The Five Best Places For A Man To Get A Shave And/Or A Haircut In Chicago

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 25, 2014 9:30PM

The male side of the Chicagoist staff masthead can be finicky when it comes to having our hair messed with or a good shave. We want our hair to look good and presentable when we step outside yet some of us are a bit tight with the wallet and want a little bit of old-fashioned barbershop comfort. And we trust very few to give us a hot shave.

So when we find a barbershop or other hair care place that does us right, we cling to it like the last shot of bourbon in a bottle. Here are the spots that do our coifs and faces proud, because a well groomed gentleman is something everyone can appreciate.

Twisted Scissors
Twisted Scissors has been my go-to spot for bouncy low maintenance cuts and every color under the rainbow for years, a shop full of rad stylists who love to be a little adventurous with hair if their client desires it. And while waiting for my color to set I get to watch all the action, including a bevy of freshly groomed men leaving the shop with some of the most precise, classic cuts around. If you lean towards a classic pompadour or want something with a bit of edge, Twisted Scissors can take care of you tout suite, faster than can you drink your complimentary beer or wine. That said, if you just want a simple trim they’ll make sure you leave looking fresh and clean. The shop is low key and friendly, no sterile high end feel, and prices are reasonable for the quality of service you receive. — Lisa White

Twisted Scissors is located at 2007 N. Point.

The Cat’s Meow
OK, while you might think it weird that I suggest an establishment with a fabulous ‘50s theme that specializes in coloring, manicures, pedicures and all kinds of other stuff usually (and unfairly) deemed girly as one of the best places for a men’s haircut but it is not. I have a notoriously difficult head of hair to manage. It’s wavy, it grows all over, it’s thick and my hair tends to decide on its own style daily. I have spent decades looking for someone to tame this beast and while many have come close none had conquered it, until I discovered The Cat’s Meow. And as if it wasn’t enough that they figured out how to tame my hair and beat it into a form that still allows it some autonomy while not forcing me to use a dollop of product to keep it looking good, this all happens in some wonderfully inviting alternate dimension. The staff is hilarious, the owner is a delight and every trip there leaves me looking and feeling fabulous. Yes, fabulous. — Jim Kopeny / Tankboy

The Cat’s Meow is located at 4221 N. Elston Ave.

Photo credit: Patrick Houdek

Pete’s Barber Shop
I first met Pete Huels from Pete’s Barber Shop as we talked over a few beers at Bar Deville. I was complaining to him that it was hard to find someone who knew how to properly cut beards and asked him if it would be ok if I stopped by his shop. Huels replied, "sure, stop by any time...I can fix your hair too." I didn't think my hair needed to be fixed until I sat down in his chair a few weeks later and he explained that parting my hair the other way would fix how my hair stood up in back. For years, I have been going to fancy salons (paying fancy salon prices) but what I really needed was someone who understands how to cut men’s hair. At Pete’s, you go for the expertly executed haircut, you stay for the atmosphere. I have spent many an hour sitting in the shop listening to Pete and Mike (the other barber in the shop) talk to patrons about eveything from comic books, movies, and music, (the shop plays an eclectic mix of music from '70s soft rock to GG Allin). Another thing that you will hear, if you get Pete going, is the amount of passion he has for creating an atmosphere for guys to come in and get a good haircut, at a good price, and have a good time. Amen. — Paul Leddy

Pete’s Barber Shop is located at 2873 N. Elston

Joe’s Barbershop
Consistently ranked as one of the best barbershops in Chicago, Joe’s Barbershop in Logan Square is everything that a stylishly modern man could ask for. Owner Joe Caccavella stepped onto the Logan Square barber scene in 1968, and opened the shop’s current location in 1985. An old-school, no-appointment and no-frills joint, Joe’s Barbershop offers not only solid haircuts and hot shaves at affordable prices, but a friendly, neighborhood vibe. Joe’s has three chairs, one of which is still often run by Joe Sr, and another by his son, Joe Jr, in addition to a handful of other quality barbers. The shop is charmingly disheveled, the walls covered in spooky taxidermy and the waiting chairs almost always packed with eager hipsters, most of whom get some version of the “Logan Square Hitler Youth” cut—short on the sides, longer on the top. My favorite part, there’s also an abundance of booze: the floor and shelves are littered with bottles of red wine, which Joe Sr makes himself with grapes from an Italian immigrant family on the South Side, and with bottles of Jeppson’s Malort, who “sponsors” the shop. Joe’s also has a sponsorship with Half Acre, and thirsty customers can grab tall boys from the mini fridge for $2 while they wait. Oh, and make sure to check out the HangOver Shave Sundays when, on the last Sunday of the month from May through September, you can get a haircut or hot towel straight razor shave, paired with a Cuban sandwich from Nini’s Deli and a cold beer, for just $30. At that price, I’ll even get my beard shaved. — Erika Kubick

Joe’s Barbershop is located at 2641 W. Fullerton.

Karen Marie Salon
I have no shame admitting that I go to what some people might consider a “girlie” salon to get my haircut. I initially went in because I had met the owners through a friend, but have gone back regularly over the past couple years because the service is great, I get compliments on my hair all the time, and they’ve enlightened me to the fact that a hot towel on my face is pretty damn soothing. It also doesn’t hurt that they have good quality coffee brewing all of the time, and they’re also located next door to my favorite wine shop, Red & White. --Jason Baldacci

Karen Marie Salon is located at 1859 N. Milwaukee Ave in Bucktown