Trader Bob's Tattoo Shop

Fantastic experience: Matt was fantastic. We had an idea of what we wanted but needed help running our ideas into proper designs. Matt worked with us over multiple sessions to make designs we were truly happy with. We are very happy with the results.

Fantastic experience: Was a walk in and got a tattoo done by Jake and it was the best experience! The girl at the front desk was so welcoming and kind and got us waters while we waited, I didn’t catch her name but she was awesome! Jake was fantastic and I’m in love with my new ink. Amazing work. 100% recommend and I will be coming here for all my tattoos in the future :)

Fantastic experience: It's been years many years I'll be going back to a name tattoo in Aug I wouldn't go anywhere else that was 30 yrs ago

Fantastic experience: Got my first tattoo here. Something small behind my ear. Tyler was my artist he was great.

Fantastic experience: Trader Bob's is a St Louis Icon. Every artist is insanely talented and you will not get a bad tattoo here.

Fantastic experience: All of the artists here are phenomenal! Not only do they do great work but they take the time to make sure you have the most comfortable experience possible. The desk person, Kat, was super nice as well. Matt killed my tattoo!

Fantastic experience: My boy Matt Crary is the only person I will let tattoo me! He is professional, safe and very experienced in his profession. Matt has the ability to adapt to various styles and takes his time to make sure the piece is exactly what his clients want. I rave about him to everyone who asked! Check him out! He is the bees knees, the cat’s meow! 10/10

Fantastic experience: People where super nice and was just a clean nice place to get some ink done.

Fantastic experience: ive been getting tattooed here since i turned 18. everyone that works here is & always has been so nice & welcoming. ill always recommend trader bobs to anyone looking to get a tattoo (and apparently piercings now?? its been a while since ive been haha)

Positive experience: I went a few months back and got a medium-sized flash design from their wall priced at $100. In the middle of my tattoo, the artist got up for a 'bathroom break' and ended up taking 30 minutes. After finishing, I go up to the counter, and the receptionist quietly mutters '$300,' this being my first tattoo at the time, I didn't say anything and ended up paying/tipping. I definitely should have said something because how does a $100 flash design on THEIR WALL turn into $300 I am very happy with the work, though.

Fantastic experience: Always a great job. I've been a few times, and no issues. Came in with my own picture, and Tyler improved on it and delivered amazing work. They do a great job of accommodating walk-ins. Will definitely be heading back.

Fantastic experience: I was lucky enough to find the super talented MP_Inks on Instagram and she had this beautiful piece available. She was able to get me in same week. She is very respectful and helpful with any questions or concerns you have. Out of all my tattoos experiences she was by far the best. I highly recommend her and the staff at Trader Bob's. Fantastic crew all around.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to get a tattoo, and theyre doing body piercings as well now. The location is true to the neighborhood(50 years and going strong!) And has done a great job on many tats for me since the mid 90's. Matt Crary did my tat today and was great to work with. His talent, skill and commitment to customer satisfaction were top notch. His communication and preparation are amazing. I cannot recommend them highly enough!

Fantastic experience: I was a walk in today and I absolutely fell in love with this place! Shauna at the front desk was so comforting and friendly! Metal was my tattoo artist and she was phenomenal! She transformed my lonely dragon tattoo into something beautiful and magical, embracing the book nerd that I am. Thank you for your work and for being so supportive and kind! I’ll never forget this experience!

Fantastic experience: They now have PIERCINGS!! Rhonda is literally the best piercer I’ve been to. I’ve been seeing her for a couple of years now and if I’ve ever gotten a piercing in the past I’ve gotten light headed or fainted and not once have I felt this way when she pierces me! She makes me feel so comfortable and is so professional, she will let you know if something wouldn’t be a good fit with your anatomy or healing process and find an alternative to make you happy. I went in today for their 50th anniversary to get an ‘Ashley’ piercing and she did it so smoothly I didn’t even feel it. She was the first female body piercer in STL so trust me when I say she is the absolute best!

Fantastic experience: I had the best experience at Trader Bob's! John designed and completed a coverup tattoo for me and it came out flawless! Everyone at the shop was super friendly and accommodating and the prices were very reasonable. I will definitely be back for my next tattoo!

Fantastic experience: Came in as a walk in and received friendly service that was way quicker than I expected. My artist was able to come up with the perfect design from my inspiration photo and the tattoo came out wonderful. Love my new tattoo!

