I let my hair grow out for 6 months then cane to Salvatore and he did a perfect cur. Looks just like the picture I showed for reference and he does it all with scissors old-school. Highly recommend. The best haircut I've had in years. read more

I did raise some concerns about the way my haircut turned out, especially the fact that the sides weren't trimmed enough, which made my head seem extra wide. The barber was insistent that it was great and he stands by all his work. When I got home my wife asked if she could fix my hair. That doesn't feel very good after paying $50 + tip. read more

I've been trying to reach the phone number for a week, during business hours to confirm my appointment time since I can't go online to check. no one picks up and they don't take messages. I walked down to the shop couple of times but no one there. This was supposed to be my first time but I'm not sure about it now. read more

Literally booked an appointment...got confirmation...showed up and the placed looked empty. 100% sure it's the new location too. Tried calling the number, no one picked up. Like what.... read more

Sal is the greatest -- he's back up and running after COVID and man am I glad to have him back. I've not found another barber in this city with his level of attention to detail and excellence in his craft. There is a reason why he books up well in advance. read more

It's true that it's hard to get an appointment, but man oh man is it worth it! Sal is precise, fast, a great conversationalist, and a cultural part of Portrero Hill. I recommend you book in advance. Although I did get lucky one afternoon when I dropped in and he saw me right away. read more

It took me over a year to find someone who could cut my hair in San Francisco. I tried all the barber shops on Polk Street near my office, and was majorly disappointed. Sal understands my hair style, and has never disappointed. He is very old school, but knows his stuff, and is also very personable. I have been going to him for over a year and a half, and would highly recommend Sal. He does tend to book out very quickly ( no walk-ins), so I would schedule your appointment in advance if you do decide to try him out. read more

5 stars!! After going through a bunch of quite pricey hair salons in the Marina, I found this barber shop on Yelp and gave it a try. Since then I've never looked back and at this point I've been a monthly customer of Sal's barber shop for more than a year already. Every single time I get a haircut, I have an outstanding experience: * small, one man shop which makes you feel comfortable and allows for personal conversations * high quality, old school interior which puts you into the right mood * no wait time as Sal has always been on time so far (given his busy schedule that's quite an achievement) * great conversations without exception (in my books Sal is a contender for "the most interesting man in the world") * consistently best haircuts I've ever gotten in my entire life * reasonably priced Overall, Sal is an authentic and interesting guy who has perfected his craft of a timeless high quality gentleman's haircut. It's a pleasure being one of his customers and while I'm going to move away from SF soon, I'll try to plan accordingly to get an appointment once I'm back in the city. As many others have mentioned already, if you're looking for a hipster haircut with shaved sides, better go somewhere else. That's just not his style. read more

This is less of a barbershop and more of a barber museum where you can get a haircut. Calling Sal a barber isn't really accurate; he's more of a hair scientist. This guy thinks about hair like the guy from "a beautiful mind" thought about math. He asks a lot of questions to get inside your head and try to figure out what you want while at the same time balancing what you think you want with what will actually work best for you. It's a pretty intense experience. read more

After the haircut, my friends comments were: "When are you going to get a haircut" "Your hair looks fluffy" That's embarrassing... I went for a haircut last week at 1512 Barber Shop and did not have a good experience. He spent less than 15 minutes cutting my hair and gave me a "business cut" (translation: the no-style haircut). He didn't seem interested in what would look good on me and brushed off my suggestions by giving long winded answers. It was the first time in my life that I had to fix a bad haircut by going to another barber. Maybe he was having an off-day, but certainly ruined my day. read more

Up until this year, I never grew out any sort of facial hair, mainly because I can go 3-4 days without shaving and still look like a prepubescent teenage boy. This past January I was in Seattle for a long weekend and decided to let it all go, quit shaving and see what happens. You know what happened? Eventually, I had the makings of a beard. Not the full, bushy Bear beard that my good friend Leanne loves, but some decent scruff nonetheless. As summer wore on, I kind liked it - not only did I get more attention than normal (Did it make me look younger? Older? Smarter?) but the whole not shaving thing was really growing on me! Now that the Giants have won the World Series I figured it was a good time to get rid of the playoff beard and see bare skin on my face again. Since my shaving motor skills have deteriorated completely, I put my face in the trusted hands of Sal at 1512 Barber Shop. I'm not gonna lie, I couldn't get Sweeney Todd out of my head as he was going to town on my face, and it did hurt quite a bit once he was finished (my skin is really sensitive and was super dry and irritated under the scruff) But he gave me a super close shave that I never would have been able to obtain on my own. I also got a haircut from Sal and spent a grand total of $60 pre tip for both. A $40 shave is a luxury that I can't imagine having often but I'll gladly come back to see Sal the next time I need a close shave. read more

