Best haircut i ever got and im 62! Seth was great. I have lots of cowlicks and he worked right around them. Great place, cool vibe, excellent crew! read more

Mitch did an excellent job with my cut and shave. Highly recommended. Vibe was great as well.

The place has a great vibe and the hair cuts are good. My only suggesting to you guys at Calabrese, is to cut down talking amongst yourselves. I'm just thinking my hair cut is not as good when you are talking consistently while doing it. Maybe it's just me, I can hardly scramble eggs while talking to my wife about the weather :-) read more

Been going here for years and have never been disappointed. Great guys, great vibe, and greatest cuts in town!

This place was recommended me on Instagram for being LGBTQIA+ friendly. Service is great and I love supporting this local barber shop!

Best haircut in the area, hands down. Anyone who is complaining on here about price? $19? Are you insane? That's a great price. Are you here from another time period in some sort of Quantum Leap like situation, and the time you were from was when haircuts were a nickel? No? Okay, stop. And if you're not tipping these barbers, you're a garbage person. Stop complaining. You're getting a haircut that would easily be $45 in Manhattan or $60 in certain areas of gentrified Brooklyn. So like- enjoy it. It's well done. Anyone complaining about the wait? Oh my god, like, how dare anyone make you wait?! HOW DARE THEY? You know why a lot of great (read: every good barber I've ever had, seriously) barbershops don't take appointments? They don't need or want to. You make an appointment and show up late, or worse, not at all? That's money out of the barber's hands because they kept a chair empty for you. Here we have a have a barbershop where it's first come, first serve--- it's a more egalitarian method of making sure that: A. everyone gets a haircut, and B. you're not dicking your barber over because you just had to stop at Rook and get that coffee you like and then your mom called you about "when are you visiting", and then some dude took the parking spot you like, and then you gotta have your mango Juul vaping time bro, and then... oh crap you're 45 minutes late for your cut. Anyone complaining about the atmosphere? So, for better or worse we live in an economic system called capitalism. You should look up how it works, I mean I'm not asking you to read Adam Smith, but like, research econ 101. Thankfully, as part of that system, you can chose to avoid businesses you don't like. So if you hate people being funny, laughing, bs-ing, telling stories, discussing wrestling, or just generally avoiding being soulless automatons- then don't come here. Go find some place at the mall with TV screens in the wall and some kid you think went to high school with your brother, but you're not too sure, sweeping the floors. It's okay- there are a million salons out there with waiting areas you can read a 7 month old issue of Time magazine in. Go there! Google it! Or use Bing because you've made it this far in a Yelp review, so you're probably a dork. You don't like that they don't use foil razors, or do hard parts, or engage in other tonsorial arts that make people aware through your haircut that you are mercifully free of the ravages of intelligence? See my excerpt on economics above. There's a reason haircuts that your grandpa had (and your grandpa could have rocked a sweet pompadour, they're not just for Morrissey---, or a nice undercut, or even a simple "short on the sides, trim on top" sorta thing) are just as relevant today as ever- they look good and can be worn in every situation. There are plenty of dudes out there who will be more than happy to carve a flying baseball with the Mets logo in your head, and more than enough dudes out there chopping people's scalps up with tools that are not quality. Just not here. Here- they actually know what they are doing. So when the barber explains to you why getting a 1 to skin fade on one side and a 7 to 3 on the other, and why the top of your head being cut only with thinning shears at your specified angle of choice is a bad idea- you should listen. Generally- people who have done a thing and are quite good at it (like, barbering for example) are better at understanding how stuff works than you are. You should listen to them. Unless you want a sick blow-out and chin-strap beard. Then don't go here. This isn't a salon, this isn't a unisex-beauty-all-in-one-that-also-sells-phonecards. This isn't some place with an in-house barista/DJ that only plays Brian Eno atmospheric albums (but not the ones you like) and charges you $80 for the luxury of bestowing your eyes upon a pair of scissors hand forged by a master of Damascus steel but charges you $45 for the plebeian experience of having some dude with three months experience cutting the back of your head up with a buzzer. This is a barbershop. One that has a fun, welcoming atmosphere. One that consistently gives great haircuts, and I've had my hair cut by all the employees there and they always do a good job every time. This is a place that smells like Layrite and bay-rum, uses hot towels, and has one of those hot foam machines. This is a great haircut, for a great price, in a great little shop. read more

