Hero image

Armando's Barber Shop

+1 574-277-0615
802 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617 United States of America
Open Today: Closed

Quick Facts About Armando's Barber Shop

Armando's Barber Shop has several strengths that make it a popular and highly recommended place for haircuts. Firstly, customers praise the friendliness and conversational skills of the barbers, particularly Chris. He is described as friendly, professional, welcoming, and patient. Chris goes above and beyond to make customers feel comfortable and satisfied during their visit.
Another strength of Armando's Barber Shop is the quality of the haircuts. Customers report that they have received the best haircuts they've had in South Bend at the establishment. Chris takes his time and pays attention to detail, ensuring that customers leave with a nice haircut. The prices are also reasonable, which sets Armando's apart from other barbershops in the area that charge more for similar services.
The convenience of appointments is also mentioned as a strength of Armando's Barber Shop. Unlike many other barbershops in the area, they are able to offer next-day appointments. This is a major convenience for customers who prefer to plan their haircuts in advance.
Armando's Barber Shop is also appreciated for its unique atmosphere. Customers describe it as an old-world barbershop with new-world amenities. The decor contributes to a cozy and homely feeling, making customers feel comfortable and at ease. The barbers bring a hometown feel that is often lacking in other establishments.
A particularly noteworthy strength of Armando's Barber Shop is their expertise in handling children's haircuts. Chris is highly skilled at making children feel comfortable and easing their fears. He turns on the TV to distract them, allows them to feel the clippers, and talks them through the entire haircut process. This level of care and attention to detail is valued by parents and sets Armando's apart as a family-friendly establishment.
Armando himself is described as a local who knows the area well. He is knowledgeable about various places in South Bend and is happy to share recommendations with customers. This adds a personal touch to the experience and enhances the barbershop's standing as a South Bend institution.
Armando's Barber Shop also holds a reputation for being a place where diverse conversations and viewpoints are welcomed. The barbers are open to discussing sports, politics, and other topics, creating an engaging and social environment. The presence of regulars and older gentlemen adds a sense of community and tradition to the barbershop.
The authenticity and old-school nature of Armando's Barber Shop is another strength that customers appreciate. The barbers intentionally operate on a cash-only basis to avoid unnecessary fees from credit card companies. This straightforward approach is seen as fair and is consistent with the barbershop's nostalgic charm.
However, despite its many strengths, Armando's Barber Shop does have a few weaknesses. One comment states that women should be cautious when getting their hair cut here, as the barbers are honest about not having extensive experience in cutting women's hair. Additionally, although the barbershop is praised for its cleanliness, cash-only policy, and conversation topics, there are no specific comments addressing these aspects. This lack of feedback may make it difficult to fully analyze the strengths and weaknesses in these areas.
In conclusion, Armando's Barber Shop is highly regarded for various strengths including friendly and skilled barbers, reasonable prices, fast and convenient appointments, a cozy atmosphere, expertise in children's haircuts, and an authentic and engaging experience. These strengths contribute to its reputation as a South Bend institution and a go-to place for high-quality haircuts. While there may be some weaknesses, the overwhelming positive feedback and recommendation from customers underline the success and popularity of Armando's Barber Shop.


Best TL Reviews

Chris was super friendly, good conversationalist, and gave me the best haircut I’ve had in South Bend for less than what other barbershops charge! It is cash only, though he wasn’t sweating it when I had none on me and came back later with it. And appointments were available next day unlike many other barbershops in the area. Even had a star ND football player get his haircut after mine so you know the place is legit!!
This is absolutely not just a haircut but a South Bend institution and the last of the amazing old world barbershops with new world amenities. It’s not a wanna be phony chain - Armando and his son Chris are the real deal! Go see them and talk sports, politics, or whatever else you like!
Very fast and did a great job to my sons first time going to a barber!
Chris is definitely someone I would recommend going to for a haircut. And I mean no matter what age you are! He's friendly, professional, incredibly welcoming, and the shop is neat and clean. Prices: you can't beat them (it is cash only though, so make sure you bring cash) If you have a child, read a couple paragraphs down. I've got some info for ya!
He's a true South Bend local. He knows good places to go as you're chatting about stuff, the decor makes you feel like you're home, and that home is in South Bend. He's brings that awesome hometown feel that a lot of places are lacking!
If you're a parent of any age of child, Chris is great with kids. Do you have a toddler? (If you do, you know they're likely to cry at the sound of the clippers just turning on!) If so, Chris will turn the TV to a kids program to help distract them. He lets the kids feel the vibration of the clippers before using said clippers on them. He talks them through the entire haircut. And, he'll let the parents sit and hold their child, or put them in the child booster seat, parents choice.
All in all, I've definitely found a new favorite place to go for my family's hair needs. I highly, definitely recommend this place.
Excellent haircut and a reasonable price. Chris took his time and really made my hair look nice. I will be back for the great haircuts and the awesome atmosphere too!
If you want to KNOW South Bend / Michiana then you have to have Armando or his son Chris cut your hair at least one time. Every story, opinion, piece of news, and walk of life comes through their doors every day -- it is an old world man's barbershop in all of the ways that were awesome before hipsters started replicating places just like this one - Armando is the OG of Italian barbers. He's got stories for days if you want them -- some old guys hang around there too with some quips and stories to keep the younger generation in line - Chris is the most patient barber on earth too. They can get you in and out fast if needed (but try to get an appt if you can), they're fair, their friendly, and it's not just a haircut but it's an experience. Cash only (old-school) because as Armando has said to me, "why the hell would I for free give away money that I make to the Visa card company just because you're too lazy to go a bank?" It's a fair question - and this and other wisdom is free with a haircut or beard trim.
Warning: Women, if you come in, they'll cut your hair if you're sure about it - but they'll warn you pretty solidly that they don't know what they're doing - and I don't think they're lying on that.
It's a great place to come alone, with a buddy and both get your hair cut, and talk ND sports, or to bring your child to get a haircut too. The language in the place is not generally rough, but Armando makes absolutely certain (as does Chris) that when kids are waiting for haircuts that they hear no evil. He also, very sweetly for a kind of stearn old man, goes and pulls out toys he hides away for kids to play with if they're waiting.
If you only have time for one exceptional truly South Bend experience while you are in town for a Notre Dame event (or as an ND student) get your haircut by Armando or Chris.
The Barber got me right in...took his time and did my hair flawlessly! Extremely reasonable price for a great job!
I moved to South Bend in December of 2008, and was lucky to live just down the road from Armando's. So when it came time for me to choose a Barber Shop, I gave them a try. I have never gone anywhere else since then, and I have no intention of ever doing so. Armando owns the place with his son Chris, and they are great guys. This is a REAL barber shop, where guys (and dolls!) can come in and sit and talk while they wait for their cut. You get the feeling of being right at home, and you get a great cut too. They don't charge much, so the value is right. I take both of my sons (4 & 6), because if they find out I went without them they get upset! Chris is easy going, and they sit in his chair and behave because they know it means a sucker when they are done.
Armando's is more than just a great barber shop, it is a great business run with class and dignity. I strongly encourage you to drop in, even without an appointment they will get you in quick. In the meantime, you can look around at the autographed pictures of famous people who have been there before you.

Armando's Barber Shop Info

Amenities

Health & safety
  • Appointment required
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Planning
  • Appointments recommended

Today

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday 02:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sunday Closed

How to go there

Location