Uptown Barber Shop

I am so happy I finally found the best Barber in Toronto. Valentino does an amazing job every single time and is a wonderful guy! Stop your search here.

Came from out of town and took a chance based on Unilocal reviews. Not disappointed! Valentino is one of those barbers who knows just how much and how little to offer his input. As a female who doesn’t really know hair I was coming in for a very bold cut (#2 on the sides and back, no fade toward the top, leave the top which was at least two inches long). He did exactly as I asked without judgement, but still made appropriate recommendations when it came to the little details. He was friendly, attentive, and efficient, from the cut itself to the operation of his business even down to the neck shave at the end. For the great cut and great service, the $ 18 (including tax excluding gratuity) price point is very competitive for Toronto. If I’m in town again and I need a cut I’ll be sure to give Uptown another visit.

This place is great and Valentino always has a smile on his face.
Always cool to listen to the classical music on the radio too!

The best haircut I’ve ever received. They actually spend a good deal of time making sure your haircut is just right, unlike other barbers who do whatever in 5 minutes. The person who cut my hair was a gentleman from Colombia named Orlando, he was very friendly and professional. You aren’t likely to get a haircut as good as this for only $ 18. Great barber, would strongly recommend.

Thoroughly enjoyed the hair cut here at uptown barber. Great cut complete straight razor hot shave of side burns and back of neck. Well worth the money.

Magic without the illusions. Never before have I walked out of a barbershop with a smile on my face.
There was a long wait, which was down to how meticulous Valentino is with each customer — but the wait was well worth it. He knew exactly what I was looking for without me having to say much, he spends a good amount of time on the haircut using his machine, scissors and razor as needed. Most places will be happy to do a quick job and let you go in 10 minutes. Here, however, he spends a good 25 – 30 minutes on your haircut, making sure you have just the look you were hoping for. I saw people before me who were getting their haircut, and he made everyone look sharp, regardless of hair type or age.
Right before I left, he asked me, «See you again?» and I gave him the only appropriate response: «Definitely.»

Amazing.
I’ve grown tired of hip barber shops that charge too much for the only one-​size-​fits-​all cut they know how to do. Chachkis and religious imagery on their walls to manufacture a disrespectfully ironic atmosphere that just makes me sad. Perhaps reaching the ripe old age of 31 has made me unable to appreciate such things.
Valentino’s cut and service is a breath of fresh air. Before he even finished, I knew it was the best cut I’d ever had. It is exactly what I wanted. For $ 18, it’s also the best price I’ve ever paid for a cut.
Thank you, Valentino. I will see you again.

Thank you so much uptown barbers. I have just moved to Toronto and was looking for a good barber especially since my last hair cut down dundas was hurried and yes I was sensitive to my African hair… I am so happy with my haircut. Thanks guys. Only problem was the long wait of about 2hrs. But it was worth the wait and value for money. Asante saana!!!

I’m selfishly almost reluctant to add another positive review, lest this gem become too popular!
There are three main reasons that Uptown Barber Shop is beyond worthy of five stars (I’ll leave any minor downsides to the perpetually unsatisfied Unilocalers who will inevitably find something to nit pick):
1. The atmosphere.
I’ve always liked a good old fashioned barber shop that isn’t drenched in «hipster-​authenticity.» This place has that old-​school charm, without trying too hard. The second you enter, you feel the day’s pace slow, and you are carried back to a simpler time.
2. The people.
Valentino is a great guy and a better barber. He will remember what you like and will expertly get to work while picking up with whatever small talk you left off with the previous time. His style is simple, classy, and quality-​centric.
3. The price.
If there are other places that you can get a $ 20 haircut in Toronto, you’d walk out looking like a mangy tomcat. Here, $ 20 will get you a clean fade, sharp lines, and a classic look.
BONUS. The cut
Maybe the greates thing about Uptown Barber is that all of the above comes hand in hand with a fantastic haircut (the reason you came here in the first place). I’ve never walked away disappointed, and I’ve been here dozens of times!

Best barber in town — hands down! First time for me, Valentino restyled and did his magic and feeling like a million dollar! Very professional, friendly, and now I have my own personal barber! Highly recommended!

If you are looking for a sharp cut at old fashioned prices in Toronto this is the place. If you have to wait, I didn’t, you can entertain yourself with men’s magazines like Playboy.
Valentino cut my hair and beard back from bushy and wild to a sharp, and dare I say dashing, style. All done with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of care. All those now hard to find things like hot foam to shave the edges, cotton sheet to cover your clothes, and a spotless shop.
I’m not convinced I’d make the trip from Harlem, New York just for the haircut but I might!

Old-​school, warm shaving cream, this is what it’s about. And all for the right price. Valentino and Aziz have a ton of experience and can clean you up to your style. For those who can’t find the spot, it’s on Isabella right behind House of Lords.

Just moved back to Canada from Brooklyn and I really miss old school joints and this place is definitely one.
Friendly guys with good energy. They talk to you just the right amount. (Very little imo).
Great job and my haircut was $ 18. That used to cover tip in Brooklyn.
This will be my go-​to haircut place.
If you’re looking for something chic though remember this is a barber shop, but if you ain’t fancy then make this your place.

Great barbershop. I’ve been a couple times and Valentino has been very friendly every time. Would recommend

Waited ’til I’d had my second haircut to review in case first time was a fluke. Comfortable, friendly basic barber shop. Valentino is meticulous, & does a great job. Both haircuts and beard trims best I’ve had in years. Definitely my new barber.

A friend recommended Valentino at Uptown Barber shop. I had been letting my hair grow long and wanted to find a good barber who would know how to give a good scissor cut, long style.
Valentino is a warm and friendly man, skilled with a pair of scissors. My shaggy long and limp hair was clipped into an awesome long style haircut. I had no idea what to expect but he knew how to make the most of my hair. I couldn’t believe how much better he made me look!
Thanks Valentino! I’ll be back!

I’ve been in Toronto for the last 2 years and finally I found an excellent hairdresser. Valentino took his time, was super nice, tolerated my instructions and wishes and did an awesome job.
Not a pretentious place at all, they do an excellent job at cutting hair at a super reasonable price.
Classic music and a chilled environment.
Really happy with it.

FINALLY! An old-​school simple, cheap, decent barber. Very nice barbers, nice relaxing music, magazines (including playboy if you’re into looking at porn in front of other dudes… I’m not, but you can go ahead and have fun if you like). Not fancy. Not trendy. Just classic. Friendly. Relaxing. Best place ever.
One thing to note. Don’t come here if you are pressed for time. All the staff takes their time to do a decent job. So it usually takes a while but it’s more than worth it. Especially for around $ 15 a haircut.

I recently moved to toronto. Tried house of lords last time. It was a very quick cut so thought will give a try to Uptown Barber. I liked the fact that he took his time and took care of small details especially with the sides of my head. He used scissors and it didn’t feel like he was rushed at all. Overall, I have not had a better haircut in a while. I am glad I went there. :D)

Come with time, Valentino is the barber and he is passionate about what he does. A cut here take twice as long as anywhere else but it is worth it. Valentino is meticulous; he’ll go over spots 5 – 6 times until it is to his liking. I’m always happy when he is done and he understands immediately what you are asking for.
Extra marks for the option to be shaved with an old style razor. I don’t often have time for this but love when I do.
Easily my favourite spot to get a hair cut. Here’s hoping Valentino’s retirement is a long way out.