Comments on: The Art of Manliness Weekly Roundup: Barber Shop Edition

By: MJ

MJ — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:54:51 +0000

There are plenty of Barbers in the Chicago area and suburbs. In fact, there appears to be a resurgences. There’s even a new Barber School open up right in the downtown of Chicago.

There are a few shops in the Chicago area that I would recommend:

First and foremost is Joe’s Barbershop 2641 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago IL . Joe Sr has been cutting hair at this location for 40 years, and the tradition continues with his son Joe Jr. Great for vintage and modern cuts. They also do hot lather shaves. A traditional shop with an up beat attitude. And they sell LAYRTIE pomade. They even have SUNDAY hours.

Second is The Belmont Barbershop 2328 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago IL. Another real barbershop that also does basic regular cuts and some vintage 50s cuts, and hot lather shaves. Only downside is they require appts and parking is terrible. In my book, a barbershop should be strictly walk-in first come first served. They get very upset if you are late.

Third is Esquire Barbershop 22 W St Charles Rd, Lombard IL. Another traditional barbershop that takes walkins. A modern interior and vibe, but these guys do awesome traditional barbering.

Finally is Slims Barbershop in 77 E Woodstock St, Crystal Lake, IL. Slim started out at the famous Model Barbershop in Chicago, then started his own shop in Crystal Lake. Slim does excellent military type haircuts, fades and other urban styles, and of course regular cuts. Recently remodeled his shop, but the haircuts are still traditional. Good attitude and good traditional barbering. Walkins welcome.

Another cool thing is all the above, with the exception of the Esquire, have a presense on the Internet – myspace, facebook, or their own sites. Most do have reviews on YELP.

There are many more, but I know of these either from personal experience or from friends.

By: kevin

kevin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:17:38 +0000

A barbershop is the only way to go . Hair tonic , shaving cream , Talcum powder . Im lucky I have three different barbers I can use and they all use a straight razor to tidy you up . One has a massager he uses and one uses a vaccum hose to suck up all the loose hair .I would let my hair grow past my butt if I had to use a salon that smelled of perm, fingernail polish and talks about periods .

By: sam

sam — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:58:16 +0000

Okay, so I’m looking for a good barbershop in my area that does a man’s shave. Any suggestions? I’m in the riverside/corona area of southern cali. I was left wanting in your review however b/c you fail to mention a few key facts: namely location and price. Also, the barbershop map isn’t very useful…what you need is to put every barber shop you can find in a database so people can search and read reviews of the ones that are close to them. Thanks for the help.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Salons versus Barbers. I went to a barber in Chicago when I interned there; got the haircut and shave. Really cool experience! I haven’t found one down in South Florida, as finding a good barber is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you don’t feel comfortable with the person holding the scisors, its not going to work out. Other than being a good barber, along with it comes the requirement of personality. The guy I go to now is at a salon (sigh), but I’ve been going to him for some time now, and the price is good, and he has cool tatoos and used to box. Not everything can be perfect, but this is a good compromise. If only we can raise the level of BS.

By: Jamin

Jamin — Fri, 23 May 2008 23:27:41 +0000

What a coincidence, I went to Monty’s Barbershop, but in Ames Iowa for the first time a few weeks ago. It was a great place, small though, just one chair and one guy. You’re right about the barber shop atmosphere, it’s great. While I was there 6 or 7 guys must have been through, including a father and two sons.

By: Neon John

Neon John — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:57:00 +0000

I got a kick out of this one. The same barber that gave me my first haircut still cut my hair until a couple of years ago. When he turned 100 years old, he decided to close his shop and move his chair to his house! His price was $3 for the works because he didn’t think a haircut and a shave was worth more than that.

That was something that I most looked forward to – the cut and a shave every two weeks. And the vibrator massage afterwards, of course.

I don’t know where you live but around here (East Tennessee), barber shops are still plentiful. I can think of 5 or 6 within a few miles’ drive. My “new” barber gives me the same “works” but unfortunately, at twice the price. It costs me SIX bux for the full treatment nowadays. Darned inflation!

John

By: TheReverend

TheReverend — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:48:26 +0000

Hawleywood’s Barber Shop in Newport Beach and Long Beach CA is absolutely the best ever. I was there last week for a shave and a haircut. Name me any place in America where you can get better service for $30.00? NO WHERE. They are the best, bringing back old school barbering techniques. I’ve been a loyal customer for the past 8 years, but I wish it was longer. I’ve moved to CO but when I’m back in town I always make an appointment. I suggest you do the same. Call ahead as they book up fast.
The Reverend

http://layrite.com/

By: Hurlequin

Hurlequin — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 22:08:21 +0000

I once stuck my penis into a barber’s mouth. True story.

By: amy

amy — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:33:22 +0000

my husband got a haircut at some hole-in-the-wall barber shop when we were engaged and had the time of his life. at the time, i didn’t get it.

thanks to you i now see that the barbershop culture, though waning, could be as fun for men as the salon culture is for (some) women. i’m not a salon goer myself, but i can see the appeal. too bad about the lack of barber shops. you have made me a believer.

By: Brett McKay

Brett McKay — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:03:24 +0000

@fathersez: You're very welcome!