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Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop
Category: Beauty and Spas Barbers Barbers [Edit]
4639 Hollywood BlvdHollywood, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 667-9690
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 9 am - 9 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
95 reviews for Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop
95 reviews in English
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Review from Frank G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/15/2011
I had just got paid for the first time in a long while. I moved to LA six months ago and hadn't had a haircut and was starting to look a little worse for wear.
On a Thursday evening whim, I bought a button up shirt and threw myself towards Sweeney Todd's. I let Emanuel do his thing and as a result, I actually looked like a civilised human being for the first time in about a decade. Can't rate this place highly enough.
And to those who complain about the wait. Perhaps come back at a different time when the poor guys aren't totally over-worked. -
Review from Brian L.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/18/2012
Sadly, this place is no longer what it once was. New barbers have been hired who are not familiar with the term "professional," unfortunately. Yelling and carrying on like it's a high school locker room, making customers wait so you can go smoke and then proceeding to put your stinky mitts all over them, rushing haircuts so you can go eat lunch, etc. And on top of that, the haircuts given are usually mediocre at best unless given by Todd himself.
What I originally came to this place for and loved about it is gone. It is no longer the barbershop we remember with a fond nostalgia. The wait has become unbearable for some reason, and the new employees demeanor is rude and borderline neanderthal.
They are a cross between horny teenagers and ape-like buffoons and sadly Todd has let this behavior ruin a once great place. No one wants a haircut from an asshole, Todd, so get rid of those clowns you hired and get some real barbers, please.
I won't be back though, you lost my business for good. I now go to Rudy's down the street and finally found a barber there with some skills and who has mastered hairstyles from within the past 25 years.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/3/2009
Got another haircut here, the owner, Todd, did a great job as usual.
Also, when some dude received a… Read more »
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Review from Ray B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2012
I just got a haircut at this place today. All i can say is that its the best cut I've had in a very long time. The wait for me was 15 min but i guess I was lucky considering that they told me people usually wait 2hrs. Rudy is the name of the barber who cut my hair and he did it the exactly how i wanted it. Its an authentic barbershop so don't expect to go to a spa! I will definitely be coming back.
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Review from Michael C.
New York, NY
7/28/2011
Although I've been living in New York for nearly four years now, I merely like my current barber here in the Big Apple. I *love* Todd, however, and will fly to L.A. with an extra week of shag just for the experience. I switched to Todd from the former owner after Todd bought the the business and refurbished the tired-looking, old school shop, transforming the place into a vibrant, authentically retro, new-old-school, and have enjoyed a perfect cut in an L.A. noir kind of ambient setting ever since.
This has come with a higher price tag: $12 haircuts became $17, which became $21 as of my last trip. Hopefully this keeps out the riff-raff, because while I really like Todd, I can tell when he has had his fill of difficult customers (with their requisite attitude, I'm sure). Um, like the person who rated the place with one star because of how long it took to "get seen." Hint: the customers to chairs ratio is a mathematical construct that has nothing to do with their customer service. But whatever.
And your relationship with your barber is as much about communication as any of your relationships. Tell them or show them what you want and you'll most likely get it. The compliments I get when I return to New York demonstrate this perfectly.
My problem with New York in terms of barbers is that there isn't anything in the middle: a basic cut (and there only seems to be one that they all know about) is either $12 to $15, with the occasional $25 (for a $15 cut), or north of $45 for salon cuts, which is silly when one's hair is north of 45 as well. (Ask Anderson Cooper... he goes to a cheap barber in Chelsea. He likes his... I didn't.) Los Angeles on the other hand has had a number of middle-ground outlets for years now, and Todd has successfully bested them all. -
Review from Camera E.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Heck, I don't even have any hair left, and I still go to Sweeney Todd's once a month. They do a great job and you cannot beat it for an authentic barbershop experience.
It doesn't just remind you of your dad's barber shop, it IS (down to the last detail) your dad's barbershop. -
Review from andrew g.
4/21/2011
My first time here and they pretty much hit it out of the park.
I remember when Sweeney Todd's was at a 'not taking new customers' stage. Maybe it was a previous owner. They've been there for 78 years or something like that so that is very possible.
