Brooklyn Banya

really incredible classic bathhouse experience- the incredible owner told us it’s the only female owned banya in the world! established in 1995, you can feel decades of community in these walls, good vibes and great saunas, this bathhouse in queer friendly and gender inclusive, welcoming everyone

Brooklyn Banya is exactly what it says on the tin: a traditional Russian banya with intense heat, strict rules, and a no-frills approach. If you're looking for a spa with aromatherapy and soft music, this isn't the place. But if you want an authentic communal steam experience with 4,000 tons of hot rock doing the real work, this is one of the only spots in NYC that delivers. Yes, the owner Alona has strong opinions about how things should run. That's not "rude"—that's someone protecting a cultural tradition from people who don't understand it. In my experience going to other Russian establishments, what people perceive as "rude" is not really rude, its just Russian that's a cultural thing. Again, not catering to the "spa" soft vibes people mistakenly think it should be. I've seen her be incredibly warm with regulars who respect the space, and to me, who recently and hopefully will stay a regular. and I've seen her shut down people who treat it like a casual drop-in spa. And I support her. The facility isn't pristine—it's not supposed to be. It's a working banya, not a showroom. If you want Instagram-perfect tile work, go somewhere else. If you want heat that actually makes you sweat and a community of people who appreciate the tradition, this is your spot. I'm giving it 5 stars because it does exactly what it's supposed to do, and it doesn't apologize for not being something it never claimed to be. This is a place for people who know what a banya is, and if you don't, maybe do some research before showing up and complaining that it's not a spa.

This place is great. Very much an authentic experience. All of the food uses a lot of dill, which I like. Try the borscht. The wet banya went up to 200 degrees. I would give this five stars, however, there was a very drunk Russian woman who was harassing me and my friends. I think she was hitting on us. We were here to bathe!

I hadn't been to this Banya in over a decade, but now I live in the area so I came by on a Saturday with some friends and it's better than ever. I love that this place has a family vibe and the 3 traditional saunas are excellent. We really liked the food too especially the potatoes with garlic and dill. The owner, Alona, has great energy, she made us feel right at home. Also the music videos on the TV were fire. 10/10

Love this place — I’ve been coming to Brooklyn Banya for years. The renovations look beautiful, the heat is incredible, and it’s truly authentic .

I went to Brooklyn Banya on Thursday, January 22. As I entered the facility, an older lady was sitting at the desk counting money. After 1 minute of her not acknowledging me, I proceeded to ask her on check-in procedure. It was my first time and I had no idea how the facility worked. Apparently, she spoke no English and had nasty attitude when I asked her for further assistance. I asked another patron to perhaps translate or help me convey what I was saying, but he was unable to help. I left out of frustration. Very bad first impression and I will not return.

I have been coming to the baths, fir years, with my herbalist who since passed away. I come in the evening hours, it's never over Crowed, enough space whereas, no one is on top of each other. I normally travel with my own set of towels, wash cloths. Never saw lockerroom out of order, hey the lady at the front door ,is very direct, but never disrespectful., never saw any men out of order Sexually., alot of my visits were with great people, . Each culture has their own racism, and adhesive overtones. Most part their respectful. I know they were closed for upgrades at one time, but I will still come to this place for a good feeling, I am not their to correct human behaviour, nor would I spend my money in a place that would treat me unkind, most part, I was never disrespected by staff. I recommend this place for a comfortable use.