Does anyone else know places with glory holes in the Chicagoland area? It doesn't matter wHat side or the price just wanna know where I can get a goof bj and not pay too much read more

Excellent place, clean, spacious, attention at the reception first, extremely friendly, affordable prices, very nice place, I recommend 100%. My favorite place for an excellent relax !!!. Excelente lugar, limpio, espacioso, la atención en la recepción de la primera, muy amables, precios accesibles, muy agradable lugar, le recomiendo al 100%. Mi lugar favorito para un excelente relax !!!. read more

I'm curious and have some questions about steamworks and need some help with questions, this will be my first experience EVER of this kind and kinda way t to know what to do and what to expect... DaisyConn2020@gmail.com read more

Came here last year and had a good time. Workers were nice and quality amenities. Better than the one in Seattle.

Alfonzo at the front desk has atrocious customer service . I was standing in line while another attended was getting my towel. My phone and keys were out on counter and he ask me to him my phone through the glass. I said um no. He then told me he Is going to be watching me and if he sees my phone while I'm inside he will personally be kicking my ass out. I said excuse me are you threatening me and he said absolutely honey, I will personally kick your ass out do you hear me. I asked for a refund and he sure we dont want you hear anyway. He made me feel like was such dirt. I'll never ever go back again read more

I really want to make this review as unprofessional as their employee Alfonzo is, I think that's his name he stopped wearing a name tag awhile ago the one with long pointy nails. I been going there for about a year and today was the last straw. For a year I been using the gym there and for a year I've watched Alfonzo treat people like sub humans. He treats people like dirt he raises his voice when he is answering questions. He's never been in a good mood. No "thank you" no "have a good night" like every other employee there does. I forgot my membership card and he knows I only go there for the gym yet took the money from me knowing I wasn't going to stay while the gym was closed. He's a terrible employee and an awful, hateful human being read more

Rude staff up front. No need to embarrass your customers. The bag policy doesn't even make sense to what you say on the website. Also if you need to search the bag search it in a discreet manner rather than tell customers to pull everything out the bag in front of everyone. read more

A lot has changed, staff is very unfriendly, banning people for little stuff and not even telling people why they are banned.

STEAMWORKS it is probably one of the best gay saunas in the USA. It has changed obviously like all the businesses have changed in the last 30 years. It used to be called ( THE UNICORN) in the early 80's. The clientele have changed a lot , too . The customers are more diverse. The club used be more or less busy on weekdays not so much nowadays. The candy factor has changed too. We see beautiful guys over the weekend . It used to be everyday but time changes everything. You don't see that many customers during the week as we were used to. Nowadays you pay for 6 hrs stay used to be 8 , membership $8 every time you pop in . Once they opened the club to me is the same great sauna. As any sauna you see old and young guys from the truly handsome to the really not handsome at all. The blow job section busy as always . The club is worth the visit . You'll always find someone to have fun . I have been to DER BOILER in BERLIN and heard couple of guys mentioning STEAMWORKS as similar in ambience to DER BOILER. read more

Shockingly diverse, big spaces, and plenty of variety to play. Highly recommended but make sure you don't bring a bag they are very anal about it read more

I had a lovely time at Steamworks. I will definitely be going back again! It's a great place to just relax and enjoy the scenery as a young adult this place was surprisingly comfortable. I did enjoy myself and enjoyed the company of others! read more

OPENLY TRANSPHOBIC -- i was told that trans men and non-binary people are not currently welcome at the sauna "because of COVID" and when i asked if that meant only cismen are allowed they said yes. they said transpeople are "allowed" on theme nights but otherwise transmen and non-binary people are not allowed in. they said it's not transphobic since in theory eventually they'll have "theme nights" which is weird since transmen are men -- not a theme. this is disgusting and incredibly disappointing, since they claim to be lgbtq friendly (lgbtq doesn't just mean gay and bi cismen, don't bother putting the t if you don't mean it). honestly shocked that this is allowed. i suppose at least they're honest. not only are they not trans friendly or trans inclusive -- they don't allow trans people to come at all. read more

Being a first time customer I didn't know what to expect upon visiting Steamworks. However, amidst all the negative reviews I had a pleasant experience in regards to the customer service I received. Jonathan went above and beyond to ensure that I had a pleasant and comfortable experience. He was also very well presented and looked happy to be providing customer service. Above all he was professional throughout our conversation. read more

