Patsy's, and the Heart of a City The heart of a city doesn't…read morebeat in time to the rhythm of landmarks whose silhouettes are stamped on postcards. Its pulse doesn't shake the shopping centers or the offices or the multitudes they carry. It honors no arrhythmia before the Capitol or the architecture that has grown around it. Because it's often the case that the biggest machine lives and dies not by its most imposing part, but by the smallest pin in its center. It's easy to miss Patsy's Barber Shop if you're weaving through the traffic of State and Pearl. You have to know to take the right onto Howard Street and go slowly enough not to miss the white neon tubing that brightens the shop and casts just enough of its glow onto the sidewalk to let you see the barbers ply their trade. Patsy's opened in 1930 at the cusp of the Great Depression, when a proper haircut was a man's resume and the newspaper on the empty seat was the employment office. It was a family business, like many that had dotted the downtown and further south to the neighborhoods that would eventually be sacrificed to Nelson Rockefeller's sense of grandeur. William "Tragedy" Yager now presides over the memories absorbed into the mirrors and the padded chairs. Since 2006, he's followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather, a man who likely opened up shop as he always did on the day Japanese planes set off for infamy. And anyone who's had a seat in one of his chairs and a hot towel on their face knows that Tragedy didn't just inherit a trade; he inherited a love and a duty to everyone that crosses the threshold. A large man with a long, thick beard and a tapestry of tattoos lining both temples, he wouldn't strike you as a man you would want to meet in a dark alley. But again, the seat, the hot towel, two minutes in conversation, and you'll realize that he's exactly the man you would want to meet in a dark alley if your car broke down, if you were cold, hungry and scared, if everybody passed you by. Because there are certain things you can expect from those possessed of the instinct of leadership. But what you may not expect is that sometimes, the places where matters are truly decided accept walk-ins. Patsy's Barber Shop has two locations, 3 Howard Street in downtown Albany and Room 126 on the Concourse Level. Call for an appointment and check for hours. And be sure to patronize the many barbers Tragedy has trained personally.

I'm an out of towner! I've been in town for a few weeks and it can be tough with the trust and…read moreeverything built around that for picking which shop to go to for my next cut. The service, quality, vibe, and aesthetic were an exact match from all other reviews and pictures you see online. Of course the service matters the most right? I was able to snag 2 different barbers in my time out here and have had nothing but phenomenal work at Patsys! I'm telling everyone local and anyone heading up here that THIS IS THE PLACE for a cut.

As soon as these guys found out, I wasn't a Kingstonian They…read moreblew me off Sent me to around the corner to the crappy Pugsley's That doesn't mean the original Pugsley is any good either. Save your money Go to place that will listen and cut your hair like you want. Go figure these clowns from kings and think they can cut hair! And I emphasize clowns!!

They did an awesome job cutting my son's hair. Frankie was kind and spoke to him the whole way…read morethrough. We will be back

Carol is great! I've long been a barbershop-only guy, but was lured in by the location and price:…read more $10 for a men's cut, and it's right in the Hardscrabble Plaza in Red Hook. I left highly impressed. Carol did a great job - far better than my recent barbers - and she clearly knew her stuff. She took the time to listen to what I wanted, and seemed to understand how hair works, so she could work with/around my cowlick and thinning areas. The resulting haircut was exactly what I wanted: it looked great on day one, and grew out nicely. I will be returning - she's now my go-to "barber"!

I feel like the odd woman out, but I had a hair cutting accident (nothing major, but not good) and…read moredon't have a salon in the area and I'm not from it. I left a message, but didn't receive a call back. I called again and got an appointment for the same day with Craig. My hair is extremely long, but has usually just a bit of layering in front, which needed to be corrected. Craig wasn't happy, didn't greet me besides telling me to hang my coat, I kept feeling obliged to keep the conversation going before I sat in the chair because I was nervous, but it didn't work, so I sat. My hair was cut dry. To fix it, Craig did a total of five cuts and then cut a bit off the back. It took five minutes (probably less than that). I said, "Is that it? Are we done?" He handed me a mirror, but I couldn't see. I told him this, but he just said it was done. I didn't know what to say because how do you say, "Could you actually cut my hair?" So, I not only paid but gave him a $5 tip. That's when he was nice for the first time and gave me a card for the shop. When I came home, I looked and my minor problem not didn't have long layers (as was promised, but had three shelves). I had this fixed elsewhere, but UGH. I think Craig probably does great hair for twenty years ago if he's in a good mood, but if you have long hair or if he's in a bad mood, I'd avoid. This place even feels like you're walking into a funeral parlor.

Just discovered this barber after I moved to Hyde park. Nobody has ever cut my hair as good. Will…read morenever go anywhere else now.

You will not find a better Barber anywhere. I'm a senior citizen and Saad gave me my best haircut…read moreever. Saad is truly a master at his craft.

Saad is amazing. Total gem hidden in the Hudson Valley north of Kingston. A true artist, and as…read morereal as it gets. He approaches his work with passion and humanity, and a skill level that is all too rare these days. We were so lucky to find his shop. He went the extra mile to help sort out my son's very tricky long curly hair that most other barbers wouldn't even touch. I had several celebrity stylists in NY say they couldn't / wouldn't do it, and then we found Saad and he made it look easy. Phenomenal experience. 5 stars.

We got wash and blowouts so we could feel human again. I remember I came here last year and…read moreFallon did a great job with my hair. Same now and equally as great. Marie and Alyse were our super friendly stylists and did a fantastic job! We have thick heads of hair which isn't easy to tame, but they knocked it out of the park and we left very happy campers. The vibe is very relaxed and down to earth which we love. A great big thank you to Marie, Alyse, Nate at the front desk and Pete the owner I believe, who were all awesome. Great establishment and very close to our hotel, Mirbeau. Most definitely recommend.

Ok, no frills salon…read more Service was quick (I am used to close to an hour for women's cuts but this was maybe half an hour). Everything just was ok- super quick cut and style, probably won't go back since there are many options in Rhinebeck but on the other hand, this one is the most affordable for a women's cut. The cut was fine but I just get my hair cut so rarely I would I like it to be a little nicer experience.

It's great, overall. The barber does exactly what I request, and the results are consistent and…read moreexceptional. He doesn't rush, and I appreciate the fact he's very detail oriented. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Very glad I found Len's Barbershop.

Chris and team are very helpful & professional. The online appointment booking process is easy to…read moreuse and makes payment easy - brings efficiency check-in and payment process. They give very nice haircuts too!

You've tried the rest, now try the best. On vaca from…read moreBrooklyn and just had the best ever haircut. The store has mucho vibe and character. Good chat, good times excellent cut. mick from Brooklyn

I took my son to get his haircut here and the haircut he received was absolutely awful. The barber…read morewas very mean, and it was too pricey 0 out of 10 would not recommend never coming here again.