I enjoy a professional shoe shine. I am persuaded it is good for the leather. It gives you a more professional look. There also is the friendly banter that is integral to the experience. I have patronized this stand at Union Station. I've probably been here a dozen times or more over the years. They do excellent work. I have not been disappointed. In particular, they do the edge dressing. You will feel like a million bucks. The fellows I've chatted with are friendly. They like their jobs. That is important. They deserve the business. If only there were more places such as this, but they are disappearing. read more

What's that they say--"Seek and ye shall find?" Yeah, I don't know why it took a month for me to find Union Station Shoe Shine. I've been searching shoe shiners *verbatim* on Yelp and Google basically since I moved to DC in April, and this one never came up. The places that did, require you to leave your shoes for up to a week just to do a 15 or 20 minute job. Literally no one had a basic sit-and-wait operation; one place, a mobile service, ultimately took three days to answer an email, which ended up being too late. I randomly came across Union Station Shoe Shine one morning and immediately gave them a call. The reviews were stellar and the voice on the phone checked out, so I made the mad dash up the Red Line over there. Union Station Shoe Shine is a textbook shoe shiner's that you've assuredly walked past if you frequent Union Station. For some reason, it still never dawned on me. I was born and raised in New Orleans, where neighborhood shiners were a dime a dozen, and then I had a shiner in Houston that I'd drive 40 miles across town to visit. But I really didn't want to wait a week just to have my shoes shined, and this is where I learned the difference between the two types of shops. First of all, the two gentlemen--one of them named Ty--are personable as all get out. I sat in the "throne," basically, with my feet rested in the platform, completely stunned at the work being done while they answered all of my questions (they offer cleaning services, and you can also simply drop off your shoes, where they'll give you an estimate of a turnaround--usually about 15 minutes). During the conversation, my shiner explained why I was having trouble: dedicated *shiners* have closed down due to decreased demand, and all that are left are full-service repair shops who, naturally, take longer to do the same work. Facing a sea of travelers, I sat and watched him craft a mirror shine the likes of which I've never seen. I was left with this glazing white reflection of the skylight that retailers have to *Photoshop* in order to sell their shoes. Only midway through, my mind was made up that I'd be bringing my entire fleet back here, especially at $15 for such classic work. A dress shoe fanatic, I sent photos to all of my friends in the DMV area. All of that to say: if you're in DC and need a common-sense shoe shine, just go to Union Station Shoe Shine, smack in the middle of the train hall. They're efficient, super friendly and will take DAMN good care of you. read more

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These guys are good and all work together as a team. All are as chatty or as quiet as you want to be. They have some papers to read if you want to be quiet.I had my shoes shined whilst waiting for my train. Too about 10 - 15 minutes and costs $6.00. Came out beautifully. Higher prices for boots and larger items. They do belts and bags also. They are open pretty early during the week (thinking around 7 or so but not sure) and are open fairly late (at least 8pm). They can get pretty busy as people are killing time whilst waiting for trains. They do a pretty good business with the train personnel. There is usually a conductor or other staff member getting a shine. Do your shoes a favour and get them cleaned and shined. read more

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We were scheduled to attend a conference in Washington, DC in March 2020. We typically hire different trade services that may be of interest to draw attention to our exhibit booth. We have used shoe shine services on several occasions but we have not ever attended a conference in Washington, DC. Union Station Shoe Shine was found online, the process to get the date booked, contract signed and payment made seemed pretty easy. The payment terms are 10% down to secure the date and lock in your service. 40% is due 24 hours before the start of the event and the balance is due upon completion of the event. Optimistically, we paid the balance in full. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, this very large conference was cancelled. Immediately, upon notification of the cancellation, we reached out the owner, Dave Kirkley to advise of the situation and requested a refund for the full amount LESS the 10% deposit per the contract which is approx. $1530.00. We were advised that the cancellation was being processed and the refund would be received within a week. Several weeks go by and no refund. After 4 attempts via email to get a response and multiple phone calls, Dave finally responds and states that due to Covid their company is in a similar situation as many companies across the nation and doesn't have the money upfront to refund us. We absolutely understood as we are a small business ourselves. However, service was NOT provided. Employees did not perform a job, cost were not incurred for Union Station Shoe Shine and the refund is still owed. Communication seemed to get better and an agreement was made that they would refund the balance in installment payments of $255.00 for 6 months. This was back in APRIL of 2020. We have not received ONE Payment. We have sent a monthly invoice for the past 3 months and have not received ONE response. It's very difficult to recommend a company for services when they do not honor their word. It demonstrates a lack of professionalism and honesty and we would strongly recommend you seek another company/vendor for shoe shine services for any event you may be hosting. read more

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This man is so friendly and takes pride in his work! I didn't have any cash and he said I could just pay him next time. Go to him, and you won't regret it! read more

Union Station shoeshine was my last stop before the trash bin. My boots were dirty, worn, and had significant discoloration. They looked like someone beat the life out of them. My boots needed resuscitating. Ty brought my boots back to life. I kid you not; my boots look better than when I purchased them brand new. Plus, I had a phenomenal experience. Ty was professional, courteous, and respectful. I could not have asked for better customer service. And the price was better than perfect; it felt like I committed robbery. He did a spectacular job. A++. I highly recommend PS It's now three weeks later, and I am still getting compliments on my boots. Shout out to Ty.... thank you very much! read more