UPDATE: Looks like they changed their website to now specify the type of bag they are willing to accept.  The day I was there though, I'm pretty sure there were no specifics about bags on their site, so really and truly, they shouldve been willing to check the bag I was carrying and in fact (as mentioned) the cashier in the 2nd position started to say I could maybe go over to the side window (where they check bags), but then thats when their boss (owner?) peeked and without hesitation immediately said my backpack was A NO! Looking back I'm still struck about how he DENIED ME without any thought or hesitation and again with Zero line waiting on a Sunday afternoon and so cant help but think that maybe the backpack had nothing to do with it.  And is not like he knew me or I had been in any kind of trouble there.   I come from a different part of the State a few times per year and had NEVER had any issues.   Last time I was there was prior to pandemic back in 2019....So has Management /Ownership changed since?? IT appears to be the case and judging by other reviews, looks like ("some") people are now being treated like dirt and I suppose now, I can "attest" to that! read more

Came to this location, expecting to have a fun evening and it was ruined before I even entered, the customer service was horrible...they act as if we are doing them a favor by visiting the establishment. I have gone to many other like establishments across the country and never encountered such rudiness from the front desk clerks - never again! read more

It is unfortunate that a few bad apples spoil and a very nice place. I've been going to Steamworks for 20+ years and it's a very clean, well run establishment. I rarely have any issues here other than with the employee Alfonso. He is extremely rude and condescending and always looking for a fight. I now notice while writing this review that there are many reviews here that reference Alfonso and his unacceptable behavior. I'm alcohol and drug free and I don't come to Steamworks looking for problems. And I only have them with Alfonso. At checkout last evening, he told me he was going yo ban me because I called some an asshole. This is totally fabricated and holds no truth. He told me that I'm the add home and he holds all power at Steamworks to ban me. It seems almost impossible to reach management there. I have sent an email to an address I found for Brian Short who is President per information on Google. I find it interesting that there are so many complaints over a long period of time with Alfonso with apparently no consequences. Absent hearing from management, I will not return. I really enjoy the whirlpool after jobs and try to enjoy several times weekly. Really a shame to have an employee cause so much consternation with customers. read more

I absolutely love this place! The best gay bathhouse in the country as far as I'm concerned. This is a large four floor facility with all the amenities. There are lockers, private rooms, a full gym, and a spectacular wet area. The wet area includes an open shower area with precise-temperature controlled faucets, a massive steam room, and a truly wonderful maze-like jacuzzi that could easily fit 20+ men. The club features several play areas and a plethora of glory hole configurations that can make for some fun times. I found it exciting that there were video cameras in the locker room area, as well as the play areas. Those who rented private rooms can monitor on their televisions who is coming into the club...and what they might be up to! This club is clean, well-maintained, and the staff and clientele are friendly. It would be amazing if they also offered full hotel rooms, as it would make an amazing Chicago hotel-alternative, but this is a great bathhouse! Highly Recommended! read more

Steamies use to be fun. But don't even think about having a cocktail or glass of wine before trying to get in. The staff is horrible and is so not gay friendly. I'm not sure who is working the front desk but they are not "family". I was told to go "have a coffee". Never again will I go there. Really? Go have a coffee! read more

I'm not sure what I think about this place. On one hand, it's immaculate and seemingly under perpetual renovation, and the hot tub is just that--hot. And on the other, it reminds me of a line from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off": "It's beautiful, very cold, and you're not allowed to touch anything." Or anyone, as the case may be. Being somewhat height and gravity challenged, but follicularly gifted (read "bear cub"), I find myself very much out of place there. And people there make no bones about reminding me about that, and for the most part that's not what bugs me so much. What really does frost me, however, is the abundance of 'tude coming from the people that work there. Call me demanding, but if my money is putting food on your table and a roof over your head, I expect some respect, however minimal it may be. I don't even get that much from these guys. For that reason, I've only given three stars. They need to understand that they are not the only bathhouse in Chicago--just the one furthest from being condemned by the Board of Health. read more

I have a blast here each time I visit The WIndy City. Allegedly. read more

I've been to this Steamworks and the one in Berkeley. Of the two this is the newer/cleaner one. I was here midday on a Saturday and it had a good size crowd. The crowd was diverse, and there were some hot hot Chicago midwest boys there. I especially liked the shower/wet area downstairs. The room I got was clean and well maintained. The staff was friendly. I even got an HIV test there, and the tester was great. read more

