Calabrese’s Barber Shop

My go to place for a haircut. Every time I go my hair always comes out great. I drive like 8 minutes to get there and I definitely think it’s worth it.

Best barbershop in Monmouth County. Chris is the owner and always welcoming, not too mention he loves coffee and asks guests if they would like a cup on him, now that’s customer service. They just remodeled and it looks fantastic, with the older style wood shelving, added an addl’ chair and has complimented the old school look of a real barbershop. It’s a little like Mayberry RFD, when sitting and waiting, as you catch up on the local gossip in the town. They use a towel warmer when getting a clean up or straight blade shave. Great Place!

I found Calabrese’s via Unilocal and, being impressed with its star rating, sauntered down to try it out.
Curiously, while I was actually waiting there, a FaceBook friend, sent me a message saying that now I was living in the area I ought to try out Calabrese’s since they are very, very good.
So, impressed with the harmonic convergence of the moment, I awaited my turn while I watched the only guy «on duty» at that moment, Mitch, do a pretty good job of interpreting customers’ requests.
I was very pleased with the cut Mitch gave me. Even the missus was impressed … and I can tell you, she’s picky.
I have no problem highly recommending Calabrese’s, admittedly, from my sole visit there. But I will be going back.

Update: 6÷30÷2014
The shop hired Zach from Shear Revival to cut there on specific dates throughout the summer. I happened to pop in one of those days he was cutting. I normally go for Mitch only, but Mitch was already cutting somebody and Zach asked me if I’d like a cut. Since Zach is an awesome guy, of course I had no problem letting him cut my hair. I was extremely impressed with cut I received from Zach and it was the same level of excellent quality that the rest of the barbers deliver.
A few weeks later (today) went in for another cut from Mitch. Still giving great cuts, and Mitch really got my hair looking how I wanted. Once again, I’m more than pleased with the outcome!

Atmosphere, music (Hank Williams and old school country), aroma (sandalwood?)…
This place had me when I walked in the door. Loved it. No tvs just a place of refuge to sit back and relax. Other patrons glued to their iPhones was disappointing, but that is the norm these days.
I received a haircut and a shave from Ben. The haircut was a ³⁄₅. Asked what I wanted. After 10 seconds of explaining what I was thinking he told me he knew what I wanted. A little off putting when someone pretty much makes you feel like «shut up, I’m the professional, I know what needs to be done.» If I wanted someone to just cut my hair without any discussion or real «barberly» discussion., I would have just gone to great clips.
Ben moves fast, you can tell he has done this a long time. No wasted movements. He handles a scissors and a razor like a pro. Haircut was done pretty quick and looked pretty good. Didn’t wow me, but it was a side part so how sexy can it be?
Then the shave. This is where it went downhill. I rated it a ¹⁄₅. A hot lather straight razor shave is great. And again Ben handled the blade like a pro. But after feeling some friction on my neck, I got a little worried. By the time Ben was finishing up, he started telling, me there were some issues. His explanation was that since I had a beard, there were pimples and hairs grown awkwardly. In translation, this meant that he sliced and irritated my neck and chin. To his credit he tried to make amends with a generous amount of talcum powder and styptic pencil. But it still turned out pretty shoddy. When I got home I also noticed whole patches of hair that were missed.
For $ 30, I guess I am not too aggravated but I still expect a little more from a business with such fine reviews. Total rating for the cut and the shave was a 2.
Long story short, if you know exactly what you want and don’t have a need to discuss different ideas for your haircut, come here. If you want a shave, and don’t have a beard, come here. If you don’t meet these two scenarios, try another place.

I went here today for the first time and Mitch did an awesome job! I will be back there regularly!

I normally go to see Chris, who is the master.
Went in recently, only to find that Chris was on vacation. Decided to give the new barber Mitch a shot, and was very happy with the results.
I got the same high-​quality cut that I expect from Calabrese’s, complete with hot towel treatment, straight-​razor edging and Layrite pomade/​aftershave finish.
Great choice by Chris in his newest addition to the shop. Thanks Mitch!

Calabrese is the best. He does my hair every way I want with no fuss and he never judges me. I’ve been going to him so long he’s done everything from my NEW WAVE haircut to my preppy «Nantucket Swoooosh» as I like to call it. LOOL. But seriously, nice guy, nice shop, plenty to look at and hear. The way it should be!

Funky joint meets small town America at Calabrese’s Barber Shop. Street parking, sidewalks, a pet store and shoe repair on the same block. Entering… Old wood flooring, older photos and an eclectic pieces on the walls. Old school two chair barbershop, no appointments, just walk in and be greeted with a friendly welcome by Chris Calabrese himself. And this is where the old world ends. Chris will not be what you would expect in appearance and that is part of the fun and wonderment of his place. He is engaging, friendly and exactly the politeness that you would expect in small town America plus tattoos. All that is great and his charm alone would be enough for a return visit, but it is his talent and skill with a scissor that will make him «your guy». As you sit, waiting your turn, the time will breeze by as you watch him work. Silly to say, but it is almost viewing performance art. I actually pointed out a customer telling Chris I thought it was perfect and I would like my front cut the same way. So sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the show and the friendly banter. This will become your place. 01
Notes: $ 17 haircuts, $ 17 straight edge razor shaves ($ 30 combo)
Ca$h, this is small town America after all, so no credit cards
And while I risk a longer wait for myself and my son, Chris is only there Tues-​Friday
Now because this is Unilocal and we have to be honest, the other barber who was working, a lean older gentleman in what appeared to be cowboy boots, seems best suited for mainly bald gentlemen with just a ring of hair around their head. He buzzed two of those clients while I was there and the third person in his chair was probably thinking he should have waited. So my advice; WAIT FOR CHRIS! Then walk around town sporting your new style. — 01

