Hi quality. Friendly. Easy to get an appointment. I speak Russian and so does the barber so I can especially enjoy my time there

I've been going to Alton for a year, after a couple of years going to a larger, more visible business. It's always been friendly and efficient. I phone before coming, and I've never had a wait. I'm not a connoisseur of barber shops; I'm writing the review particularly to alert readers to the fact that the Yelp reviews are all old. Val is currently the only barber working there. The negative reviews (and many of the positive ones as well) are not relevant to the current operation. read more

I always get my hair cut here. Comfortable, friendly, good job, reasonable price. I recommend it.

I showed up w/o an appointment and thankfully they could take me. Irina was very nice, asked about what I wanted, every single time she was about to cut asked me how I would prefer it. I think the price is a little bit over ($25, $30 plus tip for regular men's cut, no shaving- reason for 4 instead of 5 stars) but for the attention, location and cleanliness it's worth it I'll sure come back again. read more

Alton Barbershop - Business Card! - Barbers Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

EDIT (3 years later): Mike is no longer there, however Val (the other long time barber there) does just as well, in fact probably better! I don't usually write reviews... Though, when I do it's because the place is freaking awesome. I had been going to a expensive hair salon out of fear for my hair being butchered. I was happy with my hair dresser at the time, but the price became overbearing. I figured to suck it up, and try to find a barber. Alton Barber Shop -- I came here after looking up local and reasonably priced barbershops in Brookline that I could easily walk to. Now, after JUST my first visit, I fell in love. The service is unmatched, the price I literally am happy to pay with no issue. The employees - genuinely kind, all very friendly people. PERSONALLY, I myself have developed a attachment to Mike there, but they are all very, very capable and talented men. Then again... In hindsight, his is my first review on yelp... So, yeah, go here. Seriously, go. read more

Have been coming here for 5+ years, and service is always top quality. Friendly barbers with attention to detail. Best barbershop in the Boston area. read more

Haircut my husband got was meh and very overpriced! Next time it's Supercuts; cheaper and friendlier faces!

I've been coming here for about 3 years now. The shop is quiet and clean, and I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes or so. If I'm in a hurry I call ahead for an appointment. All the barbers here are friendly, professional, and very good at what they do. Haircuts are $25, which seems fair to me. I always get a great cut - I'll keep coming back for as long as I live in Boston. read more

If you trust your haircut to Supercuts, don't go to a professional barbershop or compare the two. Otherwise, Val & Co. will take care of you. Speedy and great cuts for my son every time here. Highly recommended. read more

First time customer -- went in from getting awful haircuts at Supercuts. I finally had enough from crappy super cut haircuts and heard about Alton after getting a job in the Coolidge Corner area. If you're looking for a clean, professional, and experienced barbershop go here they will accommodate and take care of any request. Irene is the best and the owner is very friendly. First time, long time customer now. read more

Best hair cut ever!!! I enjoyed the conversation I had . Val is the best. Was right on time with no waiting. Thank you.

This is a great barbershop. I was a little nervous to go off the main street and down the stairs rather than go into a place that I could see into, but I was greeted by a very friendly woman with an eastern european accent. She sort of manages the place while the two barbers work. I've had cuts from both, and I was very pleased in both cases. Right now it costs $20 for a regular cut (I'm a guy, not sure if there's a different price for women.....) One of the three times I've been, I just walked in and waited for a few minutes before they took me. The two other times, I got my act together and called in advance to make an appointment, which I'd recommend, especially on Friday's or the weekend, which Val told me are their busiest times. Another great thing (I'd say the best thing if the haircut itself wasn't the reason I went) is that they have a vibrating back-massage machine that they put on your shoulders after they are finished with your cut and right before you get out of the chair to pay. Just for a minute or so, but it is heaven, oh man, I'm feeling so relaxed right now. Anyway, now that I've found them, I won't go anywhere else. read more

There are a lot better out there. If you do go, ask for Mike. I would also make sure you get the price in advance.

