Is it time for new ink? If you’re thinking about your next— or your first— tattoo, you’ve probably been casually looking into tattoo shops and artists. Tattoos are not only a commitment, they’re addicting, and you’ll want to make sure that the studio you get tattooed at is a place where you know you can count on the resident artists to bring your vision to reality in a way you’ll love.
When you’re ready, you’re ready, and sifting through Instagram to find the right tattoo studio and artist for your new piece can be tedious when you feel the ink calling to you. Many of us here at RFT are ink fiends too, we get it! So we’ve put together this list of the top-rated tattoo shops in or near St. Louis. Is your new favorite tattoo studio here? It just might be.
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Thirteen Roses Tattoo & Aesthetics
(11988 Dorsett Rd Maryland Heights, MO 63043)
“I love the work Rachelle did for me! She is super talented, and if you check out the work by their other artists on Insta, you will be equally impressed. I actually did a walk-in appt and I was comfortable doing that because of how many five-star reviews this studio hosted. And they deserve all. I would post a pic of my “sun salutation” but it’s on Rachelle’s phone and also I had five million goosebumps.” – Elisa T. on Yelp
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Lucky Cat Studio
(1976 Arsenal St St. Louis, MO 63118)
“I saw Amelia here. She is friendly and helpful and will not make you feel pressured. The atmosphere of the shop is very welcoming and inviting. The tattoo area itself is an open space but they do have privacy curtains should you desire them. It’s also probably one of the most well-lit tattoo parlors that I’ve been in. Be aware that wait times here can be long depending on which artist you wish to see, but in my opinion it’s worth it. This is also one of the only majority-female tattoo parlors in the Saint Louis area.” – JT T. on Yelp
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Atlas Tattoo
(200 W 3rd St Alton, IL 62002)
“I really enjoyed my experience with Atlas Tattoo! This woman owned and operated tattoo shop is EXACTLY the vibe I want for the work I have done & was so glad to find them when looking for a fine line artist for a delicate piece.
Emma is a great artist. I sent her the flowers from my garden I wanted incorporated & she drew up SUCH a fabulous piece, nailing the concept I had in mind and SO delicate and detailed.
Her studio is clean and comfortable, and I really appreciate the 1:1 experience (vs a crowded tattoo parlor).
I’m absolutely thrilled with the finished product & will definitely be back.
Be sure to check out her Facebook page where she posts pictures of her work often!
*Note: She only accepts appts via email or her website. Booking was incredibly easy via email for me, she communicated clearly and quickly.” – Brittany P. on Yelp
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Encore Tattoo
(5757 Chippewa St Saint Louis, MO 63109)
“My friend and I went here for the Friday the 13th special tattoos. We walked in and they immediately greeted us and made us feel welcome in their shop! The tattoo shop is clean and the artists are friendly. My friend got an awesome paint palette and I got some dice. My artist was Tyler and he did a great job of making me feel at ease. I highly recommend checking this place out! The tattoos are sick! We had a great experience and we’ll have to go back soon!” – Canada R. on Yelp
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Pastel Devil Studio
(1800 Chouteau Ave Saint Louis, MO 63103)
“Ink #4. I couldn’t be happier with my Capricorn tattoo by Angie! I’ve been wanting to do something like this for awhile and when Angie opened her books (for 48 hours) I submitted a request. I was ecstatic to hear back that she was interested. No deposit. Fair pricing.
The studio is so refreshing. Bright, feminine, eclectic and inviting.
Happy to support a woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry.
The artists’ books fill up quick but watch for updates on their social media or sign up for their newsletter.” – Andrea M. on Yelp
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Tattoo The Lou Studio
(4248 Manchester Ave Saint Louis, MO 63110)
“Came in as a walk-in with four people, they got us all four in and out quick! Tattoos look great & the service was excellent as well!” – Alyssa R. on Yelp
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Ragtime Tattoo
(3144 Morgan Ford Rd Saint Louis, MO 63116)
“I got a forearm tattoo done by Amber. I chose Amber because I really liked her stuff on the website and we are from the same hometown. I went in with a vague idea and told her to just put her own artistic spin on my tattoo. I came out beautiful. It was a tribute piece to my dad and she killed it. Even my dad, who is not a fan of tattoos, thought it was great. The most impressive part though was how well it healed. I’ve had tattoos done before and dealt with the oozing and bleeding. This one had almost no bleeding and no oozing at all. It was super clean, super fast, healed beautifully and quickly. Amber will be doing all my tattoos going forward.” – Jerry C. on Yelp
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Outlaw Ink Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery
(2606 N 14th St St. Louis, MO 63106)
“Dope vibe. Got some nice art and paintings on the wall everyone there was nice AF and easy to get along with. No egos in this place. I saw @InkyDollaz on IG work and I flew from Oakland California to STL after putting a deposit down with him. He was hella cool, works hella fast. I’ll be back to finish a sleeve but what I have below is what was done. Awesome I’m hella happy about it and excited and my mom loves it too. Look at the detail the man has her eyes looking like they’re staring at you. How you put glare in the hair!? Details dude dope Fah sho. By appointment only so tap in with a deposit and get a date.” – East Oakland Roy on Yelp
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Modern Electric Tattoo
(4556 S St Peters Pkwy St. Peters, MO 63304)
“I’m so glad my sister recommended me to this place. Everyone is super nice. Chandler worked on my arm. He did an amazing job. I love it, felt right at home, and will definitely be coming back here very often.” – Ashley R. on Yelp
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Saffire Fox Tattoo & Art Studio
(712 S Main St Ste 2 Troy, IL 62294)
“Amazing high-quality work! I get compliments on my tattoos almost everywhere I go. The color and attention to detail is hard to find anywhere else. I will never go anywhere else as long as Jen Foster is still tattooing. She is THE BEST!” – Maria D. on Yelp
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