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Categories: Barbers, Men's Clothing [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lower East SideBowery (J, M)
2nd Ave-Houston St (F, V)
Spring St-Lafayette St (6)
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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After spending the last year or so trying desperately to get a local barber to cut my hair into some sort of modern, 21st century shape (no, LEAVE the top long. I KNOW it doesn't blend with the bottom), i concede and head over to Freeman's. In the CITY.
I was intimidated at first, it's so very very cool there. But the staff was friendly, and although I had to wait 45 minutes for a haircut, Coco cut my hair perfectly. My hair looks so bad-ass. Probably the best cut I've ever gotten.
I told my brother to go here, as he's been growing his hair for months "until I can get it in a ponytail, like a samurai", but it's starting to drive him crazy. The man looks like a neanderthal and has never had his hair longer than maybe an inch in his adult life until now. He's taken to shaking his head "cause it feels weird". He asked how much it cost and freaked out:
My bro: Are you KIDDING?! FORTY DOLLARS?!
Me: Uh, yeah. But it's a really good cut.
My bro: FUCK THAT. I would NEVER spend that much on a HAIRCUT.
But you should see how much he spends on weed and cigarettes. I mean really.
This place either needs new management to to be completely closed down for good. I usually tour about Manhattan interviewing at places for work and to also write about in my Out and About, section of the gay Rag called "Gloss" . A you might have well guess that "yes", I am also barber/stylist and have been one for 28 years.
When I entered this place last week for my interview the guys there seemed very welcoming at first. But when I was working on my model who BTW simply loves his haircut I gave to him, that we both over heard a conversation being taken place by some another employee there, called "Miles", who was talking about his partying, smoking meth and use of drugs, which not only the man sitting in his chair but mine got a little uncomfortable about this type of talk in what is to be known as a professional Barber Shop.
Now thats no behavior for a place like this nor is this the kind of talk that should be barking out in a so called placed like this.
The men who work in the clothing shop are less likely to be of any help to anyone. Worthless bump on a log is all that comes to mind.
Well moving on! A week later I called the MGR named Van who I think is nothing but a myth at this point. He blew off both of my interviews.
He told me that the guys thought that my haircut was not very good After they told me to my face it was the best service they have seen since they have been interviewing. That not made me feel bad... though I was furious because my integrity was questioned.
Rule #1 Never leave the job of a professional to someone who hasn't the slightest clue as to how to run a Barber Shop or to how to even check a hair cut properly. I guess I need to use drugs and be a party freak to work in a pace like this.???
I have owned and been partnered to 2 very successful shops/salons in SF CA. And not once in the entire time did I ever have problems with my employees. I guess I was just lucky.
But getting back to this, after I opted to coming for a second interview. the MGR "Van", was out sick, WOW WHAT A SURPRISE!!! What happened there Hung Over from your TINA high the night before? One can only speculate the worst.... from there!
As for the other employees that work there? They are kind of creepy and not very friendly at all.and full of attitude when they don't even come close, or have a great reputation, to have one. thats why your customers are coming to me....
Which only leaves to me to believe that OH yes this one of those cliche' places where the druggies go to get a bad hair cut and cop dope.
Well its a good thing that I have now marked this place off my list. Its very sad to see this place go to a waste land of stupidity....
I fully admit it, I get my hopes up. I'm an optimist at heart, even if I bury it beneath a crushing torrent of sarcasm and fart jokes. But the truth is, I want to like stuff. Movies, music, books, churros bought while making the transfer from the G train to the L. And I really wanted to like my first straight razor shave.
Actually, it was more than just the shave I had high hopes for; I was stoked for the whole experience.
F.S.C. Barber has something of a reputation - at least among Yelp! users - of being a refuge for men. Well, rail thin hipster men, anyway. I'm certainly not the first part of that equation, and just barely the second part, but I wasn't gonna let that stand in my way.
I wanted to feel a link to the past when I walked through the door of the boutique and made my way to the steps which lead up to the salon. I wanted to feel the tile beneath my toes, the grain of the wood in the vintage barber stools. I wanted to be immersed in manly good times, hear "fuck" and "shit" used without pause or remorse. I wanted to feel like I'd found someplace I was going to go out of my way (three subways, though a short trip nonetheless) to get to because I felt as though I belonged. I wanted to be terrified and exhilarated by the glint of steel as it caught the light, the scrape of the razor against skin, the closeness of the hot towel and the sting of all that shit they put on your face in my eyes. I wanted all that, plus a really close shave.
