The Civic Opera Barber Shop

- 20 N Wacker Dr #1549, Chicago, IL 60606

For Illinois residents, especially the busy professionals working in the Chicago Loop, finding a reliable, high-quality, and time-efficient barber shop can be a challenge. The Civic Opera Barber Shop, nestled discreetly on the 15th floor of the historic Civic Opera Building, is a true downtown institution that meets all these criteria and more. Far from a modern, sterile salon, this shop offers an authentic, old-school barbering experience that has been a trusted fixture in the city since 1973. It is a place where tradition meets efficiency, providing a classic grooming experience with a nod to historical charm.

Clients consistently praise the shop for its reliable, efficient service and exceptional quality, often noting that it reminds them of the comfortable, historical places they used to visit as children. The atmosphere, steeped in an "old vibe but more as historical old vibe," provides a pleasant escape from the bustling city below. With barbers like the seasoned Leo, who brings over 30 years of experience, and owner Sam Gullo, who has been an artist in the chair for over five decades, customers are assured of receiving masterful precision and a personalized cut every single time.

The Civic Opera Barber Shop is more than just a quick trim; it’s a destination for comprehensive men's grooming, offering everything from a precision haircut to a hot lather shave, and even supplementary services like manicures and shoe shining, making it the ultimate one-stop-shop for looking sharp in the heart of the city.

Location and Accessibility

The strategic location of The Civic Opera Barber Shop makes it exceptionally convenient for the downtown Chicago workforce and visitors alike. It is situated in one of the city's most iconic architectural landmarks, providing both easy access and a memorable setting. Its address is:

• Address: 20 N Wacker Dr #1549, Chicago, IL 60606, USA (15th Floor of the Civic Opera Building)

Located on Wacker Drive, the shop is central to the Loop's financial and business district. Accessibility is a major highlight for Illinois commuters. It is just a short walk from major transit hubs, including both Chicago Union Station (with an ADA accessible entrance) and the Ogilvie Transportation Center, as well as various CTA train lines. This connectivity makes it an ideal spot for professionals needing to squeeze in a high-quality grooming session before or after work without significant travel time.

The building itself is known to be easily accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring all customers can comfortably reach the 15th-floor suite. For those driving, the location is near multiple parking garages, a notable benefit for a downtown address.

Services Offered

The Civic Opera Barber Shop excels in offering a complete array of classic and contemporary grooming services, often described as combining the artistry of traditional barbering with modern efficiency. Their services ensure that clients can achieve a polished, professional look with meticulous attention to detail. The extensive service menu includes:

• Haircut: Standard and precision hair cuts for men.
• Men's Haircuts: Specialized services focused on male grooming styles.
• Basic Haircuts: Quick, reliable cuts for a sharp look.
• Children’s Haircuts (Under 12): Specialized service accommodating younger clients.
• Head Shaves: Expert shaving of the head for a clean finish.
• Basic Shampoo: Simple, refreshing hair washing services.
• Beard trim: Expert shaping and maintenance of beards.
• Moustache Trims: Detailed trimming to perfect facial hair.
• Sideburn Trims: Precise trimming to frame the face.
• Straight razor shave: The classic, ultimate close shave.
• Hot Lather Shaves: A luxurious, traditional shaving experience with hot towels and rich lather.
• Neck Shaves: A clean finish to the neckline.
• Razor Finish: Complimentary razor detailing for the neck and ear area, often included with cuts.
• Manicures: Professional nail care for a complete, polished look.
• Shoe shining service: Offered onsite, allowing clients to multitask during their grooming session.

The availability of services like Manicures and Shoe Shining makes the shop a distinctive destination, optimizing time for busy individuals.

Features / Highlights

The features and highlights of The Civic Opera Barber Shop are rooted in its dedication to a traditional, yet highly convenient, experience:

• Early Bird Hours: The shop opens at 7:00 AM, making it the ideal choice for business professionals who require grooming before the workday begins.
• Historic Atmosphere: Located on the 15th floor of the iconic Civic Opera Building, the shop maintains an "old school" and "historical old vibe," providing a unique and comfortable environment.
• Decades of Expertise: Home to master barbers with over 30 and 50 years of experience, ensuring top-tier skill and reliable service.
• Comprehensive Grooming: Unique combination of barber services with a nail salon and a shoe shining service, offering total convenience in one stop.
• Accessibility: Features a wheelchair accessible entrance for ease of access within the building.
• Planning Flexibility: Accepts both appointments and walk-ins, though appointments are recommended, catering to both the highly scheduled professional and spontaneous visitors.
• Family Friendly: Noted as "Good for kids," making it a welcoming environment for all ages.
• High Efficiency: Clients consistently praise the speed and efficiency of the service without compromising on quality, perfect for a lunch-break visit.
• Onsite Services: All services are provided onsite within the comfortable premises.
• Amenities: Basic amenities like a restroom are available for customer comfort.

Contact Information

To reach the shop, schedule an appointment, or inquire about their services, Illinois residents can use the following information:

• Address: 20 N Wacker Dr #1549, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
• Phone: (312) 263-1091
• Mobile Phone: +1 312-263-1091

Given the shop’s popularity and the need for efficiency, contacting them to recommend an appointment time is advisable, though walk-ins are accepted.

What is Worth Choosing

For Illinois residents, especially those working or frequently visiting the Chicago Loop, The Civic Opera Barber Shop offers a compelling value proposition that is hard to find elsewhere. It is worth choosing for several key reasons that extend beyond a simple haircut. The primary differentiator is the combination of decades of masterful experience—from barbers who are described as always reliable and efficient—with the extreme convenience of their operation.

Opening at 7:00 AM, this is the "one and only barber shop in downtown that opens at 7:00 AM," allowing busy professionals to start their day with a fresh, sharp cut. The ability to receive an "excellent haircut and service," often completed quickly, is highly valued by its clientele. Furthermore, the inclusion of traditional barbershop services like the straight razor shave, along with the unique additions of manicures and a shoe shine service, elevates the experience to full-service grooming designed to fit seamlessly into a busy schedule.

Choosing this establishment means choosing a piece of Chicago history, efficient service, consistent quality, and a truly comfortable, expert grooming session that will leave you feeling confident and sharp for any engagement in the Illinois business world.

The Civic Opera Barber Shop

20 N Wacker Dr #1549, Chicago, IL 60606, USA