Aaron treats his customers worse than he expects them to treat him. Allow me to explain: I showed up for a haircut today 8-9 minutes late. Aaron refused to see me, saying it would ruin his entire day. Maybe that seems reasonable to you -- I was late, and it was his first cut of the day -- but here's why it's not: In the year or so I've been going to him, he's cancelled on me twice. Once, he said he was sick and asked if we could reschedule. When I asked when we might re-sked -- informing him I needed a cut before the weekend for MY WEDDING -- he went days without responding, only offering actual appointments after I followed up several times. No offer to connect me with someone else in the shop, no recognition that this was important. Then, a few months later, he cancelled on me literally as I was on the way to the shop: "Hey bud! I've got you at 8:30 am but I'm out in the suburbs right now for some birthday stuff and won't be back until a bit later. Can I get you in later today or later this week?" When I sent my availability for a reschedule, he again didn't respond until I followed up. Illness is one thing. "Birthday stuff" is just blowing me off. In short, Aaron will cancel on customers at the last minute and ignore important rescheduling requests. But if you show up 8-9 minutes late, he will refuse to see you, then speak to you like an aggrieved party. He will cite a policy on the website that says they "generally" do not accept customers who are ten minutes late, even though you're objectively NOT 10 minutes late. (And let's be real: a customer showing up 5-10 minutes late is part of running a barber shop. Or a dentist's office. Or whatever.) EDIT: He will then charge you full price for your "missed" appointment and send you a quasi-apology that also insults you. I kept going to him because he was convenient, reasonably priced, and seemed like a good guy at heart. But no more. He's actually petulant, unprofessional, unreasonable, condescending, unfair -- just childish, really. I see a few other reviews that state the same. read more

Esquire Barbershop - One imagines he knew his birthday plans more than 25 minutes before my appointment. - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just got my first haircut from Ricky P and it was awesome. Great fade on the sides. Looks very clean and sleek. Cool guy to talk with and he's a great listener. Definitely will go back. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. Went about a year ago and the owner, Aaron J., was pretty rude and arrogant for a guy doing a zero buzzcut. No customer service skills and pretty damn condescending. Went again this morning because everyone deserves a second chance, right? Whaddaya know, got Aaron again and he was still rude and arrogant. Maybe not everyone deserves a second chance. read more

I recently went for the first time to get my beard trimmed. I love the location, the vibes are immaculate, I love the old-school vibe. It's very classic, very clean white with touches of vintage barbershops. And the prices are fantastic. I decided to switch it up from my usual barbershop, and this might become my new usual. I liked the cut and it was about half the price of my old place. The only downside for me is that it's cash only, and I never think to carry cash. I'm sure that helps them keep their prices down, so I'm happy to accommodate. I'll be back! read more

I've had multiple cuts here and I've never looked sharper. My boys all go here. They keep it cool and you're in and out

Received an awesome haircut from Wallace, would highly recommend their services. Left very satisfied.

This is the best barbershop in the city. I've been going here for 8 years now and will go no where else. Aaron and gang give the best fades and are knowledgeable about their craft. As for the recent (small) increase in prices: They are AFFORDABLE for what you are getting. This isn't Sport Clips or even Floyd's for that matter. Here, they actually know how to use clippers and straight razors. Everyone else's wages go up to account for inflation. Why should it be any different for people in the service industry? People spend an extra $10 on far worse... There is a reason why I am a loyal customer. These guys reign supreme! read more

Esquire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Been coming here for a few years Aaron J is a true original and runs a great shop. Always a pleasure talking guitar, sports, wrestling, and all things while he provides a great cut! Best barber of 2023 Chicago Reader baby!! read more

I've been coming to Esquire since the start of the year for my haircuts. Kaila knows my hair well and it's the same consistency every visit. The fades are tight and the trims are precise. The staff here are all friendly and each visit is a fun experience that you won't get at other barbershops or salons. read more

