Haircuts, Lattes & Maybe a Ghost: Scissor and Fork Is Irving Park's Most Unique New Hangout

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Irving Park · August 11, 2026

Irving Park neighbors, your commercial corridor just got one of its most delightfully original additions in recent memory — and it's equal parts beauty parlor, café, and community living room. Scissor and Fork opened its doors at 3968 N. Elston Ave. earlier this year, and word is spreading fast about just how special this place really is. Oh — and fair warning: the owner says it might be haunted.

Owner Ash Grant, a Portage Park resident of more than 15 years, set out to create something the Northwest Side was missing: a genuine third space where neighbors could connect. At Scissor and Fork, you can pop in for a fresh cut from one of four stylists, linger over a cup of coffee, or simply pull up a thrifted chair surrounded by plants and twinkle lights and just hang out. Grant took over a storefront that had been a Chinese restaurant for roughly 50 years before going dark during the pandemic — and during her late-night renovation sessions, she says lamps would topple and objects would move on their own. Her verdict? "It's definitely haunted" — though she's quick to add the spirit seems friendly.

Scissor and Fork is exactly the kind of community-rooted, one-of-a-kind business that makes Irving Park's Elston corridor worth exploring. Have you visited yet? Drop your review in the comments — and tag a neighbor who deserves a new hairstyle and a great cup of coffee!

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