I've had many awesome experiences at Hot Rod in Oakland. I got my cartilage, belly button, and tragus pierced here on three separate occasions and each time, I felt like I was in good hands. I've also accompanied friends here for their piercings many times and they had similar experiences.
They're very thorough going over aftercare instructions with you, the jewelry selection is great and reasonably priced, and they help you take care of your piercing long after you get it done. There were a few times that one of my piercings was irritated or infected and I stopped in for some advice, which they always provided with a smile and free of charge. They even helped me change my nose ring a few times before I knew how to do it myself (and I didn't even get my nose pierced there!). Highly recommend! I'm deciding on my next piercing now and I'll definitely get it done at Hot Rod.