I logged on to Yelp for the first time in about ten years to write this review, because Aaron Johnson rules, and so does Esquire. I've been going to Esquire and getting my haircut (mostly with Aaron) for the last couple of years and I highly recommend the shop. I've also had cuts with Tara, who is excellent. Book ahead and bring cash! You will be looking and feeling great if you do. Old school vibe in the shop belies the quality of the cut you will receive here. I went from high and tight fades to a longer look during the pandemic (didn't we all). My hair is wavy/curly and can be a challenge to some, but not Aaron. Attentive service, welcoming atmosphere, quality work and a local business - it's a win all around. One of the true business anchors of Andersonville, IMO. read more

You can just tell when a person truly cares about their craft and has a passion for what they do. That is why I go to Kaila. Kaila is easy going and doesn't take herself too seriously... however when it comes to hair she is super serious and that is the type of person I want cutting my hair. Period. That is why you should go to Kaila. read more

Esquire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great shop. Great barbers. Great cuts. Great pug :) Definitely worth checking out! (pro tip: make an appointment) read more

The same person had been cutting my hair for 10 years, unfortunately she's now on the other side of the city so it was time to find someone closer to home. Lucky for me, Alyssa started at Esquire around that time and had availability. I've now had a couple of cuts with her and she's fantastic! She's taught me how to better care for my hair while improving the overall look. The other folks at Esquire seem top notch so I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of them, but highly recommend Alyssa! read more

Typical hipster attitudes. Act so important and knowledgeable when their work ethic and skill are actually subpar. Come here for lots of snobbery with little to back it up. Starting to think this city has no actual barbershops. Just chains, cosmologists being hired at "barbershops", and hipsters playing at being craftsmen. read more

Scheduled a Sunday morning appointment and showed up 5-10 minutes early. Lights were off and the Closed sign was on the window. Nothing showing they even had hours on Sunday. I assumed the website had a glitch letting me schedule for Sunday and figured I'd call on Monday to sort it out. Then I was charged full price for a no show as I walked home. I called to clarify and was told, in the most condescending tone, that it was not their fault I didn't go at "my actual appointment time." According to the person, I was wrong on all counts and they had simply left to get a coffee but were back at the same time I was physically looking at the closed shop. Incredibly rude and unfriendly conversation. Disappointed it cost me $40 for someone to go on a coffee run in the minutes leading up to my would-be haircut and then be talked down to on the phone like that. Highly recommend anywhere else. read more

I spent my whole life ambivalent about my hair and thinking it wasn't worth putting effort into. My first haircut with Aaron J. made me realize I've just been getting bad cuts for years before Esquire. Every time I walk out of Esquire Barbershop I feel like a million bucks, both because I never look better than when I'm freshly cut and out the door, and Aaron is just a great guy to talk to for 30-45 minutes. You feel "cool" just for being able to keep up and share a conversation with him. Also, big time credit to them for continuing to take the pandemic seriously throughout the whole process. I'm about to move and planning to make any visit I have back to Chicago allocate time for a haircut. read more

I love this shop. My barber is Ricky and does a fantastic job. My hair looks great every time. If that isn't enough for you, there is a shop dog - Nyla. She's adorable. They are cash only though - so plan accordingly- but it is worth it. read more

I was recommended to go to this place by my barber in Lexington, KY when I moved to Chicago two months ago and I couldn't be happier. The shop is clean, has ample street parking, and an incredibly friendly staff. Aaron was the barber that was recommended to me and he's been great! From minute one, he was incredibly friendly and knew what would look good given my hair and previous haircuts. He chatted with me the whole time and it was such a great experience. Even when he had to be out sick, he contacted me directly and made sure I got rescheduled. Two notes: Esquire is cash only and they book up fast! Use their online booking to get your spot! read more

A 33% increase in prices is pretty ridiculous and prices were increased not that long ago from lower/mid $20s to $30; now increased to $40 for barber cut with no shampoo. I have been a customer for a few years and love the service but, this seems ridiculous and no explanation as to the Why such a big jump! Definitely considering going elsewhere, which is too bad. :-( read more

Extremely happy with this place. First time here and Tara did amazing job. One of the best haircuts I've ever had. Will definitely be back in a few weeks. read more

