Just read the Honest Reviews. quote ' Apr 2024 ** I know one other Low Cost Barber in Skokie- SAME ISSUE- She did Not wash her hands- did Not wash her hands after me Before Next customer, Hair ALL OVER the floor- No sweeping. *Maybe it's Tre- u GET what U Pay for- Avenue Hair is a bit more expensive- compared to this :The lone Barber had zero personality and mumbled which required clarification. *** No sterilization equipment in sight. Used the same comb and razor for 4 straight customers. I made an appointment for a shave and was shocked to see him use the same razor on my beard that he used on other customers heads. That electric razor was extremely rough and resulted in me wincing in pain frequently. They would have to pay me to return. A brutal experience overall. Find anther barber! 0ne (1) star rating is too high. read more

Omg, best haircut and beard trim I've had in years, and being ex military, I'm fussy! Definitely 5 stars.

Jays Barber Shop was the 1st barber shop I worked at as a barber. Jay had a great business. I worked with Betty and Victor . Jay was an honest businessman , owner and employer . The coffee pot was kept full and the sports channel was on 24/7. Great memories ‼ Jay is missed by all ‼ Cynthia read more

A nice place and location. The lone Barber had zero personality and mumbled which required clarification. No sterilization equipment in sight. Used the same comb and razor for 4 straight customers. I made an appointment for a shave and was shocked to see him use the same razor on my beard that he used on other customers heads. That electric razor was extremely rough and resulted in me wincing in pain frequently. They would have to pay me to return. A brutal experience overall. Find anther barber! 0ne (1) star rating is too high. read more

He was able to see me the same day, which I appreciated, and his price is fair and gave a great cut

Extremely arrogant and rude! I had called in the morning and booked the appointment, however when I visited the place he told me that there was no booking by my name. Then he dismissed me in a manner as if I am dying to get the haircut from him. Extremely non-professional behavior. I would not recommend. Cheap means not necessarily good! read more

I've been coming to Jay's since I was a little kid and we've just entered 3 generations of my family getting haircuts here. It's a really nice, calm, clean environment where they give you a really great haircut. To quote a very old song, "who could ask for anything more?" read more

I've been looking for somewhere new to get my haircut since it seems both places near work are closing up. Had Rafi cut my hair once last summer and figured to come back now possibly for good. $17 is probably the lowest you're going to get here with a location in downtown Evanston. Was asked about how I'd like it cut and he got me my glasses for a check on the end if I wanted it shorter. Conversation-wise (if that's your thing), I think Rafi follows the lead of the customer...if a customer is quiet...he does the same. He's probably not the one to initiate and move small talk along. I think weekdays, there's just Rafi...so in case it gets busy, call ahead for an appointment. Weekends may be the same, more barbers, but more business. Most other places in Evanston, they charge more ($20 and up) with maybe only Hair Cuttery ($18) and Great Clips less. Not much more savings out there, and not sure that I can get that much better a cut. Parking is easy low-priced meters out front. read more

During the pandemic, Jay's barbershop in Evanston opened a couple of days before Chicago did. I rode the red line for over an hour from downtown Chicago to Evanston. The train fell behind a total of two minutes which made me late to my appointment at 12:50 PM to 12:52 PM. Fifteen minutes before I was supposed to arrive, I called the barber to inform him that I would be running a couple of minutes late, no more than five minutes. The barber responds rudely on the phone that he would not take me if I was more than five minutes late. When I arrived at the exact time that I said I would, 12:52 PM, he took his time smoking outside. While he smoked I sat inside and waited for him. Granted I was late. When he comes inside he tells me to take a seat in a chair that was covered in hair from seat to foot from the previous person. I had to sweep it off in front of him. When he was about to put the cover over me to begin the haircut I see a sign that says cash only. Are you kidding me!? I had to get up and storm out before I acted unprofessional just as the gentleman had been acting with me. Would not recommend. Not clean, not friendly, and does not take cards in 2020. read more

In and out fast. Reasonably priced. Great cuts. Good location. Easy parking. Across from the bakery.

Thank you Yolis! Huge shout out to this amazing hairdresser and Jay's Barber Shop. She got my daughter in just before closing and gave her the best first haircut any mama could ask for. Yolis gave me a piece of my daughters baby hair to keep and treated my little girl like a princess. The haircut was affordable and worth each cent and more. Thank you again read more

It's fast and cheap and the quality matches that. Jay isn't particularly friendly and doesn't really try to chat but for $17 it's definitely the cheapest option in the area. read more

Thank you so much for cutting my little brother's hair you truly did a 360 looking forward to doing business with you again!

