I have been bringing my boys to June for the past decade however in the past six months they have raised their prices from $35 to $45 per haircut. I have support them during Covid when they started raising their prices dramatically but this too much. The shop is not particularly clean and has never been updated. For this price, I can go anywhere in the city and be in a cleaner environment. I was also annoyed they did not announce this price increase. Previously, there would be a sign to let you know however in the course of a weekend with no notice the price Jumped again. I love June but sorry Vic! This isn't right. read more

June is the best. What a neighborhood treasure. Thank you to the landlords for keeping rent sustainable so this old funky place can keep going as an affordable spot to get a haircut. read more

Vic the barber just gave me a snappy trim after 10 weeks in hibernation on a beautiful summer day. I really appreciated the Blues playing in the background and the vintage feel of the joint. I never give 5 stars on a 1st pass, but like "Arnold"....I'll be back. $25 + tip read more

June is lovely. This is a sweet shop. They provide quick service for classic cuts at fair prices.

It's a quality cut at a reasonable price. Barbers are personable and there's never a long wait.

First come first serve place on Montana. Prices have increased from $20 to $25 to $35 over the last couple years. Cut took all of 15 minutes with no real attempt at conversation. At that price I had an hour long cut with wash, massage and conversation in San Francisco. Will keep looking for my long-term barber in Los Angeles read more

Good old fashioned small barber shop in Santa Monica; clean and cute. No big fanfare; average market price. I received good quality haircut with nice customer attitude. read more

First, I don't write reviews unless it's really good or really bad to warn people. This was a really good experience. I have been looking for a good barber in the culver city/Santa Monica region. I have always left dissatisfied needing to cut the long hairs around my ears or just waiting for my hair to grow back and try a new barber because the fading was in fact never faded. Most barbers in the areas will just line up the corners and go over the line very minimally AND call that a 'high fade'. Really? They don't know how to fade or just abusing their job doing the minimum effort. It takes a good eye to fade correctly. I had given this place a try for my desired 'high fade'. I was greeted by a nice Asian woman, I can't recall her name. But from reading the other reviews it seems like there's only two barbers, the guy or the Asian woman. HER NAME MIGHT be June if she's the only woman who works here. Once you walk in, your greeted by floor to ceiling, wall to wall memories and 'thank you' photos. That was the coolest thing and they all looked like they been there awhile. I'm sure if they had anymore space to further decorate more memories and thank you photos they would. So, The Asian woman cut my hair perfectly. I had no stragglers of long hairs around my ears and the line up around my head was spot on, to top it off she actually knew how to fade and blend the top in with my sides being a #0! I will be coming back. There is ONE con and I don't personally take it into consideration, if my haircut comes out perfect. So...Felt like she was digging in my skin with the clippers, but like I said though I don't care. It's the first time my haircut was perfect, besides cutting it myself. I'll be back! read more

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Great local Barber Shop from a bye-gone era and reasonable prices! Especially, for Montana Ave. Ask for June, she is fantastic and has definitely perfected her craft over the years. Do NOT ask for Vic, the dude is an insecure jackass who has no problem being rude to others! I especially enjoy when he presses his huge fat belly against my body while I'm sitting in the chair getting my haircut. He has the personality of a doorknob and constantly becomes confrontational with customers who make specific requests, read more

Look, there are mixed reviews, so go in knowing what to expect. A quick, pragmatic, dependable haircut. This is not a place to go to be pampered or wowed by the environment. It is an old school barber shop that is clean but not fancy. I like June. She is skillful, dependable, and able to give a fine haircut. The prices are OK, ~$25 for a haircut for this area - certainly not a value cut but not outrageous, digestible for this area. read more

