It was a haircut. Nothing special. Just a cut and a beard trim. No towel treatment. No shave. Way overpriced for the service provided. Plenty of quality shops without overcharging for run-of-the-mill services.UPDATE BASED ON OWNER RESPONSEHi Mark. I appreciate your response. However, a clarification: I *DO* fall within your target demographic. You are selling an experience for gentlemen, and you and I completely agree that there is no price for a proper experience. But that was my point; there was no experience offered the day I visited your establishment. I received an overpriced haircut and beard trim without the experience you claim to offer. Perhaps I visited on an off day, or maybe the pandemic has taken the experience element and cheapened it. Im not clear on what happened. But... instead of attempting to price-shame someone who SHOULD have become a repeat customer—but who instead had a bad experience—you might consider finding out more about what happened. Otherwise, you just come off as elitist and uncaring about your customers.Humble advice: if youre going to sell the Rolls Royce of haircuts, your brand is everything (as Im sure you know). But I didnt receive the Rolls Royce I paid for when I came in. I received a Honda, and Im not clear on why you would try and blame me for that.Take care.
If you think $80-$100 is alright for a haircut, this is a great place. It is a small shop but an amazing ambience. Lot of interesting things to look at when you are getting a haircut. There is whiskey available. The barbers (at least the senior barbers) are experienced and friendly. They listen and do their best in 1 h. But for me, the price is too high. At that price, I would expect a lot more than just a haircut. In my 2 sittings, the barbers rushed in the end to meet the 1 h deadline. And although the hair cuts were good, they werent like extraordinary. I felt like I paid twice the money for what it is worth. But if the price isnt an issue, this is the best barber shop that I know in south Berkeley/North Oakland/Emeryville area.
Chris has been my guy. Its expensive but he takes his time and listens and really is a professional.
Stellar haircut! Charlie is talented and thoughtful. Great atmosphere. COVID-cautious. Highly recommend.
Given our current COVID situation it was good to find a place that not only provides safety protocols to protect customers & barbers alike but also excellent service. After discussing how to proceed Tristan gave me the professional look I was looking for while maintaining a friendly and professional atmosphere throughout. In fact everyone there is very friendly and eager to engage in conversation.Totally worth the time spent and would definitely recommend.
The guys at Mark-Jason Solofa are solid. Charlie usually cuts my hair and always does a great job. The staff always makes me feel like one of the guys. Between the free bourbon, great conversations, and professional cut, you cant go wrong.
Mark and his crew of barbers are simply the best in the biz. I feel like I went to every barber in the Bay Area before I walked through his door, and I havent looked back since.It goes without saying that they are all excellent barbers more than capable of giving great haircuts. But what really sets this place apart from all the other shops is the experience -- the conversation, the friendship, and the feeling that you leave the shop more of a gentleman than when you walked in.If you want to go to the best barbershop in the bay, go here.
My husband comes in from Sacramento, was serviced by Charlie, diffently worth the drive!
The owner is great, great service and conversation about a time and era long gone, the haircut is incredibly precise and detailed, not rushed and very good, I recommend Mark-Jason for the man that wants the best, if you want a regular haircut don’t bother.
Amazing haircuts for my two boys!
The real deal. Fully up on and knowledgeable about hygiene.
They still got it! This is the place for cuts
Chris gives me great cuts and hasnt let me down. The consistency is a mark of a true professional.Service is top notch. Chris, as well as the other guys (Mark, Al, Charlie), are super chill and friendly. I never thought atmosphere mattered when getting a haircut until I came here. They make you feel at home. Its honestly a great place to get away and relax.
Been going to Al for a while now and I wouldnt go anywhere else to get my hair cut. All the barbers here are personable and take their trade seriously. Always have fun conversations and leave with a great cut
First time here, and first beard trim. Tristan did a fantastic job not only with the trim, but the atmosphere. This place is exactly what I was looking for. Timelessly suave, instantly welcoming and great quality.If you need a beard cleaned up right and want some protips on keeping it looking good, Tristan and this place are youre go to. If you think its pricey, its because its worth it.
Truly the best barbering experience Ive had. The owner has set a standard of service that few could honestly match. When I come in for a beard trim, I am fully confident that the professionals in this shop will listen to my concerns and wants, add their expertise and experience, and - together - I end up looking and feeling great. Worth every penny.
Been going here for a while, although not that often. At my last haircut, I showed up a few minutes early but sat and waited for a half hour into my one hour appointment. Then was rushed through in a half hour. It looked decent, but I realized later that it was very sloppy. I still had long hair around my ears for example. I paid $65 ($80 with tip) for this? I guess I dont tip well enough. Up until this cut I had been happy with them though.
