Bugaboo Tattoo

4357 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410, United States
Appearance
Bugaboo Tattoo
Comments
Gi
Review №1

Bummed out I even feel the need to make this review but here we go… someone told me to call this place when I needed a little guidance. First of all, whoever answered the phone just said, “hello?” Idk seems unprofessional, I had to ask if I was calling the right place. I then asked about being helped with a lip ring that had fallen out on its own. The place I had it done from is closed on Wednesdays, so I went with what my friend recommended and called Bugaboo. The piercer would NOT let me get a single sentence out- I had to ask her to not talk over me. She refused to put a new one in because of liability or whatever- fine. So I asked if I could come in, buy a new ring, and just asked if they could TELL me, how to put it in. They didn’t have to touch me or the ring, just looking for guidance. They refused any help of any kind and whoever the piercer was is VERY rude and should be retrained in how to talk to people. I then called Unity Studio in valpo and they were SO NICE, So understanding and ready to help me asap. I would never recommend bugaboo. The 2 women I spoke to were so rude for no reason. Go to unity for a piecing 😃

Mi
Review №2

Went in for my first tattoo and couldnt have been happier with the entire experience. My artist was Denver Riddle. He made me feel at ease with the entire process. My tattoo was to honor my family member that had passed away and Denver handled it with care, compassion, and respect. I am beyond pleased with my tattoo and that is because I had a truly talented and experienced artist in Denver. Too the place is clean and bright and the other artists/employees are extremely friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend Bugaboo Tattoo and artist Denver Riddle!

Li
Review №3

We called before hand to see if they took tattoo walk in and they said yes. So we went there and waited like 20 minutes and ended up leaving..no one came up to us…we said hi to a staff member and he ignored us..I’d understand if we didn’t call before hand but we did!!! We didn’t want to get a tattoo in a NEGATIVE environment!!! SO WE LEFT!

Ka
Review №4

I just got my first tattoo done yesterday and it turned out WONDERFUL. The person who did it was Mak and she has so much talent. Highly recommend you ask for her! I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out.

ju
Review №5

Chris is the best piercer. I got my lip done by him and it healed great.

Li
Review №6

Got both my nostrils pierced! He took time to mesure them so they were pierced in the right spots. Also walked through the process of everything he was doing. Probably the best piercing experience i have had. I love how i was able to pick what jewelry i wanted and not just have a silver ball. And he gave me free after care. Clean shop

Al
Review №7

My cousin and I had Daith piercings done, Chris was wonderful. He talked us through the process and explained the different types of earrings to put in. It was a very welcoming and easy going experience.Edit: Now five years later, I got my OTHER daith done. I had Chris again, he’s still wonderful. He gave me a ring that matched the style of my current ring in my other ear. I paid $55 for my piercing. Still very easy going and welcoming. 20/10 would go again

Ch
Review №8

Originally went in on a Friday to get my ears pierced. the piercer was gone for the day so I inquired about a tattoo. got said tattoo which was done amazingly. and set an appointment to get my ears pierced. fast forward to the day I get my ears pierced, they were done perfect. Ill support this business for any tattoos or piercings moving forward

Ma
Review №9

Steve Darnell is very talented and I now have 5 of his works on my arms. I will not let anyone else tattoo me. I drive from NE Ohio every year to get more ink from him.

Sa
Review №10

Took my daughter there to get her ears pierced after having her ears pierced previously as a toddler by a Pierce gun that caused infection. This time Around (9 years later)I wanted it done right. My daughter already has anxiety about everything and Chris was super amazing with her. He walked her through the process. If she needed a minute, he gave it to her. He explained everything to her, made it very light hearted. Exactly what you would want for your kids and even yourself! I have a lot of tattoos and piercings myself and this was my first time in this shop. I liked how the music wasn’t blaring so loud we could still hear him. Shop was very clean. Didn’t smell like smoke, weed , or school like some shops. I recommend him for any piercing , any age. Very professional! Super nice guy!

