Ranked · Updated May 2026
The 10 Best Tattoo Shops in Ankeny, IA
Ranked top 10 for Ankeny, IA — scored by rating, review volume, and distance from Ankeny. Updated weekly. See the full Des Moines top 10.
Finding a tattoo artist near Ankeny usually means weighing two things at once: how good the shop actually is, and how far you're realistically willing to drive for it. This guide solves both. We pulled every verified studio within 15 miles of Ankeny, then ranked them against the wider Des Moines market using the same star ratings, review volume, and proximity signals locals already trust — no pay-to-play, no sponsored slots.
Ankeny sits inside the Des Moines tattoo scene, which means residents get the benefit of big-city talent without big-city wait times. The shops below range from neighborhood walk-in studios to appointment-only specialists known across IA for custom work. Whether you're booking your first piece or adding to a full sleeve, the list is ordered to put the strongest match for Ankeny at the top.
What to expect from this list
- Verified ratings only. Every shop has real review history — we exclude studios with no public track record.
- Distance from Ankeny. Each listing shows exact mileage so you can balance quality against drive time.
- Style tags. Filter by what you actually want inked — fine line, traditional, blackwork, realism, Japanese, and more.
- Booking signals. We flag walk-in availability, price tier, and direct links to each studio's site and Instagram.
- Refreshed weekly. Rankings move as new reviews land — no stale "best of 2019" lists.
- No.1
Pink Elephant Tattoo Studio
4.6(352)0.5 mi from Ankeny$$Our top pick for Ankeny — right in Ankeny, with 352 verified reviews averaging 4.6★.
- No.2
Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing
4.8(467)1.0 mi from Ankeny$$Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing is a tattoo studio in Ankeny.
- No.3
All Day Tattoo and Art Studio
4.9(162)1.3 mi from Ankeny$$All Day Tattoo and Art Studio is a tattoo studio in Ankeny.
- No.4
Mint Piercing - Ankeny (appointment only)
4.9(421)2.3 mi from Ankeny$$Mint Piercing - Ankeny (appointment only) is a tattoo studio in Ankeny.
- No.5
Black Dahlia Tattoo
5.0(46)1.3 mi from Ankeny$$Black Dahlia Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Ankeny.
- No.6
Empire Tattoo
5.0(37)2.3 mi from Ankeny$$Empire Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Ankeny.
- No.7
Revival Tattoo Studio
5.0(147)7.6 mi from Ankeny$$Revival Tattoo Studio is a tattoo studio in Urbandale.
- No.8
Skin Kitchen Tattoo
4.6(228)7.7 mi from Ankeny$$Skin Kitchen Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Des Moines.
- No.9
Iron Heart Tattoo
4.8(231)8.3 mi from Ankeny$$Iron Heart Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Des Moines.
- No.10
All Seeing Eye Tattoo
4.8(103)7.1 mi from Ankeny$$All Seeing Eye Tattoo is a tattoo studio in Des Moines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tattoo shop near Ankeny, IA?+
Based on rating, review count, and proximity, Pink Elephant Tattoo Studio ranks #1 for Ankeny. The full list is ranked by a combination of star average, review volume, and distance from Ankeny.
Are these shops actually in Ankeny?+
We include studios within roughly 15 miles of Ankeny — the realistic radius most people drive for a tattoo appointment. Each listing shows its distance and neighborhood so you can pick what's convenient.
How much do tattoos cost near Ankeny?+
Most reputable studios in the Des Moines area 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 confirm pricing during your consultation.
How often is this list updated?+
Our shop data refreshes weekly — ratings, review counts, and rankings reflect the most recent verified data from each studio.
Looking beyond Ankeny?
See every top-rated shop across the Des Moines metro — ranked by reviews and verified weekly.
Top 10 in Des Moines