***READ EDITED UPDATE BELOW ORIGINAL REVIEW*** A few months ago I was looking for a good barbershop to bring my son for a haircut. I was tired of the bad mall cuts he was getting and had read the reviews for Calabrese's. After doing some more research i decided to visit the shop. My son has gotten 3 haircuts at the shop. The first 2 were great. Today's (Saturday) was a TOTAL f****n' disaster! I gave the old guy who cut my son's hair specific instructions on how I wanted the hair trimmed. I trusted him to do what I asked. When he finished cutting my son's hair, he loaded it with gel/pomade to flatten and comb it. He made some remark about a few difficult spots on my son's head, but I thought nothing of it. He's a professional, right? When the gel/pomade dried and I brushed it out. My jaw literally dropped! The cut was horrific. This guy totally ruined my son's hair! The was no taper or blend, just odd chunks sticking out on top of my son's head. I asked him to not touch the crown of my son's head. He buzzed half of it off, unevenly to boot. I WILL NEVER TAKE MY SON BACK TO THIS GUY EVER AGAIN! Be very careful who you choose in this shop. I now have to spend more money to get my son's haircut "fixed". What a waste of money that I don't have. I am so disappointed and angry. 5/2/2014 Chris, the owner of Calabrese's Barber Shop, had contacted me about the previous review here on Yelp! He apologized for the bad experience and offered to fix my son's haircut free of charge. I visited the shop with my son on a Friday night. He again apologized in person and quickly went to work. I have to say I am very happy with my son's cut from Chris. He did an excellent job and it turned out looking very good. Thank you Chris for your quick reply and professionalism. You have earned back a customer. Be well and best of luck till next time. read more

Best place to get you hair cut around here. Cash only though. Traditional barbershop experience that is sadly disappearing. read more

Legit old fashioned barber shop. No appointments, cash only and scissor cuts. $19 for a cut with a hot shave around the edges. Can't go wrong with any of the barbers here. I've had cuts from all of them and have never left disappointed. They all look at your hair and how it grows and tailor the haircut accordingly. Three old school barber chairs, old cash register and zero flat screen TVs. Come in, have a seat get your face out of your phone and enjoy the banter, stay for the haircut. read more

Update: 6/30/2014 The shop hired Zach from Shear Revival to cut there on specific dates throughout the summer. I happened to pop in one of those days he was cutting. I normally go for Mitch only, but Mitch was already cutting somebody and Zach asked me if I'd like a cut. Since Zach is an awesome guy, of course I had no problem letting him cut my hair. I was extremely impressed with cut I received from Zach and it was the same level of excellent quality that the rest of the barbers deliver. A few weeks later (today) went in for another cut from Mitch. Still giving great cuts, and Mitch really got my hair looking how I wanted. Once again, I'm more than pleased with the outcome! read more

I let these big hairy men cut my hair while listening to the Grateful Dead. What can be better?

I asked for 2 inches I got 1 1/2. I even tried to hold it. Great laughs and the only people I trust with my beard. read more

I have gone here only a few times since Chris started the business. Why? Don't know, this establishment is the coolest, most vibe filled shop I've ever been too. And in my 60+ years I have been to every kind. Not only are all the barbers pros, they are friendly and know their craft. I decided to try and grow an old mans beard. But I wanted it to be clean and stylish as possible. Zack did a perfect job. I will be going back for beard and haircuts from now on. The vibe is somewhat indescribable, it's not rockabilly, not blusey, maybe Calabrese' style. It seems to fit Chris. read more

Authentic old school barber shop with all the bells and whistles. I had a haircut and beard trim which had me smiling. I don't know the brand of aftershave they used but it smelled amazing. I can't say it enough.. worth the wait no matter how long. read more

Calabrese's Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Keyport, New Jersey

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We love this place ! There's a reason why you see loyal customers wait for a cut, it's because their work is simply outstanding. Today my husband visited and Mitch gave him a wonderful cut and he looks like a million bucks! A must-try in Keyport- a great shop to visit ! read more

If bullshit was electricity this place would be a powerhouse. I can't believe that men put up with the wait while the owner and his 2 cronies act like they are hanging out on some street corner. Plus the cost of the very average haircut is very expensive. This place could be a goldmine if the barbers stopped talking amongst themselves and actually Cut clients hair. It takes them 30 minutes to do a haircut that should take 10 minutes. This place is worse than a reality TV show read more

Come for the haircuts, stay for the bad jokes. Zach and Mitch have a great chemistry, I'm not sure when they plan to officially marry - they are adorable. Beware the proprietor, he will randomly flip you off as you drive through town while yelling "big dogs only" and "stay funky!". What a weirdo. read more

FINALLY...a manly scissor-cut! Zach met my challenge of a non-buzzed head, and I walked out $25 lighter, but $50 happier. These guys run a straight up barber shop, no bs. Very happy with my cut today...will return. read more

First and last stop in trying to find a new place to get my haircut after moving. My hair was cut by Chris, and he did an amazing job. In addition the place looks totally bad ass. read more

