You know those horror stories about passing out drunk and waking up with some fresh ink? Yeah, it’s not quite like that.
Getting inked requires the skill of a professional artist, who you work with to develop something you’ll be truly happy with forever — and it also requires you to be sober.
For anyone who’s actually interested in getting tatted, whether it’s your first tattoo or one of many, we’ve rounded up some of Austin’s best tattoo shops. These parlors were chosen for their staff, environment and artwork: the hat trick of tattoo shop must-haves.
Contributed by Emily Gibson
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Photo via No Good Tattoo Instagram
1023 Springdale Rd Building 1 Suite E
No Good Tattoo is a safe space that is dedicated to providing a comfortable environment for their patrons while also delivering quality work. The residents at No Good are all women and nonbinary people who give both hand-poked and machine tattoos. With high-quality artists giving rad tattoos in a beautiful shop, it doesn’t get much better than No Good.
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Photo via Mom's Yelp
1703 S Lamar Blvd
Promising to deliver “out of this world tattoos at a down-to-earth price,” Mom’s is a South Austin staple that has been inking bodies since 2000. Whether you’ve got your tat planned out with a story behind it or want to make an impulse decision, the artists at Mom’s pledge to create something you’ll love.
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Photo via Dovetail Yelp
310 W 17th St
1703 E Cesar Chavez St
Both of Dovetail’s two tattoo shops provide a lowkey ambiance and helpful resident artists that strive to make your tattoo experience comfortable and empowering. The artists are fun, passionate and patient — the perfect trifecta to create something beautiful.
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Photo via All Saints Yelp
514 E 6th St
8303 Burnet Rd #2
You might know All Saints from the long line wrapping down Sixth Street on Friday the 13th, but the shop provides so much more. Always offering walk-ins and being walk-in only on the weekends, All Saints is the perfect place to go for a caring and talented tattoo artist who can fulfill your must-have tat dreams.
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Photo via Electric 13 Tattoo Yelp
1618 E 6th St
Electric 13 shop owner Paco Cendón lives to tattoo, and it shows through the caring and passionate way he runs his shop. After purchasing an Atomic Tattoo location and renaming it Electric 13, the shop now hosts a large, talented portfolio of resident artists that are sure to make your dreams a reality.
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Photo via Little Pricks Yelp
11815 N FM 620 #5
Little Pricks provides a clean, comfortable atmosphere with plants on the walls and an inviting open floor plan. The resident artists range in styles — so whether you want a simple, clean shape on your arm or a giant, complex back piece, Little Pricks has you covered.
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Photo via Tiny Tats Instagram
104 E. 31st St. Unit B
As the name suggests, Tiny Tats specializes in small, clean tattoos. However, that doesn’t mean that’s all they offer. This quirky tattoo shop invites patrons to bring their wildest, most fun ideas for tattoos. They also offer cosmetic tattoo, such as lip stain or eyeliner.
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Photo via Arthouse Yelp
15409 Ranch Rd 620 N
A beautiful, clean tattoo studio where you can feel right at home as you get inked? Perfect. They also offer a no-commitment consultation for anyone looking to test the waters before making a decision. The ArtHouse tattooers offer beautiful work in a variety of styles — you can also vape inside of the shop, if that’s your thing.
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Photo via Buzz Buzz Yelp
11525 Manchaca Rd #101
Buzz Buzz Tattoo specializes in traditional tattoos, black-and-gray and portraiture, but shop owner Kelly will work hard to create something you will love. Guests laud the welcoming and pleasant attitude in the shop, from caring artists who love their work and their clientele.
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Photo via Atomic Yelp
Various Locations
Atomic is one of the most reliable and beloved shops in Austin — as evidenced by the five locations throughout town. With so many quality artists to choose from in so many different locations, Atomic is a safe bet for anyone looking to start or add to their tattoo journey.
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5241 N Lamar Blvd
You might recognize Austin Tattoo Co. from their yearly selection of affordable Halloween flash tattoos. From cute little ghosts to emblems from your favorite horror movies, Austin Tattoo Co. is the place to be for spooky flash. But did you know they also offer various specials throughout the year? From Friday the 13th and Black Friday specials to their weekly Traditional Tuesday ($50 and $100 designs), you can help fill out you body canvas without breaking the bank. Reach out for custom work as well!
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MORE GREAT TATTOO SHOPS IN AUSTIN:
1157 Chicon St.
3314 S Congress Ave
1309 E 4th St
2006 S 1st St
1313 S Congress Ave
1736 W Anderson Ln
607 Red River St
4507-B Airport Blvd
4901 Woodrow Ave
2310 S Lamar Blvd
14 N Main St # C, Elgin, TX
2627 Jones Rd Suite 104
Do you have a favorite local tattoo parlor?
Let us know!
