Francisco provided a warm greeting upon arrival. He lent expertise, precision and was very personable. Ultimately, my son left with a grin from ear to ear, ecstatic with the hair style produced by Francisco. We'll likely be returning for more services. Thank you! read more

Empire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

I'm updating my review because Drew reached out to me and apologized for the bad haircut they gave my brother (he also apologized to him). They were willing to fix my brother's haircut for free but I opted for a refund instead which he honored as well. I appreciated the gesture but the chance of my brother coming back is very slim. Still 0 stars for the haircut but 5 stars for customer service. read more

See all

William is awesome. Takes his time. He's super thorough. I go to him every time. But all the barbers there are awesome. I always get compliments after I get my haircut. Definitely recommend coming here. Not too expensive compared to other barbers around. read more

@Canchola_w has been my barber the last 3 years. He's provided quality cuts for me every time and he's been able to work with putting me in his schedule when I need a cut on short notice. If you are looking for a great barber that can ensure you with a quality cut, Will is your guy. All the other barbers within the shop also are friendly and welcoming! read more

My second time coming to Empire Hercules barbershop. Once you enter, you will see certificates on the wall for "Best from the east bay" from 2018-2024 (except the year of 2022 if I am not mistaking). I even complemented the rewards after I decided to believe them the rewards were not fake. Okay! I've been trying for years to find a good haircut salon for my only boy who happens a to have a beautiful straight long hair and I decided to stop looking for a salon and go to a barbershop. Googled best barbers in the East Bay and Empire came up first and also happen to be the nearest. We decided to give it a changed and before I went in, my son has already had an ugly haircut from BG HAIRCUTS here at San Pablo (I also gave them a review w pictures and the messy haircut they did to my son). We were a walking and someone who I don't which to provide his name took us in, which it was nice of him to do so. We talk and I knew he was not going to fix it completely but I told him to at least work his magic to try to make it look better, he did. I told him we were going to wait and come back to do the real magic so we did. This are the results. From how I wanted and finally have my son his hair grow back to the how it turn out to be. He is kind and nice, no doubt about that. Asking me questions about my son having the same name as his to asking offering me water. He also told me that the style I wanted is not much popular and I understand that but I am not most people. I don't like my son's hair cut to be clean w all of the details, if you want that, this is the place. All I wanted was messy natural haircut. Keeping simple, same style just shorter. Say no more, picture speak more than words and if the price of $60 dollars were worth it to pay. I personally think not. read more

See all

Atmosphere and Barber's are great here! All of the barbers here are friendly and greet you when you walk in. I've been getting my haircut by Will (@canchola_w) since 2021 and he does not disappoint! Will takes his time and ensures hair is blended well before moving onto another part of the haircut experience. As someone with straight hair, Will ensures my fades look clean 100% of the time! If you are looking for a great haircut, Empire is the way read more

Love the ambience and barber! Easy to get an appt online! My grandsons loved their cuts!

I've been going to Kevin since 2021, and I can't imagine going to any other barber! The amount of care he puts into a cut makes the price well worth it. He's attentive to your requests, and he will either replicate or improve upon his last cut on a return visit. The shop is clean, and the whole team is friendly and professional. I would recommend Kevin and the Empire team in a heartbeat! read more

What can I say? I've been coming to Empire for a long time. The vibe in the shop is always warm and welcoming, very kid friendly, and the service is top notch. Kevin C always gets me right with some of the best line ups I have received! He definitely will have u right, on point, and looking a feeling like you're about to step on a red carpet! Check em out for yourself! read more

Clean and nice place, everyone's super welcoming. Kevin's awesome, pays attention to every detail and gives great service. Highly recommend! read more

William is hands down the best barber I've ever had! He's skilled, friendly, and always delivers a perfect cut. The shop is clean, welcoming, and I leave feeling fresh every time. Highly recommend! read more

I came to Empire by recommendation and when I came in William took care of me right away. He explained how the appointments worked and how to book and since he helped me out I booked with him and he did not disappoint. William hooked it up from the moment I walked in the door. I was looking for a new look and he helped me figure out what worked best for me and when he was done I was very pleased. William lined me up and the fade was super clean and his customer service was on point the whole way through. Definitely will return to continue to get cut by William, hands down one of the best barbers I've been too. read more