I started going to Calabrese's about 5-6 months ago, b/c the shop I had been going to for about 4-5 years seemed to be losing a step or two. I felt that the attention being paid to the job was waning and it wasn't a good fit for me. I went on Yelp and Calabrese's is about 20 minutes from me, but I thought I would give it a shot. Chris and Ben are true professionals and they take pride in their work. There's no TV on in the background to fill the downtime, (which I find odd in any store or professional setting), and both men bring a wealth of experience, intelligence and skill to their craft. This is not an "Old-Fashioned" barber shop as some kind of gimmick. It's a barber shop run really well with an eye for tradition and good idea about how to ply this trade. I have no complaints, only compliments. Keep it up guys! read more

Atmosphere, music (Hank Williams and old school country) , aroma (sandalwood?).... This place had me when I walked in the door. Loved it. No tvs just a place of refuge to sit back and relax. Other patrons glued to their iPhones was disappointing, but that is the norm these days. I received a haircut and a shave from Ben. The haircut was a 3/5. Asked what I wanted. After 10 seconds of explaining what I was thinking he told me he knew what I wanted. A little off putting when someone pretty much makes you feel like "shut up, I'm the professional, I know what needs to be done." If I wanted someone to just cut my hair without any discussion or real "barberly" discussion., I would have just gone to great clips. Ben moves fast, you can tell he has done this a long time. No wasted movements. He handles a scissors and a razor like a pro. Haircut was done pretty quick and looked pretty good. Didn't wow me, but it was a side part so how sexy can it be? Then the shave. This is where it went downhill. I rated it a 1/5. A hot lather straight razor shave is great. And again Ben handled the blade like a pro. But after feeling some friction on my neck, I got a little worried. By the time Ben was finishing up, he started telling, me there were some issues. His explanation was that since I had a beard, there were pimples and hairs grown awkwardly. In translation, this meant that he sliced and irritated my neck and chin. To his credit he tried to make amends with a generous amount of talcum powder and styptic pencil. But it still turned out pretty shoddy. When I got home I also noticed whole patches of hair that were missed. For $30, I guess I am not too aggravated but I still expect a little more from a business with such fine reviews. Total rating for the cut and the shave was a 2. Long story short, if you know exactly what you want and don't have a need to discuss different ideas for your haircut, come here. If you want a shave, and don't have a beard, come here. If you don't meet these two scenarios, try another place. read more

Totally agree with one review. It is very annoying that those barbers just act like hanging out at coffee shop. Otherwise, the skills and service are good. Please be professional, and concentrate on the job. Small talks are good but not what customers come here for. read more

Best place in the neighborhood. Been coming here since I've moved to NJ. They guys are great and the haircuts are even better. Keep it up.

These guys are the best! Always enjoy chatting with them and they consistently give the best haircut. Thanks for making me look great for my wedding!!! read more

Great barber, just got back from a cut. My normal shop was closed, so I was looking for a place that could give me a substitute cut, and might I say, they have just earned themselves a customer. Great cut, this guy knows his way with his scissors. Plus they play some great classic country in the background. Great atmosphere. read more

Ive been to many barbershop/salons in my life and this is by far my favorite. The shop has an old school rockabilly feel, with vintage barber chairs and decor. Chris the owner is a cool dude and knowledgeable in his craft. Mitch is my personal barber and i trust him with my head. Even though ive moved out of the area i still make a monthy trip down here for my haircut. As long as theyre open they will have my business. read more

Calabrese's Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Keyport, New Jersey

I was in town visiting family and needed a place to "get me back into regs" before I headed back home. I was able to get a good cut and a shave and didn't have to wait too long to be served. There was only one older gentleman working the Saturday when I walked in but he was very friendly and wasn't satisfied until he knew he did a good job. I'm very satisfied with this shop and will make it a regular stop next time I am in town. read more

Very few places where you can find barbers who knows what he is doing. Seems like a local fav where everybody knows everybody. Cash only places so make sure you carry some. Right now its $19 for hair cut. Go try yourself and I am sure you will thank me. read more

Without a doubt, the best barber experience I've found yet. You got Ben and Chris, two down to earth straight cut guys with a bedside manor that'll make you feel like part of a the family from the first step in. The atmosphere is something that of which you won't find around most parts of NJ. Old fashioned and classic barber techniques from the decor to the cash out on the classic typewriter cash box. The country, folk music is always in high demand and the conversation never ceases to run dry. I've been a dedicated customer for about two years now and I will continue to have Chris Calabrese continue to use the straight razor barber job on me for as long as I have the pleasure of being close to home. This place is a must see, just to check out the shop, and hell get an old fashioned classic cut while you're in their. It's their specialty! The straight razor clean up that has been around for ages makes you feel clean and confident when you leave. I'd suggest and early visit cause clientele is skyrocketing and they do get very busy. They also have opened the door for interns to allow them a chance at working on private cuts for those who wish to volunteer. You won't be disappointed! **They also carry Larite brand pomade which from what I understand is an exclusive to their location, an amazing product that'll have you ready to go out and look your best. Also a variety of beard oils and still cut combs to choose from** read more

