Let your nose get a treat from the smell of freshly squeezed grapefruit! That was my favorite part about this place... they're serious about their Greyhounds and they come with a giant wedge of the fruit on top. Is it the professional citrus-squeezer-thing that makes the drink taste like pink sunshine? I'm not sure, but next time I'm getting only the juice. The vodka's just getting in the way. Yes, I'm turning into a sober old lady. Gimme my juice! Your eyes also get something like a treat. It's eclectic in there. You don't know what to expect. Good times. And of course the ears - what my arm candy and I really came for was the music. A great middle-age jazz band with some real expertise set the mood so that it was exciting yet relaxed at the same time. Very well worth the $5 cover, especially since we showed up early and got a table. It's a great place to try on a weekend night! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Greyhound at our table - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

Walked by this jazzy little establishment, Drawn in by the eclectic decor... slight hoarders esthetic but let's be honest, I want every item in there. Door guys super friendly mentioned they have the BEST GREYHOUNDS AROUND.ohhh ok bud, best? Talk my friends (2 whom are not drinking) to check it out. I LOVE grapefruit, I know it's a weird fruit to love but I mimosa it, vodka it, peel it. This place legit has the best greyhound around. Pint of pink fresh grapefruit vodka love. Perfect amount of Tito's and pink grapefruit with a whole wedge of fresh grapefruit garnish. Delish. Bartender was nice friendly and fast. I live in SF, never head east but will visit again. Great staff killer drinks never ending decor. Downside was bathroom but totally tolerable with the positives above. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

GREYHOUND. STAT! A group of my girlfriends raved that this place makes the best greyhounds. I've had a greyhound before while I was in Philly but never found a place in the Bay Area that made a really good one! So I was down for the cause on a bar fly crawl. I had a rad time here. Those greyhounds go down so smooth! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. read more

Was visiting from SoCal and meeting up an old friend who raved about the greyhounds here prior to my visit and she was not wrong. This place has deliciously strong greyhounds that are affordable and get the job done! The bartenders here are super friendly and cute in an assuming way. And the vibe here is very comfortable and inviting, so stuck up energy here. Finding parking here wasn't the easiest but I'm sure locals have a system figured out to get in and out efficiently. I will definitely making it a point to visit this spot when I'm back on the area early next year. read more

Eclectic type of bar. Narrow entrance but once you're inside, it's hard not to appreciate the bizarre decor of the place. We've taken a few of our couchsurfers here for an evening drink and all of them have enjoyed its uniqueness. The drinks are well made and during weekday evenings, there aren't too many people there, so it's easy to snag a booth in the back. read more

Note: Cafe Van Kleef doesn't serve food anymore. Hop over a few blocks down to Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe for some grub (as recommended by a bartender at CVK). Greyhounds just as amazing as ever. Grandiose true statement: Cafe Van Kleef makes the best greyhounds in the bay area, hands down. Come early (~before 9:30/10pm, e.g. before the band comes on) to avoid paying cover. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Mmm greyhounds - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

As everyone is sure to mention, the greyounds here will blow your brains! Cafe Van Kleef is known for them for a reason, what with their freshly squeezed, pulpy-sweet grapefruit juice and generous helping of vodka. (If you want a salted rim, ask for a Salty Dog!) These things are dangerous and got me tipsy much quicker than I would've thought. Be warned or indulge in the fact if you're taking a walk on the wild side for the night. What I wasn't expecting was how eclectic this deceivingly dingy looking dive bar would be, with their skeletons dressed as mariachi, samurai helmets, mirrors reflecting a reclining Jesus statue from the front, and Haunted Mansion-esque collection of chandeliers. It truly is a one of a kind venue. However, the place is kind of narrow and small, especially for the amount of people it serves at a time. Service at the bar was iffy as it was busy and the lack of eye contact from bartenders made getting their attention a pain. But once the greyhound was in my hand it was all smooth sailing. SOME MISC TIPS: 1) They have live music on a small stage at the back 2) Only one unisex bathroom = massive lines for those breaking the seal, but props for it being well maintained 3) Probably come here for the beginning of your night for a slow build up to getting sloshed as it's not well built for mingling/dance with little available seating 4) Really cool crowd of people, free of pretentious snobbery when you accidentally nudge them in that narrow bar space 5) Tons of bars in this area to continue the party to if you're so inclined! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - The eclectic bar space with a holiday touch - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

