Why Mantis Is the Best Massage in Austin

The Austin Chronicle has named Mantis Massage Best Massage in Austin. So has Austin Monthly. Yelp put us on its list of the Top 100 Businesses in America.

We are also nominated for Best Massage in the Chronicle's Best of Austin every single year. That means every year, our clients take a few minutes out of their day to vote for us. We never take that for granted, and we thought it was time to talk about what is behind it.

Spoiler: it is not the cucumber water. We don't have any.

Who named us the best, and what does that mean?

  • The Austin Chronicle. Best Massage in Austin in the Best of Austin awards. Austinites cast the votes, which is why we ask our regulars to vote every year. We are a nominee in this category every year.

  • Austin Monthly. Best Massage in Austin.

  • Yelp's Top 100 Businesses in America. Yelp builds this list largely from the volume and ratings of customer reviews, so a spot on it comes straight from client feedback.

Three different groups, three different ways of choosing, and the same answer. When the people who actually get on the table and the people who judge the city's best keep landing in the same place, we pay attention.

Why does a no-frills massage clinic win?

Mantis is a woman-owned corrective deep tissue clinic. When we opened, we wanted to offer effective massage therapy without unnecessary add-ons. We would rather spend your hour working on your neck than on a menu of extras.

Every session is customized. Your therapist asks what is going on, looks at how you move and hold yourself, and builds the hour around that. Our team includes licensed therapists and advanced therapists trained in trigger point therapy, assisted stretching, active release, cupping, Ashiatsu, and pre-natal work. We push off walls to dig into knots, and after your session you get homework and self-care tips so the relief lasts longer than the drive home.

That is what corrective means. Throwing your back out every time you sleep in a strange bed can absolutely be corrected.

What is it like inside?

Calm, clean, and a little bit cozy. Our lights are dimmable and color-adjustable, the tables are heated, and there are loads of playlists plus pillows and bolsters for every body. In the waiting area, you will find comfy seating, coloring books, tea, and water. We are open 7:30am to 8pm, seven days a week, at both Airport Boulevard and South Congress.

Reception Area At Mantis Massage


Private Session Rooms


Natural light and unique setting

What do our clients say?

The awards are nice. The reviews are what we frame in our heads.

On Google

4.9★★★★★from more than 450 Google reviews

"I'm usually left painfully sore after professional massages elsewhere."

“Best massage I’ve had in Austin. Juni is a skilled and knowledgeable therapist. She was able to aleve my TMJ symptoms almost immediately. Def plan to see her regularly!”

“I hurt my back playing basketball and so I went to see Audrey for her expertise in deep tissue massage. She is amazing! If you’re looking for a true, powerful, deep tissue massage that’s focused on fixing your issues and healing them- she’s the one to see.”

“I have had several massages over the years with Mantis. They keep their employees around (and pay them well), so its easy to schedule with someone who knows YOUR body and what YOU benefit from during a session. The environment is clean and safe, and its easy to relax with the added piece of mind that your health is their main concern.”

On Yelp

“Absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. Booking online was very easy, they had plenty of available appointment times, and they clearly communicated all details with me. The space itself had a soothing, welcoming, and relaxed vibe which immediately put me in a relaxed state. The massage itself was incredible! Highly recommend Amanda!”

“My husband and I both see Becca for chronic pain, tightness, and knots and she is simply unreal. So incredibly kind but also very talented and clearly knows how to tailor the sessions to your needs. Couldn't recommend her more!”

“Zé gave me the best massage of my life. I came in last minute because I was having a bad pain situation and my usual place was closed. I'm so glad that it was!! The main waiting area was serene. It smelled really good like lavender and eucalyptus. Zé was really courteous and thorough. They read through my intake form and asked excellent follow up questions. The massage itself showed their extensive knowledge and understanding of anatomy and massage techniques. I had them write down the name of the calf/ankle muscle they worked on! Truly top tier experience. Zé was just really kind and a very calming presence. I immediately booked my next massage before I even left the building lol.”

Want to read more? Our Yelp page has them all. Looking for a therapist from a review? You can review all of our staff bios here!

Ready to find out for yourself?

You don't have to take a trophy's word for it. Book one session, tell your therapist where it hurts, and see how you feel when you walk out. No pressure to sign up for anything.

Book at Airport Boulevard or South Congress.

Call (512) 540-5827 or contact us to get on the schedule.

FAQs: Best Massage in Austin

Is Mantis really the best massage in Austin?

"Best" is always a judgment call, but the Austin Chronicle and Austin Monthly both named us Best Massage in Austin, and Yelp placed us in its Top 100 Businesses in America. Our clients' reviews say the same.

What is corrective deep tissue massage?

It is deep tissue work aimed at the patterns behind your pain, such as posture, old injuries, and the muscles that overwork to cover for others. The goal is lasting change, not just a good hour.

Where are your locations?

2700 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, and 3823 Airport Boulevard, Suite A, Austin, TX 78722. Both are open 7:30am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Do I need deep tissue every time?

No. We can do Swedish relaxation massage with the best of them. Tell your therapist what you want that day and they will build the session around it.