"Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!... CASH Only!" (Now, that we've gotten that out of the way, moving on...)
Solid five star rating - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gentlemens-den-barbershop-oceanside?select=rW1pnqavDz-rzWrGW7yEdw
Note: Just in case you've never been here before and considering stopping giving Gentlemen's Den a try, call ahead. Gentlemen's Den seems to have a pretty steady flow of regulars and appointments fill up fast especially around Fri - Sun. (See store hours) If you're like me and don't plan your itinerary around a cut, stopping by on a Mon - Wed may be your best bet. Either way, highly advise a phone call prior to your arrival. (Better safe than never.)
Decor - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gentlemens-den-barbershop-oceanside?select=dr4JSwnJjfLBVx3d0qlxvw
After reading their yelp*views, I called earlier that morning to see if I needed an appointment. I didn't but it was recommended. They had a 12pm opening which was only a couple hours from now, perfect. Arrived a few minutes before noon, Mikey, owner/operator was just finishing up with a client. It gave me just enough time to take a few photos and get a feel for the shop... 'And I liked what I saw and heard. Mikey was discussing a bit of his extensive family history and being the eavesdropping, nosey, always taking notes kinda guy, I tuned in to the very intriguing and knowledgeable barber's story.
What quickly grabbed my attention was Mikey's articulate and professional demeanor. I've been to a number of places to get my haircut, from the neighborhood barber, a 65 yr old, Italian immigrant who came to the US via Ellis Island when he was 16 yrs old, to the fu-fu, shi-shi, salon stylist, who walks with a swish, holds the scissors w/one pinky out, and offers you sparkling water upon entry. Like food, variety is the spice of life. I'll try just about anything once w/the exception a d*ck up the @ss. I'm joking!.. 'The mouth is also off limits. (In fact anything that has to do w/a penis that's not my own.) Hey, I don't judge, if a guy likes banana, more power to him... That just means more peaches for everyone else and I do love a good peach.
Interior - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gentlemens-den-barbershop-oceanside?select=BLfVrSyuyWtSX6M8k11T4A
Apologies, I digress. (I blame the ADHD.)
As I was saying, I've been to a number of neighborhood barbers, from Hawai'i, SF Bay Area, Sacramento, San Jose, to the OC, and I half expected a greeting like, "Was'sup, what'chya need?" Rather what I heard upon walking in was, "Hello, how are you? What can we do for you today?" It was a refreshing, unexpected surprise, a low key, simple, store front w/that local neighborhood vibe BUT with a professional demeanor? Yes, please. More often than not, I'm used to walking in and hear something along the lines of "Was'sup?" Then, spend the remainder of the conversation trying to decipher what's being said because half the time it sounds like the person is talking while eating a piece of candy. How is anyone suppose to understand you in between the jargon/slang and piece of Now & Later in your mouth?
So, after reading up on the stellar reviews, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, five star write-up after five star write-up, really? Is this place for real? Too good to be true? A few yelp*views looked a bit suspect but overall, they were pretty solid... 'And after my first visit, it's legit.
Mikey asked what I wanted. I'm not very particular about my hair, it'll grow back. (However, if I can get a good haircut in the process, absolutely.) I wanted it cleaned up, Mikey suggested I take it back a bit, about an inch off the top... It was borderline mullet and fleeing a third world country look. Basically, I left it up to Mikey and I'm glad I did. I was very, very happy with the result.
Mikey used a light pomade to style, I thought, "Hmm, maybe I'll pick some up." Then I remembered CASH only. Oh well, I just saved me $16... 'And one less container on my already cluttered bathroom counter.
Display case - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gentlemens-den-barbershop-oceanside?select=PVcT7aZ5edFTiQrYKHYP7w
Mikey took his time, no rushing, no feeling like cattle being herded through the barber's chair, something I've experience more times than I'd like to admit. (Snip! Snip! Shears! - 15 minutes later) "NEXT?!" I was in the chair for about 40 minutes. As Geri, the elderly, toy repair man from Pixar's, Toy Story 2, says, "You can't rush art!" True story.
I don't live in Oceanside but the Gentlemen's Den Barbershop just gives me another reason to make more trips south to the San Diego area.
- Big Aloha!
Food: n/a
Ambiance: 4
Service: 5+
Value: 5 read more