We have a lot of talented tattoo artists here in the Hawkeye State, especially over here in Eastern Iowa!

For the last five years or so, I've had all my tattoos done by Kane Cook at Evolution Tattoo in Cedar Rapids. All of the artists at the shop are crazy talented. I believe Kane has done ten of my tattoos so far, but I've already got ideas for three more I want this year! Once you find an artist who understands your vibe and your style, it's hard to go to anyone else.

A great place to check out some of Iowa's amazing tattoo artists is at the annual Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention! The 2026 event is set for April 10th through 12th at the EMC Expo Center in Des Moines. You can get more information about the popular convention HERE.

If you're looking to get a new tattoo, but you're not sure where to go, there are plenty of options! Here are the shops in Eastern Iowa that have 4.7+ stars and at least 50 reviews on Google. Be sure to check out each shop's website or social media for more information on the artists and their policies!

*There are lots of other small or newer tattoo shops/independent artists across Eastern Iowa that also have some fantastic reviews. Be sure to check out all your options before scheduling your next tattoo!*

The Corridor

Wellington Tattoo Co.

• 1501 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids
• 5-star rating on Google (472 reviews)

Dark Cloud Tattoos

• 440 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City
• 5-star rating on Google (236 reviews)

VISIONAIRE Barbershop & Tattoo Parlor

• 1052 Mt Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids
  • 5-star rating on Google (228 reviews)
• 1170 7th Ave, Marion
  • 5-star rating on Google (210 reviews)

Velvet Lotus Tattoo

• 405 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City
• 5-star rating on Google (155 reviews)

Ink By Aries

• 440 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City
• 5-star rating on Google (125 reviews)

Crossroads Tattoo

• 508 2nd Ave, Coralville
• 5-star rating on Google (112 reviews)

Saged Souls Tattoo Collective

• 1105 8th Ave, Marion
• 5-star rating on Google (91 reviews)

Platinum Rose Tattoo Studio & Gallery

• 310 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
• 4.9-star rating on Google (241 reviews)

Ink Expression Tattoo and Piercing

• 114 1st St W, Mt Vernon
• 4.9-star rating on Google (141 reviews)

Mystic Tat2

• 419 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
• 4.9-star rating on Google (128 reviews)

Neon Dragon Tattoo & Art Collective

• 855 Blairs Ferry Rd, Marion
• 4.8-star rating on Google (539 reviews)

Iron Lotus

• Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
• 4.8-star rating on Google (420 reviews)

Lefty's Tattoo and Body Piercing

• 112 32nd St Dr SE, Cedar Rapids
• 4.8-star rating on Google (292 reviews)

October Ink

• 109 S Linn St, Iowa City
• 4.8-star rating on Google (65 reviews)

Golden Tattoo & Piercing

• 25 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
• 4.7-star rating on Google (79 reviews)

10 6 Tattoo & Piercing

• 106 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
• 4.7-star rating on Google (67 reviews)

Iowa City Tattoo

• 393 E College St, Iowa City
• 4.7-star rating on Google (64 reviews)

Cedar Valley

The Iron Quill Tattoo Parlor

• 4807 University Ave, Cedar Falls
• 5-star rating on Google (51 reviews)

Ritual Body Arts

• 2220 College St, Cedar Falls
• 4.9-star rating on Google (188 reviews)

Eternal Ink Tattoos

• 314 Commercial St, Waterloo
• 4.9-star rating on Google (141 reviews)

Ace High Tattoo

• 96 E Bremer Ave, Waverly
• 4.8-star rating on Google (100 reviews)

Red Owl Tattoo

• 100 E 2nd St, Cedar Falls
• 4.8-star rating on Google (99 reviews)

NE Iowa

The Crow's Nest

• 169 Main St, Dubuque
• 5-star rating on Google (1,815 reviews)

WayMaker Ink

• 612 7th St, Grundy Center
• 5-star rating on Google (166 reviews)

INKspiration Tattoo Studio

• 228 Main St, McGregor
• 5-star rating on Google (141 reviews)

Grim River Tattoo

• 629 Rhomberg Ave, Dubuque
• 5-star rating on Google (113 reviews)

First Light Tattoo & Gallery

• 1053 Main St, Dubuque
• 5-star rating on Google (60 reviews)

Driftless Soul Tattoo

• 222 E Water St, Decorah
• 4.9-star rating on Google (79 reviews)

INK Tattoo Studios

• 1090 University Ave, Dubuque
• 4.9-star rating on Google (59 reviews)

Dubuque Tattoo Club LLC

• 1085B University Ave, Dubuque
• 4.8-star rating on Google (123 reviews)

Quad Cities

The Silver Key

• 735 Federal St, Davenport
• 4.9-star rating on Google (197 reviews)

Darkside Art Co.

• 610 W 3rd St, Davenport
• 4.9-star rating on Google (98 reviews)

Studio Luxe

• 1525 N Harrison St, Davenport
• 4.9-star rating on Google (58 reviews)

Ink Th3rapy Tattoo and Art Studio

• 1506 Brady St, Davenport
• 4.8-star rating on Google (173 reviews)

Red Owl Collective

• 526 W 3rd St, Davenport
• 4.8-star rating on Google (89 reviews)

Tooth & Nail Tattoo & Piercing

• 4811 N Brady St, Davenport
• 4.7-star rating on Google (552 reviews)

O`Tool Design Custom Tattoo

• 1301 N Harrison St, Davenport
• 4.7-star rating on Google (174 reviews)

Arch Rivals Tattoo

• 2256 State St, Bettendorf
• 4.7-star rating on Google (121 reviews)

SE Iowa

Destination Ink

• 718 Jefferson St, Burlington
• 5-star rating on Google (91 reviews)

True Art Tattoo Studio

• 810 Park Ave, Muscatine
• 5-star rating on Google (78 reviews)

Gray Goat Tattoo and Piercing

• 116 N 1st St, West Branch
• 4.9-star rating on Google (116 reviews)

Montrose Classic Tattoo

• 103 Main St, Montrose
• 4.9-star rating on Google (69 reviews)

Broad St. Tattoo

• 142 Jackson St, Brooklyn
• 4.9-star rating on Google (59 reviews)

Black Relic Tattoo

• 200 5th Ave S, Clinton
• 4.8-star rating on Google (91 reviews)

The Southeast Iowa Tattoo Company

• 1501 W Washington St, Mt Pleasant
• 4.8-star rating on Google (84 reviews)

Rubber Monkey Tattoo Shop

• 310 E 5th St, Wilton
• 4.8-star rating on Google (53 reviews)

Heaven Bound Tattoos

• 2323 N 2nd St, Clinton
• 4.7-star rating on Google (76 reviews)

Do you have a favorite tattoo artist/shop here in Eastern Iowa? Give them a shout out in the comments or send us a message on our station app!

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