SIR Spa's atmosphere, and co-owner Mike Thompson.__________
Windy City Times is in heaven, thanks to the hands of David Frey.
Before the readers' minds go to unnecessary places, a little clarificaiton is in order: Frey is a massage therapist at SIR Spa, a new Andersonville establishment that offers spa services for men, and he is methodically working out kinks that Windy City Times didn't know were even there. In addition, he even provides post-massage tips ( regarding stretching and the like ) so that visitors can work on themselves—to a certain extent.
Being comforting and helpful is what one can expect at SIR Spa, which opened in September at 5151 N. Clark. Mike Thompson ( who co-owns the spa with Peter Hillman ) told Windy City Times that this type of business was sorely needed. 'There [ were ] no real spas for men in Chicago,' he said. 'There are barber shops and hair-cutting places, but no spas.'
Well, this place offers just about everything for the guy ( and occasional gal ) who wants to be pampered, even if only for a little while. Among the services SIR Spa offers are body scrubs; ab wraps; hand and foot details; a steam room; hair removal services; and even a relaxation lounge with a large plasma-screen TV. ( Thompson described the look as 'strong and masculine.' ) A guest can purchase grooming products, with brands such as Billy Jealousy, Jack Black and GoSmile on tap. Even the locker rooms are enticing, with each locker containing plush robes and sandals. 'I can't tell you how many guys say that the robes are [ too short ] or that the sandals are too small [ in reference to women's spas ] ,' Thomas quipped. ( Also, the lockers operate on a four-digit code that the guest makes up and inputs; however, one's memory may go out the window after one of the spa's already-patented massages. )
Moreover, there are male and female specialists, depending on who the guest would like to take care of him. As mentioned earlier, the spa also takes care of females—and a woman may want a pre-natal massage from another woman. However, there is no shortage of men to keep the gay male clientele happy as well.
Not surprisingly, the employees sing the spa's praises. Guest services representative Mitchell Drinkard told Windy City Times that ' [ i ] t's a great environment. It's fun, laid-back and low-key. People come here for personality and a good time and that's what we give them.'
So what was the hardest part about putting this luxurious place together? 'The most difficult thing was probably getting everything up to code,' said Thompson, who hinted at the possibility of having a chain once things are perfected in Chicago. 'However, it's all been worth it.'
See www.sirspa.com, e-mail reservations@sirspa.com, or call 773-271-7000.