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    The Ink Parlor

    4.3 (38 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Tragus piercing
    Denise P.

    I decided to visit the Ink Parlor on a Friday the 13th special to get my Tragus and my Rook re-pierced. Rachael Cross was my artist and she was fantastic! Very friendly, instructive, and hygienic, it was truly the most painless piercing appointment I have ever had. The staff, being extremely busy during the Friday the 13th deals, were still friendly, efficient, and talented. Everyone who worked there seemed to really enjoy their jobs. Definitely going to be back to get my next tattoo after such a wonderful experience. Happy inking!

    Tristan B.

    My friend and I did some walk-in tattoos on Saturday evening. They were busy but got us in and out in less than 40 minutes. Dalton was a great tattoo artist! He was funny, kind, and good company. They also have a banging music playlist that will for sure keep your mind off the pain ;)

    The original concept
    Anthony V.

    The most unpleasant tattooing experience I've had to cringe through yet - which isn't saying all that much considering I only have three tattoos, but I can assure you I'm not being overdramatic or exaggerating what happened. I received a Groupon for a $200 tattoo for only half price from an artist known as Rachel Cross as a birthday gift. Understanding that I was tied to an artist who I knew nothing about, I immediately tempered my expections. After doing a little research and checking out a few of her online portfolios I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't the most amazing work, but I had the perfect idea for a tattoo that I thought blended well with her style. After getting a good photo of what I wanted tattooed I went to The Ink Parlor for a consultation. I presented the photo, showed her where I wanted it, and then told her that she had creative freedom with it. I assumed everything looked good because she didn't counter any of my ideas or attempt to give me any alternatives and so we made an appointment for 2 .weeks later. 2 weeks lapse by and I go to the shop excited to see what she's done with my concept. After entering and waiting a bit I'm told that she was overbooked and that we would have to reschedule. I didn't think much of it and wasn't very upset at the time because I figured it happens when you're a good, new shop. I come back on the day that we rescheduled for and sit down to wait for her. She notices me and tells me that she would be done with the tattoo she was working on in a few minutes. No problem at all. She finishes up and then proceeds to ask me what I wanted again. I was dumbfounded. I thought that we had the consultation so that she would have an adequate amount of time to draw up the tattoo, but apparently not. She then takes 15 minutes and draws up something that didn't look bad in stencil so I give it an okay, although I was a little apprehensive considering she hadn't drawn the piece up yet and just threw something together for me. Putting my angst aside, we sit down to start. She wasn't very talkative or comforting, but not everyone is. After about an hour I notice that she's completely filling in the tattoo with black, using almost no shading. I don't fret and assume that she has a plan and assure myself that she wouldn't tattoo something she's not proud of. I was wrong. During that second hour of tattooing she continued to use black blobs and did as little shading as she could. She almost seemed to be rushing considering how painful and lacking in detail it was. There was a lot of blood and maybe that's why she couldn't see how horribly she was filling in the blobs or how crooked the lines were becoming, I don't know, but it sucks having to look at something that had so much potential be turned into an assortment of black dots, shackey lines, and broken skin. I walked out disappointed and I believe she knew how bad it was too. She's just not the one who was has to wear it for the rest of her life. I sincerely hope the shop has grown and improved over time.

    Kathy S.

    Made a shoot from the hip decision to leave STL and head to KC for the day! Picked up our son in Warrensburg, investigated Yelp for a few tattoo parlors, read lots of review, made a couple calls and decided, The Ink Parlor was it! I had called earlier and talked to Kat, an apprentice, who was pretty professional, upbeat and positive that they could work with my son and I. We walked in, met Dalton first, a pretty popular artist there according to Yelp reviews, we talked with him about what we wanted, sent him a few pics, talked price, he drew things up, gave my son's job to Adam, another great artist, and away we went. My son's went pretty quickly. It was a great first tattoo experience for him. He was very happy with Adam and his tattoo. He's calling it "a work in progress". Taking it one step at a time. My tattoo, by Dalton, was a tribute piece for my Mom. I was hoping for it to have a few more details, but Dalton explained why it really wouldn't work on this and we moved on. Just means we need to head back for another adventure there! If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend this Parlor. Rachel, the owner was there as well. She also has a lot of great reviews on her work. They recently opened a second location too! Give them a call! Also, they have a great 10% off coupon, if over $150!! Gotta love that!!