Close, but no cigar.
I approached the desk at the bottom of the stairs and met Joey, who sported a discouraging amount of stubble on his face.
Joey turned out to be nice enough, and he didn't talk much except to direct me to tilt my head in one direction or another, or to stick my tongue against the inside of my mouth just below my lips. He might have been more chatty had I been there for a haircut, but given I spent half the time with my entire face covered in towels and the other half keeping perfectly still so as to not taunt the razor, conversation wouldhave proved fruitless.
Fortunately, the other barbers had no such qualms, comically bagging on one another, or talking both up and down other F.S.C. folks who weren't there to volley the banter back. It was sorta bitchy, but totally fun. It was exactly what I was hoping for.
The soundtrack might as well have been compiled from my own iPod. You know, if my iPod wasn't currently being given triage at some allegedly qualified repair center up to whatever preset limit Target's extended service contract allowed. But really, the songs of the Stooges, Sonic Youth, David Bowie and the Bees aren't just on my iPod, but are probably on the iPod of the vast majority of the fellows who frequent F.S.C. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I wish I could tell you everything that happened from when the first towel hit my face to when the last was removed, but there was a whole lot happening. Lotions, savles, ointments and creams were rigorously applied, slathered hither and yon, rubbed into cheek and chin.
I received two shaves, and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if that's industry standard. I showed up with a week's worth of stubble, which put it somewhere in that soft day or two between runs of insane itchiness. Joey may well have had to get rid of the thick shit before going smooth.
In the end, I was probably in that seat for around 40 minutes, and I enjoyed every second of it. But as soon as I stepped into the brisk January afternoon, I began to wonder what all the fuss was about. I won't deny I was captivated by the atmosphere, not only of F.S.C. itself, but of having a bit of old-fashioned male pampering done as well.
And then I ran my hand across my face. And I felt stubble. Not everywhere, mind you. But enough to realize that either everything I'd heard about straight razor shaves was wrong, or that Joey just didn't do a very good job. Because even with the discomfort and bloodletting, the shaves I give myself are generally much closer than what I received today.
As soon as I stepped through the front door of the apartment I share with the incredible girlfriend who hooked me up with the shave, I looked in the mirror. And I didn't just spot the stubble Joey missed, either. There was also a small bit of congealed blood on my chin. Joey nicked me. Not much. But certainly more than I'd have liked.
I'm not bummed out with Joey, or with F.S.C., for that matter. I'm still thinking of getting a haircut there some time. Hell, I might even go back some time and try the straight razor shave again, though it may just be my optimism getting the better of me.
All the superfluous shit I'd set the bar so high for were met and exceeded by F.S.C. Barber. Unfortunately, they didn't give me a terribly close shave.
1/21 UPDATE: My girlfriend called to let me know she'd stopped by F.S.C. Barber and was refunded her money. They were apparently unhappy I'd been critical here on Yelp!, but were ultimately cool about it.
By far the best haircut experience I've ever had. It can really be as interactive as you want it to be. The guys there, though, actually get it. They understand what you're trying to do, give you some feedback, and then actually give you the haircut you were looking for.
The old school vibe in this place is accentuated by the 500-year-old barber chairs (don't worry, they're comfortable) and the straight razors they use on your neck/face.
Overall, the atmosphere and experience are well worth the price, which in my opinion is very reasonable. If you aren't bothered by getting a haircut in the LES, then this is your place.
This is a very cool little store. It reeks of masculinity and old school NYC life. It reminds me of what Rugby by RL is trying to be, but this place actually is 'it'.
If only I could afford the hand tailored clothes here! I saw some very nice sweaters, sport coats, and jackets that I would have loved to take home with me. :(
I contemplated going to Freeman's on several occasions just by passing it on the street, and after reading yelp reviews I decided to go for it...BIG mistake/waste of money/20 minutes of complete awkwardness.
Several reviews describe how the barbers "really listen to you at Freeman's"; however, I never heard myself or the four other clients in the room utter more than a sentence. The barbers LOUDLY blabbed on and on about experimenting with drugs and trash talking other employees which is not exactly something you want to listen to after working all day...It's no treat.
