The Public Barber

It’s actually a 4.5 but Unilocal doesn’t do half-​ratings and rounding up isn’t fair to the readers or the business. People think that something must’ve went wrong if a place gets 4 stars. I think that a 4 star rating is still great! It only means there’s room for improvement. Maybe after several more visits, I’ll upgrade my rating to 5 based on biased loyalty alone. But for now, it’s at least a 4-​star business.
The atmosphere (4 stars): This is definitely not a «neighborhood barbershop»; in other words, people don’t hang out here, exchange greetings, or talk about sports or last night’s episode of Game of Thrones. It’s a «by appointment only» type place that’s very one-​on-​one, few frills/​simple perks (hot towel shave, complimentary shot of whiskey), an in-​and-​out establishment. I imagine it may feel more neighborly on Saturdays when they accept walk-​ins, with a handful of men waiting in the comfy reading chairs flipping through something off the barter book shelf and sharing pleasantries. At least that’s what I picture in my head. It was kind of the experience that I was hoping for. But it was a Monday, and there was only one barber holding up the fort. In my 30-​minute visit, there were 2 people who walked-​in that couldn’t get serviced. I can’t imagine how many walk-​ins they must lose every day. I feel like that’s a missed opportunity. Or maybe this is how the owner prefers it to be. Also, it’s cash only which, in 2016, is such an inconvenience.
The service/​haircut (5 stars): Domenic is great! I felt very welcome. The conversation was light and never forced. You could probably sit there in comfortable silence if you prefer, but I’m the chatty type. Let it be known that he sings a lot while he cuts, at least during my visit. Fortunately, he has a pleasant voice, and he never sings too loudly. He seriously gave me the best fade of my life. It’s no wonder why he’s booked for the next 2 weeks. And the price is right, too. I’m used to paying $ 35 – 40 BEFORE tip. $ 25 for a first class haircut is (insert thumbs-​up emoji).
Things I wish they had (has no bearing on rating): I totally get why there’s no shampoo included. It adds time to the visit which would force the price to go up, not to mention it’s not a barbershop kind of offering. I just really miss that feeling of having my scalp massaged during a salon visit. Maybe one day they’ll add a dry scalp massage at the end of each cut (hint hint). This is the only thing that’s making me consider returning to a salon for my next haircut.

This place really is as good as it gets. Michael, Garfield and Dom have all cut my hair/​beard more than once, and they’re all basically wizards. The room is gorgeous, they offer complimentary whisky, the music is good, and the conversation is charming. This is your new barbershop.

Today, once again, Michael gave me a great cut. I’ve been going here for a year now and couldn’t recommend this place enough. Inviting space, excellent barbers, cool vibe and competitive pricing. It’s a win, win!

Amazing amazing barber shop. Have been 5 times and I don’t even have to think about what I want in a haircut — they know better than I do and I always get great compliments after a haircut. Love it here! Also, a great vibe and ambiance.

Michael and crew love what they do and it shows. The web-​site makes appointments easy, everyone in the shop is friendly, and their work is impeccable. They are focused on the details and have created a warm and comfortable shop… I didn’t want to leave the chair yesterday! The PB is a grade-​A Uptown establishment.

Several months ago I read about Public Barber on Uptown Update and decided to give is a whirl a month after they opened. This place is now the only place I’ll let cut my hair. I love it. My one and only complaint about this place is I need to plan ahead my appointments because they’re so busy. Tip this place is cash only

Excellent haircut and beard trim! I’ve received a lot of compliments after visiting Public Barber.
Very reasonable price for a lot of nice amenities. I got a great haircut, hot towel service and straight razor shave for less than I usually pay for just a haircut.

Took my son for his first haircut last week, I cannot say enough about this place and Michael. I have a squirmy 16 month old who won’t sit still long enough for me to clip a single nail and from the moment he sat in the (awesome) seat they have for kids, he was mesmerized by Michael and barely moved a muscle! We arrived on a (rare) quiet, gloomy Saturday morning, which was perfect. He was so good with my son and we have been getting non-​stop compliments on his coif ever since. Will be bringing him back as soon as I can bear to part with the curls again!

