The. Best. Ever. James is super personable and skilled and very knowledgeable. There's not a question he can't answer and he's definitely the most expert piercer I've come across. He's found an amazing staff and has a great space. Rob completed one piece for me and I'm going back for more and his eye for color and design and ability to create beautiful pieces from vague ideas is awesome. Also a great person to spend several hours with. He puts up with my rambling, he's super interesting to talk to, and you can't even feel his needle. Love The Parlour Read Less

This studio can't be beat. From the #1 cleanliness factor, to the super personable and professional artists, and the infinite selection of adornments- there's nowhere else. I've been going to them since day 1, which has been over 4 years now. I've had a tattoo there and know many who are working on huge projects in there. But mostly I go there for jewelry. My ears needed special care for a long time, as I had been healing them from the signature Samppa Von Cyborg pointing. (3 years old this year!) James is the only person I trusted to help me heal, replace all my jewelry when the time came, and just completed a seamless ring project for me. I can't say enough about this place, and am so thankful we have this beautiful, proper body modification studio in our city. Read Less

100/10 would recommend, the environment is very clean and relaxed, the owner is amazing and answered all my questions and did a great job on my naval piercing. Couldn't say enough great things about the shop everything is extremely clean and this is now my go to place!! Read Less

This shop will become one of my go-to places. Living in Allentown, there is no shortage of tattoo shops but they are not at all equal. I was very happy spending my money and time here. Nicole provided a wonderful experience from start to finish. I called for a walk-in appointment and she saw me the next day at a reasonable time. She was polite, professional and easy going. I enjoyed the experience so much and brought my roommate back the following week for her birthday. The shop itself is unique and clean. We both had a great time and our pieces are healing beautifully. She was creative and open about the process, listened to our requests but made it her own. We will definitely be returning! Thank you, Nicole! Read Less

I didn't get work done here but I came to say that Rob is honest and legitimate. I went for a consult and he was very truthful in telling me that what I was looking for was not his style. He was candid about his own style and why he was not the best artist for my concept. He also pointed me in the direction of another artist whom he did feel would collaborate successfully with me and he was right! I nooope know what things would fall more in Rob's strengths and I would most certainly go see him for those but I was sincerely appreciative of and impressed by him. Read Less

Hands down the best experience I've ever had at a tattoo and piercing "shop" if that's even the right word to describe this awesome studio and it's aesthetics! The owner is an awesome guy who really informed me of all the in and out's of the beautiful selection of jewelry that was available, and the awesome services they provide! Everytime I go to Buffalo this is a must stop! Read Less

Very clean, and beautiful business! James was very knowledgeable and helpful when it came to piercing my daith as well as any questions I had about other piercings, and all jewelry. I will recommend him for a piercing, Everytime! Read Less

I got my septum pierced here today and it was an absolutely amazing experience. The owner is so kind and welcoming and really knows his stuff. The shot itself is beautiful as well. I am so happy with my piercing it was virtually pain-free and before he even began (James) he still realized my jewelry and gave me an in-depth overview of the piercing in the healing process. I highly recommend this shop to anybody especially if getting a piercing. I've never felt this comfortable before in a tattoo shop in the prices are awesome as well. Thank you so much James! Read Less

Love this place and the tattoo artists. If you’re contemplating getting your first tattoo or if you’re experienced, you won’t be disappointed. I personally worked with Rob and a year later, I am still just as happy and thankful I chose this shop! Read Less

I have been going to The Parlour for a little over a year now and getting work done by both Rob and Nicole. The shop is absolutely beautiful and extremely unique, nothing like any shop I have ever been to in the area. When you walk in, it has more of a spa feel than a place you would come to get permanent artwork. The owner, James is extremely welcoming the moment you walk in and also extremely knowledgeable in his line work work, piercings and modifications. I have also had my nostril pierced by James and he put me at absolute ease despite being terrified of needles. I barely felt it and he picked the most stunning gold pieces for each nostril and made the entire experience as pleasant as it could possibly be. I would highly recommend going to the shop whether you're looking for an amazing tattoo, a unique piercing or some beautiful custom jewelry, the Parlour has it all. Read Less

If you need a piercing James is your guy! He does a fantastic job. I absolutely hate needles so my first experience (triple helix) with a high traffic walking shop was a nightmare. I tried The Parlour for my next piercings (lobes) and felt completely at ease. The appointment only policy helps make sure each client gets the time they deserve, and allows you James to give the excellent service he is so great at! I just went back a few days ago and got a new conch piercing, there was a bit of a mix up over the appointment, but James got me in and did an amazing job. He really knows what he’s doing, and takes incredible pride in his work. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to put a piece of metal through my ears! If you want the best, than this is the place! They care about their clients and it shows. I couldn’t be happier with my piercings!! Thanks James!!! Read Less