    Jasmine S.

    I came in with no appointment (and a little before open) and the shops apprentice gladly greeted me and set me up with the first artist. Bella did a great job! Will definitely come back in for new ink or touch ups. Also loved their alternative music!

    Fresh diamond heart I got done last night by Rachael!
    Brittany H.

    This shop is incredible. From the atmosphere to the artists, this is THE place to get a tattoo! The owner, Rachael, has done all of my tattoos and each time I fall in love with her work! Definitely give The Ink Parlor your time and you won't regret it!

    Jessica W.

    Two of my friends and I went in without appointments and they saw us right away. We just got four words, "life's short, play hard" but we didn't know what font we wanted and they drew up a couple and changed it according to what we wanted and were so nice about it. A lot of tattoo places can be snobby but these guys were awesome, very laid back and easy to talk to. We were a little indecisive about size and placement and they were so patient and gave great advice to help us decide. They had the best sense of humors to help with the nervousness and pain. Definitely going back for any tattoos I get in the future!

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    12 years ago

    Excellent work by Rachael there. I have three tattoos from there and I never have had a problem. They are also very flexible.

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great experience, clean, funny and nice staff. Would recommend to anyone looking for a tattoo.

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    Ask the Community - The Ink Parlor

    Review Highlights - The Ink Parlor

    I was hoping for it to have a few more details, but Dalton explained why it really wouldn't work on this and we moved on.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Freaks on Broadway - First of a set of religious symbols. More to come

    Freaks on Broadway

    3.9(128 reviews)
    5.1 miWestport
    $$

    Great place for walk in peircings!! My boyfriend and I went in, got helped almost right away and…read moregot pierced not 15 minutes later! The staff was experienced and made us feel comfortable. All for an affordable price. I appreciate the surgical steel and not having to ask too many questions in that regard. I would say my only "qualm" if you can even call it that, is that they don't send you home with any cleaning solutions. You have to make it yourself. It's easy - distilled water and salt - but there's something about having a shop provide it to you that makes you trust it more. They could also probably increase price slightly if they added that...just a business reco from me. But I'm happy!!

    Amazing tattoo shop. Thee ONLY place I go for any work to be done. My tattoo guy "Poppa" is still…read morethere which is frosting flakes Grrrrrrrr8 he does great work. Ronnie is a excellent piercer..she did my Septum and Tragus on the right. I'm going back for my left side. She will not pierce anything that's not a good choice. She is very honest and quick. She is a peach and professional. They have an ATM so I you don't carry cash lol don't trip they got you.. the pictures on the wall are a bit dated but kinda funny to see the kind where tats started so simple and now are way more advanced. Now it's located in the Westport and parking is a Beast. The only reason I hate going is the parking is Insanely bad. Oh yeah the welcome party is a little dry and uninterested and uninteresting I don't like her disposition. Not friendly Not a people person..I get it a tattoo shop BUT ....anyway. I adore my artist.

    Photos
    Freaks on Broadway
    Freaks on Broadway - Septum piercing and Labret Piercing

    Septum piercing and Labret Piercing

    Freaks on Broadway - Beautiful lines, Rich saturation. David is the bomb!

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    Beautiful lines, Rich saturation. David is the bomb!

