I've been visiting John for the past several years and he's become an indispensable aspect of my monthly routine. Anyone who knows me is deeply familiar with my frugality, so it should serve as no surprise that I especially appreciate this barber shop for having only raised their prices for a haircut -once- in the past seven years I've been a patron. Note, that's been from $20 a cut to a whopping $22, even throughout the pandemic. Name any other product or service that's seen a mere 10% increase in that same span of time. It's a no-frills joint, but when you're here, you're basically family. The trio of barbers banter in Sicilian (it took me months to finally build up the courage to ask, because I could pick up bits and pieces of their conversations, but could never actually figure out whether they were speaking some obscure Spanish or Italian dialect), and the TV is typically playing a soccer game in the background. Speaking of the pandemic, since they reopened a couple years back, I've found that it's worth calling to book an appointment in advance. Although they accept walk-ins once again, I've discovered it's best to minimize wait times. I've never run into an issue with being able to book a convenient time, and it probably helps them load balance throughout the day, too. If you're looking for a basic, easy haircut, don't want to drop a fortune, and you're in the Village, I dare you to point me to a better spot than Mr. John. Occasionally, I might find that I need to do a little post-cut cleanup to shore up some rough edges, but this is a modest inconvenience relative to the value of their price point. read more

Nicked up my neck while just using an electric razor. How do you mess that up. They were paying no attention to how taught my skin was. Ruined my day read more

I started going to Mr. John shortly after he opened up shop in 1976 (he was originally around the corner on Fourth Ave., between 12th and 13th Streets). From then until I moved out of the city in 1999, I never got a haircut anywhere else. Granted, it's been a long time since I went there, but I'd find it hard to believe that there's been any letup in quality. read more

These guys are great! I've been going for 4 years. Enjoy the great haircuts and the conversations are a bonus. Low stress, old school place. They are quick and efficient but be patient to help keep the great vibe. Separately, I'd love to find a way to help the shop out! I doubt you are Yelp, but if so, can you post somewhere how we can contribute? Gift cards, Venmo? read more

The best in town. Old school with a good vibe as always. These guys know how to do it

I've been going to Mr. John's for over thirty years. I love all of them like family. John, Paul, and Charlie are the best group of barbers I've ever seen. Even when I have moved out of the city I'd schedule something to get me in to get my haircut with them. I'm not going to tell you who my favorite is. You'll have to find out on your own - if there is a favorite. It's like my home away from home. You will not be disappointed, but be sure to make an appointment. And say hi to them. read more

excellent haircut. very cost effective too. would recommend.

Mr John is a great little barber shop hidden away on 4th Ave and 12th st. I have never had a complicated haircut -- a #1 buzz-cut all around -- but they did it fantastically here. Pros * Used metal blades on the buzzer. Cheaper places like Supercuts and such use plastic ones and they can bend/flex, giving you an inconsistent cut. * Went over my head about a thousand times to ensure there was not one missed hair. * Used the traditional hair apron to prevent hair from getting on my clothing, but also placed a towel around my neck that would be shaken out after each phase of the cut. This meant that I did not have tiny hairs all over my clothing, so I didn't have to go straight home and change shirts afterwards. * Used a straight razor around the back and the ears for clean lines. * Friendly barber, speaks Italian * Walk-ins accepted Cons * Not inexpensive. $20 for a men's haircut without anything else. I have seen cheaper cuts of the same quality, but also more expensive cuts. * The barber did not touch up my temple area or sideburn lines with the straight razor My usual barber is The Blind Barber over on E 10th because it is a speakeasy and they give you a free drink :) Plus, for my basic cut, it is only $20 there too. But, when I can't get an appointment there, or don't feel like a drink, I will be coming back to Mr John for sure. read more

I first went to Mr. John when I was 15 years old. I am now 57 and still don't know what it is like for someone else to cut my hair and I don't want to. I will ride and die with Mr. John. read more

UPDATE: I keep going back to Mr. Johns and have come to really appreciate the haircuts I get there. Being in Real Estate, I like a clean cut and they seem to get that there. They will talk if you force the issue a bit and get into it, and they certainly talk a lot with the regulars and know all of their names. People will stop by just to say 'hey' as they walk by. I've yet to leave unhappy about a haircut, and sometimes I leave being very, very pleased. read more

