The Art of Shaving

The Belmont
Barbershop Ltd. One of the newer kids on the barbershop block, this spot has some serious chops. Opened in 2005, the Belmont Barbershop has grown to a five-barber operation aiming to get back to the art of men’s haircuts. Come for a cut or shave; stay to gawk at the giant swordfish on the wall. 2328 W. Belmont Ave., 773-296-0894; belmontbarbershop.com

The Civic Opera Barber Salon
Tucked away on the 15th floor of the exquisite Civic Opera building, the only hint of the presence of a shave and shoe shine shop is the only one that matters—a bright red, white and blue barber pole. If that doesn’t convince you, the more than 35 years of sharp trims should. 20 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1549, 312-263-1091; civicoperabarbersalon.com

Esquire Barber Shop
Esquire is a small shop in Andersonville with a decidedly canine calling card. Owner Aaron Williams often plops his pooch, Nyla, down in the shop during the workday, giving the space a comfy, living-room feel. 1511 W. Foster Ave., 773-754-0953; esquirebarberchicago.com

Frank’s Barber Shop
How classic is Frank’s? So classic that it doesn’t have a Facebook page, a Twitter account or even a website, but given the titular Frank’s strong following, owing to his more than 25 years in the business, you’re sure to “like” it anyway. 56 W. Van Buren St.; 312-922-0904

Gabby’s Barber Shop
Gabby’s has old-school charm (classic green leather barber chairs, hot-lather back-of-the-neck shaves) with new-school sensibility, thanks to free Wi-Fi and a lauded collection of current magazines. 2860 N. Clark St., 773-549-8832; gabbysbarbershop.com

Joe’s Barber Shop
Sometimes the usual clippers just don’t do the trick. That’s when you call Joe’s. Specialty clippers with custom paint jobs will make your daily grooming routine feel much less routine. Three barbers specializing in vintage cuts also make this Logan Square shop a hot spot. 2641 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-252-3980; joesbarbershopchicago.com

The Belmont Barbershop Ltd.

State St. Barbers of Chicago
Born from the minds of three business school students tasked with discovering new frontiers for business, the trio saw the need to inject a little old-school into the modern grooming venture. From the music and atmosphere to the razors and chairs, State St. Barbers blends classic barbershop mystique with modern-day amenities. 1151 W. Webster Ave., 773-477-7721; 1545 N. Wells St., 312-787-7722; 3523 N. Southport Ave., 773-472-7723; 600 N. Kingsbury Ave., Retail Unit B, 312-624-8399; statestreetbarbers.com

The Art of Shaving
Sometimes you want to bring the barbershop home with you. The Art of Shaving provides a range of shaves and also sells every piece of equipment you’ll ever need for a high-quality shaving experience in your own bathroom. The Shops at North Bridge, 312-527-1604; theartof shaving.com

Truefitt & Hill
Officially recognized as the world’s oldest barbershop, Truefitt & Hill in the 900 North Michigan Shops could be the pinnacle of the genuine barber experience. The London establishment has barbered the Duke of Edinburgh and other British royals, so you know you’re in steady hands. 900 North Michigan Shops, 312-337-2525; truefittchicago.com

Wrigley Building Barber Shop
The bustle of Michigan Avenue can hardly be described as simple, but the Wrigley Building Barber Shop definitely can. This no-nonsense, single-barber establishment is a prime spot for an emergency pre-meeting trim and straight-edge shave with hot lather. 410 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 376, 312-787-1886; wrigley buildingbarbershop.com