Quite easily the friendliest tattoo shop I've ever been in, Trader Bob's was awesome. Everyone was smiling and happy as they worked. I had a quick tattoo done on my inner ankle and the price was fair and the artist worked with me quite a bit on ensuring it was exactly what I wanted. He worked quickly but precisely and I am super happy with the results. Will go back for more ink when I feel the inkling :) Read Less

I had a simple finger tattoo done by AHMED and it the ink on some of the letters and numbers bled.Ok seemed like an easy fix. But this jackass kept avoiding me NEVER returned 1 phone call or even e-mails trying to fix it or make it right.After 3 months of this bullshit i had to have it fixed by a real artist. I give this experience a ZERO.Im sure there are good artists there, must have all been at lunch. Read Less

We came as a group of 5 women to get matching tattoos and had an amazing experience. They were totally accommodating and so fun! The lady up front entertained us while we waited and was just a genuine and kind person. Read Less

SOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN ANY OTHER TATTOO SHOPS. Went here for my 1st tattoo and I loved it. The crew is so cool and they’re awesome people. Ahmed is a great artist, he’s done my entire back piece and he is very accommodating. Read Less

I'm SUPER tattoo picky and have been to like 7 different artist however Joey is now my FAVORITE! And probably who I will stick with for the all rest of my future tattoos. Very friendly, reasonably priced, and really listened to what I wanted and worked hard to make his work reflect that. If I could give him more stars I would. However. I brought a friend to get a tattoo from this shop and they had a artist in from out of town that did her tattoo, it didn't heal to well and needed touched up but no one in the shop would touch it up apparently until he came back in another like 6 months so instead of walking around with a kind of messed up tattoo she just payed to get it fixed at another shop, that was a little disappointing for me considering I did tell her to go to Trader bobs and then all this happened. Long story short love this place still but probably won't go to anyone else but Joey for my tattoos. Read Less

I’ve gotten quite a few tattoos here, big and small, and every experience has been great! Super laid back atmosphere with an old school feel but everything is clean and not grungy like other “vintage” feel shops I’ve been in. Whether you’re doing a small walk-in tat or a bigger piece, the artists are all excellent and make sure you’re comfortable and happy with your tattoo. They are also excellently priced - I’ve never felt over charged by any of the work done here. Will always highly recommend this as the best tattoo shop in STL! Read Less

We typically go to Lucky Cat studios, so we were concerned we wouldn't have the same rapport with the artist. That trepidation was immediately alleviated when Kelly (the receptionist) greeted us. The entire staff was friendly, and Matt (our artist) was as kind and genuine as you could hope. The tattoos he did were amazing and we truly look forward to going back. I can't recommend them enough. Read Less

I have had two large pieces completed by Omar, and my third is in progress. Everyone at that shop is a a professional, from the artists to the front desk. Each time I have come in for an appointment, the shop is is always buzzing, yet every client is treated with dignity and respect. When it comes to artists, Omar's work is incredible. If you are even considering getting a tattoo, please check them out. Good tattoo's aren't cheap and cheap tattoo's aren't good. Read Less

The tattoo convention in San Angelo was great. Especially cuz I got to meet Joey. He did a wonderful job on my tattoo and I couldn’t be more satisfied. Thank you Joey and we for sure will come visit one day!!! Read Less

Ryan was my artist and he did 2 small wuick tattoos for me he took the idea i gave him and made it even more awesome plus I was worried because its my first visible tattoo all the others are easily covered but I am proud to show off his work they look great !!! Thanks Ryan and Thanks to Kelly at the front for getting us in! Walk in days go earlyRead Less

Great experience.  The shop is clean and the atmosphere is fun.  All the staff is professional and interested in doing the best tattoos an making clients comfortable.  Mike Woods took care of me with a difficult tattoo of my vintage Gibson guitar & did a great job.  I couldn't be happier. Kelly at the front desk is friendly and keeps things on track.  Very satisfied and I'll be back. Read Less

My experience at Trader Bobs this past weekend was probably the most amazing I've ever had. I went out on a limb to see if any artist could take me in last minute, and they DID. Jesse Gordon was my artist, and not only was he friendly and hilarious, my piece turned out more amazing than I expected. And Katie at the front was extremely welcoming and funny too and entertained while I waited for Jesse to draw up my piece. I will forsure be returning here for anything in the future. Thanks so much to you guys I'm in love with my tattoo. Read Less

I had an excellent first experience at TBobs today. They took care of me from the moment I stepped in the door and made me feel welcome (unlike other places I’ve been). Joey is a catdude who loves doing cattoos and I would highly recommend his quick feathery work. Read Less

I love Trader Bob's tattoos! I've gotten 4 tattoos from here, and always have a wonderful experience. Workshops as a woman, they make me feel comfortable and safe. I've never felt intimidated here, or that the artists were pretentious. Read Less

