Pavel did an amazing job on my tribute tattoo for my husband. He was super chill, great conversationalist- knowing that I was new to the area suggested great restaurants to try out. Definitely will be seeing him for future work read more

I met with Pavel to discuss receiving my first two tattoos. I made an appointment for the next day. Pavel had researched my desired tattoos and spent time to design the stencil template from which he would create my tattoos. I was impressed with his professionalism and 100% happy with the result. The attention to detail was quite impressive. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

West is the nicest tattooist I've ever met!! West at spider Murphy's I've got 6 tattoos from him my friends have 11! Three different people got 11 different tattoos from West at spider Murphy's he's great! He's honest he doesn't put your tattoos on until you okay them! I've changed and edited most of my tattoos and he either agrees or disagrees and either way they go on exactly how I want them! I recommend West and spider monkeys do anybody who wants a beginner tattoo or needs more work done! Paul S read more

See all

SPIDER MURPHY'S IS TRASH! I set up an appointment with them and paid $450 in mostly hundreds in advance and waited nearly 2 weeks to get ink'd. I was on time for my appointment and I waited patiently to see Theo's sketch. I had 3 or 4 stogies and it felt like I was waiting forever. I can hear them gossip and talk shit from a distance and I think they're racists too. The receptionist was super chill but the rest of them were rude and salty. After a few hours of waiting patiently Theo finally showed me his sketch and it looked weird to be honest and it looked like it took him 5 minutes to draw and I thought about it and changed my mind. We argued back and fourth cause he was being ridiculous about his services. Theo tried charging me $200 for a tattoo the size of a quarter. Sounds like a scam. He had a short temper and gave me a refund in mostly $20's. I waited 3-4 hours for nothing. No service. GARBAGE. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

This is where you should get your tattoo because: 1. All the artists do quality work 2. The pricing is reasonable 3. Everyone at there is nice (def not true of all shops) 4. It's an OG spot with a long standing reputation 5. Parking is easy I can't think of one bad thing to say about Spider Murphy's, and I have been tattooed in many places by many people. So far I've gotten 5 tattoos from two different artists and couldn't be more pleased. Already have my next appointment booked! (For the record, I drive an hour and a half to get work at SM because they're the best!) read more

This was drawn by my daughter in honor of her older sister. This is her 1st tattoo. Can't recommend a better place. They made her comfortable and did an amazing job! Can't thank them enough read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - My daughter drew this memorial tattoo for her sister - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

I went here to get my first tattoo! I made an appointment and they explained everything very well. I saw John who was so kind and took all the time with me to make sure the size, placement, and design was just right. Then he worked with precision and my first tattoo turned out absolutely amazing and I walked away so happy. He told me...once you have one, you'll get hooked. And he was right - I am thinking a laut my second tattoo and I would go back to see him. He is a great artist! https://instagram.com/johnageltz_tattoos?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= read more

Fantastic work, wonderful people, and they always make time for you. Can't wait for the next one!

This the best tattoo shop in the bay area with a staff of legends. After starting my journey doing walk-ins at different shops in the areas I live, I finally discovered this shop after hearing about the artists via podcasts and research. Since getting my tattoo here by Theo, I've decided to save the rest of the space I have left for this shop. I even own one of their books. Beautiful paintings and top quality tattoos. Incredible!! read more

My daughter and I decided to get matching tattoos. A 4 leaf clover, since I am Irish. Spencer met me the weekend prior and discussed the cost, the end-to-end process, and asked for a minor deposit that went towards the tattoo to save our time slot. When I first walked in, I noticed how immaculately clean and sanitized the place was. Once I was on the table, Spencer talked me through the entire process (I am a neophyte) and was accurate with the amount of pain and time it would take. He then followed with my daughter. The art work was clean and exactly what I had hoped for. Top notch work from Spencer. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Designed and implemented by Spencer! - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was blessed by West!!! Literally the most amazing line/artwork. My first tattoo done by him was my scorpion on my ankle. And he busted out the cleanest lines in only 20mins!!!!! My newest tattoo is a cover up, also done by West, and it is the most beautifully articulated tattoo I've ever seen . I'm so happy with the results and DEFINITELY coming back for more from West. Thank you again!!!!!! read more

