Ranked · Updated May 2026
Top 10 Best Tattoo Shops in Austin, TX
Our ranked top 10 for Austin, TX — scored by verified rating and review volume, updated weekly.
- No.1
Ink Empire
4.9(1,353)$$Our top-ranked shop in Austin. 1,353 reviews and a 4.9★ average put it ahead of the rest, with standout work in color, watercolor, japanese.
ColorWatercolorJapaneseTraditional - No.2
Platinum Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
4.6(1,114)$$Platinum Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing in Austin offers a clean, friendly, and professional environment with talented artists.
Cover-ups - No.3
Copperhead Tattoo & Piercing
5.0(598)$$This Austin studio offers piercings and tattoos with a focus on customer comfort and a clean, inviting atmosphere.
Neo-TraditionalRealismBlack & GreyColor - No.4
Ink Couture Tattoos
4.9(544)$$This studio offers a clean, comfortable, and friendly environment.
Fine LineBlackworkColorRealismPortraitJapanese - No.5
Nisha Henna Arts
5.0(448)$$Nisha Henna Arts is a tattoo studio in Austin.
- No.6
Atomic Tattoo & Body Piercing
4.5(766)$$Atomic Tattoo is a highly recommended studio in Austin, known for its welcoming and friendly staff who make clients comfortable and laugh.
TraditionalRealismFine LineBlackworkColorBlack & Grey - No.7
True Blue Tattoo & Piercing
4.7(502)$$This studio offers professional piercing services with a focus on customer education and comfort.
RealismTraditionalCover-upsWatercolorScriptBlackwork - No.8
Platinum Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing
4.3(820)$$Platinum Ink offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and professional staff.
Fine LineMinimalistPortraitLettering - No.9
Atomic Tattoo - Hwy 183
4.6(490)$$Atomic Tattoo - Hwy 183 is a tattoo studio in Austin.
- No.10
Shaman Modifications Tattoo and Body Piercing North Austin is a tattoo studio in Austin.
Best tattoo shops by area
Ranked picks for towns and suburbs around Austin.
About the Austin tattoo scene
Austin's tattoo scene has roughly doubled in the last decade and is now one of the most stylistically diverse in the South. East Austin is the dense, Instagram-driven core — fine line, illustrative blackwork, single-needle, and ornamental work from artists who often relocated from LA or NYC for the lower cost of living. Expect $200–$300 per hour and 4–8 week waits at the top East-side shops.
South Congress and South Lamar hold the more established traditional and neo-traditional shops, several of which have been tattooing Austin musicians since the early 2000s. The vibe is more walk-in-friendly, the consultations more casual, and the prices a notch lower — typically $150–$250 per hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tattoo shop in Austin?+
Based on rating, review volume, and consistency, Ink Empire ranks #1 in our Austin top 10. The full ranked list weighs both star average and total reviews so heavily-reviewed shops aren't bumped by a handful of perfect scores.
How much do tattoos cost in Austin, TX?+
Most reputable Austin shops charge $150–$250 per hour for custom work, with shop minimums around $80–$120. Specialists and well-known artists routinely run $300+ per hour. Always get a quote in writing during your consultation.
Do I need an appointment, or do Austin shops accept walk-ins?+
Most established Austin studios accept walk-ins for small flash pieces on weekends, but custom work almost always requires booking in advance — often weeks or months for popular artists. Send a clear reference, size, and placement when reaching out.
How often is this list updated?+
Our shop data refreshes weekly, so ratings, review counts, and rankings reflect the most recent verified data. Hours, photos, and contact info are kept in sync the same way.
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