Route 9 Tattoo & Body Piercing

I grew up in Framingham and had always heard that this place stunk, but I always gave them the benefit of the doubt; so I went there to get my first tattoo because it was local and convenient for me, and because the piece I wanted to get was so simple it couldn’t be screwed up. When I got there I did not have an appointment, and it was about an hour before closing time. There was one other client in the parlor, being tattooed by one of the artists. There was also one other artist there, sitting behind the desk on his phone when I walked in. I told them I knew it was only an hour to close, but that my tattoo was only about the size of a quarter, and very simple. Without even looking looking at me, the guy behind the counter said he was done for the night, and asked his buddy if he had time for me. He said «no» and they both said I needed to make an appointment next time. I was there with two friends, and the three of us were pretty shocked. I don’t mean to be sensitive, but these guys were just rude. This place deserves it’s horrible rep. The people who work here act like thugs. Needless to say, i did not make an appointment, but rather took my business elsewhere to Worcester Tattoo Co. Although I came in only 30 mins until closing, and there was even a customer ahead of me, somehow they still managed to do my whole piece in about 5 minutes, and gave me a great experience for my first tattoo. This happened over a year ago and looking back, I’m quite glad I didn’t end up getting tatted at this place, because they clearly have no respect for anyone who doesn’t fit their thuggish persona, and are only interested in money; picking and choosing the tattoos they are willing to do, and whom they are willing to do them for.

Terrible and overpriced with no creativity or design savvy. I was told that the studio would cover up an existing tattoo. I went back 3x to have work done on the cover up because they were not fixing it the way I asked. 400 $ later. 10+ hours for 3 roses and bad work. I went to another studio to fix it.

This place is the best hands down. From their professionalism to their knowledge to their sanitation. Route 9 Tattoo and Body Peircing has been phenomenal. I had 2 new tats done and 2 do– overs, All 4 look brand new and perfectly done. Jon, Joey and Luke know their craft. Thanks for the advice and making this experience a great one. When it comes to permanently putting ink on your body, if it’s done right money does not matter. At Rt.9 you get a bonus because they are reasonably priced. GO GET INKED AT RT 9 TAT & BOD!!!

I got my second tattoo here and the first thing I noticed was how clean and welcoming the place looked. They have a lounge by the front desk with leather couches and giant flat screen tv. The whole place felt clean and not grungy. The set up was really nice. The guy at the front desk was very friendly and even put up with my nervous questions.
The artist who did my tattoo (sorry, can’t remember the name. James? Joe? It started with a J) did great with my tat and I love it. He was a little abrasive and not very welcoming which kind of put me off. He spoke to me during the process but it was not friendly banter. It was more complaining about his shift and the annoying customers he gets. I was under the impression that he wasn’t too happy about working there and it made me feel as if I was bothering him by being there. It was not the most comfortable situation to be in. His work was great though, the lines are really clear and it turned out great!
I would probably go back because I like their work which is probably the most important and the shop itself felt great. I would just not expect to have a jolly conversation with the tattoo artist and would rather sit there in silence.

So i got my tattoo summer of 2012. It was done by Ralph. It’s small, on my wrist, and what some people would call cliché. It has meaning to me, and placed specifically to be able to hide it well for jobs or anything. I love tattoos but I don’t want to be covered in them or visible ones. I’m more of a sideline appreciator of tattoo art.
So anyways. Ralph seemed like he could have cared less about my tattoo. He barely said ten words to me except to hold still (I was tapping my foot on the opposite side of my body). It was my first tattoo so I didn’t know the drill but he didn’t know that because he never asked. Whatever. He did it, I left.
I came back and had it touched up by somebody else who was a lot nicer. (sorry, didn’t get the name). Its nice that they offer free touch ups after they heal.
The front desk guy was pretty nice but once again I felt like I was like not important to them because I got something small and easy — aka they didn’t make much money off of me.
I didn’t tip Ralph but I tipped the second guy.
I’m not in the planning stages for another tattoo at the moment so I’m not sure if I will return here. I may shell out more money and go somewhere else.
My brother got a tattoo by Ralph that cost about $ 300. It looks awesome. He has some weird scarring on it but I don’t think that has anything to do with Ralph’s work. I can get a picture another time and edit my review to show his.

The people at the front desk are all great but the person who does the piercings, Rob, is very rude and unkind. I sprinted out of there after speaking to him for a few minutes. I want someone who is kind and willing to share their knowlege to do my work not someone who acts like he does not care.

just went here to have my girlfriend’s tattoo covered up by Brian, he did an amazing job, you wouldn’t even know it was a cover-​up! I waited in the awesome lounge area, where they have me the remote to the tv and let me watch whatever I wanted, wicked cool! thanks so much guys, be back soon for myself!

I’ve had three tattoos done by them and about 5 piercings. Whoever is looking to become «friends» with them obviously has never been to a tattoo/​piercing parlor before. They’re there to do their job diligently and that’s all that matters. I would recommend them to anyone!