Li
Review №11

My 16 year old daughter and myself both got nose piercings by Chris. He is absolutely amazing. The place is very clean. (Ive owned my own cleaning business for 11 years so I am very observant). Chris made you feel extremely comfortable and explained everything. I would highly recommend him for all piercings. My daughter got her cartilage piercing at another tattoo shop (I do not need to speak ill of somewhere else) but I am saying I noticed a big difference in Chriss knowledge than elsewhere. So as far as piercings - Chris is a smart choice. The price is very reasonable as well.

Ha
Review №12

Denver has now done 2 of my tattoos both very meaningful tattoos and is a wonderful artist. Highly recommend going to Denver ❤️

Ma
Review №13

Steve does amazing work! I come here to let him add ink yo my and my nieces bodies every year when I come to the area on vacation!!

Ha
Review №14

Had a wonderful experience getting pierced by Chris today.Very friendly, professional and communicated every step of the way.The shop was very clean with a welcoming atmosphere.10/10 would recommend this shop/ Chris.

Le
Review №15

I waited until my 40s to get a tattoo. Worth the wait! Shop is clean. Staff friendly. DON did an AWESOME JOB

DR
Review №16

Good people highly recommend Matt Knight! Dudes got sick talent!

De
Review №17

Ive been here before for piercings and my experience was good. I wanted a small tattoo two months ago and was ignored by the artist. She refused to answer my messages on Instagram which is the way she referred to be contacted. I called the shop twice to attempt to set up an appointment that way. The male piercer answered both times and he tried his best. I understand tattoo artists have been slammed since covid but she never answered or responded at all. Im not a cry baby whos only mad because the artist wouldnt do what I wanted.It would be nice if artists could behave as professionals.

As
Review №18

Steve Darnell is amazing. His work is spectacular! My husband and I will always refer him. As for the shop in general, its always spotless. They keep up on everything. Theyre reasonably priced and in an easy to access location. Definitely recommend!

Ca
Review №19

I got a piercing with Chris and he was amazing! He answered all of my questions very well and was super easy to talk to. He was clean, professional, and followed all COVID safety protocols. The price was fair. I did not feel uncomfortable despite being quite nervous for the piercing. I will definitely be back and will recommend him to anyone wanting a piercing!

Le
Review №20

I went for a belly button piercing and Chris is awesome! He made me feel very comfortable and talked to me alot to get my mind off the pain from the piercing. He also informs you on how long it would heal and all the basic information on how to take care of the piercing. I stayed a total of around 30 minutes, the place is very clean and so are the materials he used to pierce me, the pricing is also good.He made the experience very pleasant and I highly recommend going to him!

Da
Review №21

Hated how my calls were ignored at first. The tattoo artist was going to be gone for a week. So I called back and I was told he was going to be off too for the rest of the week. They should have told me at first when I set up an appointment. They weren’t professionals like they should. Therefore, I won’t come back neither recommend it to you!

Lo
Review №22

I went in to get a nose ring removed which the dude that removed it was very nice but I also got some Steri-Wash from them and used it 3 times and now it wont spray im not sure if the nozzle broke or if its gone already

Ke
Review №23

I recently had two larger pieces done by Don. The detail on both are amazing. I get compliments on them both all the time. I couldnt be happier with the work. Don is definitely worth the wait.

Je
Review №24

Saw Christopher for piercing and tattoo laser removal. Very professional, very clean work area and comforting. My daughter also got her first piercing and he made her feel so at ease. Very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend!

Si
Review №25

Great place for tattoos and piercings. Gave them a picture of a tattoo I wanted. When I came back to get it done, the artist had changed the whole thing. It was so much better than the picture I gave him. I get so many compliments on the detailed work. Have had my cartilage pierced and Chris is amazing. I had some problems with it healing and called him several times. He told me how to speed up the healing process and everything worked out great. As long as I’m in this area, this is where I’ll go. The only draw back is because they are so good, they seldom do walk-ins. You mainly need to make an appointment. Sometimes getting a tattoo is a spur of the moment kinda thing and you want to get it done right away. Other than that, I recommend this shop to anyone who wants tats and/or piercings.

