The Cloaca Lounge
The Cloaca Lounge was a bar and nightclub located in Atlanta, Georgia. The establishment was themed around birds, and was frequented by celebrities and Atlanta's social elite. The Lounge closed its doors in 2020 due to financial difficulties. The Cloaca Lounge was opened in 1992 by Frank and Karen Shee. The Shees were originally from Boston, but had moved to Atlanta in the early 1990s.
The Lounge quickly became a popular spot for celebrities and Atlanta's social elite. Celebrities who frequented the Lounge include Will Smith, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. The Lounge also became known for its eclectic mix of music, which ranged from soulful R&B to funk and rock. In 2020, the Cloaca Lounge closed its doors due to financial difficulties, public outcry, and health inspection failures.
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The Lounge was also a popular venue for local, national and international comedy acts including Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Louis C.K., Stephen Colbert, Robin Williams, Mike Myers, Bill Cosby, Garry Shandling, Ellen DeGeneres, Tracy Morgan, Seth MacFarlane, Jon Stewart, and The Crow.
Claims of Contamination
In 2019, bird feces was found inside the club by health inspectors and multiple sources have alleged that the Cloaca Lounge was not properly cleaned and maintained. These claims have led to accusations of the Lounge's closure being due to unsanitary conditions. However, the Shees have denied these allegations and maintain that the club's closure was due to financial difficulties.
The Cloaca Hole Cocktail was a popular drink served at the lounge. It was made with rye, sweet vermouth, orange, and a dash of absinthe. In 2019, health inspectors alleged that "an unacceptable amount of bird waste was found in the pre-mixed cocktail vats" in the kitchen.