Speakeasy Custom Tattoo

buddy.beans provided the best tattoo experience I have had. buddy was professional, courteous, punctual, and very confident. The first thing you will notice when you walk into the building (make sure to walk all the way down North Ave and look for the door that looks like it belongs to a tattoo parlor) is how clean the facility is. It's a spacious, brightly lit, and immaculately clean studio. The tables are comfortable and clean, each artist has a dedicated space and their artwork can be seen all over the studio space. You are treated with respect, hospitality and a welcome smile as soon as you sit down. As I told buddy yesterday, the best compliment I can provide is that I will be back. This review is the second best thing I can provide. Word of mouth would be third, of course. I will be back, many times. Hopefully very soon. They will be providing my art for the rest of my arm. I can't wait! Thanks buddy! :)

Full Story: I am from out of town (Jacksonville, FL) and had been planning a trip to Chicago and to also get a tattoo. After looking at different artists and studios in Chicago, I found Speakeasy. I had a general idea of what I was looking to get and when I saw the work by Buddy Beans, I knew this was right place and the right artist. What I didn’t know was how amazing the whole experience would be from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed warmly and offered a cup of coffee (always a winning move in my book). Upon meeting Buddy, they were prepared with multiple sizes of my design and took the time to make sure the sizing and placement was perfect. Buddy's actual tattooing style was really clean and they were incredibly patient with me. They would work at my pace, would stop from time to time when I needed to take a breather, and would be able to read my mannerisms to make the whole process comfortable. There was no ego, no pretentiousness, an no apathy in there tattooing, which for an artist of this caliber, was unbelievably refreshing. Furthermore, for my personal experience, I was so happy to have just hit it off with Buddy. Their bedside manor and demeanor was so perfect for the moment, and truly made the whole experience 1000x better. Not to mention (which is probably the most important part of this review), this is, hands down, THE BEST tattoo work I have ever gotten. And not to forget the price…damn reasonable! What I expected to pay and what I was actually charged was night and day. (Although I will not say the exact price, as everyone’s tattoo is specific to them and should be tailored in approach and price respectively, I will say it was less than 1K). I am writing and posting the photo, 3 days after I got the work done, and I am so incredibly impressed with how its healing and keeping its detail even this short of a time after initially getting it. I could go on and on, but when I say that after decades of searching, I have finally found my tattoo artist. If you are even thinking of getting tattoo work done and are in the Chicago area, there is an artist at Speakeasy who will not disappointed. (P.S: They have super cool merch shirts. I got 2) TL/DR: 10/10 experience all around. Would totally recommend.

Exceptional Artistry and a Master of His Craft! If I could give Alex Prequel Tattoos more than five stars, I absolutely would (as cliche as that sounds, there’s simply no better way to put it). Alex is a remarkably talented, detailed, and visionary artist who provides top-notch service from the moment you walk through the door. His level of thoroughness and collaboration is unmatched. I came to him with just a loose concept described in words and a general example found online, and he was able to take those ideas and transform them into one-of-a-kind masterpieces. He genuinely listens to his clients, making the entire design and tattooing process feel like a true partnership. The quality of his work speaks for itself. I was so completely blown away by the first piece he did for me that I didn’t even hesitate—I quickly scheduled two more sessions to get more work done by him. Ever since getting tattooed by Alex, I have received endless compliments on the ink. His fine-line detail, precision, color work, and dedication to perfection are next level. If you are looking for an artist who is thorough, collaborative, and incredibly skilled, look no further than Alex. He doesn't just give you a tattoo; he creates custom artwork you’ll be proud to wear forever. I cannot recommend him highly enough!

I have nothing but positive things to say about my first experience with Speakeasy. The shop itself is clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with large windows allowing in ample sunlight, providing an atmosphere you don’t often find in tattoo shops. This was my first piece in over a decade; guest artist Jimmy Imier took the reference pictures I sent him and came up with this incredibly sick design. He was informative, friendly, and patient - he answered any questions I had and set me up with a routine that’s made this my smoothest healing process to date. Would absolutely recommend both Speakeasy and Jimmy to anyone looking for high quality work.

I had an amazing experience with Jimmy! The studio is immaculate, welcoming, and has such a positive vibe. Jimmy is knowledgeable, professional, kind, and funny, which made my second tattoo (and first with him) so comfortable and easy. He was patient, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. His prices are very reasonable for the quality of work…definitely better than other artists who charge more for work that doesn’t even compare (seriously, Doodle Bob could’ve drawn some of those lol). After just one session, I already trust him with any future tattoos. 10/10, highly recommend!!!