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The Greyhounds that everyone keeps talking about are delicious. The massive wedge of grapefruit was surprisingly sweet. The staff is really friendly. The interior design of Cafe Van Kleef is ... well, interesting. The have every random decorative piece you can possibly imagine. You could spend a longggg time just looking around at the walls and ceiling. Great, laid back bar. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - greyhound - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

Only live music venue that has great jazz and blues! Like the Dave Rocha band! Well priced drinks! read more

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Moved Downtown and Van Kleef immediately became the go to regular Thursday night bar! Thank you for being the best DJ from our balcony over the weekend as well! (I'm also totally assuming it's coming from you guys, HAHA!) cheers! read more

If you are looking for a dive bar with some dangerously delicious Grey Hounds then you came to the right place. It's dirty, loud, has funky decor, stocked with super fresh grapefruits! Perfect spot to hit up before a show at Fox Theatre. Warning: hangover inevitable. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

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Since moving to Oakland I have wanted to try Cafe Van Kleef. From the interesting decor you can sneak a peak at by walking past, to the occasional live music emanating from the doors. The only problem is this place usually looks packed to the brim. On Wednesday after Alabama restored my faith in the democratic system I wanted to celebrate and as I had never been, I suggested this place. As others mention, you get ID'd the second you walk into the patio area (which I will get to below) and got to see this place from the inside. They have a huge kitschy bar with lights, drinks, and other ornamental everything on the walls. Past the bar are some tables for groups and it looks like there is a platform in the back where bands/music is set up. When I sat at the bar, my friend had already gotten me a double greyhound. Greyhounds are the drink of choice here and a double will do damage - we started drinking and a few minutes later I look at my drink and hadn't made a dent but was feeling happy. Next to my friend was a woman who clearly had had a few too many at this point. If sitting at the bar, people will brush past you so get used to that as it starts to fill up. Also here is something to consider regarding the bar - people smoke on the patio and with the door right in front of where people sit, it carries the smoke straight down the bar. You may want to sit further in if you are not a fan of smoke. That or chug your greyhound down faster. read more

I've been here a few times. the forst was to see a friend's band play and then afterwards I have just stopped by when in the area. I like the mix of people I see in this place from aging hipsters to you ultra cool types. It has quite the cross section. The decor is as eclectic as everyone describes. Plenty of things to comment about, and does anyone have any idea what the giant, metal dish-thing is/was? The good: I really like seeing live music here because of the size and the layout of the place. It's funky. If you like vodka, the greyhounds people talk about are as good as they say. Friendly people and cool vibe to the place. The bad: lines for the bathroom. sometimes hard to find seating or you end up with your back facing the stage. The mediocre: The drinks aren't the strongest or best I've had, but at least they are not overly expensive. Overall: I like coming here to see live bands. I'm not sure if I'd like it as much or if I would be here just for the bar alone. It is a good choice if you are undecided on what to do some weekend night. read more

All the cool stuff on the wall!! This is great Downtown Oakland original with fun music, great drinks (can't have grapefruit, but i heard their Greyhound is delicious - fresh squeezed right in front of you) They have a decent beer selection, enough liquors to keep you happy, and a great atmosphere with a diverse crowd. read more

Amazing live music, a great atmosphere, and fresh grapefruit cocktails. My first time in Cafe van Kleef certainly left an impression. The brass New Orleans style jazz band playing that evening was amazing. The greyhound cocktails made with fresh grapefruit were great. The decor is eclectic, yet cool with all kinds of different objects covering the walls. The only downside is that it can get quite loud and noisy, so you might have to go somewhere else to have a deep conversation. And another huge plus: incredibly friendly bartenders. Bouncers and bartenders in Oakland are (based on my experiences so far) much friendlier, than their San Francisco counterparts. I always feel welcome, and they are always polite and attentive. Oakland is becoming my favorite 'let's go out for a drink' city by a wide margin. read more

