I've been going to Klaudija for a shave every week for about 6 months now. It has become the highlight of my week. She does a great job, has helped me fill out my beard to look better than ever and i get compliments on my haircuts all the time. read more

Unfortunately I can not recommend this business. I committed to a quarterly member at $350, so $1400 a year plus tips for a weekly beard trimmer and hair cut. The stylist was fantastic. However the customer service was sorely lacking. A membership is a different model and certainly a person's hair grows at differing rates. So when my stylist said let's not cut your hair today that was fine. A few weeks later I recieved a text message stating my appointment for that day was changed. This has happened before so I presumed something happened. Typically they reach out but I can't imagine a system errant sending a text for no reason. After I was called for being late to the original appointment time I was confused and spoke with Cassie from the front desk. She was dismissive and disrespectful when I merely tried explaining facts. When confronted her response was she was only being disrespectful because she felt I was being disrespectful to her. A wild thing to say considering the money I was committed to spending and I neither raised my voice, swore etc. After canceling due to her unprofessional attitude she then tried charging for services that were never rendered from the appointments mentioned above. This all could have been easily fixed by her remaining calm, allowing me to send the text, and we chalk it up to a system error. I could have rescheduled the appointment and they'd still have a client. To then even charge for an appointment missed resulting from their system error is disgusting. Thankfully I sent the proof to my band and we resolved it that way. Clearly Cassie has some maturation required for being in customer service. I've overheard her several times at the salon saying she doesn't care about things. And people should know how little they value a membership. Apparently they make less money on members per the stylist so I'm not sure why bother? Anyway go somewhere else where you'll be valued and respected as a client.​​ read more

Van Buren Gentleman's Salon has the kind of vibe that makes you actually look forward to getting a haircut. The environment is sharp, the energy is always on point, and the staff is top-notch. Shoutout to Sandra--she's a magician with clippers and scissors. Every time I sit in her chair, I walk out feeling brand new. If you want great service and even better style, go see Sandra. Highly recommend! read more

Anthony always does a great job awesome shop free drinks are a nice cherry on top. If you need a nice haircut go here and request Anthony.

Anthony has been cutting me for years allways does a good job and fixes any issue i feel that i have about my hair

Attitude attitude attitude stay away from this place at all cost so to say haircut Quality can be found at sports clips for a lot cheaper

Yes this place dispenses haircuts. The place is upscale. They do a good job keeping it clean. However The staff treat you like sheep getting sheared. The staff did not like me after a few of the stylist ostracized me behind my back. I was a regular until now. read more

Went in for a haircut for the first time in a while. 2nd or 3rd time here. Scheduled with Marina and everything was excellent. Took me right on time and the chair was clean as a whistle. Great questions pre-cut to figure out what I wanted. The cut was outstanding and I was very happy with it. She checks in along the way and I went a little longer on the sides than I normally do. Then she asked if I wanted to take more off. It looked great, so I left it that way and she touched it up. Highly suggest Van Buren's and highly suggest Marina. read more

They don't listen! They just did want they wanted because they feel superior than the costumer. Zero understanding of costumer service with an arrogant demeanor. Will NEVER come back. read more

Ania is the best. I need a barber and a stylist for my hair (short sides and long on top). She asks all the right questions to help you explain what you want (I struggle some times). She also pauses throughout to tell you what she's doing or to ask questions. The result is the best haircut I've found in the city. 10/10 recommend. read more

At long last after going through a plethora of hair stylists, I struck gold after researching the backgrounds of various stylists and discovered, Jose, who had worked in California for 15 years. I figured with all the different types of men he must have worked on he would be a natural fit for me looking for a more unconventional style. Jose is a slightly older man, very soft spoken and laid back in demeanor. But, his demeanor speaks of a man who is fully confident of his skills while being very intuitive as to what the customer is looking to achieve. Jose is not going to just copy the hair style you walk in with, but confer with you if there are any modifications you want to have done. Jose finished my hair in about 23 minutes because he knew what he was doing and using the right tools, as opposed to filling out the time just snipping the scissors. This is the best haircut that I have had in a very long time because he adapted easily to what I wanted to achieve in style. read more

