This barbershop is rude, out of touch, and completely unprofessional. I called my friend to share my experience below and was told that they give mediocre haircuts and don't sanitize properly. I used the provided "Request a Quote" button on this barbershop's Yelp page, answered the questions it asked, and eventually I heard back from Ernie's Chop Shop and this was their response: "I will not do any of that (give you a price quote). Show up and figure it out for yourself or go somewhere else." WTF?? lol. Laughable response. These ignorant foolios signed up for the Request a Quote feature on Yelp (see photo) and now they are sending rude messages to potential customers on a very common, reasonable question regarding how much they charge for haircuts? I should have known these guys are totally wack when they started a message to all of their customers with "Dear Putos..." ...It sounds like they are projecting. Pinches ardidos!! lol. read more

Ernie's Chop Shop - This rude, mediocre supposed "barbershop" doesn't realize that they agreed to price quotes via Yelp and even have the quote request button. - Barbers Near Me - Torrance, California

When I entered into the building if it was my first time there which I replied to with yes. I was told its cash only and I unfortunately didnt have any cash on me so I said I'll come back later. As I walked out the door I was told "and dont come back" by the barber. I'm really confused as I was not rude in the slightest and was planning on returning with cash.... And now as I read the comments on this yelp I see the owner is insulting people who reply. read more

There attention to detail is second to none Great environment wholesome people layed back experience Ernie never disappoints, always spot on to whatever look I'm trying to go for. Best barber shop hands down in the south bay area I would recommend Ernie's chop shop to any one and would guarantee that the will definitely leave with a smile on their face. read more

Old school in every way and awesome. Cash and walk-in only but worth it. I've brought my kids a few times and they do great boys cuts too. I got to Mike and my boy has had good cuts from everybody. Always a good movie on too read more

Ernie is the man! This barbershop is down the street from my job. I was in of a haircut ASAP and I knew I wasn't going to be able to go to my regular barbershop during the weekend. I've passed by this place hundreds of times when heading to work. During my lunch break I figured I'd give it a try. I remember the first time I walked in there. He was a guy covered in tattoos cutting someones hair, had a straight face looked over at me and just gave me a short nod as if he was saying "welcome". Waited a few and as he finished with his client I was up. I sat down I just sat there hoping that I will be happy with the outcome. He asked "what's it going to be for today?". I said "Classic side-part. 0 on the sides and a trim off the top". And he began. He took his time, made sure everything was perfect. We chatted it up a bit. and when he was finished he took out the mirror and what I saw was one of the best haircuts I've had in a long time. The one thing I love about this place is that it is Walk-In only. Most barbershops are by appointment and they says walk-ins welcomed. But when you show up they always end up saying they're booked for the rest of the day. I know making an appointment would be easier but my schedule is always different that I don't want to look bad booking and then having to cancel. That is why I will always try to come here first. read more

It was great for my beard trim. No complaints. Struggling to hit 85 words. This platform is confusing and I just want to book another beard trim. read more

Ernie does a good job with my haircut, and my hair is hard to cut. I have very specific taste as far as how I get my hair cut, and Ernie and his staff never disappoint me. This shop has quite the history in North Torrance. The building itself has been here since the 1940's, and the shop used to be owned by other barbers. I used to come here when I was a kid. Ernie eventually bought this shop and transformed it into what it is now. Their prices are reasonable. Twenty bucks will get you a cut, plus tip. They are cash only. The shop has pretty cool decor, and they have a TV playing all the time. Patrons are mostly South Bay locals, and most are regulars. This place is a win-win for me, seeing as I live very close, and they have good service. Try em out. read more

Ernie's Chop Shop - Barbers Near Me - Torrance, California

Bubba is the man! Very straight forward. He knew exactly what to do. Super talented guy. Will be coming back for sure. Luckily I live close.