Shitty place, seems to cater and prefer the more Anglo crowd, I was there last night, it seemed like the only folks being carded were POC. Ok i could let that slide, we went inside and my friends stood in line for a drink, while I watched from about 3-4 feet away, which seemed to take forever! About 2 mins from when we started our wait, a young Caucasian decides he wants to cut my friend and not only that, he put his nasty finger in my friends face. My friend was not having it and he returned the favor whilst telling him off for not waiting his turn and thinking it was ok to put his nasty phalanges in people's faces. At that moment Neil who used to be the manager (not sure if he still is, especially with the nasty attitude he is known for) approaches us and ignores me and my friends and prepares the nasty boys drinks all whilst giving us dirty glares. This is when me and my friends have had enough and start yelling at Neil and the other bartenders for being very obviously anti-black and having very bad customer service. We all proceeded to leave while Neil and his crew of wannabe bartenders pelted us with Ice. I am very disgusted with the treatment we received and the very anti-poc sentiment we were met with. DO NOT DRINK AT VAN KLEEFS NOT ONLY ARE THEY RACIST AND MAKE HORRIBLE DRINKS, but they don't deserve Oakland and it's rich history carved off the back of people like us, hard working OAKLAND NATIVES THAT MAKE OAKLAND WHAT IT IS Today!! read more

Saturday night, terribly packed and nothing but white people. Excuse my language, but being a Latina during this time is extremely hard and this place was the worst experience. Everyone in here was rude and they smelled sooooo bad. I'm high on musty odor and cigarettes because of this place, I think personal hygiene is extremely important and if you're going out for a drink you should at least shower! I don't throw the word "racist" around lightly but I definitely felt it tonight. People who seemed like regulars here were acting very shady to my whole group. Never coming back. Bathroom is also disgusting by the way, only one toilet for all :) read more

Basic drunk girl confession: aside from Moscow mules, margaritas, and long islands, I do not know any common bar drinks. I just order shots, not because I'm cool or anything, but mostly because it's the easiest thing to do. So when a friend had highly suggested this place because they make fantastic greyhounds, all I heard was "fantastic" and was like alright, I'm there. When you walk in, it's pretty cramped, but it's okay, just means people really like it here. The place is filled wall to wall with random things. Like random random things that the owner collected and piled up here. My friend and I played iSpy up until the point where I got distracted by the bartenders. They were cranking out, what I thought was, orange juice around the clock, every minute. Finally we asked what was so special about them and he said they specialize in greyhounds aka GRAPEFRUIT juice with vodka ( the lightbulb went off in my head). Skeptical about every bitter encounter I've had with grapefruit before, I reluctantly ordered one but with tequila instead. I WAS SOLD. Surprisingly these weren't that bitter and it was refreshing to drink! I now know maybe 4 drinks at a bar now. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - greyhound w/ tequila - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

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I'm a huge fan of the Oakland Uptown renaissance and thought I'd hit all the hot spots. Somehow I missed this place - hard to believe considering it's already made a SF Gate Top 5 list. The review in The NY Times says "San Francisco finally has a Brooklyn to call its own - a carnivalesque utopia". I think that is so spot on, there's not much else to add. But I will say this. While it's great to visit such an intimate and kooky venue in pursuit of live music, it is not necessary - the live music that is. The décor and the eclectic array of patrons are all the entertainment you'll need. Well, and ordering one of those greyhound drinks that all the other yelpers rave about will surely enhance your experience. I also say bring on the "dirty-but-dapper café-bar"! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

Best greyhounds ever. Somehow there is a ton of vodka and all you taste is the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice! I recommend ordering a double if you plan on staying for a bit-basically a chance to get two cocktails in one. Inside is very cool too. Lots of really random objects! Like organized chaos in the best way! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Best greyhounds ever! (Half finished) - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

