I was unhappy with my current barber, so I decided to try this place after reading the positive Yelp reviews. Big mistake. This is quite possibly the worst haircut I have ever received. Too short in the back, crooked bangs, and an abrupt line from 1/2 inch to 3 inches where the part should be. I asked him to use #4 clippers, and somehow ended up with about 1/8 in the back. Apparently he did not understand symmetry or how to blend either. He also managed to cut my ear while shaving around it. While that part is not a major problem, it's just an indication of the overall lack of quality. I guess I will be wearing a lot of hats for the next three weeks. For the record, the older guy furthest from the front door is the one who cut my hair. I don't plan on going back to try out the other two, so I will have to base the entire review on him. read more

I went two weeks ago and Hugo cut my hair. It wasn't too busy at around 9 on a weekday morning. As someone who has thinning hair in front I was getting sick of other barbers telling me to leave it long on top. This complete lack of creativity left me with an awkward style within a week of the cut. Hugo went in a different direction and carefully cut my hair to a nice short and professional style. Two weeks after, my hair still looks great and the thinning is far less obvious. It took an artful eye to know that less can be more. I also appreciated the time he took with my hair. I also like to support businesses in the Press Building because it looks like it's been tough there over the last many years. Coleman read more

I'm not a guy. Came from Miami Beach for the Travel Channel Academy and had to produce a little video. Watch someone in a store at work was required, so I had been out looking for a store that would allow me to film their employees. No luck. Then I asked someone at the Central Metro Station if he knows a barber shop and he directed me to Mario's. A young man was the only person working on a client and I was so happy when I was allowed to film. So I have it on video that they do great work, carefully bending the ear not to miss a hair and not to cut the customer. I give Mario's Barber Shop ***** for their courtesy and good work! (Copy of video is on it's way) read more

Best barber shop in the city hands down. Never a long wait, always professional, and the barbers really know their stuff. Ask for Richard to get the best fade of your life. All cash so plan to bring some, otherwise you can run to the ATM nearby. read more

I always get a great haircut when I go here. How do I know? I can go at least an extra week until I get another cut. Their motto is: "Better Barbers Matter." I agree. One thing to remember, they only take cash. A haircut costs $35-a good investment. read more

Wow... The young hair cut neat customer service training !!!! I think cause they the only one in downtown that why price crazy. And the cut to fast and not great. In California star only $14 read more

Hugo Gonzalez has cut my hair for well over 10 years. I wouldn't go anywhere else. He is a thorough professional and very personable. The location is near metro center and couldn't be more centrally located. He has my highest recommendation. read more

I have been going to Hugo for about 10 years now and I do not go anywhere else in DC. If Hugo is not available, no need to worry as he surrounds himself with very capable barbers who provide equally great service. I highly recommend Cuts by Hugo, and have many times to my friends and coworkers, if you are looking for a barber in DC. read more

"Cuts by Hugo" is absolutely a Five Star barbershop! I've been coming here for over 20 years, and when Hugo Gonzalez took over from the previous owner, Mario, a few months ago and updated the décor and lighting, he didn't miss a beat. Service remains outstanding. Cleanliness remains a priority. Barbers are skilled and they are perfectionists - and they are friendly! And where else can you get your neck shaved with a razor and warm shaving cream? There are other barbershops that are closer to me, but I want the very best, so I go to "Cuts by Hugo!" Tommy S. read more

Great haircut for a good price. I've had cuts from all three barbers and have not had a single complaint from any of them. walk in in the afternoon and you rarely have to wait. straight blade finish on neck and sideburns with warm shaving cream is a nice touch as well. don't have a bad word to say about this place. read more

Great cut, the best I have had since moving to DC. While is more costly than I was paying in the 'burbs it is well worth it. Walked in and waited only a few minutes, Hugo did exactly what I ask for. I highly recommend!!! read more

Hugo is like family. He is maybe the nicest person you'll ever meet. And he gives a superb haircut. I know COVID has impacted his business enormously. I've been super impressed by the precautions he has taken. He wears his mask, he is the only one in the shop, and he ensures there is only one customer at a time. This is the barber is DC! read more

Hugo has been cutting my hair for about 12 years. Twice women have stopped me on the street to compliment my haircut. Any questions?

