Grand Barber Shop

I got my hair cut by Rosa. She is a no business lady who plays pool in her spare time. This place is olde school. She gave me a very professional cut and was easy to engage in conversation with.

The main reason I am writing a review is that I don’t see it mentioned on other reviews that they also cut women’s hair. Not just men and boys. Grand Barber Shop on San Pablo Ave is very good and inexpensive. I saw it for years and didn’t realize that they cut women’s hair also, until a friend told me. I mentioned one time about that and that they should put a sign outside saying they do women’s hair also. If they have one on the window or somewhere I haven’t noticed, they didn’t before. They don’t take appointments and usually if you want a certain person either tell them when you go in or sit by that person’s chair. I have been going there for a long while now. I like Rosa and Laura, they both are very good and listen to what you want. I never had anyone else but them cut my hair. Rosa isn’t there on Wednesdays and Laura is not there on Saturdays. They have the owner, Jerry, and another man also there. They are closed on Mondays. They are all very nice. I think a haircut is between $ 14-​$ 16, i can’t remember now for some reason. It’s right by the theater so sometimes parking is a little tight but you can park on the other side of San Pablo. Hard for me to walk too far. You can check them out on Unilocal.I had been looking for a new place because I hadn’t found a place, person, I liked for a long time, or found someone and then they left. This place doesn’t do treatments (I think) or color but they are good in what they do. There is a barber pole outside. They don’t shampoo. I think if you brought a picture (I never have) or just describe to them what you want, it will be fine.

Plan on taking in the whole experience at this barber shop (_​not_​a salon!): eavesdrop on the chatter, read the magazines (if you don’t want to eavesdrop on the chatter), and take your time. There’s genuine family feeling, based on long-​time patrons and a family atmosphere. The barbers (not «haircutters») know their challenging trade and practice it with warmth and enthusiasm. And the price is right!

I visited the Grand this week for the first time in nearly 6 months. I was pretty unhappy with my experience, and left without ever getting a haircut. When I arrived, there was nobody waiting. There were two people getting a haircut, so I figured that I would have to wait 15 minutes, tops. I quickly realized that both of the barbers were more interested in socializing than cutting hair. Both would cut a couple hairs, then pause and spend 5 minutes talking about something. Then they would go back to what they were doing for a minute, then go back to talking. This went on for almost 40 minutes before I finally left because my parking was going to run out. If nobody was waiting, fine, take as long as you want. But I don’t have two hours to spend getting my haircut, and I suspect many other people don’t either.

Jerry is an American Hero and icon. He started cutting hair in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and kept at it.
This guy is a 100% class act. Invest in a haircut and shave from a true American Hero. It’s well worth the wait.
Laura and Jerry’s other colleagues are also great at what they do. But, if you can, wait for DA MAN!!!

These folks are fantastic at their craft. Hot shaves, barbers that take their time and pay attention to the details. What many young people don’t understand is that real barbers use scissors with their electric razors, they don’t just use electric razors alone — it’s a huge difference in quality as your hair grows out. I’ve been looking for quality barbers since moving to the Bay Area and this place is a gold mine! There are also places to eat nearby which is great if there’s a wait.

Nothing to say but great things about this rather old-​fashioned neighborhood barber shop (other than parking is rather challenging). Laura has been cutting my son’s hair for years and is always friendly and perky and shows interest in him and what he’s doing. All the folks there are great and they don’t mind us bringing our Bichon Frise puppy along for the ride. There is a rather long wait (since they don’t take appointments) but the excellent customer service makes that a very minor issue.
If you have a chance, be sure to go next door and see the lovely Art Deco Cerrito theatre as well as the homey and affordable Turnabout shop right next to The Grand.

Decent hair cut. Someone else’s complaint that they are «old school» sold me. 5 blocks from my home.
I’m an old guy but they cater to children. They have a video screen down to a child level with small chairs & LOTS of videos for the kids to watch. I appreciate that.
I do NOT mean to suggest this is only for children. I suspect children are a minority part of their biz. Offering entertainment for kids is something I haven’t seen in other barber shops.
I plan on returning. I suppose that is the real rating.

Today I had a great experience in the shop she was very helpful to talk about an hour on my hair cut is exactly what I wanted and took about an hour can explain to me about the shop and its history great place I’ll be back next month

Great place to get a hair style or cut. Laura is nice, chit-​chatty, and an excellent stylist. All the barbers take great care of the customers from what I witnessed. If you are in a «rush» you might be late! It’s a peaceful and e-​z pace as the stylists provide their services.
Highly recommend. I will be back.

