Cardiff by the Sea Barbers

Emilio is a great barber and cuts the hair for all the guys in our family! Emilio runs his parlor old school, he listens to what you want! He’s easy going, chatty with the kids… Soo happy a friend recommended him, he’s worth the drive every two weeks and we’ve been happy to pass his name along for months :)

Wow over impressed, Emilio is over the top greatness. I have longer fine mop of hair I gel and slick back and it lays down twice a week and looks good if I don’t wash it. First thing when I come in vibe is super smooth laid back and a gentleman is getting a #1 on the side with a a number blah blah fade into a blah blah blah I’m freaking out is this a barber shop a freaking buzz shop .I’m next Emilio asks whata ya have I mumble some sort of crap and he says you want to clean it up I say yes. the buzzer comes out, the scissors, the straight razor, shaving cream, another straight razor, another buzz and I’m staring at a wall not mirror going oh %$@# I’m done and thinking I always wanted to try bald. He hands me the mirror and wholly %!@! I’m freaking handsome, the best hair cut of my life and I’m 53 got home and my wife couldn’t leave me alone, moral of the story is don’t waste your life get on in and change your life thanks Emilio you have a new customer for life

Didn’t get a cut from the famous Emilio but this other guy «seemed» really nice but also lied through his teeth. Even though he seemed to be lying about himself being in the military in the early 60’s for three years, I just didn’t talk much.
When he asked my how I wanted it, I explained how I get it all the time and he seemed to want to cut it how he wanted it. I told him 1 on the sides to a mid fade and taper the edges. He tried to tell me to do a 1 ½ and I said no I like 1 on the sides. So he ended up barely trimming the sides and back and gave the edges a 1 a ¼ inch up and no taper. It looked ugly. So he recut it to how I said before and seemed to rush me because his appointment finally showed up who was really late already. Didn’t even put the apron back on right so I got hair all down my back and neck and he didn’t give me the mirror again to see the back of my head. After we left my girlfriend (who judges all my hair cuts) said he didn’t even fade the back, just the sides… dude come on. Will not be going back unless Emilio is there.

Emilio is fantastic, great to talk to, and gives a fantastic haircut. I’ve had cuts several time his price that were half as good.

Best barber shop around. Emilio gives great cuts, listens to what you want, and is a good guy to chat with. Prices are very reasonable too.

I’ve been going to Emilio since I was 10 years old (I’m 26 now). The guys is a crack up, and he always makes sure you’ll walk out with a clean cut and a smile. Can’t say enough about how great he has been through all these years and he still continues to deliver an awesome hair cut. I hope he never retires.

Dropped in to get a haircut at the Cardiff by the Sea Barbers. The barbers (Emilio and John) were friendly and made me feel right at home. John gave me a great cut and I was happy with the outstanding service. He was cool and knew a lot about the Cardiff area. As mentioned in other reviews, this is a true, old school barber shop. Chill out and enjoy the conversation. I will definitely be back when I’m in need of another haircut. VG donuts is two doors away which allowed me to grab a doughnut and cup of coffee before my appointment. What more could you ask for? Goodies and a cup of coffee at VG’s and a great haircut at the Cardiff by the Sea Barbers. All is Good!

So I was a far ways away from home (NYC) and I was in desperate need of a quick fade on the sides and back of my hair. I had called a few barbers in the area, and they were all charging me for a full haircut. I’ll be honest, I was not going to pay $ 35+ just to have the sides of my hair buzzed.
Intro Emilio at Cardiff by the Sea Barbers. I called up and Emilio answered, telling me to come by the barber shop after I told him what I was looking for, and he said not to worry and that he’d take care of me. I asked him if he could quote me a price over the phone, and he did, while also adding «if anyone charges you more than this, they’re ripping you off.» I felt as if he had read my mind with that statement, and off to Emilio’s I went.
Once inside, Emilio was very welcoming, as were his regulars who were hanging around the shop. It was a really chill vibe — just some haircuts getting done and some small talk/​random conversations going around. It was soon my turn, and I got into the chair and explained the style of fade I was looking for. Emilio told me he knew what I wanted, and he didn’t disappoint — I got a really fresh, neat and clean fade exactly how I had wanted. Emilio is an exceptional barber in terms of both technique and customer service.
I have now found my spot for a haircut/​touch up while in San Diego — and I mean that as long as I’m in SoCal, I’ll be hitting up Emilio.

