo done. It was for sure a 10 out 10. Highly recommend!

Really nice jewelry. It’s hard to find nice jewelry but this place had so many different options! Really nice staff as well!

Professional, on time and great people!

These guys are really cool and they do good work. Cant speak for the tattoos but the piercings are great. Dont order the clam chowder.

I will never go to another location other than here. I had my piercing done here. Everyone is extremely friendly and outgoing. One of the best customer service I have ever experience. Greg was absolutely amazing. He knows what he is doing. I felt very comfortable through the entire process. He was super patient took his time making sure we were happy with the placement. He also was super gentle. I recommend this place to everyone.

Greg is my favorite piercer ever, hes always good to me & Im always happy with the way it looks

If you get a chance to go here, you wont be disappointed. A friend of mine was there for a tattoo and Brian and the tattoo artists made us feel right at home. We actually were sad when we had to leave. Definitely recommend these guys!

Great customer service, very honest and they do good work!I was planning on getting cartilage piercings in both ears but Greg pushed back, pointing out that it would be uncomfortable to sleep with both ears pierced. Im very happy he did so!

Great art, good prices, fun atmosphere, personable artists. I definitely recommend getting work done with these guys if youre looking for your next piece.

Great visit. Walked in with an idea and Devin drew it up and applied it. Very clean and knowledgable staff. Awesome work.

Was visiting on my honeymoon got a badass tattoo great people great artists

No appointment needed for a piercing when I went. The guy was super nice throughout the entire experience. I was in and out in under 20 minutes. They were clean and he pierced fast! If I’m ever in Asheville again, I will go back to this place.

Got a sleeve from Ryan Fink. I started it about 7 months ago and finished it last week. I let Ryan design it and choose the color scheme. The only input I gave him was where I wanted it and the style. I couldnt be happier with the outcome. He was a complete professional the entire time. Every artist I interacted with there was friendly and totally cool to be around. I enjoyed the entire experience. I am already thinking about my next tats for Ryan to work on for me.

Great art

I called ahead to make sure the piercer was in, and the person who answered was nice and upbeat. When I walked into the shop, I immediately received a friendly greeting. I went to get a dermal and wanted it as close as possible to where my old one had been, the piercer said he could do it in the same spot. He was nice and friendly throughout, even though my scar tissue made his job a bit more difficult and take longer than expected. We conversed the entire time and he asked intermittently if I was alright. It wasnt the smoothest piercing experience due to a good bit of bleeding and scar tissue, but the piercer (I have terrible recall for names) was patient and never once seemed bothered. I left with a dermal exactly where I wanted and nothing but positive things to say about Empire-I definitely recommend this shop.Edit: Had a tattoo done at Empire today, happy with the experience on that end of the business as well!

Best experience my husband and I have ever had in a tattoo shop. Every single person here is so friendly and professional and the artistry is amazing. We will definitely continue making the drive from Cincinnati for service and art work like this. Highly recommend.

Went in on a saturday during an event downtown as a walk in for a second navel piercing and was in and out in 15 minutes at most. greg is fantastic at what he does and super chill & helpful. he explained everything he was going to do and even gave me more tips on cleaning and maintaining the piercing. would definitely be back.

Super helpful, good prices for quality piercing. It was not very painful, I had my helix pierced and my two friends got a nostril and septum done respectively, and all three of us have had great healing experiences so far. It was very sanitary, a very calming environment, and a very respectable business, we signed lease forms and showed ID beforehand, and the piercer was very nice and friendly. We were allowed a friend in the room for emotional support, but my piercing was very simple and easy. There was no piercing gun used, only sanitary needles, so its safe and less painful. I highly recommend!

I got my first tattoo this week at Empire and couldnt be happier! Great shop with rad dudes working there that are super friendly and personable. Brian up front was funny and helpful and Devin rocked it on my tattoo! Highly recommend this spot!!

