WORK
Blackwork, Old School, cover ups, and piercings that keep Bakersfield coming back.
ABOUT MAD DOG TATTOO
A long-running Bakersfield shop where art meets skin and the focus is real work, not trends.
Mad Dog Tattoo has been the bedrock of Bakersfield’s 19th Street since 1994. We were here before the digital age, and we’ll be here after. We are the city's oldest dedicated walk-in shop.
Specializing in Black & Grey Realism, Elite Script, and Traditional American work, our philosophy is simple: tattoos should look like tattoos—bold, clean, and built to survive the Bakersfield sun.
Services include hyper-realistic portraits, custom lettering, industry-leading cover-ups, and professional body piercing.
We’ve been featured in local news for our aggressive stance against online scammers. At Mad Dog, we protect our client's money and their skin. We don't do DMs, we don't do digital deposits. You walk in, we work. Owner Marc DeLeon wouldn't have it any other way.
SERVICES
The core menu Mad Dog offers—no fluff, just what they actually do every day.
Custom Tattoos:
One-off pieces built around your idea, placement, and style.
Flash Tattoos:
Classic designs when you want something ready to go.
Cover-Up Tattoos:
Transforming old or unwanted tattoos into new work that fits your skin and story.
Tattoo Touch-Ups:
Sharpening older work when time has worn it down.
Aftercare Products:
Shop-recommended products to keep fresh tattoos healing properly and looking bold.
Body Piercing:
Professional body piercing in a studio environment.
OUR TEAM
The people behind the machines—artists and piercers who keep the chairs full.
Marc DeLeon
Founder & Owner. The pioneer who established Mad Dog in '94. Ensures every piece of work meets the 30-year shop standard.
Smitty
The Master of Realism. Known for high-impact black and grey stone-statue sleeves and hyper-realistic detail.
Maidenfang
Custom Illustrative specialist. High-contrast designs that follow the body's natural flow.
Jeff Steele
Veteran Specialist. Elite hyper-realistic animal portraits and traditional realism.
Our floor also features dedicated body piercers and rotating guest artists. No appointments—just walk in and talk to the crew directly.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Straight answers for Bakersfield tattoo collectors.
How do I book a tattoo at Mad Dog?
We are a walk-in shop. Simply walk into our studio at 1218 19th St between 11 AM and 8 PM. We do not handle booking via DM or online apps.
Do you accept walk-ins for tattoos and piercings?
Yes. We are Bakersfield's oldest dedicated walk-in shop. We keep our floor ready for spontaneous projects every single day.
How do I avoid Mad Dog scammers online?
Never send a deposit online. We do not use Cash App, Venmo, or PayPal for deposits. If someone asks for money online, it's not us.
PRICING
Final prices come from the artist after hearing your idea; these are just guidelines.
Single session tattoos: Small to medium pieces quoted per design and time.
Larger projects: Sleeves, backs, and multi-session work planned directly with the artist.
Piercings: Price depends on placement and jewelry choice.
Deposits: Required for bigger work to hold your time, applied to the final total.
BOOKING
Old-school booking: call the shop or walk in. Use the form if you want to send a quick idea first.
Phone: (661) 322-8282
Address: 1218 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Scam warning: If it's not this number or this address, it's not Mad Dog.
LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN BAKERSFIELD
Serving: Downtown, Oleander-Sunset, Westchester, East Bakersfield, Oildale, and Kern County.