These guys & gals are professionals and they're a bunch of great artists! This super clean  shop is the place to go for great ink in St Louis! I've been to this shop for a couple of pieces with Alan...when he wasn't able to fit me in one day, he hooked me up with another artist (mike) and his work was phenomenal too! This is definitely my go to/recommended shop - if anyone asks where to go I'll be sending them to Trader Bobs! Read Less

The best in Stl.   Just got my 5th tattoo there and Ahmed was awesome once again.  I'm a pain in the ass and he was so patient with me. After 32 months of trying to figure out what I wanted to honor my Father, he nailed it. I will be back for more. Read Less

This place is amazing!! I won't get tattooed anywhere else. All of the artists are great, very friendly and very talented. Omar Powers is my guy...for a custom piece, I wouldn't go anywhere else. He just started a tribute piece for my mom. I came in with an idea, he turned it into a masterpiece. I actually teared up when I saw it for the first time. For tattoos in St. Louis, look no further than Trader Bob's! Read Less

My best friend and I hadn’t seen each other in 5 years.. and when we both finally had time to meet up we called this shop and asked if they had time to do two little tattoos, they said heck yeah come on in. Patience did mine and Billy did my best friends. They are absolutely perfect and he even walked us to our car after. This is my new permanent tattoo parlor. THANK YOU for your amazing skills and amazing hospitality. Read Less

Got a Tatoo from Omar & man I love it. So happy we made the drive down to St. Louis it was defiantly worth the 3 hour drive. Everyone is really nice and the artwork is amazing. Defiantly would recommend.Read Less

I've been coming here for a few years and have been tattooed by pretty much everyone, great place, super welcoming and fun! So much history in the shop! The price point was reasonable and I just can't get over how nice they are! Read Less

I'm not sure how this gets five stars from so many reviews. The artists and chairs are packed like sardines.My girlfriend and I went in for matching tattoos. Our design was about as simple as can be (a circle with three arrows).The lines in my tattoo came out well, but I have never been gouged so deeply (and I have 7 tattoos).My girlfriend's tattoo came out sloppy (and it isn't exactly fixable). The guy who tattooed her was cracking jokes and entertaining the whole room. No wonder her lines weren't clean.The shop wasn't dirty, but it wasn't quite as pristine as other shops. I almost gave this place three stars because my tattoo looks good but I couldn't do it. Read Less

First time at Trader Bob's but definitely won't be my last. The absolute NICEST staff of any other shop in town. I felt like we were old friends from the moment I walked in! Hey Kelly, Bob and Jen will be back! Read Less

The sign outside says it all... "A St. Louis Original" THE place to go for tattoos. All the fellas here do some amazing work, so you really can't go wrong. They are really big on walk-ins, but some of the guys have special days for appointments, and pretty much all of them are willing to work with you on bigger pieces that may need multiple sessions to actually finish. Anyway...this place is awesome, from the uniqueness of the shop, to the friendly and helpful and extremely talented artists, I would say this is the first place to check out if you're looking to get a new tattoo. Read Less

St. Louis finest artist reside here. Great work, friendly staff, clean environment, and creativity at it's finest. Walking in the you're eyes are greeted by a variety of fascinating pictures and artwork from the artist. Behind the scenes you can see the artist at work intensely focusing on each piece making sure every detail is where it should be. Whether it be an appointment or a walk in the getting in is not a problem come up with your own idea or have one created for you either way the guys here will get the job done in a neat and professional manner. They'll give you a tattoo to remember and that you're sure to love for years to come, stop by and see the trader bob family it'll be a visit you won't regret! Read Less

Walked in with no appointment. Was greeted by very friendly receptionist, I believe her name was Kelly. She helped me immediately and just a few minutes later was assisted by the artist Mike. Very friendly and professional. I had no picture other than in my head. He designed it after just a brief conversation and nailed it! He pleased an old woman with OCD. Very beautiful tribute piece too my dad .... So thank you so much for something so important! I love my new artwork will be returning again soon with my daughter to get similar piece. Read Less

I've been tattooed a bunch of times, but I've rarely found a shop where the people were friendlier, more accomodating, or wanted to make sure you got the right piece from the right artist than I found today at Trader Bob's. One of the best tattoo experiences I've had. Super clean shop, super talented artists, great conversations. Joe was excellent. I'll be back. Read Less

Decided to spur of the moment get tattoos. Ended up finding it Trader Bob's online. Went in for walk in around 2 on Sunday. They got us taken care of promptly. It was a clean establishment, with very personable employees. Was tattooed by Jesse and Joey. Have reasonable prices for the work. Will definitely be returning. Read Less

Hubby and I walked in, spur of the moment decision. Read some reviews, figured I'd just be talking to an artist. Waited my turn, spoke to "Jesse" about it, showed him my ideas and before I knew it he had it drawn up and ready to go. Fantastic guy! He listened to what I wanted and offered his advice as well. I couldn't be happier. ❤️ I'll definitely go back to him! Read Less