This is definitely the most welcoming tattoo and piercing parlor that Ive ever been in!!! Everyone is kind, skilled, and knowledgeable. I first came here when I was 14 years old to get my nose pierced and I have never had a better experience anywhere else. Greg has even helped me fix someone elses botched work on multiple occasions. Their selection of jewelry is very unique, full of high-quality, handcrafted items. If I ever want a piercing or jewelry or even just want a trustworthy answer to a piercing or tattoo related question, Empire is my go-to. You can really feel the love and sense of family in the place.

Love this place! Theyre awesome, clean, and quick! Ive been multiple times and each time has been great! Ill definitely be back.

Greg is a great piercer! He was patient & friendly with my daughter and did an excellent job!! I would reccomend him to anyone!!!

Great attention to detail for a quick walk in

Greg was super rad. Did great on my philtrum piercing. Overall shop staff was kind. And the shop itself was clean and lovely. Definitely recommend.

I came in for a septum nose ring and I must say that was one of the best piercing experiences I have had. Greg was awesome, he explained to me what the process was and said the clamping would be more uncomfortable than the piercing itself. Well, neither were bad at all and it was super quick! They gave me instructions on how to take care of it and overall the whole staff was extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend for anyone who wants to get pierced.

Great place, Greg was very professional, got my nose pierced like I wanted! it’s so cute!! He did snakebites on my daughter in law, they look awesome on her.

Friendly, awesome vibe, they now there stuff. Will return there for another tat. Alex Blackwell is a great artist highly recommend him.

I have been tattooed by Josh before in the past at his old shop and traveled to get two more by him this year. Of course, his style is always clean and amazing. The shop was super clean, incredibly friendly and welcoming. This is by far the BEST experience I have ever had at a shop. All members we polite and we all had a blast. I would recommend this shopp a million time over! They quickly helped get rid of those tattoo jitters and you end up having a rad time. Never will I have a friendlier experience. Thank you, guys. I will definitely be traveling again soon to see you all!

My husband & I wanted to get tattoos on our honeymoon & we decided to try Empire because of the positive reviews we saw online. We had a great experience there! Isaac did my husbands & Devin did mine. The shop was clean, employees were personable & friendly & our tattoos turned out perfect. We highly recommend anybody looking to get a tattoo to go to Empire. We look forward to coming back!!Thanks,Brian & Rachel Franza

Super cool spot! Wife got her nose pierced there, clean and professional. Even gave my baby daughter a lollipop to calm her down. Really cool guys. Will definitely return.

I got my nose pierced there today & they were very quick and very nice! Greg lightens the mood and completely makes you forget you were even nervous! Definitely recommend!!

I just went in today, and I had an amazing experience. I didn’t get the name of the guy at the front but he was awesome! Very nice and friendly! Devin did my tattoo, and he was excellent! Very quick and professional

Best shop in town. Went above and beyond to help with a piercing I had by them to make sure it was clean and they changed it for free..So professional. Ive got over a dozen tattoos as well and these guys do it right. HIGHLY RECOMMEND over all in Asheville.

Today was the first time I have ever visited Empire and it was such a good experience! the guys (didn’t catch their names) at the counter were hilarious and really made my piercing quick and painless. It’s safe to say I will be visiting them again!

Awesome people. Came in as a walk in and they made time for my boyfriend his sister and myself. they were super clean and took their time on making sure we liked and were comfortable with everything they were doing.

They are amazing. Came in as a walk-in, told them a general idea of what I wanted, Devin took the image and my idea and freehanded exactly what I wanted. After that they had me in and out! On top of all that they had a very fair price!

Love this place! Everyone here is so kind and welcoming, and all of the artists here do amazing work! I got a tattoo from Josh, extremely nice dude and an awesome tattooer. Will definitely be back soon.

The guys are WICKED PISSAH!!!! Thanks guys for being very accommodating, being sweet to my 16 yr old getting her bah done, and a new tat for me!! Wicked awesome guys!!!

Fantastic art! Love the people here, they are super friendly and knowledgeable.