I was referred to here by a friend but he did not tell me that this place is entirely cash only. Had to come back with a tip. read more

This has become my regular place for an inexpensive, quality haircut. Rafi is friendly and always does a great job. I've done both walk in and by appointment, but I would recommend calling to make an appointment as it can get busy on sometimes. read more

John is a great barber - I couldn't imagine another good barber after Jay died... If you like soccer, plenty to talk w john about there too... Good old barber shop - can't go wrong here read more

Jays Barber Shop - John cutting my sons hair - Barbers Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Jay's is awesome. I can always get an appointment and the haircut is always fantastic, done with precision and makes me feel good about the way I look. At $17 it's an incredible deal. I've paid $40 for a haircut half as good. I'll never go anywhere else again. read more

Jay's Barber Shop is a definitive place to get your hair cut if you want a quality cut at minimal price. Jay and Victor know everyone who comes in, give you a great cut in a short amount of time. Price has risen to $17 per cut, but you get a fantastic product. In the age of franchise Super Cuts and that ilk, Jay's stands out for service, product and authenticity. read more

So I walked in this barber shop due to its great review and I was extremely offended upon walk in. The barber looked at me and asked me what do you want as I simply sat down on the waiting area. I said I'm a new customer. He said no I cannot accept you and I walked out. So I'm going to take this as a very racist remark because as I walked in he sized me up with this harrased look. Ok I'm hispanic. So what. I tip extremely generously on my haircuts. Usually I tip $50 on top of the fee. But I guess since he thought I was a typical hispanic he spoke down to me and left. I've been to many barbers in my lifetime. If there was a case where the barber is completely filled up with appointments the next thing you do is pull out your business card and offer it to schedule an appointment. But not this guy he thinks Hispanics can't afford his services. No problem. I'll take my money elsewhere. read more

Although I never met Jay himself, he's left a great legacy with John and Victor at this little hole-in-the-wall barber shop. It feels classic. $17's worth of pure barbershop bliss in my opinion. John and Victor are chatty but not overly so--perfect for your barber. Friendly too; John once recognized me on the street in Evanston and said hello. Just talk to 'em a bit, tell them what you want, and let them work their magic. I wish more NU students knew about this place. I was once sitting there and coach Fitz (of NU Football fame) came in and sat down next to me. No hullaballoo, just his favorite barber shop too. read more

I'd give Jay and Victor more stars if I could. They're a community treasure. Jay's had health problems lately, and Evanston needs to rally behind this shop, to return some of the great good will they've given over the decades. Go get a haircut. Bring friends. Fill up the shop with customers. read more

I have been getting my hair cut by John for about a year now and I've never gotten a bad one, despite me constantly requesting small changes for variety's sake. John always listens and is able to get it how I want. He and Victor are both really classy guys and I always have nice conversations for the 30 minutes or so when I get my haircut. I can't emphasize enough what a better place this is than your average chain barbershop, both in terms of the haircut you get and in terms of the experience and service you get. And you don't have to pay a premium for it, a haircut here is a very reasonable $17. read more

I've been getting my hair cut here for 18 months now. Rafi is a delight! He knows what I want. He's very efficient. It's cash only. Call ahead. Make sure you're on time. read more

2nd visit-great haircut. Be warned, they take reservations which makes walking in at times prblematic. And they only take cash. read more

A long time ago in another life before the court system, this was my first review on yelp. There is nothing in the English lexecon that adequately describes the level of coolness from these guys. M R is right calling them First Class. When I was down and out in between jobs, I went in here to get a haircut for an interview. Victor cut my hair and talked to me about what I was doing. Niether Victor or Jay would take my money (back then 15 for a cut) and only wished me well. I didn't get that job, but I got the one I am at now shortly thereafter That was in February 2005 and I pay it forward everytime I see these guys. 1) Friendly to a fault 2) Honest 3) Caring 4) Damn good barbers. I get a lump in my throat everytime I see these guys. They are always doing good works for kids (been on Channel 5) or collect goods and money for veterans and overseas soldiers. If you have kids and want to introduce them to 2 fine hard working people bring them here. You want your hair cut by 2 guys who care about you come here and give them a try. Parking is metered and Evanston has parking Nazis. Really close to Bennisons. read more

Great haircut Fast and never kept waiting when I make an appointmenyt Rafi does an excellent job! read more

This place has really gone down hill since Jay passed. The barber cares only about money. The place is run down and dirty.

