Pomade & Tonic “Traditional Barbershop”

First off this place is cash only. Second call ahead and make an appointment. They are getting so busy now that’s it’s almost impossible to walk in and get an appointment. Third they have inexpensive services for everything.
I’ve been meaning to check this place out for years. I used to drive by it a lot, and I would always hear of people recommending it, but it’s not exactly on my side of town. However, I needed a change and after 15 or so years I decided for my 30^th birthday I need a different style of hair cut.
I called in a day in advance and Wade helped me set up an appointment at 11:30am on a Saturday. I showed up a little early was able to sit down for a few minutes and check out the atmosphere of this place. Old school barbershop to the tee. When it was my turn I showed Wade 4 pictures of the style I was looking to get and expressed my concerns and ideas to him. He walked me through the process he’d do to cut it to the new look and reassured me that I could rock the new look. He recommended some new styling cream and helped give me some pointers on how to style it and what to expect when it got longer. He took his time and lots of patience with me as well as good conversation.
Phenomenal experience and results. I am getting great feedback from friends and family for the new hair style. I recommend this place hands down for all the bros out there. Hair cuts, beard trims, or straight razor shaves… this is the place to be.

You don’t find them like this any more. They take pride in their craft and aim to please. Mike is friendly and makes it a great experience overall. I have found my permanent spot!

Justin and Farrell both cut hair great!!! But the disorganization of this shop is awful. I have been cancelled twice, put on hold and never gotten back too and heard a barber (not Justin or Farrell) verbally insult a customer behind their back.
Very unprofessional, the online scheduling process isn’t friendly to smart phones. If you can get pass the disorganization or you just walk in, the cuts are fabulous and the price is cheap.

The ease with which I made an appointment online was super convenient. Farrell was amazing. He is very dapper but more importantly, he is Quite knowledgeable with scissors, clippers and hair. What I like best is that Farrell will flat out tell you if a cut you’re wanting won’t work with your hair texture or growth pattern. He also gave us pointers on how to style my son’s new grown up cut. The God’s Honest Truth is better than flattery for convenience.
I do like the details of the barber shop. The vintage chairs are flat out incredible. The silver deer hooks. The photos. The furniture.
It could benefit from a more aesthetically pleasing arrangement but overall, a great place for a sharp cut. Love the name. Love the place. Love the Farrell.

Pomade & Tonic was stop #2 on my journey to find the perfect barber shop in Jax. There’s a ton to like about this place and I’ll try to hit the highlights. There’s also a few things I didn’t like as well which I’ll comment on (although they weren’t deal killers, just minor gripes).
First of all, getting an appointment was a breeze since they have online booking. I had read great reviews about Farrell so I chose him and booked myself for a fade. Parking was ample and free but upon showing up I want to point out my minor gripe — they were late to open. I had a 10 am appointment and I think they rolled in around 10 after. That means they didn’t actually start working on me until 10:20 or so. Not a huge deal and he apologized thoroughly, and it didn’t really change my experience since I had nowhere to go, but it may have been a different story if I was heading to work or in a rush to get somewhere. I wasn’t so I’m over it.
Now I definitely dig the vibe of this place. It has an old school feel to it and it just oozes manliness. It’s the type of place you could just sit and observe all day. They did a great job of providing an ambiance that will make me want to come back. Farrell told me that they have hosted events at the shop in the past (hence the «social club» description you’ve probably heard about the place) but it has been a while since they did that. They also had to remove the pool table to make room for more barbers but I consider that a good thing as it is a sign that the shop is getting some well-​deserved attention.
Farrell is a cool cat and there was no doubt that he knew what he was doing. I get the impression that this is the type of place where a lot of chatter goes on between patrons and barbers but although there were a few jokes and a bit of conversation tossed around, Farrell was pretty quiet. That’s fine and not everyone is a talker but I kind of expected a bit more dialogue, especially when comparing to any of the other barber shops I’ve been to in my life and the fact that this is a ‘social club’. I was expecting to feel like I walked into the bar on Cheers, where everyone knows my name (or at least wants to), but that didn’t really happen. I’m not docking any points off because it’s not fair for me to expect I earn friends with a great haircut but I just wanted to point out that my expectation didn’t align with reality regarding the social aspect of my visit. I would take a nice guy who’s quiet like Farrell was over the annoying catty complaining at the Great Clips (the horror!) that I used to visit.
My cut pretty much turned out exactly like I wanted which is wonderful! Unlike my experience at Prestige, my cut here was quick and to the point. Both cuts turned out exactly like I wanted but I have to admit that there was a bit more of a personal feel at Prestige compared to here. There was certainly nothing wrong with my experience at P&T and I left very happy but it just felt a bit more like just a haircut and less like a barbershop brotherhood.
I had been hoping for a bit more use of the straight razor on my head and neck. I’m used to barbers doing a large portion of the edging with the straight razor but it was only used on my neck here. However, the portion it was used for was skillfully done and one of the simple pleasures I expect at a good barber.
Overall, my experience and haircut were both great. I have the feeling that once you’ve been to P&T a few times it begins to feel like home. The décor, music and ambiance are exactly what you’d want in your shop. I will certainly be back. I was given a coupon for $ 2 off on the Unilocal app for my visit but decided not to use it since I felt they earned the price I was paying.
Important note: Like many barbershops in town, this one only accepts cash. I hate that but have come to accept it as a typical reality if I want a straight razor used on my gourd.