I received my first nose piercing and second tattoo here and really enjoyed the environment. Its a really clean place with great people. I plan on scheduling my next tattoo this week at Empire Tattoo and I have been recommending this place to people as well. The artist I had that did my second tattoo was very patient with me and did a full outline and coloring in 4.5 hours and it turned out perfect. It was a great price too! Im very happy with how it turned out and I am going back very soon!

Greg did a great job with my nose piercing. He was quick and personable. Great job Empire!

Isaiah was great, friendly and knowledgeable. Good information during consult, great art

Love it so much every one there was so nice didnt feel rushed at all

Amazing place!

Rad staff and great work. Greg did a piercing on me and was super professional and knowledgeable.

First off this shop has prime location in downtown. Well deserving for this shop. Went in around 2pm on a friday afternoon. Not much of a wait.the guy at the front counter was very patient with me. I had not decided what i wanted. Each artiest has their own office, which made it much more personal &relaxing. My artist, Isaiah, was extremely professional and very easy to talk to. He is truly an artist. I just got a smaller design on my forearm, but all line work and he NAILED IT!! This guy has a very easy hand and is a like master. I WILL be coming back.

AWESOME first experience. Wandered in just looking for a new industrial bar for an existing piercing and decided on a whim to get my first tattoo. Staff was amazing, friendly and knowledgable. They fit me in on a tight schedule and I couldnt be more pleased. Will most certainly be back.

Empire was the best! Really nice, friendly guys running the shop which was very clean and had great art on the walls. I got my first nose piercing today by Greg??(I think that was his name!) but he was really knowledgeable and it was painless, super quick, and easy. I love how it turned out and I would definitely go back! Thanks yall!

I got my first piece done here while I was visiting Asheville with my boyfriend and I could not have been happier with the outcome! The staff were friendly, helpful and cool, helping to put my mind at ease. Definitely picked the right place! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

My friend and I got our first major piercing here (septum) and it was a really great experience. Greg took time to make sure we were calm. Nobody at the shop had a dick attitude. They made us both feel super comfortable and reassured us. Greg went at a good pace and it didnt hurt! He was a really sweet guy and I am super happy with my piercing. Its not crooked and its at a perfect spot in my nose. Just where I wanted. My friend and I will definitely be coming here for all of our future piercings! Plus I got two lollipops. :-)

Very cool and friendly guys. Fun just to just hang out in shop.

This is the result of my tattoo... a month after “healing”. I’ve had numerous tattoos and take superior care of each one. I sent a picture of this to the manager and he said this is normal?? I was surprised with his response because this tattoo looks like it was done in prison.

Very professional place, fair pricing, and cool staff!

Amazing first tattoo experience! The entire staff were nice and made the atmosphere very comfortable! On top of being comfortable the ENTIRE shop was sanitary and very professional! Jon did my first piece it was a small quote and priced perfectly! Amazing shop!!

From Greenville, SC. Best tattoo shop Ive been to. Staff is personable and the overall experience is great. Isaiah did a complete re-drawing of an original image in order to keep the image the same size but change the detail around. The result was better than the original and I am more than pleased with the result. Definitely the best shop and artist. Will only go here for any future tattoos.

Gregg is the man!!

My sister and I are visiting from out of town. we wanted two simple tattoos. No shading only lines. It took them 30 minutes to draw up two inch tattoos. The lines were not even on my sisters drawing. She asked if that would be even on the real tattoo. It is a lifetime commitment. They found us too picky and said they couldnt work with us because we wanted straight lines. Although they claim to have the best artists in the world. cute you guys. continue turning down easy clients because you cant draw a straight line.

Highly recommend this place!! Super friendly and welcoming staff, and atmosphere.

Definitely the best shop in town

Great service, exceptionally helpful in designing with your input, and thoroughly professional. Ive had my tattoo for almost ten years, and it has minimal fade or bleed.