I have a lot of trouble understanding these Yelp reviews. Van Buren came highly recommended by a coworker after I had moved to Chicago last summer and I was excited to give it a shot. In the last four years I've tried everything from a number 2 buzz cut to Christian Bale in American Psycho. I asked for something pretty traditional both times that I got my hair cut here. As soon as I walked in for my first appointment, I thought I would like the place a lot. Cool setting, smiling receptionist, and plenty of professionals getting their hair cut after work. Gentlemanly. Then, there was an awkward ritual where the person behind the front desk had me stand up and adorned me with a robe. I've done some pretty pretentious, extravagant things but, man, this single act might take the cake. When I sat down to get my hair cut, the conversation started out pleasant. I explained that I was in Chicago for the summer for an internship and a bunch of other irrelevant details about where I went to school and whatnot. Our chat was completely overshadowed by the stylist at the next station, who was loudly telling her client about a recent night out- her having hooked up with a guy, what his place was like, what he did for a living (fixating on his wealth), personal things he said to her, the whole nine yards. Not R-rated stuff, but not in any way gentlemanly. My haircut felt rushed. Toward the finish, my stylist robotically asked if I wanted to get the annual membership. No... I reiterated that I was only in Chicago for the summer for an internship. The last minute or two were then awkwardly quiet as she didn't seem to be able to process my grounds for refusal, but realistically just wanted to reinforce that it made me a second class customer. I was satisfied with the haircut itself, though wasn't in any way convinced of the value of this place, so I chalked it up to a one-off bad experience, paid, and then... oh wait, I need to head next door to withdraw money from the ATM so I can leave a tip. Anyway, I was willing to look past all this and willfully headed back a couple weeks later right before I moved from Chicago. New stylist, different part of the salon, same haircut request (same ridiculous robe ritual). She was friendlier and more engaging. This time, it was much quieter and relaxing, as a haircut should be. I spoke fondly of my summer in Chicago and lamented returning to school. Within a couple minutes, the haircut was over. The "craftsmanship" spoken about in these reviews was nonexistent. It was an average haircut at an extremely high price. At the end of my second haircut I realized that this is not a bad place, just a place where I am not the target clientele. I winced as I thought of one of the barbers I used to go to in the ghetto at school who would take thirty minutes to perfect a simple style and then would look at me strangely when I tried to tip him $10 on a $10 haircut. I understand you can't compare apples to oranges, but with the superlatives being bestowed upon this place, I couldn't help but have high expectations. As my second haircut ended, the stylist managed to throw in a "would you be interested in an annual membership?" Despite us having talked about how little time I had left in Chicago before starting school again. The way she drove the nail into the coffin was really quite poetic. read more

It's been a while since I wrote a Yelp review for him, but everything I said earlier still holds true. I got my hair cut from Jose Luis last night and - before I had even left his chair - I could sense and see in the mirror how his skill made me look younger and feel better! Jose Luis is a master barber! read more

Atmosphere is great - upscale (which I like). Staff are great - Manager knows me by name after my second visit. Service is great - Virginia (my stylist) consistently gives me the best cut I've had in years. read more

Recently purchased the annual membership and honestly this place is awesome. I see marina for haircuts and she is not only awesome at styling my hair, but a true joy to talk with! Also, the front desk is awesome. Super friendly and pour a great bourbon. I genuinely look forward to my appointment every two weeks. So happy my co-worker referred me. read more

Van Buren Gentlemen's Salon - Barbers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was a customer there for about six months. I got my haircut three times by Melissa and once by Virginia. During my last visit, I told Virginia I thought she was beautiful. I'm a single guy and when I see a girl I like, I let her know. She wasn't interested and that was fine with me. Her dad later texted me to reiterate she wasn't interested. Seriously. In his defense, he seems like a great guy. Maybe he just doesn't realize his little girl is all grown up now. Today, two days before my scheduled appointment with Virginia, Nora called me and said I was banned from the salon. She accused me of acting inappropriately with Virginia. She also accused me of acting inappropriately with Melissa. I never did anything inappropriate with either of them. Melissa is married and I don't remember discussing anything except her interest in setting me up with her friend. My guess is the Melissa is just pissed that I switched to Virginia. I did so because Melissa is always on vacation and is constantly rescheduling. I'm happy to take my business elsewhere, but the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. In my opinion, I didn't do anything wrong and I was treated like a creep. The energy in this place is not fun, even though they are proud of the fact they serve free whiskey. Everyone there is uptight, annoyed and unhappy. Negative energy all around! If you want to have your haircut by uptight, overly-sensitive bitchy women, I recommend Van Buren's Gentlemen's Salon. If you want a fun, light and good experience at a men's salon, go elsewhere and don't waste your time at Van Buren. There isn't enough free scotch in the world to compensate for a bitchy hairdresser. read more

