One of the things I’ve missed since being a long hair for so many years was the simple pleasures of the neighborhood barbershop. Now some aren’t all that pleasant with conversation tilted toward the political and such, but some are simply gems.

Half Moon Bay is lucky enough to have a family barbershop magically transported out of the 1960’s and perfectly preserved for our use. Operated by two brothers, Vincent and Robert, these guys offer no excuses haircuts for $20. Cash. They do a good trade from what I can tell in my half-dozen trips to their tiny shop on Main Street.

It’s a two chair affair with four fancy lawn chairs for waiting. The normal magazines are there if you want to read them. The TV is on, generally with an episode from the Twilight Zone – a longtime favorite of mine. The conversation is light and friendly, the haircuts are great, and they get you in and out in a hurry.

Let’s hope Mantia’s Barbershop stays around for a long, long time. I’m a fan. If you’re in town and you want a good haircut, this is your place. Check it out. No phone, no website, nothing. Open 9:30-4:30 Monday-Saturday at the corner of Main and Mill in downtown Half Moon Bay.