Tony’s Barber Shop

If «old school» means «pre-​dating germ theory» then this place certainly qualifies. Unsanitary. He keeps the clippers in an open drawer with clods of other people’s hair in it. If you are lucky maybe he will blow the old hair off the clipper with his mouth before using it on you. Scissors are lying on the dirty counter with the previous customer’s hair still stuck to them. And for the coup de gras, he will shave your neck with the same razor blade he used on the last guy. Don’t worry, he shakes it around in an old coffee cup full of barbacide first (i hope it’s barbacide anyway). Even the witch hazel bottle has mold or scum or something around the nozzle. No effort made to clean hair clippings off your head afterwards so you get that terrific itchy feeling all day long to remind you of your wonderful $ 20, bacteria-​ridden experience. At least the CVS isn’t far away so you can buy some disinfecting wipes to wipe down your scalp afterwards. There has to be better options than this nearby.

Tony is the owner and has been cutting hair for a long, long time. Nick also cuts hair too. I’ve largely had Tony over the last 2 – 3 years and Nick once. Both do a pretty good job. Only men’s cuts. Super-​nice. Big Boston sports fans, both of them.
Largely goes by appointment since he’s very popular. He has had some regular clientele drop in to ask if they can have a little trim and he sometimes is able to work them in, but if you really want a haircut, I’d ask for an appointment.
50 Congress Street is right beside a Boloco and the Salem Five Bank, and is an older office building with a security guard. The barber shop is in the basement. Go inside 50 Congress past the elevators until the stairwell, go down, and you can see the barber shop. It’s pretty inexpensive (I generally tip slightly more than 15% and it comes out around or slightly above $ 25).
Cut quality: Okay. They pretty much electric clipper the sides and back to your approval and do whatever you want with the top and front (electric clipper, scissors, etc.) And then hot foaming shaving cream and straight-​edge razor blade for the sideburns and neck.
Only other random things to be aware of:
— I’ve always paid by cash (and I don’t recall if he takes cards).
— he has some great sports memorabilia to marvel at
— he does have some interesting reading materials (mostly sports and some girly mags, if you find that objectionable)

I moved two years ago and had to go through one of the most difficult decisions of my life — finding a new barber. Fortunately, I found Tony and it made the process significantly easier. I really love that he goes by appointment, so I can be in and out of there in 20 minutes without waiting. It’s a bit more expensive ($ 24 I think) than a suburban haircut if you’re used to that, but the fact that you don’t have to wait is key. No more waking up at 7 AM on a Saturday to beat the rush of 8-​year olds getting their haircut. Tony is your classic barber, really nice guy. I’ll be going to him for a long time. Doesn’t get 5 stars because I think it’s a tad pricey, but maybe it’s because I’m used to paying $ 15.

I cannot speak to the quality of the haircuts at Tony’s, because I never got that far.
I was told when I came in that they don’t do women’s hair. I said I understood they did not do women’s haircuts, but what if I just happen to be a woman who wants a man’s haircut? They still expressed misgivings and a lack of confidence in their own abilities to give me the haircut I wanted, but were friendly and polite about it.
I left and came back a few minutes later with a photograph of a man with the haircut I wanted. The gentleman I spoke to seemed to think I wanted something much frillier than I actually did, and tried to dissuade me. He said I was welcome to take the chance, but to be honest he looked a little scared at the thought of cutting my hair. That made me nervous, and I left with all the hair on my head intact.
I will say this: both gentlemen were very friendly and the one I spoke to was willing to really look at the cut I wanted and talk with me about whether or not it would come out the way I liked. The shop was clean and bright despite being in a basement. If you’re a guy, I’m sure it’s a great business that offers a nice haircut at a reasonable price.

I’ve been going here for almost a decade. All of the other reviews are true. It’s an old-​fashioned barber shop and Tony does a great job, not to mention that he is one of the nicest guys in Boston.
I’ve only had Nick do my hair once and he did a nice job.

Been going to Tony’s for over 10yrs when is Uncle was the owner. Tony is a class act and gentleman. Great service and just a nice guy. This is one of the last places on earth where a guy can enjoy a barber and not «Salon». Call ahead to make an appt. You won’t regret it. Get there early too so you can read the great magazine selection…

I starting working in Faneuil Hall about 18 months ago and was looking for a place for a quick reasonably priced haircut. Tony’s fits the bill. Reservations are a must, usually try for a day or two ahead of time. The straight razor shave of the back of the neck, talcum power, brush down, and no-​nonsense cut all make the place worth going back to.

Meh.
Two guys in a basement. No sign or directory listing anywhere in the building.
When I walked in without an appointment, one was leaving and the other could care less.
I’ll get my hair cut in New York, it’s quicker, easier and a better result.

The reviews on here are accurate — the place is a decent old school barbershop. Prices are going up to $ 20. Downside: Cash Only, but that is probably a bigger deal for me than it is for most people.
Give them a call — Tony will answer the phone «Barbershop.»

I’ve been getting my hair cut at Tony’s for at least 5 years. It’s a convenient location for folks who work in the financial district. It’s a small place in the basement of 50 Congress. Tony is extremely friendly, does a really good job and is very professional. They have a selection of, ahem, gentlemen’s magazines to keep you entertained while you wait. The cut runs you $ 18 and you’ll need to make an appointment. Tony is there from 7 – 4. Nick cuts hair as well but I’ve never had him cut mine before and is in from 8 – 5.