Went back to Mario's after a year away, and found it's the same great service, same genuine barbershop feel. Walked in, no wait, great cut and razor shave of the neck. Worth the $22, no question. Note: I always get my hair cut by David, in the middle seat. Can't vouch for the other guys' skills, but David is great every time. read more

I've been getting my hair cut by Richard for about two years and couldn't speak higher of the work he does. The man is absolutely meticulous when it comes to cutting hair. His attention to detail is second to none. Hugo is the owner and works in the first chair closest to the cash register. Both Hugo and Richard are such friendly guys which always makes for a pleasant experience. No appointments and cash only. They are located on the second floor of the National Press Building and will be moving to the first floor once the interior renovations are complete. Really can't imagine getting my hair cut anywhere else in DC- pay them a visit and you won't be disappointed! read more

My haircut was a terrible experience. I was not listened to when I spoke my preference, I was not asked any questions during the haircut, and the methods of trimming my neck and ear area were uncomfortable rough. This was my third time at Cuts by Hugo, the other two times were great, and the owner did a good job. This guy, in the middle chair, stopped to text for a few minutes in the middle of my haircut, was listening to music the whole time on headphones, and could genuinely have cared less about my opinion. The cut was twice as short as I asked for, and he didn't even stop and ask along the way. I will never be going back there again. read more

I've been going here for almost 10 years and today was the last straw. I was patiently waiting for over 30 minutes for the Spanish guy (forgot his name) to finish. His friend walked in about a minute before he finished. I recognized this guy because it had happened to me before. As soon as he finished I got up since I was next and he told me his friend was before me. Told me a bs line that he went to get cash. It's bs. That has happened before but it's really unfair for those who wait patiently. Most of us go during work so we don't have time to wait for you to help your friends first. Hope his friends don't come in while your waiting for next because he will come up with an excuse for why he was next... never again. read more

I've had my hair cut at Mario's for more than three years. I have always had the best experience, received amazing customer service , and the best value for my money. All the Barbers are excellent and super courteous. Wouldn't get my hair cut any place else. On a side note, and with regards to Jared S. negative post on 8/9/17 (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=guh5PHzUe7A0dnDxeUfPZA), I would like to mention the following. I am the so called "friend" of the "Spanish guy" who Jared refers to in his negative, and biased post. This Jared guy assumes and prejudges that the barber is Spanish and that I am his friend, just because he didn't get his way and didn't want to wait his turn in line. Indeed I had stepped away for a few minutes to go to the ATM (cash only service), and when I returned, it was my turn in line. I explained the situation to Jared and he did not say a word. Instead, after a few minutes, he stormed out of the barber shop without saying a word. Had I known that he was going to make such a big deal, trust me, I would have given him my spot. Very sad the way he handled the situation, but much worst the negative and biased post he wrote. Very sad. read more

Really convenient location (I work 2 blocks away from it). The barbers are very professional and detail oriented. They have really good prices. 100% recommended! read more

Mario's Barber Shop is now Cuts By Hugo but the same quality and efficiency remains. Quick, easy, good place to get a cut - I've been coming here for about 4 years on and off. Excellent location in the National Press Building in downtown Metro Center. Was worried when I walked in last week and the signs and decor were different but still the same great place I remember. No nonsense, quick in and out barber shop now run by Hugo and with new barber Richard on staff. Richard did my cut this time and was fantastic - first time in a long time that a barber confirmed throughout the cut if the length and style was what I wanted and took time and care to adjust the cut to my specifications. Very happy and glad these guys are sticking around in this location for the foreseeable future. Cash only though and prices for men's cuts have gone up to $35 but absolutely worth it compared to other locations and cannot beat the location, speed, and professionalism of these guys. read more

I found myself in DC in need of a haircut. Richard was more than happy to serve me. I was treated to service, ahaircut, and treatment to the highest degree from Richard. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town. read more