Reliable, simple cut from three old school Italian guys who have been in the neighborhood for decades. $20 for a cut and straight razor neck shave can't be beat (in NYC). As you'll find, most customers are long standing regulars. read more

Mr John - Frontage - Barbers Near Me - New York, New York

I asked for a lowfade and literally the first thing be does is put the clippers at a 1 and shave the top side of my head. Man I was soooo sad read more

Fantastic cut by one of three upstanding gentlemen. Loved the hot shave, too -- a rare pleasure for a $20 haircut. Everyone else who came in while I was getting my cut seemed to be a close personal friend of one of the barbers, but then proceeded to sit down and get a haircut. This bodes well for their long-term client relationships. Give these guys a shot, for sure. read more

Really nice haircut I'm usually afraid to try a new barber but this is the closest place to my office so I gave it a shot. They gave me a pretty solid haircut and were nice. $20 plus gave a few dollars for a tip. I went in the winter and it was very cold outside so it was quiet and I didn't have to wait. I imagine when the weather is better it can be busy but I was happy to be in right away. read more

Been going here once a month for two years! Charlie is my guy. He does a great job for an affordable cut and shave! Authentic Italian barber! read more

Literally the worst haircut I've ever received. asked for a skin fade and he cut half of my head bald and doesn't cut the top half, when I asked him to blend it he said he couldn't. Don't go here. save ur hair read more

I went in on 2:30 in the afternoon on a Monday. Walked in without an appointment, sat down, got a haircut, and was out within half an hour. I had John as my barber, whom I imagine the place is named after. He was very professional, listening to what I wanted, cutting a bit, ask my input, cut, rinse, repeat. Threw in a straight-razor shave as well. Back of the neck and sideburns. Great guy, great service, and great price. $20 for the haircut + $5 tip is a whole lot cheaper than anywhere I've been able to find. This was definitely the kind of place you establish a rapport. All of the other customers were on a first name basis with their barbers, and all seemed pleased with the haircut they got. Bottom line: Professional, efficient, quality results, and cheap. read more

I went in this morning for a trim before a job interview. An older gentleman cut my hair. I have semi-long curly hair and just wanted it trimmed. The first thing he did was hack off a large chunk from the top front of my hair. He arbitrarily combed and cut and left me with an uneven mess of a haircut. The top is shorter than the sides and uneven all over. They may be good for short hair, but anything long, you should probably stay far away from this place. He even had the gall to tell me to come back when I want it all cut off. I will never go back. read more

I first went here in 1996 and I've been a regular for the last 17 years. Simply put, this is what every trendy/hipster barber aspires to be only they've been doing it for decades. This is definitely a traditional barber catering towards men. There are only 3 chairs occupied by the most awesome Sicilian barbers in all of NYC. There are Playboys and Penthouses lying around. They serve alcohol (actual hard liqour, not beer) at Christmas time. They USED to play the radio (CBS 101.1) but some years back installed a TV...that change qualified as "earth-shattering". They aren't here to be cool, won't try to talk your ear off (actually, they talk mostly to each other)...there is no pretense. Don't expect any. Prices have raised over the years (back in the 90's it was $12), but you can still get a quality cut for around $20. Some people have mentioned the "hot shave" as being (seemingly) extra. This is the way they have always done their cuts and I didn't realize how unique it was until I was forced into using other barbers and salons. Every time I do I feel like I'm cheating on this place. FYI, I get a pretty straight forward men's cut. My hair is straight and I don't wear a beard. If that's not you, I can't speak to your possible results. But I do know that the service here has garnered them an extremely loyal following, with guys still making the trip back from out-of-state to get their hair cut here. The fact that this small barbershop has been able to remain open as every other business in the Union Square-area changes (seemingly) yearly speaks to the consistent quality of Mr. John's. Try it. read more

I've been going to this place for about a year now, and have been really happy with their work. I was looking for a new place after my guy in Port Authority Bus terminal retired, and this place made sense for me since live in Brooklyn off the q train and frequently pass through union square. It's 20 bucks and that includes a neck shave (A good barber does this. I.e. you don't get neck shaves at Supercuts). The guys are constantly bantering back and forth in Sicilian-dialect Italian but have a good friendly vibe (kinda makes for an "only in New York" experience). Highly recommended! read more

I initially came here out of convenience since my office was right across the street. Over the course of my patronage, I've gotten a trim from all 3, but Charlie's definitely my guy. Give him at least a vague idea of what you want done, and he'll go at it with the scissors to turn that mop into a well-sculpted 'do. Well, at least that's what I've been doing and it seems to work out every time. I moved uptown and don't spend much time downtown anymore, but I'll continue coming here until I leave the city or die. I don't foresee either of those happening any time soon. read more

I walked into the place (with an appointment), and was warmly greeted by John himself. After a short wait, John went to work, basically cleaning up my whole head. If I decide to keep my hair, I'm definitely coming back. read more

This place is the best, Been coming here for ten years. Charlie is my guy, but Paul and John do fine work as well.

