Big Kat’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor

Well I went here for the first time and the staff was friendly and know exactly what to do. No nonsense place, a real barber shop with experienced staff. I would definitely go back. The place gets 5 star for service, experience and low price.
You should try

I used to love this place. However the quality as begun to diminish.
I just got a hair cut there today and left very disappointed. The man (I think it was Joe) that cut my hair was very unprofessional. He stunk of cigarettes and was more interested in watching Netflix than cutting my hair. The work he did was sloppy. In the end, he didn’t even attempt to style my hair. He cut it and was done. He didn’t comb it or offer any pomade.
I won’t be going back.

Best haircut I’ve ever gotten. Bart did an awesome job, will recommend and will be back!

I stopped in here on a whim while headed to my buddies place in Montrose. I received the best haircut of my life, and man, what a party. These guys not only know how to give a badass haircut, but they’re also hilarious. Cool atmosphere, super quick, and reasonably priced. This will definitely be my «go to» place in Houston for a haircut. Disclaimer: parking is scarce. You may have to walk a block or two, but it’s worth it.

Very rude. Called to find out the wait time at 1pm on a Friday– got serious attitude from the lady who answered. Her response was «I don’t know». Then when I asked how many people ahead of me she said «couldn’t tell ya, sometimes we’re busy sometimes we’re not. Ok Bye.» Not sure how they operate here, but usually people are in the business to make money. TIP: If you have a potential paying customer– be polite/​helpful. Lost my business!

Special thanks to Edgar for the cut Wed.
This place is great…
Congrats on your success… you guys deserve it!
Moses

Man! Slow! Waited two hours for boyfriend to get a cut and mediocre. He’s looked so much better and at better price. Most definitely do not recommend at all. All about the hype for sure.

I’m here for the first time on a Thursday. I came at about 130pm. There were 3 barbers and 2 people waiting before me. It’s been over an hour. Meh.

Maybe I’m getting old and am becoming totally uncool, but I wasn’t impressed. It’s not a bad haircut, but it’s overpriced, tacky, obnoxious, and you’ll wait a long time.
The barbers look more like they belong in prison than a barbershop thanks to all their tats & piercings, they reek like cigarette smoke and they seem to think they’re the most awesome people in the world.
The place isn’t that bad, but you can faintly smell smoke in the air, in between the crappy metal music being pumped it.
Finally if there’s a line (typically full of ridiculous looking hipsters), you’ll be waiting a long time on their uncomfortable benches.
If you’re a hipster though, this may be just the place for you to sit down in your skinny jeans, ironic glasses, vintage shirt, PBR on your breath and have your lack of personal hygiene not noticed.

Pretty badass barber shop! Hell of a haircut for 20 clams, if you want to look like a badass I highly recommend this joint.

Great place for a clean cut regardless of gender. Sent my partner from Perth, WA for a cut and it was glorious. Clean as can be :) definitely recommended.

It was a hit, and and mostly miss with me. I tried this place out in August. Each experience had it’s good and bad, but in the end I’ve decided this place is not for me.
I’d been trying a year to find a place that could do a specific cut. This was the first place to finally get it done the way it needed to. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of the barber. The reason this place failed me this first visit is because one of the other barber’s let his cocky friend in first, clearly nervously might I add, as it was very obvious that I had been there first. Instead of calling for «who’s next?» he just brought him up. Since this was my first time there, I didn’t know if they did call-​ins or not, but I know now they are very clear that they don’t want to take appointments because they don’t want to be confused with a Salon???
I soon learned this was a good thing. On my next visit I got this barber, and this is when the quality of experience fully dropped. He was clearly in a rush to get out of there and rushed it. He was digging those clippers in DEEP and using it for the top of my hair, instead of taking his time to use the scissors to get it done right.
I actually went again to give it another try, but the line was long and I had no time that day. I ALMOST went again but finally decided not to risk it.
I think people are drawn into trying this place because it’s so «down to earth „macho“ hipster-​punk-​rock» no frills style vibe, but at the end it really comes down to the final quality and service, both of which fell short. They could be Pink Hello-Kitty’d out for that matter, and If it was I’d go there as long as the product they’re selling is top quality.
Hopefully they can improve these skills.

Totally legit barber shop. The ONLY place that trims my beard. If you are a bearded gentleman or Greek lady, this place can deal with your facial hair. A mix of hipsters, working folks, and a few wild cards.
There’s usually a wait, so put your name on the list and grab a beer around the corner. Very Houston-​centric theme. The tattoo shop seems competent. No bicep barbed wire or tribal art on lower back allowed. Might not be the best place for kids, but if you are bringing your kids to a tattoo/​barber shop… you might not really care if a little salty language is used in conversations ranging from fantasy football to the mysteries of female anatomy.

