Patsy's, and the Heart of a City The heart of a city doesn't beat 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. read more

I've always been hesitant about getting my beard trimmed and shaped with the worry of having it cut more than I want to. I finally had the courage to have Jayden work on my beard and he absolutely did exactly what I wanted and it came out amazing! Thank you Jayden and Patsy's you now have a customer for life! read more

This was the first professional haircuts for my 2 and 3 year old and a cut for my husband. The atmosphere is fun and everyone who works there is top notch from our experience. They understood and were patient working with the littles and made both boys and my husband look amazing! Highly recommend. read more

Service was good and listened to what I wanted for a cut. He was very attentive and kept it simple as my first time there. I'll be back

Moved to Albany almost a year ago now! Tried out 5 barber shops but I finally found my spot! Patsy's is nothing but excellent. Love the early morning cuts with Daemon! Best way to start your morning with a fire cut! Everyone is personable and professional! Definitely the best barbershop in Albany! Book your haircuts!! read more

Patsy's Barber Shop - Haircut from Patsy's Barbershop!! - Barbers Near Me - Albany, New York

AJ was my barber! I went in on a whim the other day because I was in the area and needed a haircut. Not only did AJ do a fantastic job with how he cut my hair. But he was also one of the most knowledgable barbers I had when it came to the craft. It was really refreshing seeing someone who cares about the small details when it comes to what they do. And when it comes to someone thats cutting your hair??? Thats definitely a trait you want in a barber. This would be my official barbershop if I lived in the area. But you can bet whenever I am back this is the place I am going to. read more

AJ gave my early 20-something son the best haircut he has had in his life. My son's hair texture and coverage has changed since childhood, so it is hard to know what to ask for in a cut, but AJ made it work. When I saw my son walking up State St after the cut, I was impressed even at a distance. Thanks! read more

Great service and hair cut. They were in the middle of getting their shop renovated as it was located in an old building. Either way it was a great experience. read more

Patties barbershop is the best I've been going to her for years she's always giving a great job and a great haircut

Stumbled upon this hidden gem a few days before my wedding just looking to trim up my facial hair. I'm not sure I can say enough about my positive experience in my review, I'd simply recommend booking immediately. Patsy's is absolute top notch quality in a chill, zero rush environment. Daemon made me very comfortable as I'm not a regular in the beard community. Such a cool & relaxed dude who wasn't afraid to offer his services & recommend what would look good. Needless to say I'll become a regular in no time. I highly recommend checking them out, booking online was seamless & the early morning hours are spot on for the downtown Albany region. Thank you, Daemon! read more

Ever been to one of those barber shops where you feel welcome right when you step through the door? Well if you haven't this is the place to go. Welcome to Patsy's, a home away from home where everyone is welcome. A clean friendly environment that is non judgmental. You will enjoy a professional haircut & am awesome shave. This place never disappoints & all the staff is awesome. read more

Patsy's Barber Shop - Owner Tragedy giving my husband a haircut - Barbers Near Me - Albany, New York

Great and Friendly Service! It was really easy to book the appointment with Daemon, who was awesome and welcoming. The location is great with a couple of parking spots available for customers. read more

These guys never disappoint. My son's hair can be unruly (curls/waves on top, straighter on sides and all around thick) and we have tried other places. We started coming here 2 years ago and his cuts are always great. They look great the day of and best of all, they still hold up when his hair starts growing back in. We usually see Jay, but a few times we have gone to the other guys if we can't get in with Jay. They do really nice work. When I'm there, I'm usually the only woman, but the guys are all nice and welcoming. Time and money well spent. read more

They make you look handsome! I have been in New York for almost 6 years and always faced issues with many barbershops. Most of the usual American barbershops are used to cutting very short short hair, all they do is super tight from the side and some 1 inch on the top. But, patsy is different. They listen to you and suggest good ideas. The person I worked with didn't use any clippers he did the whole cut with scissors and had so much patience. 5 star for the service and 100% satisfied. read more

Patsy's Barber Shop - Before cut - Barbers Near Me - Albany, New York

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I cannot say enough GOOD things about this shop! While it was $30 (average cost for the area) it was absolutely worth it! My cut was outstanding, the stylists were appreciative of the business and happy to talk in a down to earth way. AND it is a bastion of old school manhood! No liberal PC or bs COVID sensitivity here! It is a good thing places like this still exist, and Patsy's embraces it. When I move back for good, I absolutely will be a regular! Get into the shop and be a customer, you'll be happy you did! read more

Im quite particular about my hair. The person who cut my hair for 13 years moved away, so to find someone you trust to cut your hair is a difficult one. Today I had the pleasure of a first time cut by Mr. William Yager, himself. Great dude, great haircut. Do yourself a favor if you find yourself needing a cut. Visit Patsy's Barber shop, you'll be happy you did. I just found my new barber. read more

Patsy's Barber Shop - Patsy's Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Albany, New York

Another great haircut at Patsy's, since I've moved to the East Coast James Mueller has given me an excellent experience and haircut each time. read more