My son is 4 years old and hasn't handled hair cuts really great in the past. He's ok, but doesn't really love it. The place we usually take him to is cheap and the woman is so nice, but she just does an ok job. The last time he got his hair cut, I did it at home and just buzzed it all lol. He was in need of a haircut again, so I decided to try this place out since we're always going to Sharetea nextdoor. They book up in advance, so I made an appointment online. My son ended up getting his haircut by Rachel, I think she might have been new, but she did a really good job of making him feel comfortable and asking me if I liked how it was looking so far (I had no idea what to ask for, what length, etc, so I just said "a normal little boy haircut" and pointed out one of the barbers who had a cut the length I wanted for him). It ended up being a mid/low #2 taper (i think? haha Im still not sure about the terms), but it looks really good! This shop, like I said, was busy. I think there were 8 barbers in total, and there were customers being helped the whole time. This is the type of place where they will treat you right and make sure you look good when you leave. Most of the men were getting the finishing touches with a straight razor. I'm sure they will shave your face, too, if you ask for it! All the barbers knew all of the regular customers. That said, it's kind of expensive especially for a kids cut, but I know there are customers who want this type of service. We may or may not come back, now that I know what I'm asking for when my son gets his hair cut. With tip, his cut was $50 (prices are listed on their website when you make an appointment). read more

Kevin has been my go to guy since this location opened and I always leave feeling great about my haircut and beard service. Cool guy, great cuts and service! Highly recommend and be sure to book as Kevin and the other barbers are always booked, for good reason! read more

My son had an appointment today with Christian Adriel, we scheduled a precision haircut (1hr 30minutes). Our appointment was at 2:15 we got there at 2:10 and Christian was in the middle of cutting someone's hair. He came over to us and kindly told us he would be a few minutes. Well by the time he started cutting my sons hair it was 2:43, almost 30 minutes later. If time is important to you be prepared, you may need to wait a while. The haircut itself lasted about an hour and 5 minutes. This is including the pause he took to clean up the hair around his area and his neighboring barbers area. I guess we didn't need to schedule such a long haircut appointment, lesson learned. The haircut itself was good but not exactly like the picture we showed him. That's ok though, we just need to gel it up and make it "crazy" which is what my son wanted. I did notice that other barbers were pretty quick at cutting hair and just as good. It didn't feel as though their clients had to wait such a long time as we did. If we decide to go again we may try someone different. read more

Empire does a solid job with giving precision haircuts and beard fades/line ups. I've coming to Kevin for over the last 2 years and his attention to detail and precision are next to none. The entire team is friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend! read more

I am very impressed by Empire. I have been coming here for several years now and they always welcome me with smiles. The shop is very clean, professional, and has a fun vibe. The service is top notch and they really take the time to listen to you and make sure you are taken care of. Kevin is very talented and really takes the time to get my hair the way that I like it. I would highly recommend Kevin and the whole Empire shop! read more

Hi, I've been getting haircuts at Empire for about three years now and not once did I leave this barbershop disappointed. It's a shame that you have to look to find a decent barber that knows exactly what you are communicating when it comes to the style of hair that you want. My go-to barber is Christian Chavez. This man is dedicated to his craft and it shows. He's the only barber I've come across that actually understands what I'm trying to communicate when it comes to my hair...even if I don't convey it properly! His attention to detail is unmatched and along with his skills with sheers and clippers, he will get you the style you want with precision. The style of haircut that I typically get is one that requires salon-like skills with sheers while maintaining the ability to use clippers. Christian has blended both worlds harmoniously. I typically get a fade on the side (but I have gotten bald fades as well) and my top requires sheers with the type of side swept hair style I like. I wish there were more barbers like Christian because you can tell that he enjoys what he does and he also has the ability to match. He should be a professor teaching new barbers so that there would be more barbers just like him! The world would be a better place if there were more barbers like Christian. If you're looking for an amazing haircut with friendly atmosphere, look no further than Empire Barbershop. read more

Beware...they require customers to book online. The booking site states: "Online appointment booking will incur an additional booking fee". This shop is not for me. read more

Francisco was great. Listened to what we (my son and I) wanted and implemented it with skill! Child looks fab. Unfortunately COVID precautions could be better. One stylist kept his mask below his nose, and the waiting area was uncomfortably full. read more