See all

Wow. Theo is an incredible artist. I went here as a blank slate for a cover up tattoo and told Theo he could basically do whatever he wanted. He made sure to take time and add elements that I enjoyed, but also ensured my old tattoo would be effectively covered. I am absolutely thrilled with the tattoo so far. In a couple of weeks he will do the color and shading. And most amazingly - Theo is incredibly fast. He did this entire piece in an hour and a half. Maybe the prices have you intimidated, but the pros get so much more work done per hour. As always, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. I've gotten so many compliments on this piece, and it's not even finished yet. The shop is beautiful and has such a cool vibe. Everyone is so friendly, and loves what they do. It starts to feel like a family environment. I would highly recommend this establishment. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - A beautiful cover up by Theo. Color and shading to come later! - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

Got my tattoo from 「West 」a few days ago,his craftsmanship and his professionalism wowed me,exactly the way I want it,it's a life changing tattoo for me,thank you west!!! And also Justin is really good at Japanese style tattoos!!! Thank you Justin!!! All the staffs are so friendly and professional! Thank you spider Murphy's tattoo,will be back for more tattoos in the future! read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - West! - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

I went in on Mother's Day last minute & got a tattoo, I have had work by Theo in the past & loved it I believe Justin is the name of my guy!! Thank you I asked for an old school tattoo with my sons name on it , I love it and will be back to add more read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Tattoo of my sons name Joseph - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

I got my first tattoo at the age of 36 by Theo (the owner) shortly after my Dad died ... it was a simple head of a lion on my ankle. A year or two before getting my tattooI was asking around about a clean shop for my Aunt to get a tattoo on her 50th b-day, and several people told me about this new shop in San Rafael and that the owner Theo was a great guy. My Aunt drew out her "signature" and Theo drew his version up, asked if he could "Van Gogh" it a bit, she said yes, and it turned out beautifully. A year later my Uncle went in and got a tattoo on his calf ... it still looks great too. In 2004 after my Grandma died I went for my second tattoo, and it was once again done by Theo. I took a glass etching of flowers and a hummingbird which was my Grandma's and asked Theo if he could put that on my calf. Theo drew it up, and did a beautiful job. It seems every person who has seen this beautiful tattoo first comments on how great the artwork is, and how vibrant the colors are. When I can afford another tattoo I would get one to commemerate the birth of my Granddaughter last year ... but I spend all my extra money on her these days. I often send people to Spider Murphy's. It is a clean shop, the guys are all nice. Everyone I have sent there has been more than satisfied. I have Lupus and that was an issue for me as well, but after talking with Theo before my first tattoo he put all my fears to rest. Lastly, let me just say that if you have allergies to seafood, be sure to tell the artist because with my first tattoo I had a mild allergic reaction. The doctor told me that some artists use more natural inks rather than synthetic, and often the orange, yellow and red come from shellfish. I gave Spider Murphy's five stars. The place is clean, and you could not ask for more considerate, respectful, and friendly artists. A lot of other artists get cocky, as far as I know from friends and family who are still going there, everyone of the artists heads still fit through the door. read more

Bryan Randolph is legit, worked with him for the past year on a sleeve covering up an old tribal tattoo I got a long time ago back in college. Bryan designed the mural and freestyle sketched it out and tattooed it over several sessions and numerous hours. Super friendly and cool dude, we have fun conversations that helps to forget the pain of the needle, lol. I am very satisfied with the overall results, colors, proportions, and most important to me is that it is one of a kind. Friendly folks all around. Especially the ladies Casey and Leala, always on top of the appointments and reminders. First session since COVID hit in March, appointment was pushed back month by month until Marin County opened up again. Glad to see them back in business. Will be back to get another one on my back shoulder, where another tribal symbol has to go. read more