Best haircut I have ever gotten. Sal and four generations of his family have been cutting hair. He knows his stuff and often will tell you more about your own hair then you ever knew. The line that sums him up is one he often says on your first visit, "Most people don't know how their hair should look, rather they are told by average barbers what number they are. I look at the jaw bone, facial structure and your personality when you enter the door to cut your hair the way you will look the best." Been going to him for a six months now and love him. Only thing is that he is so busy you need to book him 3 weeks in advance but be warned once he cuts you're hair you will wait that time period if not longer to have him do it again. read more

After stints on Guiding Light, One Life to Live, Dallas, and other soap operas, Sal has gone back to his first love, cutting hair. Just playing!!! As far as I know Sal's never been an actor but when I first saw him, I thought I saw him on one of those soap operas. I've been going to my man Sal for almost a year. NO ONE takes their craft as serious as Sal. He is so focused man. He doesn't watch bootleg DVD's or talk to his girl on the phone while he cuts your hair. He actually talks to you about what he is doing with your hair. Wow, what a concept...Unfortunately, most barbers I know hate their job and don't say a word but Sal's love for his craft really comes across. Plus he shaves your neck with a straight razor and some warm shaving cream. Feels great. He knows more about shaving than Art of Shaving or anyone out there. Gillette you need to get at him. What's not to like about a guy that is a straight razor connoisseur?? Make an appointment. I can not emphasize that enough. I feel sorry for you if you try to walk in without one. read more

It sounds like everyone reviewing this place is in the exact same spot as I was...a straight guy, wanting a simple men's cut and not wanting to pay a day's salary for it. Well, Sal's is my new place. For years, I have been going to a local barber in the sunset, and she has been doing an alright job, but since I moved to the Hill, I needed a local cutter. Sal's shop is like a barber shop of yester-year with the glass display case with OG barber's tools and black and white photo's on the wall. Simple 2 chair shop with mirrors all over, and usually a few starbucks cups on the counter. Sal told me more about my hair than I ever knew. In a nutshell, it would seem as if my hair as been getting cosmologically raped for years. He was like a frickin CSI guy for my hair talking about the way it grows out and lays and all sorts of stuff that I would have never known. He was dead on schedule as the website books you in 30 minute blocks, and he was like 24 min and 33 seconds, mainly because we were chatting it up about politics, current events and my hair being abused (see cosmologically raped above). Bottom line, if you are a guy and need a GUYS cut, sal is your guy! Highly recommended read more

In this city, you've pretty much got TWO options: Either some $10 special in a chop shop from a student who doesn't know what they're doing, or a $50 cut at a salon fully intent on fancy-pantsing you (which is fine, I guess, if you're gonna ask them to frost your tips or something). There just didn't ever seem to be a real option between. After a few bad haircuts, I got skittish & desperation led me to the tipping point: Asking friends to cut my hair. Which was spotty at best, as you can imagine. I hadn't gotten a decent & affordable haircut since I moved here three years ago, but I needed a nice, responsible, respectable, ADULT cut (as it was the day before I was going to meet my girlfriend's parents for the first time & my hair was a gotdamn mess), & I heard about 1512. I made an appointment & Sal cleaned it up nicely & gave me a solid cut for $20. The man is an artisan, & he's very serious about his craft. You'll know what I mean once you've gone. You should call a few days in advance, as this place is appropriately busy. Highly recommended... read more

Very very high end professional barber. A bit too high end. I was looking for a new barber since the ones I've tried in the city so far really sucked. Quick service at times, but just poor worksmanship. Salvatore (Sal) is a very detail oriented barber and a nice fellow. He typically works by appointment so I was lucky to do a mid-afternoon walk-in. I will be going back to Sal regularly. Its hard to find quality men's haircutters that aren't fluffy salon's nowadays. read more

Sal is an artist and a professional with a very refined sense of hair aesthetics and an impressive pedigree. He's also a very good conversationalist. After my first visit I went home, got online, and immediately booked two haircuts and a shave between now and my August wedding. (Fast-forwarding to the present, in an ultra-classy move, he comped me the shave, which was more of an education and an intermediate step in controlling the growth of my facial hair than a final step in wedding-day grooming.) In any case, worth every penny (and he's not even expensive). Enough said. read more

