Carmie’s Crown

Conveniently located in the basement of my building and Carmie has been doing a great job on my hair for a few years! Few things to be aware of if it is your first time; it is a bit over priced at $ 30 with tip, it is not the cleanest or most organized barber shop I have ever seen, I only go with Carmie (think his first name is Joe) as the other employees I have tried cut too short (Carmie only works 3 days a week), it will always take 30 minutes even for a trim as Carmie likes to chat (don’t go here if you are in a hurry), the first few times with Carmie you have to be vigilant as he easily distracts himself and then tends to cut too short. However after the first few visits he seems to establish an excellent memory of your hair style and will cut it exactly the same every time. Hair wash is always included, which for me is critical to getting a good hair cut. I have tried the cheaper Great Clips/​Hair Cuttery routes and always end up disappointed. I find Carmie’s banter endearing, but it would not be for everyone.

The staff is great, but Carmie is more interested in gossiping than giving you a good cut. In the midst of all the jokes he was cracking, he forgot my instructions and cut my hair way too short. Oh, and this is the day before a big meeting. I’m certainly not going back.

My first time going to a barber and having a result that I actually like. In the past I’ve always been fed up and just shaved my head after an unsuccessful attempt at having it cut (thus forestalling the next haircut for many more months). But Carmie took care of me like a boss. $ 25 for a man of his skill and experience is nothing, and I couldn’t help but tip $ 10 after I saw the way it looked. The best part was that the whole process was no nonsense. I said little more than «it’s too shaggy on the sides and in the back,» and he knew what to do. Don’t bother coming here for ambiance; they forego the fluff and focus on the craft, and that’s the way I like it.
I’ve just found my new barber shop.

I recently tried this Carmie’s Crown and my cut was completed by the female barber on staff. My experience as poor for several reasons: 1) the barber chair was covered with hair, and I had to wipe it off myself to avoid getting it all over my suit pants; 2) the barber spoke no english, apparently, and so was not able to understand my preferences; 3) after getting a cut that was not to my specifications, see #2, I did not even get a rinse, and so had to spend the rest of the day shedding hair clippings wherever I went (a pet peeve). I had high hopes for this place because of the convenience, but do not plan to return.

An excellent old fashioned barber shop. They listen to what you want and deliver a terrific haircut. Very nice people, Joe in particular. Really good prices especially considering it’s in downtown Chicago! I’m a repeat customer. That should say it all.
Shoe shines too, very good shoe shines!
Kind of tucked out of the way, but well worth finding it. Also, post office, coffee, and eats nearby. What’s not to like?
P. S. There is another listing for this same shop on Unilocal,listed as Carmi Crown Barber Shop. Same place. Same good ratings.

Great haircut every time. Joe seems genuinely interested in making sure you get a good haircut but also asks lots of questions and wants to get to know you as well. (Smart business move to keep you coming back)
I would give 5 stars but I’m taking one star away because it takes then forever. My last cut from Carmie himself took over 45 minutes. Solid haircut but 45 minutes is a little excessive. He wanted to talk but didn’t do it while cutting my hair, instead he stopped what he was doing. Cut and talk at the same time please.
They recently raised their rates from $ 20 to $ 25 but no matter, I will continue to go back.

I love Joe! What a great guy! Yesterday he gave my 6 month old son his first haircut! I know infants aren’t usually his thing, but he was so kind and patient. He’s been doing my husband’s hair for about a year now, and Joe gives him the best cut for a great price. LOVE the old school vibe the place have too.

This place is a great little find. It’s the first well-​executed trim I’ve found in the city that didn’t cost city prices. Joe is a great barber, and a haircut here feels more like an experience than an errand on my to-​do list.
One thing to note — haircuts here are more about precision than speed. Expect your trim to take at least half an hour. In other words, don’t try to fit it in — go when work is slow. To some, that may be a negative. But the way I see it, it’s nice to occasionally slow down and take time for yourself — and this is one of those instances. Besides, Joe is great at shooting-​the-​shit, so the time flies.

I’ve been going to Joe for 2 years now and there is no one else I would let cut my hair. For $ 25 bucks, you get a haircut that costs $ 50-​$ 75 anywhere else in the city. Make sure you make an appointment though because he’s a popular guy.