Went in to get a tattoo to remember my mom who passed away. I gave the artist, John, 2 images and created an image that beautifully represented what I was looking for. All the staff was friendly and place was clean. Great atmosphere! Thank you! read more

John John is the best - love that guy! He's an excellent artist & a kind soul. His tattoos are some of my favorites. Thanks, Spider Murphy's! read more

I so badly wanted to give this place 5 stars because it is my local tattoo shop. The good thing about this place is that everyone I interacted with was really nice! I got a really tiny tattoo. Like so so small. It is a mini letter very thin. The minimum here is 100$ I believe but I was charged 120 which made no sense to me but whatever. The other person there got the same small tattoo that was thin + another bigger one and was charged 10 bucks more. Additionally, I asked for a change of placement numerous times of the tattoo. John-John did mine and he said "why move it? It doesn't matter" which shocked me because this would be on my body FOREVER. It DOES matter. I probably would of asked him to move it again, but I felt too scared and intimidated and I have regrets about that. My tattoo didn't heal properly and definitely needs to be fixed because it looks thicker in some areas sort of like a stick and poke. I'm too scared to go back here, but I do know of other people who have had amazing experiences with different artists, this was just mine. read more

Just wanted to update :) it has been almost a year since I got my tattoo and it still looks great! More awesomely is that I had an existing tattoo of a quote from a book/ game that Jeremy added a nightime scene onto. When I tweeted a pic of it one day, the creator of the game actually commented how much he liked it. That says alot about Jeremy's artistry! read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

Nice dudes - great artists. Pavel worked on us. Incredible lines. He's super laid back and will change the location for you as often as you need. No rush, no stress. I'm going back to him for sure. read more

I'm travel nursing in San Francisco for three months and was looking around for a good tattoo place when I came across Spider Murphy's! I loved everything about it, everyone was so nice and helpful! Very clean! read more

Had a California Bear tattoo on my calf byLaurent Laurent was super. Went over what I was looking for. He did an amazing job. I am so happy. Best Tat ever. Even my wife liked it and she was very apprehensive about my choice of object and location. The tattoo was just what I wanted. Very very happy read more

I wanted to leave 6 stars! I have gotten two tattoos from Jay, I brought in my own artwork, from my favorite book, and Jay did an amazing job. He is very talented, friendly, and the shop is up to the highest standards in hygiene, and the price was honest and reasonable. I called and got an appointment the same week, and came back for a second the next week. The shop looks like a magic place, I could sit there and watch and enjoy the atmosphere for hours! I most highly recommend this shop, I went there on the recommendation of my daughter. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - A Jay Watkins tattoo after 3 days - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

I hear the word "committment" and I immediately begin to sweat. My heartrate goes up, I get nervous, and think about how maybe I won't be able to get up at 4am and go across the street to eat Red Vines anymore if someones living with me. Even people such as myself with severe committment fear can get over it. Especially if they have someone working on them as talented as Theo Mindell. I have traveled the world with my canvas, and that's how I see it, a moving work of art. Never before have I been so proud of something on my body as all of the work Theo has done for me over the years. His freehand is out of this world. It's incredible and his color theory is right on point.My ink is perfect, bright and has never bled out. It's vibrant and fresh. It's been on the cover of magazines and countlessly complimented. When I travel I'm Theo's hype team. He's honest, and tell you that you're out of your total mind if you suggest something that's well...shitty. He strives for perfection and succeeds. The newer location is spacious and clean. Everything is well oiled and organized. I won't wait in a movie line. I'll never wait in line for a nightclub. I show up two minutes before my flight boards running for the plane because I hate to wait in the airport. I'll wait everytime as long as necessary for my appointments with Theo, because they are absolutely worth it. So next time someone asks me if I'm a committment-phobe, I can honestly say no, because the work on my body so perfectly executed by Theo, I am completely committed to, and I would also make the same decision over and over again. I will NEVER go anywhere else to get my work done and will always support his artistry. If you're smart and know what's good for you....Theo's the way to go. In my opinion, it's his way, his art, or the highway. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Work by the talented Theo Mindell - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