When a client recommended Sal's shop, I booked an appointment, two weeks in advance. Before I showed up, I did a little research on Wikipedia, sort of wanted more info about straight edge shaves since I'd never seen that service offered (in my entire life). My high-and-tight haircut was great - no complaints at all - but the shave...the shave. This is truly a lost art. Kicking back in silence, all lathered up with warm shaving cream, draped in hot towels, and groomed, one whisker at a time. Definitely one of the highlights of my month. This place should be like a historical landmark or something. read more

Sal is the man. There's a lot of "old-school barber shops" in the city, but this is an old school barber shop, no quotes needed. Great haircut (he'll edge you up with a straight razor and shaving foam), great conversations, great atmosphere. Make sure you book your appointments well in advance, because everyone knows how good he is and he books up quickly. Ask him about his distillery as well- he makes great booze (make sure you congratulate him on getting distribution; I picked up some of his whiskey at BevMo). He's crazy passionate and knowledgeable about the science behind crafting alcohol. I live on the other side of town now so I don't see him anymore, but if you want a great haircut in a real barbershop, Sal is the guy for you. Thanks for all the great cuts, Sal. read more

Best. Barber. Shop. Ever. Honestly, I hate getting my hair cut. Nothing is worse. Why do they always ask you what you want done with your hair? I spend 99.9% of my life not thinking about how to cut hair. Conversely, 99.9% of their time is thinking about precisely what to do with hair. Shouldn't they decide? They're the ones with a comparative advantage in this field. So, by the grace of God, I've stumbled across my perfect barber. I walked in, Sal asked about my hair, immediately sensed my hybrid of apathy and utter confusion while considering an answer and asked, 'Medium?' I said, 'Sure.' For all I knew, I was ordering a Coke at McDonald's. Twenty minutes later, I walked out only twenty dollars lighter and very content. Over the course of the cut, Sal also elaborated on the emotional disposition of pit bulls, the state of bums in SF and where I could find a Nintendo Wii in stock. Simply put, best hair cut ever. read more

For the first 25+ years of my life, I did the Supercuts thing - good price, but inconsistent results ranging from adequate to "Uh, why don't you just go ahead and shave it". Before I got married in 2008, my wife made me step up to the plate for a "big boy" haircut, which looked great but cost me $80. I have maybe three inches of hair on my head, so the ROI wasn't exactly justified. That's when I found Sal's 1512 Barber Shop, which is the best of both worlds. Good, predictably solid haircut at a more than reasonable price. Good guy to boot, so I'll keep coming back as long as I can find appointments on his always busy calendar. Booking is done through an easy online system. Weekend/evening slots fill quickly, so book ahead. Two other conveniences to note: 1) He takes credit cards, which a lot of the "old school" barbers don't. 2) Parking is easy. Lots of metered parking right out front on Pine. His place is not convenient to my apartment, so this is a huge plus. Highly recommended all around. read more

After half a year of bi-monthly haircuts from Sal, I'm confident that he's a master of his trade. Prior to moving to San Francisco and starting up at 1512 Barber Shop, I'd lived in a variety of metropolitan cities and always taken the time to find and visit the best men's barber. No other barber shop experience came close to the highly skilled technique and clear depth of experience that Sal has. read more

Best haircut ever! Sal is a master at the art and technique of men's shave and haircut. I was impressed to find out that he does not believe in clippers, he is scissors only - that separates him from 95% of people out there. If you are willing to pay a few extra bucks, it is a great investment in yourself. read more

The Barber Shop is GREAT FOR WOMEN TOO! Yes! David Fogle also provides haircuts for women and he is SO GREAT!!! David is the answer to my "hair prayers". I am very picky & have too many bad hair stories to tell, but not with David. He is awesome! He used to be at Di Pietro Todd & I am so glad he has moved to the Barber Shop. A quaint, cozy little place with nice vibes . I appreciate how David is meticulous & attentive to detail. When I am with him, I feel like he genuinely cares about my experience and always gives his best. He listens to what I ask for and has the skill to make it happen. Whether I feel like having a classic cut or want to "funk it up a little", he is totally comfortable & capable either way. David is an artist. He loves and understand hair, how it works, how it flows and how it grows. His cuts always seem to grow out well & that confirms his genius! Just got another haircut from him & my experience is consistent. People always say "Wow, cute hair cut!" : ) If you have that sinking feeling of "I wish I could get a great haircut" but don't know where to go and who to trust - I highly recommend David Fogle at the Barber Shop for both men & women. PS: And by the way, his rates are great! I have paid over a hundred dollars in fancy salons for haircuts that didn't come close to David's. read more