As a self-​professed metro-​sexual, I a guy who actually cares about his haircut. I was used to paying $ 75 for a cut an not batting an eye. I needed an emergency cut a little about 1.5 years ago and ran into Carmi’s simply because it was near where I lived at the time. Long story short, I’ve been going back to see Joe ever since. Hands down the best hair cut value in the city.

I’m always hesitant about going to a new place for a hair cut, but this place is a gem. Really great, old-​school service and classic barber shop setting. Love that they still do straight-​edge shaves, and the price was definitely right at only $ 20.
Friendly, people, good location and a really great haircut. Got my shoes shined at the same time. It was awesome.
They are definitely not in a hurry, but that is a positive in my eyes.

this spot is great! had been looking for a relaxed place to get clipped without having to go to a salon and put up with their ritzy environment.
there is so much character to this place. it was almost like visiting a family. there is an older jolly man, who owns the shop i believe. he was very welcoming. there is also an older woman and a guy named Joe.
Joe did an excellent job. It was my first time, so i cant vouch for the older folks, but their clients seem to love them.
15 dollar straight razor shave. can you still find that in barber shops? at most, no– for that price– never. call in and book this, so they can allow extra time.
it also seems like a place that keeps their appts. when they say 130 that pretty much means 130.
there’s also a shoe shine that got a lot of business while i was there — guy must be good.
this place is in the pedway of Aon center across from the post office.

I found Carmie’s Crown on Google Maps a few months ago, and decided to give it a try. Carmie (the father) was out of town when I first went in, but his son Joe was there to give me a snip. He was kind and genuinely interested in not only my haircut but me as a person. On top of that, I can honestly say he gave me the best haircut of my life. I even told him so, to which he was quite grateful. I gave him a 25% tip and have been coming back ever since. Best value in town for either a clip or a shave in my opinion. 5 Stars!

Quick, affordable, professional haircut in a great location. It’s easy to get an appointment here and they do a great job. I don’t know what else there is to say…

Excellent Service. Excellent haircut.
I had an appointment on Friday afternoon and had to cancel at the last moment. I asked Joe if he’d take me on Saturday. Even though they’re closed on Saturday, he agreed to come only for my appointment. That, in my book, counts as exceptional customer service.
My haircut was pretty good and so was the conversation. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.

This spot is PERFECT, exceptional service, superb hair cut, and all for only $ 20…
You have to LOVE a place where they answer the phone «The Best Barber Shop in the World»…
Located on the pedway in the Aon Building (200 E Randolph), give Carmi or Joe a ring at 312−856−5322, or take a chance and just walk in… if you have to wait a few minutes you can read either news paper (or the latest Playboy) or get your shoes shined by DeMarco…
Carmi is off for a bit, but his son Joe is just as nice and every bit as good with the scissors… you get a cut and wash for $ 20…has to be THE BEST VALUE in the CITY.
I have been getting a cut every three weeks for the past 5 years and would not think of going any where else.

Carmie and his people are wonderful. 34 years at 200 E Randolph! From John Swearingen to Pat Ryan, a plethora of Chicago’s super moguls have been shorn by Carmie

I was in town on a Friday and was going to a party and wanted a haircut at around 7 p.m. Seareched Unilocal and found Carmine was open. He said he was closed but if I came in 10 minutes he would make an exception. Bless his heart.
Had the most wonderful experience with a great conversation. Recommend Carmine to anyone.

Not bad for an Asian American kid with some fauxhawk/​spikey hair. It’ll grow back in two weeks…
After moving to Chicago just a couple weeks ago, I needed to get a haircut. Working downtown is not exactly the easiest place to find a place that’s relatively inexpensive and within a couple blocks.
I walked by Carmi’s on the way to the post office. $ 20 bucks for your cut — not including tip. The older lady who cut my hair asked for a few instructions. I told her not too much off to top, but a 1 fade on the sides. She kind of just went for it and cut off a bit more than I wanted. Can’t blame her but cannot not say anything about it.
Not bad though.
High point: Cushy, old school barber chairs.
Low point: Not exactly what I wanted, but it’ll grow back.

I really want to give these guys 3 stars but they seem to miss the mark every time by not really listening to how I want my hair cut. I also wonder how they are staying in business while being in such a high rent place as the Aon building.
Warning if you plan to go here; expect to spend over an hour for them to cut your hair as they truly take their time.