Joe was a quick and efficient barber. Cool atmosphere. Could tell he took care of his skills.

I took my boy to Sal's , he was patient, understood my son was nervous, and asked him questions and engaged in small talk to calm his nerves. He even gave my son a treat -, spiral lollipop. I recommend this shop. It's like walking back in time. Sinatra music, nice calm ambiance, no loud music just classics. . It was worth every penny. The guy is solid read more

Stopped in here during a search for a classic barbershop. I don't have much hair to cut but Joe buzzed me down to #000 quickly and efficiently, to leaving any strays behind. Often barbers leave behind stragglers, Joe was very precise and did a great job. The hot lather and straight razor to clean up the edges was great. I also went for a face shave as well. It was one of the better face shaves I've had in recent years. Super close, minimal irritation, with just a little bit of irritation on just the lowest parts of my neck, but my beard grows in spastic directions down there. He did just as well as I could have shaved myself where the irritation was, which is commendable for a guy that's never seen my mug before. Overall the shave was excellent and worth the cost; I look forward to going back next time I'm in the mood for a shave. Conversation was neutral and pleasant, Sinatra was playing on the radio and I left the shop feeling like a million bucks. This is a traditional barbershop through and through; we need more of this in today's world. If you're in Roscoe Village and looking for a shave and a haircut, stop in to get cleaned up. read more

He was a nice enough guy, but I'm never going back there. He didn't line up, or fade, the top of the beard, as instrcted. He scraped my neck almost bloody with the clippers, and missed a huge spot on it. He stretched out the collar of my shirt that I have to wear all day, and now look I don't know how to wear proper clothes. And lastly, he was pushing and poking my head into position constantly. I understand that a barber has to touch your head/face, and that they have to help you get into the right position/angle, but if any other human poked me between my eyes like he did, we would step outside and fight. I'm waiting in line at my old barbershop in my old neighborhood 20 minutes away to get treated properly. read more

For someone like myself who supports small businesses whenever possible, I went to Joe at Sal's fully expecting to make this my monthly barber shop. Unfortunately, my first visit ran me $35 for a simple buzz and that didn't include tip. Like other reviews I've read, I didn't see a beer, a nice lineup with a straight blade, etc. just a simple $10-15 buzz I could find elsewhere. Not to mention, I got a mouthful from Joe complaining about the economy, the haircut industry and how his customers have left, and nothing but negativity. I looked past it thinking he was having a bad day. Not a great first experience and definitely not worthy of $35+tip but everyone's deserving of a second chance. My second visit came after I called to schedule an appt because he was busy. He gladly accepted and asked me to come in at 5 when he'd be available next. I gave him my name and I promptly showed at 5 which I even told him worked nicely because I had something at 5:30. When I showed, I came in behind someone who was a walk-in. Joe proceeded to ask me if I had somewhere to be at which I reminded him I did. He left the decision on who would take the chair to the customer who entered in front of me. Not Joe, who on the phone an hour ago told me to come in at 5 and would be ready for me then. The customer got the chair and I was asked to take a seat and wait. I politely told him it wouldn't work because of my schedule, walked out and had to recalibrate my plans knowing I had something at 5:30 followed by work and vacation booked the next morning. Shame on me for not booking a cut days before this but this cut had to be done. I popped inside to confirm his hours due to covid time changes, thinking I could work something within my schedule. Instead, of politely providing me with his hours, Joe had much more to say about his hours and how he wasn't going to stay late or come in early for me, which was never within question or would I expect that of him. I was in awe over how he responded with his attitude. I walked out and won't return. I've spent over 15 years in hospitality and place an immense amount of value on customer service. This man claims to be in business for his whole life and seems to have lost that art which is sad. In my opinion, if you own and operate a small business, particularly one that is in the SERVICE INDUSTRY, your customer service is everything. Rather than complaining about customers leaving, do something to improve your attitude and business to win them back. Here are some tips to help that: -Reevaluate your prices by exploring a value based pricing strategy and not a competitor based (clearly Joe's basing his prices off of his competitors and not how his customers perceive the value which is pushing people away) -Build a better scheduling system for those who want to make an appointment, then abide to that system -Find your zen. No seriously. Try to enjoy your time doing what your doing rather than complaining. People notice the negativity and don't care to be around that. -Make your haircuts consistent. You told me on my first visit that you do some services for people if you have the time and leave out others if you don't. Now reading the reviews, I can see that's true. You offer services if it's convenient for you and not the customer. The customer should be getting what they pay for. Break it down, itemize out what we get, and make sure we get the full $35 worth. Otherwise, I'll go somewhere I know I'll get my money's worth or pay for what I'm getting. Good luck with making your changes. Would like to see a long standing local business like yours stick around. read more

