Patsy's, and the Heart of a City The heart of a city doesn't…read morebeat in time to the rhythm of landmarks whose silhouettes are stamped on postcards. Its pulse doesn't shake the shopping centers or the offices or the multitudes they carry. It honors no arrhythmia before the Capitol or the architecture that has grown around it. Because it's often the case that the biggest machine lives and dies not by its most imposing part, but by the smallest pin in its center. It's easy to miss Patsy's Barber Shop if you're weaving through the traffic of State and Pearl. You have to know to take the right onto Howard Street and go slowly enough not to miss the white neon tubing that brightens the shop and casts just enough of its glow onto the sidewalk to let you see the barbers ply their trade. Patsy's opened in 1930 at the cusp of the Great Depression, when a proper haircut was a man's resume and the newspaper on the empty seat was the employment office. It was a family business, like many that had dotted the downtown and further south to the neighborhoods that would eventually be sacrificed to Nelson Rockefeller's sense of grandeur. William "Tragedy" Yager now presides over the memories absorbed into the mirrors and the padded chairs. Since 2006, he's followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather, a man who likely opened up shop as he always did on the day Japanese planes set off for infamy. And anyone who's had a seat in one of his chairs and a hot towel on their face knows that Tragedy didn't just inherit a trade; he inherited a love and a duty to everyone that crosses the threshold. A large man with a long, thick beard and a tapestry of tattoos lining both temples, he wouldn't strike you as a man you would want to meet in a dark alley. But again, the seat, the hot towel, two minutes in conversation, and you'll realize that he's exactly the man you would want to meet in a dark alley if your car broke down, if you were cold, hungry and scared, if everybody passed you by. Because there are certain things you can expect from those possessed of the instinct of leadership. But what you may not expect is that sometimes, the places where matters are truly decided accept walk-ins. Patsy's Barber Shop has two locations, 3 Howard Street in downtown Albany and Room 126 on the Concourse Level. Call for an appointment and check for hours. And be sure to patronize the many barbers Tragedy has trained personally.

I've always been hesitant about getting my beard trimmed and shaped with the worry of having it cut…read moremore than I want to. I finally had the courage to have Jayden work on my beard and he absolutely did exactly what I wanted and it came out amazing! Thank you Jayden and Patsy's you now have a customer for life!

Tracy and Lori are the best barbers out there! Been going to turnpike for 20 years, no one else…read morewill ever cut my hair!

Great old school barbershop. All the barber's are very friendly. My son and I have been getting our…read morehaircuts @ Turnpike for many years. Highly recommended for great haircuts and great barbers

Shawn is an amazing barber. Both my son and I have been going to him for years. The atmosphere of…read morethe shop is great, Shawn is a wonderful host and the haircuts are always look exactly what we wanted.

Shawn is a talented and great barber. His atmosphere has a great vibe with a clean shop. Shawn not…read moreonly provides a great hairstyle, but also has a great ear for listening, and making you feel like your hairstyle is the most important thing going on at the moment. every time I've gotten up out of his chair I've always had more confidence and felt so much better than before I sat down. I would definitely recommend Westside mobile barbershop to anybody that needs a professional barber. He does have a lot of clients so it is imperative that you show up on time to your scheduled appointment. Sean has an incredible family, and any monetary tips will be greatly appreciated because he's a man that takes care of his family.

I recently got a haircut and I'm very happy with the results! The shop is clean and welcoming! Jay…read morewas very nice and I'll definitely be going there again!

From the owner: Welcome to Jay Blendz Barbershop where we offer a stimulating grooming experience with a blend of…read moretalented barbers within an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Jay Blendz offers Traditional and Stylish haircuts, with a wide variety of shaving options. You will discover that Jay Blendz is not like any other barber shop . Our Service is unparalleled and top shelf, the shop is a haven from the hectic day. You'll relax within an establishment that caters to your senses.

Convenient, professional, and efficient. They work fast without cutting corners. The attention to…read moredetail was there, and they made sure I was satisfied before I left. Solid work on both hair and beard, and the price was more than fair. This is a reliable shop. They were very laid back. I'll definitely be coming back. One more thing I don't have to worry about anymore!

Good cut, quickly done, and a friendly shop. My husband loves going here. And now I have to add…read moresome more characters for Yelp to accept my review. But what can I say besides they did a great job quickly?

Bottom line is this place is a family-owned, multi-generational barber shop with top notch guys who…read morewill make you look great. I grew up in Clifton Park and my Grandfather went to this shop, and now my Dad, and I have too, basically for as long as I can remember. The original barbers from my youth have retired but I believe one of their kids bought the place and is running it now. The shop used to be across the parking lot before they renovated the strip mall, but its the same shop and some of the guys are connected to the last generation of barbers. They even have the same furniture, waiting chairs, barber chairs (though without the ash trays), and I think a few other things. I got my hair cut here right before my brother's wedding some years ago and they made me look the best I've looked since high school (which is about when I left Clifton Park). You do not have to believe me, they always have someone sitting in each of their chairs, all the barbers are great BTW. First time I was in this place after the next generation took over I believe I had my hair cut by the owner. Don't quote me on it but I think he's Joe's son, if I got that wrong I'll revise this review. Last time (just this Christmas) it was Jordan. Anyway, everyone is great. Jordan could cut from my written notes, and asked me at the end if I wanted the fade to start higher up. I asked my wife and we agreed that was what we wanted and he moved it up. Either way looked great but moving it up was just what I needed. I think he asked because my hair is starting to get light up their () but it was a great move to ask me for feedback on the cut at an abstract level, so I could just guide the process while he does the real work. If I lived here I know these guys would remember anyway. They know my Dad's haircut because he does come here regularly. This is the kind of barber shop they are. Everyone in town knows about this place, even if they only have 3 reviews on Yelp, and I would have kept it that way, but I moved out to CA so now I have nothing to lose by telling the world how awesome this shop is ;-)

I called and tried to set up an appointment and was told only walk-ins. I explained my father has…read moredementia and would require an appointment was told sorry. Not good for seniors...

I remember when hair cuts were 25 cents love getting my hair cut with you guys you have that old…read moretime shop atmosphere it's a joy getting my hair cuts at your shop.. I tell everyone it's the place to go ....

Great!!! Went to get my haircut few times and they got exactly what I wanted…read moreThe area seems a little off but its not a big deal Lots of spot for parking if you take your vehicle They spend an hour cutting your hair if thEy have to and get the best out of it

Professional Barbershop has a great atmosphere. A very no nonsense traditional vibe. You can tell…read morethat the owner, Monk, is very passionate about his trade having been at it for 50+ years. In a world where 15 minute supercuts hack jobs are becoming the norm finding a true quality barbershop is getting harder and harder. Professional Barbershop delivers great haircuts, a friendly neighborhood environment at an unbeatable $12 a cut.

It's been 12 yrs since I've gotten my haircut by Javier and it's still the same great work as…read morebefore. I was reading a complaint on the reviews that the person couldn't get an appointment.... Well great work is worth the wait. The atmosphere is great, the rest of the staff is friendly and do great cuts as well. Overall this is the best shop in the Albany area and every time I fly back in I make sure to book my appointment so do yourselves a favor and book one.

Says they take walk ins but I have come here on multiple occasions as a walk in and they refused me…read moreeach time, don't waste your time without an appointment.