I've never felt the need to create a Yelp account and write a review (ever) but my last visit at Van Buren compelled me to do so. I was a satisfied and loyal client of the salon and my stylist Ania for about 2 years until I had to relocate for work. When I moved back to Chicago last week, I went back to Van Buren but only this time I saw another stylist, Yola. Needless to say, it should've been a fair warning that she had availability throughout the day when other stylists didn't. DO NOT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH HER. I repeat: DO NOT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOLA. You might as well put a blindfold on, grab the bluntest pair of scissors you can find, and give yourself a haircut. I showed her several photos of what I wanted my hair to look like and she couldn't have done a more terrible job! The haircut felt rushed and half assed. My appointment was at 10am and I was out the door by 10:20. And yes, that included washing my hair, cutting, blow drying, and styling. SHE SPENT 10 MINS CUTTING MY HAIR! Don't waste your money and time. Wait for another stylist to free up or go somewhere else. DO NOT BOOK WITH YOLA! YOU WILL LEAVE THE SALON LOOKING WORSE THAN WHEN YOU CAME IN! read more

Ania is so good that I am giving her 5+ stars and she doesn't even do my hair!....she does my husband's hair and my goodness his hair is now perfection. He has always had amazing hair but could never find someone to give him a modern look that is actually cut in a way that almost makes styling an afterthought because the cut just works in and of itself. Additionally, he is a very discerning and particular type of customer to deal with, especially when it comes to his hair, and Ania always exceeds his expectations! read more

Best men's salon in the city by far! The ladies at the front desk are great and make sure you are taken care of on top of treating you like royalty. Aliyana is the best! As for the haircut, if you see a barber, I highly suggest going to Jose Luis. He is one of a kind. By far the nicest, most genuine barber I have met let alone the outstanding work he does. Also recommend signing up for the one year membership as it is the best bang for your buck when it comes to getting your haircut in the city! read more

Wow gotta give a shout out to Kinga. She turned my crows nest of hair into an amazing cut, in less than 25 minutes. She works miracles. This is the place to get high end haircuts for a fair price. Also the receptionist Alex is very cool. Great experience overall. read more

Jose Luis, Thank you for your continued devotion to perfection and craftsmanship - that is right, craftsmanship. As a busy professional, there are only so many things that you can worry about. Every time I walk into VB Gents I am confident that I will receive the individualized attention that will keep me looking my best. Jose Luis, you are a true perfectionist and handle yourself professionally and gracefully. You think this review is over the top? Prove me wrong.... I am just waiting for a new shaving foam machine to come in. As of now, the "hot foam" comes out luke warm. The shaves are always clean, and razor burn free, but I just want to know what full experience feels like. See you Tuesday, Jack read more

I left a great salon and found a better one! VB Gents will not disappoint ! From the owner to the shoe shine guy , everyone is dedicated to making you feel comfortable . Yanna has been cutting my hair for years and what can I say ...she is simply the best! She is professional and extremely talented, pleasant and always cheerful. So, if your looking for a great stylist book your appointment ASAP with Yanna!!! Chuck D read more

Deanna and her team are the best!! Always a great experience here. You'll get a great cut from any of their stylists and you'll be enjoying a beer and getting your shoes shined at the same time. I've been a annual member since they opened and there's no way I will get my hair cut anywhere else!! read more

VB Gents consistently exceeds expectations. I've been going there since they opened and they deliver a sharp looking cut every time. They are conveniently located, with a modern space that is sleek yet inviting. The attitude is fun and energetic, not pretentious like most of the other salons I had visited prior. The service is highly personalized. It's refreshing knowing that you don't have to worry about your haircut anymore because they are skilled professionals and take pride in their work. Naturally, this allows you to relax and enjoy the hot towel on your face, the cold beer, sports game on TV, the shoe shine, nail service, etc. Simply put, VB Gents rocks! read more

