Truman's

By JAMES OLIVER CURY

The cofounders of Truman’s asked male focus groups what they wanted in a grooming destination before building this bi-level midtown space offering shaves, haircuts, waxings, shoe shines, massages, manicures and pedicures. The liquor bar and television screens (tuned to CNBC or ESPN) add a clubby vibe, and stalls are separated by plastic screens so patrons won’t catch eyes mid-manicure—something a wee bit uncomfortable for the fellas. The treatments are named, simply, after what they offer—a shave is a shave and not some phrase that requires translation. The “Refresher” ($73), for guys on the go, combines a hot towel service, hair wash, scalp massage, style, shave, manicure and shoe shine—all in less than 45 minutes. Request that the head rub and shave aren’t simultaneous—you don’t want to be shaken slightly when someone, no matter how skilled, holds a blade to your throat.