Okay. Two visits. Nov 2015 and Mar 2016. Doubtful I'll ever set foot in here again. Thought the MAFIA parties would be cool, but no one in the place could've given a ripping fart about the presentations, they just rudely slither in and back out, I guess they're all on their permanent-cruise setting. Clientele tends toward the pot-bellied, zero muscle-tone decidedly-over-40 type with hair everywhere but their scalps. Pretty pretty pretty nauseating. The entire place stinks of intestinal gas and I truly fear for my health with every trip to the toilets, what with commode seats covered in douche expulsions, and vast quantities of unknown fluids covering the floors. Even walking down the labyrinthine halls you are guaranteed to be assaulted by shit-smells. And unwelcome gropings, natch. Also, the room monitors have no audio, thereby rendering the 'hotness' level of the porn null and void, but the selections are so dull anyway, I guess it doesn't really matter. Been in contact with several local guys who are all united in the opinion that Steamworks Chicago has become a joke. I must agree. P.S. NB to owners, having psycho drug-addicts running the reception does nothing good for your reputation. Thumbs down, across the board. read more

i would like to see some badly needed improvements especially in the private rooms...like new flat screens where u could plug in headphones for sound...what a novel idea I have found for my type of guy cuz im hairy hung and muscled going or checking in around 11am and an exit by 3pm on M or Tuesday normally is a good crowd of biz guys and a lot of retired guys but its what it is...the young crowd is too young for me and i have no interest and from my era of sex when i guy sees what is swinging between my legs he knows immediately to chow down my balls are oversized and more than a mouthful other than that i plan on going to SW on Monday next week cuz its been awhile read more

ok. i am torn. let me first say that this place is amazing, i wish it was cheaper but whatever. the part that i am torn on is the hit or miss aspect of hooking up, this place especially with it being in boys town gay area. aesthetically this place is a five star bathhouse it is beautiful. i wish they had one floor or area dedicated to being a gay strip club and that they would lower the price with the strip club added as revenue. also, i would invite a gay porn star once a month and do a live porno show to drum up more business and get more interest to the bathhouse. maybe porn company can do gang bang or blow bang bukakke. if anyone knows the best times to go i wish they would post it here. i went on several times thursday, friday and sat and it seems thurs and sat was best, not sure if this is the case. also, i think that customers should get more time for private rooms especially on days that are slow, took some time to find someone to play. however, bottom line is that this bath house is awesome, plenty of guys, glory holes, private rooms, and a great flow. i did notice alot of guys constantly walking around hoping for something better. my advise is that this is a bath house, go to the glory holes if you are that particular and just suck some dick or get fucked in dark then you don't have to worry about looks. you don't have to date the guy just go with open mind and just have fun having sex and move on, you don't have to take him home. read more

I have been here before when travelling through Chicago and I am usually happy about my visit. This time I was not. THERE IS A NO BAG POLICY CUURRENTLY ENFORCED. If you are from out-of-town without a car to leave your things in and have light luggage - YOU CAN NOT GET IN. There is nothing on the webpage that announces this policy. This should be on the first screen with the notification about vaccination history. Sorry guys, you really disappointed me. It was a long trip from the airport on public transit for nothing. UPDATE YOUR WEBPAGE!!! read more

Love this place. So many great people and an atmosphere that I could live in forever.

Alfonzo is EXTREMELY unprofessional, ignorant, and obviously on a power trip to belittle people in any shape or form. I decided to come here for a few hours until leaving for the airport at 3 AM. I had my luggage with me, kindly asked him to be careful of the shopping bags filled with one of a kind pieces that are not replaceable. He treated me with extreme disrespect. I called him out on it. Told him that the way he was talking to me and treating me was not kind. The problem with a person who constantly harasses people is that they continue to do so incessantly. After letting him know that he was harassing me he decided to tell me to take my belongings out of the lock box, disappeared and made a copy of my ID. I had difficulty understanding him when he told me that I'd have to lock my phone in the lock box. I was going to be using a room. So I questioned why I'd need to leave it in there. I had my prescribed medication on hand because i travel with it. He's arguably one of the worst employees in the space. There was also a overweight bald man working at the counter who was extremely unprofessional. I've reached out to the manager and have left a voicemail. I extremely recommend firing Alfonzo from Steamworks. It looks like he has had numerous problems with customers in the past. He does not have the best interest of the business in mind. I STRONGLY URGE TO FIRE ALFONZO IMMEDIATELY BEFORE A SITUATION PRESENTS ITSELF IN WHICH ANY MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ+ CAN FEEL THREATNED, HARASSED OR PUT IN DANGER. ALFONZO HARASSES STEAMWORKS CUSTOMERS ON THE REGULAR. read more

Completely and utterly awestruck at this embarrassment of an establishment. My partner and I were just turned away a few minutes ago for being "drunk." We are not drunk. The sorry excuses for cashiers at the entrance took a half hour to process the payments of one couple in front of us. During that time, I was quitely kissing my partner. Apparently that type of behavior is considered inebriated at this establishment. I'd like to remind everyone that this is a bathhouse that quite literally exists for making out and the like. So they lost out on the entrance fee of three of us total tonight as well as countless more dollars in the future. The cashiers didn't even talk to us - as soon as we got to the counter they assumed we were drunk. Just an absolute joke. Both of these cashiers had beards, didn't catch their names. 1:30am on 3/1. read more

