Best Tattoo Shops in Austin
By Top Tattoo Places Team » November 30, 2024
Austin’s creative spirit shines through its tattoo culture, where artists blend traditional techniques with bold innovation. Our list of the best tattoo shops in Austin features studios that have earned their place through exceptional work, professional standards, and consistent client satisfaction.
From South Congress to East Austin, we’ve explored the city’s finest studios to create this guide to the best tattoo shops in Austin, Texas. These shops reflect Austin’s vibrant tattoo culture while upholding the high standards of technique, safety, and customer service found across Texas. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, these carefully selected studios showcase the top tattoo shops in Texas, offering diverse styles and talented artists.
Here is The Top Tattoo Shops in Austin
Summary
1. Ink Empire | 2. True Blue Tattoo & Piercing | 3. Black Dagger Tattoo | 4. Copperhead Tattoo & Piercing | 5. Rock of Ages Tattooing | 6. Dovetail Tattoo East | 7. Mom’s Tattoos | 8. Studio Ink | 9. Electric 13 Tattoo | 10. No Good Tattoo | 11. Lost Edge Tattoo | 12. Vice and Virtue Tattoo | 13. Aura IV Tattoo Gallery | 14. Charles Huurman Tattoo | 15. Gully Cat Tattoo | 16. Great Wave Tattoo
Ink Empire Tattoo Shop, located in Austin, Texas, is a highly regarded studio known for its skilled artists and commitment to creating personalized tattoo designs. Recognized as Austin’s Favorite Tattoo Shop, it specializes in various styles, including black and grey, color, watercolor, and traditional tattoos. The shop focuses on custom designs, ensuring each piece is unique and meaningful for the client. With a welcoming and professional atmosphere, it caters to both first-time clients and experienced tattoo enthusiasts, making the process comfortable and enjoyable.
The shop also offers budget-friendly options, such as MiniMonday, where clients can get mini tattoos for just $35. Additionally, college students receive a 10% discount with a valid ID. Ink Empire Tattoo Shop operates with a walk-in-friendly policy, efficiently managing spontaneous visits while maintaining high-quality service. Its dedication to artistry, affordability, and customer satisfaction makes it a top choice for tattoo lovers in Austin.
Location: 1819 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Number: +15124225337
Tattoo Price: Starting from $35 and 10% discount for college students.
Rosewood Avenue: Direction
True Blue Tattoo & Piercing has been a leader in Austin’s tattoo and piercing industry, known for its unmatched expertise and creativity since 1998. With over 14 highly skilled artists, the studio excels in diverse styles, including realism, traditional, watercolor, and abstract, catering to all artistic preferences. Their dedication to quality and client satisfaction sets them apart, ensuring every piece is a masterpiece. Conveniently located on Red River and near the airport, they offer both walk-ins and appointments. Recognized by the Austin Chronicle, True Blue maintains exceptional standards, making it a top choice for unique tattoos and professional piercings.
Location: 607 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Number: +15124722783
Tattoo Price: $100–$125 per hour
Red River St: Direction
Black Dagger Tattoo, established in 2013 by AJ Maloney, is situated in the vibrant Rosewood neighborhood of East Austin. The shop is renowned for its diverse team of talented artists who offer exceptional tattoos in a variety of styles, including bold traditional American, intricate Japanese designs, striking black-and-gray, and tribal artwork.
Known for its clean, modern, and welcoming atmosphere, Black Dagger provides both appointments and walk-ins when available. With an ATM on-site, this cash-only studio is dedicated to delivering top-tier artistry and an excellent customer experience. While tattoos are their primary focus, their expertise makes them a standout destination for unique and bold designs.
Location: 1223 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Number: +15125240908
Tattoo Price: Prices start at $100 and $250 per hour
Rosewood Ave: Direction
Copperhead Tattoo and Piercing, located on Burnet Road in Austin, Texas, has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for exceptional tattoos and piercings since its opening in 2022. Known for its eclectic decor filled with artistic prints and photography, the shop reflects the creativity and talent of its skilled artists.
Specializing in a variety of tattoo styles, Copperhead’s diverse team offers everything from vibrant, bold designs to detailed black-and-grey masterpieces, crafting custom pieces tailored to each client’s vision. Complementing their tattoo services, Copperhead provides professional piercing options, ensuring safety and comfort with top-tier materials.
What truly sets Copperhead apart is its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, making every visitor feel at home. Whether you’re new to tattoos or a seasoned collector, Copperhead guarantees a piece of art you’ll cherish forever.
