The Academy

Part Barbershop, Part Retail Shop, Part Private Club

The Academy Is Your New Place for Everything in the Castro

By Joe Starkey ·
None 6 Photos The Academy
A cocktail book, a single barber chair and a Time Crisis II game hidden behind a bookshelf door.

That’s all you really ask for in life.

That, and maybe tons of other things.

As for those first three, you’ll find them at the Academy, a new Castro establishment that’s part retail shop, part barbershop and part private club. It’s now accepting new members for private club privileges with public retail and barbershop services not far behind. Check it out.

There are a few ways for you to get into this handsome leisure palace...

As a barbershop customer:
Once their single-chair barbershop is open, you can make a reservation for services which will take place in the completely glass-enclosed area up front. Presumably so everyone can see your sweet new hair.

As a retail customer/event-goer: The Academy’s retail involves a curated, rotating selection of furniture, art and the occasional cocktail book for you to take home. They’ll also be partnering with locals like Sui Generis for some public events you can grab tickets for.

As a member: Currently offered on a recommendation-only basis, membership allows you anytime access, a gratis monthly barbershop appointment and access to all events. Not to mention use of the wet bar and discounts for renting out the space for your own events. Yes, this includes access to that hidden basement bar behind the bookshelf door.

Turns out, those are the best.
Joe Starkey

Joe Starkey is the tallest person in the room 90% of the time. He enjoys liquors that aren’t smoky, dive bars that are, and has a vague dread that someone, somewhere might be having more fun than him.

Vitals

The Academy
2166 Market St
(between Church and Sanchez)
San Francisco, CA, 94114
website

Extras

Elsewhere on the Daddy

More Gear in San Francisco