I was a little nervous when coming in because I was going from a long hairstyle to short. Alex did an amazing job though! I’ve gotten tons of compliments already! Thanks Pomade and Tonic!

They give great hair cuts but if you have a child under six, don’t waste your time they will turn you away. The owner changed the policy for «insurance» reasons. It’s seems to me they just don’t want to cut kids hair. It’s sad because my child is really good at sitting for his haircut. This is just unfortunate.

Best damn barber shop I’ve been to. The guys take there time and do a good job, and even better is that they’re badasses. I love this place and would recommend it to anyone.

They will give you a trainee if you dont ask for an experienced person. I tried this shop cause of good reviews but this shop doesnt impress me, I have a very bad haircut…(maybe reviews are from friends)

This shop is grand. The décor is full of win, the barbers are hilarious, they play good music, and their services are affordable and reasonably priced. I came in for my first haircut in 3 months and I was not disappointed! As an added bonus, they’re now open on Mondays AND extremely accommodating– they still took me in even though I showed up right at closing time (I thought I showed up on a Tuesday… it was Monday; I never know what day it is).

Jamie gave me a nice, clean, textured cut. Will be going back. Love the atmosphere. Not many barbers that you can listen to the Cramps while you get your hair cut.

Jamie is great. This establishment has an elevated hip factor. The hair artists are skilled and I felt comfortable with any of them holding sharp instruments near my head; Jamie gets recognition because she has done my hair 3x.
I typically call ahead to avoid waits and there are special check-​in deals sometimes so don’t forget to check-​in.

Jamie is amazing.
If you love my haircut, you have her to thank for it. I get the guy’s price every time because it’s so simple– but damn is it cute.
There’s a couple of your old crusty barbershop stylists too, always talking about the latest craze or funny joke.
And then there’s Farrell, the handsome young (30s?) barber and boss man behind it all.
Every time I’ve been here, they have only taken cash. Haven’t been in a while, but you may wanna grab some before coming just in case.
Good place to spend an afternoon.

I tried this place out a few times and was not impressed. One time I was there and had been waiting for quite some time. Finally one of the barbers, I think he was the owner, finished up. Then as I was ready to get up and move to the chair he said he needed a drink. Then, he proceeded to get on his bike and ride off and didn’t return for quite some time leaving 4 – 5 customers waiting. REALLY? Horribly inconsiderate! So I waited and got some old man that took FOREVER to cut my hair and it sucked. That was my last visit there. The owner needs to take lessons in customer service. You can tell he’s awfully egotistical and couldn’t care less he has customers waiting.

I have been waiting a long while to get my hair cut. In January of 2013, I went with a purple/​blue dye job which faded out to the bleach. I’d put off getting my hair cut because I wanted the bleach to grow out as much as it could. I’d gotten trims here and there, but hadn’t cut off the length (which reached about the middle of my back). I’m not to the point of being completely rid of it, but it’s close enough that a trip to see the coolest barber in Jacksonville was due. I wanted something simple, as I still have a bit of the bleach still in my hair, but not too short. With a description as simple as that, Farrell gave me a cute, short cut with some layers and a little flip in the ends. Perfection. I love it.
While Pomade and Tonic is a full barbershop for men, the only thing that is offered for women are cuts and dyes. You will not get a wash here, so make sure that you do it at home before coming for your hair cut appointment. That may be irksome to some, but it was nice to have my appointment last approximately 30 minutes, rather than the usual hour and a half to two hours.
Pomade & Tonic is more than just a barber shop, though, it’s a social club too! I’ve been to my fair share of events here and it’s always rockin. Sometimes it’s a throwback to the 50s, a celebration for Jacksonville Zombie Walk or even just a folks enjoying each other’s company. The rockabilly theme of the barber shop only adds to this with the black and white checkered tile floor, old fashioned jukebox, pool table and 50s memorabilia.
One thing that should be noted is that Pomade and Tonic is a cash only establishment. So make sure you stop at the ATM beforehand.

