Ranked · Updated May 2026
Top 10 Best Tattoo Shops in Raleigh, NC
Our ranked top 10 for Raleigh, NC — scored by verified rating and review volume, updated weekly.
- No.1
Mad Ethel's Tattoo & Body Piercing
4.8(800)$$Our top-ranked shop in Raleigh. 800 reviews and a 4.8★ average put it ahead of the rest.
- No.2
- No.3
Rock N Roll Tattoo & Piercing
4.5(857)$$Rock N Roll Tattoo & Piercing is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.4
Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Raleigh Studio is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.5
Inkvictus Studios® | Raleigh Tattoo, Piercing, & Esthetic Studio is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.6
Urban Ink society
4.9(424)$$Urban Ink society is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.7
Rock N Roll Tattoo & Piercing
4.7(452)$$Rock N Roll Tattoo & Piercing is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.8
Arch & Edge
4.9(317)$$Arch & Edge is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.9
Hillsborough St Tattoo and Body Piercing
4.7(399)$$Hillsborough St Tattoo and Body Piercing is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
- No.10
Che Ink Studio
5.0(268)$$Che Ink Studio is a tattoo studio in Raleigh.
Best tattoo shops by area
Ranked picks for towns and suburbs around Raleigh.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tattoo shop in Raleigh?+
Based on rating, review volume, and consistency, Mad Ethel's Tattoo & Body Piercing ranks #1 in our Raleigh 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 Raleigh, NC?+
Most reputable Raleigh 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 Raleigh shops accept walk-ins?+
Most established Raleigh 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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