This is a totally biased review so be warned, I love Esquire Barber Shop. Walking into Esquire is like a trip to a different era. Jazz is playing on the stereo, old school pics and memorabilia on the walls, two chairs and a counter in the middle and a row of waiting chairs and magazines to read (no girlie mags, but we're working on that). Vic is a character and veteran westsider. He talks to all his clients, unless they don't want to talk, and is very personable - very easy to get along with and develop a rapport - which is a great quality in a barber. During the holidays, whichever, Vic always has treats out, sometimes adult beverages too, and makes everyone feel welcome. He caters to adults and children, mostly men and boys, but I'm not sure if their talents stop there. I get a pretty basic haircut, I have coined it the "420" cut - which is NOT a stoner euphemism for anything. It is a #4 on top, down to a #2 on the side, fading to a 0 - basic but with a catchy name, which suits me fine and Vic can knock this out in about 10 mins - like any barber should. During my time in the chair we talk about the weather, weekend plans, cigars, liquor, Montana Ave, or anything that makes the time interesting. I think I pay $18 for my haircut but I don't really bother to ask, I can walk to Vic's place after dropping my daughter at Roosevelt - convenient is an understatement. I have lived in Santa Monica for 6 years now and used to go to a barber near my office but I wanted a change. I live a block away from Esquire and after I started going to Vic, I haven't gone anywhere else since. Open till 5 on Saturday AND Sunday, but Vic is not in on Monday and Tuesday - everyone needs a few days off... Thanks for keeping it traditional, Vic, you're the best! read more

I've been going to Victor for nearly 6 years, even these days with me now living in West Hollywood and not Santa Monica I still make the trek to Montana to get him to cut my hair. When I first landed in L.A. I couldn't find a decent barber anywhere in Santa Monica and tried a good few until I found Victor. He always does a great job on my hair and is very reasonable at $16. Victor has recently taken over the barber shop and has personalized the whole place. It's far more inviting these days with music playing and some funny stuff on the walls. He now opens on Sundays. read more

Really wanted to like this barber shop because it's blocks from my apartment. When I asked the barber if he could cut my hair with only scissors and not the clippers I was immediately given attitude. "I don't do that" he said, "I can't cut the sides or back with scissors". I'm not thinking this is an unusual request, so I had him do what he could with just the scissors. He made 7 snips on the top and then held up a mirror saying "What else can I do for you, if anything." I asked what the largest size clippers he had to use on the sides, to which he said there was only one size of clipper and I must mean the guard but he wasn't going to do that anyway, he was going to use the clippers with a comb. So I had him do that and 2 minutes later I was done and out of there. This is a barber shop for old men and boys that want a buzz or a quick 5 snips and then out. If you're actually interested in looking halfway descent, don't bother. The attitude was the real turn off. read more

This is a traditional barber shop, not associated with a barbers college or a national chain or a department store. A traditional barber shop has a barber pole outside, and inside, no frills decor, manly magazines to read while you are waiting, and good inexpensive haircuts. Prices have been slowly creeping up, but I think it's still $18 for any kind of haircut you like. Add a couple of dollars if you want some kind of special service like a shave or get your hair washed. The cuts are as good as anywhere, the people very nice, and the price hard to beat. Any time I get my hair cut in Santa Monica, this is where I go. read more

I've been going to Vic for several years at this location. He's open early and I'll often go before work or at the start of a morning run. He's great to chat with about anything and everything local, often providing me with great stories and insights about why things are the way they are. (like why Santa Monica pier doesn't have fireworks for the 4th of July anymore...) I read some of the negative reviews and have a couple comments: - The "drunk" barber hasn't worked there in years, and June, the replacement has been awesome. She is very nice and also does a great job. - Regarding cleanliness, I've come on a regular basis and find the place to be well kept, but with no frills. It isn't a salon, but that's what I love about the place. If you don't come with an attitude, you'll have an enjoyable experience. read more

TL;DR Don't come here. The woman who cut my hair was asian and about 5'1. She was the only other person inside the barber shop. I asked her to follow the lines with a 0. Very simple. She "took in" the right side noticeably thinner and shorter than the left, took a 1.5 x 1.5 inch chunk out of the back - underneath where a pony tail might start, and left my neck looking like Freddy Krueger came over. She also left my sideburns which connect to my beard in a total uneven mess. I went to Pacific Barber Shop on Wilshire (which was the next closest barbershop), and they hooked me up with as good a salvage job as they could. They did not charge me. Those are good people. read more

Esquire Barber Shop - The woman there butchered not only my hair, but my neck... - Barbers Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Vik gave me my first old-fashioned hot shave experience. It was so much more awesome than I could have possibly imagined. I also got a hair cut, which was solid--but the hot shave was the highlight. I've since made a point to treat myself to hot shaves once every few months, but none of them have come close to Vik's awesomeness. I haven't been back to Esquire because I live in SF, but next time I'm in the area I will make a point to revisit. read more

