Shave and a haircut — two bits. Like the nostalgia of that barbershop-inspired call and response? Then you'll likely love the tradition and history — or the recreating of history — at these classic (or classically inspired) barbershops around the country that are attracting both old timers — and young guns looking for an old-fashioned experience.
Keizer, Oregon
We admit it — the classic red, white and blue barber's pole out front made us smile. This is the place for not only "current styles and timeless good looks" but is "a hub to socialize and discuss topics of interest." Patrons 21 and older also enjoy complimentary beer as they take a seat in a vintage barber chair, the haircut followed by a hot-lather, straight razor neck shave.
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Columbia, Missouri
This college town staple opens at 7 a.m. weekdays for those pre-class clips — it's your basic no-frills, old-fashioned shop where service not trends are the focus. They must be doing something right — and have been since 1935. Facebook reviews are overwhelmingly positive — including one fellow who's been going there since 1971 — and another who summed it up thusly: "Even for a guy who's hair is retreating, I still enjoy heading into Campus barbershop and getting trimmed up while relaxing, telling a few jokes, and bending the truth a little. If kicking back and relaxing during your busy day is your kind of thing, head on over and see Travis and the crew and they will get you squared away."
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Los Angeles
The vaguely noir music and black-and-white image on Sweeney Todd's website lets you know this is the real deal and indeed, this City of Angels original dates back to 1947. In addition to a variety of men's cuts available and offered amid the original floor, chairs and fixtures, the atmosphere further enhanced by period music. The hotspot is also "well versed in the art of the straight razor shave."
Westmont, New Jersey
Vintage decor, old family photographs — and vinyl records … these are a few of the ways customers step back in time at this shop that offers classic styling and "world class barber and beauty services" (yes, ladies are welcome). Led by a husband-and-wife team, Heritage Barber Co. is a laid-back spot designed to encourage you to "replenish." And we loved the Facebook post showing how one little customer was too shy (scared?) to sit in the chair, so the stylist got down on the floor and gave him his cut. Service!
Atlanta
With locations in Buckhead and Perimeter as well as Downtown, Gino's is led by Gino Teyf, who honed his skills growing up in Eastern Europe. With three decades' experience in Atlanta, his latest venture is home to classic style — and the "royal treatment," where services include "The King & Prince," a father-son combo package or "The Knight," which features "a Master Barber Cut and a Precision Clipper Goatee Trim complete with a hot-lather, straight razor neck shave, steamed towel and a pinch of cooling aftershave balm followed by a scalp and shoulder massage." Now that is pampering.
Saugus, Massachusetts
We’d be remiss if we didn’t tip our hats to this establishment, around since 1902 and which bills itself "America’s Oldest Barbershop." Now run by a fourth-generation owner/operator of the Moriello family (not named George, by the way — he’s Mike), George's is a no-frills, old-school establishment that one of many positive reviewers says is "the only place I trust for a haircut" and will continue to patronize it even after a planned move some 45 minutes away. Not to remain in the past, this is also said to be the place for custom "logo cuts," as fans of the New England Patriots know very well.
Madison, Indiana
It's all about the personal touch at Mike's — and you certainly have his attention when you're in the chair. He won't interrupt a client's service to answer the phone (that's what voicemail's for). Here, whether you're a kid getting his first cut, a teen in search of a fade or an old-timer just looking for a shave, it's all about "a great haircut, great conversation" and "an overall great experience." Now that is an old-time approach.
New York
The website Untapped New York has called this Upper East Side haunt "the Rolls Royce of barber shops," offering Old World family barber services (boys are welcome) since 1913. Billed as "New York City's First Barbershop," this classic destination is peppered with aged wood trimmings, leather-and-chrome barber chairs, antique barber poles and historic artifacts but is also quite of-the-moment with master barbers in pressed shirts and ties, gentlemen's manicures, shoe shines, and complimentary cappuccinos.
Denver
Sure, its name might include the word salon, and that's because it's classic barbershop services with a contemporary twist. "Relax, Kick Back, Get Pampered, Have a Beer..?" Detailed hair cuts, precise straight-razor shaves, hot towels and a selection of spa services keep this decidedly vintage-inspired haunt on the cutting edge with premium products and yes, a Man Cave to watch TV, have a snack or if, 21+, a "nice cold Colorado beer" (or wine) while you wait. Frank's was named "Best Men's Pampering Palace" by Westword's Best of Denver in 2018.
Nashua, New Hampshire
"Authentic Barbers, Classic Haircuts, Done Right." What more do you need to know about this veteran shop that's been open since 1937? Well, if you insist: it's a downtown historic landmark decorated with an array of "heroism" featuring fire fighters, police and military memorabilia, also serving "cold refreshment out of the fridge." Forget the froufrou, this is billed as "A non politically correct, Patriotic, American grooming establishment. One of the last places where a man can actually still be a Man."
Boston
At this Beantown destination, "Fine grooming is timeless" and "the heritage of classic barbering" is respected. Details are at the forefront, from listening to a client's wants to the perfectly straight neckline — all accomplished amid vintage photographs and oak flooring. Open since 2006, it's doing something right, as among numerous awards, it was tapped one of The 16 Best Barbershops in America by Details Magazine. For guys on the go, it's open until 9 p.m. several nights a week to boot.
Charleston, South Carolina
You've got to love the confidence of an establishment that offers a "Year of Haircuts" — yes, this vintage-inspired hotspot is here to stay. From men's hot shaves to straight razor fades to beard trims, Barelli has been focused on "Proper Grooming for Gentlemen" since its 2017 opening. With two locations (Charleston and North Charleston), an industrial feel to its decor, its own signature grooming line and an approach at once old school while upscale, service is never an afterthought — and that extends to a pour of locally brewed beer, bourbon or other refreshment along with "good old-fashioned civility." It doesn't hurt that the owners have a "sharing your success" philosophy that extends to community involvement to raising funds for those impacted by natural disasters around the world.
