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A Businessman's Haircut
Category: Beauty and Spas Barbers Barbers [Edit]
44 Montgomery StLL 30
(between Post St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94104
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 788-4936
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for A Businessman's Haircut
35 reviews in English
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Review from Joseph D.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This person knows how to cut hair, and if you commute like me, he's conveniently located within the Montgomery BART station area--you don't even have to go outside first to get a haircut from him.
Schedule an appointment, bring at least $35 in cash, and you should be good to go.
"I do good work." -Benjamin -
Review from John C.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2012
I had an appointment that I thought was at 1pm. Turn's out it was at noon. When I apologized profusely regarding my tardiness and confusion, I asked to reschedule. Benjamin, in the kindness way possible, responded by telling me that, due to my behavior, he will not be able to accept appointments from me moving forward. Wow...
I have to say - I respect Benjamin for drawing such clear cut boundaries regarding his business. The man is clearly passionate about his vocation and expects excellence not only from himself, but from those who schedule appointments with him as well.
I didn't even get a haircut, and I'm still giving the guy 4 stars... -
Review from Bob L.
Eureka, CA
3/22/2012
Make an appointment with Benjamin, he'll make you look good! No walk ins, he's too busy!
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Review from Michael A.
Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2011
You're a man. You don't browse for clothing. You don't glance at drink specials. You know what you want and you go get it. And when you want a great haircut from a professional barber in an environment that's all about you when you're in the chair you go to A Businessman's Haircut.
I was recently in SF for 24 hours and sought out Benjamin through Yelp research and since coming back to LA, I haven't gone a day without a hair compliment. He's that good.
Yet what makes Benjamin great is his personality and ability to bond uniquely with clients through great conversation; conversation made for and enjoyed by men. Outside of his UFC, Boxing and Catskill comedian knowledge, Benjamin had me literally tearing up with laughter with some of the best dirty jokes I've heard in a while. In my time in the chair, Benjamin wasn't in a rush, even though we were running a little over, he took his time to make right. On top of it all, I have a gut feeling he's more dangerous at a pool table and ping pong table than he let me on to believe... i think he was grifting me into a game in the future.
$35 cash is a steal for a great haircut by a pro, and for what Benjamin brought to my day... it was invaluable.
Benjamin's daughter might apparently be reading this.. and if she is, I hope she passes this one along to the man who doesn't go online, especially to read his own Yelp reviews. -
Review from Jordan S.
Alameda, CA
7/17/2011
No girls allowed!
My hair grows very quickly so it's futile for me to pay 50+ dollars at expensive salons to have my hair cut exactly to my liking. Go to a cheap place and your stylist doesn't even speak English.
I have been a customer here for two years. In a world where things like hair styling is a product aimed almost entirely at women, this place is a sanctuary. A Businessman's Haircut is like a club; as the name suggests, this place is guys-only.
The magazine racks being half-stocked with titty magazines further solidifies this. That's right - this place totally rocks!
Benjamin Kaliko, the owner and operator, specializes exclusively on men's haircuts and is a master of his craft.
He also the sole proprietor so it's not unusual that he may have to pause your session to answer the phone. This would dock Ben points, but he finishes faster than any other barber I've been to. With your business catering to financial district people, this is very important.
I show him a picture of what I want done and he duplicates it within 20 minutes. Quality in this amount of time is unheard of. Benjamin is a $30 haircut but you'll know where that money goes.
ABH is located conveniently in the tunnel under 44 Montgomery, near the BART station. So there is no need to trek over to the Castro to find an establishment aimed at men. Well worth your time and money. Ben is the man! -
Review from Dr. Von N.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012
Benjamin is a pro - that's all you need to know. Great value for the price. Call for an appointment if you don't want to wait. If you're waiting, enjoy the selection of mags and the massage chairs.
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Review from Andre G.
Miami, FL
9/29/2011
This place was recommended to me by a friend. I had just moved from Miami and was looking for a good local barber shop.
A Businessman's Haircut far exceeded any expectations that I had. Benjamin, the barbershop's proprietor and only employee, gave me the best haircut i have ever received.
But be careful because this place isn't cheap. $35 for a haircut, cash only. -
Review from Glenn M.
Livermore, CA
3/24/2011
Somewhere in a small town in middle America there's a barber shop where real men go to get a great haircut. A place almost lost in time. A place where a haircut is a haircut and if you asked for a mani-pedi, they would have no idea what you are talking about. In this mythical barber shop, there are always plenty of comfortable chairs to hang out in, talk about state politics or how the local sports team is doing.