Empire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

My barber Kevin never misses when it comes to precision haircuts and beard trims, you can tell by his work that he enjoys what he does. Everyone is always very welcoming when coming in. 4 years strong of going and don't plan of leaving anytime soon. read more

To make a long story short -- my 4.5 year old son had an appointment after school. About an hour prior, Rachel contacted me to let me know the client beforehand was running behind and as a result, would cause a delay in my son being seated. Hrm... what barbershop has ever done that?! I appreciated the transparency, thanked her for taking the time to communicate, and reassured her we'd now make the even later (on a school night) appointment. My husband and son go and ultimately, are the last in the shop/everyone's beginning to lock up. Rachel seats my son and gets to work. As my son is nodding off (sleepy because it's passed his bedtime), Rachel was ultra sweet and kept doing what she could to keep a child entertained but mostly, awake. At the end of the haircut, my husband attempted to pay but was told that it'd be on the house for all the inconvenience. He tried to give again but was intercepted with this as a response -- "I'd rather keep you as a client than take you for your money". WOW, WOW, WOW! read more

Always nervous when going to barbers cuz I've never walked in knowing what I want but after hearing good reviews I decided to try this place out and picked the first available appointment which was with Francisco and he's the first one to make me smile from a cut and I've been with him for two years now. Everybody is kind and acknowledges you when you come in and thank you when you leave. I've been offered drinks while I wait and there's always communication if they're a little behind. Truly a unique experience. read more

I had my first appointment at Empire a few days ago. This is hands down the best barbershop for men that I've been to since I moved to Hercules in 1992. read more

The only barbershop you'll ever need to go to, I've been a customer since 2016. The service, the vibe, the hospitality all superb. All the barbers make you feel welcome just like any of the regulars. You'll never need to search for a new barber once you step in here. Keep up the great work!! read more

Took my son for his first haircut since he wanted a certain cut and only from Empire. Had to book it in advance. My son loves it. Great service and very friendly. read more

Drew has been my sons barber for years. Hands down we followed him to Hercules. I normally book an appointment in advance to ensure no wait time. We arrived a little early to the appointment and immediately was welcomed by everyone in the shop. It's nice that the barbers stopped what they were doing just to greet us. The shop is very clean, modern vibes, great music and TVs to keep me entertained while I waited. Drew is very confident and highly experienced. My son requested a bald fade and Drew did a design to match. My son left the chair very impressed and couldn't wait to show it off. The barbers are very skilled and reach for higher education perfecting their craft. I would highly recommend Empire. They won't disappoint. Pros- abundance of parking, food establishments in complex, located right off the freeway read more

Empire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

We had William today for my 2 year old son's cut. He looks so good!! He was very patient with toddler squirms and had some lollipops to keep him occupied and more still. Will for sure be back! read more

Let me start off my saying my son has been going here ever since he was one and a half years old. Her has been going to Justin. Justin is really good but he is really hard to get an appointment with so we started going to other barbers. They are all really good but they thing is they are not really consistent. And what I mean that they're not consistent is one side of his head what might be a little bit higher than the other side the next time you come back the other side might be a little higher than the previous side. The thing is if your not looking really hard you might not notice it. They are really friendly here. They really like to have fun here. They do have sports games on our a movie on so it's really fun here read more

Very clean and professional! Been coming here for years and been getting cut by Kevin... highly recommend. All barbers greet you on the way in, very convenient transactionless service (book and pay in advance so finish your haircut and walk right out), great atmosphere: music and several TVs showing news and sports. Family friendly establishment as well, have often seen kids of all ages getting haircuts here. Would highly recommend! read more

Probably the best Barbers in the Bay Area. I've been getting my cuts for over 11 years now and never once, had a negative experience. They're all professional, well mannered, and take their craft very seriously. Great music, atmosphere, and Barbers ensure you leave satisfied. I guarantee you'll leave feeling like a King/Queen!! read more

Found it. Been going here for some time. Kevin was the man that helped me out. He did it today! Found that haircut I was looking for. The establishment itself with the staff are always welcoming. Offered some water and checks up on you when the wait is a bit longer than expected. They would greet you when you come in, same treatment when you head out. I've chosen Kevin to be my barber since I noticed his cuts were what I preferred. Definitely would recommend to anyone that wants a fresh cut. read more

Empire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

See all

Very satisfied with my hair cut. The place is super clean all the staff was friendly and welcoming. The price for a regular haircut whit I paid 40$. It was a quality haircut by a professional licensed Barbara .my best person is "Christian Chavez "highly recommended read more

Empire Barbershop - Christian Chavez best guy to have haircut with - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

See all

Really like the vibe and the service here! Brian is great and gives me a fresh cut and beard trim!

