South Side Tattoo is touristy. But that's not something they can be faulted for. They'll pierce/tattoo younger kids with parents present. The place is usually crazy packed unless you've scheduled an appointment. Not a place to show up out of the blue unless you have the patience of Mother Teresa.
That said, I got my first tattoo here, and it was my best tattoo experience to date. I got my family crest--which has considerable detail-- on my left hip in black and white. This is a BIG tattoo and I got it for $180. I consider this a huge deal. I've gotten tattoos half this size at other shops for $200.
Joe did my tattoo and it's gorgeous. They gray scale shading is perfect. After 5 years, it still looks great. Despite the intricacy of the Irish patterns and knots, he spaced everything far enough apart that when the ink spreads, as it does, that the skin would not appear gray where it should not.
The entire ordeal was awesome. I was comfortable the whole time, the place was clean, the staff was professional. I stand by this being great place but repeat that you won't have a good experience unless you put some planning into the process.