Phil cut my hair over 50 years ago at the Original Leon's Barber shop. I didn't want to wait at my regular shop I drove up to see if Phil was available Glad I did. We shared stories and memories of the past. And got a great haircut. Priced fairly and had the old fashioned barber shop vibe. read more

My boyfriend just got his hair cut here for $40, and instead of cutting it how he asked with a little length left on the top and shorter on the sides he just cut it all one length and very short. He looks like he got an army cut essentially. Based on the positive reviews it seems like people go here for the ambiance, which to him wasn't worth the price or the lackluster cut. We both usually go to the person who has cut my hair for a long time (I've reviewed her, she's in a room in Sola Salons and charges about $15 less even for complicated women's cuts like mine). Unfortunately for him she is out of town and he needed his hair cut for a nice dinner. Wish he was going to look better for it! read more

Good haircut. There was no wait. Phil is a nice guy. read more

Phil has been cutting my hair for over 20 years. You get way more than a great haircut that continues to look great as your hair grows out. Phil knows so many people from the area and loves to introduce people who are getting their haircut to the folks who are with waiting for their haircut or who have just dropped by to chat. It's an experience that you won't forget and will look forward to repeating. read more

Phil is very welcoming and hss great stories to share. The haircut was solid, but it felt more like an experience than a haircut. He paused to share stories and talk to other customers, so if you are in a hurry this isn't your place. I normally prefer a haircut with little banter. This was the opposite of that but somehow brought a smile to my face and made my day. Cash only, no reservations and no frills. Just an old skool haircut experience. He probably doesn't give a crap about Yelp ratings. I'm writing this for your benefit not his. read more

On the Dorothy C.'s recommendation, I stopped by Phil's Barber Shop for a haircut this afternoon. My hair is thin on top and in short order becomes long and frizzy on the sides. It was well past time, as the top was starting to resemble a Donald Trump "flyover" and a small and split end ponytail was possible on the back. Gayle would like to see me go to a stylist, but I've always been much more comfortable with a real straight up barber with basic professional tools, and no sink, shampoo, or highlights. Cash only too. My hour with Phil was a real "kick in the pants". The haircut itself was only about 20 minutes and was bookended by a wide ranging conversation including our Midwest roots, family activities/pictures, old Shell Emeryville families, the Fogerty brothers (Creedance), his collection of El Cerrito High yearbooks, horse racing, how Fairmont Avenue (and the former nearby dog track) had changed since he was first here working for his Dad in 1946 (including living in back), pre-Bay Bridge days when El Cerrito was an "open" city, and various other colourful local stories and connections. And as we took turns sitting in the waiting and barber chairs as we chatted, if was fun to actually learn something about my community and marvel at his ability to keep on clippin' no matter what direction the conversation blew. I was happy with the haircut too. The hair issues present when I walked in were resolved well, the nose/ear follicles were tamed, and the hand held vibrating shoulder massage appliance at the end felt really good. I sure hope that Gayle likes my haircut, because I'm coming back! read more

I've been looking for a new regular barber for a few months now, and thanks to a suggestion from Eric B., I think my search may be over. Phil is unapologetic about taking his time and being sociable, so if you're looking for a quick in-and-out, find someplace else. However, if you want 50 years of experience built on watching Dad do it, then Phil is your man. I was pleased to hear his commitment to customer satisfaction, not only for someone new walking in but in-home service for a handful customers who've been coming to the shop since his dad was running it! Yes, he's a little more expensive than other options ($25), but it's worth it. Not only did I look great right out of the chair, but everything laid nicely after showering. My roommate even commented that it's the best haircut I've had in months! (Wait... not sure that's a good thing...) Anyway, I'm quite happy with Phil and look forward to coming back. TRIVIA: Phil's friend and colleague started the Supercuts chain just down the road in Albany with the goal of becoming "the McDonald's of haircutting"! read more

Quality cut, great company. Met my specific expectations and instructions, cutting/removing curls and working around a cowlick. Been there 3 times, no complaints, only compliments. read more

