Tahiti Felix’s Master Tattoo & Museum Est. 1949

San Diego, United States

4.9

Closed now

20 reviews

Does not accept credit cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 619-239-2684
Website:
www.mastertattoo.com
Address:
924 5th Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101
b/t E St & Broadway
Gaslamp
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
690 ft5th Avenue
890 ftCivic Center
0.4 miCity College
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
No
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
By Appointment Only
No

Today

Today 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (San Diego) 1:53 AM Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Business hours

Monday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Voted #1 in 10 best Vintage Tattoo Parlors in the World!

With over 1500 sq. ft. we are now able to showcase Tahiti Felix’s entire collection spanning over 80 years of original tattoo art, machines and artifacts you will not find anywhere in town!

5 Full time artists each specializing in a specific style. From straight up American Traditional (Sailor Jerry), Illustrative Traditional, Portrait, Black & Grey, Japanese/​Asian, New School and script/​lettering. Your design or ours. We have heaps of reference & can assist you in bringing your idea to reality.

In addition, we also carry shop shirts, the Tahiti Felix Collection Vol. 1 – 3, Tahiti Felix Acetate Collection Vol. 1 — 2, Hail to the Old School as well as TNS Industries Tattoo Skatedecks designed by tattooers from all over the world!

History

Established in 1949.

Downtown San Diego’s oldest & only tattoo museum was established in 1949 by «Tahiti Felix» Lynch and remains family owned and operated to this day. Our gorgeous 1500 sq ft. museum is proud to showcase SD’s largest collection of original vintage hand painted tattoo flash, machines and tattoo related articfacts spanning over 80 years.

More than 90% of our entire studio is showcased with orignal flash from the artists’ that worked here like «Lefty» Al Miller, «Tiger Bob», Old «Doc Web» & «Capt. Jim» Marlonson to name a few as well as originals from Tahiti Felix and son’s Maurice and Hiro Lynch. — When it comes to «Old School» — this is it! When in San Diego… make sure to visit this piece of San Diego & West Coast tattoo history and perhaps even get a tattoo!

Meet the Business Owner

Gil T.

Business Owner

3rd generation owner with over 20+ years of tattooing experience as well as a rich part of San Diego’s tattooing history, Gil’s expertise is traditional americana similar to the artwork known famous by Sailor Jerry Collins. Bold, Bright and Neat is Gil’ mantra not to mention, many the stars have visited his shop including the legendary Tommy Lee as well as celebs, sports figures and musicians either playing a gig at nearby House of Blues or attending Comic Con just at the other end of 5th Ave.

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20 reviews of Tahiti Felix’s Master Tattoo & Museum Est. 1949

