Dillon's Russian Steam Bath

Overview

Dillon’s Russian Steam Bath is the oldest steam bath in the United States, established in 1885 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. This historic landmark, tucked away on Chestnut Street at the corner of Williams Avenue near the Maurice Tobin Bridge, preserves the ancient traditions of the Russian Shvitz (banya), rooted in Russia and Eastern Europe. Under the ownership of Lisa Rizzo since 1999, it blends time-honored European methods with modern updates, earning accolades like Voted Best of Boston.

The overall atmosphere is intensely therapeutic and rejuvenating, featuring a high-heat steam chamber with granite rocks reaching nearly 180°F on upper benches. Visitors sweat out toxins, experience profound relaxation, and emerge feeling “ten years younger” with baby-soft skin. The experience evokes a sense of history and ritual, from tsars to peasants, combining heat, platza treatments, and communal lounging for detoxification, stress relief, and wellness.

Features & Amenities

• High-heat Steam Chamber: Fiery hot granite rocks, upper benches at ~180°F; cold water buckets and sponges for cooling.
• Platza Bench: Dedicated area for oak leaf broom treatments.
• Traditional Wet Steam Room: High humidity for optimal health benefits.
• Showers: Plenty available for post-treatment refresh.
• Snack Bar: Small selection for light refreshments.
• Large Screen Television: Entertainment in relaxation areas.
• Lounge Area: Spacious with comfortable chairs for post-shvitz recovery.
• Additional Perks: Gift certificates, rentals available; no credit cards accepted (cash only).

Services

• General Admission: 2-hour session in steam facilities.
• Platza Treatment: Oil rub with oak leaf broom (venik) soaked in hot soapy water; described as “Jewish acupuncture” – opens pores, removes toxins and dead skin.
• Oil Rub Massage:
  • ½ hour: Therapeutic sports-style rub tailored to injuries or wellness.
  • 1 hour: Extended relaxation and recovery session.

These services promote sweating benefits like calorie burn, toxin excretion (cadmium, lead, etc.), immune boost, pain relief, and cardiovascular stimulation.

Pricing

• Admission (2 hours): $36.00
• Platza: $24.00
• Oil Rub (½ hour): $40.00
• Oil Rub (1 hour): $60.00

Gift certificates available. No credit cards accepted – cash only. Rentals offered for private or group use.

Location & Hours

Primary Location

• 77 Chestnut Street, Chelsea, MA 02150
• Phone: 617-884-9434
• Email: rizroc@verizon.net
• Google Maps: View Location

New Location (Dillon’s Health Spa)

• 81 Copeland St., Quincy, MA 02169
• Phone: 617-549-3484

Operating Hours (Gender-Specific)

• Monday (Women Only – Ladies Night, 20+ years): 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Tuesday – Friday (Men Only): 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday (Men Only): 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday (Men Only): 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Open seven days a week all year (note past closures like June 30–July 20 for vacation).

Notes

• Historic Significance: Over 120 years in business; woman-owned by Lisa Rizzo, who overcame challenges to thrive; now family legacy with son involved.
• Unique Differentiators: Authentic Russian banya with optimal heat/humidity balance (unlike dry Finnish saunas or low-heat Turkish hammams); platza with fresh oak leaves as natural exfoliant; profound health effects backed by ancient wisdom (e.g., Parmenides: “Create a fever to cure disease”).
• Wellness Focus: Detox, de-stress, recharge; boosts metabolism, immunity, pain relief; ideal for fat loss, arthritis, infections.
• Community Ties: Chelsea Heritage Grant support; Mondays as women-only tribute to Lisa’s late husband.
• Expansion: New Dillon’s Health Spa in Quincy for broader access to shvitz experiences.