Ernie is a superstar.. he knows hair and knows what looks good and will flat out tell ya; which I like; he does not mix his words. Blunt like me and I have respect for people that do not BS me. I will be back in a few months and I know I will get a great cut as well as feeling like I am in a safe kick back nice environment. I felt so relaxed going in and leaving. You are a great man Ernie. Thank you, Sandy read more

Went to jail and came back with more tattoos!! Come visit and check them out!! We also have premium TV (Friends, How I met your mother or Pawn Stars!) read more

Ernie's Chop Shop - Barbers Near Me - Torrance, California

See all

It's definitely apparent that I struck a nerve (I bet it's a tiny but that much more painful and shrimpy little nerve on the owner too!) simply by stating the truth. Gotta love it when owners recognize the truth and get rattled, spending hours mulling my words in their head...oh, what to respond. I gladly write positive reviews for good businesses that understand decent customer service. Karma will take care of this fourth rate crappy chop shop. because the owner is a troll and smart consumers catch on. read more

If you want someone to kiss your ass while your getting a haircut this is not the place for you. This Barber shop is legit real talk and real laughs go down in this shop. Been going here for 12 years . Never had a bad cut & never left with out having a few laughs (some in my expense but wouldnt have any other way) So if You want a old school cut , some sports talk and a few jokes .then show up sit down and wait your fucking turn . Or go to nail and hair salon and let them fuck you shit up . And while your at it get a mani pedi In a society were everyone has an opinion about everything well this is just mine. Respect is earned not given ! read more

If you want a clean cut no BS this is the spot. Came when they were out to lunch one time and made the mistake of going to another place down the street which was $7 cheaper..needless to say I paid the price for it If there's a wait it's worth it knowing they'll get the job done well. CASH ONLY and be open minded if you were looking for your typical barbershop because it's not. read more

Okay...Louis left the Chop Shop a few months ago. I felt a bit abandoned. I decided to give Ernie a shot because his chair was open. The first hair cut wasn't bad at all. Wasn't exactly what I asked for but it was a decent first hair cut. Second hair cut was more along the lines of what I described (I brought in a picture this time). I decided to keep coming here. Well, the last few times the cuts have gotten worse. I ask for a low fade (for those of you from the east coast, basically a brooklyn fade). They start out that way but quickly end up in JAR HEAD territory. It's almost like he decides to change the entire cut last minute. Sometimes one side will be faded way above the temple and the other side will be where I requested it. Just about every time he gives me an egg head on the left side of my head. I asked many times PLEASE DO NOT CUT TOO CLOSE TO THE TOP/SIDE OF MY HEAD. And keep in mind that I did bring in a picture to show how I wanted it (please see pictures). It seems that the pictures have offended him. I went in today after about a month from the previous visit. I thought I would let my hair grow in and let him start from a blank canvas. I brought in the same picture and asked that he give me the same hair cut, but with a low fade. He gave me a crappy attitude "I GIVE YOU THE SAME HAIR CUT EVERY TIME.". I told him that I wasn't trying to confuse him or offend him. I think it's safe to say that I got the worst haircut I have ever received and I think it was out of spite. It started out nice and low but then he got on his cellphone for about 5 minutes and proceeded to give me a JAR HEAD haircut that the guy before me had. He tore up my neck with the straight razor (he does this every damn time but it was way nastier this time). In short he destroyed my hair. He didn't listen to me at all. I will never come back here again. He's one of the most unfriendly people I've come across, other than the jerk at Mac's. Please see the pictures I have uploaded. The first two are from today. The third is one of the first haircuts I got from Ernie. The egg head is very apparent in the pic. The fourth is the picture I brought in. I asked for this haircut but with a low fade. Notice that Mr. Anderson Cooper does not have an EGG HEAD cut. read more

See all

Ernie's Chop Shop is without a doubt the BEST place for "men" to go. Real guys doing real cuts with no bullshit. Love this place. Real AF. Looking forward to my next cut!! read more

Its been many years since my last review of the fabled "Ernie's Chop Shop". In that time I have traveled the world. Seen many a odd and enchanted things. That of which no mere mortal could truly comprehend. I have wrestled albino gorillas in the midst of the Congo, gone toe to toe with ravenous saber-toothed tigers in the jungles of India, I have even bare knuckle boxed a grizzly bear while simultaneously covering myself in butter. Was it necessary to inform you of my daring and courageous exploits in order to write a review of Ernie's Chop shop? Not at all. Do these interesting facts help explain the service at this shop? Not even a little bit. Was there a purpose in me covering myself in butter to fight a bear? You tell me! But I will tell YOU that through all these epic adventures, the one thing I was asked over and over again by the thousands of women and even some men, that crossed my path was... "Where did you get that magnificent haircut?" To which I whispered... "Ernie's Chop Shop...puto" You're welcome America. Ernie's Chop Shop... where only the modern day adventurers dare to go! read more

