So, I've been living in Castleberry Hill for a week and a couple of days now. Love the neighborhood. As a black man, one of the first things we do when moving is look for a decent barber shop (gotta stay fresh). Even though I didn't get any recommendations, Google always comes in handy.
I did a simple search for barber shops in Castleberry which lead me to Off the Hook Barber Shop. The next thing I did was read the reviews which seemed decent so I decided to give them a try. Plus, the shop is only a 4 minute walk away from my loft.
First, I called to make sure I didn't need an appointment. Walk-ins were welcomed. However, when I arrived I felt less than welcomed. The barber shop was packed which is typical for a Saturday. I walked through the door with an attempt to make eye contact with as many barbers as possible. To my surprise, no one spoke or even acknowledged me.
Still, I continued to walk through the shop to an available seat in the rear near what I like to call their "indoor bodega" filled with candy, chips, sodas, tobacco products, t-shirts, etc.
There were at least 8 barbers on duty, 1 was a female. Everyone seemed in very good spirits in the barber shop. There was no loud cursing or inappropriate language which I really appreciated. However, once again, many barbers kept walking past me not acknowledging my presence.
After sitting there for an hour and a half, a female stylist who was by this time doing her second head of hair asked if I was waiting on anyone in particular. I said "this is my first time here I was hoping someone would hook me up but no one ever spoke to me."
She asked my name and apologized on all their behalfs. I accepted the apology and said it was all good. I don't remember her name but I do remember she mentioned she had been there for 7 years. Then, the barber who was directly next to me, who had also ignored me and was packing up his gear to leave, walked over to the barber next to him, Tariq, and asked if he could give me a cut.
Tariq walked over, introduced himself, asked my name and said he would be with me as soon as he finished with his current client. Once he was done he came over and showed me to his chair. I thanked him for taking me on.
I told Tariq how I had just moved to the neighborhood and how I found the shop. He stated he was the newest barber there, only since January. This barber was a great conversationalist. He asked about my travels, education, career, family and things to do in the city. It was really appreciated.
By that time I had forgotten how I was basically ignored. My haircut came out great. I felt like a million bucks when I got up. Tariq gave me his business card and I gave him a $10 tip in addition to the $20 cut because he turned what could have been a very negative experience into a positive.
Because of Tariq's skills behind the clippers and good conversation I can truly say I've found a new barber in Castleberry Hill. I will return next week.
If you are new to the neighborhood and you find yourself going to Off the Hook Barbershop I would suggest walking in the front door turning cartwheels or maybe bringing a set of drums to gain the attention of the barbers or else they won't see you. read more