Fantastic experience: Everyone is nice and all rounded in styles and honest

Fantastic experience: Walked in for one, walked out with two. Thinking about proposing, but want to take things slow.

Fantastic experience: Pretty cool place to get tattoos all the artist do great work. I got a tattoo in 2021 and it still looks amazing

Fantastic experience: Great service. Kind and considerate. Answered all my questions and made sure I was happy. Thanks, Jake

Fantastic experience: My husband and I came in as walk-ins. We were greeted by the best person to have as the face of a storefront. He told us about the shop history, the other parlors associated with Trader Bob’s, and that we would leave there as family. Well he was right. Not only were we thrilled with our tattoos, but the people who did them were amazing. We felt so comfortable and had so much fun. We both said we would definitely be back. We wouldn’t go anywhere else

Fantastic experience: I’ve gotten two tattoos here and have always had a great experience. Personally get work done by Matt Crary, super nice guy and really skilled work.

Fantastic experience: My younger brother and I got a matching tattoo. We wanted something to match and remember our brother by. We lost our brother recently, and having a tattoo felt like we could have something to look at to add in his honor and to glimpse at to always have him close by. Our brother was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. A family member drew up this mock version, and John cleaned it up to fit where we both wanted it place on our arms. John Schaberg was amazing, and his patience made the experience a relaxed one. John made us feel like we were all that mattered while we were there. John wanted to ensure we had a great experience. Also, John was very sincere in wanting to make sure every time we looked at our arm, we would get a glimpse to remember our brother. The facility was clean. The surrounding staff were extremely friendly. The clients coming and going all came in with smiles on their faces and left with even bigger smiles. John was phenomenal, and I am very thankful for his time. I would recommend this place anytime to anyone looking to get their first or to add a tattoo. Thank you so much, John!

Fantastic experience: I was glad I picked Trader Bob's the artists and receptionist were real upbeat. I enjoyed my time in the chair. Happy 50th. Here's to another 50

Fantastic experience: My best friend and I were in town this weekend for a concert. We ended up deciding to get tattoos and our experience was awesome. Matt did our tattoos and he was so nice and did a great job! Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My best friend and I had an awesome experience getting tattoos together this weekend. We had tattoo artist Matt and he was awesome! This was my first time ever getting a tattoo and he made the experience so fun! Highly recommend this place!

Fantastic experience: I got my first tattoo and had an amazing experience. I was able to walk in, and it was a short wait. I didn't have any reference photos, just an idea in my head. Dusto nailed the design and did a beautiful job with the letters. Even the ends of the handwriting fade out like writing with a pen. I'm obsessed and already planning 3 or 4 more and will definitely go back. I've been three times now and another great tattoo. Amazing work here!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place with friendly people! Absolutely in LOVE with the colors on my new piece! <3 Will absolutely be coming back

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love this shop! Cody was my artist and he did the greatest job on my tattoo I've been wanting. I will definitely be back to have him do more ink. He is very professional and his work is amazing. The overall service and vibes of this shop is by far the best place I've been to. Thank you Cody!!! <3

Fantastic experience: The OG. They are all talented and friendly.

Fantastic experience: This place has some of the best artists around! Everyone there is very friendly and super helpful. My favorite place to get tattooed. I've only had beautiful work done!

Positive experience: The location is sketchy and the day we went there was an event. We got referred to another tattoo shop so I can't fairly speak on their work but the staff was very friendly and helpful even though we were just doing a walk-in.

Fantastic experience: I've been tattooed by three different artists at this shop and beyond happy with all the work I've received!

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff. They were super accommodating!

Fantastic experience: Visiting St. Louis on a girlfriends getaway trip. Finally decided to get our friends tattoo. Googled Trader Bob’s. They were great! Our artist, Cody, was super friendly, interactive and professional. Everyone in the shop were very personable. It was a great experience.

Fantastic experience: Cody gave me my very first Tattoo today, he calmed me by joking with me and my friends. Great customer service by him and the young lady at the desk. Thanks for giving great service!!

Fantastic experience: Appreciate Gr8 atmosphere & wrk if my tat wht a Gr8 first time for me getting back into getting tats!

Fantastic experience: Oldest and best tattoo shop in town. Everyone is a complete pro. Nothing but good vibes.

Fantastic experience: You can’t go wrong. Great service, good people, excellent work. The front desk folks are the best!

Fantastic experience: Just simply put AWESOME!!! I found my new shop!!!

