Big Joe & Sons Tattoo & Body Piercing is Westchester's oldest tattoo parlor, family-owned and operated for more than 50 years across three generations. We have an expert staff of artists that specialize in an array of styles, from traditional to realism to custom work. We are open daily 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
You can book an appointment by phone, email, or in person. Walk-ins are welcome. We also have a full-time piercer available daily with no appointment necessary. The original shop was founded in 1969 by Big Joe Kaplan, established less than a decade after the New York City tattoo ban of 1961 and operated legally just outside city limits in Mount Vernon, NY.
You can book an appointment by phone, email, or in person. Walk-ins are welcome. We also have a full-time piercer available daily with no appointment necessary. The original shop was founded in 1969 by Big Joe Kaplan, established less than a decade after the New York City tattoo ban of 1961 and operated legally just outside city limits in Mount Vernon, NY.
Services
Reapply ointment 2-3 times daily whenever tattoo appears to be dry or flaking. This will prevent a thick scab from forming. Apply a small amount of ointment; too much may cause a rash or slow down the healing process. Follow directions until tattoo is healed (10-14 days). Failure to do so can jeopardize the healing process and cause loss of clarity and brightness in your tattoo.
Call us at (914) 644-8222 or stop by during shop hours to book an appointment or check walk-in availability. We will get back to you with the next available appointment. If the tattoo is larger, we ask that you first come in for a consultation, which do not require appointments. A deposit ($50-$200, depending on tattoo size) is required within 24 hours of booking an appointment.
Reviews (18)
B. H.
Jan 24, 2022
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I went here with another person who was getting the tattoo. The end result was just OK but I would stay away from Big Joe.
For starters the price quoted and the price at the end was off. The guy did 1/3 the work then asked about the price we were quoted and stopped doing the work came up with a higher price and was like you sure that's ok?? You want to proceed? I mean you did 1/3 the work already I would imagine most people would proceed right.....not sure if honest mistake or a tactic used.
The place is extremely small and unorganized. The employees are rude and unfriendly. Not a single
For starters the price quoted and the price at the end was off. The guy did 1/3 the work then asked about the price we were quoted and stopped doing the work came up with a higher price and was like you sure that's ok?? You want to proceed? I mean you did 1/3 the work already I would imagine most people would proceed right.....not sure if honest mistake or a tactic used.
The place is extremely small and unorganized. The employees are rude and unfriendly. Not a single
Kai G.
Nov 03, 2021
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For Piercing: If you have a nickel allergy, don't go here. I expressed over the phone I had a nickel allergy and was told there were non-nickel options. Great! I went and waited only to learn the price of a single gold earring was $125!! If you don't know a lot about piercing, that's crazy expensive. Seriously, like hipster NYC piercing studio pricing. I have never heard of a tattoo shop charging THAT much. No sterling silver or other non-nickel options, only titanium (which has nickel) or overpriced 14k gold. I was told to go to the Galleria to a place that offers ear piercing services
Katherine A.
Oct 31, 2021
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Sophia G.
Aug 21, 2021
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I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. Got my naval piercing done by Sheila 2 months ago and my experience was less than stellar. I came in with a few questions knowing this was a big decision for me and I wanted to know her expertise on placement and such. She was very impatient and straight up told me I had scoliosis??? I understand if my spine is a little uneven but who are you to diagnose me? (According to my doctor also don't even have scoliosis to be clear) She told me it would be uneven when I sat down so I asked if there was anything I could do about that, maybe change the
Sydney F.
Jul 07, 2021
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Ashna K.
Jun 24, 2021
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Victoria C.
May 22, 2021
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Kate H.
May 13, 2021
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Been coming here for over 11 years and this shop has been nothing but fantastic. Sheila has done over 7 piercings on me and I've gotten 3 tattoos (with a lot of black work) in this shop. They all came out great as I've FOLLOWED THE STEPS FOR AFTERCARE.
I'm not sure why there are bad reviews but I'm assuming it's either because people don't know aftercare for their piercings/tattoos or they're not patient. I understand how the shop can get busy sometimes but that's because it's on one of the busiest streets in White Plains.
I'm not sure why there are bad reviews but I'm assuming it's either because people don't know aftercare for their piercings/tattoos or they're not patient. I understand how the shop can get busy sometimes but that's because it's on one of the busiest streets in White Plains.
Nina R.
Feb 24, 2021
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Went for a belly button piercing, wasn't asked if the placement was ok beforehand but unfortunately (due my own inexperience) I thought nothing of it. Navel was NOT pierced - my stomach was. The only reason there are 2 stars is because I went back and the piercer explained her placement kindly - however after extensive research & talking to another piercer I realized it was done completely wrong (not the correct bar for the location and well... NOT IN MY NAVEL!) I don't like doing these reviews but if your belly button is not obviously showing or you're a curvier person beware
Joe D.
Feb 07, 2021
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The artist was very talented, patient, and knowledgeable. However, the woman at the front desk charged me $100 for a 3x2 inch tattoo that took 45 minutes to complete. She also claimed that the credit card machine was broken, so I had to pay cash.....I was very disappointed with my experience for that reason.
Anna D.
Dec 12, 2020
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This place is amazing. 5+ stars. I'll definitely be back. Sheila, one of the piercers, is an Angel. She helped me with my nose piercing with such grace, kindness, and ease when no one in other piercing shops would. That goes a long way these days. Everyone else in this shop was super friendly and patient and the place was clean. Thank you so much for the service. I'll definitely be back and be recommending this spot for all future tattoo and piercings!
Camryn C.
Nov 30, 2020
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Super disappointed. Just came in to buy ear jewelry. The piercer offered to put it in which was awesome, but she was barely wearing her mask. But the real reason for my review is about the jewelry I bought. It discolored and rusted in my ear and infected my tragus piercing that I have had for 5 years. When I took it out to change it I noticed pieces of paint from the jewelry coming out of the hole in my ear... looked at the earring and it's now black and rusted. It was gold when it was put it. I never thought for a shop that offers piercings that I would be sold something so cheap and bad
Eliana B.
Nov 20, 2020
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Liandra T.
Aug 18, 2020
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Jeff M.
Jul 31, 2020
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I did a great deal of research on a number of tattoo parlors in White Plains area and many people suggested Big Joe and Sons. I was told to specifically request Adam. I could not be any happier with his patience, focus and effort. The attention to detail was exceptional as evidenced by the accompanying picture.
Cynthia C.
Mar 18, 2020
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Got my tongue pierced three times here in 2018. Very negative experience all three times. But in my defense, this was one of my first piercings so I didn't know any better or did much research. I know that's on me. With that being said, I just felt very rushed as if they just wanted my money and to get me in and out as quickly as possible. The vibe of the shop didn't make me feel very comfortable at all. Staff wasn't very nice. Felt like I was given a lot of attitude as if I was bothering them by coming in to get something done. I know other people have had a much better time
Greenie G.
Sep 15, 2019
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Matt C.
Dec 29, 2018
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My review is based on a admittedly visit from many years ago. As seen in the photo, it is for a Japanese Symbol Tattoo (only Black work), which I had done on the calf of my leg. The Line work is not consistent or clean and the fill in completely is both blurred and has multiple empty spots to make it look extremely sloppy and amateur. Having received many more significantly better executed pieces. I must say that this simple piece was a hack job. Remembering my experience, it was nothing but rude, pushy with a tough-guy arrogant attitude. At the time I thought that it was what you had to