The Bantam Barbershop

Last year I moved to this neighborhood from Sellwood. I walk past this barber shop regularly on my morning route for coffee. Eventually, I stopped in and asked about a haircut and was told that he was all booked for the day. The funny thing is that there wasn’t another soul in sight.
I didn’t press the owner for a reason — he appeared troubled and had an antisocial energy. After reading these reviews — I don’t feel like the only one. This guy takes his right to refuse service to an all-​time low.
I’m a hispanic male teacher and have encountered discrimination in the past. \I’m sorry to say that I won’t be supporting this person’s hateful attitude.
For months now I notice the empty chairs and I’m counting the days until this place folds. Spending our dollars is like casting a vote and I vote NO!
FYI
Bantam by definition is
1. any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds
2. a person of diminutive stature and often combative disposition
To sum it up; it means a small stature combative chicken and I couldn’t agree more!
UPDATE: As of May 2016 this shop is CLOSED! I’ll be offering free high 5’s and looking forward to a new business in it’s place…

Johnny is great. Bantam Barbershop is an old-​school type of experience, and John decorates it with a WWII-1950’s sensibility.
Calling him a racist is kind of silly, and peoples’ reviews are borderline slanderous. I can’t say whether or not he’s a rabid racist, or a racist at all, but I decided to review him to moderate the stupid and irresponsible 1-​star reviews, which are made by folks who have needlessly gotten their panties in a bunch.
These negative reviewers, slamming him for reasons other than the service he provides, amount to the only judgmental behaviour going on. The people who claim they’ve heard him being racist, because he’s used the term «coloured», are silly. I’ve had conversations, while in his chair, where he’s talked about African-​Americans: as a gigging drummer, he has talked about playing in old-​school-​style soul and R and B bands, with black band mates, and I never got a vibe of hostility. He speaks matter-​of-​factly about things, so rather than coddling sensitive peoples’ PC sentiments, he may unapologetically just talk about African Americans if that’s the subject being discussed, without whispering or making «I’m not a racist» grandiose statements.
Just today, as he gave me another great, old-​school gentleman’s haircut, he and I talked about how he ONLY does these kind of cuts: WWII-​era and into the 1950’s, including rockabilly, etc. type of cuts. As a way of explaining his business model, he mentioned a black man who lives in the neighborhood stopping by and telling him how much he liked the vibe of Bantam, and could Johnny give him a straight-​line cut. John said he made a point of pointing out the iconic pics of men on his walls, and asked the guy (probably in his matter-​of-​fact, dry, deadpan, not kissing-​ass-​apologetically manner) «do you see pictures of straight line wearing dudes on my wall?» He then said he just didn’t do them. He never mentioned the guy getting upset, but I wonder if this is one of the incidents referenced by other reviews, and he explained to me, as we discussed this (and no I didn’t bring it up or these negative reviews… it just came up), that he might have tried to do the style the guy wanted, but that’s not his niche. The black guy, he said, would be better served going somewhere that did such styles regularly.
I do not get a racist vibe from John at all. I also don’t get a sense that John would apologize to the guy for it, but instead probably just said: I don’t do that kind of haircut. People calling him a racist, suggesting a boycott of this master old-​school stylist, are putting sentiments in his mouth because they don’t hear him being obsequious and apologetic for refusing to do what he doesn’t do! People writing negatives for that reason are, in my personal opinion, being reverse racists, and are burning his business shamefully. The fact that so many people are writing identical reviews on this issue are either mounting a campaign, or are a reflection of the fact that there are several newly arrived black families in the neighborhood, members of which he has turned away for the same reasons.
It’s not that he WON’T do so-​called «black» hair styles, it’s that he DOESN’T do such styles: he’s niche, and cutting black men’s hair (unless it’s straighter, longer, fuller, I’d assume) is not his niche… He doesn’t do fades, nor buzz cuts, nor women’s perms, nor asymmetrical metrosexual styles. I’m willing to bet he was just being honest without ass-​kissing, and the overly sensitive types are trying to burn his rep because of their misconstruing his motives.
What Johnny DOES do, as I’ve said, are flawless 1930’s-1950’s men’s haircuts. He uses rebuilt 75-​year old electric trimmers, and straight razors. He uses Pinaud, Barbasol, Proraso, and similar products that are timeless features in a MAN’s barbershop. It’s not sexist. It’s not racist. It’s just not; and people who want a quality, professional, friendly experience, should go visit Johnny at Bantam. He’s a rock and roller. He’s a former combat Marine, with the bullet scars to prove it. He’s a surf bum. And he’s a classic! I don’t get him being a racist, at all. Shame on people for accusing him of it. I’m a white guy with a classic cut that is awesome, and I’ve never heard him use that ugly N word. I doubt he would. If you want a non-Rudy’s, pro cut, go here. He only charges 15 bucks.
PS: FWIW: The first time I visited Bantam I looked like a stereotypical hippie in sandals, shorts and with a big-​ass P-​town beard, reeking of weed. I was not turned away, so I don’t know what that reviewer down the line was saying about him turning him away for being in sandals! I also don’t think him refusing to do a buzz-​cut in a contemptuous manner is so bad: he’s an artist, and has the right to not do styles he feels are beneath his talent. He’s not a government service, nor is he required by law to cut your hair! Go to Rudy’s! These negative reviews based on him not kissing ass are just stupid. GO TO BANTAM!