This is the first barber shop, salon, or hair-cutter I have ever been to that actually had a "barbershop" experience with conversation, quality, and value. I would happily pay a little more (plus a tip, since I once worked in a tipping industry and now do so consistently) than the commercial hair-cutters and get a haircut of a significantly higher quality. The bang for your buck on the actual haircut is unrivaled, as is the experience. The fact they do not accept credit cards is not ideal, but there are ATMs all over Coolidge Corner and a little planning in advance takes care of that issue. read more

Alton Barber Shop is an excellent establishment. I read the rest of the reviews here on Yelp and decided to give the place a shot - and I was not disappointed. Sam took this time and gave me a haircut that I really liked. Along with that came a razor shave on my hairline on the back of my head, a head massage (it might have just been to get excess hair out, but it felt good), an offer of a shampoo (which I declined), a machine that massaged my upper back, and gel. The price is a bit high than I'm used to ($25), but I think it was totally worth it. Also: note that they only take cash. I'll definitely be going back. 5/5 read more

This is the only place at which I'll get my hair cut. I was a regular customer of Val, one of the barbers here, at a shop in the South End prior to Alton opening. When I found out Val had left his previous shop, I searched high and wide until I found him. He's still fantastic, offering the same great cut, with the same great service, at a completely affordable price. They offer excellent straight razor shaves in addition to top-notch hair cuts. This is an absolutely fantastic place with top-quality barber service - for which you might pay double in a more fashionable shop - at a local shop. read more

One of the worst experiences I have ever had in a barbershop, and barbershops are fun!!!! The guy was completely rude and unprofessional. I called to make an appointment and he told he I could only go there at 1:30 and no other times were available. I had to cut my trip to Costco short and arrived at 1:30. He had already accepted and started another customer, so I waited. During the time I was there he talked to some more clients on the phone and again he was rude to them. The interesting part was that he was lying to everyone and telling them that he only had open slots for different times for different people. One guy had to be there at 2:30 and for the next one 4:00 was only available. The haircut was a simple supercut style haircut that took at most 10 minutes. Then he told me to pay 25$. 10$ more than supercut, their neighbor but it was their price and I paid that. I didn't tip cause I was not satisfied with his manners and he was totally rude to me. And then he asked me "WHERE ARE YOU FROM, YOU SHOULD BE FROM EUROPE?!" , I responded back "NO,I AM FROM ASIA", wondering why he asked that question. He obviously was not American born, so it was more strange for me. Then he said " IN US YOU HAVE TO TIP, DON'T YOU TIP IN YOUR COUNTRY?" In the most offensive and rude way possible. Long story short, he made a scene and forced me to tip. I AM NEVER GOING BACK and thought you might want to know what kind of people are running that place, so you could chose wisely. read more

Just went in for a haircut. My barber was a friendly Russian man. I didn't catch his name. I think it was Val. He said he had been there about 4 1/2 years. I called at 3:30 and got my cut at 4. He asked what I wanted and cleaned me up in about 20 minutes. $25 charge. Not cheap, but he cut quickly and confidently, and it looks good. I would return. Friendly and competent. read more

Just started going here recently after I moved to the area. I have only had Mike as a barber, and I probably wouldn't use anyone else. He's a master barber and does an excellent fade, which isn't easy to find. The only drawback is they only take cash. Not cheap, but not expensive either. I definitely will keep going back. read more

Stay away from this place. They don't want you and they don't need you. The complete disregard for the customer and hack haircuts are despicable. I'd give this place negative stars if I could. read more

I walked in here with no appointment on a weekend at lunch and they took me within 15 minutes. The place doesn't look like much but these people are 100% pro and just the right amount of friendly (Genuinely nice, not seeming fake or annoying). I hate to say but I don't remember my barbers name (Tan fellow with dark hair and an accent) but I got the best haircut I've had in as long as I can remember. Old school, professional and it shows. I walked out of there feeling like a movie star and got compliments every day for the rest of the week on the cut. No lie. I HIGHLY recommend this shop. read more

Alton Place Barbers gave me exactly what I needed - a basic haircut for an affordable price. No appointment was needed, staff was friendly and competent. read more

I've been coming here for the past year or so. Great haircut!

