My recent visit was a good experience! The shop was clean and the man working the desk up front was friendly and personable. We knew it would be a wait and he offered us waters and recommended local spots within walking distance if we wanted to kill some time. Pat was my artist and took his time and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. We had him move the stencil SEVERAL times and he was happy to do it. I've had artists in the past get annoyed, but Pat was lovely. Pic included is 4 days healed. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Healed tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

So happy with our experience here! We were visiting from out of town and got the tattoo-itch. They were able to fit my SO and I in and we're so thankful! The facility is squeaky clean with a classic, almost vintage-feeling, tattoo parlor environment. Every single employee was so friendly!! If we're ever in the area again, we'll be stopping here! read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Van Gogh sunflowers tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I received a walk-in tattoo from the owner, Sean. The tattoo is good and the parlor was clean/covid-friendly, no complaints there. However, I felt rushed to make my final choice when it came to drawing up my tattoo, and I felt like I had annoyed the staff for wanting to do some minor tweaks. While I checked out, I noticed that the owner talked to the woman working the front desk in a snappy way that made me uncomfortable. Later did I realize that the owner of this shop is under investigation for sexual assault accusations by multiple women. I wish I would have known because I would have gone somewhere else. https://www.kmov.com/news/grove-business-owner-plans-to-reopen-bars-following-sexual-assault-accusations/article_c9a979ee-02c1-11eb-b55b-7bc5750ffa36.html read more

Professional service from the time I called for appointment and through out. Pat took the time to listen, design (and redesign). Even though tattoo was a small addition to an older one, he never made me feel rushed. Location is clean and charming. read more

My daughter & I went in to get tattoos together. John was our artist who drew up exactly what we wanted. He was very professional, courteous, patient & understanding. We appreciated & loved his attention to detail. We are extremely happy with our beautiful tattoos & would highly recommend him to everyone. We will be back! read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

While visiting from Michigan over Labor Day weekend, I went to Tower Classic with my cousin who lives in STL. This was my second visit and was just as amazing as the first. We were both tattooed by the owner, who drew up our work to perfection. I got a tattoo in my late mother's handwriting and it couldn't be more accurate. Makes me smile every time I look at it! If you're in the area and looking for a positive, clean, kind, and fun experience, I would highly recommend Tower Classic. Already planning my next tattoo for my visit in November! read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I just got a tattoo done by Sean. He was super professional, nice and fast. I came to him with some ideas and he made it even better! Thank you so much! I'll be back very soon The shop is gorgeous, almost like a museum read more

Bryan Davis has been an absolute professional while working with me on my very tattoo. I came to him with an incomplete idea and very few examples. I wanted to create a picture of the Parable of the Wise and Foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27). I can't begin to express how comfortable he made me feel, how patient he was with my schedule and ideas, and most of all how happy I am with the end result! Thanks, Bryan for helping me create a lasting piece of work I can be proud of! It was great getting to know you! -Tyler read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Work by Bryan Davis. "Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders" Phase One - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

If you're looking for a tattoo artist in St. Louis, I will assure you, Bryan Davis will not let you down. I searched all over and spoke with tons of friends and ultimately landed at Tower Classic, and I am so happy I did. I emailed Bryan a couple weeks ago and he showed nothing but utmost professionalism. He let me know what he was capable of and very up front with it. If you need any ideas, check out his Instagram because he does lines like the best of them and portraits you wouldn't believe. I came in today, he promptly showed me my options, prepared everything, and had me comfortable immediately. The shop was extremely clean, and the setup was awesome with privacy for each artist. Bryan was quick, but his work is top notch. He created art on my back that I didn't even think was possible, it was more than I could have even imagined. If you're looking for a new artist, Bryan is your guy, I promise. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I tend to ponder things like tattoos for forever and then one day just decided its time and go do it. I had my idea, pictures to back it up, and had done enough research to know this is where I was going to get it done. So a month ago after work I took my pictures and my tax return cash into Tower Classic. Turned out that the two main guys were in Europe, but they had a guest artist in named Bryan Davis who could get me in that night. I showed him my pictures, explained what I wanted and he went off to sketch. 45 min later he came back and no lie, it was exactly what I had in my head but hadn't been able to sketch myself. He somehow took my rambling explanation and a handful of pictures and got it. Two hours later it was on my right shoulder and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, I'm in love with it. The shop itself is gorgeous and clean and the shop manager was super nice. My roommate went in the next night and got lyrics done and she was just as happy as I am. We'll both definitely be back. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

