I have a simple, standard dude cut. Because Bishop's on Alberta is close and cheap, that's where I've been going for a couple years.

However, for quality, I really don't find them to be any better than Great Clips. Maybe they're just not excited by the lack of challenge I present, but whatever. I'm also generally guaranteed a 20 minute wait, and the attitude around the place (until I get in the seat at least), is generally eye-roll-inducing.

Hereby soliciting recommendations for a NE-area barber that doesn't suck or cost a shitload.

@Colin - I switched to Y-Chrome and it's pretty great. Hard to pick out every little detail that contributes, but it's a much better experience than a trip to Bishops. http://www.y-chromebarbering.com/

Go ahead and make the drive downtown. I usually work it into one of my trips to Powells and Little Big Burger...

I've been going to Amy over at the Rudy's on Division for a couple years now. She does a nice job and doesn't feel the need to chat the whole time.

Number One Rule of a Good Barber: SHUT THE FUCK UP! If I wanted to hear your opinion, you wouldn't be a barber; would you?

Graham, I've always thought that to be the mark of a good barber. I'd be bored out of my skull if the barber just cut hair and didn't say a word.

Seems like a general trend these days, though, that we expect to be provided a service without knowing the back story of the person providing the service. Fair enough, but I appreciate a barber that can talk at length about a variety of topics.

Barber Dan on Gladstone is where it's at. And he gives steel guitar lessons on the side.

Uhh, for recommendations purposes: I don't mind if my barber talks to me. I'm out of the chair in ten minutes, tops, so there's never too much to go wrong.

Just make sure there aren't any strays, and don't make me wait forever (especially if it's Bishop's "15 minute smoke breaks for the three barbers trumps the fact that 8 people are waiting" policy).

@CC: I think you you should be going to Barber Babes on 28th and Sandy.

Considering some of the things that have happened to my hair at Bishops, even free is too high a price. Somehow, no matter what I ask for or tell them, I leave there looking like a member of Spinal Tap.
But it's cool that they're helping out Sisters.