Dovetail Tattoo East
1703 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas, 78702
“Crafting exceptional tattoos, since 2009.”
Portfolio
Why Choose Dovetail Tattoo East?
Dovetail Tattoo East has maintained its standing as one of Austin's most respected studios since 2009, with particular strength in portrait, fine line, and traditional work. The artists here, including Catherine, Erika, Wendi, and Kira, are consistently praised for their technical skill, thorough consultations, and welcoming professionalism. Appointments book through consultation, ensuring your vision is carefully developed before the needle hits skin.
About Dovetail Tattoo East
Dovetail Tattoo East has earned a reputation as one of the most respected tattoo studios in Austin, and it's easy to understand why once you've spent time around the people who get inked here. Working since 2009, the shop covers an impressive range of styles: fine line, traditional American, black and grey, realism, portrait, illustrative, and full color work. Ask anyone who's been tattooed here and the first thing they'll tell you is how genuinely talented the artists are. Regulars have their favorites.
Wendi comes up again and again for animal realism, with the kind of detail that draws compliments long after the piece has healed. Erika Leal is the one people seek out for pet portraits that come out better than they imagined. Catherine is known for custom pieces and color work, and folks appreciate her thorough consultations to get design and placement right before the needle ever starts. Nika, Thom, Tom, and Kira all get warm mentions too, and people travel in from San Antonio and across Central Texas to sit in their chairs.
Part of what keeps this place special is the pace. The artists rarely book more than one client a day, so you get their full focus. The word around Austin is that the shop stays spotless, and their own site notes they follow sterile, licensed practices. The vibe is calm and welcoming, with good music, cool decor, and artists who stop by to chat and cheer each other's work on.
One thing to know: this is appointment only, no walk-ins, so plan to reach out ahead. Book with the right artist here and you'll be in excellent hands.
Location
What Customers Say on Google
“I got a portrait done of my cat by Erika Leal and it is perfect beyond my wildest dreams. Erika was great from start to finish, a lovely person and talented artist.”
“I've been seeing Catherine at Dovetail East for almost 3 years now. She is extremely talented, professional, friendly. She has always made me feel comfortable and I trust her work.”
“The shop is insanely clean! All the artists are super friendly and down to earth. They create amazing work and are very professional.”
Source: Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Dovetail Tattoo East
Dovetail Tattoo East works across fine line, traditional American, black and grey, realism, portrait, illustrative, and full color tattooing. The studio has built its name on portrait and fine line work in particular, with artists like Wendi and Erika frequently cited for detailed animal and pet portraits, alongside strong traditional pieces from the broader team.
No. Dovetail Tattoo East operates by appointment only, and the door stays locked with entry by code. To book, expect to text a number and wait for an artist to respond, which some have found slow. Consultations are offered before booking, especially useful for custom or portrait work through artists like Catherine.
Catherine, Wendi, Erika, Kira, and Thom Rein are repeatedly named for consistent, work. Catherine is praised for thorough consultations and custom design work, Wendi and Erika for detailed portrait and animal realism, and Thom Rein for clear communication throughout sessions. Artists reportedly build long-term regulars, with some clients returning for years.
Dovetail Tattoo East has a reputation for a clean, well-kept studio and a calm, welcoming atmosphere with music and comfortable decor. Licensing and sterile practice are documented on the studio's own site, but as with any shop, ask to see current licensing and sterilization setup in person, and confirm details against Texas DSHS and the studio's own policy.
Dovetail Tattoo East has operated in Austin since 2009, earning a longstanding reputation as one of the city's most respected studios. Its 143 Google reviews reflect consistent praise for artist talent, a relaxed and friendly shop atmosphere, and repeat clients who return to the same artists for multiple pieces over the years.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +1 512-614-4022
- Address
- 1703 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas, 78702
How Dovetail Tattoo East Compares
in Austin
More reviews than 84% of tattoo shops in Austin
Opening Hours
- Monday
- 1-9PM
- Tuesday
- 1-9PM
- Wednesday
- 1-9PM
- Thursday
- 1-9PM
- Friday
- 1-9PM
- Saturday
- 1-9PM
- Sunday
- 1-9PM
Business Details
- Service Options
- Onsite services
- Payment Methods
- Credit cards, Debit cards
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