11516 Luke Avenue, Cleveland
Tue 12 - 9PM
4.8
★★★★★
83 reviews
“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'”