Most professional and real old school barber shop in town. It is walk in style and there no appointments.
The barber is an artist and does your haircut his way, so check your Smartfone Burger King expectations at the door. I’m glad that mindless entitled twits who want their buttholes tickled can’t cut it in here.
Soak in the genuine décor and listen to some golden tunes of yore.
You get way more at The Bantam than you are paying for !

Johnny is the MAN. Last of a dying breed. great old school barber shop that gives the mans haircut correct. Good tunes. The right kind of small talk and a professional cut. 5 stars from me!!!

If small businesses are going to survive against the bigger companies, it’s going to be through superior service and maybe a little customer appreciation. This place has neither.
My barber closed down, so I thought I’d check this place out since I live close. After a few condescending remarks when I asked if they were open (the barber was standing right in front of the door) he asked what I wanted done. I asked for a buzzcut, and he replied, «Not here dude. We don’t do those sh*tty haircuts. We don’t do that sh*t here.»
Class act, this fellow. Maybe don’t insult your customer’s hairstyle.

Done

This place should be closed down, they are racist and outright refuses service to people of color, my boyfriend who is Laos recently went in for a hair cut and they threatened him to leave and said they would not cut his hair and he should go down the street. This is not the first time I have heard people getting turned down simply because of the way they looked. You people make me sick
UPDATE: to those of you who feel he is not racist you clearly don’t realize only white people are accepted into this shop. Which is indeed, racist.

The first time I walked by shop the Barber was sitting on the bench out front looked at me and said «you look like shit and you need a haircut, I can help with the haircut not the shit part your on your own with that and laughed» So I came back a week later and got a haircut. This is hands down the best haircut in this city! But only if you are not a dirt ball or a bum or a dick who sits their waiting and staring at his phone. He gives only a couple of types of haircuts and the are perfect every time. If he choses to cut your hair remember its a barbershop, not supercuts!

Okay so this dick wad down the street at the barbershop, wouldn’t give me a haircut! What a lying piece of shit, he gave me this bull crap that he doesn’t do crewcut with fades! Maybe the sign on the inside that said «gents only» should’ve gave me a hint, or the other sign that said no hipsters, no texting, no flip flops! Bigotry at it’s finest!

I don’t understand how a place like this stays in business. This dude is racist. Seriously, read all of the negative «Reviews that are not Recommended» at the bottom of the page to see how crazy he is. His shop is the worst thing about this neighborhood.

Read some reviews of this place and figured «A classic barbershop with good pricing? Hot damn». BOY was I disappointed. When I walked in, there was another gentleman in the chair. I figured, Ok, not that long a wait and took a seat. The owner (?) stared at me like I had broken some sort of rule. Then, he proceeded to tell me that it was disrespectful to use my phone in the presence of a former Military man. I’m sorry, but neither my Special Forces father nor WW2 serving granfather behaved like that, and even the WW2 vet in the chair was looking at me like «what is this dude’s deal». He then began to go on about how he remembers when he told me not to wear flip flops, and didn’t believe me when I told him it was my first time in the shop, ever. I sat there in silent reverance, as the owner (?) wanted, until he was finished and then was told Cash Only. I asked if I missed a sign on the door, he said yes. I looked at every inch of the windows and door on my way out, not a single thing mentioning this. This guy needs to come down off his high horse and realize that just because you’re part of the Military Industrial Complex you don’t’ deserve respect. Served in ww2? Sure, my people (Rroma, gay, atheist) owe you guys a lot (not as much as we owe the USSR of course). Makes me wonder how many OTHER minorities he turns away. .. hmmmmm. .. .

This shop is a must for me every time I visit Portland. It’s a real barbershop the way a barbershop should be. Johnny will give you a quality cut every time. This shop is about as Military friendly as it gets!

The Bantam Barbershop is within walking distance of my house and I decided to give it a try. You won’t get a perm, dye job, or extensions here. John runs an old school barber shop, and the man can shorten hair very well.
It’s nice to go in and chat with a vet, and get a great cut. He also offers straight razor shaves. When it’s time to lose the beard for summer you can bet I’ll be indulging in the hot shave.

