Drew is an excellent barber highly recommend! Great haircut, beard trim, and friendly conversation. Will definitely return!

I've been getting my hair cut here for a couple years and have always been very pleased with the results. Andrew does a great job and is always a pleasure to chat with while he's cutting my hair. It looks like a lot of the bad reviews were from years ago when people had long wait times for walk-ins. Foremost has an online reservation system now which works very well, although times can book up fast, often days in advance. The price isn't the cheapest in town ($30 for a haircut, used to be $25 before inflation hit everything), but it's definitely worth if for the quality cut and strait razor edging. Highly recommended for great, consistent results and very pleasant barbers. read more

Let me preface this with saying I'm a barbershop guy. I love going to the barbershop to get lined up every two weeks. Looking fresh just feels so good. Keeping my hair tight ranks fourth on my list of best money I've spent after my education, my wife's engagement ring and a king size bed. I've sought out the best barbershops during my times living in Chicago, Boston and Charlotte, and Foremost is at the top of my list. Andrew, Jared and Brennan make my two kids and I look awesome every time we go in. Booking is super easy on the Resurva app so you're not wasting half your Saturday morning waiting. Don't go to someplace like Jude's, which cost more at this point, for a shitty cut and a PBR. Bring an IPA from home and get in with these guys. They'll hook you up. Also, if you're there at the right time swing by One Stop Coney nextdoor after your cut, the smash burgers will buckle your knees read more

With how bad the customer service is here you would think the haircuts would be fantastic but they have single style they appear to be capable of and no interest in anything else. Do not expect to be treated kindly here or to receive anything other than a grunt from the barber if you dare to ask his advice. read more

First time I've given a low yelp review anywhere. Sorry guys , I waited two hours for a haircut before a friends wedding and had to leave since I had a work meeting I couldn't miss. The chalk board sign in doesn't respect patrons time or the fact we live in 2018. Get a web sign in, like a real barber shop. Check out esquire in Chicago they are booked solid for weeks. read more

Hands down the best barbershop in Grand Rapids. Andrew and Brennan know how to give you a good cut, fade and/or shave. No frills- down and dirty barber shop. Great service, great atmosphere, great traditional style. Will continue to be a returning customer, no doubts. read more

Foremost Barbershop - Dueling fades - Barbers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

This place is honestly amazing, I've been coming here for about three years now and I've always been extremely happy with the results! This place has everything I like about a men's barbershop, they have a more rustic feel with heavier music playing most of the day, the barbers are all great guys that are happy to give you the hair cut you want, and they even to a straight razor neck shave so you can feel extra clean after. $$$ Make sure you bring cash because they don't take any other forms of payment! $$$ read more

I've worked with all the fellas here and they're all great, but my go to is Brennan. Best barber and best price in GR 10/10 recommend.

Best haircut I have found in Grand Rapids. The barbers know the skills of a barber and treat your hair as a piece of artwork. They take their time and make sure you look fresh walking out. Make sure you know the process. Cash only, sign in on the board, and cross it off when you leave. They get very busy at lunch and right after work so make sure you have a good amount of time or go around 2 when they die down. Give these guys a shot! read more

Cash only. No appointments taken. This is one of the best haircuts you can get in GR for men. I can't speak to women on this issue, since the establishment advertises to male clientele and have all males working there. The haircuts are about as expensive as you can expect to pay for a good men's cut. There are no frills here. You wait in a chair with your name on a chalk board. Bring quarters for the parking meter in case it's busy. I got a medium fade, 2 blade and had them take a finger length off. The Barber styled my hair with pomade and it was an excellent job. Always tip, gentlemen, this isn't a strip mall cut. read more

Foremost Barbershop - Clean and excellent fade, styled well. - Barbers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Awesome place. Walked in and was attended to right away. Friendly staff and great haircut. Going back soon!