Location: 10620 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758, United States
Number: +15125801877
Tattoo Price: Tattoos from $50 (cash). Friday the 13th Special: $50 tattoos & $13 piercings (+ jewelry)
Burnet Road: Direction
Rock of Ages Tattoo is a women-owned studio in Austin, Texas, celebrated for its exceptional artistry and welcoming environment. With a talented team boasting over 150 years of combined experience, the shop specializes in a wide range of styles, including black and grey, vibrant colorwork, traditional designs, and fine-line tattoos.
Known for its professionalism and customer-focused approach, Rock of Ages Tattoo offers both walk-in and appointment options, requiring a $100 non-refundable deposit for bookings. The studio is also inclusive, being wheelchair accessible and accepting cryptocurrency payments, making it a top choice for unique and high-quality tattoo experiences in Austin.
Location: 2310 S Lamar Blvd #105, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Number: +15128041213
Lamar Blvd: Direction
Dovetail Tattoo has been a hub for exceptional artistry in Austin since 2009. With expertise across diverse styles like fine-line, traditional, black and grey, realism, and portraits, the studio caters to a wide range of tattoo preferences. Clients can expect a safe, clean, and welcoming experience at both its East and West Austin locations. Dovetail’s team is known for their precision and creativity, ensuring every design is a masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for expert guidance or a spontaneous visit, their friendly staff is ready to assist, making Dovetail Tattoo a top choice for tattoos in Austin.
Location: 1703 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Number: +15126144022
Cesar Chavez Street: Direction
7. Mom's Tattoos
Mom’s Tattoos, located at 1703 South Lamar in South Austin, has been a trusted name in tattoo artistry since 2000. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and a team of skilled artists, this shop specializes in bringing unique tattoo ideas to life. Whether you have a design in mind or need help crafting your perfect piece, Mom’s Tattoos guarantees a collaborative experience tailored to your vision.
The shop boasts an experienced team, including tattoo veterans like Debi (affectionately called “Mom”), Roach Rude, and Donny Mann, alongside fresh talent like Manny Luna. Each artist brings their unique style to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every client. Beyond creating stunning tattoos, Mom’s Tattoos emphasizes customer care with a personalized aftercare kit and detailed guidance to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully.
If you’re in Austin and looking for exceptional artistry at reasonable prices, Mom’s Tattoos combines professionalism, creativity, and care to offer an unparalleled tattooing experience.
Location: 1703 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Number: +15129128904
South Lamar Blvd: Direction
8. Studio Ink
Studio Ink, situated in vibrant East Austin, is a standout destination for high-quality tattoos, boasting over 50 years of combined expertise in transforming tattoo ideas into stunning realities. Established in 2019, Studio Ink prides itself on inclusivity and diversity, welcoming clients from all walks of life to its friendly and creative space.
As a four-time finalist for the Best of Austin award, Studio Ink is a testament to excellence and customer satisfaction. With a commitment to delivering tattoos that reflect your individuality, their skilled artists ensure every piece is crafted with care and precision. Whether it’s your first tattoo or adding to your collection, Studio Ink guarantees an exceptional experience.
Location: 2501 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Number: +15125205550
East 7th Street: Direction
Electric 13 Tattoo, founded in 2007 by Paco Cendón, is an important part of Austin’s tattoo scene. The studio is known for its wide range of tattoo styles and focus on quality. Paco, who is from Mexico City, has over 20 years of experience. He ensures that each client gets honest advice and high-quality work. Electric 13 Tattoo at 1618 E 6th St, above Liberty Bar. The studio runs on values of passion, honesty, and excellence. While the original location on Guadalupe closed in 2022, the East Austin studio is still going strong, providing a friendly atmosphere and memorable tattoo experiences.
Location: 1618 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
Number: +15124990013
East 6th Street: Direction
Opened by Emily Ng in 2023, No Good Tattoo stands out as a female-driven tattoo studio that prioritizes inclusivity and community. Located in Austin, the studio is known for its safe and welcoming environment, catering specifically to people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone seeking a comfortable tattooing experience. Featuring a diverse team of resident and guest artists, No Good Tattoo offers a variety of styles, including machine tattooing and handpoke techniques, ensuring options for every client’s unique vision.
The studio also fosters accessibility with its ADA-compliant, wheelchair-friendly space and flexible health policies. Clients can book appointments online or participate in monthly walk-in flash days held every second Saturday. No Good Tattoo continues to make its mark by delivering high-quality art and celebrating diversity in every aspect of its work.
Location: 1023 Springdale Rd Building 10 Suite B, Austin, TX 78721, United States
Number: +15122402627
Springdale Road Building 10 Suite B: Direction
11. Lost Edge Tattoo
Lost Edge redefines tattoo artistry by blending traditional techniques with fine art innovation. Located a short drive from downtown Austin, the studio is renowned for its unique approach to creating tattoos that are more than body art they’re lifelong stories. From the initial consultation to premium aftercare, the experience at Lost Edge is fully personalized. Clients receive guidance on pre-tattoo preparation, including skin care tips, diet, and supplements, ensuring optimal results.