I received a wonderful shoe shine from David! He knows so much about shoes and gave me some great tips for keeping my shoes nice during the winter months! read more

the Best!!! beautiful shine, super nice

I used to work in DC. Now I live in Richmond. Whenever I'm in town, the Union Station Shoe Shine is a must stop for me. I always come through to get my shoes shined. The quality of service is impeccable! read more

Union Shoe Shine has been there for years and in the aftermath of the pandemic is one of the few shoe shine stands left in the D.C. area. Ten bucks a pop for shoes and a personable crew. read more

Great sine, speedy service and a friendly attitude make this a must whenever I'm traveling through Union Station. Joe provides a great shoeshine. It can get busy but worth the wait read more

This is my periodic go to for taking care of my shoes. Great job always and they pick up and deliver my shoe bag to my office. Sharp, gleaming shine and makes me walk a little taller. Fast, top quality and always responsive. And when I have time before getting a train, get to have a shine in person. Highly Recommended and a part of looking great!!! THANK YOU guys. read more

The guys - and gals - at Union Station provide, in my opinion, the best shoe shine in DC. They seem to enjoy their work; usually have great music playing; and charge a reasonable price. They have three active positions (when everyone is working) and seats for those in queue. read more

This crew gives the best shoe shine on the East Coast hands down. I live in New York and always reserve some time when my train arrives or departs DC to get a shine here. Be sure to reserve enough time. They will hurry if you need but their full 10 minute shine is well worth the investment in time and money. $10 for a shine that last. Also, great conversationalists. read more

After failing to find the shoe shine station at NY Penn Station, I took some nice leather boots to them that had seen some very long walks in the snow in NYC and they did a wonderful job cleaning them up and getting a shine back on them. It was my first time using them but I will definitely be back when I need another shoe shine. There is lots of stuff to do at Union Station so a special trip here just to get your shoes shined can easily be justified. read more

I travel to DC frequently via terrain travel and always land at Union Station. This team is hands down the best pit stop for your best shoes, look no further. I have taken all my Allen Edmonds, even if I do not need them for the day that I am there, I make sure they get their shine from the best hands in town. Props to this team. I wish that they grew into other locations somehow. read more

Best Shoe Shine in the City, and dare I say the DMV. Very personable individuals and prices are not overly price for the city. I will definitely frequent with this place. read more

Great people make a great business!!Words can't express how thankful I am for the gentleman that works here for taking the time to stop and help me this morning as I was frantically running around looking for my train. He also gave me a bottle of frozen water as I stood in line to help me cool off as I stood there sweating. Thank you so very much for your kindness. We need more people like him in the world! read more

Go see Mary. I got my boots shined here, and she was fantastic! Incredibly nice and clearly very good at what she does. I've included before and after photos so you can see for yourself. read more

Union Station Shoe Shine - Before shine - Shoe Shine Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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These guys are the best in the city at what they do. They'll have your shoes looking sharper than when you bought them. Highly recommended.

Simply the best. As fast or slow as you need. If you need to catch a train they'll get you in quick. Or if you just want to slow down and chat they love that the best. $7 for a polish and good conversation is a good deal. There is a reason Washington's elite stop by frequently. They're polite, irreverent, and fun all at the same time. read more

As a Marine Corps Veteran I carry high standards for a good spit shine. Tony at Union Station Shoe Shine did not disappoint! He took care of all my dress shoes and brought them to a mirror like finish. One of them was just in time for my wedding. Thanks Tony. Look forward to many more shines! read more

These guys are the best. If you want a professional shoe shine in Washington, DC, there is no better place to get it. There are about 5 regular folks who work the three chairs they have. All of them are uniformly excellent. In addition to a great shine, all of the folks who work there are pleasant and more than happy to engage the customers in conversation. They take pride in their work. Regardless of what the customer's shoes look like coming in, they always look good on the way out. Frankly, some of the customers I have watched getting shines would have been better off buying a new pair of shoes than trying to shine the miserable excuse for shoes that they wore in. Nonetheless, the shine staff persevere and do wonders. read more

Excellent work and friendly staff; the whole service is great. Shoes now look fantastic. Best shoe shine in DC!

I am new to D.C. and didn't know where to get my shoes shined. Luckily, I went to Union Station Shoe Shine. Dave shined my shoes, and has been shining the District's shoes for 30 years. Highly recommend! read more

These guys are unbelievably good. I brought in a pair of leather boots and ballet flats that were in such bad shape, I was ready to get rid of of them. I brought them in of the off-chance they could be salvaged and couldn't believe how good they looked when I left! Very reasonable, too. read more

Didn't know my shoes could shine like that. And the gentleman who worked on my shoes assured me that he could not only bring them back to life, but he would make them look like they just came out of the box at the shoe store. I had these black wing-tips for 8yrs and hadn't had the time to get them shined. I was actually embarrassed by the condition they were in. Trust me, they needed a lot of work. I actually was going to get rid of them. I'm so glad I didnt. They actually look better than when I bought them. . Kevin, did an amazing job and I will be bringing him all of my shoes to take care from now on. Thank you Union Station Shoe Shine. read more

Stopped by because of the positive reviews on Yelp. I had on a pair of Alden Shell Cordovan 9741 Wingtips. They came from the factory looking ok but I wasn't impressed with the finish. The brother at Union Station Shoe Shine made them look magnificent. I am very happy and I will be making many trips there in the future. read more