This review has been a long time coming…read more
Let me just say that when you move from one state into another every year, it is very difficult to find a barber/stylist that you can trust and it is equally difficult to let go of them when you know your time is up.
Finding this place when I first moved into Chicago was God-send. If you're like me, a very particular person about your hair, you can imagine the anxiety having to first read multiple reviews on many places just to make sure you are even comfortable going to a place to begin with - and that's only half the battle. The other half is choosing someone when you book an appointment. You cannot go wrong with Van Buren!
My first time going there was a little intimidating- for a good reason. I'm a pretty simple guy, not used to having a complementary beer/whiskey/coffee or any other beverage while I wait for my haircut or having a shoe shine before a haircut. But, having said that, this place will make sure you do get used to it!
On my first appointment, I was welcomed by a very cheerful and friendly front desk. Arriving about 15 minutes early was good to help me settle in to relax and have a drink. The space was clean and they had really comfortable chairs to sit on while I waited. I was lucky to have Ania randomly chosen as my hairstylist on my first appointment. She took about 5-10 minutes before we started to get to know me, ask my preferences and gave good suggestions. During the cut, she would often show me the results and ask if I was okay with the length etc. She's a very talented and receptive stylist! After the first cut, I was super happy and impressed, and suddenly the anxiety of finding a stylist was gone. I decided to sign with the 1 year membership that day and it was the best decision by far considering the amount of times I go for a cut and for the ease of setting up appointments. Every visit was consistent with quality in a haircut, and additionally when I wanted to change things up with a style, she was able to do it. You will find that as a regular customer, you will not only have a hairstylist, but a good friend in the end - someone who you can be comfortable talking to during the cut about anything in life and an honest person who really has makes sure you look the very best everytime you go in for a cut.
Making an appointment and changing appointments are for the most part very flexible. Another point to make is that I have a busy work schedule, and I have always started on time and either ended early or on the dot! On a couple occasions, Ania was not available due to vacations, but that was fine, since someone else amongst the talented group of stylists can cut your hair too. I had wonderful experiences with other stylists when she was gone. But, if you're like me, you stay loyal to your hairstylist when he/she is back!
As a longstanding customer, everyone knows you, even the owner Nora, who really does her best to take care of you whenever she is around to help the front desk. Customer service is above and beyond and you end up feeling like part of their family in the end.
I went for about 1.5 years, and unfortunately I no longer go since I've relocated to a new state. This place made a huge impression on me and I often find myself trying to find something similar in NYC/Manhattan, but Van Buren Gentlemen's Salon definitely takes the cake out of all places I've lived in (native Californian, lived in Los Angelos, San Francisco, Sacramento, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, NYC/Brooklyn, Washington D.C. and other large urban cities).
If ever in town, I know where I'll be going to if I need a good haircut. Try the place out, see if you would like to stick with a membership! I have a feeling you will. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
5 STARS!