The Jade Buddha Tattoo

    Claimed
    $$ Tattoo, Piercing
    Open12:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    Services Offered

    Verified by Business

    Nose Piercing in 18 reviews

    Navel Piercing in 9 reviews

    Tongue Piercing in 3 reviews

    Lip Piercing in 1 review

    Ear Cartilage Piercing in 11 reviews

    Nipple Piercing in 4 reviews

    Ear Lobe Piercing in 2 reviews

    Back Dimple Piercing

    Review Highlights

    Location & Hours

    Map

    4660 El Cajon Blvd

    Ste 203

    San Diego, CA 92115

    47th St & Menlo Ave

    City Heights

    Mon

    • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Tue

    • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Wed

    • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Thu

    • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Fri

    • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Sat

    • 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    Open now

    Sun

    • 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM

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    Amenities and More

    About the Business

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allan S.

    Allan S.

    Here at Chimera Tattoo Gallery (formerly The Jade Buddha Tattoo) we specialize in tattoos and body piercing. All of our talented artists together cover a huge range of tattoo styles, and we only use the best tools in the industry to bring our customers the finest work they can get. Local Artist owned small business. Serving San Diego since 2016 Call us today to see what we can do for you.

    Ask the Community

    • Q:

      Is the snake eyes piercing/tongue tip piercing available here?

      A:

      Not anymore! After much consideration we ruled out it was not a safe enough procedure to be deemed a "permanent piercing" so we don't perform them any longer. Even when placed well its not a piercing that really agrees with anyone's body.

      Allan S., Business Owner 
      3 years ago
    • Q:

      What size gauge do they use for cartilage piercings?

      A:

      16 or 18 is most common

      Allan S., Business Owner 
      3 years ago

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    Overall rating

    143 reviews

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    • Photo of Lucy D.
      Lucy D.
      San Diego, CA
      139
      16
      22
      May 19, 2014

      Went in to get double forward helix piercings done. Christine did my piercings, very sweet and informative. She had a client right before me but the wait wasn't long at all, she was quick. I was expecting the piercings to be a bit more painful just from reading up and watching online videos of experiences people had when they got the same piercings done. Majority of them stated it was quite painful. But surprisingly it felt like a regular ear lobe piercing to me. No bleeding, no swelling, no pain! Definitely check this place out if you're interested on getting piercings or tattoo work done, they offer great prices that won't put a hole in your wallet.

      Double forward helix piercing
      Double forward piercing by Christine
      Helpful 3
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    • Photo of Kendra H.
      Kendra H.
      Northridge, CA
      3
      10
      6
      Jul 3, 2014

      I recognized the shop due to the previous shop, DTS. However it was shut down for whatever reasons. But I'm glad to see that the shop is up and rolling with a new manager.

      I came in for a tattoo that was not finished by a previous tattoo artist who was obviously taking advantage of my money by not being able to finish within 2 sessions that I had. I know that in order to have a really good quality tattoo, you'll have to spend a lot of money which I was willing to pay for. It was ridiculous that I spent more than $600-700 for outlining, a few on shading & color and a rose -.-

      I messaged the shop via Facebook to get a quote on my unfinished tattoo. The person managing the Facebook's page was really nice and helpful. He explained each of the artist's specialty which are either Jack or Lee. After sending my pictures and all that, it was such a hard decision to choose Jack or Lee because I've seen both of their portfolios an they are amazing but in the end I chose Jack to finish my tattoo. I notified that they will be dealing with a deaf/hard of hearing person (me). It wasn't a problem for the shop or for Jack because they gave me Jack's number to text which is much convenient for me as I suck at understanding people on the phone.

      Days later, I saw the Tap Out Challenge on Facebook which got me to thinking that I should take it instead of a regular tattoo session. A tap out challenge is a 9 hours of being tattooed (anything you want and like) from the moment the shop open to when the shop close. In return for achieving the challenge, you get a free shirt. The best part is that it only cost $400 for 9 hours, flat rate! Not many shops can do that deals often!

