Patsy's, and the Heart of a City The heart of a city doesn't…read morebeat in time to the rhythm of landmarks whose silhouettes are stamped on postcards. Its pulse doesn't shake the shopping centers or the offices or the multitudes they carry. It honors no arrhythmia before the Capitol or the architecture that has grown around it. Because it's often the case that the biggest machine lives and dies not by its most imposing part, but by the smallest pin in its center. It's easy to miss Patsy's Barber Shop if you're weaving through the traffic of State and Pearl. You have to know to take the right onto Howard Street and go slowly enough not to miss the white neon tubing that brightens the shop and casts just enough of its glow onto the sidewalk to let you see the barbers ply their trade. Patsy's opened in 1930 at the cusp of the Great Depression, when a proper haircut was a man's resume and the newspaper on the empty seat was the employment office. It was a family business, like many that had dotted the downtown and further south to the neighborhoods that would eventually be sacrificed to Nelson Rockefeller's sense of grandeur. William "Tragedy" Yager now presides over the memories absorbed into the mirrors and the padded chairs. Since 2006, he's followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather, a man who likely opened up shop as he always did on the day Japanese planes set off for infamy. And anyone who's had a seat in one of his chairs and a hot towel on their face knows that Tragedy didn't just inherit a trade; he inherited a love and a duty to everyone that crosses the threshold. A large man with a long, thick beard and a tapestry of tattoos lining both temples, he wouldn't strike you as a man you would want to meet in a dark alley. But again, the seat, the hot towel, two minutes in conversation, and you'll realize that he's exactly the man you would want to meet in a dark alley if your car broke down, if you were cold, hungry and scared, if everybody passed you by. Because there are certain things you can expect from those possessed of the instinct of leadership. But what you may not expect is that sometimes, the places where matters are truly decided accept walk-ins. Patsy's Barber Shop has two locations, 3 Howard Street in downtown Albany and Room 126 on the Concourse Level. Call for an appointment and check for hours. And be sure to patronize the many barbers Tragedy has trained personally.

I'm an out of towner! I've been in town for a few weeks and it can be tough with the trust and…read moreeverything built around that for picking which shop to go to for my next cut. The service, quality, vibe, and aesthetic were an exact match from all other reviews and pictures you see online. Of course the service matters the most right? I was able to snag 2 different barbers in my time out here and have had nothing but phenomenal work at Patsys! I'm telling everyone local and anyone heading up here that THIS IS THE PLACE for a cut.

Great men's barber shop. They take walk ins and appointments. The ATM is broken. They charge a…read moresteep fee for cuts and for ATM but take their time with customers. Review: 5

Great place great service. Ask for Matt Raymond. I do recommend doing appointment they do walk ins…read morebut you might be waiting. I was a walk in and was seated within 45 minutes. This is a place to go to for straight razor cuts.

This place is a great place to get your hair cut. It's a nice clean shop, everyone is very friendly…read moreand helpful. If you want to do something different than you usually do, these guys have good suggestions and know what they are doing. They have experience with different hair types, and styles. Highly recommend this place!

Spent roughly 20 years looking for the perfect barber shop. One where you not only got a great cut…read moreat a great price, but just as importantly a place where everyone enjoyed themselves and joked around in an almost "movie" like setting. Headliners fits the bill when it comes to fun and friendly atmospheres, but most importantly the barbers who work there treat you like your a regular even when it's your first time in that chair. Since my first cut their roughly 2 years ago I have never so much as thought to go any where else. I genuinely enjoy my monthly cut and look forward to going in the shop. In fact if it were up to me and if my hair grew fast enough you'd see me in "Headliners" every week. I highly suggest seeing Jose Martinez for a guaranteed great overall experience. With that being said each and every barber at this shop is solid and more then worth the price of admission!

