Old Town Monrovia Barber Shop

Zack Chavez

2 months ago

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I came here for a haircut and Bruce cut my hair after I called in to see if they had availability. I walked in and showed him pictures of what I normally get, which is a mid fade and a little off the top sizzor cut. I showed him two pictures and then told him normally its a #2 with my barber. He said okay forsure so basic fade, no worries. We had great conversation and told him my grandpa was a barber his whole life and that its hard to find a old school type barbershop. Mid way through I could tell the length on the sides didnt feel right, so I looked in the mirror and the length was was too long based on the pictures I gave him, which of course he should've known as hes the barber and knows what tools to use to get what the customer is wanting (which like he said and I agree, its just a basic mid fade). So I had asked him thats a #2? It doesnt look right can we go shorter, he then said okay lets do a #1.5 and he did a bit on my sideburn and said does that look right, and to me it looked right from the small amount he did. So he continued doing it and im faces away from a mirror right. Well again while hes doing it I look over and the length again is not what I was asking based on what I showed him (and what I get every time), so I tell him it doesnt look right, and I said okay man let me show you the picture again, he then says he knows what pictures look like (which if he did then he would have done it correctly). I tell him its not what I asked for, He then said hes not doing it again because he has customers waiting (which by the way it wouldve taken maybe 5 minutes to clean up the situation and do the haircut right as i had previously asked him).....so I just sat quietly and let him finish touching up and made peace with having a terrible haircut. He got done and at the end had the nerve to then put the mirror up to me as they always do to make sure we are content with their work right, but I had already told him its not what I asked for. As he held the mirror up he said "Good right?" And I responded "No, Its straight trash, its not what I asked for" and he said its the first time he had ever heard that. I paid the man and left. Not only do I feel robbed of my money because I paid for a service I didnt receive, but I also cannot believe it was handled the way it was. I gave him several chances to clean it up and let him know it wasnt what I asked for, I even offered to show him again so that we can be on the same page, in which he responded disrespectfully telling me he knows what pictures look like. As well after it all, I gave the shop a call maybe 3hrs later to get his name so that I dont run the actual barbershop into the ground, but rather the individual responsible (not sure if he is the owner or not). And I asked who it was that I had an issue with on the back right chair, he said his name was Bruce and it was him. I then told him "Hey man I gave you several chances to make it right and let you know it wasnt what I had asked for. And you made the decision to not take care of the customer in any way and simply send me on my way after I had let you know several times it was not what I asked for." And he said "okay well I have customers waiting so I have to go" and hung up. I try to be very understanding and give people an opportunity to clean up mistakes, because we all make mistakes all day long right. This guy didnt want to clean it up in any way. He didnt say, you know what man I want to make sure you get what your paying for and feel good about it, let me knock out this guy that has an appointment and then I will dial it in. He didnt give any options to clean up the situation. He didnt care to the least even when I called and gave him the opportunity. He could've said you know what man why don't you come in another day and let me dial it in, I want to make sure your taken care of. Nothing. I see other bad reviews now with Bruce being the topic of discussion, this man cannot be trusted and the owner needs to address these problems.

5 STAR REVIEWS

2 months ago

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Gabriel and his staff are absolute professionals. This has been my go to barbershop for over 14 years now. Master Barbers of classic styles like the side part, slick back, taper fade etc. Stop by and check them out. Cash Only. It’s always wise to make an appointment ahead of time.

Jesse Essaian

a year ago

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Done with this shop. I didn’t want to leave this review but the more I reflect on my experience, the more frustrated I am. Bruce cut my hair really fast, half way through I stop him and say this is not the size I’m going for, he goes “this is what you asked for boss” and I apologize and ask nicely if we can fix it.. within 4 minutes, the cut is done and no mirror is provided.. I’m heated.. I kind of get into it with him at the front saying this is one of the most lousy cuts I’ve ever received. I’m pretty shocked, considering how much pride they take in their shop and it’s a place I hold to a high degree of respect. He told me how he’s been a barber for 10+ years and never had an issue, reading these reviews it seems Like he’s had a few issues.. His buddy jumps in and offers to fix it. I pay $40 for the cut + $15 tip to the new guy and then I gave Bruce a $10 tip as well for his time ($65 on a cut I wasn’t happy with) but I’m done with this shop. Messing up a cut is fine, it’s my fault too for not being clear but making your customer feel like he can’t speak up is a different issue. These guys focus on their appearance which is great, but the second I had an issue as a customer all that went out the window, I didn’t feel welcome or even like he cared to have me leave happy. He kept acting like he was doing me a favor (he never even attempted to fix it). The guys wearing tennis shoes down the street will fix a cut 3 times before blaming a customer. If the other guy wasn’t there, Bruce was going to charge me $40 + tip for one of the worst cuts I’ve ever received and he was okay with it.

Leon Barinaga

2 years ago

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I'm glad I found this place years ago. Never had a bad haircut here. I've even come here after having a bad haircut somewhere else and Gabriel works his magic. I wouldn't mind just coming in and talk. Very relaxed atmosphere. Oh, it's almost time for my cut.

Renan M

2 years ago

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I love this place. I usually just text in and ask when they have availability and they always manage to fit me in. I remember the first time I came here, I was bouncing from place to place because I never felt great when leaving. After my first haircut here I felt elated, I couldn't get the smile off my face. I highly recommend coming here.

tony manero

5 years ago

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Was looking for my review I wrote last year and could not find it. Not sure what happened to it. Anyway, this barbershop is a great 50s style barbershop with professional barbers. They give you style. Just like stepping back in time with the music and overall old Hollywood atmosphere. The owner Gabriel is a Master Barber and will have you looking sharp!!!

Olivia Washington

6 years ago

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I found this place for my boyfriend who needed his hair cut before a big interview. We went in and the place was so cute, (sorry boys) but it was decorated as if you were in a 50's barbershop. Even the location, Old Town Monrovia, gave the impression of a small town where everyone knows your name. Of course, they don't know your name because this is LA but the atmosphere makes you forget you're in a big city. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore and parking is free, compared to city parking. The guys at the shop were super friendly and not just talented but fast too. My boyfriend's hair cut took no longer than 20 min and we were surprised at how inexpensive the cut was. For a place with such charm you'd expect to pay $50 but it was an affordable $20. There are other additional services for men and adjustable seating for kids. I loved that there was a mix of people in the shop. From older men to younger, from business professional to skater, etc. All and all, I highly recommend this place to anyone new in town looking for someone to replace their old barbershop. It will exceed your expectations.

Robert S

7 years ago

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I've tried 4 of their barbers, and only Luis came close to getting my haircut right, now he is gone. I tried the 5th barber today but got the worst cut of all. I wanted a straightface, not dipping or arched.. (you tell me??),I just said it looked good because I knew I was done with OTMB. Was charged 20 for the cut when I always paid 18 (unless they raised price in the last 2 weeks.) Wish I knew where Luis moved to?

Angel537

7 years ago

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Love this place. It gets a little busy but this is that type of Barber that reminds you of that old smell of shaving cream and aftershave. All the barber's in the shop does know what they were doing. Sometimes you gotta wait, but I feel comfortable enough to go up to any of the barber's chair and they'd be able to get done what I need. They trim my beard and fade me pretty nice. Make an appointment if you can.

philip Jackson

8 years ago

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Like a lot of things in Old Town Monrovia this is a blast from the past. Great old time barber shop antique chairs and a staff of Barbers that really know how to cut. Took my kid here who is almost 7 The Barber who cut his hair had tons of tattoos and barber pole tattoos on his sideburns he was an incredible Barber and my boy looks like a little gentleman.