I am a long time fan of salons. I've gone to the high-end ones in New York and select ones outside. So, yea I've been afraid of Tony the local barber because I've got tough hair to cut. Everytime I've gone to a barber, they just never know what to do because THEY DON'T LISTEN TO YOU.
Then I went to Freeman's. The man there is Rubin. This guy is awesome. He listens. He's attentive. And he's hilarious. Literally, the day after my hair cut friends and people at work were giving me compliments left and right. Anyone thinking about trying one of the high-end NYC barbers should go here.
As a side note, I tried Frank's Chop shop the cut before Freeman's and it was okay - but if I had to chose, I'd go with this spot.
Maybe when I find a way to rob the American taxpayer or kick the working man in the groin (shades of Henry Kravis), I'll have enough money to contemplate buying a $2,300 pair of socks here, but until then I'll sit in an ancient chair, get an awesome haircut for $40 and breathe in the plutocracy around me while some overfed sheisskopf babbles on in the next chair about how there's a brothel down on Stone Street masquerading as a steak place for rich Goldman Sachs guys (fresh from fucking over some overworked and underpaid Burger King workers) who can't even get laid without violating the spirit of the law.
I didn't want to go the supercuts route and have to hear some more war stories from my balding Russian pal, so I came here yesterday and I'm happy I did. The detail work was impressive and I no longer look homeless. I look like someone who knows where to get his haircut. Thanks Jason, and 'way to go' me. Yay.
Don't believe the hype. I've given this place 3 chances. Why have I gone back? I guess price and ease of location. Plus where else can guys get a haircut without going to one of those lame $120 salons...I think they try too hard to be this cool men's barber shop. I kind of think those guys just wing it when cutting hair.
I guess if I wanted the type of haircut I got from them I could have gone to the 12 dollar old mans barber around the corner. So that makes 40 bucks way overpriced...Seriously. This place is way overrated. Don't get me started on the price of the clothes there...What a racket.
Welcome to Freeman's Sporting Club - No Gurlz allowed.
I've avoided barbershops ever since some old timer gave me pedophile side burns (straight across). So I started going to the salons female yelpers recommended. Soon after, I started craving chocolate once a month and crying in romantic comedies. One trip to freeman's fixed me.
You can just sit and listen to the guys that work there shoot the breeze with each other and that's entertaining. Or join in with the swearing, talking about women, and in general being a man. Society has taught us to repress our manliness out in public. No grunting, yelling, being perverted. When you go through the store to the barber shop in the back, you're among men. Leave the girlfriend / wife / sister / mother at home. Every trip to freeman's is a mini spirit quest where you leave with better hair.
So here's the thing - my boyfriend is hot. Really hot. I'm not just saying that, because he's my man. Many friends concur. BUT - he has been growing his hair out to do that Nautica ad hairstyle - you know what I mean, the dark brown hair that is blowing in the wind on a yacht and effortlessly waves in the right places. Well his hair is definitely more on the wavy and less on the effortless. So I did my Yelp research of where he should get his hair STYLED (since his hair cuts usually only involve a buzzer and a man named Mayimbe, and cost $17 - that's with tax and tip. Mayimbe also buzzed off the front line of Chris' hair, leaving him with a line of spiky baby hairs). For a week I'd been telling him about all the good reviews on Freeman's.
3 days ago he walked in the door and DA-YUM. hot dayum to be exact. His hair looks so sexy. In fact I want to have sex with his hair. Anyway, it looks great. I believe he got it STYLED by a man named Jason.
All men looking for an actual style/ needing help in the hair department, scrounge up $40 - it will be the best thing you ever did for your head. And it will probably get your some too.
I enjoy trying different barber shops and places to get my hair cut, especially being in a new city, so, based on the reviews, I was looking forward to going to this place.
It exceeded my expectations. I went with Reuben (I know a lot of yelpers list other guys, but Reuben was EXCELLENT). The staff was extremely funny, witty, friendly, and approachable. I loved the antiques-meets-lodge-meets-skater vibe. Not too stuffy, not too edgy.
The staff was extremely helpful in picking a very good cut which is growing out very well. Reuben gave me some much needed advice on my ...ahem...receding hair, as we realized it was mostly the (old $100 stylists) cut causing the issue. He gave me a nice, clean, stylish cut based on some pictures I brought in, and it totally worked.
Plus, the guy had me laughing the whole time.