Anyway, I found them on the Yelp and decided to give 'em a try on a sleepy Thursday morning. I was immediately greeted at the door by Alan, sporting a 30's style getup. He asked my name and wrote it on the chalkboard.
The environment is classic barber shop but not quite so begging to be loved like a lot of the other shops I've been to. I mean, Bolt is okay, even great at times, but spending $5 on parking and then not being able to get an appointment is kind of a bore. Plenty of books and magazines are provided for you to peruse.
Alan gave me a boot shine while I waited. It's a good way to pass the time. Six bucks and my Paul Smith combat boots look brand spanking new. Hope I don't lose eastside street cred though.
I waited maybe 15 minutes and was seated in Almon's chair. Almon is a big inked-up dude from Texas who also plays in a Rockabilly band. He's got a sincere but intense demeanor and a perfect haircut.
But make no mistakes, Almon is also an extremely good barber. After watching him skillfully shape two consecutive haircuts with nary a word from the client, I sat down and asked him to do his thing. With no direction, he gave me a perfect haircut and beard trim.
And with his own special inventions, like the way he has you look into the mirror as he rotates the chair, giving you a panoramic view of your own head. Very cool. He also noticed that I had some scalp psoriasis developing and managed to tailor my cut to conceal it. Never had ANYONE pay attention to that before.
So I would highly recommend Sweeney's to anyone looking for a barbershop experience but not wanting to deal with too much hassle or attitude. I paid $6 for a shoeshine, and $36 for a haircut and beard trim. Haircuts alone are (I think) $21. -
Review from Woo F.
Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2011
The look of this barbershop is impressive, and the look of the barber's themselves really fit the classic feel.
I've had 3 cuts at Sweeney Todd's now, all of which were with Sweeney. Unfortunately, the cuts have been less impressive with each visit. As a barber he really excels at cutting tapers and using clippers to cut a clean close and precise haircut. Where it seems to lack is in, for lack of a better term, "scissor skills". He could never seem to get the longer hair on top quite right. He uses a large set of scissors that seem more akin to a tailor than a barber.
My last cut was particularly bad, I actually went home and used my own clippers to just buzz the top of my head. I'm not sure if he was upset about a previous customer who seemed to have some sort of attitude problem and took it out on my head, or if he slipped up and had to try to cover his tracks, but it ended up looking awful.
The Good:
Great Short Cuts/Tapers
Hot cream/Straight razor for the neckline
Authentic vintage decor
Great reading material while you wait
Cheap
The Bad:
"Scissor skills"/Longer hair cutting abilities lacking
Long waits, often over an hour
Hit and miss cuts -
Review from Jordon F.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2011
I can't rate this place low enough. While the haircut is good, you have to wait 2 hours just to get seen. Nothing is worth that.
That said, when I have had a haircut here, it was of good quality. They use a straight razor to clean up your ears and neck. Few places do anymore. It is a nice touch. -
Review from Matt R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I went in to get a haircut around 4 o'clock on a Tuesday and I only had to wait for 10 minutes. The guy who gave me a trim did a good job and was quick. I was impressed that they clean up your neck line, around your ears, and sideburns with a straight razor. Legit. I will most definitely be back.
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Review from Dave W.
Los Angeles, CA
3/20/2011
I tried Sweeney Todd's because of the good reviews, and I needed a hot shave for a wedding I was attending the following day. I got to the shop on a Saturday around 1:15 and they were packed. A good sign I figured. Soon after I sat down, they started turning away customers, as they were closing at 3:00. I let them know that I need a hot shave and a haircut as soon as I signed my name to the board.
About an hour later, I finally made it to the chair. When I told him what I needed, he acted surprised. It was the barber in the furthest chair from the door, and he started wining to the other barbers that he needed to go and that he "didn't have time for this shit". Next thing I knew I was in the middle of an argument between these two guys. He was complaining that he was "going to be late to his bands show". After a minute or so of arguing between the two of them, he begrudgingly agreed to do the shave. Now I had this pissed-off asshole about to take a knife to my face. In the end, I was satisfied with his work, but I did not appreciate being put in the middle of their argument. I also did not appreciate the fact that he was a little rough with me, nor did I like his jokes about only cutting me a little.
Half the battle is making the customer feel comfortable, and these guys we're way too cool for school to do that. I won't be going back. -
Review from Steph C.
