Chicago - March 14, 2006

He Works Hard for His Money

316 Barber Spa Opens

There’s a saying that goes anything boys can do, girls can do better.

Well, then, girls, consider the 316 Barber Spa a call to arms. The upscale men’s salon, which opened yesterday in the Financial District, may be grooming nirvana for the suit-and-loafer crowd.

For starters, they serve complimentary drinks in the lounge, which is also where guys can shoot pool or keep track of the NASDAQ on flat-screen TVs while they wait for their turn in the chair. There’s even a board with Vegas odds (for entertainment purposes only, of course).

And then there are the services. Carmelo the barber does basic shaves and haircuts; the four stylists on staff cater to the gel-setters. Clients who sign up for an annual membership will get as many cuts, shoe shines, and hand details (guy-speak for “mini-mani”) as they need throughout the year, including neck trims — at no extra charge.

Freebies? Beer? Billiards?

When it comes to salon perfection, the ladies may have to give it to the guys.

316 Barber Spa, 175 West Jackson Boulevard, between Wells Street and Financial Place (312-880-0316 or 316barberspa.com).