UPTOWNflavor

Thompson Barber Shop Incorporated
393 Lenox Avenue at West 130th Street
New York, NY 10001

(212) 534-9147

As a black man moving to Harlem, I felt secure in one thing: I would never have to stress about finding a good barbershop. However, I wanted to find a good one for me. Part of that means one that is a bit quiet. My old shop (Mitchell’s in Paterson, NJ) was like home – well, like home plus a group of black men using every swear word imaginable. When I was younger, it was crazy and cool, but as I got older, I just wanted to get my hair cut without having to hear about this guy’s relationship with his young mistress.

Thompson’s Barbershop is that place. It’s been around since 1937 and it’s still old school – as soon as you walk in there’s a sign explaining that no radios, excessive cursing, etc. are allowed. Finally! The barbers are nice, personable, and professional. They’ll talk to you if you seem responsive, but they’ll never keep yapping if you don’t. I’ve had great conversations about Harlem events such as when Earl Monroe pulled out of the restaurant now named River Room, as well as the horribly expensive properties that are going up on Lenox Avenue.

The best part is, the wait is never too long. I’ve been going for about a year now, and there’s never been more than 2 people ahead of me. Maybe it’s the old school rules, or the simple fact that there are millions of barbershops in Harlem. Oh well, as long as I can get in and out!

REEF is a contributing writer to UPTOWN flavor. He is a Jersey boy trying to make it in a Harlem World. Reef welcomes comments at shareef[at]gmail.com. For more Reefy goodness, check out his blog.

Photo credit: Scene from the movie Barbershop