I walked out with some really cool Japanese hair wax (also awesome) and with the satisfaction that, after a year of trying other places, I have found my barber shop.
Now, if I could ever afford those clothes out in the front part of the shop...
Enter a pliable fleshy boy, exit a newly christened Man. Prepare for battle. Conquer the streets.
No regrets, yet they say "three weeks." We'll see about that.
Wow. Great place. Go with friends, chill, shop, take a haircut.
A bridegroom from out of town was in New York for his wedding and brought the whole wedding party for a pre-ceremony grooming. I signed up on the barber waiting list in the back, then tried on a few items of clothing, found one lightweight corduroy blazer I loved but couldn't afford, read, people watched, and finally it was my turn.
Ivan asked what I wanted. I explained what I thought I wanted to do with my beard. He explained what I really ought to do with it. I let him, and it turned out great!
I usually go clean-shaven, grew a month of beard for Pentecost. Then came here thinking I'd clean it up and leave it for a few more days before shaving again. Ivan did such a terrific job I'm almost thinking of keeping it!
Freeman's Sporting Club is a shop created for the manly man. Such a man, if I may make a gross generalization, likely wears a Barbour jacket, shuns passing trends in favor of lasting elegance, is willing to pay more for true quality and in all appreciates the finer things in life but is rarely, if ever, boastful of such proclivities.
The tailor made items at Freeman's Sporting Club will hold great appeal for this manly man, who may or may not slip in the back for a shave before having his handmade suit fitted.
Of special note: the coats and jackets on offer. Were I to take a guess I'd say these durable pieces of outerwear are likely to last a lifetime, if not several.
Ruben... great haircut. Thanks. he actually listened to what i wanted and did a nice job. ive paid upwards of $200 for haircuts in the past, this was a bargain at $40
No joke...amazing. Ive been getting haircuts at the same place for years, but the guy really never listened to me...he just kind of shaved my head. This place is amazing. From the barbers ripping each other to the laid back atmosphere, these guys know what they're doing and enjoy what they do. Amazing haircut, reasonable price, great time. Go here if you go anywhere.
Note, I didn't buy, or even really look, at any of the clothes, so my review is really based on the barbershop in the back. Based on recommendations, I purposely grew my hair out for nearly two months just so I could wait until I was in NY and get a cut here. At $40, I think it's a pretty good deal. I decided while I was there, I might as well let my little peach fuzz grow out a bit and get a shave as well (my first professional one ever). The haircut was great, my barber used to work at John Allen's and seemed to be really experienced. The shave however was a little disappointing. It felt great with all of the oils and lathers he used, but 4 hot towels later and it honestly wasn't a very close shave. Furthermore, he didn't even shave off all of it evenly, so I had thin patches of hair here and there. I was a bit bummed.
Bottom line: 5 stars for the cut, 3 stars for the shave.
P.S. Next time I come here I hope there'll be a queue so I can peruse the fine vintage playboys in the waiting area.
... for men who think that all the best shops are for women:
Walking into this store gives me a wonderful and odd sense of time travel. It feels like a stylishly tattered general store from another era, but with a present day downtown New York style. Freeman's Sporting Club also manages to capture a very intimate, personal feel.
Offerings: custom bespoke reaching into the four figure range, alongside a selection of work shirts, Tshirts, jeans, and trousers; all with that nonchalant edge. And there is an utterly inviting, traditional barber shop in the back area, stocked with products for men who give a damn.
4 stars for the atmosphere, location, friendly staff, and uber chill vibe.
I wish I could afford to buy something here.
http://www.freemansspo...
Like this sporting suit, for instance.
I hope that I'll be able to one day.
But it's not a huge deal if I can't.
The space itself is a rather perfect execution of a concept.
But I wish I didn't get ignored when I walked in.
I want a shave from this place for my birthday, please.
I wish I was a real boy.
Quality comes at a price, which is why I can't really afford this place, but still had to man up and buy a shirt once. And it's why I get my hair cut here too.
This place could be schticky, but it pulls it off well. Turn of the century West ambiance and all that. Or downtown hipster meets log camp general store vibe. Whatever. It's a unique shop that puts out some quality, timeless clothes and is worth just checking out for the sake of checking out.