ST
Review №26

Matt is the best. He is very talented, and I love all my tattoos from him! Place is clean, and the staff is friendly!

Je
Review №27

Great experience. The artist Jessica was very patient with my concerns about positioning. She was quick, efficient, and friendly. Her original art on the wall made me want to get something custom. Will definitely visit again.

As
Review №28

My boyfriend and I came in around 1 to get our noses pierced and let me tell you... Chris is Amazing! He saw how nervous I was and made sure that I was comfortable during the entire process (which only took about 30min-40min tops! He was super informative and was able to answer any question I had regarding the upkeep, cleaning, etc. I definitely recommend!

Sh
Review №29

I had gotten my nose pierced here... it was a walk in on a Saturday. The guy who preformed my service was pleasant and very professional. You came across to me as well informed and non-judgmental gentleman. He acknowledge us within 10 minutes of walking in, we was serviced and out within 1 1/2 hour of arriving.

Al
Review №30

Came in last Sunday to get a tattoo and Steve did a wonderful job. Couple days later came back to get my nose pierced. Chris made sure I was okay the whole process. Definitely will come back in the future!!

K
Review №31

I got my ears pierced here earlier this month. Chris was awesome and very hospitable. I would definitely consider being a return customer for future piercings. Thanks, Chris!!

ES
Review №32

I went there for a double tragus and for someone whos worked in 3 shops in 2 different states they where very professional clean and friendly. There piercer was very helpful, friendly and Im very happy with his work. Good to see they still hold themselves to the highest standards they started with in both shops.

Va
Review №33

Such a great experience! Chris made us feel so comfortable! He was kind, caring and amazing! Thanks so much! We will definitely return!!

K
Review №34

The only place I get my tattoos done. The tattoo artist, Jessica was/is AMAZING. She was nice and very professional. She took her time and made sure every tattoo she did for me was PERFECT. I will continue to go back to her!

Th
Review №35

Steve does amazing work. I went to him with an idea and he did his research and drew up exactly what I wanted. Highly recommend this place and this artist. He was very through with his cleaning procedures as well.

Sc
Review №36

Steve does Amazing work at a fair price. Highly recommend.

Da
Review №37

Chris did a great job with my helix piercing, it was quick(20 mins) and easy! He was very friendly and knowledgeable. The shop is clean as could be, would highly recommend!

Ra
Review №38

So GOOD! I went in for a septum and holy cow did Chris do a good job! I went somewhere else to get it done originally and it was so crooked but Chris seems to have some 6th Sense of symmetry! If you need a piercing done, look no further. This is your place

Du
Review №39

Great guys they do awesome work highly recommend. Especially it’s it’s your first tat! I was very pleased with the work Matt performed.

Ri
Review №40

Made an appointment for my wife as a birthday gift. Took the Sunday off work to take my wife. The artist, Matt Knight, was a no-show. Prettt sure if we didnt show up that we would forfeit our deposit. Apparently its no problem when theyre a no show and cost me 12 hrs of work on a Sunday. I will give credit where it is due though. Steve Darnell offered to do it for her but it was going to be much later in the day. It was very nice of him but my wife didnt want to start a 4hr tattoo at 4pm. This was probably an anomaly, but still enough to piss me off to give a bad review.

Fr
Review №41

Matt did not amazing job...

Vi
Review №42

Denver was a fantastic artist🤙🏽

No
Review №43

Just got my first tattoo with Steve and it was a great experience (better than expected). Patient with us and asked questions about our tattoos we wanted. Will definitely come back. Thanks Steve!