I've been here three times. The layout of the shop is awesome. The last time I went was the best experience. I left ecstatic! I love my tattoo. Andy did it for me. He will do exactly what you want, and he's a perfectionist. I'm not going to bother with any other place in St. Louis. read more

See all

This is a kick-ass shop. I have gotten tattoos in shops (and not) all over, and this place is the best by far. They are professional in that they are extremely clean and work their bums off on the work you want done, and they are very personable and fun to be around. They appreciate business and they act like it. They make you feel welcome. They also really know what they're talking about when it comes to aftercare of your tattoo. I can't recommend them highly enough. I can't figure out how to put a photo on reviews, so I'll put the photo of my amazing back piece done by Lauren on my profile. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Lauren did this awesome representation of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'. If you can see it, note the incredibly well done lettering. - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Dustin heard my vision and made it come to life. Awesome shop with great energy. It was very clean and everyone was very professional. Ready to book my next appointment soon! read more

Horrible customer service issue resolution. After spending over $1000 in this shop to be treated like crap and have Sean, the rude ass owner, offer no apology or offer to educate his employees, I'll be sure to never spend another penny in this place, EVER!!! read more

Went here with my friend to get small tattoos and had a great experience. Everyone was very nice. My friend got handwriting that they did a great job with ($80) and I got a hydrangea that they designed as a combination of 2 photos I liked ($200). Pat and Megan did them and they were great!! read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

This place is great. The artists are talented and with their varied styles can cover whatever you're looking for. Stop screwing around and go get tattooed! The shop space is also really cool with dark woods and flash lined walls. By the way, the shop is in The Grove which has some great restaurants, breweries and bars to help take the sting out of your fresh masterpiece, ha. read more

Wonderful atmosphere! Very clean, friendly, kind. Sean has such a killer personality and is a phenomenal tattoo artist. I highly recommend this place to anyone! read more

After a ton of research and consultations at quite a few shops, I decided to take the plunge and get tattooed at Tower Classic. From the initial consultation to post-tattoo, I felt well taken care of. John, my artist, was professional; I felt comfortable, and he took the time to perfect the placement of my tattoo. Since this was my first tattoo, I went with something simple, and it has healed perfectly. The shop is also incredibly clean, and the people working the front are great. My experience was awesome and the work done here is phenomenal. I'll continue to go to John and Tower Classic for my tattoos, and I can't wait for my next one. This shop is nothing short of five stars. read more

I'm so very happy I walked into Tower Classic Tattoo six months ago when a friend was guesting and started a tattoo on my arm. She was called away and I returned to have Sean Baltzell continue the piece. Since then I've been back several times for other work and will never, EVER, go any place else. The setting: Located in The Grove on Manchester it's a Preservationist's wet dream. The interior is elegant: exposed ceiling joist framing, Hoosier cabinets, dark wainscoting, and antique barber chairs. Very early 1900s complimented with exquisite taxidermy and Sean's stunning watercolor designs mounted and framed on the exposed brick wall. Salon like. Atmosphere: Being tattooed here provides an encounter with some of the most vibrant wits in STL. Very Algonquin round table. Seriously. It's like hanging out with Dorothy Parker (that would be Lauren B), Ring Lardner, and Franklin Pierce Adams. Not quite that literary but yes, they are that hilarious. Demeanor: As I mentioned it's a witty crew. This needs to be stressed. Freaking hilarious. Sean coached me on breathing and relaxing and when I failed at both he threatened to put me out of my misery which cheered me up. He's that considerate. The entertainment value at TCT rivals Sean's talent which is off the noose. Talent: Perfection. I supply concept and imagery and Sean pulls it into a seamless design. He's patient during the consultation and attentive to nuance. The symmetry he brought to two different designs on each calve was exquisite. Two different designs are balanced and frankly, I feel even more perfect. Hence the perfection. Thanks for gracing my legs, Sean. If you can't book with Sean there's loads of other talent at TCT. Walk in. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Bluejays and Swallows by Sean Baltzell - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

