3.5
In the million years that separated my first go 'round in Nashville to my present one, my trusted barbershop (by Fisk) closed down. Not being successful in finding out where all the kids get their hair cut these days, I turned to the internetZ. Coming from a recent barbershop experience that was good (the cuts were always on point; time management... not so much), I was hoping for something similar. As a result, I wear a baseball cap a lot of the time. Digging around, I came across Allure.
I don't know what this part of Davidson County is called. It bothers me. I need to categorize things. It's nearby the airport on a busy stretch of Murfreesboro... what's it called? Argh. Sorry. Off-topic. So, I drove over to the advertised address and found a strip mall with some reasonable hustle and bustle. So good so far. I called ahead (a day or so in advance) so that I could have an appointment right away and not wait. I walked in, confirmed my appointment and sat in a chair.
The set up is pretty typical: waiting chairs in the middle, barber chairs at the perimeter, guys lazing about. The difference between barbershops now and then is that now, the guys lazing about are checking their phones and not really interacting. Then, guys lazed about, talking trash, politics and entertainment. The barbershop was a bastion of the community and the community aspect was key. Old man rant over. I had a great time in the chair. We spoke about politics, how Nashville has changed and what changes are to come. My cut wasn't exactly what I wanted but it was good enough. I didn't come off the chair wanting to kiss myself. Subsequent visits yielded the same: good service, okay product. On my last visit, despite their being a hour before close, the queue was so backed up that I was advised to leave and come back. I appreciated the candor but I spied a couple of other barbers lazing about. I would have tried a different chair and gotten the haircut rather than leave with my jacked-up head. The owner offered a discount upon my return visit, so that quality service was still there. Allure's a decent spot to come in search of a haircut but I think my journey continues... read more