Kind of ticked that we went to get a cut and they had the doors locked 20 mins before closing time and no one in the seats. Could see people in the back, I'm assuming the barbers, looking at me as I knocked on the glass. Not even a courteous person letting me know that they were closed. Probably not gonna come back. Disappointed. read more

Great haircuts. Friendly barbers. Funky atmosphere. Cash only. Best barbershop in GR.

The guys are great and so is the atmosphere. They use an old school chalk sign-in board approach which can result in a little bit of waiting. Although, you can sign-in and go grab something to eat and come back without losing your spot. Overall, quality haircuts and camaraderie - check it out! read more

This is a great classic barbershop. The people complaining about a two hour wait are ridiculous and self absorbed. (Also if the wait is two hours, doesn't that say something about the quality of the work they do?) Yes, it's 2018, so use this app and see when the shop is the busiest and DON'T GO AT THAT TIME. Be an adult, and plan ahead. A barbershop is not McDonald's. It's not fast food. It's a relaxing chill environment and if you want a place where everything is done on a computer and you are streamlined through an assembly line, go to Jude's barbershop like the other basic people. Brennan always gives me exactly the cut I want. I always feel fantastic when I leave. Barbers can't read your mind, you have to take the time to explain in detail what you want. I promise they aren't going to be offended by you telling them what you want. Yes, they take lunch breaks. They are human beings who need food just like you. I really like this place, and I respect their decision to run it the way they do read more

I was an out-of-towner with a few hours to burn so I dropped by Foremost Barbershop for a haircut since it was in downtown and had good reviews. During my time there not only did I get the exact haircut I wanted, but I read a few comics and listened to some old punk music blaring from the little radio. This place is a total hipster looking dive... and yet it was the best haircut I've gotten in years. And it was cheap. Couldn't be happier with giving this place a shot. read more

Finally, a legitimate barbershop with licensed barbers and not cosmetologist trying to pass themselves off as barbers. The gentlemen here do great work and have a no-nonsense attitude about them yet maintain a friendly-professional persona. Good business. read more

Best damn haircut in town. Period. Highly meticulous, eminently professional-- Foremost gives Grand Rapids a good name. read more

I love this place. I've been bringing my son here every few months for a haircut the past couple years. I saw some other reviews mentioning poor customer service -- all four are friendly and courteous. The price is completely reasonable for the amount of time they take to make sure you're happy with your hair. We've never had to wait long, but there are books/magazines/music while you wait. My son refers to Foremost as the "cool kid haircut store" and I think that's pretty accurate. read more

Read positive reviews about this place, so decided I would give it a go. I am quite particular with my hair but have left this evening feeling very pleased. I walked in an hour before close, was greeted and sat into a chair straight away. John introduced himself and shook my hand which put me right at ease (manners cost nothing). Very comfortable atmosphere created by the relaxed workers and simplicity of the shop. John spent his time on my cut, even though it was nearing the end of his day by taking time to understand what I wanted and gave a few different techniques he could use to get the job done. Genuine interest was shown in conversation, no scripted small talk to avoid awkwardness. Overall, very happy with service and finished outcome. Will be coming back! Well done lads. read more

Hate to do this. Because as a now former patron I liked these guys. Solid cuts, barbershop experience a good convo if you get the right barber and even good music while you wait/get your cut...but their customer service is horrendous. Their hours of operation need not apply. They close when they please and do not consider that people took time to schedule their days around getting a cut. They do not take appointments and it's a luck of the draw whether or not they will take you. It's a shame. Thought I had found a my barber in GR. I was proven wrong. read more

Don't come after 5:30, and walk ins aren't that welcome. Best to schedule before hand so you don't drive there and get turned away...