      When my best friend and I came into the shop to make a deposit & confirm for my tap out appointment, this guy, the tattoo apprentice (I assume), was there and he was really cool and nice. Very cute, I must say lol. Lee was also there to discuss about a tattoo with a person. They were really cool with us. Lee being the most interactive person, he was eager to learn and know about me and my friend. After leaving the shop, I notified Jack via texting that I'd come through on my appointment day. We both felt that cool, homely vibe from the shop which is good because not a lot of shops can give off that kind of vibe.

      On the day of my appointment (6/28/2014)
      I was excited and ready to finish my tattoo! There are private rooms for each tattoo artist and piercer, which was nice so that I didn't have to worry about strangers staring at me. I came here with my friend waiting for Jack to get started. The whole set up is SUPER clean. He was so awesome interacting with me and my friend thru the whole session like, he knew to look at my face to talk to me or use gestures when I didn't understand him. I could tell that he knew how to deal with deaf people. That's a big plus for Jack and his customer service! I was kinda a big baby throughout the session because my skin was so raw and it hurt like a b**** -.- Jack and Lee were so nice in asking me and my friend if we wanted anything (food &/or drinks) from the liquor store. In the end, Jack finally finished my tattoo and did a much better job than my previous tattoo artist. :D

      All in all, my experience here at the shop is truly amazing and I'm definitely coming back here for more!

      The result of my tattoo (:
      This is the result of my previous tattoo artist who took advantage of me (it was only 7 hours & almost $800 -.-)
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    • Photo of Hailey Z.
      Hailey Z.
      San Diego, CA
      0
      1
      Jul 31, 2019

      i got a piercing here and they were super nice, professional, and their pricing (at least for piercings) were very reasonable! i reccomeneded this place to all my friends because its affordable for students but it doesnt sacrifice quality.

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    • Photo of Erin A.
      Erin A.
      San Diego, CA
      28
      3
      1
      Dec 1, 2015

      I met Allan S at a friend's party and he noticed my wrist tattoo and asked me about it. I told him I'd gotten it in August 2014 and it had faded and now looked like a scar instead of what I'd intended! He took my number, followed through and I ended up with a much more beautiful version. He created the exact teal I wanted and it was about 50X less painful than the first time. He also took the time to explain dermals to me as well and also scarification. It was very clean (and as a microbiologist myself that was the first thing I was looking at). Everyone working that day was super professional and also really chill. You could tell they all really like each other and their work environment. 100% happy with Jade Buddha all around. Ask for Allan S, he does beautiful work and is a dope ass mofo just as a human.

      before and after. Custom color. Awesome. Thank you Allan at Jade Buddha!
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    • Photo of Jenna L.
      Jenna L.
      San Diego, CA
      1780
      177
      119
      Mar 17, 2016

      Amazing service! I got my tattoo of my ex covered up finally and they did an amazing job here! I'm definitely coming back to get a piercing soon.

      Helpful 5
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    • Photo of Stacy S.
      Stacy S.
      Spring Valley, CA
      163
      5
      1
      Apr 12, 2017

      Just got my second lobe holes pierced and they're fantastic! Great atmosphere and terrific artists with a chill atmosphere!

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    • Photo of Lauryn S.
      Lauryn S.
      San Diego, CA
      1
      16
      7
      Aug 15, 2017

      I have worked with Allan and he is great. He was very patient with me and took the time to make sure the tattoo I wanted came out perfect. I was nervous at first but after he got started it was really fast. Also he has Netflix in case you will be there for a long time.

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    • Photo of Jennifer P.
      Jennifer P.
      San Diego, CA
      137
      4
      Jul 17, 2017

      Got my nose pierced. First time ever getting a piercing & it was done perfectly. Kind staff! Overall great service would decently come back!!

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    • Photo of Kaylanne S.
      Kaylanne S.
      Rolando, San Diego, CA
      14
      24
      4
      Nov 12, 2016

      Alan rocks! Great atmosphere! Great prices! Very professional and home like feel. Thank you so much for tattooing us!

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    • Photo of Daune K.
      Daune K.
      City Heights, San Diego, CA
      13
      11
      1
      Nov 21, 2013

      Great spot!!!!
      The artist are experienced
      Very clean and the prices are reasonable and the staff is helpful I will be back
      Thank you guys so much!!!

      Helpful 1
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    28 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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