When I moved to SF 12 years ago, my wife (then girlfriend) was convinced that to get a good hair cut, you needed to go to a "salon". So to try to prove her wrong, I would alternate between more affordable barber shops and $100+ salons. Finally, I found Abner and she said it had to be a $100 hair cut, so I was hooked. Besides a premium cut for a reasonable price, Abner is a great guy and a fixture in the community. It's fun sitting in his chair and seeing families who have grown up getting their hair cut by him or his mom, with this location having opened in 1986. read more

I've been going to Abner's for over 15 years. Both Mary and Abner have always got me the cut I wanted. The vibe is very chill and it feels like home. I will continue to support them for as long as I stay in SF! read more

How have I ignored this place since it's right around the corner? I miss my barber from my youth on Primrose in Burlingame. That guy had it all ... handlebar mustache, Playboy magazines all over ... I was lucky to see Mary one early Sunday morning when I didn't have to be at work at the crack of dawn. I'm not picky about my haircut so long as it looks decent. She's normally by herself so you may be in for a wait. She expertly got the clippers out and went to work on my mop. We chatted a bit about the place, and Abner and what he's up to. It was a bit of a shock to feel the hot lather as she took a straight razor to the back of my neck and sideburns, but I have to admit, it felt pretty good. The razor could be a bit sharper as I felt some pulling and tugging, but now my hair looks a lot cleaner, and more wash and go. At $16 it may be about what you might pay for a higher end place, but it's worth it to go to a local business. read more

Mary and her son Abner are two of the kindest Barbers in Town and they Give a Great Haircut! I've been going to them for 10+years. Location is great, parking is easy and the haircuts are fantastic! Mary really knows how to do a great job at cutting hair. read more

Abner and Mary have been cutting my hair for the better part of 12 years. I can't imagine anyone else cutting my hair on the regular. I've seen them cut all sorts of styles on all ages. They're a versatile bunch, able to cut how you like. The caveat there is, you have to tell them how you like it - simply going in and being vague about your cut is gonna result in a bad cut (though now that I think about it, that's pretty much true everywhere). Over time they learn from their regulars about what they like and what works well - nowadays when I get walk in, we talk more about my kids and Mary's grandkids than hair, and I think that's just terrific. They don't take reservations, or offer any kind of pampering or beverage or swanky treatment (so, if you get there late on a weekend morning, bring a book). In fact, they're decidedly, almost intentionally, no-frills. They're just no-nonsense barbers, you know? You sit down, they cut hair, they shave the back of your neck and your face, they trim eyebrows, and then you get out. There's nothing special or gimmicky or frou-frou there, so if the experience you're looking for has a glass of whisky and manly men shaving men in a fancy place, best keep looking. Their cuts are low-priced by general comparison (owing I think to the complete lack of Fancy Pants anything): when I started going there I remember thinking "this is a haircut worth twice as much!". They've since raised their prices, and it's still hekka worth it. read more

Over due for a haircut. Have driven past this place for twenty years plus. Stopped in was glad I did. After a short wait I got just the cut I was after. The lady who cut my has hair has been here for 17 years. Old school Barber for sure. Complete with straight razor shave and massage. Will be back for sure. read more

Abner's Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great service with a skilled barber. Prices aren't too high either. I'll for sure be going back!

Sergio is hands down the best barber I have ever had the pleasure of receiving a haircut from. He embodies the true meaning of being a master barber. His level of professionalism exceeded all expectations. He accommodates all of his clients to the fullest while also engaging in intriguing conversations. Serg is extremely personable, he remembers details of individuals personal lives along with the exact way they like their hair cut. His attention to detail is unmatched and the extent of his knowledge of the barbering industry is nothing short of amazing. It is a privilege to have Serg as my barber. Thank you for all that you do! read more

