Entry No. 10 — the Boston file — filed under: banya

Dillon's Russian Steam Bath

Opened in 1885 and billed as the oldest steam bath in the United States, Dillon's is a family-run shvitz where granite chambers hit nearly 180 degrees and an attendant will thrash you with an oak-leaf broom soaked in hot soapy water — the traditional platza — while regulars play cards between rounds. It's been women-owned and run by Lisa Rizzo since 1999, and men's and women's days are strictly separated on the schedule.

The move: Go on a mixed-gender-appropriate day, split up for the single-sex steam and platza, then reconvene in the cool lounge to compare who lasted longer on the top bench — the $40 two-hour admission and $24 platza add-on make it a cheap, genuinely strange couple hours.

• 📍 Chelsea, MA
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Indoor or outdoor

Where: 77 Chestnut Street, Chelsea, MA 02150

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · bostonglobe.com · bostonmagazine.com

last checked: 2026-07-20