Irving Park's Newest Hangout Is a Hair Salon, Café — and Maybe a Little Haunted

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Irving Park · April 5, 2026

Irving Park has a charming new gathering spot to discover. Scissor and Fork, a one-of-a-kind mashup of hair salon and café, quietly opened its doors at 3968 N. Elston Ave. in early March — and it's already turning heads for all the right reasons. Owner Ash Grant, a longtime Portage Park resident, designed the space with a simple but powerful mission: to bring back the neighborhood 'third place' tradition that barbershops and hair salons once embodied. Customers can pop in for a fresh cut, linger over a coffee, or simply pull up a chair among the thrifted furniture, potted plants, and twinkling lights Grant lovingly curated to make the space feel like home.

The salon currently has four stylists on staff and is accepting appointments, while the café portion is set to debut in mid-April — just in time for spring. And for those who like a little mystery with their morning brew: Grant cheerfully notes the space may be 'definitely haunted' by a friendly spirit from its days as a Chinese restaurant of nearly 50 years.

Beyond haircuts and lattes, Scissor and Fork is already lining up community programming, including grant writing workshops on April 19 and May 3. It's exactly the kind of locally rooted, community-first business that makes Irving Park special. Stop by, book an appointment, and introduce yourself to your new favorite neighborhood hangout — and share your first impressions with your neighbors right here on Socialhood!

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/31/scissor-and-fork-a-definitely-haunted-salon-and-cafe-opens-in-irving-park/