Cleveland Schvitz is body and soul retreat. Schvitz is a local enigma with an impressive legacy in Cleveland, originally opened in 1927 as Mount Pleasant Russian-Turkish Bathhouse. As someone of Russian descent, I deeply appreciated how the business retained the spirit of banya (bathhouse) with an all day affair - steam, cold/hot therapy, platza, hearty meals, and communal feel. I just visited the Schvitz for the first time and already very eager to return. RESERVATIONS: Cleveland Schvitz is open regular days for men. Select Sundays are reserved for women and co-ed. Check out their Instagram (Schvitz.Cleveland) for posted monthly dates. You can make a reservation via phone (text) and receive all relevant details. Payments will be made onsite. Reservations can be made for individuals or groups. The current admission is $150 per person for the entire day at the Schvitz with unlimited steam, cold plunge, cold showers, patio access, food, lockers (with locks), towels, some drinks included, and champagne on ladies days. Add-ons includes massage ($45 for half hour), platza ($25), and additional food. It is customary to tip. The business takes cash, card and Venmo with convenience charge. The price is very reasonable if you consider that you're retreating the entire day, eating a hearty meal, and experiencing an ancient tradition. Arrive (don't mind the neighborhood, the place is gated, guarded, and feels safe), pay, get a tour, and unwind. HEAT: Steam room at the Schvitz is a huge, old school space with multiple seat levels catering to your heat tolerance (lower level for cool, top level for hot). It's the largest steam room I have ever seen. You can visit the steam room as many times as your heart desires. You can use the sauna au natural if you're visiting on gender days (men's or women's) or in a swimsuit if you wish. Platza ritual is performed in the steam room. It is an ancient tradition that you absolutely must experience. You'll be scrubbed with branches (veniks), body scrub, and herbal soaps. It is meant to exfoliate, improve circulation, cleanse, renew, and serve as an aromatic experience. It makes you fully relax, be present, and feels like a rebirth. Ask for a cool towel over your head to cool down. Sign up for the ritual in the steam room. COLD: Cold plunge (indoor pool), showers, and patio are available to cool you down. I'm an avid cold plunger. I recommend heat then plunge. MASSAGE: Multiple massage therapists are available with sign-up sheets. All massage therapists have their own style, and pressure levels. I experienced deep tissue massage with Eugene, it was amazing! My friends all experienced someone different, and enjoyed unique approaches. FOOD/DRINKS: Traditionally, bathhouse (banya) is meant to be an all-day experience with a feast that is communal and celebratory. This tradition is alive and well at the Schvitz. You will be assigned a table and can eat at any time or the whole time. Your admission includes a meal with choices: angus rib steak, Schvitz burger, BBQ chicken breast, ahi tuna, salmon, vegetarian or vegan meals. Their steak was recently voted as the best and it's so tasty! One of the best I've ever had! Get the steak! Steak became part of the meals here because one of the previous owners used to be a butcher. Steak comes with veggies (peppers and potatoes). Your meal will also include bread, salad, pickled veggies platter (lightly pickled pickles are so delicious)! You can also have add-ons, herring with sour cream ($15) really satisfied us! There will be A LOT of food included but you can bring even more food! My group brought hummus, cheese, side salads (like potato), and dessert. Others brought charcuterie boards and fruit. Expect to go home with LOTS OF FOOD! All food at the Schvitz is exceptional. I'm a tough critic but I really mean it! Cooler with drinks is available including seltzers, beer, and N/A beverages. You can BYOB. SERVICE: The service at the Schvitz is truly exceptional. I practically live at spas and saunas, haven't experienced service as good anywhere else. All staff were courteous, professional, friendly, and attentive. We felt like VIP guests, a shared feeling in the space. I loved talking to the owners Billy and Michelle about Schvitz's history. MERCH: Check out Schvitz merch - tees, hoodies, robes, hats, cigars. You can also buy a book "Sweaty Stories from the Cleveland Schvitz." It's a must read before you go! It contains history, anecdotes, and makes you deeply appreciate the space. WHAT TO BRING: Very few things - robe (for communal space) and flip flops. Everything else is in abundance, but you can BYOB, bring food, and cigars. I was very impressed with Cleveland Schvitz. Everything was amazing - service, food, steam, community, and history. I'm very grateful to all staff for making us feel like part of the family. It's a deeply relaxing experience, a must visit! Get to the Schvitz! I'll be back very soon! read more

