How Cafe-Barbershops Combine Coffee and Haircuts in Brooklyn

In New York’s Brooklyn, a new kind of hybrid space is changing the way men think about getting a haircut—and drinking coffee. Forget the plain neighborhood barbershop or the solo café visit. These places, part salon, part coffee shop, and often part pub, have become go-to spots for conversation, grooming, and relaxation all in one.

At Blind Barber in Williamsburg, a haircut costs $45, and you can pair it with a cappuccino made with Blue Bottle coffee—or one of ten other drinks, including four kinds of beer. That’s not a gimmick. It’s a carefully designed social experience.

What Is a Cafe-Barbershop?

A cafe-barbershop blends the traditional barbershop with a café—or sometimes even a bar. Think old-school barber chairs, a La Marzocco espresso machine, and a few taps of beer. Customers sit in vintage salon chairs, sip coffee or beer, and get their hair cut. It’s a curated environment that feels like a cross between a neighborhood hangout and a grooming studio.

These spaces often feature reclaimed wood counters, retro grooming tools, and decor more akin to a men’s clothing boutique than a standard beauty salon. The atmosphere is intentionally masculine, offering a rare “third space” for guys to connect beyond the gym or the bar.

Why They’re Popular Now

The rise of the cafe-barbershop is partly a reaction to the decline of traditional barbershops. By the 1960s, many had gone out of business, unable to adapt after the cultural shift away from short, utilitarian haircuts. By the 1990s, they were widely seen as outdated—relics of mid-century masculinity.

But today, shorter hairstyles are back in style—even among men with full beards. And with that, the classic barbershop skill set is in demand again. At the same time, modern men are looking for places to socialize that aren’t loud bars or generic cafés. The cafe-barbershop fills that gap: it’s quiet enough to talk, stylish enough to meet friends, and functional enough to get a proper haircut.

“Every dollar made on coffee isn’t the point,” says one operator. “It’s about starting conversations and building friendships.” For many regulars, stopping by for an espresso or a pale ale on the way home has become part of their routine.

How the Coffee Fits In

Coffee service in these spaces is rarely an afterthought. Many use equipment like the La Marzocco manual espresso machine, and serve drinks made with beans from specialty roasters. At Fellow Barber, all coffee comes from small-batch roasters. Blind Barber serves a cappuccino made with Blue Bottle coffee, alongside local beers.

Some locations, like Persons of Interest in Williamsburg, partner directly with respected coffee roasters such as Parlor Coffee to serve espresso drinks. A $45 haircut might come with a $5 cup of coffee—and both are treated with equal care.

The coffee menu is often simple but thoughtfully sourced. Espresso, cappuccino, and Americano are common offerings. At Cotter Barber, customers can enjoy their coffee in a backyard seating area when the weather allows. The focus is on quality over quantity, with an emphasis on drinks that pair well with conversation and grooming.

Where Else Are They popping Up?

While Brooklyn is the epicenter, the concept has spread. In Toronto, Rod, Gun & Barbers has a licensed bar where smoking is allowed. San Francisco’s Peoples Barber & Shop and Philadelphia’s Duke Barber Co. serve ice-cold beer. Portland and Detroit have similar concepts, and even some traditional salon chains now offer beer and bourbon alongside haircuts.

In Detroit, Fellow Barber plans to add a full bar to one of its locations. The model works because it combines essential services—haircuts—with desirable extras—coffee, beer, and a place to hang out. Most of these businesses hold either a coffee shop or alcohol license, making the combination legal and viable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cafe-barbershop?

A cafe-barbershop is a hybrid venue that combines a traditional barbershop with a coffee shop or casual bar. Customers can get a haircut, drink coffee or beer, and socialize in a retro, male-oriented environment often decorated with vintage grooming tools and reclaimed wood furniture.

How much does a haircut cost at a cafe-barbershop?

At Blind Barber in Brooklyn, a haircut costs $45. Prices may vary by location, but this reflects the premium, full-service nature of the experience, which includes quality grooming and often a beverage.

What kinds of drinks are offered in cafe-barbershops?

Most cafe-barbershops serve coffee—such as espresso, cappuccino, and Americano—often made with beans from specialty roasters. Many also offer beer, with some locations serving four or more varieties, as well as wine or cocktails depending on licensing.

Do cafe-barbershops cater only to men?

While most cafe-barbershops have a masculine aesthetic and attract mostly male customers, they are typically not exclusively for men. The style and atmosphere are designed to appeal to a broader audience interested in a more relaxed, conversation-friendly grooming spot.

Where did the cafe-barbershop trend start?

The trend began in Brooklyn, New York, with early pioneers like Blind Barber in Williamsburg. It has since expanded to other cities including Toronto, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Portland, and Detroit, often led by independent owners and barbers with a vision for community-driven spaces.

Is coffee service a big part of the business?

While coffee sales may not be the primary profit driver, they play a key role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Many cafe-barbershops serve coffee from specialty roasters using professional equipment, and see it as a way to start conversations and enhance the customer experience.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cafe-Barber Coffee

For the kind of coffee served in Brooklyn cafe-barbershops, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend for a balanced, bold shot ideal for espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos. The Black Cocoa Blend offers deeper, chocolaty notes that pair well with the rugged, masculine vibe of these spaces. Both are crafted for professional extraction and deliver the rich mouthfeel and crema that make cafe espresso memorable. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.