I was a loyal visitor here, for a period of about 30 months. I came in about once a month, enjoyed the facilities, and always minded my behavior (I.e. I never misused the facilities, or gave anyone else there a hard time). That abruply changed last January, tho. I showed up, checked in, then was followed by an employee downstairs. He told me that I was no longer allowed there. When I demanded an explanation, I was only told by the front desk person that her boss had made this decision, and only giving some vague explanation about 'your last visit'. My 'last visit' had gone perfectly fine, no different than any of my previous ones. No one said anything to me about my breaking the rules. So this begs the question as to why I was banned from the place. My follow-up e-mail to them went unanswered, and they also did not cooperate with the Better Business Bureau when I filed a formal complaint with them. I don't deny that Spa 88 has the right to refuse service to individuals, but HOW they went about this is pretty lame. The reason? I was never given any legitimate reason for this ban. From now on, I am taking my business to the Russian and Turkish Baths in Greenwich Village - a place I frequented before I discovered this place, and whose owners actually treat me decently. read more

This is one of my favorite escapes in NYC. It's old school: covered in brick, warm lighting, questionable sauna art, and great vibes. You can hear the trains rumbling from the shvitz. The infrared, steam, shvitz, sauna, cold plunge, cafeteria beer circuit will give you the best natural euphoria you've very experienced. Oh, and it also has a pool, hot tub, smoking room, and VIP room. This place is cavernous. Sometimes I imagine it's connected to the entirety of underground Manhattan. But no one go. I want this place to myself. read more

Spa 88 Restaurant - American Near Me - New York, New York

Myrlene is awsome!!! Best massage i ever had. Had an amazing experience! When i say she got in there, she was amazing. My body feels like new. Deffinatly going back!!! Also recommended affordable products to use on my skin. Great customer service. The girl that checked me in was very nice also. Great architecture! True russian barh house. Lots of diffrent rooms. I was amazed. Thanks Myrlene! Your amazing read more

Excellent authentic experience. It is rare for saunas to get so hot (which research shows is necessary for health benefits). Also great Eastern European food (Borscht, Pelmeni)... read more

I was distraught about how Matryoshka restaurant treated our friend. When we tried to confirm if one of the dishes was gluten-free, the staff became irritated and rude, "Everything here has gluten." It is simply not true. Many Russian dishes are naturally gluten-free. Celiac Disease is not a trendy food choice but a severe condition. In a city such as New York, it is familiar enough that labeling items GF on a menu would increase business. Being rude to chronically ill people is cruel. All the saunas and pools were just as I remembered them. The cold room is an excellent alternative to a cold plunge. I am shocked that this spa did not use lockdown time as an opportunity to freshen up the place. The peeling paint and rust and unappealing. Thing "Soviet Rustic" style. For the $55 entry fee, robes should be complementary. Instead, it is an additional $8. The robes and the towels, while clean, look like something grandmother had used for about 40 years. read more

I have been visiting Spa 88 for the past 12 years and have been there 3 times within the past month. I have reached my boiling point and will not step foot in here ever again. Let's start with my experience from the past three weeks. 3 weeks ago: we reserved a couch for our party of several people - the couch was given away. The waiter, named Dimilyan (long for DEBIL) shrugged his shoulders and said "Oh well, what do you want me to do about it". I kept quiet and did not want to escalate the situation. His service was terrible (you have 1 job - soups come with spoons, 5 people, require 5 cups, not 2). 2 weeks ago: we made a reservation for a specific couch to fit our party of 7 people. I called several times to confirm the reservation prior to our arrival and referenced back to what happened 3 weeks ago. The front desk said that they are aware of our reservation and we have nothing to worry about. Everything seemed as planned until we arrived there. We are greeted, sign all waivers and proceed downstairs. To my surprise, my reservation was given away. When I proceeded to go upstairs, I ask the young lady at the desk if she knows why it was given away. She immediately becomes defensive and begins to yell telling me that she told Dimilyan downstairs and I should go speak with him. I go to speak with Debil. He tells me that the party was sitting there before he arrived to work; doesn't make any sense since the front desk told me that he sat them. He then proceeds to tell me that I should tell them to move. I laughed and told them that I obviously would not be doing his job and would never allow for him to tell the party to move. It's not their fault that Spa 88 cannot manage their business appropriately. The service once again was atrocious. We ordered soups which come with, spoons and bread. Yet again, he forgets the spoon. Brings the bread, drops it on the table and all over his tray. We ask him to change the bread since he just dropped it on the table and picked it up with his hands and threw it in a plate. Debil asks why? We explain to him that he was just cleaning a table and now he is touching the bread with his bare hands. His response: 'Well, you know, they don't have gloves on in kitchen either'. Again, I was baffled by his response. A few minutes after my arrival, the other half of my party arrived. The front desk did not want to let them in, although we had a reservation. They claim that they no longer allow kids. Shouldn't you outline your new guidelines when we make a reservation? Way to go. We debated our way inside and and all they asked of us was to not go into the pool. Shouldn't you just have said that from the beginning? As we were leaving for the day, they tried pulling the same on another family with a daughter. We spoke up and they allowed the family inside. Oh, and they did add that they will charge our child as an adult if they are letting him in. LOL Today: We walk inside with bottles of water. The usual desk girl is here. She tells us that we cannot come inside with our water and then proceeds to walk around the desk to check our bags. At this point I've had it. And then from the corner office emerges a 6'4" beluga whale, called Dima. I couldn't take it any longer. I expressed my feelings and walked out. Dima, your management is poor. It's sad to see that you have dragged the business down the drain at a time where quality of service is of utmost importance. I spend a minimum $400-$500 each time I visit. You just lost that. My recommendation is to get rid of your current staff. Patrons should be welcomed appropriately and with good energy. Get rid of the front desk, it was so much better when Santa would work there. We felt welcomed. Get rid of Debil you have working downstairs. Poor customer service and is very argumentative. This not just me saying this. I've seen several unhappy patrons the last few times. I can only imagine what happens other days. Don't you recognize an issue? Oh and by the way, declining entry with my bottled water is illegal or there must be available free water at all times. read more