[In the tune of Justin Timberlake - Suit and Tie] "And as long as I've got my Phone and "Yelp" I'ma leave it all on the reviews tonight And you got fixed up to the nines Just show me a few things.. "Yelpers" decked out from "Red" to "Black And I'm dressed in the "Chains" I like "#Yelpluv" is swinging in the air tonight Just show me a few things.. Just show me a new thing.." Yo! "WaGwan" it's your resident "Rebel Yelper" back with another review for your reading pleasure. Time to finally conclude my awesome night in "Oakland" with this one. I was treated to a nice little sample of what "The Town" has to offer post "YEE" I still sit here pretty amazed at what was presented to me, a far different experience than I expected and very different atmosphere as compared to other cities I like to frequent. "Cafe Van Kleef" was a perfect example of "Different" honestly it was just the place I needed to visit and here are my thoughts.. Wednesday July 26, 2017 Location: Cafe Van Kleef Oakland, Ca People: 2 Yelpers Story: So in progression of the night, I still wasn't quite ready to go home. Shot Out to the dude "Ralph A" for being my tour guide and for recommending the next stop of the nite "Cafe Van Kleef" I didn't really get a heads up as to what I was going to be walking into, but I wasn't disappointed at the outcome. This place is known for a particular cocktail and I was indeed ready to try it.. Service/Hospitality: It was a pretty packed night..yea even for a "Wednesday" and I was pretty tipsey already in fact "Errbody in the Club was Tipsey" but....even dispite that I was in a new place and it was a "Yelpertunity" to "Yelp" something new to me out so I was still paying attention to the important things. It all started at the door with the check in process..or I guess you can just say the "Waz Up Nod" from the door bouncer. I showed my ID to him but he didn't really seem to care much, guess the "PYT" he was conversing with was a bit more important. Inside the bartenders were moving to get drinks out to the patrons and they seemed to flow pretty well. The one that tended myself and "Ravioli" called over to us to ensure we were served. The bar and all seating was pretty much taken, so standing was the option here and I liked that the bartenders took that into account. So it showed that this was something they were accustomed too and they are always well prepared. Drinks/Atmosphere: The vibe here was a pretty chill one. You can tell people were really here to unwind and take in the night. The decor of this place I would say is a bit...."Loud" but in the funnest way possible. Kinda reminds of " Topsy's" in SF but in a more retro, throwback way. And I feel this is what made this bar what it is and interesting. So I was told that I have to try the signature "Greyhound" $8.00 that they serve here. Funny thing is I had never had one before so I was indeed in for a treat. If you've never had one before like me or are experienced "Greyhound" drinkers allow me to disclose the ingredients.... Vodka Grapefruit Juice Simple Syrup Grapefruit or Lemon Wedge for Garnish They had a monster slice of Grapefruit for the wedge garnish, but the cocktail itself wasn't too bad, a bit more simple syrup I think was added which made the drink somewhat concentrated in my opinion but it was good and I would order it again if I came back. From the many they seem to sold....it was definitely the popular drink here. Overall: A pretty decent bar along the popular downtown "Oakland" stroll. Very unique and very hip, the prime example of what this town is starting to become. "Cafe Van Kleef" may not be for everyone to be honest and if that's the case you honestly may be a bit.."Boring" because this place isn't that at all. I would recommend this place to anyone that wants a bit of excitement in their lives. read more

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Came here for my bro's birthday. Location: It is located right next to 19th Street BART in Downtown Oakland. I did not realize how many great places (like Cafe Van Kleef) are Bartable...which is a huge plus for anyone who knows me. The Bar: Full bar of whatever you would like. Super long....EXTREMELY COMPACT. So when you walk in, there is the bar and a very narrow walkway. From there, there is a small open area. The place is super lively and great, but keep in mind you will be cozy. I would say this is the type of place where I would go if I was going to multiple places in one night...but not a place where I would tell my friends to meet and stay the whole time (especially since here are so many different places in the area to explore). 10/10 will go again and can't wait to take more people here when going for a night out in Downtown Oakland. read more

