I’ve lived in Philadelphia for three solid years and have gone through nearly six barbers within the first two; my hair takes a talented hand to manage and a clipper cut just won’t do the trick. I found a spot right in beautiful Washington Square West called 2B Groomed specializing in men’s hair and keeping things classic. Jazz is constantly playing from the speaker system in the tiny two-chair shop adorned by wood shelves, books about menswear, and tons of old-school grooming products you’d be challenged to find anywhere else. Let’s preface the whole thing by mentioning that they’ve been written up in Playboy and Maxim magazines.

Diego Rivera, mentioned below (the best barber I’ve ever had), has opened his own shop in Center City Philadelphia. Make sure to check him out at The King of Shave at 12th and Pine

Click below to read the writeup.

My barber is Diego Rivera. The man’s from Argentina and is hard as hell to understand the first couple of times you go to him. After a while you get into his rhythm of speech and can comprehend that half the time he’s giving you brutal honesty on your haircut. It’s appreciated after years of bubble-gum beauty school grads who just talk about their boyfriends. I went to Diego after being unable to find anyone in the city to give me the cut I wanted, a traditional swoop comb-over without any feathering, layering, or anything of that sort. The dude knew exactly what to do.

Their menu of services ranges from $3 on up and they do special packages for events (weddings, etc.). I stick with the Rhode Scholar, juicing my student ID for all that it’s worth. The cut takes between 30 and 45 minutes and finishes off with a straight razor neck and sideburn shave with hot lather and bay rum aftershave.

So check ’em out. 270 South 11th Street, just north of Spruce. You can reach them at 215-925-3505 but your best bet is booking online by clicking here.