CHICAGO BATH HOUSE - Chicago, Illinois

Caroline S.

I was disappointed with my experience here. They do not make it clear up front that their SOP (or "admission" fee, under the FAQ section of their website - who reads those when booking at a spa?) is to charge $45 a head to use all their communal facilities, which include their locker rooms with your own locker, sauna, jacuzzi, cold pool, and steam room. You can opt to just get the services you booked, but when initially said I wanted to do that, the woman behind the desk got hostile and gruff. I decided to go ahead and cough the money up to get the full experience. She slapped down a robe, towel and shower shoes on the desk in front of me. I'd wanted to have my massage first and then my facial, but she informed me they'd do my facial first and then the massage. We sat at the bar, where the bartender was the only semi-friendly/gracious staff member I encountered there. When it was time for my facial, the facialist was even gruffer than the receptionist chick. She directed me to lie on the table and pull down my robe a little so she could do the treatment. I told her it I'd be most comfortable just leaving it off and covering myself with the blanket. She actually said, "I don't care what makes you comfortable, I'm just here to do your facial." I should've just left at that point. However, the facial was decent. The massage was disappointing. The massage therapist didn’t ask me if I had any areas I needed her to focus on, as is customary. I asked her for more pressure a couple of times, and she let me know that what she was doing was the best she could do. It wasn't good. In summary, all but one of the staff were amazingly rude, the services were mediocre, and I didn't appreciate the steep, mostly-hidden fee. Will not be returning.

Joshua D.

The restaurant experience is no frills and authentic.

Full bar and food menu includes Russian classics like hot or cold borscht, pickled vegetables, and cheese blintzes.

The private room in the back is an additional $100 to reserve - worth it for a large group.

The only knock was TVs weren’t working and the service was slower than expected due to being separate from the rest of the restaurant area.

If I were rating the spa facilities, it’s a 5/5. The rooms are HOT and the cold plunge is large and well maintained. Always a relaxing and cleansing experience when visiting.

Jacob C.

If you’re looking for the ultimate sauna experience, this place is an absolute gem! The facilities are top-notch, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The friendly and welcoming staff go above and beyond to make you feel at home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of the highlights is definitely the food and drinks. You must try the hot borscht—comforting, rich, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect post-sauna treat. And don’t leave without sampling the beet vodka; it’s a unique and refreshing drink that pairs beautifully with the vibe.

Whether you’re a sauna regular or new to the experience, this spot is a must-visit. Between the great staff, cozy ambiance, and incredible food and drinks, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again!

Frederick

NOT A REAL SPA

I was reading through some of the reviews and it appears they recruit people on Fiver to write positive reviews.

I went on a Saturday afternoon. CBH was very crowded, loud and very tiny. There is no way you can relax here. The only quiet place was the steam room which wasn’t very steamy.

Jacuzzi jets didn’t work and was only warm, not hot. I had strained my back and the jacuzzi was the main reason I came here. Usually there is a button to turn on the jets, but we never saw it or any staff people walking through the locker room.

The men’s locker area is very small. You have to wait in the aisle for access to your locker. You are constantly bumping in to the people next to you on each side while you undress or dress.

There is no privacy in the locker room because there is no door on the locker room. You can see into the men’s locker room easily.

On the day of, I called ahead to inquire about the details for massage therapy. When I arrived I was told there were no massage therapist working that day. Augh!

I could barely understand the lovely cashier at registration. Her Russian accent was too thick and the people in line behind me were practically screaming as if at a party.

There is only one cashier working registration. You feel compelled to not read the menu board above because of the line behind you.

Friendliness and hospitality was not a characteristic you would use to describe anyone that worked here.

In the men’s locker room, there were gaggles of men in their 30s and 40s who had come there to socialize. Everybody wore board shorts, except for a few of us who only wore a towel.

I wanted go to the Korean bathhouse. But because this place was closer I chose Chicago bathhouse. I really should’ve gone to the Korean bathhouse.

Jeffrey S.

This place is a unique experience. Hot sauna and cold plunge. All of the staff is Russian. You get towels, slippers and a robe. So you can hang out and relax. Grab a drink a little bit to eat. Go back in the sauna. Feels like you're in a club. Highly recommended

Dmitrii B.

I had a great time at this bathhouse. The ice-cold water pool was a real highlight – it was invigorating and the perfect way to cool off after a warm soak. The restaurant was also a pleasant surprise, offering delicious food in a relaxed setting. Overall, a nice spot to unwind and enjoy both the pools and some good meals.

Maksim G.

A great place to relax on your day off in the sauna. I used the services of a massage therapist, having previously signed up through the front desk. As well as the cuisine of this place is a delight, lamb chompes with mashed potatoes, salo, borsh, shawarma makes me remember this place with special warmth. I'm glad to be back here.

Anastasia S.

My go-to comfort spot in Chicago! An amazing, super-hot sauna, you won’t find anything like it at your typical gym or any fancy spa. Delicious food, friendly staff, and not a single issue in all the times I’ve been there over the past three years. Definitely 5 out of 5.