3/16/2011
My boyfriend has been blessed with hair so thick, you can store loose change and snack foods between his curls. It's beautiful lustrous stuff, and I'm hoping baldness spares him. The downside, of course, is that it usually looks ridiculous within two weeks of either end of a haircut.
Now I don't get my hair cut at Sweeney Todd's, but I believe my opinion is as valuable as Matt's. As Dionne says in "Clueless," "I'm the one who has to look at you!" To all the ladies looking to set your fellows up with respectable haircuts - check this place out.
If he has a real job and doesn't want to spend his weekend time waiting around for a haircut, remind him that an hour or two is not a terrible investment for something you will have to live with for the next several weeks. Unfortunately, Sweeney Todd's does not allow appointments, and on Saturdays you can expect to wait upwards of an hour.
It's worth it. Put your name down and walk around the neighborhood, or sit on one of the benches and enjoy the atmosphere and watch the barbers at work. The shop is adorable. It should be in a musical - one that doesn't involve murdering customers and baking them into pies. It has this old time vibe, with mint green decor and an owner who wears a beret and writes down names on a chalkboard. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the place fills up with waiting customers of all ages.
The barbers are very friendly, and they take time to chat and joke with each other and with customers. They have tattoos and muscles and gelled back hair, but they're more old-fashioned than Jersey Shore. There are three chairs, and requesting a particular barber can either delay or speed up your haircut.
Most important of all, they do an amazing job cutting hair. Matt has been here twice, the second time at my insistence when the first cut lasted two months without a single bad hair day. He requested the same barber, who noted that his hair was "long and strong" and proceeded to tame it before my eyes. He took his time and figured out exactly how to tackle my boyfriend's thick forest of curls. When he was done, he styled it with lots of gel, and though Matt washed it out pretty fast, I thought it was kind of a fun look, particular to a different decade. There was a kid sitting in the chair next to him who got the same treatment, and the two of them made a cute picture. It's been a few weeks since this haircut, and Matt's hair looked great short and is growing out without getting crazy and puffy.
Incidentally, a cut costs around $20. That's a little more than you'd pay at a Supercuts, but it's reasonable for the time and care these guys put into each haircut. Sweeney Todd's is worth the hassle, too - an hour's wait is nothing for great hair. Trust me, gentlemen, your girls will thank you. -
Review from Heather D.
Los Angeles, CA
4/22/2011
I am of the female variety; a species not well suited for Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop...that is unless of course you happen to have an extremely bad ass shaved patch that hides secretly beneath your feminine exterior. Which I do.
Sir Sweeney was all by his lonesome but that didn't stop the lads from lining up for a wait that amounted to nearly 3 hours. This is unusual I'm told. Sir Sweeney ordinarily has a well-oiled team of Barbers. This particular weekend they were on vacation.
I watched as Sweeney carefully crafted a messy head of hair to perfection. His assistant kept the shop tidy between cuts and seemed to keep Sweeney and the rest of us cool as a cucumber. And despite the wait, everyone left happy.
Don't go here for just another haircut. Don't go for some edgy Hollywood thing either. Go if you want an experienced Barber at a reasonable price and are willing to wait a little while for an extremely good old fashioned cut.
This shop has charm that you won't get at those other hair factories. Sweeney is very professional even under pressure. I'll put my stamp of approval on this one. Even if I am just a girl ;) -
Review from Jeck D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2011
Sweeney todds is just an amazing place if you want an above average haircut. I went last Friday and got an amazing haircut by victor the barber. Granted, you may have to wait awhile because of the large amount of customers but it's worth the wait. The classic 50's vibe coupled with the vintage magazines makes Sweeney todds a throwback. In addition I respect the fact that you can't use your phone inside the shop because it can be disturbing. So if you want a nice a haircut and prepared for a little wait head to sweeneys. Ask for victor.
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Review from Denny G.
Canoga Park, CA
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok, I'll can't say enough how cool this place is!! I have been looking for a old school barber shop for some time now . What I mostly find is a regular salon with a barber pole! That is not the case here.
I walked in and was greeted by a nice guy who instructed me to put my name on the board and have a seat . As I wrote my name I happen to see a buddy of mine sitting and waiting as well . What I forgot to mention is that were both hair stylists ourselves ! He is one the the best cutters I know and I know my way around a head of hair as well. These guys take men's grooming to a whole new level !!! Where stylist go to get there hair cut.