After growing a beard for the better part of the spring semester I decided to treat myself with a straight razor shave once the term ended. It was my first time under the blade and since 1512 came so highly recommended I went with them. I called to make an appointment with Sal about a week and a half in advance (you can make on-line appointments for a haircut or a shave & a haircut, but not just a shave). He's a third-generation barber whose family has cut hair in San Francisco for decades. Sal is intimidating yet cool. Intimidating, since he's wielding a straight razor, yet cool since it's a straight razor, people, and how cool is that? The first thing I did upon entering was take off my jacket and hat and nod to the guy finishing up. I said probably three words to him during the first 30 minutes I was there. Granted, when someone is running a razor-sharp blade over your neck and face you might want to stay perfectly still too! Here's how the process works: First, you sit in the old-school barber chair. Sal clipped my beard off and then began to prep. He tilted the chair back and coated what was left of my beard with shaving cream. Then he covered my face with a steaming hot towel. He repeated this two or three times before starting with the razor. The whole shave took almost an entire hour. While it was not the closest shave I've ever had in my life it was the most involved. The man has the hands of surgeon and a blade to match. After he finished I shone like a new nickle! Be sure to ask Sal about his whiskey preferences. I got a great recommendation from him before leaving. A real treat. Too pricey ($40 for the shave) to make a regular habit but I can see myself making a visit for special occasions. read more

I rarely ever will write a 5 star review. Sal gets it. If you have never had a straight blade ending to your haircut - you need to try this. Sal is very professional and takes his time. UPDATE:Parking is great here- tons of metered spots in front. Use Sal's online appt system for a non hassle booking. read more

I don't know what the deal is with Ian's review, but come on... Giving one star because you can't get an appointment?! There is a week wait because Sal gives a great haircut and he's fun to talk to. The reservations are so easy to make. It's all online and super simple. You don't even need to call in. The fact that it is a small space with only one cut at a time and one barber is what I love about the place. I've been going to see Sal for a year now and as long as I live in The City I'll be coming here. It's not just a great haircut at a fair price, it's having the relationship with the barber. You won't get that at most places. After my first cut I never had to describe what I wanted done. There's only one chair and mellow jazz and a great way to relax and chat with Sal. I like picking up the conversation where we left off last time I visited and he always remembers what is going on with his customers. You don't see this type of pride in one's work anymore. For people like Ian, Supercuts is always open. If you want a great cut, some friendly conversation and a chill atmosphere, then Sal's your guy. Just remember to go online and book a reservation. It's easy to do and he is always on time. read more

This is a Man's Barbershop, run by a true old wold king, Salvatore. Even the name speaks of the old school class held in this establishment, a class that seems to have been lost outside those doors decades ago. What kind of baber shop is booked out weeks in advance? The good kind. It's appointment only, and the online appointment program is pretty good. When you walk in the place is small, with great jazz playing over the radio. What you see in the picture is about the size of it, plus two wicker waiting chairs. But when you see one person at a time, on appointment, do you really need a lot of room? No, you don't. It took about 3/4 of the time to do the shave, but it's elaborate. An incredible ritual that let's you know why the girls pamper themselves in spas. Hot towels and creams and more hot towles... perfectly cooled as not to burn the face. I walked in with a kneck shaving irritation that had been bothering me for years. Everytime I shaved it got worse. Salvatore fixed me right up, explained the issue, what was causing it, and recommendations on razors and how to shave so it wouldn't come back. Stuff you're Dad should have told you, but didn't know because his Dad forgot. My girl loves the new shave. Can't wait to go back. read more

Simply put, Sal is a super solid barber. Notice that my alliteration avoided the substitution of stylist. MAKE NO MISTAKE, Sal is not a stylist, he's a barber, and a damn good one for men. How do I know he's a good barber? First and foremost, Sal knows men's hair. My first visit to him last year, I was growing out my hair, going for the "I don't work in the Financial District anymore!" look. Sal chopped off most of my hair, explaining it wasn't healthy, and told me how to take better care of my hair. Massive improvement in hair health since then, thanks to Sal. He also does a great job dealing with my thicker than average and rather wavy hair. I have seen many a barber or stylist fail on my hair while Sal has done a consistent job each time I've visited. It's also just a lot of fun talking to Sal while he does his work. And it's not about your job or sports, it's whatever the hell is on your mind (or his). I cannot recall any barber in my life who went as far away from the typical small talk as Sal. Good times. If you want a barber and not a stylist, check out Sal. Bonus points for easy street parking outside during the day and online booking. I love technology! read more

Without a doubt the best mens barber shop in SF. Its only one guy and he's pretty old school. So this isnt a place to get a fancy haircut. But he cuts yiur hair efficiently and well. He also runs a distillery on the side too. The only downside is that his calendar books up full well in advance. So be warned if you are gonna make this a regular place you are best off booking your next appointment while youmre finishing up the current one. read more

