A Cut Above ... On the Ave

For those who have recently relocated to Greenwich or better yet, moved back from a stint away (you always knew you’d return), you will be pleased to learn that one of Greenwich Avenue’s small-town traditions remains - the classic Greenwich Barber.

Now located above the new Le Pain Quotidien, having relocated there from its original location across from the Post Office in 2008, the Classic Barber  (www.classicbarbergreenwich.com) is a family business, now run by the second generation of the Merolla family.

As a result, many of the traditions that made the original version a favorite among Ave-goers persist, though with a slight update, including the famous red truck seat which kept the tears of many young boys and girls of my generation at bay is now a red airplane overlooking the Avenue from the wall of glass windows. Catering to the new wave of businessmen clientele, the Classic Barber has repositioned itself as an upscale grooming center, “combining traditional techniques of barbering with new and innovative trends” with a sleek interior of hardwood floors, brown leather chairs, according to co-owner, Giuseppe Merolla Jr. He also boasts the shop has “the best espresso in town.”

The newer location, just steps from the train station, makes it an easy stop-off for commuters while the relaxed setting allows busy businessmen and women a rare moment to breathe deeply, enjoy the elevated view of the Avenue and perhaps even, read the actual paper.  Of course, the salon is also outfitted with flat-screens galore displaying ESPN, CNN and CNBC Market updates.

Recent customer, Friso van Reesema (my husband) came home not only looking dapper, but also quite satisfied with his experience (a rarity for him with his haircuts of late).

He raved about the personal attention from John and the traditional treatment of using a hot towel on his neck and head and a sharp blade for the tiny hairs on the back of his neck. As the company promises, he did indeed leave ‘feeling well-groomed and pampered.’  As a Dutchman, Friso also is prone to scouting out a good deal. So when the final price tag of $23 was administered, he said he felt like he had hit the jackpot in Greenwich – exceptional value, high-quality service and a good bargain, to boot.

The salon has been very well received in the past two years and the sons Merolla are looking to expand with more locations in Fairfield County. So, before these boys branch out, check them out in their home location because as Giuseppe tells me, “we offer the best haircut for the best price in town.:

*** I am often influenced by other Ave-goers for the topics of my column, as with this entry. My husband came home raving about the Barber experience and so when I learned it was on the Avenue, I couldn’t help but feature it here. Please, if you’ve had an exceptional experience – good or bad – don’t hesitate to let me know and I will happily go investigate.

Classic Barber: 396 Greenwich Ave. # 2; (203) 869-3600.