***READ EDITED UPDATE BELOW ORIGINAL REVIEW***
A few months ago I was looking for a good barbershop to bring my son for a haircut. I was tired of the bad mall cuts he was getting and had read the reviews for Calabrese’s. After doing some more research i decided to visit the shop.
My son has gotten 3 haircuts at the shop. The first 2 were great. Today’s (Saturday) was a TOTAL f****n’ disaster! I gave the old guy who cut my son’s hair specific instructions on how I wanted the hair trimmed. I trusted him to do what I asked. When he finished cutting my son’s hair, he loaded it with gel/​pomade to flatten and comb it. He made some remark about a few difficult spots on my son’s head, but I thought nothing of it. He’s a professional, right?
When the gel/​pomade dried and I brushed it out. My jaw literally dropped! The cut was horrific. This guy totally ruined my son’s hair! The was no taper or blend, just odd chunks sticking out on top of my son’s head. I asked him to not touch the crown of my son’s head. He buzzed half of it off, unevenly to boot.
I WILL NEVER TAKE MY SON BACK TO THIS GUY EVER AGAIN!
Be very careful who you choose in this shop. I now have to spend more money to get my son’s haircut «fixed».
What a waste of money that I don’t have. I am so disappointed and angry.
5÷2÷2014
Chris, the owner of Calabrese’s Barber Shop, had contacted me about the previous review here on Unilocal!He apologized for the bad experience and offered to fix my son’s haircut free of charge. I visited the shop with my son on a Friday night.
He again apologized in person and quickly went to work. I have to say I am very happy with my son’s cut from Chris. He did an excellent job and it turned out looking very good.
Thank you Chris for your quick reply and professionalism. You have earned back a customer. Be well and best of luck till next time.

You have to experience it to fully appreciate it. Just go and get a cut and/​or hot shave.

Chris and Benny are top notch professionals. They take great pride in their work and I am always extremely pleased when I leave there. If you need a good barber shop, look no further.

I was in town visiting family and needed a place to «get me back into regs» before I headed back home. I was able to get a good cut and a shave and didn’t have to wait too long to be served. There was only one older gentleman working the Saturday when I walked in but he was very friendly and wasn’t satisfied until he knew he did a good job.
I’m very satisfied with this shop and will make it a regular stop next time I am in town.

I started going to Calabrese’s about 5 – 6 months ago, b/​c the shop I had been going to for about 4 – 5 years seemed to be losing a step or two. I felt that the attention being paid to the job was waning and it wasn’t a good fit for me.
I went on Unilocal and Calabrese’s is about 20 minutes from me, but I thought I would give it a shot. Chris and Ben are true professionals and they take pride in their work. There’s no TV on in the background to fill the downtime, (which I find odd in any store or professional setting), and both men bring a wealth of experience, intelligence and skill to their craft. This is not an «Old-​Fashioned» barber shop as some kind of gimmick. It’s a barber shop run really well with an eye for tradition and good idea about how to ply this trade.
I have no complaints, only compliments. Keep it up guys!

Great cut… great atmosphere. I will definitely be a regular now. The price was fair especially for the quality you are getting. 17 for a cut and 30 for a cut and shave. If your thinking about going just GO you will not be disappointed.

Just got a Great haircut. I will definitely go back.

My husband gets his hair cut at Calabrese’s and has never had a complaint. I even enjoy going with him, as the staff is so friendly and the deco of the place is so cool — very old fashion barber shop. Love the place!

Great barbers, great atmosphere. I’d drive 2 hours to get a cut here. If you’re not getting cut here you’re doin’ it wrong!

I just buzz my head, and have been cutting my own hair for the better part of 10 years because it’s cheaper and easier than going to a barber. Then I heard about Calabrese’s Barber Shop, and the tables quickly turned. Chris is talented and professional with a razor and scissor, and awesome with the straight razor to clean up the neck. A straight razor shave is an experience every man should have, and Chris does a fine job with this well. I go in looking grizzled and gnarly, and come out looking clean cut and slick! Not to mention smelling good, with either the lime or bay rum aftershave splash, and his own secret recipe homemade powder!
Ben, the recently-​added second barber, has been doing his craft since childhood, and is equally skilled, with more years of experience under his belt than I’ve lived on this planet. The mood in the shop is always light, conversation is easy, and if you don’t run into someone you know in the shop, you may make a new friend. It’s everything a barbershop should be. The vintage décor/​gear and quality music just takes it to the next level.
When I was best man in a wedding, I brough the groom-​to-​be and the rest of the groomsmen in the evening before the wedding to get spiffy-​ed up. We had a great time in the «man spa», as one friend calls it, and every single groomsman has become a regular customer since. This place just flat out rules.

Great barber, just got back from a cut.
My normal shop was closed, so I was looking for a place that could give me a substitute cut, and might I say, they have just earned themselves a customer. Great cut, this guy knows his way with his scissors. Plus they play some great classic country in the background. Great atmosphere.