Though my favorite barber has left Freeman's, the folks there are still plenty capable. I've never been dissatisfied with a cut from Freeman's. It's not too expensive (especially if you're just getting a trim), there's rarely a wait if you go at the end of the day, and it's a clean and professional cut without feeling forced ::cough:: ::john allen's:: ::cough::
My Dad would smack me if he knew what I paid for a shave here, but what Daddy don't know won't hurt him.
When I was fourteen my buddies started doing ecstasy and I couldn't understand why they would pay that much for one pill when you could get a lot of acid for the same amount. I was thrifty. I guess I'm the same way about a hair cut, I can get ten terrible, depressing, mind boggling, haircuts for the price of one really great cut and shave from Freeman's.
So I didn't go until a friend (Girl With the Big Glasses) offered to buy me a shave as a present. I was skeptical and worried that I would have to pretend that it was great since she put the money down. Well, I had no problem telling her that it was amazing. There's a reason stuff costs a lot, and this does, but have you seen the people that stayed thrifty and kept doing acid? Is that what you want for yourself? Freeman's has become my secret thing that I love. The barbers are really good at their work as well as small talk and the other customers let their guard down quickly so conversation gets good and rowdy.
I quit doing ecstasy when I was sixteen because I had to steal to get it, and police hate it when you steal stuff. Well, the other night I noticed that a bunch of copper in front of a building that wasn't tied down.
There was enough for multiple shaves.
On one hand, you could say that this place is atmosphere heavy. On the other you are going to be looking at clothes that are top-quality. Great materials and cuts - really pieces that will last for years. Smart but not flashy, you need to be careful about how you wear some of these things, a full outfit from Freeman's might have you looking like part of the James Gang - but that is kind of the point.
A trip to Freeman's is an adventure in neomasculinity. Forget metrosexuality. This is about crisp, clean grooming. Rene gives a great haircut.
For the record, I had one of the best hair cuts I have ever had from Rene. My hair is challenge -- bald on top, thick on the sides. Rene was able to make my hair looks its best.
I am a big fan!
Shorty did me right! Even though I have very thenthitive thkin, he had all the right moves. I've never really had an old-timey shave like this, and it's pretty awesome. There are lots of potions and balms involved, and hot towels and cold towels. Jeff fell asleep during his, but I wanted to pay attention. Just for the boys!
Dapper hand tailored clothing while you get a classic cut in the barber shop behind the store. Impecably stylish, with just the right touch of hipster. We'll see how the haircut went after a day or two to let it grow out, but nothing beats the feel of old school shaving cream and a nice straight razor.
FSC is the place for me...very talented barbers with a good sense of style. All for $40. This is the place to get an unpretentious hair-styling...true artisans...
Ever get stuck at your girlfriends hair salon, because you can't find a good barber who actually listens to what you say? Search no more, and go strait to Freeman's. The clothes are plenty expensive and not really my style, but the barber shop is resembling of something you would find in London. There are no appointments so make sure you set some time aside for the cut. You can get a regular haircut as well as a shave if you so desire. A fine establishment with a great cast of characters working there, and a really hip interior. Oh yeah they got chick/guy mags, if you want to have your lady/man on your arm there is seating for them.
Freeman's Sporting Club is a men's haberdashery with a barber shop in the back. i got a haircut there from a guy named Ivan. i was quite happy with it. they go for a more old-school style, like pre-1960. or one might even say the late-19th century, judging by the decor in the clothing area up front . they also offers shaves and beard-trims, although i was in need of neither at the time. the barber section is walk-in only, no reservations. speak to the guy at the counter and he will set you up. they seem to have a nice selection of grooming products, including some fancy italian soaps and fancy hairbrushes reminiscent of the one in Blades of Glory. as for the haberdashery, none of the clothes up front really made me feel like i couldnt survive without them, but that could just be my particular tastes. the local fashion press (y blogs) got excited about a little something they had last fall, the "shacket" which is a shirt-jacket combo. it's style would maybe be called raking up leaves and stacking wood -chic. they also offer bespoke suits made in brooklyn by a tailor who has suited multiple US presidents, at a four-figure price. which might explain their recent mention on a website called http://traderdaily.com
The clothes up front are well made and are impeccably styled, and the barber shop in the back looks fantastic as well. The haircut I got, however, was pretty bad considering what a basic cut it is. The right side of my head sports follicles that are a half inch shorter than their counterparts on the left... I'm still giving the store 3 stars because I have been wearing one of their coats everyday for months now, and it's perfect.
Pantytime!
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