I love Empire Tattoo, and Im glad that Im finally writing the review like Ive been meaning to. I have 4 piercings (my septum and three cartilage piercings) and I am about to get my 2nd tattoo from empire and the service rocks. It is a very personal experience that I would suggest to anyone. Everybody is really nice and willing to listen to what you have to say. Theyre really patient and do a very good job about educating you on care information. Dont be afraid to ask questions, they will answer them for you!

Went with my wife to get a piercing and the service was excellent. Gary was friendly and conversational which helped my wife relax and the entire process from start to finish took 15 minutes. He was thorough with follow up instructions and advice. I would absolutely recommend this shop.

Empire is a nice and it is clean. The artist I had could try a better personality.

We were in town for vacation and decides to get some work done. Isaiah was probably the best tattoo artist Ive ever had experience with! The entire staff was excellent. Highly recommend!

Best place in Asheville #1

Got piercings. Came our great. Great service and they take walk-ins. Saw a couple of tats while waiting and they were extremely well done.

I got my conch pierced by Greg, great experience! Super affordable. The staff was friendly and answered all of my questions.

Professional People very helpful about my inquiry

Really nice and helpful staff! I love my first piercing, and I will be back when I decide to get more lol

Best~Artist~8n~Asheville #fsb @frogsportsboards

Great experience. Went for my 30th birthday with my sister to get matching peach tattoos. Josh was professional, fun and did a great job!

You guys rock! Thank you. My daughter got her nose piercing done for her birthday and is overjoyed with the outcome.

Best shop in the state. Ryan Fink is the man to see for the highest quality work you can find. Entire staff is professional and easy to work with.

Greg did my nose piercing and was totally awesome. This was my second one; first one not done by Greg didnt work out. He has adjusted the jewelry so that I dont know it is there, and the long end does not ever hang out the end of my nose which is so gross. He is a terrific piercer and a really nice guy. Yes. See Greg.Also, he has you use a gentle saline solution afterwards which works really well and is better than all the other stuff my first piercer had me use.

Great vibe, good artists. Will be back and get some serious work done. Isaiah is ON POINT! Very good atmosphere all around.

Short: I am a nurse. It was my first tattoo. I was nervous. Turned out great! Not so short: My best friend (of 35+ years) and I wanted matching friendship tats so we drove about an hour to get there and we were walk-ins. We had a picture of what we wanted and Ryan took a few minutes to draw it up, shrink it down, and make sure we liked it. He was patient, answering all our questions and took time to explain everything he was doing. His work area was clean and I felt safe. If I were to get another tattoo (unlikely - just because I prefer to live pain-free, lol) I would go back to Empire and Ryan.

Great experience

These guys treat you like family I got all my piercings done here.

This is a great business. I got my nose pierced here a few years ago and took my daughter to get hers done today. Wonderful folks!

Best Tattoo Studio in this area! I would highly recommend this place to anyone! The best tat shop & artist I have ever been in! Super professional & friendly!

Walked in today to get a quote on a very simple script fill on my wifes wrist. Dude we talked to was very dismissive. We wouldve spent up to 200 bucks for a 30 minute job and left knowing we will never walk back in. Very disappointed and could not recommend based on our experience. We were the ones asking to redo the outline of four cursive letters on my wifes wrist. This was for our 10 year anniversary. Not. Good. We will happily spend our money with someone else. Have a good Memorial Day weekend.

Love it. Got an amazing piece done by Ryan. 100% think you should check them out. Great atmosphere. 10/10

Greg did a phenomenal job on my piercings. I will definitely return!

I went here to get my first tattoo and I had an amazing experience. Isaiah is a great artist and guy in general and makes sure to take great care of your tattoo and make sure he does it perfect. I will be going only here for my future tattoos.

Fantastic shop. I have been going to Ryan Fink for years and his work is phenomenal.

The people were very welcoming as soon as we walked in. I got the daith piercing and Greg done my piercing, he was great. Very informative and professional. The place was very clean. Thank you all.

If you want a quality low price tattoo, i highly recommend that you go to Empire Tattoo! Really cool people that are part of the experience too!!