"A Bloody Experience (In Two Parts)" Part One. When I first moved to the neighborhood, I was in dire need of a shave and a haircut. I waffle between the hairy mountain-man look and the (only slightly) more respectable urban professional chic look, and I happened to be coming out of one of my mountain-man phases. I thought I'd give SAL'S a try. The barber's name was Joe (like me, hey neat-o, let's be friends!) and the haircut was not awful. It wasn't going to land me on the cover of GQ, which I'd been counting on until the moment I saw his handy work. But then, Joe started in on the hot lather shave. Blood. No, carnage. Every stroke of the straight razor flayed my skin. Joe chastised me for having sensitive skin. Yes, evidently it's my fault that I am bleeding profusely from the neck. Blood, and pain. Joe started blotting the cuts frenetically with his barbershop towel. It was a disaster, and he charged me for the shave anyway. He was nice enough to apply some balm so that my cuts would heal faster. Part Two. Well, Joe didn't seem like such a bad guy, really. Mild goring notwithstanding. I didn't want to get a haircut there again, and so when my mane had grown back in and I was ready to be shorn again, I decided to be equitable and split my dollars between a haircut at BIG HAIR (review forthcoming) and a beard trim (not shave) at Sal's. I went to Big Hair first, got my hair cut, and crossed the street. Joe didn't seem so friendly this time. Maybe he remembered how I had bled all over his barber's chair. Or maybe. . . maybe he saw me emerging from his competition across the street! Maybe he could still smell the baby powder on my neck. . . I timidly asked if he could trim my tangled mess of a mountain-man beard. He muttered a response through his clenched teeth. No straight razor this time. Just clippers. He seemed to be taking a long time with it. Maybe he wanted to impress me with his handywork, and make up for the time he almost beheaded me with his straight razor.. I didn't realize what had happened until I got home. I guess I wasn't paying attention when he showed me his handiwork in the mirror. But my old pal Joe had completely clowned me. Literally. My beard had been reduced to a rough shadow, and shaped into a hoboclown/guido hybrid. He had taken off the top half of my moustache and cut the beard line too low. I was mortified. I shaved off the bead, but left the pencil thin moustache for a couple days because it made for a great lead-in to my story of how I lost my mountain-man beard. read more

A first class experience by Joe. Seems like a solid guy who takes pride in his work.

Apparently Sal has retired but the guy that works there now is top notch. The other reviews claim that this place is "old school" and that's no joke. You'll get a shave with a straight razor, a hot towel, the works. You'll listen to the rat pack, old jazz, you get the picture. This guy is the real deal, he loves cutting hair and shooting the shit. And on Friday, they might even offer you a beer. You know this ain't the kind of place that will cheap out on you, either. We're talking Heineken. Also they keep Playboys in the magazine rack. read more

When I was a much younger man, I went to a barber named Fred way north on Damen for about 10 years. Every haircut and shave was perfect. Unfortunately, Fred closed up shop due to old age and I had searched for 5 years trying to find the right spot. Little did I know the right spot was right under my nose. Sal's is an authentic barber shop. It's clean, cool, and the fresh aroma of Pinaud Clubman aftershave lotion permeates throughout. Oh yeah, and Joe offered me a beer while I wait. A+. There is always current reading material in the form of magazines (GQ, automotive, PopMech, etc.) and today's paper. The music is so befitting of the joint, I feel like I'm in the 1950's. I've never waited longer than 5 minutes and that's even going on a Saturday morning. Every haircut has been spot on, exactly what I was looking for. After the haircut is a straight razor shave with warm shave cream and a generous treatment of aftershave lotion. Price is reasonable, especially considering the personal and authentic treatment. I've never looked forward to haircuts until going to Sal's! read more

This is the only place I will get the "mane tamed" any longer. I will recco friends. Why? First of all, I said "trim" and the guy knew what I was talking about. Not a mullet, not a meterosexual do, a trim! Amazing! Hadn't a trim gone extinct with the Jolt brand? Then, he has pics of his Puerto Rican boy and my Pittsburgh boy Roberto Clemente. I asked him about it, and he is one sincere dude. Some eyes shut and shaking while talking about his death. Him too. Onto the haircut. Superb. Old School. No bull shit. AM radio in the background. An offer of beer. I was out of work for the day, what more could I want - besides the news segment on Bush being muted, over which he had no control? At the end of the haircut he pulled out this massager that was fucking dynomite. This thing demolished my shoulder blades, in a good way. Good work Sal. read more