You can tell a lot about a company and how much they care for their customers during a time like this. They didn't call me to switch the date of my booked ($160 deposit) tattoo appt April 13. Instead I had to call and leave several messages to get their attention. I'm moving to Vegas last min 4/30 and was just asking for my deposit back. "They don't refund deposits." Even during a global pandemic. She said she will get back to me May 1 but I'll be gone. Great customer service. Too bad, the tattooist seemed super cool. I gave them $160 out of trust that if something went wrong I'd get it back. Well the world is ending lol. Anyway.... read more

When my grandma passed away a few summers ago, I decided to get a tribute tattoo in her honor, and knew I wanted it on my right shoulder... in color... covering up a black outline of my zodiac symbol I had gotten in the same spot when I turned 18. I went in to Spider Murphy's to talk to Matt Howse, as I had heard and seen what great work he had done with color tattoos. When I got there, the only two things I could tell him were where I wanted the tattoo and that I wanted it to be a rose (my grandma's favorite flower). When I came back a few days later to see what Matt had drawn up, it was perfect... exactly my style and so beautiful that I knew my grandma would have thought it was gorgeous (even if it was inked permanently on my skin). Matt worked on it for somewhere between 2-3 hours and was extremely sweet to me when he knew I started to feel antsy and uncomfortable. He let me leave the shop and walk down the street to get myself something to drink, and trusted me fully to come back. Then, when I got back on the chair he kept talking to me to keep me distracted. When he was finished, I was terrified that my old tattoo was still going to be visible or that it wouldn't do my grandma justice. Three years later, and my tattoo is still as perfect as the day I got it. NONE of the colors have faded, and it's still as vibrant as ever... reminding me even more of my grandma and how she will never let her memory fade. I don't know how Matt did it, but he is truly an artist. Not only did he do an incredible cover up-- he brought a piece of my grandma back to life. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - (me, my dad, & my tattoo) 3 years later... cover-up/tribute tat done by Matt, still as vibrant as when I first got it done! - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

Customer service, cleanliness and friendliness are all on par with the best of them. I have gone to multiple artists here and appreciate all of their work, however Theo is the one who has done the most work on my leg, and is still in the process of finishing up (hopefully only 2 more sessions!) He is conscientious of pain and checking in on me, and went above and beyond to call of duty to make sure that I had the sheet music that I wanted going down the leg. As not only a tattoo artist but also a musical artist he was able to listen and translate the music into notes and then sent it to a friend that does music for Lucas Films to set into a correct key and tempo. Nowhere else would put in that effort, and that's why I don't go anywhere else for large pieces I want done right. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Hip to ankle half sleeve - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

This is by far the best tattoo parlor I've ever been to. It's clean, always has a fun and friendly atmosphere, and everyone who works here have always been super nice to me. You know how some tattoo artists will try and change your design to what THEY want or THEY like? These guys don't do that. They rule. read more

Spider Murphy's Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Rafael, California

I have gotten all three of my tattoos at spider Murphy's. Today Weston and I discussed what I wanted (a crow). I gave him some samples and we discussed what aspects I liked from various examples. He went and did a sketch, incorporating my ideas into his drawing. The man is certainly an artist! He combined the best aspects of what I was looking for, and came up with his own creation. The work itself took about an hour and a half to do the tattoo. I actually took a little nap on the table while he was working on me. Everything came out perfect. I can't recommend both spider Murphy's and Weston highly enough. Now I need to think what to get for my other forearm and will definitely be back. read more

