Mostafa’s Barber Shop

This is a well kept secret In Astoria. Men’s haircuts are just 12 dollars and they LISTEN to what you say you want and take their time. Great job guys, im looking sexy

Mostafa’s nice, soft spoken, and hard-​working. Just look at those hours of operation and the price – you can’t beat it. But what you probably want to hear is that he’s good with the scissor. He listens to you, asks you if you like what he’s doing, and occasionally starts small talk. The small talk is great because I’ve been to other shops where the barber rants on about how much «pussy» they’ve been getting. Mostafa usually asks about you to get to know you better; he’s a family man, a respectable one at that.

The best haircut I’ve ever had in the city.
I could make the journey all the way from the upper west side to Astoria to get my haircut there! :)

Cheap @ss cuts… cheap as Hell. Cuts in the hometown (i.e. Amish Country, PA) cost but a rectangular piece of Alexander Hamilton (small little green man from history times… on the ten spot). While Al needs G. Washington times two to score a new ‘do at this joint, that’s as good (and as cheap) as I’ve ever seen in the five boroughs.
How are the cuts? Not bad. Be super specific. Be adamant. Know what you want. I’ve had Mohammad do my cuts the three times I’ve been in. Real decent braj. I’ve told him to use #2 clips on the side, and he’s been very quick to warn that «#2 is really short, sir.» First of all, I can use less yes men in my inner circle; massive respect for the two cents, but I do know what I’m doing. Also, whenever I’m addressed as «sir», the chances of getting on my good side (depending on the context) increases exponentially… so mas props coming your way Mohammad.
But, like any good barbershop, it’s not only the skill with a blade where a barber earns his mettle… but, it is arguable that barbershop banter is paramount to achieving an ideal barbershop experience. Let’s face facts… no barbershop (or salon for that matter) has ever gotten my haircut right; whether I come in with a picture, sans picture, be über specific, or be über abstract… no one has ever gotten it right. Some have come close, but as my 10^th grade geometry teacher always used to say, «close only counts with horseshoes and hand grenades.» When it comes to haircuts, «close» to what I want doesn’t cut it… but that’s cool, it all grows back.
And it especially comes easier to forgive such shortcomings when aforementioned barbershop banter is entertaining, poignant, revelatory, relatable, and fun (I just feel like mentioning that Unilocal doesn’t think that the two «r» words I use as descriptors in this statement are words, as indicated by red squigglies… up your vocabulary Unilocal… cuz they are). But back to the point, Mohammad provides some genuine and enjoyable dialogue. Located in the heart of Astoria, this joint services a number of those in the Middle Eastern enclave in these parts, and it just so happens that a number of the purveyors of service are Middle Eastern as well. It’s interesting to hear their insights on love, life, and food (three things in the eyes of some, one thing in the eyes of the enlightened).
Decent cuts and unique conversations… all for a price that is monumentally more reasonable than the next competitive brand. And you’ll be happy to throw an extra Abe Lincoln in the tip jar for the experience.

I needed a cheap, quick, quality haircut. I came here and was not dissapointed. The cut cost me $ 12 (plus $ 2 for tip) and took about 20 minutes. Mostafa wasn’t the most talkative or friendly guy ever, but when his friend went to pick him up some coffee, Mostafa asked if I would like him to get me some. Pretty cool guy overall. The haircut itself was among the best I’ve had. Totally solid experience.

I have to admit, Mustafa is the best barber I’ve found in 10 years here in NYC, and I’ve been coming here for almost 7 of those! He has great rates and hours and does a great job! My very first visit I forgot a $ 300 pair of sunglasses there, next visit was 3 months later and he remembered me & have me my glasses back! Trustworthy and does an awesome job at cutting hair, can’t get better than that!
The wait can be a while but it’s totally worth it for a great haircut! He is normally open till around 11pm except Mondays when he is off.