Mainstay will always be my favorite tattoo spot. I'm not even an Austin resident, but I make the drive from Houston because it's just straight up that good. I've had the privilege of following Mando on his journey as an artist and every piece he's done has always been an absolute pleasure. Bright, bold, and badass. He's a top notch artist and a top notch dude. Always makes you feel welcomed and comfortable before giving you the coolest tattoo that you're gonna have. Never disappoints and just keeps getting better every time. Can't recommend Mainstay enough. Every artist that occupies the space is absolutely killer, but I have to show extra love to my guy Mando. Check em out! read more

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Mainstay is the only shop I've been to in Austin for the past 10 years and I couldn't be happier. Cory always hooks it up with the heat and has his own distinct style but is able to adapt to specific requests really easily. Plus, it is always a fun hang in the shop, regardless of who is working that day. read more

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I love this shop! I was on a work trip in Austin in November and had the absolute privilege to be tattooed by Zach AND Mando while I was there. They both took great care of me and their quality of work was impeccable. I will 100% be returning here in the future. read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Work done by Mando - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Zach is the man!! Cannot recommend enough. Talented and professional, you won't walk away disappointed. read more

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mando ruined my life. before i was tattooed by mando i could walk down the street and not be bothered, but now as soon as i step foot outside of my home, every man and woman throws themselves at me and on top of that i have to deal with people constantly approaching me to ask where i got my tattoos from and tell me how cool they are. beautiful tattoos, but at what cost? :/ read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Quality art that lasts a lifetime feels invaluable. Every artist in this shop will provide just that. The unpretentiousness of vibe is welcoming to all. Zach started tattooing me 2011 and his friendliness, relatability and craft turned me into a tattoo collector. Everyone there has drawn something I'd love for them to tattoo on me! I've seen tons of fun walk-ins tattoos made in my time spent there so never be afraid to ask, everyone there are genuinely good people! read more

I walked in one day wanting one tattoo. Mando has now done both of my arms and leg. He is and incredibly personable man with insane talent. The vibe at mainstay is fantastic. You won't find a better traditional tattoo shop in Austin read more

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Great shop with great artist. My only regret is that one day I will run out of space on my body to have Zach tattoo.

Mando is the man, got sleeves and both my arms and always listened to my ideas and suggestions

I've got a bunch of tattoos but I'd not been inked in over ten years when I got the itch again. I looked around, checked out many artists on IG,nothing inspired me. Then stumbled on Mainstay. I checked their site and really liked a few of the artists but settled on Zach, one of the owners. I met with him and gave him some photos and ideas I had and set an appointment. When time came he drew up my design perfectly. I had no notes or corrections. The actual tattoo went quickly and he had a very light touch while inking a very bold tattoo. Here's the amazing thing; no blood. Not a drop. Even in the days after, no bloody ooze, no scabbing. The cleanest healing tattoo I've ever had. All healed now and I love it. I have another appointment next week. You can definitely find cheaper tattooists out there but you're gonna get what you pay for and they'll probably take twice as long and be half as good. This is a piece of art I'm proud to have on my body for life. Can't wait to get more. Thanks Zach & Mainstay... read more

I bought my son his first Tattoo for Christmas and I could not be happier with his choice in choosing Mainstay Tattoo and the artist Zach Nelligan . It is such a beautiful studio and Zach was so incredible with the care and professionalism he used from start to finish.We are loyal fans and when it is time for another Zach and Mainstay will be our choice. Thank you!!!! read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Can't say enough good things about this shop! My husband has been following Cory on Instagram for a while and popped in last week for a piece by him. He had a great experience with Cory and the shop in general, so I decided I'd go there to see if someone could fix a tattoo I've had some issues with. Due to a ton of blowout, I opted for two sessions of laser removal around a tattoo on my arm, to help reduce the appearance of a blue bruise looking ring around the piece. I was pretty freaking miserable over the blowout - this was the largest piece I have on my body, and in a super visible place. It sounds silly, but it really messed with my self esteem. Unfortunately, the laser dinged a few spots of the actual tattoo as it's super hard to get needlepoint fine precision with the laser, and I was warned that this was a risk! I knew I would probably have to get the tattoo touched up after. We were greeted promptly upon arrival and helped immediately -- I've been to some tattoo shops where I've been ignored for a while ;). Cory took a look and said he would be able to do it for me the next day. He touched up and color matched the tattoo perfectly. He was super kind, and thoughtful - I was a bit afraid that I would have a hard time finding someone to fix it up for me since it was a different artists work. I am thrilled with the outcome and can't wait for it to finish healing up so I can finally move on with my life! Thanks, Cory! I'll be back for more work ASAP! read more

Cory Schofield was my artist and he did an awesome job it was an intense tattoo since it was for straight down my spine but he helped me stay calm and his light hand helped. The vibe of the store is super chill you just want to stay and hangout type of place. All the artists were friendly and rapidly working away. I will definitely be back for more art keep doing y'alls thing! read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had the pleasure of getting tattooed by Zach while on a business trip in May. He was super friendly and flexible. I was embarrassed because I did have a budget in mind, and he treated me with the best professionalism about it. He was funny, kind and welcoming during the session. In the end he gave me an incredible tattoo, that was made just for me (I was gonna do flash off the wall). Next time or everytime I am in Austin, I will make sure to visit Mainstay and Zach! read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Zach N. Killed this cross and rose! - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Looking for your next traditional tattoo? Look no further; this place is a dream. This parlor has such a homey feel to it and the walls are adorned with innumerable panels featuring bold and original flash design, the quality of which assures that you are in good hands. Ivan gave me one of the better tattoo experiences I've had here in Austin, and I am immensely satisfied with the level of work and customer care he displayed in the 3+ hours I sat with him. He's so booked up already I'd like to be selfish and keep him for myself, but I have to give credit where credit is due... dude is a wizard. Will definitely be returning soon. read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Eyeball mandala on my left elbow done by Ivan Antonychev. - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Mainstay is definitely becoming one of my favorite tattoo shops in Austin. I used to live in South Austin and was consistently going to a shop down there. That being said, I'm SO glad I live in North Austin now! The atmosphere and quality of work in this shop is absolutely stellar. Everyone here is super welcoming and really easy to talk to. The conversations are almost always hilarious and engaging. I've worked with Jarret twice now and each time has been amazing. His original artwork is so rad! He's also really great with taking your concepts and formulating them to his aesthetic. For both pieces he's done for me, my mother of all people mourned the fact that they weren't able to be done on the front of my forearms (they're on the back) because she thought they were so intricate and well done! If you want bold and original traditional tattoos, consistent experiences and amazing artists, look no further than Mainstay Tattoo! read more

