Astor Place Hairstylists

This Astor Place institution started in 1947 as a five-chair barbershop and has since grown to include 75 chairs, but it manages to retain a familiar old-timey feel. You can’t make an appointment; just take a number and wait outside with the crowd. (Sundays are typically less busy, and the wait rarely exceeds ten minutes.) Haircuts take 20 minutes or less and start at just $15. The salon also offers perms, color, braiding, extensions and Japanese straightening—all at equally reasonable prices.