If you need a piercing James is your guy! He does a fantastic job. I absolutely hate needles so my first experience (triple helix) with a high traffic walking shop was a nightmare. I tried The Parlour for my next piercings (lobes) and felt completely at ease. The appointment only policy helps make sure each client gets the time they deserve, and allows you James to give the excellent service he is so great at! I just went back a few days ago and got a new conch piercing, there was a bit of a mix up over the appointment, but James got me in and did an amazing job. He really knows what he's doing, and takes incredible pride in his work. I wouldn't trust anyone else to put a piece of metal through my ears! If you want the best, than this is the place! They care about their clients and it shows. I couldn't be happier with my piercings!! Thanks James!!! Read Less

I was here earlier this week to get a tattoo. The Parlour is beautiful, sexy, and unique. Has a great personality and is tremendously clean. We actually met on Match.com. Our profiles really seemed to fit one another's preferences. I think it's getting serious guys...like I think I've found my "one!"Also, Rob is amazing as an artist and is an awesome and interesting person. He's done another piece of mine before but not at this place. My best friend lives in West Virginia and will only go to him. So most of the time she comes up she's getting another piece. That says something! Check this place out and ask for Rob. You'll have to wait a little because he's usually booked solid but I promise you that he is beyond worth the wait. He's a big piece artist mostly so please be aware but seriously, check him out! Read Less

Extremely clean. The artist are some of the best in the buffalo area. I suggest Kenny if your looking for a tattoo from a person who's mind can visualize some of the most amazing designs/ diabolical pictures you can imagine. And anything he can draw on paper he can put it on your skin. Read Less

Amazing experience! The shop is immaculate, beautiful and calming. Such a great atmosphere. Nicole did a tattoo for me today and it was a great experience. She did everything to make sure I was happy with my tattoo as well as had a good experience! Her work is great and I cannot wait for my next one from her! Read Less

Been wanting to get navel piercing for the longest time and after researching for a couple of months, I found The Palour! It's a by appointment only place. I contacted them via Facebook messages and they responded really fast! The layout of the place is amazing. It's a little dark but has a really zen feel to it. I love it! James was super friendly the whole time and was explaining step by step what he was doing and answering all my questions. He even gave me a bottle of soap (for cleaning my new piercing)  at the end of it, gave me some tips on how to keep it clean. 2 months later and my piercing is doing totally fine and healed really well!! I highly recommend James for piercings. This guy clearly knows what he's doing. Read Less

If I could give The Parlour 6 stars I would. I travel from Vero Beach, Florida to see the incredible Thea Duskin for my tattoos. The shop is so inviting, beautifully decorated, and it is such a clean environment. The owner, James, and the entire staff, are so friendly and make you feel welcomed. I can't wait for my next visit! Read Less

Nicole is amazing at what she does!! She's so friendly and got me in right away with my tattoo idea that needed to be pieced together which ended up turning out sick!! I've had my eye on her work for awhile now and i couldn't be happier!!! and even better I was already able to book my next appointment !! Read Less

Getting a tattoo is so much more than just the finished job....it is an experience...an experience that weaves itself into the the very ink on your skin....it becomes part of the tattoo...from the esthetic of the shop and the atmosphere within to the people populating the various work areas.....I can honestly say my experience at The Parlour in Buffalo, Ny was one my best tattoo experiences ever....the shop itself is amazing...very well kept with a unique aesthetic ... the owner is a crazy cool cat that obviously loves his job....my artist Nicole was very talented....her touch is very precise...and she understands when to ease up and apply pressure at the perfect moments .... I have a unique piece that utilized a stippling technique reminiscent of pointillism....so the piece is not just solid shading....a complete first for my tattoo experiences.....her style, demeanor, and skill led me to make another appt and will be giving her my whole lower left leg for more of her artwork.......I love the tattoo/alternative culture....and it's easy to see The Parlour and it's employees do also Read Less

The Parlour of Buffalo elevates the standards of the tattoo and piercing experience. From the tasteful & classy shop design, highest quality jewelry to the outstanding tattoo artist. It's an experience not to be missed. Read Less

I went in on a Saturday to get my navel piercing literally before they closed at 8, around 630pm or so, and James greeted me right away. When I walked in, the shop had a cool, trendy vibe about it, I didn't feel like I was in a tatoo/piercing place. It's hard to explain, you'd have to go there to see for yourself how amazing it is. The floors are wood, so you have to check your shoes in at the door. Honestly, James, the piercer and I presume owner, was amazing. He made me extremely comfortable, he was knowledgeable, and so sweet. The piercing barely hurt at all, but I think it's because he did breathing techniques with me before he did it. I highly recommend this shop for piercings. I plan on getting my nose pierced next, and I'm definitely going to James again because after my experience, I will not want to go to anyone else! Read Less