Best barbershop in NYC. It's 3 guys from Sicily who really know what they're doing. Friendly service, attention to detail, and a great old-school vibe. read more

These guys are great. I take the five train in from the Bronx. My first time here, the guy shaved me like i had never been shaved before. My second time, the same guy cut my hair and finally gave me the cut I've been looking for and it was only twenty dollars. All three of them seem to be excellent barbers. I'm impressed. I'll be coming here for a long time. read more

This place is wonderfully old school - the barbers are Sicilian and speak to one another in this language. Carlo is my regular, and he is great! I always go for a haircut (alas, not much thatch on the head) and a beard-trim. He always does a good job. Prices are reasonable, but make a appointment, this is a popular place. read more

i got the worst haircut i have ever received here. i asked them to clean up the back and sides. and emphasized trim. i got a mullet. read more

When I first moved into the city, I was scared to get a haircut for the fear of barbers messing up my hair. Fortunately, I found this barber shop. The three barbers are nice Italian guys who are very good at what they do. John, the barber that I normally get my haircut with is extremely friendly and clearly well trained. I do recommend this barbershop to anyone living near Union Square. read more

This place was great! Walked right in about a half hour before they closed and they managed to squeeze me in. Felt real comfortable. John was great and was able to give me what I needed. Will definitely come back. read more

I just needed the tops of my beard done, it literally takes 2 minutes. My barber usually charges me $5 it was $10 here. And I still needed to tip! The service was okay, my barber usually gets closer and creates a much cleaner line. But I'm okay with the work, the price just is not reasonable for the work. read more

Wish I would of found this place sooner! These guys do an amazing job, especially if you are looking for a pure scissors cut.

I've been going to Mr. John's to get my hair cut for 12 years now and I've never been unhappy with a haircut. The hot shave on the back of the neck and the $20 price tag (cash only) make it a no brainer. As long as I live in New York, I'll never go anywhere else. read more

I went in for the first time yesterday, and asked to clean up the hair on the back of my neck. It's something I do often and of course they never charge me the full price of a haircut (usually $5, it's only fair) because it takes less than five minutes. Still, I was charged a full $20 here. read more

My son got his first haircut with Mr. John when he was 1 and now has gone to him for 15 years. His style has changed (not surprisingly) and Mr. John has evolved with him. He always looks great and the cut grows out really well. He tried a salon once but it takes an hour, costs more than twice as much and honestly, it is the same haircut. He went right back to Mr. John and will be there forever. read more

John has been my barber in NYC ever since I moved here. I used to live in the neighborhood but have since moved uptown and he remains my barber. He is worth the trip. Gives a great haircut for a for price and even let me squat during a World Cup game that went to overtime. read more

Been visiting Mr. John for about six years and not once has Paul given me a bad cut. He'll give you scissor cut, if you prefer, and not charge extra. I hesitate to get my hair cut anywhere else, so I go all the way down there from the Upper West Side. I used to come in from Connecticut. Worth the trip either way. read more

Good, old fashioned haircut. 3 Italian Barbers, skilled with the scissors just as well with the trimmer. Top it off with a hot shave and you're set. Pass through on the holidays, and they'll offer you a nice Johnnie Walker to keep you warmed up. Fantastic cut! read more

This is the first and only review I've ever made on Yelp. Best haircut in NYC bar-none. $20, the guys who work here are quick, friendly and take appointments. I will only go here for haircuts for as long as I live in NYC. read more

Decided to try this place after reading the reviews on Yelp. Must say this is a great place to get a haircut. I walked in w/out an appointment and the older gentleman took care of me right away. He's been a barber for 40 yrs! He did a great job and was very friendly. Only $20 and I'm definitely coming back next time. Everyone said it's the best haircut I've ever received read more