Barberia Italia Gaetano & Rocco Barber Shop

it has been years but I still think very fondly of Gaetano, a true gentleman very knowledgable about Italian film which we often discussed. I walked from Beacon Street on the Hill knowing a good haircut and chat awaited me. 3000 miles later I have another film loving haircutter, a woman in Lido, Newport Beach whose work I find wonderful, as well.
I remember Gaetano’s great generosity in coming to my house for a post bypass haircut.

After spending several hours walking the Freedom Trail with my son visiting Boston for the weekend of the USC-​Boston College game, I was a week or so past due on a needed haircut. Passing by Gaetano’s open door, I decided to check it out. Gaetano quoted me a very fair price, and in moments, I was in his chair. This gentleman’s probably been cutting hair almost as long as I’m been alive (I’m 55). I felt quite confident that he would do a good job, and I was not surprised that my hair cut was excellent. I also got a kick out of the many pictures on his walls with his clientele from the Boston Bruins. If you need a great cut and don’t have much time, this is your place.

On vacation from California, husband needed a haircut and had forgotten to shave before we headed out the door. Needless to say, he was looking a bit scruffy. We passed by and decided to stop in. There were three gentlemen sitting on the couch watching tv, two older and one younger. One of the older men asked us what he wanted and passed the cut to the younger guy. I have to admit, I was a little nervous because this happened to my old man once before in a shop and he ended up getting the worst haircut of his life. So I settled in while Jim got his hair cut and a shave. I enjoyed the neighborhood camaraderie going on between the guy nearest the door and people passing by. The haircut came out great and the shave made him look like a new man! When we travel we try not to get off the beaten path and this haircut at Gaetano ans Rocco ’ s helped to make for an interesting afternoon.

I often check Unilocal before I try a new place out, especially a barber. I don’t write a lot of reviews, but when I do I’m motivated by saving people from a bad experience.
I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon. The haircut was remarkably quick. I was pleased to see the barber use the thinning sheers and scissors to shape and cut. Everything he did and said gave the illusion of a professional and talented barber. At the end of the cut the barber added a handful of gel to my head slicked everything over and charged me for the cut.
Once home, I inspected the haircut. Wow, how did this happen? Sideburns uneven and too high. Neck line should look like \_​_​_​/​instead looked like \_​w_​/​. I kid you not, can’t wait for the rest of my normal neckline to grow back. It’s like he went zigzagged back there. There’s more… cowlick on the back was mostly ignored, resulting in a comical alfalfa like straight up effect. Leaving select hairs over an inch long while the rest was trimmed to a half of an inch. Lastly, that quick snip snip of the thinning shears, not skill at all. Instead he was cutting nice short spots all over. The worst of which has hair cut to a quarter of an inch, with all the hair surrounding it being half of an inch long.
Maybe this was a one time thing. Maybe the other few reviews are the norm. For me, all it takes is one horrible haircut. Yes, I mean horrible, there is no defending this haircut. Nothing is worse than seeing a crappy cut every time you get ready, and waiting for the damage to grow out enough to have another barber fix it. If you want to take a chance and buzz it after, more power to you. I would not take the risk of having my hair cut at Rocco’s again.

I was walking around the North End looking for a new barber and ran into Gaetano, he had just finished with a customer and stepped outside for a minute. I am glad I stopped to chat ! After chatting for a bit, I decided to have him give me a cut… He was professional, experienced and a true gentleman !! He gave me a fabulous cut, introduced me to his son Rocco and told me to stop back anytime. I was extremely pleased with the haircut, the price and the professionalism of this Father/​Son Barber shop… I have been back a few times now and have had my hair cut by Rocco also. This Family shop is a gem ! Glad I found them and I will be returning for many more cuts… They are true Gentleman !!

Avoid this place at all costs. Went in asking for just a simple neck shave, clean up around the ears, and take edge off front and came out with a bowl cut. Worst part was that they charged me for a full price haircut for just neck, ears and front!
The barber (there are two of them, I used the younger guy), spent no more than 3 minutes. Sideburns were uneaven, and shaved the back of my neck beyond the natural length of my hair so that it was akwardly high. Yes its cheap but for $ 15 you can do much much better. The only reason I gave it one star is because its so cheap. Its unfortunate because this place has been here forever, you think after all these years they would be able to not screw up a simple neck, ear, front trim!

I freaking love Rocco + Gaetano’s (now just Rocco’s, I think). I started coming here in college and would regularly make the trip from the Mission Hill area into the North End just for a haircut and maybe a sandwich down the street. My hair always came out perfect, nice and short, and it took almost no time at all to get it done. They both always used a straight razor on the back of the neck. The cost is pretty low, I think maybe $ 15 or 16, and I always tipped a couple of bucks.
I am really sad that I don’t live in Boston anymore, as I have never found a barber that’s quite as good and makes my awful hair look acceptable. It’s a tiny shop on a side street, but don’t let that stop you. They always treated me well even though it was pretty clear I’m not from the neighborhood. Bypass the newer, shinier barbers in the way and head to Rocco’s.

Awesome shop. I came in today and was seen right away. Rocco cut my hair, he was very fast and it came out looking great. Highly recommended.

Upon moving to the North End, I decided to try to find a reasonably-​priced barber that also does a decent job of cutting hair. I previously lived in the South End, and tried at least three places that were either overpriced and/​or mediocre at best, most both.
I walk by Gaetano’s and Rocco’s barbershop everyday, and live about two minutes walking from the place. I called ahead, and was informed a men’s cut is $ 15, and they do not take appointments – walk-​in only.
I headed on over to the shop, walked in, and was immediately seated and given a very quick and efficient haircut by the younger guy working there (I don’t know which is which). I told him how I wanted it, and when I got home, I realized it’s probably the best haircut I’ve had in Boston. And the cheapest. And perhaps the quickest as well.
Overall, I highly recommend this place for a simple men’s haircut.