Farrell's Barber Shop and other Jacksonville Traditional Shave Options.

[The Dean]

I'm going to Jacksonville next week. I go at least once a month. I thought I would do a bit of research to see if there was a barber shop known for traditional shaves. As I have mentioned here before, I have had fabulous shaves from experienced barbers---and I've also been butchered. My last experience here in St Augustine was so brutal, I'm quite concerned about going somewhere without some good references.

A quick Google search reveals a shop called Pomade and Tonic. Searching the B&B archives reveals Farrell, a man known to B&B, is the owner of the shop. From the reviews of his old shop in Louisville (I think) I'm guessing this guy is the real deal and does a great job. But I'd still like to get some feedback on the shop, and the shave, for any who have been to the J-ville shop.

Also, are there any other places I should be considering? A search of the archives reveals a few--without positive recommendations. But that thread was in 2009--I'm hoping things have changed.

So I'm taking a shot that some of you may have some updated info on the Jacksonville traditional shave scene. It can be anything from a traditional barbershop to a hip joint--I'm more interested in the shave than the atmosphere.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ButtermilkJones]

Despite having been in Jacksonville for nearly 3 years, I've never gotten a shave down here. However, I did hear about a new place called Angelo's Barbershop on San Jose Blvd. that has gotten some good reviews. I've thought about going over there one weekend and checking it out.

They also do shaves at the AoS store in the Town Center, for what that's worth.

 

[The Dean]

Despite having been in Jacksonville for nearly 3 years, I've never gotten a shave down here. However, I did hear about a new place called Angelo's Barbershop on San Jose Blvd. that has gotten some good reviews. I've thought about going over there one weekend and checking it out.

They also do shaves at the AoS store in the Town Center, for what that's worth.

Thanks, Buttermilk (gotta love that handle). Yes, I guess I forgot about AOS. My best shaves ever were at the AOS in midtown Manhattan, so that remains an option, I wanted to stop by the local shop, anyway.

But given AOS is sort of a known entity, I am more intrigued by Angelo's. I will have to do a bit of research on it. I like to take the scenic route (San Jose/rte 13) back to St Aug when I can, so that's a place I can just pop in and look around. (Probably stop at Tobacco Cove while I'm in the neighborhood.)

Thanks again.

 

[dynomike87]

ive lived in Jacksonville for 25 years and haven't tried any of them as of yet. if you find a good one let me know.

 

[Dantheman]

Another Jax person here. Lots of folks from Jax on B&B. we outta find a good place and grab a shave and a beer sometime. I've heard of Angelo's too, but haven't gone.

 

[The Dean]

Another Jax person here. Lots of folks from Jax on B&B. we outta find a good place and grab a shave and a beer sometime. I've heard of Angelo's too, but haven't gone.

If we do a local meetup, I'm in (most likely).

I hope to stick my head into Angelos and perhaps Farrells new place next week--just to sense the vibe and see if I can see what is going on. I will report back here.

 

[The Dean]

Here's an interesting picture from Angelo's"

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ange...ehyw1TzvP6Tr4kwbem4XEQ#C4cfoAdYkQ-uWaeCJ1wGHw

 

[Infernal2]

I lived in the area for a number of years and despite having a few good places in Jax, the best one, Mark's Cuts just West of NAS Jacksonville is gone. However, if you don't mind driving and what a truly remarkable cut, head up I95 and into Brunswick, Georgia. There is a place on Highway 17 called Angelo's (no relation) that does a bang up job. Its been about a year since I've been but a shave and a haircut, including face and neck massage to follow cost fifteen bucks the last time I went. The shave was a straight razor job with hot towel and hot cream, the haircut was perfect, and the ambiance screamed old Italian barbershop (which makes sense being that Angelo is from Milan). While you are there, stop in at the Georgia Pig for BBQ or Willie's Ween-e Wagon for the best Pork Chop sandwich you will ever have.

 

[Dantheman]

It would be cool to do a meet- up. I have my 10 yr anniversary followed by my wife's birthday over the next couple weeks. But otherwise I'd be in.

If we do a local meetup, I'm in (most likely).

I hope to stick my head into Angelos and perhaps Farrells new place next week--just to sense the vibe and see if I can see what is going on. I will report back here.

 

[The Dean]

I lived in the area for a number of years and despite having a few good places in Jax, the best one, Mark's Cuts just West of NAS Jacksonville is gone. However, if you don't mind driving and what a truly remarkable cut, head up I95 and into Brunswick, Georgia. There is a place on Highway 17 called Angelo's (no relation) that does a bang up job. Its been about a year since I've been but a shave and a haircut, including face and neck massage to follow cost fifteen bucks the last time I went. The shave was a straight razor job with hot towel and hot cream, the haircut was perfect, and the ambiance screamed old Italian barbershop (which makes sense being that Angelo is from Milan). While you are there, stop in at the Georgia Pig for BBQ or Willie's Ween-e Wagon for the best Pork Chop sandwich you will ever have.

This is a place I want to check out--for all of the stated reasons. Maybe in the fall.

It would be cool to do a meet- up. I have my 10 yr anniversary followed by my wife's birthday over the next couple weeks. But otherwise I'd be in.

I'm also not available until late in May.

 

[JaxJim]

Greetings fellow B&B Jacksonvillians! I've lived in the Jacksonville area for a little over three years, and aside from AoS at St. Johns Town Center, I haven't run across any of the old school barber shops discussed in this thread. If there's a meet up in the making, count me in if it's in late May or later.