I have had several tattoos at Spider Murphy's and have always been very impressed with their work. This review is based on my recent experience and not on the tattoo artist. I made an appointment with Laurant (who is amazing and again not the reason for this review) for some touch up work from my last tattoo and also wanted to get another tattoo. I provided my $100.00 deposit as required. On the day of my appointment, I came down with the flu and was in the hospital. I called and spoke to the lady that answers the phone. I explained my situation and wanted to change my appointment. She told me in a rude non-caring tone that I would need to provide another $100.00 deposit and that my initial $100.00 deposit would not be refunded. I told her that I wasn't cancelling, I just couldn't make it due to being ill. Again she didn't care and said that it was the shops policy. I told her that maybe I should go else where then and told her how much I have spent their in the past. She didn't respond and just hung-up on me. TERRIBLE customer service. Who hangs-up on their customers. So glad I spent over $1500.00 their and referred several friends. Nice way to treat your customers. read more

My experience was absolutely amazing, staff and artiest where informational and just plain nice people. Bryan Randolph was and is my artiest and he is so meticulous!!!! Hats of to a great bunch of people. I love my tattoo. read more

LOVED getting my tattoo done here, my artist was Erik :) he did an exceptional job. He was calming and talkative off the bat. He took my vague design and cleaned it up, and worked with a few adjustments for me really quickly. I did a set of small antlers about the size of a silver dollar on my arm - and he was finished in around 30 minutes! Charged me a really great rate and carefully wrapped it for me before leaving. Also, the shop is really clean, colorful and pleasant - a good atmosphere goes a long way. Happy and would go again! read more

Had Theo do some work on my shoulder. He was suprisingly expensive for mediocre work. I was also shocked at the lack of knowledge of colors by Theo. I get much better work done in SF. Waste of a trip to Marin. read more

Just rating customer service, I did not get tattooed here: I read a lot of iffy reviews, but decided to give them a chance anyway. I tried calling this place during normal business hours and it went to a full voicemail. The next day someone finally answered and after telling them that I was looking to get something touched up the lady that picked up put me on hold and then hung up on me. I tried calling back and no one answered, went back to the full voicemail. Their bad reviews make sense now. Personally I would not get tattooed from a place that provides bad customer service but that's on you to decide read more

Liked Theo's work as posted on the Internet. Called to get appointment and was told I had to wait more than 3 weeks for a "consultation." OK, so this guy must be good to have this long a wait. So, I made an appointment and counted the days.... Almost 3 weeks later, I get a call from Spider Murphy's CONFIRMING my appointment at 12 noon for a consultation with Theo. YES, I have been waiting 3 weeks to see this guy to discuss a large tattoo I would like him to do on my back. YES, I will be there promptly at noon to meet him, which time is my lunch break from work. So, I get there today a few minutes early. I walk in with my desired artwork and ask for Theo. "Oh, yes" says the young lady, "I remember now. But, Theo is not here and probably won't be here for another 20 minutes or so.... he never gets here at noon...." BUT I can't wait as I have to get back to work, I replied. I get a shrug and told that I could wait as long as I could to see if he would show up for our appointment. Waited 25 minutes and NO THEO. Since I arrived, no one bothered to say a word to me about the wait - no apologies, no offers of drinks, no nothing. Finally, I absolutely could wait no longer and had to get back to work. As I stood up to leave, I noticed that everyone in the shop was too busy to even acknowledge my leaving. Since they had my cell phone number, I thought that THEO might call and apologise. NO RESPONSE FROM THEO about blowing off his appointment with me. What can one say about this lack of professionalism. Obviously, THEO is not in need of customers given his lack of customer care. read more

Got some new ink for the first time in a while. Stayed local with Spider Murphy's and was not disappointed. West did an awesome job. He's new to the shop and happy to have a new fave local artist! Even though he does a lot of black and white he did great with color as well. Already have a second appt scheduled. read more

