The 16 Best Barbershops in America
For when you have to trim your beard.
Team IronJohnBeard – Guest post
CHICAGO
Belmont Barbershop (pictured above)
“Our pompadours come in many shapes and sizes,” says barber Josh Cooley about his shop’s trademark look ($17). “Some days a sixties pompadour, others a high-and-tight with a strong part.” Read comic books while waiting for yours. 2328 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-296-0894; belmontbarbershop.com
Joe’s Barbershop Chicago
A Chicago institution since 1968, this cozy family-run shop (decorated with vintage tchotchkes like mounted puffer fish) receives high marks for its time-tested looks: slick-backs, hard parts, and flattops ($15). 2641 W. Fullerton Ave.; 773-252-3980; joesbarbershopchicago.com
NEW ORLEANS
Aidan Gill for Men (pictured above)
Drop by for a high-and-tight ($40)—one of the most requested styles, according to the shop’s eponymous owner—in an old-timey environment (vintage globes and photos, turn-of-the-century oak cabinets) that many say precipitated today’s barbershop revival. 2026 Magazine St.; 504-587-9090; aidangillformen.com
NEW YORK CITY
Ben’s Barbers
There’s little in the way of decor, but the outgoing staff, laid-back style, and cheap cuts ($14) have made owner Ben Mosheyev a favorite among Alphabet City skaters and Details staffers alike. 217 Avenue A; 718-644-6701
Frank’s Chop Shop
Come to this thirties-inspired space for a straightforward scissors-only cut ($40 and up). Request Hiro or Kevin Kellett, both of whom are masters of the clippers-free hairstyle. 19 Essex St.; 212-228-7442; frankschopshop.com
BROOKLYN
Persons of Interest
Head to the new Williamsburg location of this shop (the original is in Carroll Gardens), which evokes a cool dad’s home office from the sixties (chrome-and-leather chairs, black wood paneling). See Andy Starkweather, who carefully examines your growth patterns before whipping out the shears ($42). 82 84 Havemeyer St.; 718-218-9100; personsofinterestbklyn.com
BOSTON
State Street Barbers (pictured above)
The vintage photos and oak flooring spell tradition—and so do the master barbers with decades of experience, the hot-lather shaves, and the cuts ($34) that come standard with a shampoo, a scalp massage, and a beverage. 1313 Washington St.; 617-753-9990; statestreetbarbers.com
MIAMI BEACH
Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe
The plush South Beach redoubt features Chesterfield chairs and a complimentary bar. Ask for veteran barber Jesse Del Pozo, who is renowned for his sophisticated scissors cuts ($28). 1322 Alton Rd.; 305-673-0877; sloanesq.com
DENVER
Al’s Barber Shop
Alan Urbanowski is famed for easy-to-style cuts ($38) delivered amid old-school charm (black-and-white photos of past style icons) and new-school cool (exposed brick walls, contemporary wood flooring). 1425 Larimer St.; 303-534-1583
MILWAUKEE
Stag Barbershop (pictured above)
Owner Jess Stern’s guy-friendly shop features a comfortable leather sofa and rustic touches like the mounted caribou head the place is named for. Her trademark cut ($30)—”short with a low taper and varying lengths through the top”—can be easily styled to look casual or professional. 3064 S. Delaware Ave.; 414-489-7824; stagbarbershop.com
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Baxter Finley Barber & Shop
The antique light fixtures and vintage barber chairs recall a bygone era, but the attentive barbers deliver cuts ($40) that feel totally of the moment. 515 N. La Cienega Blvd.; 310-657-4726; baxterfinley.com
Rudy’s Barbershop
This Sunset Strip staple housed in the Standard Hotel offers low-key appeal in a glam setting (celebs often wander in for a trim). See Michael Quinn for one of his signature clippers cuts ($29 and up). 8300 W. Sunset Blvd.; 213-439-3058; rudysbarbershop.com
LOS ANGELES
Shorty’s Barber Shop (pictured above)
Want a do like cover star Adam Levine’s? He’s one of the many Hollywood types who flock to this rockabilly-inspired space for creative spins on traditional styles ($25). 755 N. Fairfax Ave.; 323-297-0554; shortysbarbershop.com
SAN FRANCISCO
F.S.C. Barber
You’ll find the same qualities that made the outfit’s East Coast locations so popular—a relaxed attitude and incomparable scissors and razor skills at affordable prices ($40)—in a lofty, light-filled space in the Mission District. 696 Valencia St.; 415-621-9000; fscbarber.com
OAKLAND
Temescal Alley Barbershop
This bare-bones spot is so low-key it doesn’t even have a phone. If the pole’s spinning, just walk in for the signature cut, “the Count of Monte Cristo”—a relaxed take on the high-and-tight ($22). 470B 49th St.; temescalalleybarbershop.tumblr.com
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
Frank’s Barbershop (pictured above)
Fathers and sons come for Frank’s signature, almost bedhead look ($25)—short, textured on top, and easy to maintain. The pool table, darts, and frosty mugs of root beer are a bonus. 304 Northshore Dr.; 865-588-4001; franksbarbershop.net
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