I was exceptionally pleased with my shave -- long, luxurious, and worth every stinking penny. I was also pleased to find Heeley fragrances in stock. ("Eau Sacrée," "Cardinal," and "Oranges and Lemons Say The Bells of St. Clements" are three of my favorite scents, but all are comparably difficult to find in the States.) The hubby bought some terrific, triple-milled shaving soap. Nice afternoon all around! read more

I stopped in here yesterday to look at the Roja line. Andrew was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. This place carries sever hard to find fragrance houses. Overall, this was the best experience that I've had while fragrance hunting. read more

Small place on the 6th floor of 900 N Michigan. I went here because I heard they carry Barrister and Mann; and they do. A pretty good selection of B&M and some other brands for wet shaving. Hardware was in display cases. I didn't look at anything else so I cannot speak to the quality or selection of the other grooming products nor the barber service. Either way, it's nice to stop in and see what is on the market for men's products. read more

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When traveling, I try to find a barber in the city. It's getting more difficult to find an actual barber that has mastered his craft. My search is over in Chicago. Sal took care of me. The service was excellent. While in Chicago, do not hesitate to go to Merchant ad Rhodes. read more

Called this morning. Fit me in with Sal. One of the best hair cuts I have ever had. Straight razor clean up on the edges. Comfortable old school chairs with a pillow for lumbar support. Nice massage of shoulders and arms. I will be back for sure. Thanks Sal. read more

I walked into Merchant & Rhoades this afternoon for a haircut and my first ever professional beard trim. I'd never let it go as rampant as it had gotten, and I wanted to look a little more presentable next week when I go back to work. So I walked in and asked them to "make me look like I have a job!" They obliged. My barber, Sal, is a real craftsman. He takes care to go through complicated routines and methods for shaving and trimming, cutting hair and so on. All around professional guy. He was so rapt in the process that we barely spoke. I just lay back in the chair and let him transform me into a respectable member of society once again. Note: cell reception in the shop is awful. You should put your phone on airplane mode while you're there or log into their wireless or you'll burn up your battery. read more

This long existing barbershop and shaving supply store is the best in the city. It was formerly called Truefit and Hill, but the name change is the only thing that is new. The owners, staff, and service have all remained. They carry a large array of high quality shaving and personal grooming supplies in a number of hard to find brands. Additionally, their hot lather shaves are the perfect pampering. I highly recommend them for bachelor parties, wedding days, or just your man's birthday. He'll feel like royalty. My husband has had three shaves by them over the years and each time comes home wishing he could afford to see them weekly. read more

Just had a haircut and a beard trim with Sal , The greatest experience ever (a little pricy but so worth it) you get the vip service from this place . Ey read more

Nice amenities. Slightly overpriced in my opinion. But in hindsight the best selection of not so popular fragrances in the Midwest region.

Amazing head shave experience - worth every penny I'm glad I picked them to to my first ever head shave. From multiple hot towels, multiple had shaved, oils, massage at the end. Very happy with them read more

Alex has been cutting my hair for years. He's a pro - does a consistently good job, and is a very nice guy to boot. I am not the type of guy who gives a lot of instructions to whomever is cutting my hair. Alex doesn't need much guidance--I trust him completely. This isn't the cheapest haircut in town, but it's excellent value for money. The location (900 N Michigan/ Bloomingdale's building) is convenient (validated parking available), and the shop itself is very comfortable. No gimmicks like beer, ESPN or cute young female stylists here - it's just a classy place to get your hair cut, shoe shine (during the haircut, if you like), shave, or manicure. It's your old school barber shop taken up a few notches, if you will. The reception/schedulers are good and the little shop at the front, which features shave creams, cologne, bow ties, etc. is fun to check out. read more

Simply the gold standard of barbershops. As a client of over 15 years I look for any opportunity to return - I live in Connecticut now. Since the days of Judy, the shop has run like a fine watch. Tomas & Ilia are top of the class here. Hot lather shaves, cuts, even the shoe shines are handled with professionalism. Validated parking at 900 N Michigan. Counting down to my next visit. Yes, it is no longer Truefitt & Hill but close your eyes and you'll never be able to tell the difference. read more

I went for a shoe shine the other day. It was overpriced and average in quality. Still, I was intrigued by the ambiance and services. So I returned the next day for a shave. The experience itself was relaxing. The quality was poor. The barber cut me in five places and my chin broken out in a dozen pimples (which has never happened to me...not even as a teenager). I wish I wouldn't have tipped the barber and I won't go back. read more

I usually go to Floyd's in Wicker Park. Even though they generally do a good job, I decided to try out an "old school" barbershop this time because I wanted a professional to clean up my beard. I came in with a full beard (4 - 6 months of growth) and asked my barber to give it a better shape. I really wish I had been more specific, but every barber I've ever been to has understood what I meant. I was looking for a cleanup and very minor trim. That's it. She ended up taking off my ENTIRE beard, leaving me with essentially stubble. To add insult to injury, I paid a total of $130 + tip for the pleasure of having my beard mutilated. I will never go back here. read more

My "go to" Chicago destination for a professional shave, trim, haircut & manicure. Stylists are the best!