I had sweeny as my barber and he did not disappoint . This is the best haircut I have ever had. PERIOD. the second best was from a guy who is incredible working at art lab in Santa Monica . He was usually 90 bucks. Sweeny was 21 dollars. I tipped 5. That's 26 total for the numerically challenged !
I love this place so much I can't wait for my hair to grow and go back. Straight razored back. Perfectly blended. I am a client... Don't get on your cell phone ( texting is ok) or you will be gently asked to put it away. Just another reason to love this place! Relax, grab a mag and enjoy the best haircut of your life!! -
Review from Jerald M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/24/2011
I just moved to the area and was faced with finding a new barbershop. I came here based on other Yelp reviews.
When you walk in, it's like traveling back into time to the1950s - from the decor to the music playing. It was first time, so I didn't know you had to write your name down. If you want to look like a regular, write your name on the chalkboard in the back.
There are only 3 chairs and each barber takes their time with each cut. I waited about 45 minutes to hop on a chair. Almon was my barber. He didn't have to ask what I wanted (this was my first time there by the way). He looked at my hair and asked, "Short and tapered sides, trimmed top?" That's exactly what I was gonna ask for.
I got the haircut I wanted, so I walked out happy.
Warning: The prices have increased from what I see in the pictures and other reviews. A men's haircut is now $21. -
Review from andres z.
Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2011
Aside from the obvious you want from a barber (Great Hairdos). The atmosphere is great and they offer products you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere (Black and White Pomade). If you do go by on the weekend be ready for a wait because there's usually a line before they even open.
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Review from Joe E.
Los Angeles, CA
9/9/2011
My new go to spot for a haircut.
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Review from Cheyne N.
Westminster, CA
12/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
Love this place. Everyone who cuts here is super cool and has their own unique personality. You can't beat the price especially for LA. If you pay less, you're probably going to get a less consistant cut.
You're gonna have to wait for a bit but any place that is good is always going to be worth waiting for. Almon is the man, super funny and knows how your cut should look. I used to waste my time & money at a high end salon but I now prefer to come here. Keep up the good work. -
Review from Michael A.
Santa Ana, CA
8/31/2010
Just had my first cut here. Walk-in, got the dude with the tattooed arms, not even Todd himself like the fans rave for. Doesn't talk much, but I kinda like to zone out during haircuts anyway. I didn't have any reason to worry, though, as you'll see.
I'd been trying to outgrow my half-assed Ashton Kutcher hair for a couple years now, but nothing quite worked. Especially since falling into the LA Depression-era vintage scene, I've felt kinda stuck finding hair that looks suave in an old suit but doesn't look like someone's Republican dad or like you're ex-Army. These guys got it in ONE. Fantastic, and I think my girlfriend wants to jump me even from the picture I texted to her.
Anyway, back to the experience: I sit down, having done a little research on what I'm looking for. Even a Don Draper would do, and I guess people are into that right now, but I never even get to talk that much. "How long?" is his only question. I answer my prepared "taper the sides and back, keep it long and full on top."
That's the last exchange about my preferences we even need, because half an hour later my lame shaggy ex-mod locks are on the floor, my neck is shaved straight-edge razor, there's not a hair out of place, and he even kept my side part correct without having to ask about it. And the "cowlick tamer" he put in there while slicking it back was exactly what I would have done. I swear these guys have telepathy. No wonder they don't talk much.
Now I've got something that i could probably rock in anything from a 30s suit and fedora to t-shirt and jeans to skinny hipster office-wear. And the whole damn thing was 19 bucks. They've got me for life. -
Review from Joey S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/23/2010
This is where I get my hair cut and Omar is the guy that takes care of me. He really takes his time to make sure you look good. Great place that is worth the $19 bucks.
I'm very glad to have found this place. -
Review from Jim B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/30/2010
Seems like a lot of reviews below where someone has a personal ax to grind, so I will try and write as honest as review as possible.
I have been coming to this Barber Shop since it was Andy's. Andy's was in a bit of a decline near the end, still a decent place for a gentlemen's haircut. When Todd took it over, this place has improved.