This place seemed like a good, old school barbershop. I read great reviews and figured I could trust Big Kat’s.
This ended up being a spot that 1) was all about the cheesy decorations on the walls and 2) being «punk rock». It took almost an hour for me to even get a cut. When my name was called out i had realized I got the owner. I got excited thinking «the owner has to be good at what he does. This is ginna be a good cut.» Instead I had to ask this guy to shape up the cut 3 different times. He STILL managed to mess it up and left a chunk of hair on my head where the fade was supposed to be. Long story short. This place is NOT a barbershop… it’s a Hot Topic.
I went to Joe Lee’s immediately after to have someone clean up the shitty haircut Big Kat’s left me with. I am grateful that they know what they are doing. Big Kat’s owner does not know what he is doing. Maybe some of his barbers are good but my experience was terrible. Also when I asked for a taper he said «that was what brothers called it» which offended me. I’m over it. I will never recommend Kat’s to anyone. Go to Joe Lee’s to get a cut with integrity.

Executive Summary: Amazing. A man’s haircut. When you’re done you’ll want to go Fedora shopping and wish you were driving a ’68 Chrysler.
I’ve been looking for a place to get a George Clooney-​type haircut (so I can look just like George Clooney-​uh huh), mainly because it’s a look I admire – clean, self-​assured, classic. I’ve had zero luck until I’ve found this place. Truly an old-​school shop. Joe cuts my hair. Nice guy, chatty only if you want that sort of thing, and knows his stuff. I particularly love the neck shave – traditional salons just don’t offer this kind of service and it’s refreshing.
You don’t make an appointment here; you show up and wait your turn – just like the old days. The guys take their time and people look great when they leave. So be prepared to wait. I bring my iPad and take care of my emails while I’m waiting. The clientele is of the hipster sort, but I feel right at home in my office gear.
It’s definitely a great place and now my go-​to shop. Even if I look like a triple-​xeroxed copy of George Clooney, at least my hair has the look.

I’m not from around town but this is the first time I go to a barber shop that «DOESNT SHAVE ON THE WEEKENDS». You’ve got to be kidding me with that, it’s a BARBER shop… Shaving is a barbers specialty… That’s why they are not called «hair dresser» or «hair designer» or anything like that, this people. We’d to research where the name comes from. I am very disappointed.

Okay look, when it comes to places to get a haircut I’m a picky bastard. Place has a boring name? No deal. Place has a shitty atmosphere? No deal. Place is filled with chicks right out cosmetology school? No deal, head for the hills.
I was visiting Houston and badly needed a cut. This place looked cool on Unilocal so I gave it a shot. From the moment I walked into Big Kat’s, I knew I’ve found a gem. This is an old school/​21^st century barber shop and the guys working the clippers are the real deal. You go here and you’ll get what you’re supposed to get from a barber: a swift yet meticulous cut from true craftsmen and just enough conversation to make you respect barbershops as the place where Everyman is a philosopher/​comedian.
There was a bit of a wait on Saturday morning but honestly, that’s a good thing. Lots of guys waiting for a cut is a great sign — they’re here for a reason. Watching Jerrod and Bart work while I waited gave me a chance to respect their skills and formulate an opinion. I’m no Houstonian but dig this — whenever I visit your fair city and want to un-​caveman myself and look sharp, I know Big Kat’s is where it’s at.

Just left this spot without actually getting a haircut. Waiting in line was fine, though there were a few guys ahead of me, things were moving along; haircuts in the past have been fine, but not absolutely mind blowing.
What made me leave today? Attitude.
Had a long week and was looking forward to getting a decent haircut for the weekend. Thought I’d found a place that respected my business and me, but clearly have not. I will be taking my decidedly unappreciated business elsewhere.
After about a half hour of some sort of skreechy death metal music (generally tolerable on the other two occasions I’ve been, particularly bad today), the barbers were commenting on the music and, after a lull, I chimed in with a polite, «Any way we could change it?» The guy closest to the front shot back immediately with, «No. Would we walk into your work and ask you to change the music?» I responded that the music hadn’t ever been this bad before and he just doubled down and basically left it to me to deal with it or leave. So I left.
I deal with enough people on a day to day basis that give enough attitude in one way or another that going to get a haircut should at a minimum be a tolerable experience and — at this kind of place that could offer a friendly smile and a supposedly expert hand, a spectacular experience.
To the guy who asked me if I’d change the music if you came into my workplace: if I was playing music that pissed off a client or a patron in my office, I would gladly change it. I don’t try to appease everyone, but I certainly don’t treat a customer rudely. There’s plenty of music you could play that isn’t full on death metal and still fits the vibe of your place.