I wish I could give this place no stars! I had a tattoo done by Theo Mendell about 8 years ago when they had the shop at the old location. I asked for something SO simple: Taurus symbol on my neck. I asked if he could do it the size of a quarter....he said he isn't able to do something that small!?? Then...he took TWO hours to do a tattoo the size of a half dollar...not only that...the ENTIRE tattoo is raised/scared because he went so so so deep! It looked like a piece of bloody meat once he was done... WORST place EVER! So pissed because I have this nasty thing on my neck now. Trying to find a good place to cover it up! Thanks Spinder Murphy! P.S. Went to Cold Steel on Haight in SF...got a tattoo the size of a quarter on my wrist...was done perfectly!!! Theo is a joke. read more

It's been weighing on me for a long time to write this review. I don't like giving negative reviews, but a tattoo is a very important thing and choosing where you get your tattoo should be a well-informed decision. I came, in part, based on the Yelp reviews. I was a walk in, but would have come back for a later appointment. I was there to touch-up a tattoo. I was told when I arrived that someone could see me and to sit and to wait a bit. There were a couple of tattoo virgins looking at tattoo illustrations on the other side of the front of the shop. In retrospect, I wish I could have told them to run. I should have left when two of the artists came in with to-go food and immediately started into a banter with the other artists about some clients who had been there earlier in the day. They were mocking the clients, who apparently were first-timers who had some problems with the pain. Much hilarity was had at the clients' expense. Why I stayed, I don't know. Another artist came back from lunch and I was paired with him. Don't remember the name but he has an accent - maybe British. Explained what I wanted done - which was simply to refresh an existing tattoo. This tattoo is very small and in the palm of my hand. The artist assigned to me went on and on about how painful it is to tattoo in that area and how there are problems with the ink taking. I'm old. I've had this tattoo since this tattoo artist was in diapers. This was the 5th time I've had it touched-up. I know what it feels like and my expectations about the ink are in check. I hear the speech every time, so I always give it respect. The difference this time was the way the artist went so on and on about it, even after I'd told him the history of the tattoo. I like caution and a good education, but at a certain point it became almost baiting. Why I continued to stay, again, I don't know. We went back to his station. I'm not as impressed with the cleanliness as others, but I might have been biased by the food coming through earlier. It was okay. He never consulted me about matching the color as previous artists have. Down to the tattooing. Wow. I've had this tattoo since forever. This was the fifth time getting it touched-up. NEVER has the pain COME EVEN REMOTELY CLOSE. It was almost like the guy wanted to prove a point. And NEVER has there been so much blood. In fact, I don't remember there being more than a drop or two of blood in the past. The scab (yes, there was a scab covering the entire tattoo) was crazy. Still, I was hopeful and tipped well. Well over 100%. Tattoos are sacred, you know. As for the results... This makes me the saddest. The outline, which despite all the years I've had the tattoo had been fine and sharp (just faded), is now thick and muddy. The interior (despite the pain that made me think that the artist was just trying to make sure the ink "took") has missed spots. And seriously, after this experience I'm gun-shy to get it fixed. Even by anyone else. I'm bummed. The hurt feels personal. My boyfriend was incensed. I'm planning to get another large tattoo soon that I've envisioned for almost 30 years, but I will definitely do my research first when I choose the artist to do it. It won't be Spider Murphy's. read more

Erik. Never met the guy before and yet from our first conversation his completely grounded way of speaking with folks and connecting with the utmost respect and authenticity made the day of my first tattoo beyond memorable. Part of my design includes script and his handwriting looks fantastic. The artist is real in this guy and I'm beyond proud to display his work for life. Our situation was a bit unique as this was a living connectivity/tribute style ink job between 3 lifetime friends. The peanut gallery we brought to watch and support ranged from ages 11 to 43 and I easily expected Erik to explain they need to wait outside. Nope. The professional and caring guy was able to zone in on each of the 3 customers, make this journey incredible and leave everyone else in the room not getting a tattoo wanting a tattoo one day. If this is tattoo culture, I'm in. read more