Believe me the place is disgusting but it's amazing. Hasn't changed at all since it opened and is a good price. Food is good except don't get the latkas they are so bad. Love this place though read more

So disappointed. Cockroaches? Yes! Lots? Oh yes. Price hikes and smaller portions make this place so much less desirable. Was my favorite banya once. Don't think I'll be back. read more

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I've been here a few times, and enjoyed my past experiences. However, last night I went in a group of 10 and while I was showering noticed a huge cockroach on the wall. This spa isn't luxurious or pretentious, and that was what I liked most about it! The roach just demonstrates how unhygienic this place is. In addition, the pool was extremely dirty and PH/ Chlorine balance was too high. Lastly, the women working at front desk last night, April 28th, 2019 was rude and tried to overcharge my friends for robes and food they never ordered! Just disappointed with this spa overall. read more

It all feels very real: stone, wood, and heat. People come here to sweat, cool, and repeat, but note that we've all accepted styrofoam, plastic tables, rough towels, and indifferent staff. Part of the charm? Should you have time: Indulge in some fabulous borscht, sample the homemade fries, smoke in a private room, chat with colleagues, veg in front of their big-screen, or have a few drinks. The "Russian Sauna" way exceeds 200 degrees. It's dark and looks ancient. Polite staff come in regularly to douse the flame and clear all towels etc. The Schvitz, too, is piping hot, but the buckets of water are chilllly. The steam room has a great tea tree aroma on top of being way way steamy and damn strong. I know that the infrared sauna boasts health benefits, but it doesn't feel as hot or cleansing as other options, so I usually skip it. Meanwhile, the cold pool is FREEZING. Even colder than the icy showers offered and topping glacial melt. For real. Upstairs, the swimming pool is just as cool as it should be, compared to the balmy hot tub. Both are a little scummy though. $45 gets each guest a locker key, unlimited towels, community sandals, and as much time as they want indoors. Extras are charged to the locker number and settled upon exiting. 4 hours easily. I've never felt uncomfortable in this coed banya. Though the majority of patrons are either bro-ey or super-Russian, everyone minds their business. read more

Horrible customer service! Arrogant staff! Seems like the waiters first day and has no idea what's going on.

It was first place from spa where I went when I moved to New York. I love there infrared sauna, jacuzzi, warm pool, cold pool (which is really cold) Food is awesome! When I'm near I even go there just to have lunch or dinner! read more

It's great place for me very affordable good food and beer the environment is great no kids, just don't have people playing cards in the infrared room just the only annoying thing... read more

Worst customer service ever, if I can give 0 stars that's what I would do. Very rude staff and they don't care when you have a problem. People pay good money here just for staff to be careless. Last time I was there I made a reservation for my birthday and I made sure to double confirm I get a table and when I get there they said I don't have a table.. don't have your hopes up coming here. read more

Ewwww No! If you respect yourself and want to have an actual relaxing experience, DO NOT go there . I can't say much about food , but the actual spa was gross: water bugs in the pool, yellow stains on towels( use them as floor mops , for crying out loud! Do not give them to live people !), no toilet paper , everything is old and feels just filthy ! I was grossed out to even put my feet in the water ! When we complained at the front desk about bugs in the pool, we got an attitude! The girl was like " it's New York, what do you expect ?!"... what??!!!! No no no no ! I didn't leave right away only because I was with friends and they seemed to enjoy the steam room, but it's my first and last time ! Common people, it's a great location for such an awful spa! read more