 

[ButtermilkJones]

I would definitely be in for a meet-up, provided that it isn't May 19th. That's pretty much the only day that I'm booked solid.

While you are there, stop in at the Georgia Pig for BBQ or Willie's Ween-e Wagon for the best Pork Chop sandwich you will ever have.

It seems like whenever I drive through Brunswick, which is usually every 3 or 4 months, it's always noon and I'm always struggling to find a place to eat. I'll definitely have to log this tip for future use.

 

[dynomike87]

Ok guys I'm going to try out pomade and tonic today. So far this place sounds amazing so I'll let you know how it is

 

[The Dean]

Ok guys I'm going to try out pomade and tonic today. So far this place sounds amazing so I'll let you know how it is

Very much looking forward to the review.

I plan to have a look at Angelo's on Wednesday. Probably won't have time to get a shave, but I do want to take a peek a the place. If there is anything interesting to report, I'll post it here.

 

[dynomike87]

ok so here's my review on pomade and tonic. First off the inside was pretty cool, hey have a miniature bar, pool table, and a card table. Now I have never been to an old barber shop so I don't have much to go on besides pictures but the décor looked old school with the checkered floor and the pictures they had on the wall. the employees were extremely nice and even gave me tips on de shaving. I ended up getting a haircut and a classic lather. The haircut was good and I know it was good because my swmbo didn't complain about it. Now ive never had a straight razor shave either from a shop or by myself so I don't really know what to compare it to. I can say I liked the shave and I liked the products that he used. I did have a little irritation on the right side of my neck but I sometimes get that from de shaving so I cant fault him for that. all in all I think its a cool place to hang out and its a good place to get a haircut and shave.

 

[The Dean]

ok so here's my review on pomade and tonic. First off the inside was pretty cool, hey have a miniature bar, pool table, and a card table. Now I have never been to an old barber shop so I don't have much to go on besides pictures but the décor looked old school with the checkered floor and the pictures they had on the wall. the employees were extremely nice and even gave me tips on de shaving. I ended up getting a haircut and a classic lather. The haircut was good and I know it was good because my swmbo didn't complain about it. Now ive never had a straight razor shave either from a shop or by myself so I don't really know what to compare it to. I can say I liked the shave and I liked the products that he used. I did have a little irritation on the right side of my neck but I sometimes get that from de shaving so I cant fault him for that. all in all I think its a cool place to hang out and its a good place to get a haircut and shave.

Fantastic. I will have to check this place out sometime. Now it's time for 20 questions:

Did you ask about Farrell or mention the B&B? 19 more questions to follow.

$15 for a traditional shave isn't too bad, IMO.

Thanks for the update.

 

[dynomike87]

Farrell unfortunately was not in today but they did ask how I heard of their store and I mentioned B&B which they have heard of. It does sound like Farrell is on B&B but I forgot his screen name. it was 10 just for a haircut and 15 for a with the grain two hot towel shave.

 

[The Dean]

I checked out Angelo's Barbershop today. It is on San Jose Blvd, in the plaza right next to Cheers, in Mandarin. It was a rushed visit--I had my Mother (Alzheimer's) in two and she was starting to fade from a long day. but mostly I just wanted to get the lay of the land.

I got a pretty good vibe from the place. Not super old-fashioned traditional but neither is it trendy/hip. Somewhere between the two--and honest representation of a modern barbershop (without tending toward a beauty parlor) IMO.

The menu of services is here and the prices are quite fair. The classic shave is a one-pass with a straight, but the woman told me they typically do a XTG cut and it usually close enough for most people. Two women were manning the shop (yes, I know what I just typed) and one man who looked like he worked there was leaving as I entered. They now use Caswell-Massey for shaving and Lucky Tiger aftershave. But she said there were going to change to Proraso.

A bonus for me is that it is next door to a tolerable bar where I am allowed to smoke a cigar. I will likely get a shave, or maybe even the shave/haircut combo, in the next month or two. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Quick aside: There is a shop in St Augustine that may offer traditional shaves, Price Barber Shop in downtown St Aug. When I moved here 7-8 years ago, they still offered shaves, but only one or two of the barbers still offered them. I was unlucky enough to wait in line for a barber who told me after I say down, that she didn't do shaves and I could go back and wait in line again. Never bothered because I got butchered by another local barber and lost the desire for a while. Price's is very old-school. I might stop by and see what's up there. If they give shaves I will report back here.

 

[Duckster]

Farrell unfortunately was not in today but they did ask how I heard of their store and I mentioned B&B which they have heard of. It does sound like Farrell is on B&B but I forgot his screen name. it was 10 just for a haircut and 15 for a with the grain two hot towel shave.

It's barberofdeville

 

[Dantheman]

Thanks for the reviews of the two shops. Maybe when things slow down for everyone, we can plan a meet-up sometime in the Summer/Fall. I live in mandarin and will have to definitely check out Angelo's. Another Barbershop here in Mandarin is "The Great Hair After" in the shopping center by Publix/CVS at Losco and Old St Augustine Rd. they used to be behind Walgreens on Old Field Crossing- very strange name, but they do give shaves and they give a real nice haircut. I never did get a shave, but I've seen several people getting them in the past. I stopped going as I started cutting my own hair to save a few bucks.