All three of the guys are excellent Barbers. Todd has a lot of repeat clientèle, that specifically wait for him, so I accept the 2nd and 3rd chairs pretty often.
It's a real Barber Shop, like the kind that men have attended their entire lives. The kind of place to bullshit around the water cooler while your waiting, and read through the newspaper for today's headlines. It's pretty self explanatory, there is a poster on the wall that has all 12 original men's haircuts. There's a reason why these haircuts have lasted the test of time, it's because they look great on a man.
If you are not into the classic styles, or are interested in getting a shampoo, color, and your eyebrows waxed, then this might not be the place for you, you might appreciate the salon experience more. If you are a man that desires the time tested classics, a straight razor shave, a clean Barber Shop with subtle elegance, and a great staff, then this place is for you. I got my haircut by Omar today, and I am 100% happy with it, exactly what I was looking for. I encourage people to try out the shop and see for yourself.
On a side note, Todd also has turned me on to some great products. Gabels Bay Rum (Los Angeles) is a product that I personally use now at home, it's a great old school aftershave. I love it. -
Review from REECE T.
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 7/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Have stopped going here as haircuts were inconsistent among the three barbers. One time there was only one chair open and way too long to wait; walked out. One of the barbers also acts homophobic....not the place for me
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/3/2010
Very pleased with my first cut here. Had some wait as only two barbers on, Sween and the guy with… Read more »
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Review from Barry G.
Los Angeles, CA
10/20/2011
Great haircuts, great barbers, but the owner (Sweeney) is a total douche! Been going here for months now and the guy never acknowledges me. Not even a nod or a grunt. Everyone else in the place makes me feel welcome but this guy makes me feel like I've just picked him for jury duty and raised his insurance premiums! If the haircuts from the other guys weren't so good, I'd NEVER go back. The dude w/ all the tatts (Almon) is awesome -- he's worth putting up w/ the d-bag owner.
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Review from Milton V.
Los Angeles, CA
5/28/2010
Love this place. Come here every month so I stay sharp. Omar has cut my hair the last 2 times and I have received about a dozen compliments from both women & dudes (mostly women though). Consistency is the name of the game at this place, keep coming back and your haircuts become even better as you get to know the barbers and what type of style they're good at. Also, check the vintage Playboys, Esquires and Boxing Magazines on the rack by the door, pure-gold reading material if there is a short wait.
-As a side note- If you want your hair 'styled' or just want a really shitty and impersonal haircut, Rudy's is just 2 blocks to the west, go waste $30 there with some under-qualified wannabe hipster who just got his cosmetology license last week. To all the haters: STBS ain't no 1 or 2 star joint, it's a 5 all the way, 6 days a week from 9am to 6 in the PM. -
Review from marissa w.
West Hollywood, CA
7/20/2010
Nice old school barber shop. Awesome barber named Alan cut my hair today and its the best cut I've had in LA. I would strongly suggest checking it out if you're in need of a proper haircut.
Also gay friendly :) -
Review from Max S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/23/2010
Been going to Sweeney's for over a year now, I don't go anywhere else. This place is a step back in time to a place where you can experience a type of genuine nostalgia and service that is hard to find nowadays.
I've never had a bad cut here, the prices are reasonable, everyone is friendly and as professional as you can get. I've had my hair cut by everyone but Omar at the moment, but they are all excellent barbers and you should be satisfied no matter what.
I don't go to places I don't like, and I highly recommend that you give this place a try. It's worth your time and money. -
Review from Jesse K.
Griffith Park/Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2011
Nice people, good price, good cut.
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Review from Davey G.
Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2007
The shop is clean and spotless... almost anti-bacterial. The barbers wear those awesome white smocks and have a polished look about them. There's an old General Electric clock keeping time. A simple board listing the prices. Someone ripped this place straight out of 1954 and transplanted it on Hollywood Blvd.
But the haircut didn't do it for me. Two days before going on vacation and I leave looking like the sixth grade kid with a really bad bowl cut. The gentleman was patient and personable, but he didn't give me what I asked for. I had to have my hair fixed elsewhere the same day.
Rudy's let me down. Floyd's let me down. And Sweeney followed suit. I'm desperate folks, where can a guy get a good haircut in this town? Shoot, it doesn't even have to be good, I'll settle for decent at this point.