This is the best place to get a tattoo in Austin! Cory Schofield was my artist and he did an amazing job. Very professional and designed something perfect for me. I've gotten two here! If you're looking for a good place to get a traditional / classic style tattoo, this is IT. read more

Was fortunate to find Mainstay for my first tattoo. Loved the shop, loved the vibe. Cory Schofield (@c_schofield_tattoo on instagram) did a great job drawing it up for me and helping w/placement. Great work, super clean environment, couldn't have asked for a better experience, I will definitely be coming back to have him add on to what I got. read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I just had my first tattoo with Steve Goodspeed. He is a class act! Professional, thoughtful, and an incredible artist. Would highly recommend Steve (and he is a badass fire fighter to boot!). Mainstay is immaculate, and the vibe is good. Enjoy! read more

Mainstay is a great place! Zach was an awesome artist who walked me through the whole process. It was my first tattoo, and I absolutely love it. Very clean and professional, and talented artists! Couldn't be happier, will be back for my second soon! - Andrew read more

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Main Stay is one of my favorite tattoo shops to get tattooed at. Everyone has always been very enjoyable to get tattooed by. Between my wife and I, we have gotten tattooed by three different artists at Mainstay. If you want super rad traditional work, go here. read more

The inside of this place is fantastic and the flash looks great. Asked for a quote on a medium-ish size clipper ship on my arm. $500. Really pricy place for flash. Again, super nice place and very professional but the prices seems pretty high. read more

loved everything about this tattoo shop. it's inside of a cute little house in a great location. the whole staff was extremely nice. it's a super clean place as well which i loved. zach did my tattoo and he was phenomenal, i showed him my ideas and he made my tattoo look better than i thought it would. it is a cash only facility but they have an atm inside. 10/10 will definitely be back! read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Mainstay tattoo is the Austin traditional tattoo parlor. From the hardwood floors to antique church pew in the waiting space to the stuffed monkey heads and original flash adorning the walls, walking into Mainstay is like stepping back in tattoo history. Zach Nelligan has been tattooing me since his days at Triple Crown, and his new shop with Ezra Haidet is the real deal. Zach is an Austin local and received his BA from UT, super friendly and a truly unique artist who is talented beyond his years. If you want a traditional tattoo Mainstay is where you have to go. read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

Steve was very patient with my sisters and me as we decided on our tattoos. He did a great job, the tattoos all look super crisp with clean lines and they're exactly what we hoped for! Javi was also very kind and helpful with booking! read more

Bold and clean as fuck! The new shop with Zach Nelligan and Ezra Haidet. I've been coming to these guys for fresh ink for years. The best traditional old school work there is. If you've been looking for a new tattooist that knocks it out, look here first. Clean new shop with that vintage feel. Meticulous work all around, truly professional tattooing at reasonable prices. read more

Mainstay Tattoo - Original traditional designs - Tattoo Near Me - Austin, Texas

I drive from Houston (about 3 hours) just to get tattooed by Zach, he is incredible. Super clean and bold and his style is absolutely timeless. Mainstay is in a cozy house with tons of flash, cant say enough good things about him or the parlor, I plan on him doing all my tattoos! read more

Jarret's work has never failed to amaze me. He goes above and beyond for his clients and applies his tattooing expertise and knowledge to his designs. He can take a simple idea and turn it into a work of art. Highly recommend! read more

Awesome shop! They really know their stuff when it comes to traditional work, and the aesthetic of the shop is great. Zach is an awesome artist; looking forward to many more tattoos from Mainstay. read more

Zach Nelligan is the best traditional artist I've come across. I had the pleasure of getting tattooed by him on a whim at the Salt Lake City tattoo convention, where he put a gorgeous custom thigh piece on me. I would recommend him to anyone who appreciates traditional tattoo art and wants a quality, timeless work of art. I'm planning on taking a trip to Austin just so that he can tattoo my other leg. read more

Zach is amazing! He has done a lot of work on me and it is all bright and beautiful. He is meticulous at making sure everything is perfect and really customizes the piece to the space. Zach has gone over and above on everything he has done for me. I get tons of compliments on them and people are always asking for his card. The shop is clean and welcoming, I highly recommend these guys. read more

I've been going to Kady for my art since January. She's the most kind, talented, and passionate-for-her-craft lady ever! The shop is always clean, always has great tunes, and I always feel welcomed by everyone there. I will never go to anyone else for I believe I've found the best of the best. Highly recommend!! read more

Zach is amazing. I've had extensive work from him over the years and it all looks as good as the day he did it. Light hand, clean lines, and a nice guy as well. read more

Ivan has done a number of my tattoos and they're all incredible. Clean bold and unique. He has a very morbid traditional style that really transfers well into his work. Do recommend a million times. Talented dudes!! read more