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Chicago
We admit, its slogan made us laugh out loud — "When Shaggy, See Gabby's." But then we were also charmed by the unusual decor, a retro green that immediately sets the tone. This veteran business (60-plus years and in its current spot since the '80s) is no hipster joint — it's walk-ins only (you sign up on a chalkboard for your turn) and as you wait are encouraged to "enjoy the full magazine rack, free wifi, or a Tootsie Pop." And, of course, they have a full array of services — all available by old-school payment (cash only).
Minneapolis
This spot across from City Hall in the lobby of the historic Grain Exchange Building has a history dating back to 1904. Today's owner is only the fifth — and he welcomes newcomers, encouraging them to consult his maps of the city and small collection of local-history books. With the expected services, but also an "Ivy League cut," another blast from the past that has us thinking vintage movies and BMOCs. Don't wallow in the past, though, as this place also features on-trend "gluten-free" haircuts (using no products containing gluten). Best of both worlds?
Kent, Washington
"An old traditional shop in a modern atmosphere" is the way this spot is described, a full-service barbershop that specializes in haircuts, straight razor shaves and beard and moustache trims, hot towels and shampoos. Its site describes its history: "It has been said that barbering is the world's oldest profession and for African Americans, one of the cornerstones of our community. Lost Art was established in 2004 by Vincent E. Parker, Sr. with a vision to bring back the 'Art' of barbering." Kudos.
Austin, Texas
With multiple locations here, this spot is the home of the "Hand Crafted Haircut" — and we love the green leather chairs. Skinny's is that mix of cutting edge and classic, with Google reviewers praising the "authentic barbershop experience" and most impressively, "The days of true barber shops have come and gone, mostly gone, but, once you step in to Skinny's, it's like a time warp."
Miami
This downtown Miami destination says it's a "Real Barbershop" with "Real Barbers" that's "Real Cool." After all, this is the place to find "upscale tonsorial services for distinguished gentlemen." At Churchill's, rich woods, classic red chairs at each station, a large-screen television, espresso and full bar (yes, alcoholic beverages) area and plenty of services (from shoeshine to waxing to an extensive selection of products) combine for an experience at once retro and trendy.
Darien, Connecticut
With an average of five-out-of-five stars from online reviewers — including one who summed it up most succinctly "People are great, beer's cold, haircut's good" — this vintage shop is all about providing "the service and cut that you deserve!" Around since 1984, this second-floor destination housed in an 1832 historic schoolhouse building features vintage decor (and a very modern flat-screen TV), along with complimentary beverages and snacks.
Omaha, Nebraska
The drink on the rocks is on the left and a man getting a serious haircut on the right; the homepage of this establishment tells it all in two snapshots. A men's haircut includes "neck shave, old-school shoulder massage and a complimentary drink in the lounge," which you can enjoy post-service or at a later date — how thoughtful! A bonus? Discounts for active military and first responders.
Portland, Maine
At Blind Pig, the approach turns your "to-do" grooming to "must do," reflective of its two-part mission — "To provide the men of the world with a grooming experience like nothing they'd ever seen or felt, and to give those worldly men an amazing place to have that experience." As one Facebook review states: "Haircuts are amazing. Great atmosphere without the beat bumping 'bro' music in the background. Free cocktails and free massage chair. Affordable price on top of it all." Those who are hooked can take advantage of a monthly membership, as well.
Chesapeake, Virginia
With two locations — Greenbriar and Churchland — gentlemen can experience a step into the past, with classic services complemented by trendy such as the "the dapper-do, pompadour, undercuts, rockabilly, and 'lumbersexual' styles." The owner's love of all things vintage has been translated into the classic decor, designed "to be a place for men to not only get their hair and skin groomed, but also a place to socialize and relax." As its slogan says, "Keep it handsome."
San Francisco and Oakland, California
Its history includes a one-time nod from Maxim magazine as one of "America's 15 Best Barber Shops" that offers a luxury barber experience with services including "traditional shave, quality haircut or hot towel treatment." At Peoples, the goal is to "strike a unique balance between old fashioned barbering and our modern hair cutting technique." A sign of the sassy attitude? The FAQ section includes this reply to "Can I pay with a credit/debit card?" — "I don't know. Can you? You MAY pay with a credit card. We take Visa, MasterCard. And debit cards. And cash. And jewels."
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Sure, the Italian flag out front might clash a bit with the classic barber pole — but hey, it's all good at this no-nonsense spot specializing in haircut & shave. Its owner Lawrence Cutrone is a former Louisiana State University Student Union Barber Shop Manager, one who strives to keep up the old-school barbershop vibe.
Columbus, Ohio
The Mug & Brush's history dates back to its 1968 founding and has grown based on three "steadfast principals: Simplicity, Authenticity & Quality." There are all the expected "traditional & modern" services — and more. In fact, a second location in Creekside Gahanna is known for bringing in musical acts — "The Mug & Brush Sessions" — and supporting its community organizations "through art, music and creativity."
Honolulu
An array of vintage framed photographs, from Elvis Presley to a pinup here and there, set the mood. And then the detailed descriptions of the services offered give a good indication of the attention to detail paid to customers — At Phil's, the Gentleman's Shave "begins with a hot towel infused with a combination of menthol, rosemary, eucalyptus, camphor and spearmint to prepare your skin and soften your beard" — and continues from there. It's all about "a fresh approach on an old tradition." You can also pick up a stylish T-shirt — and maybe even book the "Date Night" Skin Booster Treatment. The name, by the way, is a tribute to the owner's grandfather and his storied history in the field.