There is plenty of good russian banyas do not come to this one. There was 2 roaches I seen one on the chair at the eating area and one by the staircase. This place is filthy, can't imagine how they're cooking in the kitchen with roaches. Everything is on different floors so it was really annoying to keep running up and down the stairs. They also tried to charge to eat on their table, one of the most absurd things I ever heard. There was roughly 5 people in the entire banya on a weekday we ordered food drinks...etc. how do you try to charge a table fee. Stay away from this place, front desk lady is very rude too she should be fired. read more

Been here a few times awesome place. Very private and peaceful. Me and my lady love this spot we go once a month for a relaxation. The masseuse there give the best massages you can imagine she makes me feel like I ha e a new back every time I leave. Speaking about it makes me want to go back tomorrow lol. Definitely a place to check out if you looking for a nice relaxing getaway for a few hours. They also have a private room you can go in. But it's a little extra to rent out the room. We never tried it because we feel like we in the spa by ourselves any way. read more

For the restaurant, food was surprisingly good. Chicken kebabs delicious, very well cooked. The Banya itself is just ok. Does the trick. 3 1/2 starts for me read more

Cool place. A friend brought us here. Authentic Russian experience. Cool location in the spa. If i was a local, I'd probably buy a membership. read more

First time I attended I had a chicken kebab with mash patato and salad asked for no spices or onions or peppers got acid reflux stomach problem also ordered bottle of water , I went from restaurant floor were I ate by the pool sat by VIP room steps didnt feel good felt nauseous barely made it to the bathroom threw up all the food I ate , the service horrible yana was the waitress and later she was the cashier I asked for manger she ca0me was rude wouldn't give me her name or help me out didnt even consider asking how I felt didnt care was rude I told her it wasn't about the money I paid the bill full no reduced anything or courtesy never eating here again rude manger unprofessional no respect . I did get onions and spices in my kebab. Once again when I asked the manger for her name she gave me the name of the establishment spa 88 very rude . read more

I sent my friend here with his two daughters and it was not a pleasant experience for them. There tables were not cleared once during the entire evening and the spa was overall dirty (which is not how it usually is). What really bothered me though is when i called and spoke to the manager to inquire what happened and see what he would do to rectify the situation, he apologized for the experience and said "I will do nothing." He then became agitated, started raising his voice and said that if anyone has complaints, they can go elsewhere and go fuck themselves. I sensed this guy was under extreme stress, as i do feel for him because as I had learned they were short-staffed that evening. I was able to de-escalate him and calm him down. I am not mad at him for his behavior because I know that he is under extreme stress but what I am dissatisfied with is the fact that my friend paid a lot of money and there was not even a notion of intent to make any amends regarding situation. Unfortunately, I will not be going back either because of this, although I used to really enjoy this spot. read more

I had a good experience here. I very much liked everything all the different spas and pool and hot tub. The food is good too. I would recommend coming in on a weekday because it's not that crowded. read more

Best Banya in Town the saunas are what sauna is supposed to be a real Russian experience with the best home style and restaurant service...just an awesome place in FIDI ...too convenient to all .love the place and recommend it to all who hasn't tried it ..must eat ...must relax ..must drink ..the human experience doesn't get better then that !! read more

I'm not sure where the negative comments are coming from but Spa 88 is by far the best Banya in NYC and probably the US. Food is great, service is OK but all the banyas have avg service. Plenty of space to lounge, sit and relax, huge swimming pool with a jacuzzi and great renovated banyas. read more

Amazing place!!! If you want to eat good Russian food and enjoy good spa... this is perfect place!!! I went to different spas around NYC but this is one of my favorite!!! Saunas are extra hot and after that they have ice pool to jump in... amazing!!!! Strongly recommend!!! read more

SPA 88 Highly recommend to go and totally relax your mind, body and soul, the restaurant, the food and especially the freshly squeezed juices are out of this world and beyond delicious ,definitely indulge with an awesome message a true outer body experience, the staff is always friendly and attentive .I've been going there for years, and absolutely love it. 2 thumbs up all the way;)) read more

When I am craving Russian food, this is the only place in the area and thankfully its actually really good. Service could be better but not a big deal. Also they have the best lunch specials. 3 cources for like $15 . cant beat it read more

it was one of my favorite Russian bath in NYC. the food is great, staff are friendly and it was clean!!! BUT!!! not anymore, I went there a week ago and I was disappointed. it looks so dirty and disgusting. so many water bugs or cockroaches in the locker room. i was very careful about don't take my flip flops off .... so,people, be very careful if you decide to go there. You can get an athlete's foot fungus keep you flip flops on!!!! and watch out of those bags in the locker room. read more

If you leave an article of clothing here they will just throw it away. Seems like a box for lost items would serve them well.

Spa 88 was good but not the best. Anastasia at the desk is very helpful and gorgeous. The spa itself was decent but not 1st class by any means. I really did not like my massage though and i have had many. I heard the food was good but did not try it. Once again, Anastasia is so beautiful. read more