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Spring Valley, CA
So I walked into the shop just looking to get a quote on a tattoo I was thinking about getting. Before I knew it I was sitting with Al about to get inked for the second time.
Al was a great guy to work with — he has over 2 decades of experience so he knows what he’s talking about. It was a fast process and I was comfortable the whole time.
Overall it was a really smooth experience and I will most likely make this my go to spot for future tattoos.
Place rating: 5
El Paso, TX
I was a walk-​in and they were able to fit me in which was awesome. Oldest tattoo shop in San Diego and for a good reason. The tattoo artist was gentle and help me ensure I was getting exactly what I wanted. 80 dollar minimum but you get what you pay for so don’t be cheap. Shop specializes in American traditional but they can do anything you ask.
Place rating: 5
Escondido, CA
Went in last minute to get a tattoo and I’m very happy with how it came out! Very personable staff and I am excited to come back for more. Hendo did a great job, thanks for the awesome service.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Artist Zack was fantastic. He did tattoos for me and my annoying best friend and handled her pain in the butt perfectly. Of all my tattoos the one he did is hands down the BEST quality. His line work is so clean. I love it so much I plan on returning to him soon for more of the same. Highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I’ve gotten a few pieces done by Phil Hatchet and he’s literally the greatest tattooist I’ve ever seen/​met. His work, and this place in general, is not cheap, but you have to remember this stuff is going to be on your body for the rest of your life. Make it count, get something you’ll love forever!
Place rating: 5
Jacksonville, FL
I got nine tattoos in 12 weeks when I was stationed at USMC Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion, Camp Del Mar. Every last one of them was a work of art, thanks to my buddy Gil. I returned every year I trained at Pendleton to get at least one more. Love this place.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I was referred to this place by my barber who is an avid tattoo consumer. I came here with the recommendation of getting Phil Hatchet. I got a piece done on my thigh that’s about 9 by 4 inches and in color. Everyone here was helpful and friendly not to mention the piece came out better than I had expected, it was vibrant, defined and absolutely amazing. Along with the cool vibe and fun people who work here it’s the oldest Tattoo shop on the west coast! My piece was fairly priced and well worth the time and money! I totally recommend this place to anyone who is serious about their tattoo and looking for an A+ high quality tattoo.
Place rating: 5
Sparks, NV
Great place to go, bomb shop, and chill tattoo artists! Quality of tattoos are stellar, and if you’re looking for clean, solid work; Josh is the artist to ask for.
Place rating: 5
Dallas, TX
I’m in San Diego for work and finally had the time to get a tattoo I’ve been wanting for months. Rick Schenk was there as a guest artist for the week and I’m so glad he did my ink! He gave me EXACTLY what I asked for. Amazing work! Everyone was great! Professional staff and spotless shop! If I’m ever in San Diego again I’ll be be back for more! Thanks Rick! Follow him on IG @rickandvinegar
Place rating: 5
Spring Valley, CA
This is the best shop in San Diego! Phil is amazing on every level! He always delivers a badass piece of art.
Place rating: 5
Costa Mesa, CA
Came in on a whim and got helped by Shawn. Amazing work and loved the atmosphere. Felt welcomed which is all I could ask for. Truly and thoroughly satisfied. Highly recommended. Would come back again.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!
My bestie was in town for Thanksgiving and naturally we wanted tattoos! After being to 2 other tattoo shops we were still not happy with the artists.
After randomly seeing Tahiti Felix we knew this was the place to be! The artists were nice, welcoming and does amazing work! We were helped right away with a smile and laughs. The vibe of the whole shop is chill and vintage! I mean, they have been in San Diego since the 40s so of course it has to be the best!
I got my tat done by Phill and I will be coming back for more by him. So sweet and very light handed! My tattoo is perfect and I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else!
Come here today!
Place rating: 2
Redondo Beach, CA
A gritty little store front shop with no address displayed to cause a person to pull their hair out. Cordial staff, dark atmosphere and deafening, vulgar rap music that left my ears ringing for a couple of hours. I had a much better experience at «The Good Life» tattoo shop in Lemon Grove (free parking!). Sometimes the name really does speak for itself. Expect to pay at least $ 10 for a public parking spot as well. You can fit in the bathroom here if you’re 5’9″ or shorter and weigh less than 140 pounds.
Place rating: 5
Nestor, San Diego, CA
I absolutely love this place. I got a piece done today by Josh and its perfect! For the price that he charged me the tattoo itself is super clean and I love the colors he used! As for the shop itself… it’s a super cool vibe, the other artists are really friendly as well as entertaining! Ill definitely be back again real soon. Thank again Josh your awesome
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
SB Mike was awesome! He came in early on a Sunday to take care of us. He did an entire cover up in 2 hours and the detailing is great! I will be going back (The name and cherries were covered up with the anchor).
Place rating: 5
Silverdale, WA
I went to this place yesterday… and the place is awesome. The scene inside is mixed with retro old skool Sailor Jerry kind-​of tattoos displayed everywhere on the walls which was pretty cool. I had some ink done by Josh Ortiz aka «Bunz» (how do I even know that, because I saw it posted on the walls of his workspace). Anyways, he was great. Since its been awhile since I’ve had any ink done, I was acting like a big wuss, but he helped me get through, talked with me the entire time. He has gentle hands and is not heavy handed so the pain wasn’t excruciating as I imagined it would be. Lol. highly recommend this place, especially him, for tattoos.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
This place is amazing. I was referred by a friend and went in to get an estimate to fix my horrible tattoo. So I went in and got a lot of «you want to fix that» lol. I was so thankful for their patience. The guys there are amazingly friendly and they do take walk ins which is great!
I was referred to Al and he was there. Took a look and had me sit down and let him take a look at my foot! He did a hand sketch and gave me an estimate. Went back in and got it done. It looks so beautiful! I love it!
The guys are up to a challenge tell them what you want Done and it’s done! Def. going back for more!
Place rating: 5
Montclair, CA
I was really nervous going in here to get my first tattoo. While on a two day trip in San Diego, I stopped by and met Henry and Monica! They were the best! They made me feel at ease and so comfortable.
My sister passed away this July and I wanted to get a tattoo to honor her. I told Henry that I wanted a purple orchid with her name. He sketched out a beautiful design that I fell in love with.
I’m not going to lie, it tickled a lot in the beginning, but once I got use to it, only a few spots really hurt. But in the end, it was so worth it! I love my tattoo! I highly recommend Tahiti Felix’s to anyone looking for their first tattoo or to add to their collection.
Thank you, Henry and Monica for making my first tattoo experience a memorable one.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Four of my family members have been tattooed here. Henry has tattooed both my husband and me and we were both extremely happy with our ink.
The shop is clean and professional and you’ll get a fair price. Work stations are a little cramped though.
We’ll be back to see Henry for more ink.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Henry is my go to guy for all my tattoos. When he left his previous shop, I followed him here to Tahiti Felix Master tattoo. His work is impeccably clean and crisp with every attention to detail. On top of that, he is a really good guy and easy to talk to. My sessions with him are nothing but a lot laughs and awesome work.
If you’re looking for a clean shop with an awesome staff and a good vibe look no further. Make sure you ask for Henry.