This is by far the best haircut I've received in my life. I had a haircut the previous day from a different barber shop downtown and it turned out absolutely horrible. Merchant & Rhoades miraculously turned it into the best haircut I've had and I'm so appreciative of their skill. I will definitely be coming back read more

This is the shop that was formerly "Truefitt and Hill." Still the best barber shop I've gone to in the city. It might be the only barber shop I've ever gone to that's allowed me to relax. It's a neat space, with lots of marble and antique barber chairs. The price is a little on the high side, but they've never let me down. read more

The most classy barbershop I have had the pleasure to get a haircut. The space is soothing as there is no loud music, television and everyone speaks softly. It is truly relaxing. They also do manicures and pedicures. I've also had my shoes shined while I was getting a haircut which was a plus. Price is on the high end but you get what you pay for. read more

be careful if you're giving this as a gift... sent my husband as part of a Christmas gift in 2014 and now he won't go anywhere else. :) they're prompt, professional, and polite. read more

A little overpriced but not unexpected based on the location and style of service - great quality products and ambience. Very professional. However the shave doesn't have anything out of the ordinary - nothing memorable or different from anywhere else. read more

I am moving to Japan today but if I wasn't this is where I would want to get my haircut every time. I've never received so many compliments! On top of the perfect haircut I received the most relaxing and enjoyable shave. The staff were all friendly and professional. The whole experience was great. read more

I have been going to this barbershop for 20 years and its the best anywhere. I even thought about opening up one of my own years ago in my home town. I travel quite a bit and I never have had this kind of haircut at other establishments. The head and neck massage is incredible. Tomas is the best at it!! Treat yourself to a haircut which is a half hour then a head and neck massage for another half hour. The hot towel and facial massage you get during it is like nothing I have had done elsewhere. read more

Old school high end barber shop. Not cheap but definitely good stuff. I came in because I had time to kill early on a Sunday in Chicago. Got a haircut and shoe shine. Barbers were excellent, ambience was old school class, and conversation was interesting -- mostly older folks talking about the old days, which fit the ambience. Haircut was good. read more

Fantastic! Best place for Haircut and Shave. Very old school and extremely professional. BEST in the city!

I can honestly say that I will not be visiting this establishment again. It took 3 attempts for the Barber to get it right and I still had to fix it when I got home. On top of that I have a nice long cut on my face for my sisters wedding tomorrow. I wanted to go to a professional to avoid this issue next time I'll save the money and do it myself read more

A haven of civility and old-world charm in the middle of Gold Coast shopping. Service is gracious, not rushed, attentive. Ask for Alex to benefit from 50 years of haircutting. read more

I called and spoke with Dennis to schedule a surprise appointment for my husband that included one of their swankiest packages. The very next day, a M&R staff member called my husband and ruined the surprise, telling him every detail about his appointment even after she had realized her mistake. I called this evening and spoke with Casey to share my disappointment and frustration, only to receive the response, "Yeah, that's no good. He's (my hubby) out of our system." Not even an apology for their mistake or an attempt to make amends and retain our business. You would think a place that charges this much money for services would provide unparalleled customer service. Not so, and I'm glad my hard earned money didn't make into the register of this poorly run business. We will NEVER return to this establishment. read more

I love this place and especially Sal. Every time I am in Chicago I come here for a cut. Shaves and manicures are also first class but they book up and I am a last minute person. Go on a weekend. Go for the works. Take your best pair of shoes so they can be polished to NEW status again. read more

Exceptional service; wonderful barber shop. I'm afraid the name change may have created some confusion and made it a bit difficult for new -- or even previous -- customers to find though the location remains the same; it's only the name has changed...but trying to find via internet can be challenging if you don't know that. It appears as if the shop has closed. But it hasn't. It's still providing the same traditional, high quality service as it has for years. Highly recommended! read more

My partner gave me a gift certificate to Merchant & Rhoades for Christmas and it was the best ever experience! I'll admit to being somewhat apprehensive to go into such an upscale environment (pretty low-maintenance here), but the staff there -- especially barber Tomas -- were wonderfully warm and talented. It's perhaps not something on a regular basis for most of our wallets, but it's certainly a wonderful experience when we want to pamper ourselves. Best haircut I've ever had! read more