Ju
Review №44

Steve has done some work for me before. Went to him with an idea and he took it to the next level! I am super excited to finish this sleeve and see it 100% complete. He will have my business from here on out!

Ar
Review №45

I was looking at review for many tattoo shops. at first i loved this one, loved their work! but i got my tattoo here not even a week ago and it’s literally fading really bad. some parts there’s not even any ink. at first i loved it, after 5 days it’s getting ugly. I take care of it to, i do everything they told me to. I loved this place but now i’m not so sure.. try to look for a more professional place!

Me
Review №46

It was a very good experience. I had gotten two piercings with Chris and he did a very good job making me feel comfortable.

Ya
Review №47

Brought my little sister to get her nose pierced for her birthday and it was a great experience. I got my nose pierced as well. Our piercer was great( Chris I believe)

Ma
Review №48

I went in to get a new naval ring. The girl at the counter was friendly but had no idea about any of the jewelry. I wanted one quick because I had lost my first one, and my piercing was still healing. I asked if it was sterile and she said no.....

Ba
Review №49

Love love love bugaboo! Havent had the pleasure of getting a tattoo just yet but I have been pierced multiple times here. Go see Chris Gifford if you need any piercings! He knows what hes doing!

Br
Review №50

I do not give bad reviews often. But the man at the front desk is incredibly rude! He looked at me like I was nothing because my last name did not match my mothers. Then proceeded to ask my mother all her past relationship business which is not professional at all!!!!!! I will never get a tattoo here and I will make sure to tell my friends and family NOT to go here. Awful service.

Ru
Review №51

Absolutely unprofessional. The shop will not discuss problems in a professional manner and then continues to insult the customers. I left a review on their Facebook page and the comments were disabled. Apparently a five star rating is the only rating allowed. I received a staph infection as did other people that I know from the shop. It marred my tattoo, but I will not return to fix it and I would never reccomend them to anyone that wants professional artists or piercers.

Ze
Review №52

Matt is a very detailed and professional artist. This was my first tattoo and he was totally awesome and caring. He comes highly recommended.

Kr
Review №53

Knowledgeable employees. I havent been tattooed here yet, but I follow the shop and some artists on Facebook and their work is great. The piercer did great work and was talkative to help ease the piercing.

Mo
Review №54

I went there for my piercing, the guy was clean and professional. They have a decent selection also.

Je
Review №55

Jessica did an amazing job on my sister tattoo! She talked the whole time and I really felt a connection! I will be back to see her!

Ki
Review №56

I went in for a re-pciercng. Chris was calm and professional. The piercing was over in seconds! 3 days later still no pain.

Ch
Review №57

Chris is great! He makes sure everything looks right before hand and makes sure youre alright throughout the process. Hes the only person around that Ill let pierce me.

Ja
Review №58

Don is the best. My half sleeve is coming along awesome! 1 more appt to color and done. Love Chris the piercer and the deco in the shop!

Jo
Review №59

I got my 1st design at Bugaboo tattoo. They gave me Nole. I couldnt be happier, i was very impressed with his performance. I would definitely consider him again!Thank you Nole!

ad
Review №60

Amazing!! Denver is the man!! Comfort with a great atmosphere. Awesome artists.. I will be going back very soon!

Gi
Review №61

The staff is extremely unprofessional. While trying to reschedule an appointment I was hung up on. When I contacted an employee to tell them I had developed an infection in my tattoo, they told me it wasnt their fault and to put some tea tree oil on it. I had to get a prescription antibiotic because it was a staph infection. When a family member went on their Facebook to review them, the staff brought up an incident that was not mentioned in the review and became extremely hostile and even resorted to name calling. Then when others joined in on the review the site disabled the post. It seems that the only way to leave a review that the staff will leave alone is to blindly give them a 5 star review. They have repeatedly lied on social media regarding both myself and family members. Employees took to social media and harassed several individuals for days regarding a situation that they involved themselves in.