The studio boasts a talented team of artists, including founder Cory James, a specialist in black-and-grey tattoos with over 15,000 hours of experience. Amenities like curated playlists, customized lighting, local cuisine, and even optional Lidocaine ensure client comfort throughout the process. Lost Edge also emphasizes aftercare, providing premium products to keep tattoos vibrant for years.
Location: 5608 Avenue F Suite 123, Austin, TX 78751, United States
Number: +15128551487
Avenue F Suite: Direction
Vice and Virtue Tattoo, established in 2019, aims to create a modern and upscale tattoo studio that combines artistry with a welcoming atmosphere. Renowned for its minimalist and clean design, the studio prioritizes guest comfort while working closely to transform tattoo ideas into reality.
Specializing in realism, black and grey designs, portraits, and 3D tattooing, Vice and Virtue serves as a hub for innovation and creativity. With a team of licensed and award-winning artists, the studio provides an elevated experience for clients seeking custom tattoos crafted with precision and care. Whether you are new to tattoos or a seasoned enthusiast, Vice and Virtue is where artistry meets professionalism in Austin.
Location: 2512 W Pecan St #110, Pflugerville, TX 78660, United States
Number: +15122437763
West Pecan Street: Direction
Aura IV is a tattoo studio that focuses on making every client feel comfortable and welcome. The studio includes a client area for hand washing and touchless sanitation. It also offers drinks and snacks from local sponsors to create a safe and enjoyable experience.
To help you relax before your tattoo appointment, Aura IV has a lounge area where you can unwind, connect to Wi-Fi, and prepare for your artwork. Whether you walk in or have an appointment, the studio is designed to meet your needs.
What makes Aura IV special is its focus on client care and comfort. The team encourages you to rest and stay nourished before your appointment, so you feel your best. With attention to your physical and emotional well-being, Aura IV provides a peaceful atmosphere for every guest. It’s not just a tattoo shop; it’s a place where your experience matters from start to finish.
Location: 6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78752, United States
Number: +17372055148
Frontage Road Suite: Direction
Charles Huurman Tattoo is a leading tattoo studio in Austin, Texas, founded by the renowned artist Charles Huurman. He has over 13 years of experience in realism tattooing and has won more than 53 international awards from conventions in Ireland, Spain, Italy, and the USA. Charles is known for his exceptional portraits and creative designs, which have made him one of the most in-demand tattoo artists in the world. The studio offers luxury tattoos and personalized services, ensuring that each client receives an experience tailored to their vision.
The studio stands out for Charles’s strong focus on craftsmanship and client satisfaction. With a background in fine arts and painting, he views tattoos as an important form of self-expression. His studio uses advanced technology to create designs that reflect each client’s style. Whether you are getting your first tattoo or you have many, you can expect a high-quality and comfortable experience, where every detail is carefully considered.
Location: 107 E 5th St. Suite 107, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Number: +15125247577
Fifth Street Suite: Direction
Gully Cat Tattoo is in the heart of Austin, Texas, and has been a key part of the local tattoo scene since 2003 when Mike Terrell founded it. The studio is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it a welcoming place for both first-time clients and experienced collectors. It is located on South First Street, just under a mile from Downtown Austin, providing easy access for those looking for quality tattoo art in a casual setting.
The shop offers many tattoo styles, so there is something for everyone. Whether you want bold designs, traditional styles, or custom artwork, Gully Cat Tattoo delivers skillfully. They accept walk-ins and have an open booking policy, allowing clients to get tattooed without needing an appointment in advance.
Location: 2006 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Number: +15124407800
South First Street: Direction
Great Wave Tattoo, established in 2009 by Jason Brooks, is a highly respected tattoo studio located in Austin, Texas. Known for its exceptional artistry and professionalism, the studio specializes in classic American and Japanese tattoo styles, reflecting Brooks’ 30+ years of experience in the industry. The shop is located at 4634 Burnet Road, making it easily accessible for those seeking high-quality tattoos in a welcoming environment.
The studio features a talented team of artists, including James Yocum, David Parker, and Bart Bingham, each bringing their own unique skills to the table. This diversity allows Great Wave Tattoo to cater to a wide range of client preferences. In addition to scheduled appointments, the shop also accepts walk-ins for smaller, simpler tattoos daily from 12 PM to 8 PM, providing flexibility for both planned and spontaneous visits. With a reputation for excellence, Great Wave Tattoo continues to be a go-to destination for unique, expertly crafted tattoos in Austin.
Location: 4634 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756, United States
Number: +15124369900
Burnet Road: Direction