Walk past the shoeshine area and be greeted by the receptionist. Behind the receptionist are shelves. On those shelves are bottles of liquor with clients names on them. That’s right, BYOB. Have a nice scotch with a few ice cubes, walk up the staircase and rack up a game of billiards before your haircut at Quinntessential Gentleman.
Red felt, light wood rails and leather pockets round out the classy pool table. If the pool table is being used, grab a putter and practice your putting. If both those are options are taken, sit back and enjoy your beverage while you watch Sports Center on their flat-screen television.
If time is not of the essence, go downstairs and peruse the accessories that make a man look his best. From sterling silver cufflinks to cross stitched wallets, everything is extremely unique.
Much like the song “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof, Quinntessential Gentleman in Baltimore lives up to the nostalgic designs of old-time barber shops with a few of today’s technological advances.
Founded and owned by Craig Martin, the shop has been thriving in downtown Baltimore for five years. From haircuts, massages, shoeshine and waxing, any service is available for a man. He chose this particular kind of shop to recognize the fact that barbering was quite the occupation back in the day. 
“Barbering was a very respected profession, as was being a tailor,” Martin said. Indeed, Martin is an old soul. He discussed how his amenities are nearly identical to how shops were a century ago.
If you did not bring a bottle, do not worry. You will be offered a complimentary beer, coffee, juice or soda.
Long-term barber and Latvian native, Agnese Zafforoni meticulously takes her time to ensure all clients leave with a satisfied haircut. She also is one of the senior cutters at Quinntessential Gentleman.
“I have been working for four years and I like it a lot,” Zafforoni said. The leather chair envelopes the client with comfort once they are seated. When getting a haircut, take your beverage, they have pool ball coasters on the barber station.
Martin said that 95 percent of people who go to Quinntessential Gentleman comeback every four to six weeks. One regular is Daniel White.
“I walk in the door, have a drink poured from my bottle and spend all the time I want here” White said.
Their staff is just as loyal as their regulars. They have not had a single opening in 2 years. Martin actually just hired a new barber. With that new hire, Quinntessential Gentleman will now be open on Sundays next month.
It will be beneficial because Martin recently has had a lot of Towson University students. Although not all students know, the ones that do are eager to experience the old ways of barbering. Towson University student Ken Jackson will be booking an appointment soon.
“I’ve heard of the place, I’m just waiting for my hair to grow a little more before I get a cut,” Jackson said.
This place is highly recommended because the staff is friendly. All the way out the door I was thanked and bid farewell by Executive Barber Ken Quach.
“Thanks, come back soon,” Quach said. With the friendly atmosphere, superb amenities, it is no wonder why they have such a loyal clientele. Another attractive element is the price. For a haircut and shave, the grand total is only $25.
Located on the corner of Lombard St. and Calvert St. make Quinntessential Gentleman your next visit to get your next hairdo.
Wait until 1:24.
Bar-timore 
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