Brought my son in yesterday, first time at this shop. He saw Bubba, who was awesome and gave him a great cut ( he really appreciated being able to stay in his wheelchair) Finally found my kid a proper barber! Thanks read more

Ernie did an excellent job to my son's haircut today.. I'm one satisfied customer . Ernie is the M read more

See all

Bottom line: if you want a good cut, come here. If you want to gossip, go drink a cosmopolitan with your prissy boyfriends and their jacked up fades. Walking into the shop, the tv is on and you'll get a head nod from the owner. I'm guessing Seinfeld playing on TBS is what is meant to entertain you, so Ernie doesn't have to be the clown for your enjoyment. To be honest though, he shouldn't have to talk. His work speaks volumes. The lines here can be long but for good reason. The cuts are quality. If the signage is annoying, don't read it. They're meant to be funny but also just goes along with the "no BS" vibe. It's a barbershop. It's business is to cut hair. If you were looking for a drink or a meal go to a bar. All said and done, I walked out happy with a fade and college contour (aka "combover") that got me more than one compliment from strangers throughout the week. read more

Cool Dude, would recommend it to and would go back specially my barber has gone to another state

None of that sitting and waiting for 20 minutes thinking you're next and then some guy walks in and gets right in the chair because "he called and put his name in." No appointments, no nonsense. Great cuts by professional barbers. Clean shop. This place is ran exactly how a barbershop for men should be. read more

Unfortunately due to the pandemic I've been self buzzing and cutting my hair short at home for over a year now, but I've finally decided to let the hair grow again and looking forward to get the crispiest fade in town. Ernie and the staff are great at what they do and their personalities may strike differently but you need to put your emotions to the side understand you're in a mans barbershop. If the rub off the wrong way they're prob just trying to figure out if it's your first time there or if you've been there before, they got their regulars for a reason and their work speaks for itself. Ernie and the other barbers are chill ass people and if you come with respect they'll hold a conversation and make the haircut much worth the wait, and the handful of people that I've brought to the shop in the past will agree with me as well. I've been going to these for guys for years prior to the pandemic and now that I'm tired of having a buzzed head I intend on bringing my business and getting the best haircuts in town. For all you sensitive crybabies complaining about Ernie, just shut up and go get your bullshit unblended haircuts at SuperCuts putos..... read more

Horrible customer service. Not very welcoming at all. Came in for my first time to try them out since I live in the area. Will not be coming back. read more

New to town..first stop for a chop! Great service and great Haircut..Jared hooked it up proper! Got the 70's college contour...left there clean and tight ready for dinner Rez with my Lady read more

