Adam Barbershop

My favorite barbershop in downtown Toronto, also conveniently located across the street from St. Lawrence market. I always have great customer service, a great haircut, and conversation. I’ve been coming here for almost 2 years and have never been disappointed.

Full disclosure: I cannot attest to the quality of the haircuts here, as I couldn’t get past the appalling customer service on the phone. Apparently they’re great, according to the reviews here. But that’s not what this is about.
After searching for barbers, I came across Adam Barbershop’s website (through this Unilocal page), where as of this writing, gave a number to book an appointment on the home page: «Walk-​ins welcome, or call 416.505.7256 to book an appointment.» So naturally, I called to book an appointment. A man picked up, and right as I was mid-​sentence (as soon as I said «appointment») he interrupted with an abrasive «no, no, no, no, no. Walk in only.» He sounded frustrated I dared mention the word. So, when I asked why there was a discrepancy between his word and the website’s, he immediately became defensive and said «we can’t change it. We tried to change it; walk-​ins only. It’s wrong.» Then he started to aggressively ask if I can fix the website and change it, and even asked «what do you do for a living?». I assumed he knew I wasn’t a website developer calling a barbershop just to fix their website, so I took it as sarcasm.
After an accusation that I told him he was a liar (absolutely not), he seemingly threw up his arms and in a very annoyed tone tried to accommodate my outrageous request for an appointment. Obviously, I no longer wanted to take my business there.
It’s a shame, with all these great reviews for their haircuts, they extremely rudely threw aside a potential customer because of fair question about their appointments policy. And now I will never go here because of the sour taste they left me with as a first-​time caller.

Having changed jobs recently, I was tasked with finding a new barber near work for a quick hair cut during lunch time. I found Adam Barbershop near St. Lawrence Market, just on the other side of Jarvis south of Front.
The owner, Youssef, was pleasant and we had a quick chat while he expertly cut my hair. He made some suggestions for length and style which I appreciated. Once the cut was finished, he trimmed my side burns and neck with a razor and I was on my way.
Overall, a solid four stars and not overly expensive at $ 22. Youssef will also do a quick clean up if you need one, no need to pay the full amount just for that.
There were two people ahead of me when I arrived at lunch time and I was still in and out in 30 minutes. Just what you need when you are pressed for time.

Just came back from my first time here – very, very satisfied!
I get a touch up between regular cuts and that is exactly what I got for $ 7 + tip. My neck is cleaned up as is the line including my sideburns. I used to go to a shop just off of King, near the subway, but there all you get is the neck for $ 8.
The shop is nice, clean and modern. It does not really feel like an old time barber shop. (I’ll leave it up to you whether that is a plus or a minus).
Service was quick. Barber/​owner seemed like a nice enough guy. He certainly shows respect to his customers by addressing them as «sir».
I plan to come here on a regular basis now for my touch ups since I can walk over from work for an extended break. I might even have a regular cut or try a shave.
(Nothing beats a professional, traditional shave guys – you have to try that at least once in your life.)
Highly recommended if you live or work around here!
Bonus tip for my peers: some of the reviewers here need to get out more often – this is Toronto and there are tons of great barbers who use straight razors, talc powder and all of that old school stuff. You do NOT have to subject that precious head of yours to the chain semi-​salon places. My regular guy (near home) charges just $ 15 and often takes 30 – 45 min. making sure my hair is perfect. Time really means nothing to him. You won’t get these guys near the financial district. You need to venture into the neighbourhoods (Greek Town, Little Italy, etc.) and find their shops off of the main drags like Danforth, St. Clair, Bloor, etc. They are a dying breed – retiring or quite literally dying – enjoy ‘em while they are still around!

Youseff is my favourite barber that I have ever had, and I’m 55 years old. I have been going to him for about a year now. He always takes his time with a cut, discusses with you what he thinks will look good, and I consistently walk out very happy with how he’s made me look. The atmosphere in the shop is very relaxed and friendly. It is a real mens barbershop!

Cozy, great walk in barbershop. Straight razor for you sideburns, ears and neck. Quick, and a great price taxes in at $ 22. You can’t go wrong spending a few more bucks than going to a cheap chain.

Master of his craft. Youssef will understand what you’re going for before you’re done telling him. I’ve always expected a lot from haircuts and had my fair share of 4.5 starred barbers. Nothing comes close. The precision and ease in which Youssef wields clippers and scissors is a testament to his experience.

Went in this morning for a haircut after reading the reviews on Unilocal.Called in and they said to come in about 20 minutes later. I got there as two men were just finishing up and was politely greeted. The environment was very comfortable, and the décor was very modern, with a very fresh feel. Lots of light, which is good, because you want your barber to be able to see what they are doing. I’m an avid Vespa rider, and I don’t have to tell you what my hair looks like after I’ve had a helmut on for 15 minutes or more… It looks bad. I asked for a helmut proof, short haircut and Mustafa delivered! I love it. They gentlemen were very friendly, efficient, skilled, and welcoming. It’s taken me ¾ of a year to find a great barber since moving to the East end, and I couldn’t be happier.

HANDS DOWN the best barber I have been to. It’s a small barbershop right next to the St. Lawrence Market. A regular men’s cut is only $ 22 which is an absolute steal given the quality of haircut and the location (most places in the area are $ 45 minimum). The owner does most cuts himself — he is very passionate, listens to instructions perfectly but can also give suggestions, and his cuts are perfect every time.
He’s all about the little details and that really puts this barber above the rest.
Example: he uses warm shave cream and a straight blade razor to detail the side burns and around the ears. Who does that for a $ 22 cut?! It’s insane. Also, he puts baby powder on the brush when he brushes the hair off at the end — this is an amazing old school detail that too many barbers don’t do.
By far — best barber I have ever been to.

Really impressed by Adam Barbershop! Nice relaxing experience and a really good quality cut and cutthroat razor work! I’m definitely a regular now!

Adam is without a doubt the best barber I have used downtown in years. I was fortunate enough to become aware of his move from the financial district to a shop of his own. Personal service and an outstanding haircut every time. I’m just glad to have found one of the few who truly care about their craft these days.
For those who are petty enough to trash this man’s business because of a typo on the sign outside, I truly feel sorry for you. You are the type who feels the label on the box is more important than what’s inside.

Great price for a really professional cut. Excellent service.