Fantastic experience: Ethan and Tyler did excellent work. Tyler even made major modifications to the design I brought in for my eagle tattoo to fit the space better. Really impressed with them

Fantastic experience: The artist made my daughter feel very comfortable and it was great work!

Positive experience: I got my first two tattoos here in 2021 (and I’m just now writing a review‍♀️). First of all, I love the shop, I love the vibes, and the pricing is pretty fair. My first tattoo came out amazing, but it was done by a guest artist who is located 2 hours away. My second tattoo is from someone who still works at the shop, but it is easily my worst looking tattoo. I showed my inspiration picture from Pinterest, and I ended up getting literally the exact picture (which was not what I had in mind, I was hoping for something creative and along the same lines). But I just went with it because I was a walk in and they were busy. The tattoo colors will not hold, even after touching it up, plus he went super deep in my arm, in a pretty sensitive part of my arm as well. Overall, I do like the shop and I would go back, but I would go for a specific artist, rather than just a walk in. Plus, it is cool to say that I got a tattoo from the oldest shop in St. Louis.

Fantastic experience: The BEST shop I have EVER been to . And I been to alot . Tha artist are all soo amazing !!!!

Fantastic experience: We had the best experience here. The staff was extremely friendly and professional. We walked in on a whim to get tatoos, celebrating my kiddo's 18th birthday. I will definitely be back. Highly recommend this business. John was fabulous!!

Negative experience: It is an appointment needed business but having to contact the artist and no response is not good for business Waited too long to get the design I will not go back

Fantastic experience: As a fellow tattoo artist out in Union Missouri, I stopped in to check it out, and am completely sold on this shop. Good people, great artists, friendly, supportive, and overall everything a shop should be. Their extremely high reviews, would only be surprising to somebody who hasn’t been there, and met them.

Fantastic experience: You won’t believe it but they put ink into your skin and you can’t wash it off no matter how much ivory soap you use at granny’s. I got my wedding ring redone at Trader Bob’s and they did good. It’s $100 minimum but well worth it. Grandma said I should just use a sharpie every morning or force a ring on that too small so it’ll stay on forever and use the $100 to invest in QVC, the wave of the further. I told grandma that I wasn’t buying anymore George Foreman grills for her friends and their panini club. Anyway, go see the folks at Bobs. They are nice, they’ll tattoo ya and it hurts. Don’t forget to Tell them granny sent ya.

Fantastic experience: Great staff. Our artist (Matt)took the time to make sure out design was exactly what we wanted. Matt was great, did 3 matching tattoos for my Mom, my sister and myself. I love it.

Fantastic experience: So, my name is Matthew. I had received a tattoo from Joey (feather fingers). Great guy, went back and scheduled with Matt because Joey had left. They have an all around great shop and it has been around for a long, long time. If your looking for great work and aren't going to complain about prices, perfect place. Just a word to the wise, never negotiate with your artist on price. They are providing art. The price pays for that. If you try and negotiate, some will...but your work will suffer.

Fantastic experience: Classic old school street shop that offers custom designs too. St Louis' oldest tattoo shop too!

Fantastic experience: Was the greatest experience I have ever had ....

Fantastic experience: everyone was very friendly and I'm extremely pleased with the work I received. I'll be back for my next tattoo, for sure

Fantastic experience: Gotten tattooed here twice by walking in. Everyone is very friendly and the tattooists are very talented. I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I got my arm tattoo done here many years ago but to this day I look down and point it out to the people close to me and I have no problem telling them that this business done it for me for a fair price I always recommend this place 100% look forward to my next visit to the location for this specific reason I love you guys keep up the great work ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Negative experience: About a year ago I came in hoping to get VIII.IX.MCMXCVII tattooed onto the side of my hand and along the pinky. I was informed that the tattoo would be difficult to do because there's no bone in that area however I have seen pictures of other people who have tattoos in that particular area. So instead of getting the tattoo I wanted where I wanted it I was told that it would have to be placed somewhere else. After settling on having it on my right wrist the tattoo artist then proceeded to put it onto my left wrist not only did he screw up the position of the tattoo but he also left out the MCM claiming there was not enough space to put the rest of it however now that it's done I can see that there is plenty of space to have the rest of my letters. I didn't complain as it was much too late to do anything about it. I decided to work around the mistake and change the meaning of the tattoo to suit the position of the tattoo and I was going to remain a customer of this tattoo shop in particular (being that they gave me my first tattoo) but now I am thinking about getting more tattoos but I'm hesitant to use them again because of this which is also why I didn't say anything until now. Would have given 1.5 stars.

