Cutthroat Barbers - Washington

Queer-owned establishments always get an extra nod from us, but Cutthroat Barbers is a cut above the rest. Their popularity makes it easy to understand why they have two locations, one on historic 19th Street in The Heights and another on Washington Avenue in historic Sixth Ward.

Owner Brandy Chu was a longtime stylist and barber hailing from Roots in Montrose before carving out this bespoke new space for premier masculine grooming. Specializing in dashing masculine cuts, sharp fades, shaves, and expertly styled longer-on-top looks, Cutthroat knows that dapper styling isn’t solely reserved for men. Both locations happen to be next to the best coffeehouses in the city, with 19th Street a few doors down from Boomtown Coffee and Washington Ave. directly next to Catalina Coffee. If a buzz of the caffeine persuasion isn’t sufficient, you can count on a complimentary draught beer or glass of whiskey while you get your groom on. Dubbed one of the coolest barbershops in America by Men’s Journal in March 2018, their high demand leaves little room for walk-ins, so book an appointment in advance via their website.

Washington Ave takes the vintage vibe even further with the mahogany-framed mirror stations fit for an English, rows of camel-colored vintage barbershop chairs, and dark wooden beams spanning the ceiling. Crisp subway tile contrasts with a huge, timeworn American flag framed in the back.