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Such an amazing, relaxing day! Starts at noon, goes til about 5 or so on Ladies Day and Co-ed days. Sauna, cold plunge, showers, towels, delicious steak dinner (or fish or vegetarian) for one all inclusive price! Can add on 30 min massage and/or Platza for extra charge. BYOB so enjoy your own wine, booze, or beers, as well as whatever snacks you want to bring! Theres also nonalcoholic beverages available and some beer and hard seltzer choices too, included in your price! The sauna is perfect! Depending on where you sit will determine how hot you get, closer to the floor is cooler, closer to the ceiling is hotter. The Platza is a great add on in the sauna. The guy who does it is cute! My massage was also great! Both add on options have a sign up sheet to book, and just bring cash and tip for the services! The dinner is absolutely delicious! The dressing for the salad is so delish, the warm crusty bread is hearty and tasty, and the steak dinner!!! Best in Cleveland!! Steak is coated in garlic and perfectly cooked to temperature! The service is phenomenal and the day at the Schvitz is everything you could hope for!!! Be sure to tip when you are checking in, all the staff splits it and everyone takes such good care of you. Don't worry about the area, there is a parking lot attendant and the building itself is very secure. Enjoy!!!! ***Don't wear your smartwatch in the sauna. I broke my Apple Watch, I think it became overheated *** read more

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There's no school like the old school! It's (refreshingly) like going back in time 50 years... The steak was amazing! read more

Awesome, amazing food, the steak was perfectly cooked and delicious. Truly a perfect experience.

Been going here for many many years. Started with dad when I was 20, now 67 and go once or twice a year with friends and family. Love it.

Schvitz is the goat but I simply cannot explain the immaculate vibes in a review. Check out the pics of their steak and bread it's some of the best food I've ever had in my life. Would give 6 stars if I could! read more

Since 1930 , this is a vintage authentic steam / bath house .. 2 different types of steam rooms , with large cold plunge pool .. Backing up with a great upstairs restaurant and outdoor patio.... Excellent place to relax and make new friends .. challenge you to try it read more

A very unique and one of a kind experience! An all day relaxing time. The sauna is big , stay in as long as you can. The bottom of the bleachers is the most comfortable for me , the top is HOT ! Cool down pool shocks the toxins right out of you. Smoke cigars , BYOB, bring snacks. Large room with lots of table space. You get your choice of dinner. Huge burger , salmon and my favorite , a HUGE steak that is delicious! There's a dim lit locker room right behind the main room. Massages available most of the time. There's cots in there if you want a nap. I highly recommend going , get a group of friends and make a day of it. read more

Best bit of heaven in Cleveland! Better than the Cavs, Browns and Indian Guardians. Steam and food and massage are the finest in the USA. Needs to be open 365 days a year. read more

The Schvitz - Ready to eat and sweat. - Day Spas Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

There is no better male bonding experience that I have encountered! And to boot, the steaks are THE BEST! There truly is no place like this anywhere! A little expensive, but worth it! A guaranteed great time! read more

The beauty is in the simplicity. They offer domestic beers, massages to start... dinner time theres a starter salad and MASSIVE steaks with roasted garlic topping coming standard, and a TV for games. Massive sauna and ice pool. Bring just about whatever you want; snacks, cigars, liquor, bathing suit etc read more

I had a great time at the Schvitz with my family and brother-in-law! I especially enjoyed introducing my friends and family to my favorite place for relaxing stress free. Plan to visit again very soon! read more

This is truly one of the best experiences! Amazing food every time and even have vegan and vegetarian options available. All the workers there make you feel right at home. read more

This is the best place for a man to get a man steak and a steam ever. If you dont go here Atleast one time in your life you are a cuck

When you go Shvitz, you go Shvitz. Go there with the group of guys, and just have a good time. When you are there, you definitely need to be open to sitting and talking with others. It is an experience like no other, food is great, and BYOB read more

Best steaks in Cleveland. One of the few prohibition era steam baths in the country! It's a great experience. Highly recommend.