No one likes a bad tattoo. Especially these guys. I have been getting tattooed for over 10 years and have had work done by 6 different artists all over the United States. I have been getting my largest pieces done by Sean B for the past 3 years. His attention to detail and passion for quality greatly exceed any other tattoo experience that I've witnessed in my 10 years of loving the craft. His new shop is a testament to his talent and hard work. The collection of oddities and hand-crafted art within the shop are reason enough to go in for a consultation. Stay for the pain, and walk away with a keeper. BOTTOM LINE: Tattoos are permanent. This shop knows what they're doing. Go there. read more

I recently went in to Tower Classic and had work done by Lauren B. I moved around the corner from the shop in July, and was really excited to check it out. My initial experience walking in was one of astonishment. There was so much to look at. The owner of this shop has really thought about every detail. Vintage tattoo art on the walls, old-school barber chairs and repurposed furniture. I seriously see something new and interesting every time I visit. I was greeted by a super nice guy when I walked in who gave me a tour and described the significance of some of the aforementioned memorabilia while Lauren B finished up with her client. The tattoo I got from Lauren B. was on my forearm, and was the least painful tattoo I have to date. It also healed faster than any tattoo I have had previously. Lauren is attentive, interactive, and cool as hell. She stayed true to my original request and added her own suggestions. I ended up with a piece of art that I am very poproud of, and I will be back for many more. read more

This is hands down the most aesthetically pleasing tattoo shop I have ever seen. The atmosphere is laid back, but that does not mean these artists do not take their work seriously. The moment you walk in you will be greeted with a hello and you will also notice that cleanliness is a top priority. Every tattoo here is well-referenced and of the highest quality. Do a little research on these artists...their work will stand for itself. If you want a bright, bold, clean tattoo that sticks...this is the place to go. read more

I can't speak for anyone else but I have found in past experiences that the typical attitude of most tattoo artists is 'your an inconvenience'. Not at Tower Classic. From the very moment I walked into there shop I was greeted with smiles positive attitudes from artists that love what they do and an eagerness to assist me that I hadn't experienced in any other shop. I was referred to Sean. He was great with my consultation, almost seeming more excited about the piece then even myself at times. I ended up needing to reschedule my appt and he was very flexible with allowing me to move my appt to an earlier date. The shop help was very helpful and made me feel really comfortable while Sean was working on me. They even played whatever kind of music I wanted to hear! Oh and for anyone who hasn't gotten a chance to check this spot out yet, they have done an amazing job. It is in my opinion aesthetically exactly what a tattoo shop should look like. All in all the experience was just great! I LOVE my tattoo from Tower Classic! I will definitely be back!!!! read more