It's all about the experience at VB Gents. From the moment I walk in, I am treated like a VIP! I am always welcomed right away. Whomever greets you, takes your jacket along with your bag to be hung up in the closet. The superior service continues when you are offered a drink. They make a mean cocktail at VB Gents. I am immediately provided with slippers to wear while I get my hair cut. This is so my shoes can be shined while I am receiving my haircut in their comfortable chairs. I think everyone can appreciate the efficiencies, I know I do. I can only speak in regards to my haircut experience with Deanna, however I have never witnessed an unhappy patron of VB Gents. Deanne has the perfect balance of class, style, skill, and guy speak to make the experience superior to any other club in the loop and suburbs. Her haircut is only outdone by the hot towel and shampoo she provides after the haircut. Erin takes care of the express manicure if you are into that sort of thing and you should be! My wife appreciates it, your will too. The relaxing hand massage makes it a great additional experience to the entire service. After my first haircut, I went all in and joined the club program. I have a standing appointment along with e-mail reminders on a by-weekly basis. Now, I have been to the 316 "club" and Halo. All fluff no substance. They may look flashy, one was more like a bar than a haircut place, but at the end of the day you are a just another body in their chair. At VB Gents, they know your name and your style and they know how you want to be treated. I will never get my haircut by anyone else again. read more

I recently told a 30-something friend of mine, "it's time to start getting big boy haircuts." Van Buren is the epitome of a gentleman's/executive haircut experience. The shop itself is very nice: clean, modern and comfortable. The experience is more of something out of Mad Men... a bourbon when you check in (or beer, soda, etc). Your shoes shined while you get your hair cut. Manicure if want. All included in the annual fee. This was my first experience with this kind of model - but, if you get your haircut at least once a month, it more than pays out. It actually encourages me to go more often - helping me look my best. A gentleman's reminder- you should still tip the folks doing the services each time: especially the hair stylist. Speaking of hair stylists... I see Virginia. Not only is she super friendly - she really takes her time to make sure my hair is just right. In the past, I've had the clippers to my head and out in 15min. This experience is definitely not that. It's a great cut that looks good for a couple of weeks (my hair grows fast). Everyone who I've seen gets a cut there looks great after. So, I doubt you can go wrong with a stylist. But, I highly recommend Virginia if she's available. read more

I went here last week, based on a recommendations from a friend. I usually don't get a hair cut in the loop, but wanted to give it a shot. I pretty much walked in here with zero expectations. The host was very welcoming and got my jacket and bag, and offered me a drink. Yes, they have really good whiskey. I didn't have to wait at all before the barber came and took me in [Jose Luis]. This place was very classy and modern (chill music). I was asked what kinda of haircut I wanted and was given a shampoo wash (a hot towel on my face during this time - very relaxing) before my hair cut. And then Erin, came to do my manicure. This was probably my first time, i almost felt uneasy saying yes, but she was very friendly, thorough with her work, and my fingers and nails def got an upgrade. She ensured that there is nothing wrong for men to have their hands look good. Overall, the service was great, with a friendly staff. read more

Love VB Gents. Have been seeing Deanna for a little over 3 years now and consistently get a great cut. This salon is always fun and welcoming, from the minute I walk in the door. Shoes and a cut, nails if you want, and a beer to go with if it's one of those days. The cut and service is well worth the price and the staff here will make you want to keep coming back! read more

A great "newish" spot in the loop. I normally go to a great place (Salon Lamia) in Evanston, but sometimes my personal calendar is too full, so I gave this place a try. I see Alicia, who is great, and the owner, Deanna, is very professional, personable, and knows what she is doing in running this client centric business! Kudos for great, talented and professional stylists, and also a great package that includes a haircut, hot towel, shoe shine and a manicure. And the best part - they don't believe that an all male clientele has to have a bunch of TV, sports and girly magazines. Its a classy but non-pretentious place. read more

The people are really great, and it's a fun environment. They always remember how I like my haircut, which is nice. As soon as you walk in, they'll take your coat and your bag and give you a beer. Very relaxing! They are very flexible with scheduling and laid back about everything you can think of. I wouldn't get my haircut anywhere else! read more