Jesse just gave me a small exclamation point on my ankle. I was in the chair for less than 5 minutes - my tattoo was small, and it looked so good. My friend got a bigger tattoo on her shoulder and her artist was so detailed and nice. They even walked us to our car when we left because it was past closing time. I will definitely be coming back. Read Less

I had my bird tattoo done on my foot by Joe Cumbee. I was really nervous and he made the process a lot of fun! Even though it was really painful he helped take my mind off of it! I couldn't be happier with the end result! I will be coming back to see Joe for sure!!!! Read Less

Great environment and highly skilled artists - laid back, but professional place of business. The cost is worth it for a piece you will have for the rest of your life. Would definitely return here if we find ourselves back in the area! Mike worked with my indecisive self to come up with an original piece and I couldn't be happier with it! Read Less

I walked into this shop with no research about it while my band was on tour. I got a small piece at the minimum price and the line work and shading are perfect/more than fairly priced. I was pleased that it's a mostly traditional style shop. The girl at the counter shared its history of being one of the oldest shops in the west, who started it, and showed me 70 year old flash on the wall. If I'm in St Louis again I will get more tattoos here. Read Less

Came here for my very first tattoo, and I couldn't have had a better experience. The whole staff and environment are welcoming. They make sure you feel comfortable before, during, and after inking. Bill was my artist and was so patient and friendly, even when I asked him to redraw the tattoo a few times. I would definitely recommend this shop! Read Less

It was my first tattoo and it was absolutely amazing! I love my it, thank you, Victor! The session was absolutely painless and it surprised me. Now I'm looking the mirror and don't regret about my decision to do it :) Read Less

My niece and I arrived around 6:30 on a Sunday as walk-ins. We weren't sure they would be able to get both our tats done but yeah they did and they did an excellent job on both. The shop is not in the best neighborhood and it was after dark when we were finished, the guys insisted on walking us to our car to make sure we made it safely. Very courteous, friendly and OH YES...talented!!!!! Read Less

I got a tattoo here back in 2010 and it was an awesome experience. My artist was Pepto. No idea if he's still there, but everyone that was there was hilarious and accommodating and made me feel completely at ease. Especially considering it was on my ribs, I was incredibly nervous. Read Less

If you want a quality piece of body art with some of the best people you could hang around for hours, this is your jam. Kelly and Nash rock out the hospitality while the guys witty banter keeps you well entertained! Be ready to shower these dudes with coinage but you're tattoo will look phenomenal and top notch! I'm a client of Omar and Bill and they kill it with the detail of their work. Read Less

I just got my first tattoo yesterday. I walked in every was so nice and cool. I went in to talk to Omar about when he could do a tattoo for me and when he said he isn't available until march I said we'll let me see some other peoples art work. He was so chill and recommended Mike who I went with! Dude was so cool. He worked fast and did an amazing job he can do shading amazing and lines even better I just got a black and grey tattoo but he can do so much more. Mike is awesome! Read Less

I got a tattoo here back in 2010 and it was an awesome experience. My artist was Pepto. No idea if he's still there, but everyone that was there was hilarious and accommodating and made me feel completely at ease. Especially considering it was on my ribs, I was incredibly nervous. Read Less

Best tattoo place in St Louis!!!  Why you ask?  Because everyone is so nice and they all take the time to work with you !!!    I was not sure what I wanted or where but Joey took the time to work with me and I felt was very sincere and honest!!!    I have been to two other tattoo places in Missouri,the one on High Ridge would not even work with me and my friends since he felt we were old!!   Pretty much told us don't let the door kick you in the ass- another one told my daughter " sorry I won't work with sorority chicks- but Trader Bobbs was so welcoming and I loved them all!!    Honestly Joey kept making sure I was ok- he was so funny and very light touch- and the tattoo came out phenomenal!!  I love it.    Honestly best place to go!!     Oh and they do fine line too!!   I'm going back and bringing my friends!! Read Less

Had an amazing experience with my mom today. We were super nervous about getting tattooed because we've both experienced some judgmental tattoo parlors (we don't look like we have any) but they were amazing. They worked with both of us to create what we wanted based off pictures. Very friendly. Very open minded. Best tattoo experience I've ever had. Definitely recommend and coming back Read Less

Went for my first tattoo recently and was not disappointed.  I've known many people who have raved about Trader Bob's, and fortunately it's right in my neighborhood.  The staff was kind, laid back, and professional.  Thank you especially to Jesse for the adorable bluebird - I have received so many compliments, and I'm excited to come back! Read Less