Seriously? A dress code in a outer SE barber shop? What a arrogant pig. We live in the hood and on a whim decided to give this place a shot. You’d have to be some dirt of sadist to buy into whatever kind of control freak this dude is. What a prick!

I was refused service because I was wearing sandals. I don’t have a problem if this is a shop policy but the owner made it very clear that he did not value me as a potential customer with the rude and dismissive way he addressed me. He was extremely disrespectful. As I didn’t receive a haircut I cannot speak to his quality but his customer service and general humanity is very very poor. Let’s exercise some social Darwinism Portland and avoid this guy. There are so many other options for cuts by caring empathetic humans. Go elsewhere.
Also– there are another dozen reviews Unilocal deems «not helpful» speaking to his rudeness and disrespect at the link at the bottom of the page.
Here’s an email from the owner in response to my review. Apparently he doesn’t like vaginas.
Subject: Vagina?“You are living proof that the best thing about you people who whine on Unilocal… welp you are still a vagina.“
John K.
On December 12, 2015 the owner messaged me again.
Subject: Say it to my face you punkass bitch.
«The above says it all.»
John K.
It’s clearly not as good as his first message with the Unilocal Welp wordplay but at least he’s still engaged and communicating. I predict that some future email will include a revocation of his policies and an apology to all of the reviewers he denied service because of their footwear choices. Maybe John and I will become friends and I’ll sit in his chair while he cuts my hair, me wearing moccasins and both of us laughing at how silly humans can be and how forgiving we humans can also be and we’ll laugh and shine like beautiful stars.

Best joint in town. Great prices (AND it’s right next to a really great dive bar with free pool). The barber doesn’t mess around and his shop has an awesome vibe. He spent the time and effort to make me look sexier than what I really am. Great conversations, too!
If you hate this place because your feelings got hurt on your first visit, I’d suggest going somewhere that will rob you blind, give you an uneven haircut and frost your tips… oh, and don’t forget your punch card!

This is my first Unilocal review, I use it a lot to find food but have never felt the need to review until now .
I got my haircut by Johnny yesterday, I like my hair and I liked the time I spent in the chair. Good hair, good conversation. Good experience .
I personally don’t buy these fascist allegations. Upon my first visit johnny had a non white retired marine in the chair. They seemed to be old friends. Both the guys had a bit of a rough humor… Well guess what, they are both marines. That’s how it goes.
Maybe the barber shop is not for everyone, but the shop and johnny have only been and done good by me so in my experience I like the place. When I go there I leave my phone at home, I sit down wait my turn, I show respect, and I get a great haircut, as well as good conversation.

Thanks

Borrowing a friend’s account because I dont have a Unilocal.Guy here.
The owner of this place obviously thinks he’s the rockabilly king of his little corner in Portland.
On my first visit to the city I was visiting some friends who live about 5 blocks away and recommended the place. I was just hoping to get a quick haircut and some quiet time after a 4 hour drive with my 6 month old.
The owner was having a beer outside looking like an old fat Andrew Dice Clay and either he didn’t like the look of me or he just wanted to impress his friends but basically he said he wouldn’t cut my hair because I was wearing flip-​flops. We sort of stared at each other for a few moments before I realized he wasn’t kidding. Flip-​flops… on a 70 degree day were against his rules. Judging from his black clunky shoes I probably should’ve just bought some doc martins from hot topic before taking this little trip. I didn’t know i’d encounter such a fashionista!
He was about as rude as a person can be and obviously was doing it for his own entertainment. What a smug self important dickhole! I let him know he was an asshole and as I rode away on my friends bike I heard him mumble something about fighting me in a parking lot (hahaha). I don’t care if this guy is the Picasso of cutting hair, don’t give your business to such a douche bag.
The irony is the era he seems to embrace (50’s) was one where people were more respectful and courteous.

Tried to walk in at 10:20am on a Friday morning. No one in a chair. The guy outside drinking coffee said they aren’t doing haircuts today. Ok. Why is the open sign on and the door wide open ??? Lmao.
This place is a joke. I would never go there again.

To all the haters, just because my barber reserves the right to refuse anyone service, that does not make him a racist. Maybe, just maybe, it’s you being judged as an individual. I just got my third cut here and Jonny’s never said anything to lead me to believe he’s a nazi.
Has he straight faced me when I walked in the door for an uncomfortably long time? Yep. Has he called other customers Mother F-​ers during my haircut? Yep. Have I had an enjoyable experience every time I’ve been there and got a decent haircut? Hell yeah. It’s just that kind of place, somewhere you can be a man without having to pretend your something your not.