I was one of the first members to sign up in December 2011. I was hoping that they would survive their first year - and boy did they ever. They are growing rapidly AND maintaining the up-most quality and attention to detail. I have successfully referred two colleagues and two friends to VB. Also, I was given a free shave because I renewed my membership in December 2012. I gave it to one of my Managing Directors (in order to get some brownie points) and he really enjoyed the experience. -Joe read more

I can't speak highly enough of Van Buren, I've been looking for a place to go to regularly for a long time, and this is absolutely it. From the first time Nora greeted me, this place made me feel like I was welcome, and true to name, a gentman at a place designed for gents. Because of her crazy skills in taming my unruly hair, Whitney made me look like a million bucks too. Whitney = best stylist ever. I haven't met a member of their team that hasn't been top notch - thanks Higinio and Erica!!! The yearly membership is an amazing deal, with unlimited haircuts, show shines, and express hand details. Get yourself cleaned up here, no one else does it better. read more

I bought the annual membership at Van Buren a few months ago, and boyyyy is it worth every penny. Probably because I had the good fortune of being paired up with Virginia(stylist). She is like a surgeon with her hair tools. She takes the time to learn exactly what you want to accomplish with your hairstyle, and then molds your dome into a follicle masterpiece. She never rushes through a haircut, and you can tell she takes pride in her work with you as if she were cutting her own hair. She frequently will run over the allotted hour to make sure she leaves you lookin' and feelin' confident. I also put a lot of stock in the banter with your stylist. I'm not necessarily looking for a BFF, but a girl that's a dud makes the experience seem less than desirable. Virginia is a fun, energetic, and spunky person, who loves to learn about her client's outside of VBGS's walls. I can't say enough about Virginia and the management staff, mainly Nora, who make you feel like family, and like your home when you come into the salon. My only complaint is that they don't offer a 5-year membership package. -MM read more

This review has been a long time coming. Let me just say that when you move from one state into another every year, it is very difficult to find a barber/stylist that you can trust and it is equally difficult to let go of them when you know your time is up. Finding this place when I first moved into Chicago was God-send. If you're like me, a very particular person about your hair, you can imagine the anxiety having to first read multiple reviews on many places just to make sure you are even comfortable going to a place to begin with - and that's only half the battle. The other half is choosing someone when you book an appointment. You cannot go wrong with Van Buren! My first time going there was a little intimidating- for a good reason. I'm a pretty simple guy, not used to having a complementary beer/whiskey/coffee or any other beverage while I wait for my haircut or having a shoe shine before a haircut. But, having said that, this place will make sure you do get used to it! On my first appointment, I was welcomed by a very cheerful and friendly front desk. Arriving about 15 minutes early was good to help me settle in to relax and have a drink. The space was clean and they had really comfortable chairs to sit on while I waited. I was lucky to have Ania randomly chosen as my hairstylist on my first appointment. She took about 5-10 minutes before we started to get to know me, ask my preferences and gave good suggestions. During the cut, she would often show me the results and ask if I was okay with the length etc. She's a very talented and receptive stylist! After the first cut, I was super happy and impressed, and suddenly the anxiety of finding a stylist was gone. I decided to sign with the 1 year membership that day and it was the best decision by far considering the amount of times I go for a cut and for the ease of setting up appointments. Every visit was consistent with quality in a haircut, and additionally when I wanted to change things up with a style, she was able to do it. You will find that as a regular customer, you will not only have a hairstylist, but a good friend in the end - someone who you can be comfortable talking to during the cut about anything in life and an honest person who really has makes sure you look the very best everytime you go in for a cut. Making an appointment and changing appointments are for the most part very flexible. Another point to make is that I have a busy work schedule, and I have always started on time and either ended early or on the dot! On a couple occasions, Ania was not available due to vacations, but that was fine, since someone else amongst the talented group of stylists can cut your hair too. I had wonderful experiences with other stylists when she was gone. But, if you're like me, you stay loyal to your hairstylist when he/she is back! As a longstanding customer, everyone knows you, even the owner Nora, who really does her best to take care of you whenever she is around to help the front desk. Customer service is above and beyond and you end up feeling like part of their family in the end. I went for about 1.5 years, and unfortunately I no longer go since I've relocated to a new state. This place made a huge impression on me and I often find myself trying to find something similar in NYC/Manhattan, but Van Buren Gentlemen's Salon definitely takes the cake out of all places I've lived in (native Californian, lived in Los Angelos, San Francisco, Sacramento, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, NYC/Brooklyn, Washington D.C. and other large urban cities). If ever in town, I know where I'll be going to if I need a good haircut. Try the place out, see if you would like to stick with a membership! I have a feeling you will. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! 5 STARS! read more