De
Review №62

The piercer was very polite and professional. He took his time to make sure I was happy with my nose piercing. I will definitely be back.

Ty
Review №63

Absolutly amazing. Great atmosphere, the people are friendly and professional, and the shop is just clean cut. I love all the work Ive gotten done so far, Stef has been extraordinary.

Ja
Review №64

I received a piercing and was very pleased. The service was fast and sanitarily safe. I felt completely comfortable. I will be back and highly recommend this establishment.

Эм
Review №65

I got my nose pierced for the first time here not to long ago and all I gotta say is Im 100 percent coming back soon😂 it was clean and professional and Chris Gifford was cool too I reccomend him if ur gonna get pierced👍🏻

Ca
Review №66

Very kind and friendly piercer! CLEAN business, not a speck of dirt to be found. Coming back again, will definitely trust the piercer w my life

An
Review №67

I got my septum pierced by Chris! I felt comfortable the whole time, and was very happy with the end result!

s
Review №68

Noel (hope I spelled it right) was awesome! Love how my tatt turned out! He gave great tips! Looking forward to going back for more!

Ta
Review №69

I love this place. .. and Steven is the man. Just ask fer him he rocks

Se
Review №70

Qouted me for $110 for a basic stud peircing to each ear. another place only charged 40. overpriced

Jo
Review №71

Clean, professional and do a great job...What else could you want?

Gw
Review №72

My first tatoo, had small tatoo put on the calf of my leg. Steve was my artist, he was professional and friendly and put me at ease. My tatoo looks exactly like I wanted. Love it.

Ja
Review №73

Chris was excellent! Still waiting on a phone call on how to remove my starter stud in my nose, though

Cr
Review №74

Steve did an amazing job on our tattoos and did them so quickly not sparing accuracy or detail at all!. Well be back for more ink

La
Review №75

Excellent and very personal and great work my kids were extremely happy with there tattoos 😊

Ac
Review №76

Experienced and friendly piercing staff. Excellent work and professional. Place was spotless.

Sh
Review №77

Chris was friendly and professional. I am very happy with the piercing results--highly recommend!

Br
Review №78

Jessica is the best! Hands down best vibe, and her skill level is amazing! Very clean and proper!

Li
Review №79

Love Bugaboo! Helpful & friendly staff!! Clean shop & excellent prices. Work is beyond words! Great place!

J
Review №80

Ive been to the Southlake and Kennedy locations for piercing and both piercers, Chris and Becky, are fantastic.

Ch
Review №81

Great place! Don took good care of my daughter and I for her first tattoo.

Ri
Review №82

Best place to get a tattoo or piercing. Excellent service very defined tattoo work. I will return when I am in town. Thank you

Ma
Review №83

Been going there for years. Don Frey is absolutely fantastic with the work he does.

Br
Review №84

Very clean. All artists are badass!

ma
Review №85

I got my ears pierced here the piercer was super nice and funny he explained all the steps you me I will be back

Ly
Review №86

Really comfortable place Clean & professional. Such talented Artists, especially Nole. Highly recommend

Br
Review №87

Very clean, Steve Darnell is the best in my opinion very creative guy.

Je
Review №88

Fabulous..... Jessica was great.... very patient and detailed definitely will go back

ab
Review №89

Got my first tattoo of a lotus flower on my forearm, Matt did an AMAZING job!!

Ma
Review №90

My daughter was satisfied and so was my wife and I.

An
Review №91

Very clean and sterile. Also great people all around. Ill be back there very soon!!!!

Na
Review №92

Steve D is Awesome!! He has been doing my tattoos for 16 years!!

Ra
Review №93

Great place, Chris is the best. Need a piercing? Check out Chris.

Me
Review №94

If i could give it zero stars i would. I called about a piercing and they told me it was okay. Called again right before to check on the price and they told me no.

cu
Review №95

Got my piercing done

Jo
Review №96

Chris did great doing his craft for my daughter and I.

cy
Review №97

The best tats there are! Don is a genious and he uses the body as his artistic canvas.