There are certain things, that are easily defined, which every gentleman needs at all times; a specific drink order, a two-​piece suit, and a barber.
Truthfully, it has taken quite some time for me to find a barbershop that fit the bill as «up-​to-​par» for my generic idea of what a haircut for a man should look like and one that my wife wouldn’t scoff at for the few weeks it is in that growing phase.
Once I found the gentleman at Big Kat’s Barbershop I haven’t looked back.
Located square in the middle of the up-​and-​coming market area in-​between Travis St. and Main St., Big Kat’s is a breath of fresh air for the cliché haircut franchises that seem to plague much of America. I must take this time to admit that I was a sucker for the «Visible Changes» of the world; you know what I’m talking about, the franchise that charges you $ 30 – 50 for a haircut, from someone straight out of training, surrounded by business men flirting with the hair stylist while you become hypnotized by the façade of mirrors in every crevice as the most terrible music drones over the loudspeakers.
Those shops are one of the many signs of someone who just throws up their hands and screams «I give up»…until someone recommends Big Kat’s.
My first experience with Big Kat’s was across the street at The Continental Club when I met Big E at his Tiki Bar outside. He handed me a business card for his shop across the street and told me to stop by sometime and see what a curve ball looked like in the form of a haircut; I was skeptical, to be honest.
The first walk in the door is somewhat intimidating for a newcomer as you’re greeted by barbers Bart, Jarrod, Joe, and Big E (in that order from the door) with their usual «Hey man, welcome to the shop.» You look around and notice that, yes, there is a line and, yes, this is not your father’s barbershop. The walls are adorned with Rat Fink memorabilia, promotional stickers for local businesses and artists, and a whole lot of early 20s and 30s music posters.
There’s usually a few things that go through your head in those first moments:
1. I should get the hell out of here and hope they didn’t notice me.
2. These guys won’t want to cut my hair.
3. It seems like everybody in this place knows each other; I’m out of my element.
4. Wait, is that an old-​time shave with a straight razor?
5. That’s weird… the barber is actually communicating with his customer.
6. Oh man, it’s apparent that the barber doesn’t care how long the line is; he is taking his time on that cut.
7. I guess I could wait it out and see.
In that moment, Big Kat’s has you and there’s no turning back.
Sure, you could walk out and wait for the line to calm down (usually right when they open at 10AM or later in the afternoon) but the aura and appeal of having your hair cut by someone who understands their craft, makes you trust you’ve got the best cut for your money and actually talks to you like a human about topics not having to do with their boyfriend drama or what the Kardashian’s are doing is going to bring you back time-​and-​time again.
When I lived downtown I would get a cut every two weeks to keep up the length I usually go with. After moving to The Woodlands for work I’ve had to plan my time accordingly… however, there is no barber in the Greater Houston area that I would trust my cut with other than Bart, Jarrod or Joe (I have yet to be cut by Big E so I cannot comment on his style, honestly, but he does serve up a great drink at his Tiki Bar and has always been cordial in conversation).
I know I’m just one customer among hundreds that regulars their establishment but, Houston, trust me when I say that although they may never remember your name, the style of cut you get each time, or when your birthday is, these guys do care, and go to great lengths, to ensure you walk away satisfied with your hair.
I implore you, your significant other implores you, your friends implore you… sit down and wait while you revel in the calm that overcomes you from breaking away from the chains of franchise America and the experience of what a real haircut can do to your self-​esteem.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks but you sure as hell can teach the new dogs old tricks… and they will take those tricks and put their flare on it.

I could have done a better job at home than what I got done here. It was 100% opposite from what I experienced the first time. When I walked in the owner said hi to me but from then on I was completely ignored for about 10 minutes. I can let that slide since it «looked» like they were all busy. As people got done with their customers though no one asked if I had been helped which kind of annoyed me.
I was participating in Movember so I was trying to get a good beard trim and then keep that up easily for the entire month. Seemed like the guy who was shaving me was doing a good job but since I was laying on my back and not looking in the mirror I couldn’t tell.
When he go done and showed me one side was completely crooked! I was so mad I just paid the money and left and had to cut off the bottom half of my precious mustache when I got home and wait for it to grow back out. I’m pretty sure he overcharged me as well. Last time I went the other guy who shaved me only charged 15 bucks which was fine, this time $ 25!!! Then the guy asked me if I wanted to give him a tip. That was not cool.
After this experience I will not be going back since I can do a better job at home.