I got a great haircut here this week for $30. That's a bit pricier than in the City, but there was no waiting, and I am very happy with the cut. Phil is indeed 'old-school,' which is perfect for me and my 'conservative-basic-haircut-please' style. Maybe he's not for everybody - don't come here for a purple hair dye job. Phil is indeed a bit crusty at first. (I asked on the phone 'How late are you all open?" To which he replied "I'm the only clown in the circus.") But by the middle of my haircut, Phil was showing me a photo of his son that had passed away. That's gotta be really tough - to be a parent who outlives a child. Phil has a good heart - you've just gotta get to know him a bit. He'll actually do most of the talking while you are in his barber's chair. I look forward to going back in a month for my next haircut with Phil and to hearing a few more stories about the neighborhood and it's people. read more

Phil is a great guy. He's personable and hilarious. Little to no wait. Lots of old timers come hang out and enjoy. He will tell you to come back, even if you aren't getting a hair cut. read more

Neighborhood barbershops are the center of many small neighborhoods. Were you to go to Oceanview (San Francisco) you would really have to stop by Furlough's Tonsorial Parlor to pick up current gossip. In El Cerrito, you simply have to pass by Phil's to know *exactly* what is going on in town. Phil Jr. (the current owner) and I went to twelve years of school together. His father was the owner of (yep) Phil's Barbershop, which, Phil Jr inherited. Ortman's Ice Cream was located next door, so for many, many years I passed by the barbershop with very sticky fingers and a smile on my face. Yesterday morning I was walking down Fairmount when a voice from inside the shop whispered out, "Dorothy, come in off the street and introduce yourself." In a heartbeat, I was whisked inside to this (generally) male bastion. Two gents were awaiting haircuts. One was in the chair. Intros were made all around. Phil wanted to know if I wanted to rent his vacant storefront next door. Various suggestions, most of them unprintable in a family review site such as Yelp were made...to the amusement of all the shops occupants, even me. (The comments were, I must confess, hilarious, clever, erudite, and even occasionally perceptive.) I'm unlikely to want to open an adult bookstore, an adoption agency or even a recycled flower shop. (The latter a bow to my well-earned reputation as a vendor of slightly used flowers at the gates of the nearby cemetery. ) So I declined the offer to rent. Stayed another ten minutes looking through our old year books. Talking about Harding, our mutual elementary school. Heard about forthcoming weddings, recent deaths, and upcoming city events. Pondered the feasibility of placing Portola High School next to ECHS. Declined the (earnest) offer of a haircut...Phil thinks my current hairdo is unruly. Noted that Phil sees Himself, Da Hubby pass by daily with his briefcase on his way to work. (Didn't ask about the possiblility that Himself was picking up a croissant at the nearby Fat Apples because it would have been too easy to gloat about broken diets.) Walked on home...knowing that Our Town would always remain the small town it had always been since 1947. Thanks to Phil the Barber. And, no, I have never had my hair cut there...but Marvin Sooter, an old barber from the shop once did cut my hair. My dad got a free haircut for tutoring Marvin's daughter and...well, my dad saw no reason *not* to have his daughter's golden locks trimmed. He was very frugal, you see... read more

Great barber and knows a ton of local history of the area. My kids love going and actually ask when they can get their hair cut again.

Phil has never cut my hair but that is because I am a girl. If I were a lesbian, he would give me the most magnificent dyke cut ever. But that is not why I go to Phil. Phil knows more about El Cerrito history, culture, gossip and horseracing than anyone else. I once mailed Phil a post card from Africa and I didn't know his address. I just wrote "Phil the Barber, El Cerrito, CA, USA" and he got it before my parents got theirs. read more

Outstanding barber and one fascinating 'old school' individual! If your looking for a good hair/beard trim and an honest, down to earth man, Phil is your barber! Give yourself a little extra time for chit chat but every second is worth it, endless stories and lot's of humor............ Makes you feel immediately at home, Thanks Phil! If razor lines or someones name carved in your head is your thing, Phil can probably do it but he might not be the barber for you! read more

Phil is an institution of some sort in this area. He took over from his dad in the '70s and is till going strong. He's got great stories to tell and will make everybody feel great. Yes the shop could use some updating. But some like it just the way it is. He does great work and if you find something not quite right, he'll take time until you are satisfied. I saw an elderly man come in once who looked like a completely hopeless case, I mean ugly. Once Phil was through with him he looked like he could have gone to a wedding!! read more