Patsy's Barber Shop - Men's Haircut - Barbers Near Me - Albany, New York

Got my cut here by Jay while visiting family in Albany. I was in BAD need of a cut and my hair isn't the easiest to cut, but he did a great job. My beard was also perfectly trimmed and if I had this shop near my home this would be my regular barbers. Love the history in this place too. Parking is abundant but street parking costs about $1.25/hr. Got some cider belly donuts since I was nearby too. The payment system with the reservations is fantastic. When you select your cut and your barber it automatically just charges your card. Will be back whenever I visit my family. read more

I needed a quick cut when I visited the city and when I researched barber shops, Patsy's was the first to catch my eye. Knowledgeable barbers and a very old school feel. Cut was a 7/10 I'd say but the person who gave me the two cuts I've gotten here, is no longer employed with them. I think a safe bet is going with the owner of the shop. Seems like a great guy and he's been at it for a long time. Overall I'd recommend the shop for sure. If an old school barbershop with good conversation and a clean cut is what you're looking for, give Patsy's a try. read more

Just got home about an hour ago from my first "real haircut" in almost a decade. I am separating from the Navy/USMC, currently on terminal leave, and I abused my hair while getting high-high fades and using body soap on my head... then let it all grow out over the last six weeks. Anyways, I am writing the review because my fiance looked at me differently when I got home. She could not stop telling me how different I looked. Hair looked fuller, healthier, shapely, sharp. My new routine will be the shampoo and conditioner recommended by Jay the barber (birefringent-green mohawk) and a monthly cut by the guy. The highlights of Patsy's: --Historic barbershop --Real-deal feel with antique barber chairs, cloth towels, straight razor neck shaves, proprietary aftershave that smells like booze. --Great guys working the place who really know hair and keep things fun. --Miller High Life in the fridge... help yourself... I would take off a star for stocking Miller beer, but you can't complain about free beer. --$30+tip for knowledge, conversation, quality hair cut, and relaxing experience... this is a value find and a great cut. read more

My MO for writing reviews is usually to start with the bad then move to the good. However, since it is the first thing that people see, I want to start with the great here then move on to the bad because the bad isn't very bad at all. It honestly wouldn't be fair for people to see that first. This feels like a well-established long-time neighborhood barber shop. I remember going to the barber shop with my grandpa when I was a kid. It was a place where men hung out smoking cigars and jaw-jacking all day. Of course you can't smoke here but the vibe is something that just rarely exists anymore. It feels like a place where you can be a gentleman. Full disclosure - I did not actually get a cut or a shave here. However, you can tell that the barbers are artists. They were very professional in the way that they handled themselves and in the way that they communicated with me. It's kind of like going into a tattoo shop and being able to tell which tattoo artist is going to do a good job and which ones to avoid. Heck, I'd probably let these guys give me a tattoo along with a shave next time! Now let me address the bad. 1.) I went in for a shoe shine. Unfortunately, you have to go to the Concourse location for that and they close at 4pm. (My shoes look awesome now, though.) That is a bit inconvenient for those who work downtown. 2.) Cash only, I hear. 3.) They aren't cheap. However, as all other things in life, you get what you pay for. (I'm not saying that they are expensive but it is moderate at least.) So all in all, I would say that they have worked hard to earn my business. I am looking forward to using more of their services soon. read more

Cool barber shop with old school flair but new school barbers. This was my first time. Michael did a fantastic job and I'll definitely be back! Nice job guys! Update: The only thing that stopped me from giving this spot a 5 star is that they don't take debit/credit cards. Cash only, which for me is a real inconvenience. They've made it easier by providing an ATM machine in the shop but since my cut was $25, that meant getting out $40 (more cash than I wanted to), and a $2.50 (approx.) ATM fee. I did notice a mobile device on one counter that had a card swiper on it but I guess it wasn't being used? read more

My first experience here was positive and I was pleased with my haircut. The staff are friendly and courteous, it was nice to see people bring kids in for a haircut. I enjoyed the whole barbershop experience, the straight razor, hot towel, aftershave. It wasn't rushed and the barber checked in with me frequently to make sure everything was ok. True story - as I was walking back to my truck after my appointment, a guy driving by yelled out his window, saying my haircut was tight. read more

I went to Patsy's for a shoe shine at their concourse location. They were only taking shoes for next day delivery. It did not help me but the gentleman there was polite and busy. I may plan ahead next time. read more

Nice scissor cut, friendly environment. C

I stopped into their Albany shop without an appointment. Thankfully Ken was available and did a great job on my cut!

