Located along a small side street in Salcedo Village is Back Alley Barbershop. A nostalgic return to the era of service and grooming for men with the utmost attention to detail.
Spacious with ample distance between each barber station manned by impeccably attired barbers with chambray shirts, black pants and denim aprons. Smooth music in the background, I was ready for my day of pampering courtesy of the owners of Back Alley Barbershop. I picked the Cut+Shave+Hungover Treatment (P1200), a package that nets you a discount of P400 if chosen separately. This package also came with 3 drinks of my choice (craft beer, aeropress coffee or green tea).
Old school barber chairs that reminded me of the scenes from my childhood during trips to the barbershop with my dad.
There’s an array of grooming products with brands I’ve never even heard of, let alone know what they are supposed to do.
Meet my barber, Jonas, he introduced himself and was friendly and knowledgeable about his craft. He asked what cut I preferred but I let him decide what is best. During the cut, I asked him tons of questions about the service and the place and he gamely answered everything.
Here’s Jonas applying a thick amount of shaving cream, my first time to ever have this done and it was impressive. I had thoughts of a throat slitting scene from the movie of Gangs of New York and other mafia-esque movies. Jonas really did a great job, I got the closest shave in my life. After the shave, comes a series of hot and cold towels so indulgent I was already dozing off.
After the shave, it was time for the Hung Over Treatment. It was so relaxing, I was asleep in no time, hopefully I did not snore and embarrass myself.
Back Alley Barbershop is so serious about the whole experience that they even ask what music you prefer when you book an appointment. They do allow walk-ins but they encourage reservations, because unlike regular run of the mill barbershops they don’t hurry things up even if someone is next in line.
After your cut and other services, you can sit on this high stool or the comfortable couch beside it and wait as they prepare the drink of your choice. Despite the height and the looks of the chair, it was quite comfortable.
Here’s my aeropress cup of Yardstick Legazpi blend, served at the perfect temperature.
Here’s their Rate Card (all services come with a choice of drink except the No Frills Buzz Cut).
Drink Choices:
- Katipunan Craft Ale
- Aeropress Coffee with Yardstick Coffee Beans
- Green Tea
Packages:
- Cut + Shave – P700
- Cut + Hungover Treatment – P950
- Cut + Shave + Hungover Treatment – P1200
I absolutely enjoyed the service I got at Back Alley Barbershop and my barber Jonas. I wish it was located closer to me because my regular mall barber in SM Megamall already costs P250 per cut. The P400 for the cut and wash at Back Alley is a great deal because it not only comes with a drink but excellent experience and service too.
Looking for a gift for the man in your life or just want to relax and pamper yourself, then do yourself a favor and book a slot at Back Alley Barbershop.
Back Alley Barbershop
Unit 1D, Alpha Salcedo Condominium, Bautista St. corner Sanchez St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Philippines Contact No.: (63947) 518-5736 Operating Hours: M-F – 11am to 9pm S-Sun – 10am to 9pmFacebook Page: Back Alley Barbershop
Instagram: @BackAlleyBarbershop
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Thank you for this recommendation! Awesome blog post!
thanks for checking out my feature. You should go try it out. It’s a great experience.
I just had my haircut yesterday. They exceeded my expectations. Good music, super friendly barber, towel and facial, did styling even before its cut to detailed and perfection!
The coffee drink the receptionist made for me was a bit lighter – almost yellowish color coffee – compared to the image above. It tasted somewhat coffee (think of a shot glass of water with a tablespoon of coffee) but since I figured it’s air-pressed, could be the beans that she reused, extracting more of out it? Or is it just me not knowing its suppose to be that color? My apologies if that is so. You’re not a coffee drinker, try the beer instead. :)
The wash was good too. But I wish it could have been a thorough hair wash, as I noticed bits of tiny shaved hair still on my head and sides. Hot and cold water would be a nice additional option as well, considering this is a barbershop that boast a fine gentlemen’s (and for some ladies as well!) hub with precision to detail in their craft, which I totally love!
maybe they used different beans or it’s roasted lighter.