(Haircut 2/12/12 SU): There's something comforting about an old-fashion barber shop (barber light pole both inside and outside, too!) that puts me back in more seemingly simpler times. Nostalgia is always nice just to get away from reality, and in this case you get groomed, too.
I've been coming to Ernie's Barber Shop since I was in junior high having lived in the area my entire life. Sure, I've bounced around here and there, but I've always returned to this place that is home to me. It's like that old worn pair of jeans that is now tattered and torn, ripped at the bottom cuffs, and is lighter in color than whence it was first purchased. You still have half of the original cast - Ernie, the owner and patriarchal figure, and Mark, who happens to be my barber these days. Other relatively new additions include Tom and Zach (Ernie's grandson).
As any good barber shop, you come not only for the haircut which I only do ($17.00), but it's the conversation and the camaraderie; it's therapy while getting your locks chopped off. Or in my case, getting sheared to the skin! They also offer services such as shampooing, shaving, and the throwback flattop.
Each barber is professional in their craft and has his own style of doing things. I've had Ernie cut my hair on occasion when Mark (or when I first started coming here, Russ) isn't around. His deftly skills with the buzzer and clippers are evident and would certainly challenge the likes of Edward Scissorhands or Sweeney Todd, but less maniacal and menacing. Before you know it, you're done and Ernie is handing you the mirror to give his work a look-over. With Mark, he is just as skilled but more methodical and the conversation is always a treat. Not as quick as Ernie, but more meticulous.
I've never seen a woman get her hair done here, even when the lone female, Yolanda, had her own chair for several years. But the place is definitely children-friendly as each barber can either act as the great uncle or grandfather role. The customer service is exceptional. Plus, if your child behaves and doesn't cry while get his/her haircut, they may get a piece of candy or a gumball! Does anyone remember those days!? Or better yet, ask Ernie to perform a magic trick!
They are open six days a week (closed on Saturday), and each barber will take appointments except on Sundays when it is walk-in only. FYI...Mark's day off is Fridays.
They recently installed a wide flatscreen TV that now covers the serene tropical image patrons would gaze at while sitting in the chair. If it's tennis season, expect that to be on as Ernie is a huge fan. Otherwise, expect whatever sport to be playing depending on the time of year. And for those cold days, there is an old stove-like wood-burning contraption that warms the place up so quickly.
Parking is not plentiful. Ernie's Barber Shop doesn't have their own parking lot. There is street parking in front of the shop on Chevy Chase Dr., around the corner on Glenoaks Blvd., or the street behind the shop (name escapes me) and you can cut through the Glendale Adventist Hospital parking lot.
Overall, I dare say my review is completely one-sided and not objective. Outside of going to Supercuts for several years before coming here, I have no other haircutting experience elsewhere. What I do know is customer service and a job well done, and you find both of those here. I feel each city or town is at its best when you can see how it is tied to neighborhoods, and Ernie's (among other local establishments) will always be synonymous with the Glenoaks/Scholl Canyon area. I have no perspective what the going rate of a haircut is these days, but I know some friends who go to "stylists" and pay twice as much or more for something I see these barbers do. With that being said, I see absolute value as noted by the price I quoted above (total bill was $17 before tip), but it's a half-hour of good grooming and conversation. As you can imagine, the place is casual; Ernie enjoys the aloha shirts. They only accept cash or check, so they don't take my credit card of choice...AMEX! read more