I had just left Aburi Sushi and pulled up my yelp* app and browsed the 1,407 bookmarks... Yes, I'm a very ambitious foodie. ('And the list continues to grow.)
I have been in need of haircut for a couple weeks, okay, more like a month now and 15 minutes away from where I was, "The Den Salon." A friend on mine, Bruce G., a great magician/consultant and all around good guy, recommended the shop a while back and it has been bookmarked since. - "It is time."
Store front - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-den-salon-long-beach?select=e1MG2r-G2DvRCArqSly3nQ
I headed over, circled the block once before locating the shop. The Den Salon is located on the ground floor of the very swanky looking Camden Apartments. I pulled into the parking garage located just behind the complex. (FREE 2 hour parking with business validation.) The parking structure was practically empty when I pulled in.
Validation - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-den-salon-long-beach?select=sf0RwTt8cOwPc5FvGyYlnw
Note: The entrance is rather narrow and the turn into the lot is sharp & tight as well. So, if you have a very large truck like an F-250 or Hummer be CAREFUL when entering.
Entrance - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-den-salon-long-beach?select=Cmwlneb0-KNFe3gWc_9Lfw
After parking, I called the salon to see if there were any openings for a walk-in. Judy asked how soon could I get there, "As soon as I walk over, 2 minutes?" After a brief time on hold, "Yes, we'll see you soon!" - Awesomeness!
'And 2 minutes later, I was at the front door... 'And Judy was holding it open as I approached. I walked in and a very nice gentlemen greeted with a handshake & a smile, "Welcome, my name's Andy. Would you like a drink?" At first, I was taken back, I'm not a very frou-frou kinda guy, no hip skinny jeans, beanies or scarves in 80F weather... However, I have been to a few higher end salons that do offer, wine, beer, sodas, etc. I just didn't realize the The Den was one of those places, cool. "I'll have a beer, please." (I feel fancy.)
"Cheers!" - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-den-salon-long-beach?select=lXf3-mTBwUqWaRMBM0l8ww
Andy took me over to wash my hair and after we returned to his station, he asked me what I wanted. I told Andy just a nice clean up, no Mad Men trendy cut for me. I'm relatively laid back, my hair is usually wash-n-go, not high maintenance at all.
Andy was great, good conversation, light, fun, and I didn't feel like he was rushing to get me out of the chair. - "Is this a haircut or a date?" (I'm just kidding!... He's married. STILL KIDDING!! I love the ladies too much!! - "Taco por favor, no burrito.")
As Andy & I were talking, I glanced up and across from me on the wall was a rather creative art piece that was laser cut cardboard and it read, "ANDY." I thought, that's interesting... "Are you THAT Andy?" (As I gestured toward the artwork.) "Yes, one of my clients made it." I sat quietly for a moment, "Are you the owner?..." 'And yes, he is!
Very cool. I scored a walk-in with The Man. I've seen a few reviews talking about the hit & miss walk-in availability and am a bit surprised that some people find it difficult to understand that this is a popular place so do yourself & everyone else a favor, make an appointment. As I mentioned before, I'm relatively easy going, o'hana is from Hawai'i, there are more important things to worry about, like eating... 'And of course, drinking. If Judy told me, "Sorry, there's nothing today." At that point, I would've said thank you, I would have to try again the next time I'm in the Long Beach area. No big deal, move on, throwing a tantrum helps no one but so many people have this sense of what I like to call, "Phantom Entitlement." (Phantom because it seems to come out of nowhere... Well, I think they pull it outta their arse because it usually comes with a sh*tty attitude.)
When Andy was finished styling my hair, he noticed that I still had a relatively full glass of beer that I hadn't touched since I sat down in his chair. "Would you like to stay & finish your beer? Stay as long as you like, even have another?" - LOL
That's awesome but it was just after 4pm and after working a 4am shift, and just enjoyed a very great & filling lunch, in addition to the beer, a nap was sounding none too shabby... 'And I still had to drive through the midday traffic back to South OC which would be about an hour plus. Did I mention the Sandman was calling?
As I sat in the front waiting area finishing my beer, Judy told me that I lucked out in getting a walk-in. Andy had a 3:15pm cancelation and had just walked into the salon when I called to check availability. (Big smile) Life is good.
Now, I don't know when I'll be back in Long Beach but you better believe it when I do, I'll make an appointment. The planets may have aligned for me today but I'm not a betting man. - HA!
- Big Aloha!
Food (i.e. - Complimentary beer): 5
Ambiance: 4
Service: 5
Value: 4
4 1/2 star rating (Rounding up) read more