Frank’s Chop Shop: The Results Show
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So if you recall, I needed a haircut last week. Abandoned by my previous hair cutter who moved to Ireland, I enlisted the help of google and searched for ‘best haircut nyc’. Subsequently I was led to Frank’s Chop Shop by way of New York Magazine’s Best of New York 2007 feature.
I proceeded to call Wednesday morning, snagging one of two appointments still available that day. It seemed like a good sign that their calendar wasn’t wide open and luckily I was able to make it down to the lower east side for 4:30pm.
After plotting out the directions via HopStop, I moseyed on over to the 3rd Ave L train stop. Of course there was a stalled train at Union Square, so I opted to make my way to Frank’s on foot.
Now I don’t mind walking, in fact just the opposite. I take great joy strolling through the streets of New York City, discovering a new bar or restaurant along the way. Remind me to tell you about the time I drunkenly walked home, then in Battery Park City, from the Upper East Side after a night out at the bars. How I was propositioned by a lady of the night on my way, while I mistook her for a layperson who just happened to be emptying her SUV of trash at 4 in the morning. Surprisingly, not the first time I was propositioned by a hooker in an SUV.
Back on topic, on this particular day it was snowing rather vigorously and it was quite cold outside. While I love walking, I tend to be ill prepared for the elements. I own a pair of gloves, but I never wear them and I generally brave the rain sans umbrella. Unfortunately I had to participate in a conference call for my day job while making the trek down to Frank’s Chop Shop and I nearly froze my fingertips off as a result. Word of advice, if you’re planning to head to Frank’s, take the F train to the East Broadway stop, it’s less than a minute away.
Once I arrived at Frank’s Chop Shop, my situation improved greatly. After checking in with the receptionist I took a seat and was offered a complimentary Mediterranean Fiesta Tava - a zero calorie sparkling beverage according to the label, apparently brought to us by the nice folks at Pepsi. As I sat and enjoyed my drink, I snapped a few shots of the place, including a wooden box bearing Benjamin Franklin’s likeness topped with a ceramic pit bull.
I’m new to the world of Frank151, so I’m not sure what the significance of Ben Franklin is to their brand, but he appears in the logo of their magazine as well as the front door of the establishment.
The vibe at Frank’s Chop Shop is very classic, with three old school barber shop chairs from the 1930’s sitting atop a black and white checkered floor. A large mirror adorns the exposed brick wall under a tin paneled ceiling. Classic photographs of various folks mid-haircut or shave set the mood. As I sat in wait, I wondered which barber would be cutting my hair.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I had the good fortune of scoring Mr. Bee, the head barber at Frank’s Chop Shop. I asked for it short on the sides, slightly longer up top and Bee hooked it up lovely. After the top of my head was in order, he whipped out the hot towel and an old fashioned barber’s razor to trim the back of my neck which was a nice touch. 30 minutes and $28 later (including tax - good move) and I was all set.
Mr. Bee is the one on the right with the checkered shirt and the popped collar. Contrary to this flowchart, he is not a douchebag (though this guy is). On my way out the receptionist presented me with a gift bag for first time customers containing a couple of issues of Frank’s mini magazine along with some premium blend coffee care of Caffé Vita.
All in all, a successful outing. See the results below.
Frank’s Chop Shop
19 Essex St (between Hester and Canal St)
http://frankschopshop.com
212.228.7442
[I’m Going to Frank’s Chop Shop]