This barbershop is the perfect place for. They are good, fast, I can call and make an appointment or just walk in which will probably take a few minutes longer than with the appointment but still fast. It's also cheap, $17 a haircut. I have been going here for a year now. I would definitely recommend this place to my friends. read more

I am writing to respond directly to Yang F's one star review of Jay's Barbershop. First of all, Victor didn't cut your hair. It was John (who's not Hispanic but Syrian). I was sitting next to you. You knew that John had 10 years of experience because he implied that you were his worst customer of 10 years (AFTER giving you "an out" by dropping your fare, i.e., that's your cue to GTFO). Secondly, I am Asian and they have done an impeccable job on my hair every time. Lets not generalize again (as you did above, lumping all brown people into the Spanish speaking contingent). F--ing Thirdly, You came to the barbershop with your parents (how old are you by the way? 18 years old? Aren't you old enough to stop holding your mommy's hand?) while your mother paced around your barber chair and your father sat nearby, both giving conflicting orders to John. Your mom even pointed to her head and suggested, "cut my son's hair like mine!" My reaction was: "This ain't no goddamn lady salon!" "THIS IS A STRAIGHT LINE!" You yelled across the small barbershop (with four other patrons, including myself, sitting there) referring to your Justin Bieber doo. You proceeded to stand in front of a mirror for what seemed like an ETERNITY, pouting like a child who didn't have enough tickets to buy that stupid plastic piece of sh-t at Chuck-E-Cheese's. I am going to sum this up for you: you're old enough to get hair cuts without your parents. You should also try volunteering at an orphanage or something. A bad hair cut (which wasn't your barber's fault) is not a real f--king problem. On second thought, don't volunteer at an orphanage. FINAL POINT: JOHN AND VICTOR ARE OUTSTANDING BARBERS AND GENTLEMEN. read more

My barber was busy this week so I decided to get a quick cut. Came here through Yelp reviews and i left incredibly disappointed. As soon as I walk in, the barber, who I later learned is named John, looks at me skeptically and says "may I help you?" I ask if I can get a haircut and he tells me to close the door and sit down. He finished the cut he was working on and called over for me. I sat in the chair and he asked me what I normally do. I told him I do a low fade, and he says "what do you mean low fade?" I explained it to him the best I could and before I finished he interrupted me and asked me what side I comb my hair. After I said "left" he just started cutting without asking me how short I want it cut. He seemed confident in what he was doing so I figured he knew what I wanted. I tried to have small talk with him and he only gave me one word responses. I even asked him how long he's been at the shop, to which he replied "six." I figured he's had a long day, it's nearing closing time, and he didn't want to talk, so I kept quiet so he could concentrate on the haircut. Not only was he quiet which made things awkward, he was aggressive too. He was frantically using the blades and scissors rushing to finish my hair. Most barbers ask you how long you want the sides but nope, John decided to pick the length of my hair. I'm not very picky with my hair, but I try to do the best I can to explain how I want it. I didn't even get a chance to do that. Most barbers also tell you to look up, down, left or right during the haircut. Not John though, it felt like he was making it a mission to break my neck. After about 10 minutes he blow dried my hair and used a lot of hairspray to turn it into a combover. Then he gave me a mirror to look at the masterpiece and just walked away to check his phone without asking if any adjustments need to be made. Even though it wasn't exactly what I wanted (which is partially my fault for not speaking up), it wasn't the worst cut I've ever received. Even though it barely looked like I got a haircut and looked more like someone took a bunch of hair gel and pushed it to the side, I wasn't terribly disappointed at first. Right before he took the cape off, another gentleman walked into the shop. John greeted him, asked him how his day was, and just seemed excited to see him. He was in mid conversation when I interrupted him and asked him what I owe. He gave me a disgruntled look and said "17," which I then proceeded to give $20. I then got up, said take care, and left. No response. On top of it all, I went home and found a bunch of untrimmed hair and split ends in the front, and uneven shades on my sides. Overall, awful experience. The only reason I'm giving it one stars is because I easily found parking (and because that's the minimum amount of stars we can give on Yelp). I'm not sure if he normally does this with new customers or if he was just having a bad day, but this was enough for me to never come again or recommend this place to anyone. To anyone reading this, if you like feeling unwanted and you want a random haircut assigned to you like the sorting hat in Harry Potter, I definitely recommend this place. But if you want a place where the barber actually talks to you and asks you what you want, do not come here. read more