I am a local business owner and resident. I used to come here when I was a kid when it was under different ownership. Hair cuts are $23 and I always tip $7 (total of $30). Ernie does have a talent to cut hair, however, his customer service does does need some work. Seems to get irritated easily (although I understand that the general public can be difficult) and doesn't usually greet customers walking in--unless, you say hi first? While waiting, there was another person sitting down. I don't know if they were a customer or waiting for the person who was getting cut. Ernie seemed to be on break, however, I don't know since nothing was communicated. I looked at my phone, making sure to turn off the volume. He got irritated that my phone had made noise on a previous experience. Although to be fair, my phone had been on low volume (playing Black Jack) and I am very courteous of others around me. Not my house, not my rules, don't mind to comply. I left after a few minutes when I saw that he went to grab something from the fridge. I assumed he wasn't going to cut, nor did I know how long the wait was going to be, and figured I would continue with my schedule and come back another time to see how things go. Rating: -4.75 stars for cuts -3.0 stars for communication with customers -2.5 stars for customer service As a business owner (in customer service) and a local resident, I will give the benefit of 3 stars, knowing it has potential to do better. --------------------------------------RESPONSE 2---------------------------------------- Ernie, thanks for acknowledging that I've been a good customer since I started going to your shop. I have been to your place at least 10 times, and I have been going there since January 2019 (today is June 2019); roughly once every two/three weeks. I will itemize my response to reflect the breakdown of your retort: I left a 3 star review, which isn't bad. My response was not lengthy; however, I do breakdown points by using more paragraphs. Your response was much more winded/wordy than mine (although, this time I will be a bit wordy). 1. You do have a sign that says not to play audio on the phone. It literally reads "Hey A** Hole, turn off your volume." 2. You're right that I could have asked you if (1) there was a wait, (2) if you were cutting hair and (3) what time you close; HOWEVER, you could have said that yourself as well. 3. IF I MET SOMEONE MORE THAN 10 TIMES, I would definitely say hi or at least acknowledge them--out of general courtesy-- regardless if it was at work or in public. Maybe that's just me...But honestly, I don't care if I get greeted, I care more about keeping me informed and talking with respect--my only gripes. 4. I train my employee to greet customers when they walk in and to inform them how long the wait is. I also have my employees take breaks AWAY FROM CUSTOMERS so that they don't confuse them for working (or at least inform the customers they are on break). You don't have to do any of this--just a suggestion. 5. My review says that you cut hair very well (4.75 star rating), but you seem to get irritable quickly. In your response, you clearly say that you are irritated--several times--adding credence to my observation 6. When I was at your shop, there was one person getting their hair cut, one person sitting down, and me--you had one worker (the new guy) cutting hair. As you stated, you were engaging with the other customer, who loves your shop. Not that I care to have a conversation, just want to know if someone will cut my hair and give me a time frame. 7. I am in customer service, however, I don't feel the need to judge you or any business. If any, I want to help give input and hope that it helps you. I could have given a lesser rating, but as a business owner, I felt like giving you the courtesy of at least 3 Stars--considering the fact I want to see small/local businesses succeed. 8. My review won't affect your business, but that is NOT my goal. My goal was to give you a chance to remedy. If I wanted to do anything negative, I would have started by giving you a 1 star--not necessary. 9. Yes there are plenty of other barber shops, but I won't list them on this review. I'm sure you'll do okay for another 14 years, but I would have loved to have seen you do GREAT. 10. Lastly, I am a communicative person. However, you COULD try to communicate with customers FIRST--or even at all. Don't need a life story, just a status quote or let me know that you aren't working. 11. ONE MORE THING. Take this review as you want. I won't bother with this issue anymore. You have talent to cut hair, but clearly get irritated easily. You obviously don't want/need me back, no biggie to me. You have your customer base and I can take $60/month elsewhere. If you want to work things out, great--if not, I'm fine. Best of luck to you. read more

Fantastic, old skool barbershop. No frills, no whining allowed, no b.s. Ernie is the man. 'nuff said read more

Bad news boys. Apparently everything rockabilly isn't cool. I thought this place would be amazing because of the decor but I was way wrong. Just because we've hit a slump in the economy does not mean you can be lazy. Don't sit there on your phones or like a bunch of women talking and ignore the piles and piles of dead hair on the ground. And what really pissed me off was that they spoke so poorly in the company of a women. What a bunch of jerks. I know you're a barber shop but don't pretend like you're a rockabilly place and then talk like that. And on to the hair. My female hairstylist does a MUCH better job. Its $30 but you get free shaves and trims between cuts and of course the shave is complimentary. Every barber does that! read more

More like your dad's old school barber shop. Go there talk shit about whatever and get your mop hooked up proper like. Good people, best barbers and no over the top shiny shit. All function no fluff! Nothing but love for my barber shop! read more

Updated: Since moving from Torrance I've tried out a lot of different barbershops and after doing so I have come to appreciate just how good these guys are. Not only have they given me the best haircut I've ever received, but they also charge a very reasonable $14. Go to Bob, he will hook you up. When I am in the Torrance area I get my haircut at Ernie's Chop Shop, specifically from the guy with the beard in the first chair nearest the TV. He never messes up my hair. NEVER. I hope I didn't just jinx myself but trust me, this guy is good. Tell him what you want and he will do it. His attention to detail is immaculate and he usually takes his time cutting your hair which is a quality I like from my barber. I always ask him for a low fade with a half on the sides and a two on the top while straightening everything else up. The only drawback to this place (in my mind) is the price, which isn't too high, but for $14 + tip this is higher than what I am use to paying. If this isn't a problem for you though and you want a quality haircut then you should check this place out. read more