Alton Barber Shop is the best there is. I followed Mike from his last shop because he is and true artist and student of the grooming industry always looking for ways to improve and hone his craft. All of the staff are high caliber barbers and people, check them out and you'll be hooked. read more

Never go there in your life biggest piece of shit shop I've ever seen ... they said 30$ a haircut and charged me 45$ for the haircut when they were done because they use a razor seriously all they did was give me a lineup no one was at their shop at all I'm going to report them to the city. read more

My 14 yr old son always gets a buzz cut. Since the new owners took over he had been paying $15 which is reasonable for a buzz as he never let's his hair get too long. Last haircut it was all of a sudden $20. As a percentage increase that's significant. Today he went in for a buzz and a shave. Remember he is only 14. It's not like he has a full beard. They charged him $50 for a buzz and a shave for a 14 yr old. That's bad business and we will never return! read more

a pair of excellent barbers, set up in the shop that used to be Manny's (may he rest in peace), near Coolidge Corner. These guys are efficient, experienced and friendly, and you end up with a great hair cut, and it's a good value, to boot. read more

Alton Barber Shop replaced Manuel's and I have to say that the service here is just terrific. I went in for my first visit today and could not have been happier. I was greeted in a very friendly manner, offered a coffee, and immediately sat down. The barber took his time and cut my hair perfectly which is very difficult to do. They also offer a hot shave with a straight blade if you want. This is a real treat as most places do not offer. All this excellent service for $20. I will recommend this place to everyone. read more

No class. I called to set up an appointment for a shave and haircut and was told to come in any time. About 2 hours later I go there and the place is empty not one chair occupied, and I am told I cannot be seen b/c I did not have an appointment. There are too many other excellent shops in Boston to go back there. Definitely avoid and do not trust them. read more

I had just moved here and was looking anxiously for a barber shop I can rely on. Every time. I decided giving Alton's a shot. I called ten minutes before I came to see if he can fit me in and indeed I was in and out in about 10 minutes with a great cut. Although it was pretty expensive ($25) I'll probably come back here. read more

Clipped right over my cowlick so that my hair stuck straight up unless I used lots of gel. I had to wait 3 months for it to grow back. Go to Charlie's in Cambridge. read more

Though a bit surly at times, Alton barber shop is the best place I've found for an affordable cut in Brookline. Val does a really good, clean job. I value when a barber pays attention to the details, and Val does that every time. My cut is simple, but it's incredible how inconsistent cuts can be at the same place - Val at Alton barber shop is super consistent, efficient, and nice. read more

AVOID AT ALL COST! I just got back from trying to have my haircut here. I went in at 1:10 for a 1:30 appointment, and watched the 1 o'clock guy who was late go in front of me, then a 1:15 go in front of me, then also a 1:30 go in front of me because i had to wait on the barber who took the late 1:10. whatever happened to just waiting your turn. the haircuts looked awful and i wouldn't go back if it was free. read more

Ask for Val. Master barber previously at State Street Barbers. I had been looking for him for months and so happy to have finally found him. Consistently excellent haircuts and great service. read more

Even though it's called a baber shop, I have been having my hair cut and highlighted by an amazing hairdresser in the shop for years. Her name is Gulla and her skills are fabulous! She is a perfectionist and totally transforms me at every visit. Skip the fancy places on Newbury and try this hidden jewel. read more

Old school awesome. Hot lather and straight razor for the neck shave. Great cut with an awesome natural fade in the back. Hot towel, back massage machine, the whole nine. This is the real deal. read more

I used to think this was a great barber shop, but I just had an unbelievably bad experience with one of the stylists there. She was so rude to me from the minute I walked in with my daughter, and even though she gave us an appointment, she really did not want to do the haircut. We ended up walking out in disgust, I will definitely not be coming here again. read more

I liked this place. The barbers here have accompanied me from my time with full hair to going bald. The atmosphere is friendly, the barbers know their handiwork, the prices are moderate given the location. That is all there is to say. read more