There's barbershops. And then there is The Barber's Bar, a place for those looking to get more than just a shave or haircut. According to owner and Fort Lauderdale native Lee Garpoli, a trip to either of his establishments -- Mankind or the newly opened Barber's Bar -- is more than just a quick-stop experience.
Sorry ladies. This one is for men only. Guys in need of grooming: Listen up.
"I wanted to open a classy place, an old-fashioned barbershop that offered high-end spa services just for men with a great atmosphere. I didn't need to reinvent the wheel. I just needed to tweak the concept a little," Garpoli told Clean Plate Charlie during a recent interview.
To do that, Garpoli decided to design a shop that would make the trip to the barber a little more appealing, beginning with Mankind, which opened in downtown Fort Lauderdale in 2005. Inside several barbers chairs perform services like manicures, haircuts, coloring and shaves for an average price of $35. What makes the experience extra-special, however, is the complimentary beverage which includes alcoholic picks like beer and wine, or coffee, tea and water.
Like Mankind, the services at The Barber's Bar include food and drink, here for an additional charge ($4 to $5 for a draft beer). Unlike Mankind, you won't find a line out the door of busy business executives, or the higher price point (an average service here is about $10 less).
Instead, this spot is a place for the "locals," said Garpoli. And -- with 11 flat screen TV's and a small bar -- it's also one of only a few places in South Florida that offers clients a bar experience with their shave. Think of it as an Eden for men, a place where the guys can hang out, watch the game, enjoy a drink, or smoke a cigar -- all while getting their man-hide spruced up.
Located in the Village at the corner of Sunrise and A1A, the beachside location has a noticeably low-key atmosphere thanks to an outdoor patio and lounge bar area that serves three draft beers, several by the bottle, and a small selection of wine, sake and bar food bites like hot dogs and pretzels.
For more information, visit The Barber's Bar website and Facebook page, or call 954-380-8230.
Follow Clean Plate
Charlie on Twitter @CleanPlateBPB and Nicole Danna @SoFloNicole