So it was quite to my pleasant surprise to find this place in downtown San Francisco, in a doorway on the way to the BART station, and run by a guy named Benjamin who's been cutting hair forever and entertaining customers the whole time.
Benjamin gives a great haircut. But he gives far more than that. He provides good conversation. He's well read. He's funny. He says some people don't get his humor, but to those people I say, there's a place down the street that does a mani-pedi. Go there instead.
And the price is ridiculously cheap. $30. Sure you can go to SuperCuts for $20, but the haircut is not as good and they will never recognize you the next time you go in. Benjamin's is the kind of place where the barber becomes your friend. I used to go to SuperCuts and I wanted my haircut finished as fast as possible. At Benjamin's I found myself lingering, wanting to enjoy the experience.
Somewhere in middle America, men are still men. And even they wish they had a barber shop like A Businessman's Haircut. -
Review from Tim M.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011
Simple, easy, almost cheap, and most importantly, a consistently good hair cut. What more do you need?
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Review from Doublejack X.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
I've had a lot of haircuts in San Francisco, but ever since my regular stylist disappeared with no warning, I've been trying new places looking for my next go-to barber.
This week, I was desperate. For far too long, I couldn't seem to get in to see any of my "regular" barbers or stylists during the evenings and weekends I had available, and the hair situation was getting ridiculous.
A quick "search nearby" where I've been working downtown for the last couple of months turned up lots of great reviews for Benjamin, and fresh from my first "Businessman's Haircut," I couldn't be happier.
He's an old-school professional barber in a convenient location and $30 a haircut, plus tip is perfectly reasonable for a reliable haircut -- especially since Benjamin gives you a shampoo before *and* after your cut for no extra charge.
Call ahead and make an appointment for best service, but if you're just in the neighborhood stop in and check the wait--he has comfortable recliners and plenty of magazines (including the "adult" mags I'm usually too embarrassed to read in public). -
Review from Shane W.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2011
A great haircut and just a few blocks away from where I work!
As others have written Benjamin is a great character, not many of those about any more, I mean people with real opinions who are not scared to state them even at the risk of losing customers.
Seriously though, a top notch barber, I will be back! -
Review from Mike G.
1/26/2011
Pros:
I used to reliably use Benjamin for haircuts consistently and was very pleased with the service. The only reason I stopped was because I switched locations so it wasn't as convenient.
Cons:
If you don't like the BART then this location isn't for you.
Fun:
Like the other reviewers recommended, have fun talking politics--it will get heated! -
Review from Patrick G.
Redwood City, CA
6/20/2008
Great haircut, great guys.
When I first moved from NYC to SF in 2000, I was dismayed with the barbers I stumbled upon. I felt lucky to make it out with my ears intact. I asked around for a referral and found out about this place from some investment banking type guys who had nice haircuts.
When you call for an appointment (and you really need to call for one), Leo or Benjamin will answer. They can usually squeeze you in same-day, but the schedule is pretty packed, especially around lunchtime.
This is a wash first, cut, rinse after and make sure you walk out looking great kind of place. Leo has always cut my hair, and has always done a great job. Both of the guys are really nice, and you can take part in a lot of interesting business and Russia related conversation (which I get a real kick out of).
If you get there early, never fear, they have a great selection of car magazines. Oh, and another rack of magazines too. (wink, wink).
Love this place, and I drive up from Sunnyvale every month or two when I am fed up with my previous (and usually crappy) haircut. -
Review from Paula H.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2010
Just like NYC- it's a barbershop IN the subway. The only one I know of around these parts.
Anyway, I'm writing for my husband. (Is this kosher? I was there with him.) He looks great and the barber was personable and professional. We just happened upon the shop while doing errands and we stood outside until I had Yelped the reviews for it. All were great and so my husband submitted his shaggy self for the cut. The outcome was very nice and my husband plans to drop in regularly. -
Review from Aaron S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2010
I am not a businessman, but I do frequently need haircuts. After trying a lot of different places throughout the city, I finally found Benjamin about a year ago, and have been coming back ever since.
For $30 you get a great haircut and not one, but two, washes. What a deal! You can also muse with Benjamin about politics, religion, construction...you name it. Plus, this is the only place where my fiancee has been satisfied with my haircut afterwards. -
Review from Eric M.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2010
All the reviews below are correct!
When it comes to haircuts, I'm the most picky and particular person you will find. Hence when I was looking for a new barber, I was hesitant on trying a new place but also knew Yelpers wouldn't steer me astray.