Fantastic experience: Amazing job !! Everyone was so friendly and nice and John was awesome! He listened and was so understanding when I walked to move my stencil and made sure I was happy with it and that it was spelled right lol 10/10 would recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Matt was super amazing - he did matching tattoos for my best friend and I and it came out exactly how we wanted it to. He also walked us back to our car because there was some sketchy behavior at the 7/11 next door. Thank you again!!

Fantastic experience: Loved the artist, Tyler, he did a wonderful job combining a watercolor and traditional tattoo I requested (especially for being a walk-in). Highly recommend this place!

Fantastic experience: I was very impressed with the work I had done Already planning my next piece

Fantastic experience: So far so good. Great customer service

Fantastic experience: It was a cool lil place not that these are bad, but wear a mask & shld bring only 1 or 2 ppl w/ u

Fantastic experience: Got my tattoo there and it's beautiful! Matt did an awesome job!

Fantastic experience: Love the place will be back for more when time allows

Fantastic experience: Had some stylized initials added as a banner under my preexisting tattoo. Tyler was affirming, encouraging and very detailed. The whole thing took an hour door to door. Price was very fair. I would recommend him to anyone. (I attached a foto - there's some slight blurriness due to the freshness of the tattoo, which is covered in aquafor)

Fantastic experience: Had the pleasure of having Featherfingers do this fine piece of work. Very interesting guy to talk to while he's working and does probably the finest detailed tattoos at least in the st Louis area. I definitely recommend you come to him for your next or first piece. He also does amazing Asian style tattoos.

Fantastic experience: Had to do a walk-in on this visit, didn't have to wait too long. The artists were really lovely to work with and I'm very happy with my tattoo and the changes that they were able to make and discuss with me. Just waiting to see how it's going to heal up and see if I need any retouches or not but I think it looks amazing!

Fantastic experience: Had a great time. Tyler is an excellent artist highly talented

Fantastic experience: I qas able to do a same day appointment. It went great.

Fantastic experience: Always a pleasure with Ryan Brown!

Fantastic experience: Got exactly what I wanted and they were extremely nice to work with

Fantastic experience: Mike Woods is one of the best in the business

Fantastic experience: What a wonderful experience! Friendly staff.. talented artists! Matt did an amazing job on drawing out the tattoo I've dreamed about for years! I plan on going back to do matching tattoos with my daughters in the future!

Negative experience: It started with a misleading phone call on their walk in policy. Strike 1. The receptionist is extremely stern and cold. No TV, no snack and no fun allowed while you wait for your tattoo. Strike 2. The tattoo artist was very expensive. I have 3/4 of my body inked and I've been everywhere. This place is expensive. Strike3. The artist would not tattoo up my neck even though the back of my neck and behind my ear I'd already inked and again I'm almost totally covered. Strike out! So, no fun, bad atmosphere, no music playing, super expensive.

Fantastic experience: I have about 30 tattoos and almost all of them are from different states and artists. Trader Bobs has given me several phenomenal tattoos, the service is great, friendly and fast. I have nothing to complain about. Worth the price every time.

Fantastic experience: Love this place! My friend and I went here for a late-ish walk in and they were so welcoming. I was tattooed by John and he was so professional and so skilled. I love my tattoo! My best friend was tattooed by Matt T and hers is so beautiful as well. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I got a tattoo from this guy from this shop 20 years ago, he was in a trailer down in Lesterville at a festival, it was reasonably priced and he did a great job...not sure if he's still around, he had long dark hair in a ponytail. Just called there the other day for my daughter, but we gotta wait a few weeks till she's 18.

Fantastic experience: The entire staff is very friendly, the shop is very clean. I've had five tattoos done by Mike, he always give me his honest opinion & help me create the perfect tattoo for me... He's the only person I want working on my sleeve. I truly do enjoy coming to this place.

Negative experience: I got a tattoo on my wrist & the line work is not good at all. Also the tattoo artist told me that his lines could only go down to a certain size which is understandable but not if it’s the size of a 5 gauge needle.... once he started it was too late in my opinion so I had to let the awful art go on me! I’m okay with it but just warning others these guys like todo what they want and not listen to people’s opinions... or what they want...

Fantastic experience: Best place to get those tattoos you like in STL.