Great guys running this shop. Always left very satisfied with my haircut with little to no guidance on what I was looking for. They're usually pretty quick and are down for conversation if you're looking for it read more

Great barber! I have been looking for a solid barber in downtown DC for some time. Most of what I'd previously found were over-priced gimmicks. Hugo is affordable and professional. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Very well run and all the barbers know exactly what they are doing. I have been going here for two years now and would recommend for anyone in the area! Easy to find inside the Nat'l Press Building. I have friends that go to Bangs hair salon and pay way too much for something that does not look as good as what the guys at Hugo's can do. Hugo, Richard, and Mario are all top notch! read more

I came across Cuts by Hugo from--surprise, surprise--Yelp. Too many barbers in DC were too expensive for my plebeian wallet, but I also knew that good cuts come at a price. Everyone knows the stress of trying to find a new stylist or barber. I emailed beforehand with an inquiry about walk-ins, and Todd answered within 24 hours with much more information than I needed. That was already a good sign for me. I went in on a Saturday and it was quite busy, but mostly because only one barber was there that day (Carlos). I didn't mind waiting because I NEEDED to get a cut before the following weekend. Despite never having cut my hair before, Carlos did a good job with the clippers and scissors. I have VERY thick hair, and a LOT of it. I find that many people simply don't know how to cut "Asian" (Korean) hair but Carlos was able to pull it off. He didn't clip too much and just trimmed off a bit of the top, and I still looked like myself but just neater, which is what I wanted. At $35 I think it was quite worth it, and much less than what some of my friends pay around here! read more

Hugo has been cutting my hair and trimming my beard for more than 10 years. He quickly figured out what I like and now it is always "the usual" - a perfect cut and trim that never fails to produce a compliment from my wife. When Hugo takes a rare day off, Richard has done an equally fine job for me. If you want a high quality cut in a traditional barber shop downtown, you should definitely stop by. Joe M. read more

Great haircuts for a good price. I've been a customer since it opened and won't go anywhere else.

Decent haircuts, but I came at 8 AM sharp hoping to get a haircut before work. I was told to sit tight, the guy was gonna come shortly. Half an hour later I was told he wouldn't be able to make it for another 25 minutes. Needless to say, I left and went to work without a haircut. Reliability matters. read more

A good haircut from an experienced barber. The prices have gone up from $25 (mentioned in previous reviews) to $30 now, and perhaps it's necessary to ask for a scissor cut because the sides and back of mine were done with a trimmer even though I had asked for just a little trim. All in all, however, I am satisfied with the cut. read more

Dropped in for a trim on my lunch break. Very impressed with Hugo. I'll absolutely be going back.

Marios's is located in the National Press Building on the second level tucked in a far corner. I've been there twice while on business in DC. Definitely one of the best cuts I've gotten and I've been to many barbershops throughout the Southeast. Definitely get your hair cut by the young guy nearest the entrance of the shop. He has cut my hair both times and is very good. As James said from his 1/24/2011 review, I also didn't get a good feel from the older barber at the shop. My favorite is getting a nice cleanup around the neck with warm shave cream and a straight razor. My go to place in DC for a quick trim while in town for work. read more

Came in for a graduation haircut and received possibly the best haircut of my life. Also got a shave which was mediocre (a few nicks and not that short), although I'm admittedly a tough shave. Everything was pretty quick, and I always appreciate the hot towel. Barber was friendly, although not overly talkative. Wish I had found this place more than a week before I moved away from DC! read more

I love Mario's. I have been getting my hair cut by David (middle seat) for the last three years and he is fantastic. I am fairly picky when it comes to barbers and they satisfy every time. The hot foam and straight razor are a nice little addition as well. Feels old school. Absolutely recommend this place and David specifically!! read more

Great service and friendly people. Definitely a guy's Barbershop. It's worth the $25, plus tip and best to reserve ahead if you're trying to fit in a haircut during lunch hours. read more

Been coming here for years, they get me squared away fast and I come away looking like a pro. Not the cheapest haircut you can get, but then again you don't want the cheapest haircut you can get. Good, reliable, fast, and the hot lather neck shave is a nice bonus. Pro tip: don't come between 11:30-1:30. That's when everyone else is there. Come later in the afternoon or first thing in the morning. read more