I moved recently and this is the new barber I can walk to. Instead of getting on my bike I decided to give this place a shot. It was ok. I got a #2 buzz all over, took about 6 minutes, cost $18. At $3 a minute that's one of the most expensive services I can think of. The quality was fine. The place I used to goto they spent more time on my "easy" haircut and charged almost half as much. He didn't ask how I wanted the back done and wasn't that friendly overall. I was offered donut holes and Girl Scout cookies when I walked in but the place was not as clean as I would have hoped. There was no sweeping between cuts. My hair looks fine, but I won't be back. read more

I had THE WORST EXPERIENCE possible. I went to shave and I clearly explained 5 times to the owner how I wanted my beard line and he seemed piss d at me. Finally results he did THE OPPOSITE of what I asked and he even charged me. The 2 people inside where shocked. The worst place I have ever been read more

A great American classic! Vic's a gas! The stuff on the walls alone is worth the very reasonable price. read more

This place should be called "Vics" because Vic owns the place and just gave me the best haircut ever. Very comfortable, magazines, newspapers, etc. I paid $16 and just gave a $20. Will be back for sure. read more

Don't go here if you are used to precision cuts. The woman is very fast and the cut she gave our grandson is not even. She spent less than 10 minutes on him. read more

Walked in yesterday and was greeted right away by June. She did a skillful job and I could tell she was meticulous about trimming all areas of my hair until it was just right. The same price as any of those Supercuts chains and much better service! I'm coming here from now on. read more

I love this barber shop. Vic and his partner, June, always give me great haircuts. I usually go on Saturday afternoons and I usually don't have to wait too long. I like that it's a basic American barber shop, not an over-priced, freezing cold Euro-trash place. I tend to like to zone out when I get my hair cut, and I appreciate that Vic doesn't try to chew your ear off. Great cuts at a great price. You can't go wrong here. read more

I'd love to give this place a 5 but I just can't. Vic is amazing for cutting typical styled men's hair. He's extremely quick (in and out in 20-30 every time). It's a old place but that kinda makes it fun. Vic has crazy cool stories from back in the day here in LA. I highly recommend the place but I just can't give it 5 stars because, even though being quick is awesome, sometimes I get the sense that he's rushing and might f**k up. He hasn't yet though. read more

Great cut and great atmosphere. This is what a barber shop should feel like. My 14 year old received an awesome cut which is saying a lot because we are very picky when it comes to his locks. Thanks for the offer of eggnog and great music. read more

I thought I was going to grace's barber shop, but walked in here by mistake. The woman who cut my hair was friendly and we had a fun conversation. I showed her what I wanted, and the haircut I got was nothing like what I asked for. I spent the last 3 months growing my hair out, and all I wanted was a trim to even it out. She practically chopped all of it off, and now I have to spend another 3 months trying to get back to that. To top it off, it was $23....for the quality of a $10 haircut. I wish I would have paid more attention and gone to Grace's. read more

I had been going to this local barber shop for ten years, but when Leo retired after 45 years Vic, another barber took over. But when I walked in for my monthly haircut Vic refused to cut my hair. I have no idea why, nor did he explain. Michael R. read more

A "real" old-skool barber shop is hard to find. Jazz music, old photos, (playboys) and good conversation. There are two barbers, Vic and June. Vic cuts a great head of hair. You can come in and ask for a 4-3 or a 3-2, and he'll do a great job. At 16 bucks, it's a great value. June also does a great job. Many people wait in line for Vic, I take the first available (usually June). Although Vic is the best, I would still go to June if she had a barber shop to herself. Wednesday, Vic is the only barber. I think June is the only barber on Monday. (Jason M.'s review below is spot-on) read more

I recently moved to 14th and Montana and needed a trim. Seeing as how I'm no longer right across the street from Tel's Barbershop (also great) on Pico, I went on in earlier today. Vic was friendly and June had her seat open. I showed her a picture on my phone of what I was looking for, told her the specifications and she whipped it up great in about 15 minutes. Normally a snappy and speedy haircut wouldn't mean the best of things, but she did a great job of listening to what I wanted and fixed it up great in a snap. Bring cash though so you don't have to walk down the street to Pavillions for cashback. read more

We love Vic. He gives my 8 year old son a great flat-top....very difficult to find a true barber who is skilled enough to do this cut. Vic is terrific with my son and always as a good story. Relaxed atmosphere and a fair price for a great cut. read more

Awesome haircut, and showed lots of different ways to style it. Great vibe. Reasonably priced. Thank you, Vic!