Trader Bob's has a customer for life! Walking in on a weeknight there was almost no wait. Joe Cumbee was welcoming, knowledgable, and put me at ease. Unlike some other tattoo shops in the area, Trader Bob's is focused on making sure the experience is great no matter how large or small your tattoo may be. Joe even touched up some line work that had been bothering me on another piece. I can't thank them enough for the great experience, and I will be back for all of my future ink! Read Less

I just got an arm band..it says...love.family.loyalty. respect in italian....OMG MY ARTIST FORGOT A LETTER L IN THE WORD LOYALTY...ARE YOU KIDDING ME...HE INKED ME..COVERED IT AND I REALIZED WHAT WAS WRONG THIS MORNING...I'M PRAYING I CAN GET IT FIXED!!!! AND I PAID THE GUY 140.00$..BE CAREFUL OUT THERE FOLKS.....TRUST NO ONE!!! MY BAD...I WROTE THE ARM BAND AND HE DREW IT UP...I TRUSTED IT WAS WHAT I HAD WRITTEN DOWN..NOPE... Read Less

A few days ago, I got my first tattoo here, and I had an amazing experience. My girlfriend was with me, and I had decided that I was going to get a tattoo come hell or high water. (Keep in mind that it was 8:00 on a Saturday night AND there was a Cardinals game that had just ended.) About two hours prior, I had stopped in at TRX down the road, and they told me that they could not get me in, even though the tattoo I wanted was going to take five minutes. So, we grabbed dinner, and drove five minutes to Trader Bob's.Nash greeted us behind the counter, and we asked if they had any walk in time. He said since it was so late, someone might be able to get me in, but maybe not. We decided to stick around and wait. The whole time he was walking around and talking to the artists seeing how far along they were and if they'd have time for one more. Finally, Matt got me in. He was funny, he drew up exactly what I wanted, and got right down to business. Keep in mind, this was my very first tattoo, and I decided to get it on my ribs. He made me feel at ease and made me feel comfortable about being a tattoo virgin, and he kept me laughing, and even talked to my girlfriend while he was tattooing.The price was also super cheap. I only paid $50, the shop minimum, for my wonderful tattoo. I will definitely be returning for all my other ink. Read Less

As a tattoo collector, I sought out Omar. This shop is an awesome street shop. Walk in or set an appointment. I get to many shops around the country and exceptions are high when you visit nationally known talent. This shop met all of it. From the interior wall art, the front desk guy, the music, the T Shirt and sticker swag, the artists attitude and most of all cleanliness. St Louis has a gem in this shop that hopefully gets utilized. My tattoo turned out excellent. What stuck out the most was just the overall friendliness of every artist that I came in contact with. Great shop, highly recommend this place. Read Less

Besides a ""cold"" atmosphere neither of the two ""artist"" had any creativity or talent, and were pushy. I would not recommend. My tattoo and the tattoo of my friend were crooked & look like children did them. Read Less

I would recommend anybody going to Trader Bobs. Pepto did an amazing tattoo on my back and has lots of detail and he did an incredible job. Very professional place and clean. Do lots of research before getting a tattoo, I did and am so glad. I will never go to anyone else! Read Less

My mom passed of breast cancer and I showed up with no notice one afternoon they took me in, I told him what I wanted and he came up with a dawn picture. It was fantastic. I plan on going back to get something on me for my Pops. Read Less

I can definately say I was very pleased with Joe at trader bob. He did an awesome cover up for me. I thought I was gonna be stuck with the horrible tattoo I had but he hooked it up. My tatto is bright,unique, and you can't even tell it is covering anything up. It is pretty big and it was a reasonable price. I will be going back. Read Less

When i made an appointment at Trader Bob's for a shoulder piece, i felt no anxiety knowing that i would be in great hands. Matt was going to tattoo me, and i had total faith in him. Matt tattooed my boyfriend about 9 months earlier giving him an aborigini 1/4 sleeve and it turned about to be really unique and brightly colored. Giving Matt my ideas for a pixie on a lotus flower, he was back from the drawing board in about and hour with a beautiful rendition of my idea. we started and finished in a lil over an hour and she was beautiful. He accented the lotus in bright blue shades, and toned down her wings with purple, pink, red and orange. I am so blessed to have such a beautiful piece of art on my body, and even more happy to have an ORIGINAL PIECE. MY ADVICE, GET A TATTOO, BUT GET AN ORIGINAL ONE...BE UNIQUE! Read Less

Trader Bob's has been in business since around the 30's and is one of the oldest shops in America!! They have only had two locations (lost first one due to highway expansion) They are nice, friendly, very talented. Ahmed and Matt are the best! Ahmed tattooed my foot on Friday, took my sis back on Sat to see Matt for an ankle bracelet, then with my mother (her first) a few weeks later to get matching bracelets!! Only place I will send people for a tattoo!!! EXTREMELY CLEAN and sanitary.. very important to look for in a tatto shop.... don't go anywhere else!!! Read Less