I have been coming here for over 15 years. (Between 10-14 time a season) Sadly to say the days of its prime are long gone. Over the course of the last 4 year I've watched billy let this place go more and more. It's actually sad to see what was a legendary building turn into a sub par smoky cafeteria. The price has increased every year to ridiculous amounts. It's now $150 without tip. The quality of it's of food and suffered severely as well. If you go don't expect to eat before 9:00pm. If you ask about the status of food expect a huge attitude to be redirected to you or worst of all straight up informed to your face. There are never any dry towels anymore. You will sit in a wet towel for the duration of your stay unless you let them sell you on a crappy waist robe. They have one employee (thick black rimmed glasses) who is probably the reason this place is going downhill. He is rude, careless and worst of all thinks he's funny. Each table mocks him behind his back as he walks away thinking he's hot stuff. He is the punching bag of the groups entertainment. He has no clue how people see him. Overall this place has lost its charm and it's losing a quality fan base every week. I truly hope Billy reads this and can make the changes necessary to fix it back on track but until then the party of 16 we run with are all taking a hiatus and not returning. read more

absolutely the best steam bath in the country ! I've been going there since the early 70s ! I was introduced there by my brother in law ! it was more like a family gathering of the men! the steaks on a wooden platter was great ! it was like the old mafia's hangout ' I remember Danny Green was there ! had a steak with him ! only to find out 2 weeks later his car was bombed ! ion Maple hts ! at the paramount parking lot ! he was a gangster ! did not know that ! this place you will never know who you are talking with !! a very secured place ! when you go in thru the gates ! there was security at the gate ! in the middle of the hood! the food is the best! the steam is out of this world! we would go in get our locker ! head to the steam bath ! truly a rock sauna ! about a half hour in ! then the ice cold plunge into the freezing water of the pool ! back then it was filled with ice ! then after that comes the steak ! with mushrooms ! then a nice cigar ! after all of that ! then the famous massage ! I was invited to go ! did I not know my brother in law was tied into the mafia! we went in and was treated like the god father ! I know it's in the hood ! But I assure you the people that lives around there no better then to mess around with us ! A 10 is the best ! Best times ever read more

Best guys hangout anywhere - byob cigars and apps, get the steak (go big) with garlic, peppers and onions. Ultra hot steam and super refreshing plunge pool. Can't say enough so won't bother saying more - just get there if you can and bring your man pants. read more

This place is amazing. Not in the best part of town, but screw you pal. Let's say you had a rough week and it's time to relax and kibbitz with the guys. Here's what you do. You round up some guys from the office. Possible clients, co-workers, your boss, that guy who's doing real well on your team, whomever. You pile into a car and go here. Go down the deserted dead end alley and park in the lot. If the outside is snowy and dismal, all the better! Walk in the building. You're going to go up some stairs, and maybe think you're entering a death trap, that's normal. Go into the darkened room and sign yourself up for a message. Stash your clothes, don a towel, and head for the steam room. Here's where you sit and let everything leave your system. Sit high, it's good for you. Here's where you joke about life, make fun of each other, "Hey Bill, stop looking at my junk!" - maybe dump a bucket of freezing cold water on your head. Walk out and submerge in the insanely cold pool. Rinse. Repeat. Yeah. Mosey upstairs for that massage, then take a nap. You break from your slumber to meander in to the kitchen to order pickled herring for all. Steak and Beer for yourself. More talking should occur, but you are now to relaxed for the bullshitting element, so have a real conversation. Then you leave this shangri-la and venture forth back into the world a better man. read more

The Best time some friends can have without being arrested. Awesome steak. Awesome Stogies. Catch a steam a massage and be home by 10 pm. But and its a very big BUT........you have to know a guy. Sincerely RD read more

The other reviews are accurate as far as the description of the place goes. If you expect a sparkling spa experience, avoid this. If sitting around with a bunch of cigar-smoking, bourbon-drinking naked guys sounds bad to you, then stay away. If you like an 'old school' experience, then relax, have fun and go in with low expectations. That way you won't be disappointed. (BYOB - as in Booze or wine -- no beer, they have that and you can't bring it.) I also brought broccoli to have with my steak (which was perfectly cooked) and took some mild ribbing from Mark, who runs the place. Don't chicken out on jumping in the 40 degree pool between the blazingly hot (steam/sauna) Schvitz! read more

Amazing experience. One of the best steaks you will ever have. I'm not even sure how much more you need to know.