I used to live in Roscoe Village, and Sal's was right down the street. Awesome. Sal is a great barber - in addition to the quick, as-simple-as-you-want haircut, he's very adept at recognizing if you are the kind of guy who likes to chat. There's always some nice jazz music playing in the background too. I also appreciate that he trims my eyebrows (they can be a little unruly) and does a quick hot-lather shave around the edges. I since moved out near the lake, and I still bike out to Sal's when it's time for a trim. Minus one star since there's one guy who's a little less attentive to the small details (like the eyebrows). read more

Walked in without an appointment on a Thursday morning. Great plus, as the next nearest shop couldn't take me within an hour and a half. This is an old-style barber shop that's been there for over 30 years, which gives it a certain charm. Got a very quick and clean haircut from Joe, who was friendly and polite. Cut my hair a bit shorter than I hoped for,(the only reason for 4 stars and not 5) but it still looks good and professional. Hot foam shave on the neck and sideburns is another touch that sets it apart from the franchise salons. I'll be coming back. read more

First off, Sal' is the only Barber around that when you walk in you feel like your back in time from the music to the old pics on the wall. All class and always great conversation, not to mention how good of a job he does on your hair. Whenever people ask I always send them over to Sal's. I highly recommend stopping in for a cut if you haven't already. read more

I don't get my haircut regularly from Sal's. The few times that I have been in there have been great. What's better than having a beer while you wait to get your haircut. I'd go back there more often if I lived close by. Joe is great!! Will try to get back there soon. read more

It's hard to write a bad review when the guy was friendly enough, but unfortunately, the quality of this cut and pricing were just bad (sorry Joe, but I'm being honest). I strictly asked for a clean up buzz on the sides and back only, but Joe insisted on "touching-up" the top. My side part is now out of wack and I can't style my hair the way I used to, even with a heavy wax. A little variation is not a big deal, but it really does make you feel nasty when you pay a moderate price for a haircut that ultimately makes you feel self-conscious. I also had a nice bushy beard that I've have been growing and maintaining since January. Joe suggested he trim it for $15. I've had my beard trimmed by other barbers that use a comb and scissors and do a great job at cleaning it up. I've also been charged between $5, $10 at most. Joe used a clipper set to #1 or #2 and bussed my whole beard off in 5 seconds... just buzzed it all off... that's it. This was the most disheartening part about the experience... Joe seemed like a nice enough guy, but the pricing, communication and quality of service make me question his business ethic. I am sorry Joe... again, you seemed like a nice guy, but the hair cut was bad, and $15 (more than half your haircut price) to buzz my beard? I hope you can see why that's upsetting... read more

Wow, I just got the worst haircut of my life! Joe, he was friendly, but doesn't know how to cut hair. Truly, this guy is butcher! I am spoiled, as I have a great girl that normally cuts my hair. This is Golden Scissors in a Wheaton, Olivia is my stylist, this is for a different review. All I can say is, don't go here! I'm not that picky with my hair, but this is bad. read more

This is the kinda of barber shop where you get a 5 min clipper haircut without using the scissors. I'd say the hair cut is fair, but am not satisfied with the overall outcome. It is overpriced (25$) compared to the quality of service. I'm not coming back again. read more

you wanna see me almost cry... guaranteed? come with me when i take my son for his haircuts at sal's. it's so effing cute i can hardly contain myself. we parked in front of sal's one day and were just about to leave to get ready for our boy's one-year birthday party when the gentleman who cuts hair here [i think his name is joe] came out to give my son a bright yellow helium balloon. he DID need a haircut, my husband and i reasoned. we took the key out of the ignition and went in. joe is wonderful with our baby. he doesn't just tolerate my son like most stylists who don't specialize in kids cuts; he really enjoys cutting his hair, talking to him and chucking him under the chin every so often. "you are my very good friend! i love you!" he says to my son, and my little guy just beams at him. it probably doesn't hurt that my son is extremely well-mannered in the chair, but my little boy seems to really enjoy the experience in return, and he doesn't want to hop off the booster seat board when the cut is finished. joe does a great job with his hair, especially with clippers, and always gives him a lollipop when he's finished. it's so cute to watch him and joe that my husband and i always find ourselves with lumps in our throats, watching our little man getting a big-boy haircut in a big-boy barber shop. read more

I've been here several times. He always cut my hair too short. Always! Not a little too short. A lot too short! I don't know how to explain to this guy how to cut my hair. I think its because he doesn't listen. The hair cuts are well done with nice clean lines and the free beers are nice, but what's the point if he won't cut it the way I ask him to? read more

