The Clermont Lounge, tucked beneath the historic Clermont Hotel on Atlanta’s bustling Ponce de Leon Avenue, is far more than a simple dive bar—it’s a cultural institution that has captivated patrons for nearly 60 years. Since opening in 1965, the Lounge has developed a reputation as one of Atlanta’s most distinctive nightlife spots, drawing in an eclectic crowd of locals, celebrities, and tourists alike. Famous for its unorthodox atmosphere and strippers who defy convention, the Clermont has managed to remain relevant and beloved through decades of change in the city.
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The Clermont Lounge: From Strip Club to Cultural Icon
Since its inception, the Clermont Lounge has been a strip club, and it remains one to this day. But calling it just a strip club barely scratches the surface of its identity. The Lounge has never fit the traditional mold of such establishments; it’s gritty, divey, and deeply authentic. The dancers at the Clermont have always been as unique as the bar itself, with many defying the stereotypes usually associated with exotic dancing. Perhaps the most famous example is Blondie, a dancer in her 60s known for her signature move of crushing beer cans between her breasts—a routine she’s been performing at the Clermont since the late 1970s.
Unlike many strip clubs, the Clermont never marketed itself as an upscale, flashy venue. It embraced its dive bar aesthetic and built a following around its unpolished, down-to-earth vibe. The dancers range in age, body type, and style, giving the Clermont a feel that is more inclusive and authentic than its competitors.
Early Days: A Part of Atlanta’s Changing Landscape
When the Clermont Lounge first opened its doors in 1965, the area surrounding it on Ponce de Leon Avenue was already transitioning. The stretch had once been a prime residential area in Atlanta, home to wealthy families and grand estates. By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood had shifted into a commercial and nightlife corridor, dotted with motels, dive bars, and restaurants.
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The Clermont Lounge was housed in the basement of the Clermont Hotel, which had originally opened in the 1920s as a high-end residential hotel. By the 1960s, however, both the hotel and the surrounding area had seen better days, and the Lounge quickly became a fixture of Atlanta’s rougher side of town. Even in those early days, it stood out for its embrace of the unconventional, attracting a diverse clientele of blue-collar workers, artists, and curious onlookers.
A Fixture of Atlanta’s Counterculture
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Clermont Lounge began to cement its status as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s counterculture. It became known for its unapologetic authenticity, offering a stark contrast to the more polished venues popping up elsewhere in the city. For many patrons, it wasn’t just the drinks or the entertainment that made the Clermont special—it was the atmosphere. The Lounge became a haven for those seeking a raw, unfiltered experience in a city that was rapidly modernizing.
By the 1990s, the Clermont Lounge had developed a cult following. Punk bands, indie artists, and college students flocked to the venue, drawn to its quirky performers and no-pretenses vibe. The Clermont became a regular stop for touring musicians, many of whom would end their nights in Atlanta with a visit to the Lounge after playing nearby venues like the Variety Playhouse or The Masquerade.
The Rise of Blondie and Clermont’s Celebrity Following
One of the defining features of the Clermont Lounge is its ability to embrace the unexpected. Blondie, the Lounge’s most famous performer, is a perfect example of that. Born Anita Rae Strange, she began working at the Clermont in the late 1970s and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for her eccentric performances and quick wit, Blondie became a symbol of the Clermont’s defiance of traditional strip club norms. Her beer-can-crushing routine became legendary, and over the years she’s danced for everyone from everyday Atlantans to Hollywood stars.
By the early 2000s, the Clermont Lounge had developed a celebrity following. It became a place where the famous and the unknown mingled freely, drawn together by the bar’s unpretentious charm. Celebrities like Anthony Bourdain, Robert De Niro, and Lady Gaga were all rumored to have made stops at the Clermont during visits to Atlanta. Bill Murray’s spontaneous bartending stint in 2012 is one of the more famous stories associated with the Lounge, further fueling its status as a beloved, must-see destination in the city.
Threats of Closure and the Clermont Hotel Renovation
Despite its loyal following, the Clermont Lounge has faced its share of challenges. In 2009, the Clermont Hotel was shut down after a string of health code violations and a reputation as a crime-ridden property. For a time, the future of the Lounge was uncertain, as the entire building faced the possibility of demolition.
However, in 2014, new developers purchased the Clermont Hotel with plans to restore it. This $30 million renovation transformed the decaying hotel into the now-luxurious Hotel Clermont, which opened in 2018. Crucially, the developers recognized the importance of the Clermont Lounge to Atlanta’s history and culture, opting to preserve it even as the hotel above underwent a dramatic makeover.
As the boutique hotel opened its doors to a new clientele, the Clermont Lounge remained largely unchanged, retaining its grungy, dive bar essence despite the modern, high-end surroundings above. Today, guests of the Hotel Clermont can visit the Lounge in the basement, experiencing a stark contrast between the stylish rooftop bar and the gritty, dimly-lit dive downstairs.
A Legendary Dive Bar that Endures
The Clermont Lounge’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is a major part of its enduring appeal. As Atlanta continues to grow and gentrify, the Lounge remains a symbol of the city’s quirky, rebellious spirit. It’s still a strip club, but it’s also much more than that—a meeting place for people from all walks of life, where art, music, and offbeat performances are celebrated.
The Clermont’s survival, especially in the face of the rapid redevelopment happening around it, speaks to its importance as a cultural landmark. Whether you’re coming for the cheap drinks, the legendary dancers, or simply to soak up its atmosphere, the Clermont Lounge remains a staple of Atlanta nightlife.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Clermont Lounge
As Atlanta continues to change, there’s no doubt that the Clermont Lounge will continue to occupy a special place in the city’s heart. It has survived economic downturns, neighborhood gentrification, and even the closure of the hotel above it. Through it all, the Lounge has remained a place where authenticity reigns, and where anyone can feel at home, regardless of status.
The Clermont Lounge may be Atlanta’s oldest strip club, but it’s unlike any other. It’s a dive bar that has defied expectations for nearly six decades and continues to offer a unique, unforgettable experience. For those looking to experience the real, unvarnished side of Atlanta, a trip to the Clermont Lounge is a must.
