I'll probably get flamed for this...
I have pretty long hair, I don't like cutting it short. I've always gotten the standard 15 dollar supercuts hair cut but I'm never quite satisfied. They usually go really quickly, don't put any effort in, and overall I just am unsatisfied.
I recently had the chance to try out a salon that I think is only available in washington state called gene juarez. Mens haircuts cost about 45 dollars.
Not only are they ridiculously friendly and have the best customer service I've ever seen, but the guy who cut my hair was able to explain exactly what I wanted out of the haircut, and then delivered it. He also talked was extremely conversational and made it feel like I was just hanging out with a friend rather than getting my hair cut by an agitated asian lady.
I've gone once more since then but had my hair cut by a different stylist. It wasn't nearly as good.
So in retrospect I'd say that they are worth it in some cases, but if you get a really basic haircut anyways, then just go to supercuts. If you want to do something you've never tried or been able to put into words, try a stylist.
Edit: I get my hair cut about once every 3 months, so 50 dollars isn't a huge deal to me.