We love Phil and his shop. If you do not want a good old-fashioned local news catch-up, to meet various friends of Phil's who will drop in while he's cutting your man's hair, or to do business with someone who will actually become your friend, then I hear Supercuts isn't far away. My husband and I came in on impulse a couple of years ago, and Eric hasn't gone anywhere since for his haircut. Phil is not only great to talk to, he does a fantastic cut and I always make time to go with my husband so we can all go catch up with Phil. Love him! read more

Dr. Phil aka Phil the Barber has been my barber for the past 10 years. I have had a flat top for all of my life and Phil does the best job. Phil is known by everyone and everyone goes to him for a hair cut. Phil even gives out free advice, that why I call him Dr. Phil!!!!! read more

Phil's is the place when you want a good hair cut! He'll even fix mistakes for free that your wife complains about when you get home! He's known as "Indian Phil" on Tuesdays. Ask him about his senior discount! read more

I walked in, The Barber was sitting there chewing the fat with a couple of people, and the impression I had of the shop was not positive. To me it wasn't hometown, it was a little hole in the wall. And the barber wanted $30 for a no-frills mens haircut. So I walked back to Supercuts got a good cut and paid $18 and provided a $5 tip on top of that. read more

Been going to this place exclusively for almost a year. Phil is a GREAT barber that is funny, personable, and always on point. I won't let anyone else touch my hair since I've been here! His shop is a little gem and I always look forward to coming back. read more

Phil is great. 2 cuts done here so far. Just remember to pay cash. A good deal for a good cut.

My husband loved his beard trim! There's an atmosphere of classic american barber shop! Friendly service and inviting conversation.

I'm new to the area from Wisconsin. Very nice place, and gives you that hometown barbershop feeling!

So for starters I'm from Los Angeles and chose this barber shop due to such high rating. Walked in and asked Phil for a simple 0 taper, nothing else. He seemed to not listen or simply not care and went ahead and shaved my hair off! Not only that but didn't even give me a taper! I Was very very blunt about how upset I was, and all Phil had to say was I usually cut short hair! Are you kidding me if you suck at cutting hair and don't follow what the client wants you should not be a barber. RUINED MY DAY! Wish I could give 0 stars. Oh and still was made to pay 30 dollars even though it was a poor haircut and nothing I asked for!!! read more

Phil is awesome and he gives great haircuts. Enough said.

I got one good haircut, one okay haircut, and one bad haircut. Phil is a treasure. Friendly, funny, with an amazing amount of local knowledge and an easy way of speaking with people. However, the last haircut he gave was really bad. I believe he was sick and coming in to pay the bills, but it was a quick job that looked rotten. I feel bad for even giving a bad review, because Phil is a hell of a good guy, but the lack of consistency (and rather high price if you don't come to barbershops to enjoy the ambiance) made this review lower than it might have been. read more

Worst haircut of my life. I explained exactly what I wanted and he must not have listened or cared because it turned out way too short and all the same length - I look like I'm in the fucking military now. I even specifically told him not to shorten my sideburns and he did! Very nice guy and I'm sure he's a lot of fun to hang out with, but do NOT get your haircut from this man. I feel swindled. $30 cut I could have done myself in the mirror. read more

Hi..I want to add/correct the above lady's comments of Phil's barber shop..he did indeed inherit the shop,but it wasn't called Phils,it was called Burts Barber Shop,which is the name of Phil's dad......Burt cut my hair during the time I went to ECHS,along with other luminaries such as Bob Sparks,Lawrie Whitlock and a host of other athletes....his dad,Burt was a charming,knowledgable man with a non-stop upbeat spirit which made him so unforgettable,which is why I'm writing this historical anecdote.........GUESS WHO PHIL.....????? read more

Phil is the best. The best barber, the best source of history on the movers and shakers of El Cerrito (and most of the folks buried at the Sunset View Cemetery), and the best handicapper on Fairmount Avenue. His shop is the gathering point for all sorts of interesting people; some are even there to get their hair cut. If you are lucky, Bob may be there and give you a cookie. read more