S E Mattis Barber Shop

This is the only place I will go now when I get my hair cut. As others have mentioned you do pay more than some chain in a strip mall, but the tools Scott uses puts him ahead of that pack (clippers/​shears/​razors).
FYI — Scott does his cuts by appointment only, I am not sure if Chris takes walk-​ins or not and unless you are lucky, same days are hard to come by. Always call 24+ hours ahead!

Now… that’s a haircut.
The shop itself is hidden in the back of Agora Imports, so except for the barber pole outside, you’d never know it was there. But Chris gave me a great haircut, and really took his time with my tough hair (I have way too many cowlicks).
It was a very thorough cut, and included hot foam and a straight razor at the end to clean it up. That’s the kind of detail that makes the difference between what you get at a chain place, and a truly skilled barber that takes pride in his craft. And that’s why local businesses like this are so important.
Is it a bit pricey? Sure, $ 22 is expensive compared to Great Clips or Fantastic Sam’s. But you’ll tell the difference in the quality when it’s over for sure. Plus you can tell this place has been there since they rolled cigars in that part of Tampa, so it’s nice to be a part of history. I will for sure be heading back.
Also keep in mind it’s cash only, though there is an ATM close.

I typically cut my own hair, but I’ve gotten tired of spending an hour or more trying to cut my own hair only to have it turn out mediocre. The problem is every other barber I’ve tried hasn’t been much better.
Scott’s head and shoulders above every other barber I’ve been to. He specializes in era specific hair styles and straight razor haircuts and shaves.
The shop itself is in the back of Agora Imports and is a small brick walled room with a single antique barber chair. Haircuts are about $ 22 and worth every cent.