A Hispanic man (Victor) cut my hair and clearly has no idea how to cut an Asian's hair. He gave me the proper bowl cut straight across the front even with his "ten years" of cutting hair, he swore it was a cut he couldn't have done better with. No natural layering on front or back, simply straight unnatural cuts. Absolutely awful service. read more

It's a couple bucks more than your average Great Clips-style chain haircut, but those extra dollars go a long way. John gave me an excellent haircut and an incredibly neat beard trim, and was exceptionally friendly and talkative to boot. He was extremely detail-oriented and I only noticed after I had left how much neater and cleaner it looked than my normal haircuts. It's too bad that I'm only in Evanston for the summer, because otherwise this would without a doubt become my go-to spot for a haircut. Highly recommended. read more

Jay sadly passed away today from a vicious cancer that he had been fighting for the last several months. He was an Evanston icon and his good nature, undying love of Chicago sports (Especially White Sox baseball), and great haircuts were always cherished. read more

Jay's is the quintessential barbershop. Three chairs, two or three barbers, doing haircuts the right way. Nothing fancy, nothing fashionable, just professional haircutting, the way it used to be done, every time a great haircut. I've been a customer for thirty one years. THIRTY ONE YEARS! And I think that at least a hundred other guys have been going to Jay's longer than I have. How does Jay generate such loyalty among his customers? I can tell you that first, Jay's is an Evanston / North Shore institution. Generations of men, grandfathers through fathers through sons through grandsons, have passed through those doors and gotten a great haircut. But you also have to understand, the barbers here, Jay and Victor, are artists, and ultimate professionals. The cuts are done as they should be. Every cut is done by hand, freehand, with clippers and scissors, and the cuts look great, both when you leave the shop, and for weeks after. The vibe is classic barbershop - there's sports on the TV, and customers debating the latest moves of the local franchises. Car magazines and People are on the shelf. The daily newspaper is around, and sports paraphernalia is on the bulletin board. The buzz can veer to politics and world affairs, and the regulars tend to be quite an aware group of people. Pat Fitzgerald, now head coach of the Northwestern Football team, was coming here back in his student days. He's still a customer, and now, once a year, he gets his head shaved for charity. You may have seen it on TV this week. Any fall, you'll probably find a few members of the NU football team in a chair. The haircut is $17 bucks, and it is a bargain. If you have a problem head of hair, and the cookie cutter shops can't give you a good cut - try Jay's. He handles everything, and handles it well. I won't let anyone else near my hair, and in my fifty plus years, I never had a haircut remotely as good as Jay's - at any price! read more

I've been here twice. First visit, John cut my hair and he was just fine. For $17, it was a good cut. Second visit, I regret not calling ahead to request John. Victor cut my hair, and he's a nice, friendly man, but he shouldn't be cutting hair. It was clear that he didn't know what he was doing, and I ended up with a very uneven cut after simply requesting a bit more length off the front. read more

For a great, consistent haircut, see Dorothy. She is at Jay's Barber Shop only on Saturdays. She cuts with a sissors, very carefully and meticulously, and takes her time. I've been getting my hair cut by Dorothy for at least five years, and just pray she never leaves the shop. read more

Great first experience. Got a haircut and a beard trim for $17. Considering the "budget" places like Hair Cuttery, GreatClips, etc. are all raising their prices, this is a great option. Great haircut and good conversation with John. Be aware it is cash only. I did not realize until after, and he refused to accept my phone as collateral. Walked to an ATM and came back 5 minutes later. Couldn't have been nicer about it. read more

I have been to Jays twice in the past three months. A gentleman who is not Jay greeted me on both occasions and assigned me to what seemed to be trainee barbers, a man and later a woman. I was pleased with my haircut the first time but not the second. I was also very disappointed that they didn't offer to use a straight razor on the back of my neck. This is standard in NYC. Maybe it's not a custom in Chicago-land. I'm not sure if I'll go back. read more

This is the only place I go to get my haircuts. John is great and now knows exactly what I like to get each time. It helps to be vocal and specific, and you will get what you ask for. The service is friendly and the price is fair. read more

When you think of a local friendly barber shop, Jay's the place. Jay's barber shop is an Evanston icon. I started going there in 1983 and I've never had a bad experience. read more