I've been going to rob aka (donkey) for roughly 10 years for several tattoos. I travel over 4 hours from outside of Troy, NY because the quality and detail of his work shows and I trust any idea or work he is willing to tattoo! Everyone at the parlour has become like family to me. Hands down the best place to have any type of work done in the Buffalo area and quite possibly the state! Read Less

I have been working on a shoulder/arm sleeve with Thea for the better part of year. I'm here literally once a month. It is one of the most unique places I've ever been in. From the minute you walk into the door. It's a relaxing experience. The decor is beyond stunning and everyone is so nice, welcoming and professional!! I love my tattoo, and I'm sure once this sleeve is finished I'll be back for more!! Read Less

This is my go to place when it comes to piercings! James is absolutely fantastic, the place is immaculate, and incredibly well kept and decorated! It's not like other places where it's very busy, a lot going on, a lot of foot traffic, and tons of walk-in. James takes appointments to make sure each client has a chill and pleasant experience, and they don't feel rushed. The jewelry they carry is stunning. I have a huge fear of needles, but James put me completely at ease. He took his time to make sure I got exactly what I wanted, and I could not be happier! I recommend The Parlour to anyone, and everyone and definitely have plans to return. Read Less

I don't know where to start with this review. My experience here will change the way I feel about every business, regardless of industry, forever. They have taken a simple concept and made it into a masterpiece. I found this place on Yelp and saw it had five stars, so I decided I would check it out. I was amazed the moment I walked in the door. The decor is awesome; clean, well maintained, comfortable, and relaxing. It's easy to see they take sanitation very seriously. The rooms are comfortable and appear very clean and organized. They ask that you take off your shoes to help maintain the beauty of the floor which I know may seem weird, but it actually adds to the comfort of the place. It's a place that really brings out a sense of belonging. I was greeted just after entering by a very friendly guy, whose name I can't seem to remember at the moment (hating myself right now). He was positive and welcoming in a way that made me feel like I had been there a million times. He offered me water and told me about the history of the place while I waited. He seemed really pleased to be there. The tattooist was very friendly also. We talked about Star Wars and he told me about his family. His young daughter was studying martial arts and he was expecting a son soon. He asked me a lot of questions to learn what I wanted. He told me about what he was going to do and educated me on the process and what to expect. He worked quickly but precisely and the finished work was perfect. I've received many compliments about it. I don't live near Buffalo, but I'll gladly make the three hour trip to get more tattoos here. If you're considering a tattoo, this is the place to go. Read Less

Amazing, stylish, & freakishly clean facility. The owner is an absolute stickler for making sure clients are happy & well taken care of. He also has a knack for making a body feel comfortable. After getting a nose piercing & amazingly done/well placed VCH in one go, I am surely making the Parlour my go-to spot for all of my piercing needs. The jewelry is a little on the expensive side, so whatever I get from here is a personal treat, but you definitely get your money's worth for the great quality service and beautiful but high quality assortment of jewelry! Read Less

I traveled a pretty long way to get tattooed here by Thea, and it was so worth the trip! The place had such a cool, nice, and professional vibe. Thea is an amazing artist who was so conscientious and precise. The overall feel of the Parlour manages to be clean and calm while also staying fun and relaxed. Read Less

Placed a custom jewelry order with the wonderful James as well as walking out with some rose gold in my ears! Kind, helpful and talented staff to make your custom tattoo dreams come true. Beautiful shop with a no shoes policy that makes you feel like your in a foreign land! Clean and neat shop with and educated staff.Read Less

After swallowing two different pieces of jewerly for my tongue piercing, that I had previously purchased and had put in at Cowpok, I decided to come to The Parlour after hearing great things about this place. After arriving and walking in, I was immediatley greeted by the owner James. He had me remove my shoes and then took me in to look at jewerly. The quality of jewerly he has is by far the nicest I have ever seen available. He spent so much time talking with me and helping me pick out exactly what I wanted. We literally talked to me for over an hour in between picking out what I wanted and him putting my jewelry In my tongue. Instead of just rushing me out the door, he gave me a whole tour of the salon. The art work and design are something you don't see in Buffalo. It's so beautifully decotated, you can tell that he has poured his heart and soul into making this place spectacular. I will never be going anywhere else for my jewerly.  James was so welcoming. I felt like I had made a new friend, so much to the point where I didn't want to leave! If you are looking for an amazing experience and jewelry, I would advise you to come here!! Thank you James for everything, from the time you spent with me to the new amazing piece of jewerly in my mouth! Read Less