I am so Thankful Empire opened here in Hercules. I would always have to travel outside my city to find a good Barber. All the guys at Empire do an amazing job, but we have been going to Drew since day 1. My son loves the way his hair looks after a fresh cut by Drew. Hands down AMAZING! I highly recommend going here. You won't be disappointed. I recommend booking online the first time then schedule your next appointments with your Barber. Highly recommend! Also, music is always on point here and great/Friendly customer service! read more

Empire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

One of the best barbor shops you can possibly go to! The staff is super friendly, they greet you as soon as you walk in making you feel welcomed. Literally everyone there is very skilled in their craft, you will leave the shop feeling your best! My barbor Fransisco is amazing, his fades are unbelievable I'm always left speechless when he cuts my hair. I've never seen my bearded faded the way he does it! Conversation with him is priceless, he's a very friendly and humble person and is amazing with kids! I definitely recommend coming to Empire Lounge to get yourself a permanent barbor, because you won't find quality service like this anywhere else! read more

Empire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

I have been getting my hair cut at Empire Barbershop at Sunvalley Mall for years, so I was excited that they were opening this location in my hometown! Empire is truly a premium experience & is unique from other barbershops I have been to in the past. I get my hair cut by Drew, and have been for the past 10+ years, but I would trust anyone in the shop to get me right! read more

Empire Barbershop - High Bald Taper by Drew - Barbers Near Me - Hercules, California

special shout-out to drew ! my usual shop was closed and I was in dire need of a haircut, should've booked an appt but my schedule has been tight. decided to give empire a shot to see if they would do walk-ins, drew immediately reached out mid client and let me know he could take me in 15-20 min. got seated, had a good convo and he put in work on giving me a good bald high fade. felt kinda bad, cause i saw their schedule was pretty packed but what felt like an hour was barely 30 min. so big ups to drew for taking me last min and giving me a great cut! will be back read more

FRANCISCO was amazing this morning he line me up. and did a great job. I'm highly appreciate it for what he did this morning for me thank you and God bless and have a wonderful day at work read more

My regular spot is out in the peninsula that I have been going for years, but my schedule has made it a challenge to make it out there. Since this spot was local and from the positive feedback I've heard, I decided to give a try. Called to confirm walk-ins and spoke to Christian who was very professional over the phone. Told me to come through and was very courteous in letting me know there were a few walk-in calls right before mine, but first come first serve, so I hurried over. Long story short, I was impressed! Environment - definitely official-looking presentation; clean, sleek, stylish and comfortably spacious with lounge furniture and benches with TV screens along the walls to accommodate their customers. Barbers genuinely greeted you from the moment you stepped in! Service - upon arriving I was actually met by Christian who took my call earlier. He was very welcoming and addressed me by name to acknowledge he was the one I spoke with over the phone. He directed me to the barber taking walk-ins and explained the wait time which was about 30-40 mins and made suggestions to feel free to wait or comeback but guaranteeing my spot would be next. Christian finished up with his last customer and was able to take me himself. He made sure the seat and the area was all cleaned up from his last service. Upon sitting down we had a casual conversation before jumping into what I was looking to do. I asked for a skin mid to high fade with a trim on the top. He made some suggestions and also wanted to make sure he understood what look I was going for. The conversation was pleasant while he focused on my cut. He would also, acknowledge the customers that would walk-in and greet the regulars as they made their way to the scheduled barber's chair and answered calls with the same demeanor as if he wasn't already multitasking. The result of my cut was clean and stylish! He also applied a warm lather over my neck to do the final shavings with a blade to make sure it was all cleaned and lined up nice. Not to mention applied some texture to provide a premier look and provided a light spray over my face as he wiped away the cut hairs. In summary, he made me leave that place feeling extra special and my wife approved the look when I got home! Thank you Christian! read more