Abner's Barber Shop - Before - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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In an effort to recreate the nostalgia from the time of my grandparents, tons of barber shops now offer whiskey and beer. They put a hot towel on your neck to make your pores open up and make you sleepy. They straight razor your neck and trim your beard and give you that high and tight comb-over that ever other dude in this city with horn-rimmed glasses has. And thats fine. And then they charge at LEAST 40 bucks for it. Fantastic. I'm not a super-fashionable man. I don't really care about the whiskey and beer. I'm just trying to get my hair cut. To me, its maintenance. And I don't want to drop a ton of money for it. So I hit the streets in search of a shop that would give me a quality cut for a lower price tag. I stumble upon Abner's. I checked the spot out on yelp real quick and saw a ton of positive feedback, and that was enough for me to walk in the door. And there is Mary. Cutting away. I'm stoked to see the price's on the wall - Mens Cut - SIXTEEN DOLLHAIRS. Thats right. $16. Maybe I was a little nervous - I mean, a 16 dollar cut in San Francisco is like smoking a drag from a cigarette you found in the gutter, right? NOPE. I got my cut, which was done with skill and precision, got the back of my neck straight-razored, and got to watch a shitty Cuba Gooding Jr. movie. Of Neal McDonough, Mary says "That blonde man always plays the Devil." And have no fear - when something crazy happens in the movie, Mary stops cutting before she checks out the screen. I was so happy with the service and price that I tipped over 50%. Mary was happy. I was happy. And then we both got on with our lives. read more

Need haircut. Bernal. Ponder. Yelp. Abner's. Safeway free parking. Premises? A degree of vintageness - look, a barber pole! But one that no longer feels the compulsion to rotate illuminatedly. I walk in (ding a ding) and proprietress Maria is seated in one of her chairs, doing exactly what I would be doing if I had no customers - nothing. "Take a seat.." Vintage red leather chairs with handles and footrests that are tilted the wrong way. "So what do you want?" touching me on the head. "Well, I'd like a haircut." "Tapered on the back?" "Sure." In front of me is a TV (there is also a stereo on a wood cabinet). I was going to ask her to turn the tube off, but then it was msnbc with a segment about presidential prospects. I half watch and half gaze out of the window as Maria gets to work with the electric clippers. Ahhh. The catharsis of sudden, momentary hair loss. "How long has this place been here?" "Since '86." It still has a lot of vintage accouterments and an old-timey vibe. There is no escaping the me in the mirror in front of me. Maria's eyebrows are painted on. Seeing Obama and Clinton on the box sparks Maria to ask me what I think of Obama. We discuss pres. candidates, the BushCo cabal, abortion, if that would influence her vote (I was bold enough to ask after I saw the image of The Head of Hejus sticking out of her purse) and Children Left Behind (her grandchildren ask her for lunch money). I enjoyed Maria's lambasting of BushCo, congress, Iraq ("Oh my God..."), how many more months we have of chimp as president and the straight razor and shaving cream shave above the ears. Cloth towel and hot water (vs. paper and cold) would have been nice.. So why only four stars? Weeeel my resultant headtop is a smidge too Arthurian. I'll bump to five if we get better results next time with a more severe attack using the maroon electric clippers. read more

If Abner's mother is not in, I walk on by. I will go scruffy until she returns. But if she is there, it's time for a regular haircut. I've often wondered if I should "graduate" to a salon cut. But Abner Jr.'s mom uses hot shaving cream and a straight edge on my neck afterwards, and it feels sooo good. Then she trims my eyebrows (!!!) and massages my scalp. Poker is her favorite TV show, and it's usually on when I'm there. It costs 16.00, so I hand her a 20.00 and tell her to keep the change. All the neighborhood guys and the kids from Archbishop Riorden are in there, waiting for cuts after me. And my cut? Perfect. read more

Abner's is cool. Great place to get a fade. However it's too far for me these days and they keep raising their prices. Don't get me wrong though, they do great fades. read more

I've been coming here since I can remember. If you want a basic trim or shave go to Mary. If you're looking for an excellent and precise fade go to Abner. Go on a Friday or Saturday and expect to wait at least 20 minutes for your turn, it is well worth the wait. Cash only - plenty of ATMs in the area, one right next door. Avoid the metered parking and go up Virginia/Coleridge to find residential parking. Keep up the fine work Abner and Mary! Update: Abner accepts cards. If only Mary working, cash only, Wells Fargo and Bank of America ATMs within a block. read more

Abner's is one of my favorite local businesses. Abner and his mom both do a great job on skin fades and tapers. It's a real, City barbershop. 3 big old tube TV's sit in front of 3 old, classic, barber chairs. You'll watch the Giants game, or the Price is Right, while you chat with your barber about sports, politics, the City, or just life in general. I come here regularly once a week to tighten up my skin fade. They are both pro's with a straight razor and shave your neck with warm shaving cream and cold steel; it feels amazing! if you've never had someone shave you with a straight razor, try it. cut's are only $16, so the Price really IS Right! I always tip $4 and hand them a $20. It's a family business, and we need to keep more of those in our neighborhoods. I'll keep supporting Abner's as long as I can. -Cheers read more

