Tony’s Barber Shop

There hasn’t been a review in a while. I currently live in Baltimore and miss Tony’s terribly. Clientele consists of savvy twenty-​somethings, but perhaps moreso the older (38+) professional type. Sit and let Tony regale you with his tales of growing up in Italy. Never a wait, but you need to book in advance. Convenient after-​work hours. Always dig my haircuts. A salon it ain’t. Don’t go here if you want something specific – his $ 12(!!!) haircut isn’t about that. It’s about him cutting your hair, maybe a hot shave (additional.) He knows what is good for you. Let him do his thing.
I honestly don’t understand why he hasn’t raised his rates and why the hipsters haven’t found this place yet.
Tony for President.

Tony didn’t ask how I wanted my hair cut, but he didn’t need to. As he explained to me, the barber he was an apprentice for told him to cut hair the way he wanted and that’s why he opened his own shop-​a shop where he cuts your hair as he sees fit. Its great for a guy like me who is always indecisive about how he wants his hair cut, and tony does the best job of any barber I’ve ever been to. Price seems like a deal, but make sure you make your appointment well in advance because everybody loves Tony’s cuts!

Tony’s barber shop is an absolute gem. I’ve been coming here for two years to get my hair cut, and the quality of service has been superb throughout. Tony is a cordial and professional guy — he’s on time, I’ve never received a bad haircut, and he always honors appointments. He’s popular enough that it’s a good idea to book a week in advance, as he’s pretty much never able to take walk-​ins. As other reviewers have mentioned, he’ll often talk about a spread of topics during appointments — ranging from government and organized religion to more banal topics such as the value of leisure and how we spend our time. I personally find him interesting to listen to.
Overall, if you’re looking for a skilled haircut for a more than reasonable price, I recommend Tony 100%. Most other babershops in northwest DC charge twice as much for half the quality.

Frequented Tony’s while an intern in DC. The most honest price I’ve paid for good barber service on the east coast. Kinda out if the way, but it’s worth burning up your whole lunch hour to make it out. Tony’s a nice guy too, but he’ll sometimes talk your ear off about strange topics (overpopulation, religion, the demise of the traditional family, etc.) Oh, and Tony’s wife runs an alteration outfit in the back of the shop, and she did a great job hemming some suit pants for me.

Good conversation, nice hair cut, good price, will definitely come back!

I have been going to Tony since I moved to DC in 2001 when I lived across the street. I have moved farther away but still make the trip. When I come back after years abroad he remembers my name and my preferred hairstyle. If you’re lucky he might even offer you an espresso. Great guy, great price and I feel great patronizing a small business owner who’s been doing the same thing so well for nearly half a century. Tip well …

I’ve gone to Tony twice now and have only great things to say about the quality of his work. My one caveat for newcomers is just that unlike most other barbers when you first walk to the chair Tony doesn’t ask what you want done with your hair. Now I’ve spoken up and made requests on both of my visits and told him what I wanted done but I suspect if you don’t speak up Tony will just start shaping up along the lines of whatever style you sport when you enter.
I also agree with James and Samuel that Tony’s service is also great. You’re in without waiting — because cuts are by appointment only — you’re out in 30 minutes or less, and Tony still charges $ 12.

I’ve been going to Tony for 29 years. My father before me has been going to him to get his hair cut since Tony started his own shop back in the 70’s. Fresh of the boat from Italy, Tony will do wonders for your hairstyle in a mere 30 minutes or less, provided you call ahead and make an appointment. Tony’s price has been and probably always will be $ 12, and that includes straight razor shaving if you require it. He’ll talk at you about anything from institutionalized religion to how the word «consumer» should be changed to «producer» and everything in between, but it’ll never come off as pedantic.
Have some pants that need hemming or a dress that needs mending? His wife Teresa runs her seamstress business out of the same space as the barbershop. Get fitted, drop off your clothing, pick it up with your next hair appointment.

I tried Tony’s after reading the review from James B, and I’m glad I did.
The location is incredibly convenient, less than a five minute walk from Van Ness/​UDC stop on the Red Line. I called ahead for an appointment, but he had immediate availability so I hoofed it a few blocks to Connecticut and Albemarle. While I basically was a walk in, definitely call ahead or you could be waiting for a while during busier times of the day.
The haircut was superb. Tony listens to what you want, and is able to translate even the most vague instructions into exactly what you want. Having gone to SuperCuts for the past year I really appreciated the little touches he brings, like a paper neck strip to keep clippings out of your shirt and using a straight razor and lather on my neck instead of clippers.
Idle chatter seems the norm for most barbers and hair stylists, but not for Tony. Delivered with a slight accent (Italian most likely, but with a touch of something else) Tony’s insights and lessons range from pedagogy to economics and religion. Be prepared to walk away feeling like you received a small dose of sage advice in addition to a great haircut at a bargain price.
Final Verdict:
If want a haircut that’s made memorable by the extra touches and stimulating conversation go to Tony’s, you won’t regret it.

As you can tell from my profile (or lack thereof), I don’t make a point of submitting reviews on Unilocal,but seeing as Tony didn’t have any reviews posted, I couldn’t resist. Tony is easily the best barber I’ve ever had. I’ve never had a bad haircut, he’s always on time, and I’m always in and out in under 30 minutes. Moreover, Tony charges $ 12 with a straight razor shave, which I’ve never seen in ANY city, let alone DC. But don’t let the low price fool you, as Tony could easily charge 2x or 3x as much and I’d still go back.
I would highly recommend calling ahead for an appointment, as Tony is almost always booked up and rarely has walk-​in availability. Also, the entrance to the shop might be a bit confusing for the first time visitor. His shop is located in the 4444 Connecticut Ave apartment building, but rather than going in the main building entrance on Connecticut, you go around to the Albemarle St side, where you’ll see a separate entrance to his shop.