Ernie is one of the best barbers in the South Bay and to be frank, possibly the world! If you don't have a sense of humor take your A$$ to Super Cuts! It's really hard to find a barber who can do a really clean fade, I personally like a low taper skin fade and this is where it's at!!! (Ernie's Chop shop) read more

Ernie's Chop Shop - CASH ONLY! $20 *Remember to tip your barber! - Barbers Near Me - Torrance, California

The Haircut: I normally go to Luis's Barbershop but he the day I went due to an emergency. I showed him a picture of how I usually get it, 2 on the sides and back tapered with slight trim on top and he did it perfectly. He also did a shave which is always good. It cost about $20. The Barbershop: At first I was a bit skeptical of the place because of all the toys on the walls but they were just collectables the owner has gathered over the years. There was two chairs but only one dude working, I think it was slow the day I went, but there is only one TV in the entire barber shop. Parking is a little weird but the shop is right on the corner. The Service: We were able to do a walk in. The dude was a little reserved, latino guy, but after talking to him a little he was alright. He took his time with the haircut and took the time to ask questions about the cut, just to make sure the customer leaves happy. I was the only one there with my little brother and after half way, an older dude, about 40 years old came in and talked about how hes been a customer for over 20 years. So obviously this place has some respect. read more

I've been going to ernie's for the past couple of years and I've been very satisfied with how Ernie has been cutting my hair and not everyone shaves you're neck with a straight razor to me that is as good as it gets. If you were to go to supercuts or any other of those kind of Places you wouldn't get that that's old skool and I like that and if you talk to Ernie he'll talk to you. I like the atmosphere would hate to go anywhere else. I found out about the chop shop from a friend read more

Ernie and his barbers cut hair. They cut hair really well. It's a barber shop. 5 stars.

I've been coming to get my hair cut by Ernie for about 5 years and I honestly could say he has never disappointed, he really cares about the quality of the cut. And he can cut every single style. Ernie is a really great guy, a straight forward, funny dude. His shop also sells many different kinds pomade too! the chop shop has been a barbershop since the 1940s and is more of a barbershop today than ever. P.s. Thursday's-Saturday tends to be the busiest of the week. read more

I've been a faithful customer for 15 years and have never been disappointed with Ernie and the guys. As a man who doesn't have a pony tail, wear makeup or feel the need to cry about the lack of hugs I've received this week, I will continue using the best barbers in the South Bay. Also, If you read this yelp review please mention to Ernie in order to redeem your free hug. read more

Been in need of a hair cut for about a month or so. Went to a spot next to work and it was closed. Check Yelp seen Ernie's was close and had great reviews. Glad I drove a little further. Small place with a great atmosphere. The cut is on point. If you never had you neck line cleaned up with a straighter razor, come to Ernie's Chop Shop for a great cut and experience the straight razor. My new place when ever I need to get cleaned up during a lunch break. read more

First time here today, Thomas fixed my messed up hair and got it looking really sharp !

Worst hair cut Ive ever had. First time in there. The shop looks cool, hip. But I should of known better then to sit in some cats chair from Costa Mesa who was covered in ink knowing he more then likely has never done time or put in work. So after he asked me how it looked I requested it shorter. He then told me it would be double. I felt sorry for him and let him finish. Idiot grease monkey wanna bees should take care of there customers or client's a little better as well as take a bit more pride in there craft. Great shop just wish I would of sat in someone else's chair beside Edgars. So now I sitting at Mingos barber paying for what I actually was expecting at much better price. 60 bucks in today on my hair cuts but fuck it ball is life and I'm leave to New York Sunday so it's mandatory read more

I've had my share of different barbershops and hair salons, and Ernie's is definitely my place to go. I used to come here every now and then about 6 years ago from a referral from a pal of mine. They always give me what I'm looking for, just a basic comb over. The fifty's nostalgic look is a sight to look at and walk in. These guys are pros, and I can see why they have a faithful clientele. After mishaps from other shops, Ernie's will now my be shop to go to. read more

I brought my nephew to get a haircut here for the first time last week, and Ernie did a great job on his hair! My nephew hates getting haircuts but he felt so comfortable with him! Ernie and his staff are very friendly and the shop is very clean. I definitely recommend bringing a child here to get his haircut! Don't forget to bring cash because it's cash only. Thank you again Ernie! See you again soon! read more