Calabrese's Barber Shop - Front Glass (Calabrese Logo) - Barbers Near Me - Keyport, New Jersey

Got an AMAZING straight-razor-shave and a haircut from the barber/owner Chris a little while ago. Chris knows what he is doing. My face felt and looked great, not one iota of irritation, it was baby smooth. My hair was cut perfectly. Glad to see that there is a place that is bringing back the lost art of the straight razor shave. Very cool place with an old school feel, but not in a kitschy kind of way. It's cool without being pretentious. I've been to numerous barbershops but this will be my new go-to place for haircuts and shaves, and I live an hour away! This is the kind of barbershop every man wishes he had around, and now I do. Don't be jealous, check it out for yourself. read more

I just buzz my head, and have been cutting my own hair for the better part of 10 years because it's cheaper and easier than going to a barber. Then I heard about Calabrese's Barber Shop, and the tables quickly turned. Chris is talented and professional with a razor and scissor, and awesome with the straight razor to clean up the neck. A straight razor shave is an experience every man should have, and Chris does a fine job with this well. I go in looking grizzled and gnarly, and come out looking clean cut and slick! Not to mention smelling good, with either the lime or bay rum aftershave splash, and his own secret recipe homemade powder! Ben, the recently-added second barber, has been doing his craft since childhood, and is equally skilled, with more years of experience under his belt than I've lived on this planet. The mood in the shop is always light, conversation is easy, and if you don't run into someone you know in the shop, you may make a new friend. It's everything a barbershop should be. The vintage decor/gear and quality music just takes it to the next level. When I was best man in a wedding, I brough the groom-to-be and the rest of the groomsmen in the evening before the wedding to get spiffy-ed up. We had a great time in the "man spa", as one friend calls it, and every single groomsman has become a regular customer since. This place just flat out rules. read more

Great barbers, great atmosphere. I'd drive 2 hours to get a cut here. If you're not getting cut here you're doin' it wrong!

Fantastic shop. Really cool vibe, excellent barbers, great conversation, and great price. You can also get a fantastic old world shave. Glad i found them. They are how it's supposed to be guys. read more

I found Calabrese's via Yelp and, being impressed with its star rating, sauntered down to try it out. Curiously, while I was actually waiting there, a FaceBook friend, sent me a message saying that now I was living in the area I ought to try out Calabrese's since they are very, very good. So, impressed with the harmonic convergence of the moment, I awaited my turn while I watched the only guy "on duty" at that moment, Mitch, do a pretty good job of interpreting customers' requests. I was very pleased with the cut Mitch gave me. Even the missus was impressed ... and I can tell you, she's picky. I have no problem highly recommending Calabrese's, admittedly, from my sole visit there. But I will be going back. read more

Best place to get a haircut every barber here is excellent. Fun experience at the shop as well I have never left this shop without sharing at a minimum a few laughs with the patrons and barbers. Definitely a real barbershop experience that sadly has been harder and harder to find! Truly a unique place with great people! This is not your box store no talent barber shop this is your full service old school shop with a younger crowd feel! read more

Chris is a great guy and gives a top notch haircut.

Best barber shop in town. All the guys are super friendly and give a great cut at a reasonable price point. Yea you gotta wait. No they don't take appointments. Yea it's cash only. Get over it. read more

Been looking for a barber shop like this for a long time and I couldn'tve been happier to finally stumble upon it. Like the previous review states, this shop has an old school rockabilly vibe to it. The barbers here have a passion for their craft and are very talented. I came in with an idea of how I wanted my haircut but was willing to be flexible. Mitch offered a more improved suggestion based on the characteristics of my hair. I took him up on it and he knocked it out of the park. If you're looking for an old school barbershop with barbers that have real skill, than this is your place. read more

I went here today for the first time and Mitch did an awesome job! I will be back there regularly!

Best barbershop in Monmouth County. Chris is the owner and always welcoming, not too mention he loves coffee and asks guests if they would like a cup on him, now that's customer service. They just remodeled and it looks fantastic, with the older style wood shelving, added an addl' chair and has complimented the old school look of a real barbershop. It's a little like Mayberry RFD, when sitting and waiting, as you catch up on the local gossip in the town. They use a towel warmer when getting a clean up or straight blade shave. Great Place! read more