I suspect I will be upgrading my rating to 5 stars after I submit my next tattoo project to them. Either way - here's the skinny on my first experience at TCT. I did pop in for a beer during IndieHop, but that doesn't count as far as tattoos go. The shop is nice - organized and very clean considering it was previously a greasy, little diner. Not to hectic or noisy considering the typical noise associated with a tattoo parlor. I heard about the Friday the 13th special relatively last minute. Quick synopsis - 13$ plus $7 tip for one tattoo. Tattoos are limited to a selection of roughly 15 preselected designs that all include the #13 in some way/shape/form. The special sounded like a great opportunity to test drive Tower Classic to see if their establishment would be ideal for my next self-designed/larger project. I called them up - inquired about the special - immediately drove up to the shop to schedule the appt. Easy as pie considering the mass hysteria surrounding this special at other tattoo parlors in the area. EVERYONE was super helpful and courteous. No attitude or elitist attitude here. Once my time for ink-age came - my artist hooked me up, plopped me down, and had my selection in my flesh in no time. Relatively fast and definitely efficient. He was a quiet soul but can understand considering it was a very, very hectic and busy day. Those poor folks were tattooing well into the late evening. For the life of me - I cannot think of my artist's name. Bad Al. He priced my next design out and gave some insight so he will definitely be my artist of choice when I return (hopefully soon). At any rate - Tower Classic definitely passed the test with crazy 13 day. I know of several other tattoo fanatics that praise their work as well and was glad to see this pop up in the Grove. Stay tuned for an updated review! read more

All I can say is yes, yes, yes. TRX was rude. Trader Bob's was pricey. John worked with me on price.. and gave me EXACTLY what I wanted. No RAGRETS on this cross country road trip! read more

I've been coming here for nearly a year, and having experienced tattoos at other "tricky" shops, this should be your first choice. These guys are true professionals in their industry, and more importantly they're great artists. Always punctual, never cancelling appointments, competitive rates, friendly, talented, and only slightly questionable music make this shop the best. Ask for Dusto for a sure thing, but honestly, you'll be in good hands no matter your artist. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo by Dusto. - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Love everything about it. Andy was my artist and I would highly recommend. Had both a new piece and a touch up done, both which came out beautifully. The shop was clean, all were very friendly, and they were playing the beach boys which made my day. :-) Fair, talented, friendly, spotless and all around the right decision. Go! You should. Now read more

Megan did my first ever tattoo and it was awesome! The vibe is great and all the workers checked up on me to make sure I was doing good. They got my design exactly how I wanted! Recommended very much! read more

I stopped by after work to discuss my idea and left with a great tattoo. Dustin listened to my idea and really made it work. The place was clean (in fact, the front room was being mopped when i got there), but if you don't like others stopping by to watch, you might need to ask for a private room (assuming there is one). The stalls only have half walls. Since my tatt is on my arm, it was fine. As for the quality, it's a little hard to tell for sure since it's still healing, but it looks great. Might need a little touch up on some of the lines but nothing terrible (I'll post pics after it heals). Dustin was very friendly and personable - we carried on a great conversation and before i knew it he was done. I'll be back for my next tatt! read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - My chi rho tattoo, mostly healed. Just as i imagined it! Some lines are a little fuzzy, but overall it's great. - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Pat is amazing! His work speaks for itself and he was so polite and made sure I was comfortable and informed throughout the whole process! Will most definitely be back!! read more

I was very disappointed by the work that was done on my tattoo. I wrote the shop ahead of time with what I wanted done, but it felt as if I was a nuisance or afterthought from the moment I booked the appointment. I wasn't greeted warmly at the shop, or really at all. The whole appointment felt rushed. I was cut off when trying to describe what I was looking for. My request for the overall design aesthetic and color palette were completely ignored, and to make matters worse, the result was an unsymmetrical tattoo. :/ I wish I had gone somewhere with a person who truly wanted to listen to what I had to say and satisfy my wishes - the customer. Unfortunately I will now be going to another shop to have the tattoo reworked, by someone who has time to listen and show me a bit more respect. Overall, just a bad experience, there are plenty of other shops to consider. read more

About two months ago (late August) I got my first tattoo here. I called the previous day asking about prices and appointments. Because the tattoo I was getting was very small and minimal in detail I could just do a walk in. I came in the next day and was welcome and quoted prices[$50]. The place looked so cool and clean. They help me choose the right art I wanted on my arm. They were very helpful and made sure I was comfortable before they began. I was lucky enough to get John! Friendly and down to earth guy. The tattoo came out nicely and I can't wait to come back one day for my next one. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Tattoo two months later - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