Old school with razor. I liked that he used scissors and comb. The older man who cut my husband's hair was seriously focused and I appreciated his attention to detail. He didn't speak one word throughout the cut until the end -- my husband is appreciative of this as he prefers quiet, minimal chatting during his cut. Lines were flawlessly clean. Haircut was handsome. No frills shop. Seemed like we were the only non-gangster-like clients in the shop that afternoon. Cuts are $16. So, $20 out-the-door for a clean, professional, no-fuss cut. Will return. read more

I walked in today for a trim. What a great cut I got. I told the lady barber to give me a trim. Then I told her I wanted an Italian look. Short in the back, long in front so I can slick it back. She gave me the exact haircut I asked for and wanted. I haven't been in there for a while and now I'm going to be a regular. Good job! read more

Abner's Barber Shop - Best old school barber shop on the west side of Bernal. - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really, 4.5 stars??!! My husband and son needed their hair cut today (Monday). Its hard to find a barber shop open on Monday, their regular barber wasn't available. So my hubby yelped Abner's... the reviews were good enough to try it out. My husband calls me when he's done and told me he was so mad, that the lady f'd up his hair really bad, I've never heard him this upset over a haircut. How could you mess up a simple fade?(His fade looks like a faded mullet. Hairs are uneven all over the place). He goes back into the shop, and the lady attempted to fix it, only to make it worse. My sons, hair looked nothing like when he goes to a REAL barber shop. His hair always looks clean and even, this time it wasn't. His taper on his fore head was uneven. Honestly, maybe Mary needs to get her eyes checked. I am looking at my poor husband as I type this. He will be wearing a hat for the next two weeks... poor guy! read more

I called early in the morning around 10 AM to try to make an appointment for 11 AM so only a hour later. They said there was no one there and to just come down and they'd be able to squeeze me in. After I made the 20 min drive from the sunset I was shocked to find out that there was a huge closed sign in the window as if they had decided to leave early that day. read more

Went there for a hair and beard trim, knowing that I'm mostly bald. They wanted to charge me the full "haircut" price, nearly 40 bucks with the beard trim. "We have rent to pay my friend", she said. Well so do I. Just moved 1 block from their shop. Was thinking it would be my spot for my weekly trim. Well they lost a weekly client. read more

By far the worst haircut (and customer experience) I've ever had. The woman barely looked at my head as she hacked away at it with her clipper and scissor: she was far too preoccupied with what was on TV. She also left halfway through the cut to grab something she left in her car and to talk on the phone about the TV show she was watching while she randomly made the motions of a haircut you'd expect from a two year old pretending. I was the only person in the shop and my basic men's haircut took 50 minutes. She didn't even bother cutting what she couldn't easily reach. I'm on my way to a trained barber to get it fixed now. Steer clear. read more

It's been years since I had a professional haircut because once my brother started doing hair I just had him do it. But I was getting shaggy, and had just arrived in S.F. for a week of pleasure; no time to be all unkempt. It was during a serendipitous moment when I said I had to find a decent hair stylist nearby to tame this mane and my brother happened to have just gotten his hair cut. Being a stylist himself, he knows what it takes to do a good job, and he told me to see Abner because he was fantastic. This small storefront is unassuming and very much an old-school generic barber shop. You aren't lured in by a fancy waiting area, or massaging chairs, or whatever else is in modern salons these days. This is one of those "the work speaks for itself" kind of spots. I didn't just want a haircut, though; I wanted a straight razor shave. Abner said he wasn't the best one with the blade there. That honor went to his mother, who appeared to be coasting along nicely in her... 70s, maybe? She lathered me up with the hot soap (and it is HOT) and started slicing away. A razor shave is exhilarating if you've never had one before; knowing a slip of the hand from some stranger could end your life, or at the least make a mess of your day. She only nicked me a few times. Honestly, my razor at home does a fine job. I just wanted to see if a straight razor shave was better or not. Abner is a speed demon once he gets cutting. The man is precise, and he is extremely efficient. This guy knows the key to getting people in his chair: getting the one currently sitting in it out. I told him what I wanted and he went into Edward Scissorhands mode, cutting and chopping and buzzing like a well-oiled machine until I was done. And all for around half the cost of a more modern joint. How can you beat it? read more

Best old school barbershop! Sergio did a great razor fade and shave ,he told me sergs fade will get me lade! Ha, he was rite.Abner and Mary also do great work and a regular cut starts at $25 no bad for city .very friendly and professional , read more