Fantastic experience: Friendly with great artists and great understanding of what you want or need.

Fantastic experience: Nice, like beyond polite and so so pleasant. Legitimate high quality customer service. I’d drive by a lot of tattoo shops to get to Trader Bobs. Price is a little higher than some others, but you get what you pay for. Detail and line work is phenomenal and it appears each artist takes plenty of time to make sure your body art is perfect. Plan to spend a bit longer than usual there, but it’s a small price to pay for such lovely work. Shop and bathroom were spotless. Street parking wasn’t terrible. Overall a wonderful shop that deserves all the business.

Fantastic experience: I got my first tattoo today. Great vibe, and everyone made me feel right at home. Matt was my artist and did the design I brought in to perfection. Already working on my next piece. Thanks Trader Bob's.

Fantastic experience: These guys are great. Brought my mom here for her first tattoo. She was a walk in but they treated her like a long time customer. Super friendly, accomodating, and clean.

Fantastic experience: Matt T is the best. He has done several of my tattoos, including my latest cover up. He makes you feel comfortable, is really helpful and always goes above and beyond. I will always go to him for my tattoos!

Fantastic experience: Great people good prices. Great work by Ryan brown

Fantastic experience: They do some of the best tattoos I have seen!

Fantastic experience: Trader’s Bob was a total joy the entire time! Matt was my tattoo artist and we had a blast the entire time. His work is top notch, he is super friendly, made me feel comfortable and had me laughing the whole time. Taylor the receptionist was an absolute sweet heart and right as I walked in I knew it was a great shop. Not to mention the shop’s Covid protocols were still very much in place and made it safe for everyone in the building. Being from out of town that made me feel good. Anytime I’m back in St. Louis I’ll get a tattoo at Trader Bob’s.

Negative experience: My friend and I went to get an easy small/medium sized friendship tattoo that was an outline from a famous artist and 1 color. We've both had many tattoos before, and I have some pretty big pieces with lots of color done. This was BY FAR the MOST EXPENSIVE tattoo we've either received. The price wasn't told to us before hand, and we were absolutely shocked. For LESS THAN AN HOUR OF WORK, for the 2 of us, it was $300 plus tip. It literally took the artist 40 minutes to compete both tattoos. I will NEVER go back to this place, or recommend to anyone to get a tattoo from them. They were crazy expensive, and should've talked about the price before overcharging us so we could've just gone some place else (we literally thought it would've been $150 for both tattoos). Aside from the price, yeah, great lines and professional seeming environment, but there's a lot of places in St. Louis and Illinois that do the same work for much cheaper.

Fantastic experience: This is like the heaven of tattoo shops. Open 7days a week, very very cool staff, reasonable prices, knowledgeable and experienced artists, walk ins on point. BIG shout out to Joey Featherfingers for my masterpiece!!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely in love with the tattoos I have recieved here. I could not be happier with them! Very clean place and all the artist make sure they are clear on what you're wanting and how you want it to turn out before starting.

Fantastic experience: The whole staff , from the front desk to the artists are super friendly, super professional, and it's a very clean studio. All of the artists know what they're doing. Matt is our guy and I never leave without being extremely happy with every part of my tattoo.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly, professional, and understanding. Ended up waiting for quite a while but it was well worth it. With tattoos its always worth the wait. Had a great time chatting and relating with the artist. Extremely clean, kind, knowledgeable and professional. Looking forward to coming in again.

Fantastic experience: TBobs is always my go to place for ink when I am in STL

Fantastic experience: My favorite tattoo shop in St. Louis!

Fantastic experience: Great people, amazing conversation, top notch shop hands down 5/5

Fantastic experience: Ive gotten 3 tattoos via Trader Bobs. It is defintiely my go to shop in St.Louis. Very cool and historic vibe once you walk in, and usually not a long wait, but definitely call ahead. Dave Morgan, Matt Klein, and Ryan Brown are some if the best artists in the area. Shop minimum is $100 and they do take credit. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Awesome historic shop. Employees are very nice they were a big help.

Fantastic experience: I just got my first tattoo yesterday & I had the BEST experience. It started with Devan at the front desk; I was definitely nervous and she helped calm me down!!! Then, John did my tattoo & he was amazing!!! He sketched out EXACTLY what I wanted & then brought my dream of honoring my late dog to fruition. He was calming & extremely passionate about tattooing. Overall, I had an AWESOME experience & would HIGHLY recommend John at Trader Bob’s!!!