Capelli's Gentlemen's Barbershop
Who said your barbershop had to look old to offer old-school service? Capelli's Gentlemen's Barbershop looks a swank as any high-end library or cigar lounge, but offers time-honored services that recall the heyday of small-town barbershops. Those include straight-razor shaves, personalized haircuts, and beard trimmings, as well as camouflage coloring, ear and eyebrow waxing, manicures, head shaves, and scalp massages. And while the South Lake Union shop is the newest, the locations at 4th and Madison and in the US Bank Centre both offer most of the services in a similarly slick atmosphere.
Magazine St. Barber Shop
The shop itself isn't that old — owner Cesar Rivera first opened the doors in 2008 — but it's definitely old-school. The Magazine St. Barber Shop provides its customers with a simple list of services — haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves, and combinations of the three — in an inviting atmosphere that includes an antique towel steamer, vintage furnishings, friendly service, and, if you're lucky, maybe even a complementary beverage of the adult type. Oh, and consider calling ahead — they only have three barbers, so walk-ins, while welcome, might be waiting a while.
Hudson Hawk Barber & Shop
Getting a haircut is a great way to boost your confidence — and even more so when you do it in the most manly way possible. Having it cut at Hudson / Hawk Barber & Shop should qualify. Founded by two hometown gentlemen who have trained in Southern California and London, this classic barbershop offers cuts, buzzes, shaves, shoe shines, waxing, and basic cover-up coloring services in a no-nonsense, masculine environment that includes a TV, old-school signage, and the obligatory taxidermy. [Scouted by Daren]
Frank's Chop Shop
Four vintage barber chairs. A small, yet stylish collection of hats, shirts, outerwear, and accessories. Shears, clippers, and straight razors. All things you'll find at Frank's Chop Shop. Located right across from Seward Park, this old-school barber offers full haircuts, shape-ups, and old-fashioned straight edge razor shaves in a throwback atmosphere that blends the barber shop with a small retail space where you can pick up everything from a logo tee to a diamond razor chain. Just be sure to call ahead — cuts are by appointment only.
The Blind Barber
Thankfully, you don't need to take the name literally. The Blind Barber is a great throwback barber shop, offering a classic environment of white tile floors, a striped pole, and mirrored wall, and a similarly straightforward menu that includes four options: a hair cut, shave, trim, or beard trim. Also included with every service? A complimentary beverage from the speakeasy-like backroom, which serves as a perfect spot to further your relaxation over one of their signature cocktails, which include the Batman, the Blackjack, and the tongue-in-cheek Sweeney Ted. West Coasters aren't left out, either — the blind one has a Los Angeles location, as well.
Stag Barbershop
Given it's name — taken from the mounted caribou head in the waiting area — you might be surprised to find out the owner and founder is... a female. Fear not, though, as Jess Stern's Stag Barbershop has no trouble dishing out contemporary man-friendly cuts with old school service. The service menu is relatively short — a haircut, shave, or combination are all that's listed — but the shop also offers add-ons like faciar hair trims, eyebrow, ear, and neck waxings, shoe shines, and a service to blend your greys in with your natural hair color.
Red's Classic Barber Shop
We're not sure how long Red's Classic Barber Shop, but judging by the interior, it really doesn't matter. Inside this old-school shop you'll find several stations at which you can get your growth trimmed, as well as a throwback soda machine in the back and a selection of accessories, including cufflinks, ties, and fedoras. Services include a variety of trims, cuts, and shaves, or you can make things easy and order the Barbershop Quartet, which includes a classic cut, a shampoo, a razor finish, and a straight razor shave. And don't worry about the excess hair making a mess of your shoes — they offer both shoe and boot shining services, as well.
The Gents Place
There are plenty of places to get a drink, or a massage, or a haircut — but few places can offer all that and more. The Gents Place Men's Fine Grooming is one of them. This barbershop/club features a full bar, a pool table, plenty of TVs for catching the game, and a cozy fireplace. Similarly, it offers a wide range of services, including straight razor shaves, hair coloring, waxing, shoe shines, and a seven-course hair service with a personal consultation, cut, style, hand wax and massage, scalp massage, face refresher, and a neck and shoulder massage. If you're not in the KC area, don't worry — they have locations in Frisco and Preston Hollow, Texas as well.
Virile Barber & Shop
We would say this shop provides a genuine, old-school barber experience, but we doubt any barber shops of days past were this nice. The Virile Barber & Shop melds the ability to cut even the most modern of styles with personalized service and vintage flair — including turn-of-the-century barber chairs and a cash register from 1927. Have some time to spare? Settle in for a hot towel shave, which is tailored to your skin, hair, and complexion, and enjoy a glass of cognac, a craft beer, or cigar while the 30-45 minute service unfolds.
Ralph's Barber Shop
Looking for a barber shop with character? Will one that's been in business since 1922 do the trick? Ralph's Barber Shop is a family-owned and -run business, offering two full floors of workstations. Sports fans will be delighted to find HD televisions for watching the game, sports memorabilia on the walls, and even authentic seats from Veteran's Stadium in the waiting room. Amazingly, though, that's not the most impressive piece of history on display — that title goes to the the portable barber chair that the owner's granddad used when cutting General George S. Patton's hair.
Halo for Men
Don't let the girls have all the fun. Halo for Men brings all the pampering and service of a typical salon with a masculine edge. A wide variety of services are available, but the signature service is fittingly called "The Man" — a haircut and style, hand wax and massage, a hot towel and facial toner application, free touch-up within two weeks, and, perhaps most importantly for ultimate relaxation, a free beverage. Not located near the S. Michigan Ave. location? Not to worry, as they've got five other shops in town.
Baxter Finley Barber & Shop
Take a step back in time and get a damn fine shave at the same time at the Baxter Finley Barber & Shop. Owned by well-known men's grooming outfitter Baxter of California, this LA-based barber shop boasts chairs from the early 1900's, reclaimed Douglas Fir flooring, subway tile walls, and a simple menu of services that includes two items — cuts and shaves. Stop in for full service, or just to outfit yourself with some high-quality gear for home.