I have lived in San Francisco for a little over a year now, and I finally found a great barber shop. Sal is a very nice guy and is very professional. He told me that the furniture was all custom-made to give it a old-fashioned feel. He definitely pulled it off well. When I go back next time, you'd better believe I am getting a straight-razor shave. read more

I bought my boyfriend a haircut and shave with Sal and, while I wasn't there to witness the magic, he came away happy with the experience. The shave was pretty good and the haircut was also well done. Small place with only two chairs and Sal has a quiet, polite demeanor. It is a peaceful place and I think it's worth a try for guys who are interested in a straight-blade shave. read more

First straight razor shave and it was beyond any expectations I had. I am going to start proper shaving techniques after advice Master Barber Sal shared. This was my favorite hair cut experience and plan to go back. No walk-ins so make sure you book in advance online. read more

1512 Barber Shop - You can see it one way but it feel more than that! - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

1512 Barber Shop - Sal and Alan who use to work at Fred's Barber Shop on Polk Street move to this new location. I have been getting my hair cut by Sal since before the earth quake (no not the 1906 one). Great hair cuts, the only disadvantage for me is that he moved further away from The Cinch, my favorite watering hole on Polk St. Now after a hair cut my buddy Peter and I have to walk a few blocks before we stagger home. read more

So I've been trying to avoid giving 5 stars lately, because I thought I was just throwing them around a bit to often...however this establishment was definitely worth it. I like my barbers to be old school, after all my grandpa was a barber for 50 years, and Sal is definitely old school. He takes his time, does it right, and does a great job to boot. Sal is now officially my barber for as long as I stay here in SF. Plus he has two Harleys, which is a bonus. read more

I'm not totally sold on Sal's haircuts yet, but for ambiance I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. The first time I went in there I didn't get much of a haircut because I had just had it trimmed about 3 weeks earlier and Sal claimed that there wasn't enough for him to "work with" at that time. "Great, another pretentious barber," I though to myself. But Sal was cool enough that I gave him another chance a little over a month later, and that time he did do a pretty damn good job with my by-then much longer hair. I especially appreciate the straight razor trim around the edges and am tempted to go in for a real shave sometime. Sal takes his internet reviews very seriously, specifically from Yelp. That's how I found him in the first place. This is a man's barber shop for real men. Perhaps the most telling sign of that is the barber's respect for my sideburns. NOTHING makes me hate a haircut more than when I tell a barber not to fuck with my sideburns and they still fuck with my sideburns. Hello? Sprechen sie English? Not a problem here. The first time I went in he did mess with them more than I would've liked, but I hadn't said anything to him so he gets a pass. The second time I went in I told him not to fuck with my sideburns and he didn't. I appreciate that. At $25/cut the prices are reasonable, yet still high enough to scare unworthy customers away. Fuck them. They don't know what they're missing, and Sal's so busy that I don't need any extra competition from them trying to snag an appointment. read more

I can't begin to tell everyone how great of an experience this was. I recently moved to the city and was desperately in need of a clean cut. Sal does it right here and he hands down gave me the best haircut of my life. The best thing is, he uses scissors the whole time. I highly recommned Sal and 1512 Barber Shop! read more

Do you want your hair cut? Do you want it cut to look good that day and for weeks to come? Do you want a classic look delivered from an old school master barber who doesn't bullshit about what he does and what you need? Salvatore at 1512 Barber Shop is your man! Personally, I've had endless challenges with other barbers due to my very curly hair. I went in to see Sal and from the first cut, I was hooked. He's also great to chat with while getting your cut. Unless you want to talk about the latest hipster trends that is, cuz did I mention, he's classy old school? Not flashy trendy. P.S. I almost didn't write this review because I don't want too many more people competing for appointments. This guy is booked up well in advance for a reason! read more

I moved to San Francisco, and I didn't have a barber. I was walking around, and found the 1512 barbershop. One session, Sal set me straight. He fixed how my hair style should look at my current age. I've seen Sal 4 times... he's always on time. He's efficient. He's a fair business man, and an awesome barber. read more

I was looking for a barber (always scary) since I'm new to the city and decided, based on these reviews, to give the 1512 Barber Shop a try. I was not disappointed. Walk-ins are accepted, but do yourself a favor and make an appointment with Sal. The man is dedicated to his craft and will make absolutely sure to cut your hair how YOU want it. Its friggin' cheap too. I will never try another barber - barring some mind blowing event... or I move again. read more