The East Bay is hiding it's little gem and it's Cafe Van Kleef! Upon stepping in, you'll be greeted by a quaint, unpretentious atmosphere with oolala so visually orgasmic decor. There was a $5 cover charge but that's probably because there was a performance going on. Yesterday night was an electronic DJ duo, which I wasn't crazy about but I'll come back again for a blues or jazz show. The bartenders are really friendly and attentive and don't skimp on the alcohol. I had a gin and tonic, which was really tasty but with enough of a bite. There are bar stools all along the front but there are also cute little tables in the back, which are more conducive to having conversations. I'm a big fan! Looking for some nightlife on this side of bay with some local flavor, local people and good drinks? This is your place. And one more thing, Cafe Van Kleef, you're definitely pulling on the heart strings with the whole free popcorn thing. Good job, I totally approve. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

Sensory overload! What I liked: - The greyhounds made with freshly squeezed grapefruits - squeezed before your very eyes was very cool. So cool and so impressionable I am that the very next day at work, I logged onto Williams Sonoma's website to find my own industrial juicer. - The atmosphere is incredible with it's knick knacks, film paraphenalia. If you aren't much for conversation - you could just go here and stare at all the STUFF. - There were these vendors selling tamales from a cooler ... it seemed kind of shady but I got over it when I realized how starved I was. Not to mention that the Mexican and Peruvian I was with thought the food was good. What sort of annoyed me: - The music was just a bit too loud ... it was uncomfortable cause I was there to also attempt some conversations with my friends. - I think establishments need to learn to react to the crowd ... if it's pouring outside - the bar is completely empty - seriously, why charge $10 for cover? It was my first time there ... and based on other reviews, sounds like it can be a pretty happening place - it just wasn't the Friday night I was there ... I always hate paying $10 for cover for places that are empty and the music is too loud. And to that point ... if the place is empty - then do you really need to blast your music?? read more

LOVE this place! Okay...so I was a little buzzed when I got there, but still. You could probably go in there a thousand times and see something new each time. The walls are stacked from floor to celing with trinkets, treasures and just weird shit altogether. If you like to play 'I Spy' while drinking a Greyhound with FRESH SQUEEZED GRAPEFRUIT (yummmmmy), and take some cool non-flash photography, this is a great place to stop. read more

I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but OMG, get The Greyhound! I swear, it tastes like nectar and once you take a sip you will be converted to the ways of The Greyhound. They use fresh grapefruit juice and put fresh slices of grapefruit in it... YUMM! I love the vibe of this place, but it does get cramped in there when it is crowded. They also have this little outdoor area in the front where you can smoke, but still not be standing out on the street. I love that because I hate having to chug my drink just so I can have a cigarette. There is interesting art on the walls and interesting people, what more can you ask for. read more

Greyhound - love it, it's the only thing I get here and it's one of the best reasons I really appreciate uptown Oakland. Delicious grapefruit juice masks whatever liquor you want to put in it. Diverse crowd, live music. The dimness really adds to the environment. Watch out for the nights where they ask for a cover. read more

Probably one of the most unique bars you will ever walk into in the entire Bay Area. The decor and ambiance is out of this world and while the place is small and gets crowded, you feel like you belong there regardless of where your from. There is one drink that is a must have: The Greyhound! Not a fan of grapefruit normally but this is my drink when I come here. read more

Nice place to catch a live band playing. Acoustics/sound system aren't overly annoying and all in your face. It does get crowded but there's shared seating near the stage if people are nice enough to share. There's even a little dance floor area too. read more

Ecclectic ambience (see bar pictures lol) Bartenders are all friendly & the bar attracts a nice, diverse crowd of people. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area! read more