It seems like this place just doesn’t want business. I had made an appointment over the phone, sent an email of several inspiration examples for the tattoo I wanted to get with my sister and mother. They never even worked on the tattoo. We walked in for the appointment I could instantly feel this place had bad energy. We were ignored, once I figured out who to check in with he was very rude, unhelpful, and judge mental with a comment he made about how my tattoo is just a Pinterest tattoo, I felt uneasy and unwelcome. True disappointment, I rarely see my mother and sister as I live in Los Angeles, my mother lives in Florida, and my sister in Boston, we had been talking about getting this family inspired tattoo for months and were looking forward to it for quite sometime. Although we were sad to walk out, it was the right thing for us to do.

Where do I begin with a horrible experience?
Aside from walking out of previously arranged session, spare yourself the disappointment and long term agony of absorbing negative energy into your body. Don’t go here.

rude
didn’t care about my piercing
sloppy work
went to piercing emporium in worcester where they have customer service and they actually care about their clients

It’s a tattoo shop first & foremost. It’s my type of shop, the joking & swearing like it’s at home with the family. Every artist is a perfectionist, especially Joey. You’re going to get honest advice regarding the tattoo, which means the world to me. I’d rather have honest insight rather than an artist who is willing to do a piece that won’t translate well or won’t look amazing. Rob the piercer is also kick ass. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel comfortable to kick it and leave with incredible art.

I came in to get a spontaneous tattoo and let me tell you these guys are awesome. As soon as I walked in the door I felt welcomed and like I’ve been here before, but the best part is I haven’t and I don’t regret it one bit. Raph did my piece and I am very satisfied with it! Will be coming back if I get around to being on this coast soon.

Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Real comfortable atmosphere. This is the place for me.
— Jean, Natick, MA

I’ve gotten a tattoo here and a nose piercing. The tattoo came out the worst out of all 10 tattoos I’ve gotten. I had to go elsewhere to have it fixed. Not to mention it was completely overpriced. Unfortunately it was among one of my first tattoos and I didn’t know any better. Piercing wise– quick and easy. They did a good job with that. I agree with other reviews that staff there isn’t so friendly. I won’t be back.

Thought I wrote a review for this place but I don’t see it here!
One of the worst places I’ve ever been for customer service. The guy who did my tattoo didn’t introduce himself, and insulted the tattoo I wanted. He pretty much told me I should get something else because it wasn’t original enough for his taste. The only reason I even let him tattoo me was because my friend I was with got her tattoo for a sibling who passed away and I didn’t want to walk out on her. I will NEVER go back here. I’ve never been treated so disrespectful by someone I’m paying good money to put something on my body that’s going to be there the rest of my life. By the way, this was about a year ago so as you can see, I’m still pissed.

Had 2 pieces done here recently by Brian Pillsbury and I have been very happy with both. If you are writing a 1 star review for this shop because you didn’t get «great customer service» then you are an idiot. It’s a tattoo shop not Macy’s. Surprisingly, the artists are trained in tattooing rather than customer service. SHOCKING!
Brian did a great job on a celtic knot piece and was cool to sit with. I went there with the intention of getting another tattoo covered up and he was able to help me pick out the design I wanted. He is a perfectionist when it comes to his work and spent a lot of time making sure I was happy with the result. I am already planning at least 1 more tattoo in the near future and would happily recommend this shop to anyone.

Got a former new orleans tattoo artist, quick n tight work. Basic tattoo design and by far one of the lightest handed tattoo artists I’ve ever been under the needle with. Cozy enviroment with no pressure to rush or pull the trigger if not ready. Minimal small talk; all business n great self made music. Forgot the artists name though Ive had consults with him in the past – techno dubstup artist.
Ill be going back for some original contract work sooner than later w/​another artist specialized in detail oriented work.
Only downside as with most studios is the annoying lil princesses in for nose piercing n such – props to the staff for patient virtues (money makes anything worth it)

Got my first ear piercing here. The lobby was confusing. My friends and I walked and didn’t know what to do. We roamed aimlessly until someone finally asked what we wanted. They did not tell me the prices up front so I was shocked when I had to pay. The guy who did the piercing was nice and funny but when I called back a month later to ask a question about my piercing, he was rude. It was an okay experience that was not really worthy what I spent.

I have had two tattoos done by Scott in the past couple years, and really couldn’t recommend the guy more. He is very chill, totally cool and loves his work. In other words, sitting with him is always a pleasure. Scott’s my third artist, and by far my favourite.
Both times I brought in my own design. The first was line design with quite a bit of detail. He cleaned up the detail and modified the texture so it wouldn’t be an indeterminate blur in a couple year’s time. I put a lot of thought into how my tats will age, and he clearly understood.
The second was a simple enough design, but required a very steady hand because the slightest misstep would be very obvious. It too came out beautifully.
Best part: no appointments. I’m sure they *do* appointments, but I’ve always had the luxury of waltzing into Route 9 Tattoo on a Saturday evening and walking out that night with a shiny new tat with a minimal wait. Actually, I guess the best part is the one where they do a great job, but not having to plan ahead is a nice perk too. Also, the shop is comfortable, very clean, and lacks the sketchiness factor; some might think sketchiness is part of the experience, but Route 9 proves it does not have to be.
I highly recommend Route 9 to anyone in Metrowest (or even Boston!) looking for excellent body art. A++ would ink again.