Christina is amazing and very talented, my son is very particular who cut his hair and we love…read more Christina Happy Customers

Went in to get a nice haircut for my brother's wedding. The service itself was impeccable. Kev the…read moreBarber is a master of his craft. I was a first time customer, and I have to say I think I lucked out on trying the place. But it doesn't end there. , turns out I didn't have cash or my debit card with me, only a credit card (that's all I ever carry). I pulled out my phone to call my wife, hoping to catch her before she left work. Home is over an hour round trip from the shop. Kev stopped me and told me to just come back the next day. Now remember, I was a first time customer, Kev had no idea who I was or anything about me, but he offered to let me come back the next day to settle the bill. I came back the following morning and left him a rather hefty tip, which he earned every single cent of by being professional, friendly and understanding of an embarrassing situation. Highly Recommend.

Nelson was my barber since I was a walk in and I've nothing but the highest praise and satisfaction…read morewith his skills. I was treated with respect and professionalism. I would recommend this spot to anyone seeking to level up their haircut game. -enrique

Total professionals and exceptional customer service. They made me feel welcomed the first time I…read morewalked into the establishment.

Their barber Alex did a great job fading my hair and lining up my beard, they've got great…read morehospitality and even better quality- I'd definitely recommend them if you're in the area

Clean place with a very courteous and knowledgeable barber. Thorough cut also. Will plan to come…read moreback.

Convenient, professional, and efficient. They work fast without cutting corners. The attention to…read moredetail was there, and they made sure I was satisfied before I left. Solid work on both hair and beard, and the price was more than fair. This is a reliable shop. They were very laid back. I'll definitely be coming back. One more thing I don't have to worry about anymore!

Good cut, quickly done, and a friendly shop. My husband loves going here. And now I have to add…read moresome more characters for Yelp to accept my review. But what can I say besides they did a great job quickly?

A Barbers ~ Barbershop! Excellent pleasant service & reasonable prices. Look no further.read more

You aren't going to get a beer or a snack when you walk in or while you're waiting and they don't…read morehave a fancy coffee bar with cookies. This is a barber shop with barbers who have been cutting hair longer than most others around. Joe, age 84, cut my hair today and it was just how I wanted it. He took the time asked a lot of questions because it was my first time there and it was great. They'll give you exactly what you ask for as long as you tell them, they'll stop along the way and ask you how it's looking, and they care enough to give you a great haircut for $10-15 less than the place down the street. You can buy a lot more beer and coffee with the money you save here and get a great haircut too!! In the plaza behind the Fresh Market and across from Burger King you'll find the Siena Barbershop since 1964. Walk-ins are welcome and it's cash only. There is an ATM inside if you forgot cash.

Every time I go have my silver hair cut and styled by Christine she does an awesome job and i…read morealways feel greatl‼

I wish I could give it a negative star. My husband got his hair cut here today. It was worse than…read morethe hair cut I gave him during COVID shut down. He said the shaver seemed to get stuck in his hair. He ended up having to go to Jean Paul Salon to get it improved - cut was so bad it couldn't be fixed. I've attached a photo of the cut pre Jean Paul. It doesn't show the bald patch on his crown... I don't like leaving such a bad review and maybe there are some good stylists at this place, but wanted to let people know they should definitely do their homework on finding a stylist before just booking a cut here.

For males: stick with Toni, because Steve decided to give me uneven, summer haircut that I didn't…read morerequest. Toni will be creative giving you ideas depending on what you want to have done and what would look better and will cut your hair and do your beard however you desire. Steve will ask what you want and do something different. Steve never again, nice guy though. Toni, you better let me know next time before you take few days off so I don't get shaved like this This place also has coffee, tea or cake, pie, snacks for customers while they wait. Lovely family atmosphere, happy customers.

I called from work to see if they had an opening (and on a Monday); Tony said to come on in. Tony…read moredid a fantastic job with my wash and trim (he showed me exactly the amount he cut) & blowdry and his lovely wife did wonders flattening and making my hair super straight and shiny. I am not from the area (traveling medical professional) and I was pleasantly surprised of the fantastic service, and you cant beat the price. I would highly recommend this salon!! Plus they are genuine nice people (unlike some of these high end salons)....if your looking for a good cut, not feeling rushed and not wanting to spend a fortune I would highly recommend Perfect Cut!!