Fabulous ! Was in town for the weekend and was given an Astor package for my birthday. In and out in 1 hour, haircut shave , manicure and pedicure. Great treatment from Sam the barber and Monica the manicurist! Excellent experience and amazing shave ! Thank you! I will be back! read more

Since the winter of 1979, one we all remember, I followed Kirk Merchant Sr. and his family and staff from the ground floor of the Drake to 900 North Michigan. I've never had a haircut anywhere else since. They remain the sole caretakers of all my ectodermal tissue. read more

I am not attempting to pass judgement on this institution as a whole, I am simply reporting the experience that I had - which was very poor. I decided to treat myself to a Merchant and Rhoades haircut the week before a very important occasion so I could look my best (my first time using their service). Suffice to say, I was very disappointed. My experience was poor from the get-go. The place was deathly silent, and all the barbers wear lab coats which is unsettling. They first ask you to put your head face-first in a small sink while they wash your hair - odd, but ok, I can live with that. The barber then asked me what I wanted. I asked for a classic long-on-top, short-on-the sides haircut; I've been getting this cut for years and my hair already had the correct shape (it was just a little long). During the cut, the barber hit me in the eye with the comb, dropped scissors point down into my lap, and hit me in the head with the hair dryer so hard that the flat nozzle came off and fell on the floor. She apologized each time, but three times was excessive. What did I end up getting? I received a very short-on-top long-on-the-sides - the complete opposite of what I asked for. The cut was choppy with obvious lines in the back and sides. The top was messy and had been cut for a part that my hair doesn't naturally have. When the barber finished my hair, they showed me the front for about 2 seconds before putting down the mirror so I barely got a look. They didn't show me the back or sides. I could tell that it wasn't perfect, but I was prepared to give it a shot. As soon as I saw my reflection in the mirror as I was paying, I knew it was horribly wrong; the shape and cut of my hair was totally ruined. When I turned to the side, I saw that the barber had also left me with a 1.5" mullet; the back of my hair was longer than the rest of it put together. At this point, I had already paid and it was too late. I sat down in the chair and was out the door less than 20 minutes later - everything felt rushed and flustered. I walked out of Merchant and Rhoades and called up another barber, got an appointment that afternoon, and got them to "fix" my hair. Since the top had been cut so short at Merchant and Rhoades, there wasn't much that could be done other than to make it a really short cut - not at all what I was hoping for when I planned on getting a haircut that morning. All of this for the price of $65 - some people clearly have good experiences here as evidenced by the 5-star reviews, but I did not. Take that as you will. I won't be recommending this place to anyone. read more

My cousin and I decided to give our fathers the gift of a visit to Merchant Rhoades for Christmas this year. We had an appointment scheduled for 3:00 pm this afternoon. Unfortunately, my father got stuck in traffic which resulted in us arriving 10 minutes late for our appointment. Upon arriving they informed me that the barbers no longer had time for both of us, so I naturally insisted that my Dad take the open spot. I wasn't upset until Arwen (the worst receptionist in the world with zero computer OR customer service skills in the world) informed me that they would need to charge me for both appointments PLUS the gratuity!! I paid $144.00 for my Father's haircut!! Arwen never offered a small store credit, a refund of one of the gratuities or ANY kind of concession for the service they never provided. Buyer beware!!! If you make an appointment.....DON'T BE LATE! They'll bend you over and stick it to you!! I will NEVER return and suggest that this establishment be avoided. Over priced, unaccommodating and unreasonable! Three thumbs DOWN!! read more

This was my worst experience at any business ever. I spent $75 on a shave for my wedding day and when I returned home to see the results I had numerous cuts and a lot of irritation on my neck. I know it showed up in pictures even though most people did not notice it. When I called back right away, their only help was telling me to put lotion and a cold towel on it which I did. A week later, I still have some irritation and pimples from ingrown hairs due to the shave. The only reason I went here is because when I use my electronic razor normally there is one spot that gets irritation so for my wedding day I was hoping to avoid that. I would have rather paid hundreds of dollars to avoid even coming here. When I asked for my money back they said they "could not do that". Are you serious? Of course they could, they just did not want to. I work at a top chicago restaurant and on the occassion when someone is not happy, we refund the money, and that is just good business. They also messed up my appointment time which is normally not so bad, but you do not want to lose an hour on your wedding day. When I made the appointment months ago I even asked if I should do a trail shave to see if there would be any reaction, the receptionist said no, there should be no problems. Even though they have good reviews and I'm sure they do good business, they do not know how to handle mistakes. Avoid. read more