Complete Chop Shop. The shave was terrible. Didn't even look like I had shaved at all. Do not go here. I went in for a simple fade and hot towel shave. The barber was friendly but the end result was not good. I asked him not to cut the top, only the sides and then I end up with clumps of hair that he accidentally cut from the top. Nothing is lined up. It was a complete disaster. read more

As I am studying at GVSU, I was looking for a barber in Grand Rapids & I found it! I got my haircut by John and it was really good. Nice atmosphere, nice people & fair prices! I'll definitely come back & I can recommend it. read more

The guy who runs the place is as unfriendly and rude as it gets. You're not a customer or a "friend" or part of the family there, you're a number. If you screw something up in their process (chalk board reservations and cash exchange, very legit) they have no patience for you and will verbally let you know how stupid you are. They'll be closed on random days when you need a cut the most, you'll wait at least an hour most times during the day for a cut, and in the three years i've gone there, i've yet to have a time where I didn't have to come home and trim stray hairs that they missed. I tried to stay loyal, i tried every single guy there, i tried to get there a half an hour before they opened to beat the rush and play by the rules. But today i'm done. I'll find a place where the people cutting my hair are actually friendly, take a credit card, and don't make me wait outside so i can get a spot on a chalkboard to avoid a two hour nightmare. read more

Super elementary stuff here, guys. I recently moved back to GR and am trying to connect with an adequate barber. I couldn't do that at Foremost. As soon as you walk in you can tell these guys care more about their look than the actual cut. I went in and asked for a fade on the sides with a 1 and to pretty much leave the top alone. I walked in with 6-7 inches of hair on the top to play with. I left with 2-3 inches on the top that was your most basic traditional fade I've ever seen. The guy who cut it (far left by the door) quickly informed me that "it's a shop thing" to not cut in a part. Whatever, not the end of the world. Twenty minutes later, I walked out with the SAME EXACT fade as the guy before me. I thought after the thorough conversation we had, I was going to get the chop I wanted. However he proved that his skills were incredibly one-dimensional. They know the simplest form of the simplest cuts. The barber knew how to use clippers properly but his scissor work on the top was horrendous. If you take your hair seriously I would not recommend going here. If you are looking for a super simple over-priced cut that looks like everyone else, check out foremost. I've heard good things about this place and thought for sure I was going to build a relationship with a new barber here. I was super disappointed in every aspect of this shop. Don't buy into the hype or vibe of this place. They care more about their look than the way they cut hair. read more

I had the privilege of writing the first review for Foremost when Andrew opened the shop almost five years ago. I have never been to another barbershop since. That says a lot because I want a quality haircut and a highly skilled barber. I got that the very first time and every time since. That quality continues both in the haircuts and with the four barbers that now work at Foremost. These are master barbers who listen to you, cut your hair the way you want it cut and care that you leave satisfied. If you are looking for an outstanding haircut experience in a classic barbershop, try Foremost. read more

Today my guy and I decided that we would visit the barbershop together as we have before. Everybody knows it's hard to find the perfect place to get your haircut, when I found Foremost Barber Shop downtown it was the right place. We got there today and as usual the proprietor was late opening but they do such a stellar job no one pays attention to it. So we took a seat amongst everyone else that was there. The barber with the far right chair started cutting someone's hair looks up and says "yeah man it's not really good place for girlfriends today". So I look up confused and didn't really say anything, he then repeats "it gets really busy and there's no room in here for a girlfriend". We looked at each other and we were so stunned and confused, we got up and walked out. I am still in a little bit of shock because I've never been treated that way in a locally owned business and we love to support like local. Is business that good that makes that behavior acceptable? read more

Some of the best cuts in town! When ya walk in, throw your name up on the chalk board, hang up your jacket, and grab a seat. Cash is king here. Also, the Gents take a proper lunch together and close up shop for group lunch. If this happens, you can throw your name on the board and be first up when they come back. Otherwise, find another time to stop in and support these guys! Also, don't be afraid to start up or join a conversation with the crew, amazing the things you'll learn and the characters you'll meet! read more

If you have all day to wait for a $20 haircut this place is for you. Be prepared to wait hours with nothing to do and get told off for standing when there's no seats to wait in! You can sign in on the chalk board and come back later if you want but since no-one crosses their name off you have no idea how many people are in front of you. In the meantime you can listen to the barbers discuss how an 11-3 day is too long for them and 10-2 would be better. read more

Brennan can do a great fade! Great atmosphere and location. Chill dudes, just a little pricey.