The best hair cut a man can get... ask for serg. The man goes all out to make sure you look good. Very passionate and the quality level speaks for itself. read more

Don't go for the shave. I got butchered. So much blood loss that I need to sleep for a few weeks. And lots of hairs were missed, it was really patchy. read more

Abner's Barber Shop - Post-shave - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really bad uneven cut by the old lady. Have to get it fixed now. Though it was OK when my hair was full of gel but there are long uneven strands sticking out. read more

Abner's is one of the filipino barbershops that take pride in classic haircuts, such as Ivy leagues or gentlemen's cuts (comb over) and it very worth it for those who are much more into those types of cuts. Fades and tapers are good but when it comes to parting it isn't really something they do but Abner will make the effort in seeing what he can do. The prices changed over the years but the price is still well worth it. Plus there is parking across the street (Safeway) but I've seen customers and even Mary's car get towed. read more

This shop is operated by Abner's ex-wife, but she can cut just as good. Be real specific with her especially for your fades and lines. If Abner's shop at Top of the Hill is too busy, come down to this one. read more

I'm not monogamous when it comes to getting my haircut. I get itchy, know I need a cut and find something. This about to change. I've been to Abner's 4 times and each time have gotten an absolute perfect fade haircut from Abner. A completely unsuspecting place, offering a high quality haircut for a decent price. Give it a shot. I may just commit. read more

I am from the Los Angeles area and I needed a haircut while I was visiting San Francisco. I saw this barber shop and figured I would roll the dice. This place reminded me of a barber shop from the 60's. I got a great haircut, nice and clean. It was cheap and the quality was compared to top notch barber shops by my house in Los Angeles. I appreciated the fact that my hair was given the same amount of attention and care that regulars would seem to obtain. Had great conversation and I am usually disappointed with the outcome rather than experience but was surprised to discover I loved my haircut as well. This place doesn't need bells or whistles. Tip well the cut is only 16$ and it includes a straight razor on the neckline. I'll be back next time. read more

I got love for this spot. It's been around for a while and its family owned. $20 for haircut is reasonable in this day in age and the service - usually is pretty good. I typically go on Sunday's b/c they are open and its less crowded. For a quick cut, a cool line-up, I wouldn't say its the worst place to come get a cut. It is a try, and the older lady is always so nice and willing to make sure your happy with your cut. read more

An old school barbershop for a clean and simple haircut. Walked in on a Tuesday with no wait. Mary took her time to make me pogi with a skin fade. Only thing is parking, but it's right by many bus stops. read more

great place for a cut, fade, or shave! mom gets down. abner is a great barber! every time i go find parking with ease and mostly wait for about 15-20 mins. i call ahead to find out how many people are waiting. see u soon mom! price is fair.... its ur hair you wanna look good right? read more

Abner's Barber Shop - waiting for mom to cut me down! - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

When I was out here I needed to get a cut because my shit began to look janky. Coincidentally enough Alex L. convinced me to try this place since he cited a NY barber shop that I know all too well. Abner is the first barber ever to cut my hair and I didn't shave mall hairs all over the damn place. This takes talent as I can get the best taper, but I always have to wash my hair immediately after. Abner is methodical and takes his time. It turned out to be a taper that I had no issues with and would most definitely come back here when I'm on Mission. read more

Good barber shop. Friendly people who can do a good haircut for $16. They are not usually busy so no reservations are needed. I highly recommend. They also do shaves. read more

Abner barbers is a great shop! I got a great 0 fade here and they were happy to take me as a walk in! !! Thanks for the great service and cut! read more

I have been going here for 3 years. They definitely do a great job with a razor. I have tried various other places and always get disappointed. I drive into SF now just to get my haircut there as I now live in the easy bay. read more

Abner and Mary to great old school Barbers. Open 7 days a week which is very convenient. Hard to find Barbershop that still uses straight razor and does a clean taper. read more

Worst place ever to get a haircut.The lining was horrible and the haircut overall.The woman Mary concentrates more on the tv than cutting hair.worst haircut ever and would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

I went in asking for a pretty normal medium-short hair cut, longer on top and shorter on the sides and they gave me a borderline buzzcut. Same length everywhere and way way too short. I can't really even go get it fixed somewhere else because the hair is too short to really change in any way. Don't go here. read more

My son went here for a haircut and I could have done a better job with a weed wacker. The lady cutting his hair was so occupied with the tv that she managed to cut his nose. He literally had blood running down his face. No concept of a hairline or a line up. By far the worst haircut and customer service. read more