Ive been going to Marks shop for the past few years & they have always been steller. Everyone on the team is extremely talented & provide excellent service. Not to mention, they make you feel right at home.Their booking system is incredibly easy to use & Ive never had issues with appointments. Coming here for the first time was a bit daunting considering its so easy to mess up a cut or your barber doesnt see the vision of your cut. But Ive never been let down here. Thanks Mark, Al, Charlie, & Chris!
Brilliant! I love the atmosphere. Excellent service. Down-to-earth barbers, that will give you a great haircut (or beard trim). Free whisky!
Ive been here a few time and liked their services but when I had an emergency (got sick, had to go to hospital) I missed an appointment. I attempted to call multiple times and could not get in contact with anyone. I never received a refund - I even reported it on my credit card and they had the gall to deny giving me my refund back. Will not be going back, very rude.
This place is great. You walk in and immediately feel like youve been coming here for years. I hadnt had a haircut in nearly 3 years and had quite a bit of hair. Noe did a fantastic job and I couldnt be happier with the end product. The haircut + beard trim is a must and will leave you looking polished and like a new man.
This place is excellent. Stumbled upon it by accident and been here a few times now. The place is small, friendly, and all the barbers are very good. They take their time and the service is top notch. Definitely recommend this place, set up an appointment with Chris.
Easily the best haircut and barbershop experience Ive ever had. Great barbers who are easy and fun to talk to that provide the best haircut and beard trim youll find. Cant recommend this place enough.
Great service!! If you book with him you will keep going back. Satisfied every visit!
Fabulous job, as always.
Old school. Excellent decor and conversation. Not cheap, but worth it for the relaxation alone. Easy parking. Book online for the best results.
This place gave me the best haircut/beard trim Ive gotten yet! A very traditional mens barbershop.
First class service with a first class cut. Noe, Mark and Al are all super fun guys that deserve all the credit in creating a classic barber shop feel WITHOUT the modern day pretentiousness that often comes with it. Definitely will be my go to barber moving forward.
I got one of the best haircuts of my life from Asher and had a good time in the good vibes of the place.
As a first time visitor, I could not be more happy with the inclusive customer service and skillful beard shaping I recieved. Ive never found a place I could confidently say Trust these people with your beard!, until now :) Thank you Beto for the exceptional trim! Shout out to Tristan and Asher for being great conversation :] I will absolutely be returning again and again.Edit after second visit: Beto is a patient, kind, talented stylist! Thanks for making me look great through such a drastic beard cut lol you rock!!! My gf approves ;)
This is the spot! Coming here is a like stepping back in time to when men cared about how they looked. A time when putting on a suit everyday was the only way to live. I have made this my go to Barber shop even though it is out of my price range. I save any cash I can so that I am ready for the next hair cut. The hour or so I spend here every 6 weeks is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life.
Some of the most skillful barbers around. You will not be disappointed. Well worth the cost.
Ive been with one three barbers at this place, the most recent with Mr. Solofa himself, and Ive only gotten great service and amazing results.I went the first time about six months ago to see about getting my beard (which has been growing mostly unfettered for about 6 months before that) under some level of control. Its not as long as I wanted it to ultimately be, but Im also not going for the Grizzly Adams look either so it needed some work.I took a couple of pictures with me of folks who had a style I think would work well for me. I strongly recommend that to anyone. The best way to get on the same page as your barber is to show him what you are looking for and not just yammer on in a confusing way about your vision. Harold, who was the first gentleman I worked with, and I chatted about the beard, and my hair, and then he got to work.Everyone Ive met there has an easy going attitude and are pros at keeping conversation going while fixing you up. The place itself puts you in a relaxed mood. I really like the shop near my house, but relaxed is hardly what you could call the atmosphere. This place is clean, organized, and thoughtfully kitchy in its embellishments. I felt at home there, like Id always been a customer and it wasnt my first time.The waiting list can be long, and its not the most convenient place for me to go, but thats doesnt matter as much as how I feel (and look ;) ) when I leave. This is my barber shop of choice from now on.
So glad they are open again!
To sum this place up in 2 words. Bad ass. Thanks for the hair cut and beard trim! Ive never looked better
Great service. Great cuts. Great styles. Fair prices.
Great staff of super attentive professionals
Nice beverage selection. I looked and felt like a million bucks.
Great place. Very friendly guys, chill atmosphere. Al is a magician. Highly recommended.
Great place! Vintage look and feel. Great service. Highly recommended. A real mans barber.
Really nice place. Very relaxed! I always leave happy with my haircut!
Awesome old school place with great style and service. Truly a premium barber.
Mark has serious chops and hes a really great guy too. His place reflects his style -- relaxed, un-rushed, and focused on the client.
Great haircut and Experience. Wish I would have went to them sooner.
Great staff and great haircuts.
Stylish haircuts
Cant go wrong with the barbers here.
They really know what theyre doing
Awesome group of guys with great service!
Great guys good vibes excellent cut
Always walk out of here looking clean as ever
If you dont settle for anything less than incredible - this is your place.
Nice
Best of the best!