This review is long overdue. I met Emilio years ago. On a whim I walked into his barbershop. I have literally never gone anywhere else since. He’s extremely friendly with a great sense of humor and amazing skill. It’s definitely a man’s barbershop. No rushing come and hang out and chat for a while and be prepared to be part of the family.

Emilio is really cool guy and gives a great haircut. He takes appointments and it’s a very reasonable price for sure, about 17 $ for a basic cut, cash. Great location and in a nice strip mall with some cool places to eat including the best donuts around probably!

A first impression is a lasting impression. My first experience here solidified my new barber here in SD. I would drive from Encinitas to PB for a haircut, but after a last minute walk to this old school establishment, Emilio made me a believer! Not only he is great at what he does, but he is a good guy that aims to please his customer. Rarely do you find anyone who does quality work in any profession. Nevertheless, this dude does it with class and humor. If you’re looking to get a real barber experience from a hard working man who loves what he does then this is your place.

Emilio is the man. Such a cool guy, great old school barber atmosphere, and plus you get a good haircut. Always characters coming and going. You won’t find any cosmopolitan or vogue magazines here. Old school barbers like this are harder to find, especially in pricey north county. Skip the salon and come here. A salon is for a woman, a barber is for a man. As it should be.

I decided to give the local barber shop a try after my business moved to Cardiff a couple years ago, and I’m glad I did. Besides being a really good guy and interesting shoot the B.S. with, Emilio is a true professional and a perfectionist. This is definitely a step up from any of the stylists I used to go to. For anyone looking to get an excellent cut at a very good price, I would definitely recommend Cardiff Barbers.

Emelio has been my barber since 2004 when I used to live in Cardiff. I’ve moved around since then but I have continually driven the extra 15 to 50 miles to get my hair cut by him. Why? He’s dope. By making the trip, I am guaranteed a good haircut. He’s friendly, genuine, interesting, and very funny. He is the unofficial mayor of Cardiff — the neighborhood bums and bourgeoisie bow down to him with equal deference. His shop is very welcoming and the conversation always veers into interesting topics. You can say anything to Emelio and he’ll roll with it and add his own hilarious insights. For such a reasonable price, you’d expect to be treated like a number. Not so. For example, you always get straight razor and hot shaving cream treatment here unlike most other (crummy, soulless) barbers.
I don’t know why one or two (crummy, soulless) Unilocalers complained. After almost 10 years of satisfied patronage, I’m inclined to believe those complainers are (a) serial malcontents, (b) emo/​gothic-​haired folks, and/​or © Fantastic Sams’ corporate trolls. Emelio always tries very hard to make the experience enjoyable; he doesn’t rush your haircut; and he’ll make sure you leave happy if you simply communicate with him like a normal human being might.

Emilio is a rare bird for this age and place. Have a chat about the Beatles; digital vs vinyl. Then stop by the office to think things over. Great place. Call for an appointment.

One of my buddies referred Emilio when I moved to North County and needed a new barber. First time I walk in, Emilio is cranking the ‘Rubber Soul’ album by The Beatles on his record player, and I knew this place was legit. Great conversation, great tunes, sometimes we watch TV (recently int’s been ‘Jail’ on SpikeTV on Thursdays). Great Cardiff neighborhood spot.

The barber, Emilio, is a great guy who gives an excellent haircut. I called on a Saturday and he set me up with an appointment an hour later. I definitely found my new barber.

Emilio is great. He let’s me wander in since my hair only takes 10 minutes to cut (or more accurately, clip). My hair isn’t complicated since I am mostly bald, but what is great is the atmosphere.
I can’t wait to see who is going to wander in to hang out on the couch. And always amusing conversation. I have been there when folks camping at San Elijo campgrounds across the street make friends with Emilo and come over to hang out every day.
Emilio always has good music on and keeps things moving along.

This barber shop is the BEST barber shop that I’ve ever been too, in all my long 25 years.
Emilio is the owners name and he is also the barber. He is the friendliest and most knowledgeable barber around. He also does ladies hair (impressive for a barber).
Emilio is very down to earth and funny gentleman.
I have been to barber shops in Mexico and all over San Diego and Emilio is definitely the BEST!
If you have a chance to stop in his shop… DO IT! …You will not regret the experience.
p.s…he also takes walk-ins…so stop on by!

The service and atmosphere are great.
I just found it to be too expensive for me ($ 20), and it’s by appointment-​only; I like the babrer shops that you can just walk into.