    Supernatural Body Piercing - View from the queue

    Supernatural Body Piercing

    4.7(137 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    I initially chose to use this piercing studio because I liked the way the exterior of the building…read morelooked with its Ouija inspired graphics. I was directed to the website where it was easy to arrange an appointment, and that appointment happened to be with the owner of the establishment. Once I got there for my appointment, I was in awe of the interior decor as well, which was really nicely decorated and had a very cool indoor plant garden, of sorts. I was greeted very professionally, and then was shown all the options available for my dermal piercing, which was fantastic! I didn't realize I would be given such a massive selection to choose from, which got me really giggity lol. It took me a few minutes, but I made my selection and then proceeded to wait in the lobby until I was called. It was there that I became more in awe- especially after seeing his pressed penny machine. I have literally never walked by a pressed penny machine without choosing to partake, so that was RAAAAD! Now, I don't want to think about my age hahaaa but it's been at least 20 years since my last piercing. Clay was VERY thorough in letting me know all the details about THIS type of piercing, which I didn't previously know. Apparently- dermals WILL eventually work their way out, which didn't make me change my mind- but can certainly sway others against it. He stressed that it was only a matter of time, but I am grateful for knowing this so I don't need to freak tf out when the time comes hahaaa. Aside from that- this dude had an amazing personality-very caring and communicated well all thru the process. I don't plan on ever going anywhere else for a piercing or body jewelry, as I am HOOKED!

    Chose this place for my nipple piercing. It was my first time being pierced with a needle since…read moreI've had my ears done with a gun. And boy, does it feel a different. They made it so quick and efficient. I love the piece of jewelry I picked. Overall 10/10 experience from the moment I walked in till I got out. My face was smiling from ears to ears.

    Photos
    Supernatural Body Piercing
    Supernatural Body Piercing - Pressed penny machine. Save your pennies, folks!

    Pressed penny machine. Save your pennies, folks!

    Supernatural Body Piercing

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    Catalyst Arts Collective - I debuted my tatted arm on my wedding day :)

    Catalyst Arts Collective

    5.0(4 reviews)
    7.7 miCrossroads, Greater Downtown
    $$$$

    The #1 tattoo shop in Kansas City. Hands down. Has won tons of awards and all the artists are all…read moreincredibly skilled! As I just said, you cannot go wrong with any of the artists here; however, the two that I go to are Bob Bitner, a master, and Wes Durham, the current apprentice. Both guys have done amazing work and I will continue to recommend both of them as well as the shop as a whole! I will briefly summarize how the process works for those of you that are unaware. Catalyst really only works on appointment only. Unless you want work done by one of their two apprentices you will likely have to put your name on a year long wait list to get an appointment with one of the master artists and likely will also need to give them a down payment-this is so people don't back out all the time. The next step is usually to go have a consultation with your artist that you choose. During this consultation, you and your artist will discuss the type of artwork that you like and want on your body for the rest of your life (lol) and then either he or she will work on some drafts to show you to see if you like them. Most recently, Catalyst was located out in the cuts of Independence, MO off 291 Hwy; however, they recently moved down into the Crossroads! I had my forearm sleeve recently completed by Wes D. at the old Independence shop. I do have an appointment in January of 2019 with Bob B. to finish the rest of my sleeve! This shop prides itself of professionalism, cleanliness, and unique work & artistry. It is not cheap but you get what you pay for when you purchase a tattoo. In my opinion, this will be with you for the rest of your life so you might as well have it done by the best tattoo artists possible!!

    I've been going to see Mikey Ruck for the last 4 years for my work!!! He's amazing because I'm a…read moregiant sissy, even though I don't act like when it comes to my tattoos, he's very light handed and his work is precise and wonderful. I only come here and will only go where Mikey goes. He's done all the color work in my photos - the lady dragonfly monster is my work in progress piece that he started in grayscale.

    Photos
    Catalyst Arts Collective - Planetary alignment - all Mikey

    Planetary alignment - all Mikey

    Catalyst Arts Collective
    Catalyst Arts Collective

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    The Ink Parlor - tattoo - Updated June 2026

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