Petrosino’s Parlor

Ralph and team run a top tier salon — his styling skills are par excellance, and refreshingly he and his staff are not afraid to make styling recommendations and suggestions — all of which are well thought out… and priceless.
If you want a shot at updating your look — look no further. They know their stuff and do it well.

So I’m new to the city, getting fuzzy around the edges and needed a haircut. Google smiled on me and recommended Petrosinos Parlor. It was the closest to my apartment so I gave it a shot. I thought it would be a pretentious, snobby place, but what the hell, I’m only getting my haircut once in the city before moving out the suburbs next month. (But that is another story, with decision under review…)
Within a hour of requesting an appointment on their web site the owner, Ralph, calls me to offer an appointment. When I mention I work late (until after 6 pm) sometimes during the week he is willing to stay late to accommodate me. I opt for an appointment on Saturday, not wanting to inconvenience the stylists. Ralph even gives me explicit directions to his shop after I mention where I live, which is quite close.
When the big day arrives I walk up to 303 Wacker, figure out the shop is inside and down the escalators, and go down to the pedway. Ralph and Samantha greet me warmly and get me in a chair immediately. Another apparently long time customer is there getting his haircut too.
Then the pampering starts.
I must say, I have never had as much service and attention to detail as I received at Petrosino’s Parlor. Ralph cut my hair and trimmed everything else that was getting unruly, including my mustache. The experience was top shelf, with hot towels, beverages, superb products, advice for the noob city-​dweller, and a detailed explanation of what is happening to my hair. By the end of it I felt like I had received an excellent haircut and made a new friend.
This is a family-​owned and run business that has been in their present location for ten years. This cannot be a cheap retail space, so that right there should tell you something. The kicker for me was Ralph and Janine knew the next customers coming in by name. I made another appointment for Saturday next month, although I’ll have to come into the city and find parking from 25 miles out.
‘Nuff said.

I recently returned to Petrosino’s Parlor after moving away and the new location is stellar. I’ve been visiting the Parlor since about 2007 and have always had a great experience and professional haircut, whether it be with Ralph or any one of his stylists. Very few places are like this and is what sets it apart. Ralph makes sure to train each stylist well, showing each one tips along the way. Additionally, you just feel welcome at the Parlor and feel like a new person leaving. Even a week later, the difference in the quality of haircut versus your average place is noticeable. Highly recommended!

Ralph is the best. His attention to detail is amazing. For example, with a lot of barbers that I had in the past, I would remind them of little details that I wanted done. With Ralph, you just need to tell him once and he’ll remember it forever. He trains his staff to be exceptionally professional and they treat you like royalty when you come in. It’s also an amazing location which is even better in the summer because of the great rooftop patio that’s open. If you want a good cut, go here. If you don’t, then go somewhere else.

Petrosino’s is truly top notch. My girlfriend and I were in Chicago for a family wedding and wanted to get my hair cut and her hair done before the big event.
I had made an appointment the week of for Saturday morning. The day before my girlfriend decided she wanted to get her hair done and we tried to work her into the schedule as well. Even though they were booked solid, Petrosino’s moved around their schedule and find time for both of us to come in. Awesome customer service.
Petrosino’s is located up in the penthouse at 111 West Jackson. Once we arrived, we were offered beverages and were able to comfortably relax in the parlor as if it were our home. There is seating indoors as well as the outdoor patio. On the day we were there, the weather was beautiful and only a little chilly, so it was nice to enjoy the fresh air outside but also to be able to walk freely in and out. Ralph is a friendly guy and greets all his regulars like they are family.
Our stylist Jamie (
) is incredible. She’s super nice and super friendly, and most importantly makes your hair look damn good. I completely deferred to her judgment and she took care of everything. She really got a sense of how my hair acts and gave me a cut and style that fit my style just right. She styled my hair to perfection and I was in tip top shape for a black tie wedding. It’s a shame that this place is so far because if I lived here in Chicago, I’d definitely come here. Highly recommend Petrosino’s and Jamie, specifically! Hope to be back for a visit again soon.