T
Review №98

Amazing work by Don Frey. Would recommend this place all day every day 4 quality work.

Li
Review №99

I was in and out when I get my industrial pierced and the place was super clean

Kr
Review №100

Chris pierced my industrial with ease. He was friendly and helpful.

Ri
Review №101

Very clean place. Extremely friendly staff. Out of this world artists.

Te
Review №102

See Jessica she is awesome!!! Cleanest ink shop I have ever been to!

An
Review №103

Nice, clean, tattoo parlor. The owner is an actual artist that graduated from art school.

Ly
Review №104

Amazing artists! This is the only place Ill go for my tattoos!

Ta
Review №105

Awesome people and Chris is such a sweetheart and a great piercer

St
Review №106

Stef is amazing! If you want a good tattoozle this is the place to go!

Mi
Review №107

Great tattoo shop! Super clean with amazing artists!

Sa
Review №108

A great shop with extremely talented artists. I HIGLY recommend it.

Mi
Review №109

Chris the piercing dude is awesome.

J
Review №110

Great work will return, He did what other was scared to do thanks

ka
Review №111

Love how kind they are amazing work is done here

Pa
Review №112

Very positive experience. Especially, Chris. Very professional.

Ho
Review №113

Nole was great, and were coming back! Thanks Nole!

Ch
Review №114

Its okay But no one could help because Store was not fully open

Te
Review №115

Had a great experience here with my girls!

Ka
Review №116

Service here is always amazing and very helpful staff

Me
Review №117

Great artist, friendly and knowledgeable staff!!

Da
Review №118

Clean professional shop! Great artists@

da
Review №119

Great shop super clean and professional!

Ro
Review №120

Amazing place clean sterile environment and tools.

Ph
Review №121

Love this place, Noel is a rock star

Ja
Review №122

Awsome peoples and great artists!!

te
Review №123

Jessica kiel is amazing

An
Review №124

Steve Darnell does amazing work!

Ra
Review №125

My favorite place in NWI to go!!

Sh
Review №126

Very professional and great customer service.

Ke
Review №127

Clean, professional. Always a great experience

Ki
Review №128

Great Service! Chris was great!

Mi
Review №129

Awesome vibes and great artists.

Zo
Review №130

Clean environment, pleasent professional staff

St
Review №131

Great service and outstanding work

Li
Review №132

Dont waste your money here

Kr
Review №133

Nole does amazing work

Bi
Review №134

Steve Darnell is amazing!

An
Review №135

Called multiple times and never answered!

Ny
Review №136

Very fast service & Very polite

Te
Review №137

So far so good

Br
Review №138

Chris is great!

Ke
Review №139

Steve hands down!💯

Th
Review №140

Wont go anywhere else for a tattoo

Mi
Review №141

Definitely going bacl!!!

Ha
Review №142

Love my tat!!!!!

as
Review №143

Pretty quick

Sc
Review №144

Awesome as usual!!

Ma
Review №145

Always professional.

To
Review №146

Chris was amazing 💯💯💯💯💯

Ma
Review №147

Great place

Da
Review №148

If looking for a tattoo, this is the place

Ry
Review №149

Nice staff

ju
Review №150

Great tattoo shop

Ti
Review №151

Great place

Information
28 Photos
151 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:4357 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410, United States
  • Site:http://www.bugabootattoo.com/
  • Phone:+1 219-940-9128
Categories
  • Tattoo shop
Working hours
  • Monday:12–7 PM
  • Tuesday:12–7 PM
  • Wednesday:12–7 PM
  • Thursday:12–7 PM
  • Friday:12–7 PM
  • Saturday:12–7 PM
  • Sunday:12–7 PM
Service options
  • Delivery:No
  • Same-day delivery:No
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Payments
  • Credit cards:Yes
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
Similar organizations