Nice little men's club. Yes men only. It's an experience, but very relaxing and rewarding. Good kosher food. Nice big cuts of meat, very well flavored and onions and garlic are almost a must. The food was amazing. read more

The place is awesome. It's not just about the steam or the food both of which are unique and fantastic, but rather the experience and the memories. My father first brought me there when I was 5, in 1970. He is now 90 and still tries to go weekly. He and his friends, some for over 50 years, sit and kibbitz about everything from the Browns to how good the herring is. I would not change a thing about this place or trade any of the memories I have had there with my father, family, and friends. read more

Always a great day at the Schvitz. Twice a year with a group of guys that can drink, eat and relax for a whole day for $100 bill is a great time. read more

Amazing experience, great place to getaway to relax with a group of guys or by yourself! Highly highly recommend !

No cell phones allowed and no listed phone number. It's sort of like Fight Club... what's the first rule of Fight Club?

I went to the Schvitz for the first time a few weeks ago. I had heard about it from my Father who had gone there for many, many years and raived about the atmosphere, food, steam, cold pool, and a great place to "get business done". I walked in and beleive me it is a "no frills" operation. This kind of added to the over-all feel of the place. It was like something out of a wise guy movie. That I liked. The steam room was good and hot (160 degrees), the cold pool was cold (40 degrees), after a couple of hot and cold sessions, I was refreshed and "good to go". After a "Schvitz" I adjourned to the dining room. The smell of good cigars, "the fellas" BS'ing, and a cold adult beverage of your choice was as good as it gets. I ordered a steak and was very disappointed. I beleive the steaks were "Utility Grade" and not USDA Prime or Choice. It was good sized, and seasoned well. However, It was fatty, poor marbling, and full of gristle. I can not with good conscience recommend anyone to go to the Schvitz for the food (at least the steaks). The Steam, and over-all atmosphere is unique and a real experience, however, I would do like a few of the regulars did that I saw there. Bring your own wine, cheese, crackers, and have the cook's there grill the sausage you brought, and tip them for the effort. Too bad, it could be a lot better but all in all the 1927 building and steam is the draw, if it were the food alone, the schvitz would have folded long ago........ Go there and enjoy the steam, and bring your own snacks! read more

A true speakeasy house. Very hot steam room - ice cold pool - steak with garlic piled 3 inches high - bring your own vodka. and when you get tired, you go lay down in one of the cots for a nap. It just does not get better than that. read more

The Schvitz is the real deal, for real men. If you can't handle a sauna, cold pool and a steak, you shouldn't be schvitzing anyway. Schvitz is where guys go to sweat away the stresses of 60 hour work weeks, an overbooked calendar and an annoying girlfriend(s). Use the city's best sauna to literally sweat out your stress. Then, invigorate your body in the cold pool, and lie on the stone beds to soak it all in. Vodka should be interspersed throughout. Then, enjoy the thickest steak you've ever eaten. Wash it down with another few rounds of vodka. Share war stories with your friends, and make plans to make some new stories. Then sweat and swim some more. If not having to rear children and deal with menopause doesn't make you happy enough to be a man, schvitz. It's what being a man is all about. read more