Haircuts costs $30 bucks but also include a wash and rinse before and after. Given the amount of attention to detail and care by Benjamin it's no surprise he's been in business for this long.
Bottom line: You will not be disappointed with this high quality haircut. I am a repeat customer - this is the only place I get my haircut now. -
Review from Michael E.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
No nonsense. Perfect efficiency. But above all: I finally got a haircut the way I want it done, no need for correction, no walking out half-contented and annoyed. You know they say that the guy who does those bass voiceovers for movie trailers gets paid an obscene amount of money, not just because he's so great, but because he's so reliable? That's like this place, except it doesn't cost an obscene amount of money. The porno magazines on the magazine rack are a charming touch. Cozy, clean, comfortable barber shop.
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Review from Thomas G.
Atlanta, GA
1/26/2011
I just dropped in to see Benjamin as a new customer after speaking with him this afternoon and scheduling an appt. (I believe it is appt. only unless you swing by at the right time). I can validate others' reviews here and say that I had a fantastic experience. I am extremely neurotic to a fault and can be obsessive over where I get my hair cut, but I did not feel like I had to stress when I walked in to tell him what I wanted. The two things people search for in any barber are price number one and that the barber is not only just pleasant but can listen to what you're requesting. I can tell you that Benjamin and A Businessman's Haircut have both. For $30, you can get a great cut and a great conversation with a knowledge barber that has been around forever. Save yourself the time, money (Most places are between $30-65) and anxiety and go give Benjamin a try!
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Review from Erik R.
New York, NY
10/14/2009
I've been in San Francisco on business for almost a month now from NYC, and I agonized over where to get my haircut. (Needed a passport photo and who wants to look like crap in a photo for 10 years!) Looking at Yelp in the area, there's actually a lot of choice--too many choices!
I went with Businessman's Haircut and I couldn't have been more pleased. It was $30 (plus I gave a $5 tip), so it was a bit more pricey than I'm used to paying with my Russian mistress in NYC ($15 in NYC for beautiful Leena), but Benjamin asked what I wanted, took some time to study my hair before cutting, and delivered a fine haircut indeed.
There were some other cheaper places around town, but my instinct told me to go with Businessman's Haircut (not crazy about the name of the place), and even though the cost was a bit higher, Benjamin is a consummate professional, friendly but not overbearing and, yes, well versed in emerging markets.
Call for an appointment. They aren't strictly required, and Benjamin will take walk-ins if he's available, but he's usually booked and not available. -
Review from Ben M.
Sonoma, CA
5/19/2010
Don't let the bizarre location dissuade you. This guy is the real deal. Been cutting hair for 35 years. Very pleased with my fresh haircut.
$30 gets you shampoo, cut, and a final shampoo/rinse.
Also, there's a huge rack of porn on the wall. Clearly, this place is geared towards men. -
Review from Steve S.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2010
I like that I can usually walk in and get a shave with little notice. Perfect for the 5:00 shadow when you have an important meeting at 6:00 with a client that expects perfection. Friendly and precise, just what you need, just when you need it. Old school cuts and a through back to another dimension in time. Great business.
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Review from Jeff A.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2011
Benjamin is the best. I first sat in Benjamin's chair when both he and I were much younger men, around 1986 or so. My father, now deceased, was one of his first customers. I was just out of college and he had recently set up shop in San Francisco, very close to where he is now. I stopped going when I left SF for other parts of the Bay Area over 20 years ago. I would have had more money and a better looking haircut for the last couple decades if I never stopped going. Walking down Montgomery a few months ago, I saw his sign, called him up, and will have him cut my hair from now on.
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Review from David B.
Mill Valley, CA
11/1/2010
Consistantly great cuts over a twenty eight year period. Yes, I have tried more expensive, and cheaper places, and no one can compare. This guy won styling awards in Russia as young man, and he's still got the touch.
If you want to learn about personal investing, just ask. Benjamin is the real American succes story, a self made man-- Russian immigrant who works hard, invests smartly. A lot to learn from his unconventional thinking--- while getting a great haircut! His jokes are not so great, his politics are conservative and contraian, but great hair stylining at a good price.
PS: If a rack of 'mens magazines' offends you, this is not your place. -
Review from Daniel Q.
Oakland, CA
8/21/2007
These 2 Russians know their hair. I just recently started getting my hair cut again after a 10 year hiatus. I'm from Chicago originally and back there, you get a haircut you can set your watch to. These cuts are along the same lines. It's inside the Montgomery MUNI station in the financial district, so they keep a professional mood(I almost went and got my shoes shined after). Sit in the massage chair while waiting , read some magazines, and when you're done get your shoulders and back nice and brushed off...This is no BoRicks...If you want to look professional...this is the place!