Went here two consecutive months. 2nd time I came back the owner said.. same cut as last time? I said yeah.....a 3 on the sides but a little shorter on the side. He said last time was a 3.5 on the sides....so I said that's fine. Anyways.....after he shaved both sides of my head, I look up and my hair was shorter than it was the day I was born! I said...that's not a 3.5 or a 3. He said...it's 3.5.....then showed me the razor and said......see? The razor had a big fat "2" on it. Anyways...he said the haircut is fixable, which it wasn't . I now have a buzzcut that I paid 20 bucks for but could have used my shaving razor for for nothin. He still took my money and muttered a pathetic apology. I am NOT going back there again. read more

I'm super-picky when it comes to haircuts and I've tried a few of the old-school shops (Gabby's, Belmont Barbershop, etc). Usually, Sal wins my $20 for the following reasons: he got my haircut right the first time (most barbers take a couple of shots), you can normally be seen within 15 minutes without an appointment, they do full hot lather shaves, and they give you a beer with your haircut. Honestly, what else could you ask for? Love it. read more

The only thing this man is capable of is a buzz cut. Took my curly haired 5 year old for a medium scissor cut. Instead of telling me he did not know how to do that, he took out the buzzers and shaved his head. My son looked in the mirror and was crying. The barber then blamed his crying on me. He kept begging me to let him finish the hair cut. There was nothing left to cut. I have seen better cuts come out of PETCO. read more

Joe is the man. if you are looking for a good barber that is friendly and makes you feel comfortable, Sal's Barber Shop is the spot. cuts are $20, but include straight razor on the neck and sideburns. also eyebrow trimming. support this local business. its been around for a long time and Joe is a really good guy who knows how to cut hair. read more

Solid, and old school. Catch up on whats going on in the neighborhood. Started going there when I lived around the corner and still drive back over now that we've moved. Always leave feeling refreshed. Thanks Joe! read more

Walked in for a haircut. Place was clean and empty. The guy did great work. He worked quickly but took time to check his work and make sure that my taper was even all over. I wasn't expecting the back and neck massager, but it was appreciated. He used a straight razor and hot lather to clean up the sideburns, ears and neck. He topped it off with balm and understated smell-um for my neck and scalp. It was a few bucks more than I expected at $20, but I'm planning to go back for another solid haircut :-) read more

There's a simple explanation why there's no one ahead of you when you walk into Sal's. Most people already know Sal does not know how to cut hair. Trust me, I have tried many barbers and even those that are bad are not so bad when compared to Sal. There are plenty of other good barbers in the area. My advise, walk a few more blocks to someone else. You won't be sorry. read more

I love the simplicity of a good barber shop. Sit down, talk (or not) get a trim and get out. Sal's has all that, plus unlike most of the strip mall salons you aren't getting pressured into a hair wash and buying a bunch of hair products. Quick service and a classy place. Its comfort food... for your hair! read more

Worst haircut I've ever had. Went today, simple buzz cut. Bled from two spots and have weird clumps and artificial lines. Terrible. 20 dollars and I'll probably have to bic my head to start over. read more

I've been here twice. Why would I pay twenty bucks for a sub-par haircut? Then tip on top of that? People say they were in and out quick, but that was not my experience. It doesn't take that long for a high and tight with no shave. But he somehow managed to take forever. And it was not because we were talking I'm not much of a talker, but don't mind a discussion about sports or business. I had heard the barber talking White Sox with the guy before me. Yet when I tried he shirked. If the cut was more affordable, this would be a decent place. But unfortunately he's over-priced his services. read more

Nice guy and cool atmosphere but he took forever and actually cut my face during a shave.

(review from my husband) sal's barber shop is great. sal is actually retired in florida, so the gentleman who cuts your hair is named Joe. this is an old school place. you walk in, see the classic stools. a combination of jazz and frank sinatra flow through the speakers. old baseball hereos are on the wall. great spot. you can even get a cold brewski, read a playboy, and get a back massage. and of course you get the straight razor as well as the precision of a military barber. if you're looking for a great cut and some old school vibe, check out Sal's. read more

Excellent haircut. Fast friendly service without an appointment.

$20 for a 5 year olds haircut?? What a joke.

pay $20 for a $5 haircut....I'm disgusted with this place after going here for nearly 2 years. disenchanted with my haircuts, customer service sux (i sat in the chair while he talked on the telephone for 10-15 minutes! without apology) - that was the last straw, and joe complains about the economy and the money constantly.....feel like he's working me for an extra tip. nice thing is, his business is so slow, that you can pretty much walk-in anytime. Do yourself a favor, and check out the guys over at Belmont Barber......but make sure you have an appointment. read more