I would NOT spend any more cash here again. Keyword cash.
I travel for my work, therefore, I have to try out many different spots to get my hair cut.
My experience:
Today, February 18, I decided to give them a call to schedule an appointment for 6:15. I called ahead, and after speaking to an older gentleman (and seeming like I was bothering him) I had a somewhat loose appointment. When I arrived a few minutes prior to 6:15, I was greeted by smoking workers at the front door. Seemed pretty casual, which I can get behind. I was then asked by a young woman if I had an appointment, and after some small details I was introduced to my stylist.
After several complaints of how he was not feeling well, he finally asked about my haircut. I usually get my hair cut each 3 – 4 weeks. I have a pretty standard haircut. Parted to one side, even up the sides, above my ears, clean up the neck. After informing my stylist what I wanted, and that I have several cow-​licks in my hair, he asked what equipment people typically used. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! You ask me what instruments OTHER BARBERS use to cut my hair? I told him to the best of my recollection that typically the other barbers use scissors mostly all over and a trimmer around my ears and somewhat on the side. After doing my best memory of cosmetology school (all ZERO days), he asked, «Have you ever been to a barber shop before?». I understand he didn’t feel well, but making snide comments and being a sarcastic jerk to customers is not a way to continue to get business.
So… we began. He took a pair of clippers with a high guard and began just hacking away on the back of my head and sides. We never spoke. I do sales for a living, and could talk to a wall, but he made no attempt to speak AT ALL. Never asked a question about why I travel or what I do. Simply, silence. The haircut is one of the WORST I have ever had. Luckily, I do not try to style my hair much, so I can make do, and hair will always grow out. However, I have my hair the shortest it has been since I was 10 and would get my hair buzzed each year for swim team.
The service that was hyped up: Beer waiting, shampoo, barber shop conversations, ect. I got NONE of that. I would have bought a beer. I had just finished a long day, and would’ve been happy, but no luck. The décor that is hyped up is antique store bought, and not matched with the attitude.
Sad that so many people are promoting this place. Also, the place only takes cash. Personally, I find that very very sketchy. I usually carry cash on me at all times, but I had just spent it traveling through airports. I totally understand encouraging people to use cash, but after a terrible hair cut, I drive about a mile down the road, get cash, drive back, give my money and receive NO thanks. He simply placed his hand out, I gave him a $ 20 and walked out. I will always pay a may for the service he did, not what he requires. This goon only required $ 10 at most.
Terribly unsatisfied, and luckily I travel to Jacksonville only twice per year. I’ll make sure to get my haircut BEFORE I arrive. This place should close it’s doors before it continues to give awful service, over-​promising, half-​ASS employees.

Steven is truly a master barber, but don’t discount the other chairs. I’ve gotten shaves and cuts from most of them, and I keep coming back. It’s refreshing to go to a barber shop where you can tell that they care about what they’re doing to you, instead of just trying to satisfy you just enough to get your money and move onto the next client. And you can’t argue with their prices. If you’re looking for a half-​assed, five-​minute cut, I’m sure that there’s a SuperCuts down the street somewhere. At Pomade and Tonic it’s about quality, not quantity.

My husband just got a wonderful cut tonight. Looks real good and smells great. We just moved to town and am really happy he found a great barber right away. Shop is real clean, easy to find and prices were great. Décor is old school, very classy place. Will recommend to friends and family.

I came to Pomade & Tonic last night for a much needed haircut. This place is great, it’s definitely a «guy’s guy’s» kind of place with a pool table for waiting customers and great conversation. Steve knows what he’s doing with military cuts. I’ll definitely be coming back again.

I took my son here before he deployed overseas — I wanted to give him a treat, and a treat he got! He received a great haircut and a hot towel & hot lather shave for a great price. The owner, Farrell, said the shave should last up to 3 days — a great deal for someone stuck on a plane overseas. (Its not like you can take razors on planes anymore.)
The place is clean and so retro it almost hurts. LOL Made me wish my grandpa was still alive so I could take him here. The decorations are almost spartan, but nostalgic from 1940s ads to real fedoras hanging on the walls. Even the barber chairs are the real deal. The music played is a great mix of modern, retro and oldies and there was a lot of toe-​tapping and humming along from the waiting folk (us!). Farrell is chock-​full of tidbits and trivia about many things and was a delight to chat with.
Pomade & Tonic is also a «Social Club» and has a pool table in the back for customers (and their waiting families, etc.). They have lots of fun events scheduled, so check out their Facebook page.
Many friends of mine had recommended this place to me (it not only does men & boys, but they do women cuts as well) and I should have come here sooner. I highly recommend this place to anyone who doesn’t want to go to a salon, but wants a real barbershop experience.