Melrose Tattoo Shop

Dean is the shit! He has such a steady hand and I am still so in love with my tattoo that I got years ago. I get so many compliments on it and I can’t wait to go back and get a new one.

Got my first ever tattoo here, and I’ve gotta say I’m beyond impressed at the attention to detail that Dean had when he was applying my tattoo. I’m a tough customer but this guy is definitely the guy to go to if you want miniatures and fine line work. I’ve never ever seen quality quite like this and my buddies are all extremely tatted… Dean… Thank you!!!

Keep an eye out for this location — It’s an upstairs unit, look for the yellow «TATTOO» sign that can be seen right from Melrose. Cross streets are Stanley or Spaulding (one is light one is residential)
* TIP: I always have luck parking in a meter spot on Stanley *
Melrose Tattoo has been here for nearly 20 years and deserves the utmost levels of recognition and respect. In my experience here, I’ve worked with the extremely pleasant and professional Dean Berton, the owner himself. Making an appointment with him was no obstacle, as it often happens at other shops.
I had my image well planned and requiring some tweaking. Dean was incredibly accommodating and not one sigh was heard from him. He flipped the image to face the other way and completely customized the text, still keeping it accurate to the logo, which I was very stubborn about. He re-​drew the piece several times, never making me feel bad for asking or like I was inconveniencing him. It seemed as if he was as passionate as I was about it coming out just right.
Dean was very detailed and particular about everything — Getting the drawing to my satisfaction, the placement and most importantly, the line work. The lines in my tattoo are so thin, straight and even, the perfection is admirable. I couldn’t be happier with the service I received and the outcome of my tattoo.
Delirium Brewery themselves, right out of Belgium, saw the work and said «That looks awesome! Congrats! Beautiful work!»
That right there is an impressive accolade.
See Dean Berton, you won’t be sorry. Tell him Kat sent you ;)

A hidden gem on Melrose Avenue. I’ve gotten all of my tattoos done at Melrose Tattoo and I honestly couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. The owner, Dean Berton, is truly the nicest guy you’ll ever meet, and his traditional work is among the best in the business. With flawlessly steady lines, and unbelievably long-​lasting color, my very first tattoo still looks every bit as good as the day he put it on me. He is also, unofficially, the definitive source of information for all things Dodgers or Kings. If either team is playing at the time, you can be 100% certain that the radio will be tuned to the game during your visit. Color commentary is complimentary. The other artist in the shop, Christina Ramos, is amazingly talented and her incredibly realistic tattoos are a perfect complement to Dean’s old school style.
If you want a ridiculously overpriced tattoo from a bougie Los Angeles tattoo shop, there are several to chose from; I won’t name names. But, if you want a tattoo that you’ll absolutely love and be proud to show off, but that doesn’t break the bank, then Melrose Tattoo is your answer — low in pretense, high in quality, and fair in price. Go check them out… you’ll be glad you did.