Decided to give this barbershop a try for my boys, since it’s within walking distance. Loved it! Definitely one of those places where guys go for decades. Took my 5 year old and 1 year old and both got great haircuts. Will definitely take them in next time they need trims.

Grand is a real neighborhood barber shop — wonderful, friendly, inexpensive, and worth your time. If it’s busy, which it often is, you’ll need to wait a bit — bring a book or pick up a magazine in the shop and let yourself relax. The straight razor shaves (or detailing, on short haircuts) seem to be very much appreciated… rather wish I had an excuse to try it!
I followed Ms. Rosa here from her last location — whatever it is she does, my hair always looks best when she’s cut it, so I’ll go take a seat near her chair and wait as long as I have to. I recently made the mistake of letting someone else (at a salon, not Grand’s) cut my hair when Rosa was on vacation; which is why I’m going in today, so she can re-​do it. Lesson learned.
They’re «cash only», but there’s a bank nearby with an ATM, if you didn’t come prepared.

Laura is AMAZING. Very consistent with fantastic cuts of any style. She gives excellent advice on customizing your desired hairstyle regarding cowlicks you may have and head shape. Laura has been cutting my hair for many years and regardless of where I move, It is always worth the drive to get the exact haircut that you want. She is the very best. Laura is AMAZING !

I have been getting my hair cut from Rose since I was in middle school. I’m 29 now and live in San Francisco but to this day I still make the trip to El Cerrito to get my haircut by Rose. She is the only person I will trust with my hair.
The other barbers are all great to work with. Sam gave me a great introduction and recommendation for safety razors and proper shaving soap. The environment is also very relaxing and most visitors are known on a first name basis.
Bonuses for doing shaves with a straight edge and hot lather and the old fashioned cash register.

My 2-​year-​old son just got his haircut by Sam this morning. It’s the best haircut and best haircutting experience he’s had. My son is an easy kid, so I’m sure that helped, but I think it was also Sam’s way with him and being able to watch Bob the Builder. He played with their toys afterwards. We’re both looking forward to the next haircut!

Men, get your big boy hair cut here. I highly recommend this location. I am extremely picky about my barbers and this joint did not disappoint at all.

This place is great. Jerry, Sam and the sweet lady in the middle chair all do an awesome job. Been here twice, wait wasn’t that long. The place is convenient, street parking is always available. Will be coming here on a regular basis now to do my hair and my beard. Keep it up Guys!!!
I do wish you guys accepted credit cards, but I can deal without. :)

I got a trim and a shave from the second chair barber, the daughter-​in-​law of the first chair barber.
Trim was A-​OK. Just what I wanted. Straight razor shave was very relaxing: hot towel and all. However during the shave I kept on thinking «I know this is my first straight razor shave, but this sounds and feels like what happens when I use a safety razor blade that’s dull, or I haven’t used enough lather and hot water.» It felt rough. But, my first straight razor shave, so whadda I know?
The outcome of the shave though was uneven: one side of my jawline smooth, the other side rough, neck really rough, and missed an eighth of an inch patch under my nose, etc. Lots of nicks too.
Now, like I said before, this was my first barber shave and first straight razor shave, so I have no other experience to compare it with except shaving at home. And I have coarse facial hair, which no doubt is a challenge.
But in terms of my own shaves, this was a «rush out the door late to a meeting, electric razor in the car» shave in terms of smoothness and consistency. I think either more lather, a sharper blade, or a slower cut might have changed this shave for the better. Or perhaps my skin is more suited for a safety razor than a straight blade, I dunno.
Great vibe here, great hair trim, excellent prices, and friendly staff, but I’d pass on a shave from the second chair next time.

I discovered this place at the beginning of the year. My previous stylist would charge me $ 100 for a really good haircut. At that price, I only got my hair cut every couple months.
Then I discovered Grand Barber. I have never had a bad haircut from all the different people, but my favorite is Sam. Sam is the man. I can get a haircut, straight razor shave, and beard trim, all for $ 32. He takes his time, especially on my beard, to make everything look perfect. It’s cheap enough that I can go every two weeks to stay looking great. The SR shaves are perfect — he takes enough passes to make it look respectable, but not so many that the skin is irritated.
Everybody here is great to talk to. It’s a down-​to-​earth, friendly place, I am now a regular!

Ugh. It pains me to write this review as I fear it may make my wait longer but that’s ok. she is worth it. I’m talking about the awesome barber in the third chair, Ms. Rosa! You may have read about a really bad female barber in the third chair. She is long gone and has been replaced by the talented Rosa. I’ve been going to her for just about a year now. Always gives me a great cut. Nice and short without too «military» looking.
I hear the other barbers are good as well. Just never tried them. Rosa’s my girl.