That's it. It's a quest! A quest for the best haircut in LA. Who'll join me?! Rawr! -
Review from John T.
Monrovia, CA
2/5/2009
Todd has been personally cutting my hair for about 7 yrs. As a native Los Angelino, I've had my hair cut at literally dozens of places over the years prior. Todd is by far the best barber in Los Angeles in my opinion. Even if it weren't for the cool vibe at Sweeney Todd's (which is awesome by the way) I would still only want Todd to cut my hair. My style has changed over the years and Todd has always been able to adapt and execute the cut I wanted perfectly.
The crowd at Todd's ranges form tattooed rockabillys to older gentlemen all of which appreciate a perfectly executed man-do! If you want the experience of an old-fashioned barber shop (complete with vintage Playboys for you to peruse while waiting) then Todd's is the place to go. Be brave and ask for a shave. Todd does those extremely well, too! -
Review from Kyle W.
North Hollywood, CA
11/13/2006
UPDATE:
Andy's is no more. My man Todd has taken over and what a change it has been! Gone are the dark walls, small mirrors, movie posters and the trusty old TV/VCR combo. Todd has slapped on a new coat of paint that really adds a lot more life to the place. New chairs have been installed. Though, they all have small ashtrays in the arms so I have NO idea where they came from. Who smokes at a barber shop these days? The movie posters have been replaced with portraits of old-time boxers and the mirrors now run the length of the walls. And the window now proudly displays the new name. Prices have gone up too, which is to be expected. Now it is $17 for an men's haircut ($12 for kids and seniors).
So it isn't as cheap as it use to be. But in my mind every man needs two people he can trust; his mechanic and his barber. So until Todd does me wrong I am going to keep going. He almost talked me into a shave, but I took a raincheck. Once the heat starts to pick up a bit more I will be heading down bright and early on a Saturday morning to get rid of the beard for the summer.
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Andy's is the place to go if you want a (relatively) cheap and easy hair cut. It reminds me of the barber shop my father use to take me to when I was younger. Sure the decor isn't sparkling and new but who cares. There is your requisite old movie posters and framed pictures along the wall and a TV/VCR in the corner playing AMC or a tape one of them brought in I would expect.
I've only been twice but have walked away with exactly what I wanted. The man to see is Todd in the 3rd chair. It can get busy so show up early on a Saturday. Warm shaving cream and straight razor on the neck is a nice touch. -
Review from Bobby S.
Sherman Oaks, CA
10/24/2007
I'm biased, because Todd has been my barber for quite a while. Formerly known as "Andy's Barber Shop," the environment here is strictly old-style, established in the 1940s with three barber chairs, a magazine rack with playboy included. The walls look a bit empty, but they are spotted with small pictures of Italian boxers from back in the day. The pics add a vintagy feel to an already vintage establishment. Oh, and of course, there is striped barber poll out front.
Todd's service is quick, but nothing like Supercuts: He spends a bit more time with the scissors than the clippers. He uses shaving cream and a straight razor for the face.
Sweeney Todd's is conveniently located next door to Wacko where Hollywood and Sunset Blvds cross. -
Review from Max G.
San Mateo, CA
2/29/2008
If you know haircuts (not $75 "haircuts" that leave you wondering if anything was actually done, if your hair will ever grow back right again, or if maybe "Fabricio" really graduated from Paul Mitchell's school) you know that a proper barber is almost impossible to find today. You'd have an easier time finding an original Freddy King LP on the cheap than discovering a real good barber.
Todd is the real thing. His shop is simply the best place to get your hair cut in Los Angeles. Nothing more needs to be said. -
Review from Matt W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/30/2009
Great place to go for a classic hair cut... and feels like what a barber shop should feel like: a haven for guys. I've had my hair cut by everyone that works there and have never had a problem.
The service has always been great and since it's a men's only barber shop great benefits like a razor shave on the ol' wolf hairs comes standard. -
Review from Antonio V.
Alhambra, CA
7/2/2008
I'll keep my review simple, clean, honest and straight to the point; just like this shop and the service they provide. The shop is immaculate and sparse but with a cool vibe. Todd and Craig are both extremely courteous and friendly in a straightforward kind of way.