Love the new place and the modern loft atmosphere, but the girls are what make this salon so unique and special. Super cool staff and it feels like being home with friends. I know Yanna for years and I can say that she loves what she does!!! Every time I come and see her, I feel pampered, relaxed and leave with the best, customized haircut of all time. Thank you Yanna, you are truly the Best!!! read more

I sat with Kinga today for the first time during my membership at VBGS. We talked about what bothers me about my current "do" and what would make it better. After we discussed the plan of attack, Kinga took me back for the hot towel, shampoo and conditioning massage. While getting my "do" done Emmy took care of my mani...simply the best I've had during my membership as well. In no uncertain terms, this is the BEST haircut I have ever, ever had! I have made a standing appointment with Kinga and Emmy. I also have to dote on the front desk crew; they make every visit extra special, especially Alex. We are so far away from having to renew our membership at VBGS but there would be no question we would sign up again. VBGS earns it's major points and stars with this guy. Above and beyond customer service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, courteous, professional and great ambiance (including the music selection) keeps VBGS at the top of my list. read more

Complete addicting! From the warm greeting when you walk in the door-until you leave-it's an incredible experience. Grab a drink, get your shoes shined and remarkable service. Anis is the best. Nora is a riot. Everyone in the place is incredible. You will not regret becoming a member read more

I'm a simple guy, a regular dude, but I came here anyway to give it a shot. I was told it would be so very great! So, I got curious to see what the fuss was all about. The treatment was very nice, I admit it, especially the face shave. I loved it. In other words, it felt great to be spoiled and treated like I was someone important. Who doesn't love warm towels placed on his or her face? It was all, however, very expensive, and the end result, meaning my cut and shave, was ordinary. It really was nothing special. If you enjoy paying for pomp, then this is your place. In being completely truthful, I'm serious, I've literally received $9 haircuts that were equally good, if not better. None could tell the difference. I'm not a pretentious guy at all. I don't need a latte while I'm getting my hair cut. I also felt empathic for the lady cutting my hair. While I sat in a lounge chair, which I think is an odd, as well as an improper place to get a haircut, nor was it practical (for her) and probably unsanitary (for me), she was hunched over with her elbows way in the air, as she cut my hair, because her arms were well below my head. She looked so uncomfortable! I felt compelled to apologize to her, which I did. I said I was sorry, but she obviously feigned indifference, pretending that it didn't bother her. That said, anyone who knows what it's like to snip hair and hold your elbows in the air for eight hours a day, knows you would be in serious pain come night fall. Over the course of time, this would indeed cause you medical problems. This is a tough job, and, honestly, watching her painstakingly cut my hair, subtracted from the pleasure of my experience. If this is you're thing, you will enjoy it. There were certain aspects, I very much enjoyed. It was nice to be treated like a gentleman. This they did well, but I won't be back. In my humble opinion, it was a waste of money. I also don't need to be pampered; I'm not that kind of a man, especially if it means that it causes pain to someone else trying to make a living. read more

Based on a friend's recommendation, I decided to give this place a try. I'm really glad I did, By far the best service I have had at a salon. They greeted me, gave me a beverage, While my hair was being cut, another girl clipped my nails and massaged my hands. After the haircut they gave me a great hair wash. I felt like a king. Ask for Kinga. She is excellent at cutting hair and very nice. read more

This place is really the best men's salon in the city hands down. From the moment you walk in the door, everything you need is taken care of, from shining your shoes, to manicure to an expert haircut. I've been to several of these places throughout the city over the last decade and won't be leaving VBG anytime soon. Additionally, I highly highly recommend Kinga as a stylist. Not only is she an expert, but she has a great personality and makes the entire experience really fun. If you ask for her, you certainly won't be disappointed. read more