Mainstay Tattoo
About this parlor
Tucked into the Austin, TX, Mainstay Tattoo has built a healthy stack of reviews around japanese, portrait, and lettering work. Across 126 reviews the rating sits at 4.8 — near-perfect signal that the work and the room match the portfolio. Pricing reads budget-friendly for the area.
Mainstay Tattoo in Austin boasts a team of professional and friendly artists who prioritize client collaboration and long-term results. This clean shop offers a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere, making it a top choice for both custom pieces and repeat business.
Good to know before you book
- Larger Japanese pieces are usually booked across multiple sittings — plan for at least two visits.
- Realism and portrait work depends heavily on reference quality — clean, well-lit source photos make the biggest difference.
- Walk-in availability isn't always posted online — a quick phone call is the fastest way to know if they can fit you in today.
- Calendars tend to book several weeks out — reach out as early as possible if you have a target date.
What people love
Specialties
Photos
Reviews
Mainstay is legit! Got my first tattoo here from Corey and have been back for 6 more. Professional work by all the artists and very clean shop. 10/10 recommend.
I had an incredible experience at Mainstay Tattoo in North Austin! From the moment I walked in, the shop had a welcoming and laid-back vibe, and the entire team was friendly and professional. I had the pleasure of working with Cory, who did an absolutely stunning dragon tattoo for me. Not only is he an incredibly talented artist, but he’s also one of the nicest and most professional people I’ve met. He took the time to understand exactly what I wanted, made thoughtful suggestions to enhance the design, and executed it flawlessly. His attention to detail and precision were next-level, and I could tell he genuinely cares about his work and his clients. The whole process—from consultation to aftercare—was smooth and stress-free. The shop itself is clean, well-organized, and has a great atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and confident in their work. If you’re looking for top-tier tattoo artistry in Austin, I can’t recommend Mainstay Tattoo enough. And if you have the chance to book with Cory, do it—you won’t be disappointed!
My boyfriend and I have gotten several tattoos from Mainstay and each time we have had an amazing experience. You can’t go wrong with any of the artists. The vibe is great and everyone is super friendly. We’ve been tattooed by both Cory and Mando and they are both super professional and helpful. I really appreciate their attention to detail and the longterm approach they take to tattooing. I never worry about how a piece will look years from now or how it will fit into any future work. Highly recommend!
Location
4901 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78756, USA