Most importantly, the haircut is great. Craig listens, and delivers. This is the best barbershop I've been to in a long time. If you want a good haircut at a clean barbershop there's nowhere better. -
Review from Jeff B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2008
After trying Rudy's and a few other places, I had given up on getting a good haircut in LA and began buying hats. Then one morning after breakfast, I dropped in to Andy's (now Sweeny Todd's). When I saw "the Old Guy" (Danny), I figured he must have given at least 10,000 haircuts in his life and could probably do me a regular man's haircut with his eyes closed. I was 100% correct and 110% satisfied.
After a couple of very satisfactory visits, I dared to ask for a flat-top. Danny didn't even blink. A few minutes later, I was calling to cancel all my therapy sessions. Old guys rule. -
Review from Rob R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2008
Sweeney Todd's reminds me of the place my dad used to take me to get my haircut as a boy growing up in suburban Maryland. I'm 36. It was a trip back and very relaxing as it brought back all good memories. I'm satisfied with my haircut and I'm still sorting out the experience, but I am happy to support them by telling you I recommend it. The store is small and clean and simple. There's music and it jumps from an XM station dedicated to 20's and 30's standards and swing and if you fancy a little porn with your buzz, check out the vintage Playboy magazines.
Danny cut my hair and honestly most of my time there was spent studying him. Danny is probably in his 60's, handsome as they come, and just a solid character. Turns out while he is employed there, he also used to own the joint for some 30-years until selling to Todd two years prior. When asked what I wanted I gave my generic instruction of a nice short haircut with a little left on top to comb and Danny set me up and jumped to it with a pair of clippers, which ordinarily scare the hell out of me because it doesn't take much to make me look like a marine. But, judging his age, his license hanging on the wall behind me next to a picture of him easily taken in the 50's, I laid my trust in him. I ended up with a nice short hair cut, just as requested. My trim was topped off with a warm shave behind the ears and down the neckline. Easy peasy.
I imagine most nostalgic men could appreciate Sweeney Todd's and it's personality and most men will walk out with a good hair cut. I've learned that the best way to get a good haircut is find a guy you like, stick with him for a bit, and things usually fall into place. Did I get a great hair cut? I'm not that handsome so I they get graded on a curve with me so hard for me to say. But I will take my own advice and go back again, and again.
I wish them luck. -
Review from Rilindo F.
Atlanta, GA
9/18/2006
I remember stopping by this place a few times - it was fairly popular when there was a 1950s retro fad a few years back.
For the a price, you get a decent haircut. I can't say anything about the quality of the place, being I haven't been there in years, but they must be doing something wrong if they are still there.Listed in: Southern California Memories
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Review from Alex G.
Phoenix, AZ
8/28/2007
After moving to L.A., i fell into the rudy's trap. I got tired of waiting a long time for a crapshoot. The lovely folks that did cut my hair didn't last long at Rudy's, and good for them.
I literally just got a haircut from Sweeney Todd's 5 hours ago. My hair was in a state of summer slack, thick, wavy, nasty. With some care and attention, my hair looks great. The straight razor edge clean-up was a nice touch. Probably the best haircut I've had in years.
Credit makes enemies, let's stay friends. Thats right folks, cash is king at Sweeney Todd's. There is a BOA across the street, just don't roll your ankle getting there. -
Review from Kirk W.
Los Angeles, CA
10/22/2008
This is a traditional men's barber shop.
A true blast from the past.
The staff is very personable ... And they really know their trade.
I walked and got into a chair immediately.
Haircuts run about $17 ... For that you get a good, clean cut.
I will continue to get my hair cut at Sweeney Todd's. -
Review from mike g.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2009
3.5 would be more appropriate given my experience.
Like Frank G, I had one very poor experience with Danny. I did not ask for a refund - just decided to avoid getting a cut by him again. Didn't know barbershops did the refund thing, actually, and it's actually quite an impressive level of service if you think about it.
Despite that off cut, I've been back several times and left satisfied. I love that a place still does the straight razor behind the ears. (And for no extra cost.)
You can't beat the decor here. Vintage magazines, water cooler, the music. You feel like you're walking into the 1950's. Not that I was alive then, but I imagine this is what it was like. No cell phones allowed. It's nice.
Haven't got cut by Todd. Looks like most people who have love him, though.Comment from Todd L. of Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop 10/19/2009
Danny has retired as of 8/1/09. More »