A great neighborhood barbershop with a friendly staff and a great house pug. Fairly priced the barbers are great at their craft. Highly recommend. Cash only. Make an appointment online. read more

That Aaron guy is a good dude. He is not only skilled but super helpful at making adjustments. Just be sure to book online a week plus in advance. read more

I have been going to Kaila for a little over a year and let me tell you, she is great! She takes her time and really knows how to do a men's cut to the T. Her pricing is right on par for the great haircuts she provides and she is friendly and professional every time I come in. She listens to what you want and absolutely delivers. The salon is clean and has a great vibe when you walk in. 100% recommend! read more

I've been going to Kaila for 3 years and I've never been disappointed. I drive about an hour for my appointments and its always worth it.

Not a complete butcher job, but still a poor haircut. I asked for a straightforward short men's haircut. She didn't blend the sides, so I have a defined line or "shelf" of hair on the side, and she left the hair at the back of my head as long as the bangs in front, so strands of hair flop off the back of my head. I may have gotten someone new, but this was a simple haircut that was not well done. read more

Such a fantastic experience. I don't live in Chicago, but I was on vacation and desperately needed a haircut. I had followed the shop on Instagram for a while and liked what I saw, so I took a chance. Make sure to schedule an appointment and bring cash with you. Kaila was receptive and friendly, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was the freshest fade I've ever gotten. read more

Esquire Barber Shop: "Andersonville's TRUE Barber Shop"...and that it is! The tradition of this 1975 barber shop continues onward with barber and owner Aaron Williams. Step in and you'll step into the past. Esquire is a 2 chair, 1 man shop with the original miniature barber light pole (which turns possibly with the help of the prior barber's spirit...). The scent of incense take over your senses, perhaps to ease your preoccupied thoughts about the straight razor. No worries here, Aaron is an expert at this skill and makes it enjoyable with heated shaving cream and an array of after-shaves and products. The sign on the back wall of the shop says it all: "Haircut, neck shave & hot towel...$17* Hot lather shave...$25 Advice...Free" Aaron is great at making you feel comfortable and keeps you entertained between the pleasant small talk, a wide-screen TV playing sports, and a variety of hole-punched magazines hanging from the wall. He's very friendly and takes his time with each snip of the scissors. At a nasty, inconsistent chain like Hair Cuttery, Great Clips or Super Cuts it would have taken them 15 minutes max with my short hair, but Aaron spent an hour cutting away. Can't beat that! I personally loved that the young barber is tech savvy by allowing you to CALL, TEXT (773-844-7367), or EMAIL (aaron@esquirebarberchicago.com) your requested appointment time (appointments recommended since the shop may change hours a bit here and there)! Keep in mind that Esquire accepts CASH ONLY, so if need be, visit Chase Bank a block south on Clark St. It's that easy to stop in, sit back and get an opportunity to rewind into the classic barber shop experience...just as his pug does in the window. *Hey new customers: Mention Yelp and receive $5 off your first visit! read more

Esquire Barbershop - Esquire Barber Shop Facade - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Thanks to @barberjustin for doing me a solid and squeezing me in for a haircut even though I was running late for my appointment. Check him out if you need a consistently great cut and/or hate yourself for getting your hair cut at a pretentious salon by some chick named 'Mandy' that doesn't know what a razor part is and talks with gum in her mouth and smacks her lips while telling you all about why she thinks Kylie Jenner is "lyke soooo much hotter" than Kim Kardashian. Tips: - Visit their website to make appointments online! Don't be the guy that interrupts a dude getting his hurr did because the barber has to stop to answer your phone call. - Street parking can be difficult to find at times especially during peak hours. So come early. Call if you're running late. - It helps to know what you want, example "high fade with a razor part. Or bring a picture. read more

Esquire Barbershop - New 'do, courtesy of Justin! - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

From the outside and even from the inside, it doesn't like much. But this is a reliable, old school barber shop. Men's cut is $17. In my book, for a men's maintenance haircut, anything less than 20 is reasonable. I tipped him 5$ but that's probably more than you would. The owner has been cutting hair on Foster for over 10 years and his career goes back 30. He's a pro at scissor cuts and when he cleans your neck up he doesn't grab the clippers. You get shaving cream and a straight razor. How cool is that? Best cut I've had in three years. He listens to you and gives you the cut you want. If you're very particular about your sideburns, ears and the way the back of your hair looks, you will love this dude. Cash only! read more

This was my first time at Esquire. Jay was fantastic and gave me a great haircut! Will definitely return for future haircuts!

