First off, the basics. I don't have a lot of hair so I just get an electric razor cut. I tell the barber what number razor guard to use and it's pretty easy not to screw it up. I got that result here: a competent cut, hot lather neck shave, and eyebrows trimmed as I asked.
But barbers differentiate on service and atmosphere. I appreciate a little bonhomie amongst the barbers and customers, some interesting artifacts, some extra service. Here, after I told my female barber what kind of cut I wanted, you could have heard a pin drop, except for the Spanish language TV station chattering in the background. No one said a word the whole time I was there. And the poor older gentleman barber....he sat in a chair doing haircuts and needed a cane to get around. I wonder how much longer this place will be around with him the main guy. Not to mention the woman barber seemed like she was doing me a favor...she barely acknowledged me as she was doing something with her phone after she waved me to her chair.
I'm going back to my other barber. They're a little further away and more expensive, but you get what you pay for. And they always seem happy to see me.