Went in for a haircut this afternoon, there was about a 25 minute wait, but it was well worth it. Wasn't the best haircut I've had, but definitely top five. They didn't rush to get me out the door and the next customer in the chair. They take pride in their work and it shows. read more

My friend decided to get a haircut at this establishment. When she told the individual cutting the hair what style she wanted they told her they wouldn't give her that haircut because, "when you leave this place you'd be telling people you got your haircut at foremost." This was said while she was being encouraged to leave. She felt embarrassed when they mocked her for being a hipster for the cut she desired and looked forward to receiving. This place should honestly return from the scalp based dust it emerged from. Congrats however, that same individual feels you're really great at fades..... read more

Though it's receiving much hoopla, Foremost is a solid Man's barbershop that is in stark contrast to the manufactured pseudo-mancaves metastasizing all over Grand Rapids providing overpriced cuts and massages from beauty school dropouts (Jude's barbershop). You will get great work from a barber who knows his craft, and few of the hipster frills you see in most new shops that can handle a blade. Because it's only Andrew and Brennan holding down the fort, the line of men eager for fades grows quickly. This minimalist tonsorium is welcomed addition to the neighborhood. read more

I reviewed this barbership in early July and was very positive about my experience. I have been getting haircts and shaves there ever since. This is a friendly, quality shop. I highly recommend it to anyone who values a great haircut and personalized service. read more

My boyfriend and I came to this stop from Holland hoping to find a good barbershop out here. This looked promising. We walked in and we're immediately turned down when all we asked for was a simple fade, underneath his pompadour style cut. I was under the impression that a fade was a very simple, basic technique which apparently they weren't capable of. Very disappointed. read more

Love this place! Reminds me of my youth. Everything that people hate about the place, chalkboard, waiting times, cash only,getting turned away etc. I LOVE! I'm glad to see a man that runs his business the way he wants to on his own terms. The bad reviews sum up everything that's wrong with some people today! Slow down enjoy your hair cut! Bottom line: nice guys good hair cuts and shaves! From what I see while I'm there, act like a jerk get treated like a jerk! Love it! Always good for a laugh while I'm waiting! read more

I've been here two times for a haircut and was turned down the third time I went back, which is the last time I will go here. I will preface by saying that you can get a fine haircut here, the end result is okay. But, it's not worth dealing with the rude and unfriendly barbers who work here. First, the barbers do not greet you or even say hello when you walk in the door, you sign your name on a chalkboard and you sit and wait without knowing when your name will be called or if anyone has any interest at all in having you as a customer. The first time I went they didn't even tell me I needed to write my name down/sign in. In fact, no one said a single word when I walked in. Very odd. The second time I went, there was a sign on the door saying the barbers were out on lunch and they'd be back at a certain time, which was fine until they showed up late to the time they had indicated. The third time I went, I walked in at 4:45 pm on a Friday (they close at 7pm) and one of the barbers, after seeing me sign in on the chalkboard, told me very rudely, "Hey man, we aren't taking anyone else today...... Sorry." Yes, 2.5 hours before closing and without looking for a solution or offering any customer service or sincere apology. Remember, you are a customer service business. You need to be friendly and act like you care about your customers, especially those who have come back for return visits. Final overall thoughts: They don't remotely clean you after your haircut. No shampoo, no conditioner, no anything. They don't even blow dry all the hair shrapnel off you. Both times I got my haircut here I was left with hair all over myself and my forehead/eyes. Very basic stuff here. read more

Always had a positive experience. Cash and walk-ins only. I've had my hair cut by both Andrew and Brennan and they've always made the process as painless as possible. Highly recommend - try and go for a time when you think there won't be a line, but plan on having enough time if there is. I've waited 1.5 hours at the longest. read more

Walked in and Jared was quick to get me in the chair. I gave him simple instructions and he did exactly what I asked . In and out in 25 minutes. What more could one ask in a hair cut. I think I found my regular barber . read more