A very nice experience. The barber was knowledgeable and the shop followed all COVID guidelines, all said I got a pretty good haircut

Just moved to the neighborhood and had heard great things about Esquire so decided to check out the shop. I had my haircut with Aaron J. and could not be happier. One of the best haircuts (if not the best) I've ever had and a great guy. Will definitely be back. read more

Started seeing Milos at State Street Barber on Southport 12 years ago (more or less). Followed Milos to Esquire when he left State Street. Great haircut. Great company. Great price. At one point my dad and both of my kids were getting their haircut at Esquire. Out of greed I waited until I moved far enough for long enough to write this review. Moved to Denver early last year or I'd still be going to Esquire. You're a fool if you live close to Esquire and don't go! Thanks for all the great haircuts over the years Milos - kids first haircut, my wedding, my job interview for my job in Denver, and many more! read more

I went to Esquire for the first time after conveniently making my appointment online the night before. My appointment was for 11am the next morning with Milo. As a balding, middle-aged, black man with curly/wavy hair, I've found that many salons can find cutting my hair a little more challenging than they expect. Milo took his time and was friendly. When I got home and looked in the mirror, I couldn't believe what I saw. He cut my hair perfectly. He is one of only two professionals in my life whose first attempt at cutting my hair was perfect. The shop is comfortable and without any pretense. I will be a regular customer thanks to Milo. Their prices are great, but remember that it's cash only. read more

I have been going to Kaila at Esquire Barbershop for almost 2 years. She is one of the best barbers I've ever been too. She is a perfectionist with meticulous attention to detail. Along with being incredibly talented, she is also very friendly and professional. Pricing is fair and the barbershop has a welcoming atmosphere. Once barbershops were able to open during the pandemic, Kaila and Esquire Barbershop took every necessary precaution to ensure everyone's safety. She even extended her appointment times to 45 minutes to make sure there was enough time to properly sanitize between clients. I could not have felt more safe coming here. read more

Esquire Barbershop - Pandemic mess versus Kaila's magic touch when Barbershops could open again! - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This a 5 Star service, no bullshit, no attitude, come as you are kind of place. You'll see guys from all walks of life here getting their hair cut, which is pretty cool. Seems like Ryan and I tend to have the same schedule and I've liked him a lot, I don't think he can give a bad cut. The online scheduling system is cool, it makes going in a pretty no-stress situation. Why didn't I start coming here earlier??? read more

Esquire Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have tried a few places around the city on the Northside, this place is for sure my number 1! 30 dollars for a men's haircut ( average price and competitive for all places) but the attention to detail and care is above and beyond. Alyssa cut my hair and she was great. She listened to what I wanted, asked good questions, and was so easy to talk to. In addition, she was very focused on attention to detail! This shop also is LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive as they ask for your gender pronouns on your booking. I really appreciated this shop and will for sure be back! read more

I had to have a last minute cut right before a big trip to Portugal (needed to fix a recent hair cut from my regular barber). I was pleasantly surprised to see three women cutting hair. Tara was meticulous and gave me one of the best cuts I have had in a long while. I HIGHLY recommend her- one of the best barbers I have ever had. QUALITY CUT! read more

Amazing haircut every time! My barber for over 3 years! Amazing and welcoming people.

I had been running in circles for such a long time because no one seemed to know how to cut my hair. Then a little over two years ago I came across Kaila and she gave me the first amazing haircut I have ever gotten. I like to switch hairstyles often and try new things, she is always ready and comes through with the fire cuts. She helped restore my confidence in my hair and I know she can do the same for anyone else looking or in need. read more