Inside unique KC barbershop, your haircut gets you a free cocktail: ‘Stay and mingle’
This isn’t your typical barbershop.
Inside Klassic Guy Barber & Lounge on 9th in Kansas City, you immediately understand you’re in a split space that’s part-barbershop, part-bar and lounge.
To the right of the entrance sits a lounge area designed for connection. It includes a couch, chairs and a table where patrons can relax, talk and take in the atmosphere of the barbershop. You’ll even see a stocked bar to grab a drink before or after your cut. A large TV occupies the corner of the space of Bar 9, the name of the in-house bar.
A big perk: You get a complimentary drink with every haircut.
“The inspiration came from … men in general don’t really have a space to go,” said Tyler Boston, co-owner and creative director. “We want to provide a space for men to just relax, really anybody.”
Boston and Jalen “Toure” Ford co-own Klassic Guy Barber & Lounge alongside a full ownership group that set out to create a premium barbershop experience with community and inclusivity at the forefront.
The brand has two locations — one in downtown Kansas City and another in Lee’s Summit — plus its own barber school, Klassic Transformation Barber Academy, which aims to develop the next generation of professionals.
“[My favorite part here is] the social aspect … typically when you get done with your shift you’re ready to go home and I don’t after work,” said barber Tehya Smith.
“I stay and mingle.”
What you can drink — and get cut
Both barbershop locations offer an exclusive, upscale grooming experience and bar. The Lee’s Summit location at 979 NE Rice Road, also has a newly renovated bar, said Ford.
The bar includes a variety of liquor including whisky, bourbon and more. Bar 9 in Kansas City offers a cocktail menu that has drinks coined from barbershop lingo like The Skin Fade, The Dark Caesar and The Flat Top.
For the month of February, the bar will roll out several Valentine’s Day themed drinks including a drink called “Can I Call You Rose?” — which Boston recommended.
Services range from traditional barbering to luxury grooming treatments for customers. Haircut options include The King, The Royal and The Chief, with each offering increasing levels of consultation, grooming, steam towels, razor cleanup and add-ons like scalp massages.
Additional services include beard treatments, hot lather head shaves, facial shaves with aromatherapy, brow cleanups and “Mancials” that are specifically designed with men’s skin in mind.
The Lee’s Summit location also offers loc re-twist that includes a shampoo, condition and styling services. Loc styling is also available at the Lee’s Summit location.
Ford and Boston want people to stick around and make Klassic Guy a part of their routine — so they offer membership options, too.
Barbershop memberships range from $75 to $150 per month and include monthly haircuts, complimentary drinks, product discounts and access to quarterly events. The Bar 9 memberships range start at $60 per month and include lounge access, 6-8 complimentary drinks, product discounts, locker rental options and exclusive event access.
Throughout February, Klassic Guy plans to host curated events like the “Open Deck” event they hosted in January. That event included a lineup of multiple DJs that rotated sets at their downtown location.
More information about services, memberships and upcoming events can be found on the shop’s website or their social media.
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
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