In a full sweat I power-walked to make the 4 pm closing time!! Assuming I'd see the facade of a barber shop on the corner of F and 14th, the sweat poured even harder as all I saw was "The Corner Bakery" in the National Press Club building..WTF!!! I NEED A HAIR CUT TODAY! With meetings stacked and a plane trip to a conference looming I HAD to get a hair cut RIGHT THEN AND THEIR!! Inside...yes...it must be inside the mall part of this building! and BOOM, there it was, and 1 seat open for the last cut of the day! To my far left, a white-haired Grandpa, eyes closed in bliss, hair so thin you could cut it with tweezers, to his right, a silver haired grandpa with hair just slightly thicker....could these guys only have old-white-dude clientele?? Could they handle my baby-fro that sprouted up and needed cutting like no ones business? I sat down, broke it down (skin-fade mid-rise, 1.5 on top) and with an assured look, my barber took to this sheep's wool like a pro. In fact, his clippers seemed sharper and the motion, smoother than my normal barber (maybe they don't want to snag that grandpa hair and hurt old dudes with raw clippers)! Anywho...faster than you can have a coronary, I was high and tight and on my way! THANKS GUYS!! $25 is a bit much, knock of that $5 and get an extra star. read more

This is a classic barber shop in every sense of the word. The scene has a very "old school" sort of feel with plenty of male oriented reading materials (the daily newspaper, travel magazines, sports magazines, financial magazines, etc) to keep one entertained while waiting. They've also got a hi-def tv and the barbers usually keep it on sports or the news. Barring a major sporting event or hot news, they will also change the channel upon request. The staff is composed of three barbers. My wife swears by the haircuts I get from David, the guy who works in the middle. Mario, the owner, is an older gentleman. There's also a younger guy who looks to be the most recent hire. All three have their advantages, but I can't sing David's praises enough. Once you've been there more than once or twice they remember your cut, your name and what you like to talk about. If anything, the place is worth checking out for the great service. Pricewise, this is one of the better places in Downtown DC for a haircut. $22 (plus tip) gets you a great haircut. While this price may seem stiff, most unisex salons in DC charge double that amount. Or you can risk going to NOVA for a "discount" haircuttery, but I've seen bird's nests that looked better than the haircuts you can find in DC for $10... For fans of sports, this is probably one of the best barbershops around. The barbers are all from Latin America, so conversations about soccer or boxing go a long way here. All three barbers have lived in DC long enough to root for the Redskins and the Wizards too. All of the barbers do speak perfect English, but are also great to practice your Spanish with. This place has gained a lot of popularity among the Latinos who work for federal agencies who work downtown, so you are likely to hear Spanish conversations here. Don't be intimidated though, as most likely the conversation in Spanish is either about sports or pretty ladies. I've been going to this barber once a month for the last three years. This came after an exhaustive search throughout DC to find a barber. Not a hairstylist, not a discount hair cutter, but a real honest to goodness barber. I've been to all the competing barber shops and have yet to find one I like as much as this one. read more

Cuts by Hugo continues to amaze. This barbershop goes beyond just cutting hair. The three barbers, led by Hugo himself, are among the most talented barbers I have ever encountered and always willing to accommodate whatever cut or style you want. And in addition to cutting one's hair, Cuts by Hugo goes the extra mile by shaving your neck, and trimming nose hair, ear hair, and eyebrows. This shop is in the National Press Building and is a reason to come downtown: get a top quality haircut followed by a leisurely luncheon at any one of several nearby restaurants, perhaps with a glass or two of vino! Life's good! read more

Got a pretty bad haircut here. I had been very due for a haircut, so I asked for "about an inch" shorter. He cut about 2 inches and it looks like I'm in the military now. He seemed to really rush through it. Other people, girlfriend included, say it looks fine, so it can't be that bad. read more

I was looking for a better barber when I stumbled on Mario's Barber Shop while downtown. The shop is clean, the people are friendly, and the haircut turned out f-ing great! Highly recommended! read more