Beautifully curated space with vintage charm and top-​notch classic barber service. The staff is friendly, the cuts are superb, and the overall vibe makes me want to hang out more often than my hair growth necessitates. I especially appreciate the attention to detail (hot towel, straight razor neck shave etc.) and unexpected comforts: fantastic music, a leave-​a-​book-​take-​a-​book mini-​library, and bourbon for sipping. Not to mention the prices are beyond reasonable (Just don’t forget to bring cash!). Great addition to the neighborhood, sure to remain a fixture in Uptown for years to come!

Dominic is a superb barber. Best haircut I’ve had — i come all the way from the west loop to go here. Cool shop too. Free whiskey is always well received.

This was a great haircut and I learned a lot about what to ask for when getting a hair cut at other times. I only wish that they were open earlier or later.

Recently received a job offer after a final-​round, in-​person interview, and I contribute this success 99% to the amazing haircut I received from Garfield the previous week (only marginal hyperbole).
The shop has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a very old-​timey, Americana feel. Michael and Garfield were working when I walked in for my appointment, and I thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant conversations with both of them and their other clients.
Garfield accomplished everything I had asked for and more! I fully intend to return as a regular in the near future.

I must admit, as a man of color we take our hair very serious. I was very sceptic that a white guy knows black hair. Usually black barbers can’t cut white hair and vise versa. I’ve been very curious of the work these guys do. Today I walked in and was treated sooooo well. And received I must admit one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had by Dominic. He was funny, comfortable and he listened. I WILL be going back and will recommend lots of people.

Coolest vibe, great stylists with super cool personalities. I actually look forward to going there and the haircut is always great. Can’t say much else because really good is just that simple… really good!!!

I don’t have a lot of hair but Michael manages to make it look really good… Partner likes it so much he’s gotten one today.

Wow. Just wow.
Inspired me to write my first review!
I sent my two sons to the Public Barber and they came out looking totally FAB and I was so happy. Thanks Public Barber! A unique and fun spot.

I had never been to an actual barber before. I grew up in the salon industry and have always been intrigued by the idea of a barber shop experience. After seeing an Uptown Update story on the new PUBLIC BARBERSHOP in my hood, I decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad I did! Michael did a wonderful job! I was afraid to go to short but he was understanding and eased me into my second cut which my partner has described as «the best haircut you have ever gotten»! As one used to the «salon experience», I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this Barbershop.
Both Michael and Garfield are nice guys, after one visit, I felt like they were my buddies and look forward to my next visit!

You know those old fashion barber shops you’d expect to see in film noir type setting? The shops are pristine, the music is mellow yet melodic. Handsome, thick manly gentlemen labor away with earnest grins. That ambiance which resonates with tranquility. It, like the films, are another world separate and apart from the current. In a reality where the sounds of blow dryers, the smell of ammonium thioglycolate, and the bustling of gossip folks have become the status quo. Classic luxury becomes imagination. The male is wrapped up in the chore of tressing his short locks into something presentable, losing the opportunity for meditation and relaxation these noir guys were surely feeling.
In steps Michael who sees this absence and decides to uproot his comfortable and successful life to make truth greater than fiction. With a dubious work ethic and a strong dedication to detail, he has established a true no frills luxury inducing Mecca for men.
The Public Barber is a pristine white rectangular space with very high ceilings and furniture reminiscent of the classic barber shop. 70s style seating accent the vintage barber shop stations in a timeless manner. A bottle of bourbon occupies the coffee table while teasing you into partaking — this is classic luxury.
Services offered are simple: cuts, shaves, and styles. All come with an essential oil infused hot towel scalp massage which will have you purring like a pussy. The price is right according to the shop and quality of the barbers: Michael and Gar. The two have an incredible attention to detail and service. Be sure to visit the website and book in advance, this shop has become quite popular in its infancy.

Great hair cut and great addition to the community. I opted for a hair cut and beard trim (45 minutes?) for $ 35. Michael has created a welcoming atmosphere complete with a nice bourbon in the waiting room when I visited.
The haircut itself was very nice. Hip, stylish, and not cookie cutter at all.

Just had my first appointment here, and it definitely won’t be my last. The space is beautifully thought out — very inviting, open and stylish. My favorite design item was the old fashion barber chairs which were very comfortable. Service prices are very reasonable. I didn’t feel rushed or pressured at all — my barber really listened to me and gave me exactly the haircut I wanted/​asked for.
Can’t wait to return.