I don't know where to start. I'm signing up for Yelp just so I can review this place. Also, after I re-read this I thought that I should make clear that I don't know James at all. If it sounds like I do, it's just because he is that down to earth.This establishment is simply flawless. My friend and I (2 ultra suburbanites in our late 20's) decided to get another piercing in our ears. We stumbled upon The Parlour on google and it was the happiest mistake we made. We read in other reviews that the studio has a spa-like vibe. While driving on the 33 we giggled cynically about this, but James quashed that cynicism in under one minute of stepping foot into his parlour. First of all, you have to take your shoes off before you walk in the studio. Not in some hippie, love the earth kind of way. This is a place where art is created. Clean, artistic, tasteful, calming. So you take your shoes off out of respect and then James and his crew make you feel right at home. I can't fully convey this vibe on Yelp, I need to do an entirely separate blog post for you to get the true sense of it all. Ok so imagine- we walk in this place after 5pm on NYE. We have no idea what we want to get done exactly, but we do have what turned out to be some photo-shopped pictures of ear piercings from Pinterest. James laughed a bit, but he got a sense of what we were looking for. I think he spent about 45 minutes on the consultation alone. Now it is after 6pm on NYE and he is happy as a clam that we are there, there was no rush at all.I'm asking him all kinds of questions, trying to feel him out because I get kind of weird about just anybody poking holes through my body. Well, James geeks out about all this stuff. Every question I asked was retorted with very technical speak- most of which was right over my head. What I gathered from his answers was that he uses the best of everything. And not because it's trendy or cool, but because this guy is a real professional. He knows his stuff, and he loves what he does. So this justifies any price point in my head and I resolved to pretty much give him all money if he asked for it. So the cost, I'm sure you want to know how much it costs. Well, it depends. All I can say is this- his piercing room is akin to a really fly doctor's office. Actually, his piercing room is cleaner than my doctor's office and much more organized. Everything is sterilized in a contraption that looks like it is out of a sci-fi movie. When he is ready to start piercing he has you lay down on a spa-like bed and totally puts you at ease. "Inhale for me", he will tell you. Eventually, he will let you know when it is your final exhale and boom, its all over. This guy with tattooed sleeves and gauges the size of my fist has the kindest, gentlest vibe. He is the quintessential professional. At one point I specifically said "I'm not nervous at all, there's all kinds of trust in this room." So, all that being said, pay the man whatever charges he is the best in the city. If you want cheap, go to the mall. Thank you for coming back to Buffalo and blessing us with your cool James. Congrats on one year. Wishing you many more. I don't think I will ever let anyone else touch these lobes. Read Less

I am actually rating the shop in Buffalo, not just the previous location/the piercer. I came in on a fluke after visiting Lace & Day to see what The Parlour had in stock for nose rings. I had my left nostril pierced by Nick at Dorje Adornments in Rochester. He's a friend of a friend and I haven't had great experiences with a lot of the shops I've been to in Buffalo (like the place that told me to use baby wash on my naval ring...which was then infected for over a year). While I love him and his selection, I haven't headed out that way recently and I was looking to upgrade to an inexpensive but nice quality hoop. The Parlour has a very similar selection and vibe to Dorje, which is a high compliment as I consider Dorje one of the best shops I've ever been in (cleanliness, look of the shop, and jewelry selection). The decor at The Parlour was simple, tasteful, with a vintage flair - a bit more classically elegant versus Dorje, which has a more upscale ethnic vibe, but I enjoy both aesthetics. I particularly loved the Art Deco-style Medusa heads and vintage mirrors similar to ones I have on my walls at home at The Parlour. Beautiful display cases, great selection of gold and stone jewelry in various colors and styles. This isn't your typical sorority girl gets her first piercing type place. My companions and I were met by the owner, James, soon after entering. I dated a tatted out guy and his brother owns a shop - I've been around "the culture" a fair amount and I was immediately impressed this guy didn't ooze pretension. He walked me through their selection of nose rings and I decided on an inexpensive but quality titanium hoop. James set up quickly, removed my old ring, trimmed a few nose hairs (thanks buddy), and checked various sizes and fits to ensure I was comfortable and happy with the new piece of jewelry. Not only did he change out my old ring, he cleaned it, bagged it and explained that I could just purchase interchangeable heads for the stud if I wanted to come back in the future. He was extremely professional, friendly, efficient and careful - I never felt like an animal in a lab being prodded. Most importantly, the space and tools were immaculate. This is a step above a lot of other shops I've been to in the area and employees thereof I have dealt with - super clean, super stylish, no "groupies" hanging out (yes, this is a thing), no bimbo receptionist acting disinterested in what I'm asking about the product, no douchey middle-aged self-important "artists" eyeing me up to decide if I'm hot enough or cool enough to be friendly to or take seriously or asking me 87,000 questions about what person in their "scene" I do or do not know. This shop gives off hip, not hipster. On a side note, the "Celtic female" painting they have is actually Keira Knightley in her "Woad" make up from the movie King Arthur...This was the one part of the shop that made me chuckle, but meh. It's got a fancy frame! Read Less