I can't get over the fact that they literally have the best Greyhounds I've ever had in my life. I don't know where they get their grapefruits, but wherever it is, those babies are given so much TLC that the bitterness of the fruit isn't even there. Happy grapefruits come from Cafe Van Kleef. I always stop by on the weekends. They usually have a random band perform on the weekends, which is cool because hey, who doesn't love live music?! Might not be your preferred genre, but usually the vibe of the place takes over so it's generally always a good time. The next best thing about Cafe Van Kleef aside from their amazing Greyhounds is their strange & interesting decor. I feel like it's something out of a 70s-80s Horror film & I absolutely love it! I'm a big fan of horror & strange things & no other bar has decor like Cafe Van Kleef. read more

As all the previous reviews have said: GET. THE. GREYHOUND. My friends and I got to Cafe Van Kleef right when they opened at 6PM on a Saturday and within 15 minutes all the seats at the bar were taken up. I cannot even count number of Greyhounds i saw that were poured in the hour that I was there with my friends, but i have to say that Cafe Van Kleef sure buys a lot of grapefruits. Greyhounds are $8 and bottled drinks are only $4, except for two selections of beer. The bouncer was also very sweet and complimented my belt that belonged to my mother. Would definitely recommend stopping by before seeing a show at the Fox. Put your $8 + tip towards a delicious cocktail. Not a shitty beer. Save yourself. read more

This place has amazing greyhounds! Fun atmosphere, interesting decor, fun to people watch or jump up and dance. Went on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday and had a great time. Cool band playing lots of old school jams. Liked the 35 year old-ish vibe. I will be back for sure! Close to Bart station, so no need to drive and deal with the parking situation, which is always a struggle! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Best greyhounds ever! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

Quirky little place. Nice decor and great greyhounds.

i've been trying to lay off the booze for the past few months but if I do partake in a drink of the month it's usually a greyhound and what better place than the birthplace of the drink. It's affordable, festive, the bartenders are nice and on the weekends they have live music. The jazzy stuff isn't really my jam but they do a great job of mixing it up and it's a nice central hang to a lot of other food and beverage in oakland's uptown neighborhood. read more

Oh snap. Tell me why I walk by here every day and once a month at night and never really noticed it's existence as something besides a small hole in the wall with interesting decor. When I'm walking by in the day, it's locked up and at night I'm really just passed to go to Somar. One random evening, some coworkers and I decided this would be the place to hit up. Very small hole in the wall, but such an exciting venue to be in. The atmosphere is super chill and everybody is packed in tight and dim lit. You get carded at the front by a gentleman you thought was just another patron next to the atm outside. Inside narrow walkway and squeeze tight bar, but hey I came to try the infamous Greyhound and I was hooked. $6 during happy hour with a fresh squeeze splash of grapefruit juice and my favorite clear liquid, vodka. The tart, the sweet, and the smooth all kicked in together for a perfect drink. Even better, they do this with tequila or whiskey- I mean pick your poison for this little piece of heaven. They do offer some beers on tap and a selection of hard liquor. Hard to hear and bar tenders take a little longer. Not exactly ideal for a group setting, but you can make it work. There's also a small stage in the back. The place is exciting to just drunklingly stare at the walls and ceiling, but a super chill vibe in Oakland to hang out. They serve chicken noodle soup?! That was a trip, some guy ordered it at the end of the bar where I was sitting. Didn't know to be shocked, surprised, or impressed, but it was a first. Cute little dive bar to check out along these parts! read more

Fun spot. Great little dive bar atmosphere, fresh squeezed grapefruit for whatever your pleasure, friendly & efficient barstaff with a heavy pour who play great music & share their cheez-its with you. Just might be true love. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

The greyhound is their signature, and yummy! The fresh squeezed grapefruits are what make this cocktail! The bar vibe is really nice and our service was spectacular!! read more

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Whenever I'm out and about for cocktails in Oakland, I always end up here. They're famous for their fresh grapefruit juice vodka greyhounds with a fresh grapefruit slice. Definitely one of the best I've tried. It's a super dive bar that's decorated with all types of weird stuff and it feels like you're stepping into a time portal. Whenever you're in the hood, definitely come for one of their refreshing greyhounds and nothing more! read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

Grungy, divey, amazing greyhounds. What more could you want?? This was a short walk away from the Fox Theater which makes it a perfect spot to grab some drinks before a show. read more