I've accompanied a friend to this barber on several occasions. He prefers, June, the woman barber's work over the man's hair skills. I haven't gone to a hair salon in years, let alone a barber. My friend had shown me June's business card, which states she cuts the hair of men, women and children. This past week, after my friend had his hair cut, I got into her chair. I just wanted my hair length evened out and that's exactly what she did. All of her attention was directed to my hair, no fuss, no interuptions. Exactly what I wanted. read more

Well......be prepared to watch the fastest haircuter this side of the Orient. I must have had June(Asian lady) and man can she wave those scissors around. With past barbers/stylists it normally takes between 35-45 minutes to cut my hair right. "The Asian Hair Assassin" took about 20 minutes, 5 minutes was due to me asking her several times to trim the sides a little more. So, if she had it her way it would have been only a 15 minute cut for a guy who has a head of hair similar to that of John Stamos, Patick Swayze, and Andy Garcia. the price was right at $16, but what is the value of your ears. I had my eyes closed the last 10 minutes because I was concerned Edward Scissorhands was definitely gonna clip an ear. i might raise my rating once my shock subsides and i'm able to make an objective evaluation. *Almost a year later and i decided to go back. why? the 2 places i wanted to try were closed today, Monday. so i took the risk of getting my ears nicked and to my surprise only my wallet and hair was chopped. June is still a speed demon, but instead of scissors as her weapon of choice she's turned to clippers. safer on my ears that way i suppose. although there wasn't anyone waiting and she had only spent 15-20 on my head she seemed frustrated when i asked her to fine tune the sides a little. i think i even heard her say, "Oh boy!" the price went up to $18.00. so i will definitely try one of the other 2 places that aren't open on Mondays, but are highly rated here on Yelp. read more

This place rocks for haircuts. Vic is the man, the only place I've found to get a consistent cut with good conversation. $15 for a men's cut, very reasonable, I've yet to have a disappointing haircut there. True men's barbershop with the tv and magazines to prove it. read more

They're more interested with speed rather than quality. I don't think they listen to direction that well. I had grown my hair longer ... took me 5 months to grow it to the length I wanted and despite my instruction to take 1 inch off the back at most, they managed to take about 3 to 4 inches and at least 2-3 inches off my sides. The last thing I said to vic before he started was, "Err on the side of long". I'm not sure, but I think I'm the victim of a practical joke. I half expected Ashton Kutcher to jump out from behind a curtain and tell me I've been punked. In their defense, it took them only 10 minutes to do ... so 5 months destroyed in as little time as possible. Thanks a lot. read more

My new barber. Like the place... always playing straight ahead jazz, Vic can give you the straight razor shave of your life and June can cut hair like no other. Great place and walking distance from my office. Got to love it! read more

I've been going to Vic for probably 15 years. I've brought my sons to him, hopefully, I'll bring my grandsons here. He's an iconic figure here in Santa Monica and a great barber. No frills just a simple haircut. read more

Went in here, vic was friendly but just saw how much of a hack he was with his scissors...but i stayed anyways and sat for a haircut. He asked how i would like it cut and i said a light cleanup, cut a little off the top and clean up the sides with a 4. He s tart chopping off chunks of my hair, and im not picky about haircuts, but he was just butchering my head...so within ten maybe under 15 minutes he says hes done and the back was still a little sloppy. Anyways i had him finish it for me, what could be fixed, and got the hell outta there. I got home and one side of my head is much shorter than the other. Dont go here unless you want a buzzcut from your little brother. Vic is a nice guy, but I think hes the worst barber ive ever been to. I get a very basic haircut, and this one looks like I did it in the bathroom. barber shops in santa monica stink. bummer. read more

Worst haircut I've ever gotten. My hair had product in it and was already really thick. Instead of just wetting it down, he yanked and tugged with the comb, which resulted in frizzy hair and an uneven cut. Not a friendly guy, to boot. read more