James Muller cut my mullet the other day and ever since I can't keep the ladies off me lol. Seriously though, he did a great job. The Barbershop upon walking in, was like a trip back in time. Super Old School vibe in there. I loved it. read more

I took an ailing friend to Patsy's this morning for some much-needed pampering. There were three barbers on duty, and all three were incredibly friendly and welcoming. My friend received a relaxing hot shave, and his spirits were lifted enormously by the way he was treated like a king. I can not recommend this place more highly. A first rate experience. After the shave, I immediately scheduled shaves for myself and two friends. This place is a throwback to the old fashioned barber shops of my youth. Thank you, gentlemen, for taking such gentle care of my friend today. We look forward to our shaves later this month. I wish I could give 6 stars! read more

Patsy's will always have a special place in my heart. Its my little secret that I will now share with everyone else as to how I passed the New York Bar Exam. Twice a year, hordes of would-be attorneys descend upon downtown Albany like locus to biblical Egypt. You know it by the long lines of anxious people awaiting entry into the convention center. But with so much tension already in the air, why would anybody file in like a pack of lemmings? Unbeknownst to many bar candidates, there's a barber shop right around the corner of the convention center that's opened very early in the morning. I don't know why its opened but I'm glad it was. Patsy's offers men's and women's haircut's color, foil's, and hot towel "straight razor" shaves. If there's heaven on a chair in Albany, it's sitting down at Patsy's for a straight razor shave. Because nothing takes the edge off of pre-exam jitters like a clean shave. With a throw-back barber shop decor, original (vintage) barbershop chairs, and friendly staff ... you'd almost forget that you've got 200 MBE questions to answer. I wish I'd remember my barber's name (he had spiky highlighted hair) but I can't wait to tell him that I passed the bar when I return to Albany to get sworn in. 5 Stars - Whenever I'm in Albany, I'll definately stop by. read more

After moving to Albany a decade ago, I struggled for years to find a quality barbershop. I started at the shops in the mall and quickly learned why they only charged $10 for a cut. From there, I bounced around to a dozen different places based on the recommendations of friends. And then, it happened. I discovered Patsy's. I've been a regular customer of Patsy's for the past few years and always look forward to my visits. When you walk into the shop, it's like stepping into a place that is caught in time. The antique barber's chairs, the vintage tiles covering the floor, the molding around the mirrors, and the straight razors pay constant homage to a time that has passed. Despite this, Patsy's is not your grandfather's barbershop (though he would probably love it too), with its eclectic mix of tunes filling the air, amazingly tattooed staff, and forward thinking business model. I have consistently received excellent haircuts from Patsy's. This is not a place that will rush through the cut to get to the next person, rather each barber has his own method for ensuring you walk out looking good. Patsy's seems to have perfected the classic barbershop cut, but could easily customize your look to whatever you're looking for. This is also the only group that I trust with treating my beard...they just know how to do it better than anyplace else. All haircuts come with a hot, straight razor shave of the neck as well. To add a bit of luxury to the experience, ask to try one of the store made products like the Greased Greatness or Eucalyptus and Sage aftershave. My favorite product is the Bay Rum aftershave. I suggest picking up a bottle now, as the scent is perfect for the Autumn. Although the pricing is a bit steep ($30 for a haircut and beard trim), it's entirely worth the cost. This brand of service is often lost in shops specializing in men's cuts, but for Patsy's, its the cornerstone of what makes them great. This is, without question, one of the best local businesses in the Capital Region. read more

Patsy's Barber Shop - The Shop - Barbers Near Me - Albany, New York

I've had two cuts with two different barbers, and both have great. They take walk-ins, which I've done twice, or you can book ahead with your barber. Whatever you prefer. Talented barbers, old-school setting with a great vibe, nice location in downtown Albany. I definitely recommend Patsy's if you're looking for a barber. And because they take walk-ins, it's a great option if you're swinging through town on business or for a visit. read more

Ok so apparently this place has been here since 1930 something. I read a previous review from a roadie here on yelp praising this place. As a fellow roadie with PHish playing at Times Union this turned out to be convenient, close and good. Very reasonable price, great service. I have a difficult head of hair that many barbers mess up and try to fix until I end up with a super short crew cut almost. They went slow. Took their time and did it right. The confirmation of a job well done is when I FaceTimed my wife on the walk back to venue her reaction was "wow, you look cute that way!" And let's face it. We are really all just trying to look good for the women in our lives or the ones we want in our lives. read more

Since having the courage to call it like it is, the owner of this establishment has done everything to try and manipulate my review. It's common practice to bribe patrons with free services and offer false assurances to get that 5 star rating. Trust me this place ain't any where close to the fluffed up, purchased 4.5 rating Yelp shows. read more

I have lived in Albany for about two years now and have had a tough time finding a reliable place to get a haircut. That was until sat down with William at Patsy's. Great haircut, easy, convenient. 5 stars! read more

Dave was awesome! I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a good cut. The attention to detail was spectacular! Thanks a bunch Dave Albert! read more

had a reservation with James and my dude gave me a Solid hair cut. He worked with me to teach me some phrases and descriptions to say because I don't know how to describe how I want with my hair cut. read more

I just moved back to Albany after 25 years in NYC and needed a new barber. This place is exactly what I needed. A step back in time to an unpretentious, old school barber shop. Great haircut and the nicest staff around read more

I will not come back. I decided to give this place a try. After waited 40 minutes, I got a bad haircut even though the barber admitted but that doesn't help. He even bothered to ask me for the information so he logged into their clients list. read more

Oldest and best Barbershop shop in Albany NY. Fantastic barbers, and expertly managed.

Best barbershop in Albany. Have have had my hair cut but 4 different guys there. Perfect every time.