Some of the most incredible people ever. Lost my shirt, phone died and visiting from New York. Was lost and kyler gage me a charger to get me home. 5 stars all around! read more

This is the WORST sauna in history! Rude attendants! Bad customer service! I'll give it one star because there are no negative star options! I cannot believe what just happened! I've never been treated this way by a gay establishment! I'm shocked! I've been to a few saunas to include a couple international ones. Who do they think they are? Btw, it's illegal and against the law to photo copy a government ID card without one's consent. It's punishable! Which they did! read more

Definitely very clean. Staff is always doing their job but they also do not play around. if you seem drunk or on drugs, they definitely will NOT let you in. Sometimes the lines and the wait can be very long but that's because there are so many dumb guys that bring backpacks full of shit. They have to examine them real closely and they definitely do. I like the place. Guys should have more respect for each other when they go there. I have been to a lot of bathhouses in my short life and aside from the bathhouses in Germany, this is one of best. read more

I had a friend who didn't speak prefect English trying to enter the establishment. Whiletrying to enter, they called him out on being inebriated. Meanwhile, he was perfectly communicating to his best ability; and we took care of it. We took care of it and him, but were quickly moved due to being inebriated as well. Worst experience ever. read more

I've been going to this place back when it was called, The Unicorn, so I'm unbiased in my former love for the place. Well on Sunday that love ended after their employee Alfonzo was rude and aggressive with me. I checked out by him and walked out the first set of doors then I saw a poster by the exit door showing the performers that we're going to be there for Market Days and snapped a pic. Alfonzo bangs on the glass and yells delete that pic, I said or what? He replies, Or you'll be 86'd from the club for good. I say that's fine, then he calls me a Fat B*tch and walks back to the front. I stand there in shock for a moment that an employee would curse at me and call me names over taking a picture of a damn poster. I left feedback on their website and no response, I'm not interested in going back. As I can see this place is run by rude people based on the bad reviews. It was a fun place, but treating customers like this is unacceptable. read more

they made me throw away a perfectly good cucumber at the door. couldn't even bring in my lube or amyl nitrates. what sort of sauna is this? Weird how this place pops up as the #1 search result when you type in "glory hole" on Yelp search tho read more

If you want a safe, clean, and fun environment to hang out, hook up, and relax this is the place for you.

I celebrated my Dirty Flirty Thirty @ Steamworks Chicago...best birthday ever! Thee Most Handsome Men Ever, Thee Cleanest Environment, Friendly Staff and patrons...I'll be back Friday!## read more

Visiting town for work. Never been embarrassed and disrespected ever in my life. Friday night, wanted to go back to Steamworks since this is my last night. During the check in a front desk guy was extremely rude,and in the end told me, i am not feel comfortable to let you in. I do have an accent, since i just moved to US a few years ago, but it still does not let you bring very rude. When i called to get a name of the manager,the person who answered was swearing on the phone,making rude comments( phone conversation was recorded and person was confirmed). If you are going to refuse someone, at least not be rude and racist Please give me a contact information of the person who is managing this facility. Please refund my credit card ( $48) and return my ID read more

I like this place & I've been going here since the late eighties but tonight was the first time I experienced bad customer service. I was checking out, standing by the window closest to the exit. The other window had a stack of clean towels in front of them for the customers. It was not that busy, but one of the employees checking people in looked over at me three times, each time making eye contact. I could see there was more than two people working the check in window. I did not ring the bell because I was in no hurry & I knew that the employee had already seen me. When he finally came over, instead of coming to the window where I was standing, he went to the one where the towels were, pushed the towles aside, and motioned for the guy standing behind me to come to the window. It was the same employee that made eye contact with me. The guy behind me motioned for me to go first. I step over to the next window and from that moment there was this attitude from Javier (the employee). I don't know where this came from but between the banging on the keyboard, asking me three times what my name was & staring at the key I gave him and staring at me, like is this your key. He did not ask me anything he just stared at me. The key does not have anyone's name on it, you have to get the I.D. and look at the individual to confirm they are you they say they are. I've never met Javier before, so I did not understand what was going on. He then flings my ID & keys out of the lock box. It does not matter what your job is, but professionalism should be a requirement, attitude should not. He needs to take 5, 10 or however long to readjust or be placed where he does not have to deal directly with people. read more

Nice please I had fun but it can get pit crazy with the older guys they like to hunt down the younger guys and they follow you like a little puppy read more

Very clean, friendly/non-sketchy staff, and awesome facility. Have hooked up with some of the hottest guys ever here. Other times, not so lucky. It all depends on when you go. Love the glory holes and it's a huge facility. Easy to get lost. I've been to bathhouses in Atlanta, Columbus, and Denver, and Steamworks really sets the bar high. read more