These guys are at the top of the St. Louis tattoo game. Always professional, always friendly. I don't get that "I'm better than you" vibe that I've gotten at other shops. I don't feel like a stranger here, and they've always treated me with respect. This is the only shop I plan on going to for my tattoo needs. read more

Evan Nichols is awesome. He took his time and made sure everything was exactly what what I wanted. I went back to Evan for another tattoo because I was so happy with the first one he did. read more

Tower Classic Tattooing - Fibromyalgia awareness ribbon and butterfly. Evan Nichols is awesome. - Tattoo Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

All the artists are great up there. Really cool neighborhood too. Been tattooed multiple times by them and always go back.

I loved this shop! First, let me just say, a clean shop goes a long way in comfort...and Tower Grove Classic Tattooing is not only clean, but kinda retro chic as well. I went in this past weekend to get a quote for a cover- up. Josh, was very skilled and quick to resolve my issue. I went back later that evening and he very efficiently (in 45 minutes) performed my cover - up and.... I Love it!!! Josh is very good with color too! And, he ended up charging me $50.00 less than his previous quote. I'd gone to 3 previous shops, mind you, and none were able to give me the answers and confidence that I was looking for. So needless to say, I highly recommend this shop. ( And the music was poppin'! I'm a Rock-Head, so I was easily able to balance the pain of the tat with the sounds of the hard rock surrounding me.) * Thank's Cody for the tunes! Your band was awesome read more

I had Sean, and I love my tattoo! Cool people and great atmosphere. It was extremely clean and they did everything to make sure I was comfortable while getting my tattoo. Would highly recommend. read more

Amazing place with an amazing, talented guy behind it.. If you're in need or want of a tattoo, this is the place to go! Do yourself a favor, and go check this place out.. you won't regret it!! read more

After reading all the reviews here, I decided to go to Tower Classic for my first tattoo, and I was not disappointed! Lauren did an amazing job and was super friendly. I wanted a quote in a certain font on my wrist, but Lauren suggested I go with something more stylized and classic because fonts quickly go out of date. She couldn't have been more right and her design came out simultaneously beautiful and bad ass. When I look at my wrist and then the font I originally wanted, I am so happy with what I have. When I sat down to get the tattoo done, I got nervous because my dad is going to be so angry and the design was different than my original idea. She talked to me about it and offered to let me leave ad think about it even though I wouldn't be able to go back to her (I'm from out of town and was leaving the next day). Very professional. She had also postponed going out to dinner with her mom to do my tattoo. Her mom was waiting in the shop, so I got to talk to her about her reaction to Lauren's first tattoo which calmed me down (your parents will love you no matter what even if they're angry for a while). The tattoo turned out beautifully and didn't hurt that much. I would highly recommend going to Lauren or any of the other artists for a beautiful, well-designed, quality tattoo. On another note, the shop looks awesome and is so well decorated. I've heard that tattoo parlors can be rude to customers who don't already have tattoos, but I talked to multiple employees and they were so nice. On the way out one of them even called out "you're one of us now!" read more

Dusto and Tower Classic are the best in the area. I've had experiences in all the major (and a handful of the less-than-major) tattoo shops of St. Louis and this is by far my top pick. The shop itself is clean, professional, friendly, and patient while still being very cool. They manage their walk-in business well, making sure everyone has enough time to get it right instead of slamming out as much work as they can. Pricing and estimates are fair, accurate, and consistent. Payment by credit card is safe and easy. Every artist there has a ton of experience and talent and you often get a collaborative effort of everyone's experience with designs. I'd be happy to get tattooed by anyone that works there, but Dusto is my guy. Dusto is great to work with. I've gone to him for big pieces that required multiple appointments and quicker walk in stuff. In both cases he takes the time to make sure you are going to end up with something great. He really knows his stuff and is willing to listen, so he is awesome at working with you to development your idea into something that will look amazing now and stay looking amazing forever. Once he starts tattooing he works efficiently and is as gentle as a tattoo is going to get. read more