James, the owner, is excellent at his craft. I went in and got my lobes pierced with four-gauge plugs and my septum pierced as well, both on the same day. I had originally only planned to do the septum due to cost, but he did a sort of "two-fer" deal for me, and I'm so glad I decided to get both done. Piercing isn't inexpensive, but would you want something permanent done to your body to be done on the cheap? It's worth the cost, which, again, was very fair. The location is elegant and it does have a beautiful, minimalist ambiance. The mood is laid-back, the work is excellent, and the staff--or James, at least, who I met and who did my piercings--is very friendly and professional. He inspires total confidence in his abilities. You could not possibly hope for a better experience in body art. Read Less

James, the owner, is excellent at his craft. I went in and got my lobes pierced with four-gauge plugs and my septum pierced as well, both on the same day. I had originally only planned to do the septum due to cost, but he did a sort of "two-fer" deal for me, and I'm so glad I decided to get both done. Piercing isn't inexpensive, but would you want something permanent done to your body to be done on the cheap? It's worth the cost, which, again, was very fair. The location is elegant and it does have a beautiful, minimalist ambiance. The mood is laid-back, the work is excellent, and the staff--or James, at least, who I met and who did my piercings--is very friendly and professional. He inspires total confidence in his abilities. You could not possibly hope for a better experience in body art. Read Less

The shop looks and is amazing. Even the air quality in the this shop is better. Ask about it when you're there and you will know what I'm talking about.  I ,and I believe a lot of others have been waiting for a Parlour like this. James is professional and couldn't be more knowledgeable. He is always willing to answer any question and doesn't put any pressure on you. If you get something or just want to chat he does whatever he can to make you happy.  The quality of the jewelry is beyond and I myself have 2 pieces (so far). A gold buffalo bar end in my nostril and a gold septum plate and I couldn't be happier.  Go here you won't disappointed. Read Less

Top notch experience! The shop has the ambiance of a spa. It's got a funky west coast feel that is super inviting and comfortable. James did an outstanding job of making me feel comfortable, prepared and informed. His commitment to excellent customer service and extreme attention to detail in his work are exactly what I was looking for in a piercing artist. Read Less

I was really blown away by the service here. A million thumbs up! I recently made the jump from a 2 gage to a zero and my ear started really irritating me. It swelled so much it pushed my jewelry out. I was afraid there was an infection, so I called and chatted with James on the phone. He was extremely helpful and kind. (I was really nervous at first as I've had piercers talk down to me before, but James was nothing but kind and polite) He gave me as much advice as he could, being as we were talking over the phone. So I trotted over to the shop assuming to just pay for some jewelry and get ushered out. This was not the case at all, he showed me the jewelry and once I picked out the pair I liked most, he proceeded to invite me to have a seat and he cleaned and disinfected my poor swollen, tender ear. He then very gently helped me get the jewelry in with no extra cost! I wasn't expecting such full service, but am very thankful for it. So, thanks James!!  maybe see you at our show tonight! Read Less

I haven't been to the shop itself but this review is for James. I saw that he is no longer in CA and found his new spot thanks to google search lol.Anyways James is an amazing piercer!! He makes you feel very comfortable even if you're acting like a big baby (guilty) and answers every question that you have. James has poked me 8 times - 2 tongue and 6 below the neck, including 3 dermals.. he is the only person I would trust for non ear piercings. Dude, I drive an hr in traffic to and from just cus I don't want anyone else to do it.I visited him once, not to get pierced, and he took great care of me. My dermal got infected and lost but he pulled that ish right to the surface again. Whoop!4 years later and only 1 has closed but that was my fault. So yah take my word for it that you can trust James for both traditional and more intimate piercings(= Read Less

Great place. Peaks the curiosity, but in a good way. Kenny is an amazing artist. Really goes out of his way to make sure you love your tattoo, and you're comfortable while getting it.The only place I come for my ink therapy! Read Less