Frank's Barbershop
When a place has been voted Best Barbershop in America multiple times, you expect a lot from it. And Frank's Barbershop doesn't disappoint. Its service menu includes traditional haircuts with contemporary styling, hot towel shaves, manicures, facials, waxing services, and grey-blending for both your top-of-head and facial hair. All of which is complemented by the excellent, old-school service and man's lounge, where you'll find TVs, a billiards table, reading materials, free beverages, and even a dart board — making a trip to Frank's less of a chore and more of a relaxing respite from your other commitments.
MiN New York
There are more than enough places in Manhattan to buy men's apothecary goods — but if you're looking for something unique, MiN New York might be your best bet. This upscale SOHO shop features a lush interior of dark wood, exposed brick, and leather couches — as well as an espresso bar — but it's the outstanding selection that's the real draw, with rare and exclusive brands stocking the shelves, a solid line of self-branded goods, and concierge services available that promise one-on-one counseling to find the fragrance, products, and tools that are right for you.
Legends Barbershop
Remember the movie Barbershop? Ever wished you could visit a place just like it? Legends The Barbershop is about as close as you're going to get. Not only did it serve as the basis for the shop in the film, but the owner, Brian "Goose The Barber" Davis, was the basis for Ice Cube's Calvin. Back in the real world, you can expect colorful banter, good music, a diverse crowd, and, of course, terrific haircuts. Appointments recommended.
Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe
Most of the time, you're lucky if you get a decent conversation included with your grooming service. At Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe, you'll get much more than that. This South Beach spot is membership-focused — members receive unlimited monthly haircuts, among other benefits — but still offers its full menu of a la carte services to non-members. Those include haircuts, hot lather shaves, beard trims, facials, hair coloring, and manicures, and a high-end selection of hair and face products are available, as well. Oh, and the conversation is good — perhaps even as satisfying as the shoulder massage and drink that's included with your haircut.
Pasteur Pharmacy
It's not very big. And it's really cramped — but there's a perfectly good excuse. See, Pasteur Pharmacy has to be crowded to fit the largest selection of men's shaving supplies in NYC inside its walls. Inside its modest exterior you'll find a seemingly endless array of creams, brushes, razors, and blades, from top-shelf manufacturers like Jack Black, L'Occitane, Merkur, iKon, Weleda, and more, along with a solid selection of more common pharmacy-style goods like deodorant, toothpaste, and soap. [Scouted by Michael]
Proper Barber Shop
There are plenty of ways to judge a barbershop. Us? We like to go buy how many bottles of Jameson are visible when you step through the door. Okay, not really — the guys at the Proper Barber Shop really can cut hair. But the atmosphere doesn't hurt. Dedicated to serving as not just a barber shop but a haven for men, this quality shop offers haircuts and shaves, as well as stacks of vintage Playboys for you to peruse as you wait, and cold cans of PBR or shots of Irish whiskey for those customers who make the cut. Pun not intended.
Al's Barber Shop
Old-school service doesn't have to mean old-school surroundings. Al's Barber Shop offers the best of both worlds, combining strong levels of personalized service in a clean, modern environment that recalls the past only with its exposed brick and black-and-white photos. Owner Alan Urbanowski and his team of talented female stylists — especially Megan — dish out some of the best cuts in town, and while the prices aren't exactly cheap, you totally get what you pay for. Reservations recommended.
Temescal Alley Barber Shop
You won't find overly elaborate furnishings at the Temescal Alley Barber Shop. Nor will you find "stylists" giving waxes, face massages, or other such pampering. What you will find are rock-solid, dependable barbers dishing out haircuts, straight razor shaves, and beard trims to men who appreciate the straightforwardness of the place. Despite the utilitarian vibe, the barbers are plenty friendly, and should you happen to arrive at the right time or the right day, they might just offer you a swig of the good stuff while you're waiting.
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.