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Review from Huntting B.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
One of the best haircuts I've had in a long time. The guy was very personable but not pushy. I came in not knowing what I wanted to do with my hair...he did right by me and then showed me how to keep it looking as good as it did at that moment later. When heading to it I thought I mighta gotten lost cause it looks like you are about to enter a bart station...and you are, but he is right there. If you are looking for a professional but still a little hip haircut this place can make it happen for you.
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Review from Jay P.
Cazadero, CA
11/20/2009
Benjamin has been cutting my hair for over 21 years. That would be at least 230 haircuts. And not once did he disappointment me. Sometimes his jokes aren't that funny but his haircuts will never disappoint. Try him. You'll never look better.
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Review from Donald K.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
I am 62 and this is the best haircut I have had in the 30 years since I moved from NYC. I have had a short cut since the late '90's and have been growing out my hair since spring. I have had it trimmed twice at two different places...each time a disaster. I was getting ready to "give up" and go back to short hair. Found this place on Yelp and everything great said about this place is true. Great haircut and wonderful, personal service from a great gentleman.
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Review from Tony L.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2010
The reviews are right-on. Benjamin is a professional and will always accommodate you, even if there are five people deep. I would advise to schedule before lunchtime though. His shop gets busy from noon time until closing. Bravo! And I will return.
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Review from Dan T.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2008
I've been going to A Businessman's Haircut for a couple years now. There are two men who do the cuts, Benjamin and Leo. I have never had Leo cut my hair, but that's only because I got Ben the first time I went, and was so happy I didn't want to consider changing. Both are absolute gentlemen, very friendly, and will talk as much or as little as you want. Unlike most barbers, however, they remember me each time and the conversations continue--it isn't just the idle chit-chat BS about the weather or generic "how are you" comments.
More than anything else, Benjamin knows hair cuts and hair care exceedingly well. He uses genuinely high quality product, will cut precisely to your specifications, and typically will wash your hair before and after the cut. My usual cut is a high-and-tight, with a fading shadow on the back/sides. I've rarely left displeased, and the only times I can recall being so, it was because I wasn't in a talkative mood and gave only the vaguest of instructions.
Their cuts are relatively high-end, priced at about $30--and worth every bit of it if it's within your price range. Also, it is cash or check only, but there is an ATM down the hallway that has saved me quite a few times!
It is very hard to find if you don't know the area. It's underground beneath the financial district. From inside the Montgomery BART station, go down the long hallway that leads to Montgomery Street. You'll see them on the far corner by the staircase leading up to the street. -
Review from BILL S.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2007
I was skeptical but this place is legit. Leo does a nice job and gets you out post haste.
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Review from Craig L.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2009
These guys are professionals. I got my hair cut by Benjamin yesterday for the first time, and I couldn't be more satisfied. The conversation was light but intelligent, and Benjamin provided me with some useful tips on hair management. An all-around pleasurable experience -- and a great cut!
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Review from B B.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2008
A little tough to find, but it's worth it. Cash only and a reservation is recommended. Nice guys that know how to cut hair. Without asking me what I put in my hair, Benjamin called me out for using cheap pomade. I've since switched my hair care products and will be going back to these guys.
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Review from James Y.
Millbrae, CA
6/9/2010
I too have been going to Benjamin for well over 20 years off and on. If I have moved out of state, I made the time to get my haircut from Benjamin whenever possible, often scheduling my work around his availability. When I moved to Miami, Benjamin hooked me up with a trusted associate. When I moved to NJ, he connected me to his friend Boris in NYC. When I had to move to Switzerland, no, he did not have any contacts there and the stylists there only gave a "European" cut that was horrible - everyone was cut the same way regardless of what you asked for. But now I am back (for good in SF(?)) and not only am I satisfied, I actually look forward to getting my haricut while listening to his jokes.
I have yet to meet anyone who was a true client of Benjamin's who didn't like him and his haircuts. -
Review from Stirling A.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2011
Great haircut by Benjamin. Very good at knowing what's popular for men's haircuts. Great personality, really friendly and interesting to talk to. Highly recommend.
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Review from Dean C.
Mill Valley, CA
8/9/2010
I lucked out and walked into an empty barbershop just after noon today. $30 and 45m later I walked out with a great haircut. Awesome.