For any potential Schvitz go-ers out there, don't expect anymore pictures than the ones already listed on this page. First, all cell phones must be turned off and second you really don't want to see those pictures. Its pretty scary just driving up to this place - a nondescript brick building that looks like its been there forever in a not-so-great area of town. Upon walking in you see some old ovens they cook in with a few guys in the kitchen and a desk with a boat load of locks on it. Grab a lock, grab a towel and sandals if you like and head to the back locker room area where you strip down to your birthday suit and towel it up. Make sure to bring everything you need at this point because you wont have a key to your locker at this point. You can bring whatever food you want as well as liquor and wine (no beer because they serve it here). Head to the area with the tables with your charcuterie board and bourbon and sit there with a bunch of other naked men and enjoy your time. Cigars are welcomed here and you will see many people with them. The best way to describe this place is an old school russian or jewish male only bath house. The three biggest things they offer is a large sauna, a freezing cold pool and massages for $20 a pop. I only "schvitz'ed" here, no massage for me. The sauna is ridiculously hot...and don't even think about going to the top of the stadium seating in there because its gotta be 50 degrees hotter up there. I actually had a very hard time breathing. Thermometer says 220 up there...seems high but it could be close to that. After you tolerate as much as possible in there you shock your system with a very cold pool (my guess is 35-40 degrees)...be prepared for more shrinkage than you have ever had before. When you are done with this routine head back up to sip on more of your favorite drink and BS with your boys. You can order a steak here but its really not that great. They are mammoth sized rib eye steaks sold for around $40 that has more garlic than anything ever should on it. It wasn't for me, but that really wasn't a big deal. They charge you about $30 just to walk in the doors here, but if you don't order anything (and bring whatever you want for the most part) you can have a long, very enjoyable experience here for cheap. It truly is a unique experience...something that you cannot find everywhere. Its a little weird and its old and musty looking but I would go back again. Just avoid looking at all the genitals. read more

The Schvitz is an institution that is integral to all things male. It is one of my fondest memories and I look forward to it every year. I moved to Cincinnati a few years ago and make it at least once a year. The first time I went all the stops were pulled out. I was with a group of my friends dad and his friends. Wednesdays they are closed because they are open for groups. As you can read in the other posts, we sweated and dunked in the pool a few rounds, got a massage from Boris, a Soviet defector who was a surgeon when he was in the Soviet Union and when he came stateside with his family, took up several jobs but lately a very sought after masseuse. After the massage I took a nap on a cot and got woken up by the smell of the steaks. We all gathered at the table and feasted on the biggest steak ive ever had, and I've had some big ass steaks. After that we laughed, talked , drank, and napped a bit more before we said our goodbyes and got on our way. Any true man should visit here at least once. One of the most charming places I've ever been. read more

The Shvitz is alive and well. It is not closed and everything is the same as it has been for many years. This past Thursday took a steam, passed on a massage and had a steak covered in garlic. The place was crowded and dinner was fun with strangers sharing food, drink, and cigars. read more

The Shvitz is a Jewish tradition in Cleveland that has been discovered by guys of all stripes. It's great. Years ago they had a ladies night once a week, but in this day and age no woman would step inside. The place has been there forever and looks it. I understand that now days you get a lock to use that is private. It used to be that one communal key opened all the locks on the lockers. They also have an armed guard in the parking lot and plenty of cops as customers. My routine was to take a shvitz and a playtzeh in the steam room. (It is NOT a sauna -- it is very wet heat). When I came out I avoided the pool of ice water because I think it's the same water my grandfather dipped in - talk about a gene pool! That water hasn't been changed since Bentske yorn. After a shower, I retire to the cots wrapped in a sheet in the darkened locker room. My buddies and I all grab a beer - Cincy cream ale is best - and kibitz on the cots in hushed tones for a while. Some may catch a few zzzz. It's also this time when a massage is a good idea. After a nice rest, it's time to go into the kitchen for supper. A juicy rib steak served on a wood plank and covered in garlic. Add to that fresh rye bread with butter and a slice of pickled red pepper. You want salad? - you get a nice slice of onion. The appetizer is a slice of matjes herring - an acquired taste but one that I acquired as a small child. Back in the days when Gay Solomon owned the Shvitz it always seemed to cost $28 no matter what I got. Don't forget to tip the Playtzeh or the masseur. The Shvitz is hard to find but it's a great trip back in time to 1920 or so. Try it! read more

Bummer. Found this place, looking forward to sweat, massage, steak. Even brought a cigar. Was told i could not stay unless i knew someone. I assume they are trying to keep out the riffraff, but that info upfront would have helped. From what I saw, pretty rustic! read more