A very cute boy took me here on a very hot date once and, though I ended up marrying someone else, I will always have a special place in my heart for the amazing Van Kleef's. The decor is what happens when grannies and granpappies attack, with taxidermy, headless busts, clocks, chandeliers, and miscellaneous tchotchkes covering every possible ounce of space on the walls, shelves, and ceiling. I'm sure the obsessively spartan among you would have panic attacks just looking at the pictures, but I find the packratism endearing. There's a heap of grapefruits sitting near the cash register for a reason, folks. The greyhound is the house specialty, but they'll fresh squeeze anything on hand. It's been a while, but I fuzzily remember a band playing halfway up the far wall. Hands down the best bar anywhere near Oakland. read more

Best bar in town only for the greyhounds. Theres a smoking section outside so may not be a place for everyone. The restroom is at one toilet, so it can get cramped on a busy night with live music. Best time to go when it's the weekday, easy to grab a drink. read more

Let's get this out of the way: I'm sorry all other bars, Cafe Van Kleef has the best greyhounds of all time! There's a reason my friends call this place "that bar with the greyhounds". Once you try one of these cocktails with freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice you'll forget there's anything else on the menu. For those of you not in the know a greyhound is basically just grapefruit juice and vodka, But Cafe Van Kleef takes this a step further and uses only fresh squeezed grapefruit (with the pulp!!) that elevates this simple cocktail. The pulp makes a huge difference because it helps mask the vodka (which they are superrrr generous with). The bartender warned us that these creep up on you, and two glasses later he was not wrong! The bar itself is pretty indescribable, but I'm gonna go ahead and try to paint a mental picture. It's basically packed floor to ceiling with the weirdest things: my favorites were a samurai helmet and a bust covered in lipstick marks. The bar is narrow and at the end is a small stage that features live music. We were lucky enough to go a night that was packed with 90's r&b, there's no better background music for drinks in Oakland than Bobby Brown. My only complaint is that it was super packed. To be fair it was a Friday night, but there was not much room and certainly no room to sit. All that being said the service was super quick and friendly and the random people we bumped into were always nice, so there was only good vibes all around! So, if you're in Oakland and you need some tasty drinks and good music for a fun night, Cafe Van Kleef is a good start. The best thing is it's smack dab in a hub of bars so it makes a great addition to a night of bar hopping. And if you ever see me I'll take a greyhound as thanks for the suggestion! (4.5/5) read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Best greyhound I've ever had! But they ran out of grapefruit slices :/ - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been to this joint twice and liked it. The decor and ambiance reminds me of Herbie Hancock's music video "Rock it". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK0Pi4wC8Hk The staff are friendly, attentive and seem to enjoy working here. It causes me to remember employees of Trader Joe's. The first time I came here was a DYL event hosted by Eryka V. and Megan D. All my fellow Yelpers seem to enjoy themselves and their drinks ( Cafe Van Kleef's special "Greyhound") Since I already started drinking beer that day , I stuck w/ what I was drinking and didn't order a cocktail in fear of having a nasty hangover the next day. A few weeks later, I came back w/ a friend. I, this time ordered a Greyhound - Vodka w/ freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (again fresh not the concentrated bottled juice) w/ a quarter slice of grapefruit on the rim of the glass. I thought it was the best thing ever and I don't even like cocktail drinks. I prefer wine, beer, cognac or scotch. They had a band on an elevated stage playing a mixture of New Orleans style jazz and blues. The crowd was diverse and chill. No gangsta thugs or stuck up models wanna be in sight. The place can be crowded because of it's size and they only have one unisex restroom. However, it's a pretty cool place to hang out w/ friends and have a drink. read more

To quote an admired friend: "It looks like Salvador Dali exploded in here." Imagine what it would be like to step inside not just one, but several Dali mix-matched paintings, swirl in some booze and add a mezmerizing jazz soundtrack, complete with lofting smoke rings and dudes with long gray beards. Sensory overload at it's finest, a pack rat's dream come true, a veritable collection of the most non-related, non-sensical, whimsical, weird stuff you've ever seen. The bizarre museum aspect is worth the trip alone, but you'll be forced to stay for the divey atmosphere, the music and the stories you'll tell of this place that no one will believe. Next time I'm in town, you bet we're headed back here. read more

A very cool, laid back bar that has interesting bands with a usually minimal cover. I know people complain about a cover but $5 to hear a good band is not going to break the bank... I have never been here when a bad band has been playing, the owner does a great job of booking. I was going to tell you about the stuff decorating this place but it is beyond words. Imagine the largest antique shop you have ever been in, then add interesting and bizarre objects d'art and you might get close. Really you just need to go and check it out. The house drink is the Greyhound made with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and garnished with grapefruit. So to recap: 1) Great bands 2) interesting decor 3) Nice people 4) Stiff, fresh drinks that help you get your vitamin C This is amongst the best bars in the Bay Area. read more

What a Great Place For A DYL . Specifically a Drunk Lover And Motor boater DYL. The Place is so cool and eclectic it isn't even funny The designer must have been on LSD. LOL. It was nice to see the Lovely Ligaya before she does a Chevy Chase style US Road trip. It was nice to see Pilar , Eryka and Her Mom and the rest of the East bay Yelp Posse in full effect. Those Greyhounds are so smooth. Truly a place for a good time. read more

Very charming place to meet, drink, and be merry. Happy crowd. I saw Hot Pink Feathers dance with a great brass backup reminiscent of N'orlenz style. The stage is 5 feet above ground at one end which makes it perfect to see and hear anywhere in the bar which isn't much larger than an industrial sized shoe box. Great smoking lounge at the entrance. If I lived closer I can envision keeping a bar stool warm. But those Greyhounds, those delicious Greyhounds, do not improve your driving skills for the ride home. Have one. Have one Now. read more

This is the kind of funky bar I think of when friends talk about going out in Oakland. Kind of divey, kind of jazzy, dark and mysterious but not dangerous. Lots of junk lines the walls and I love it. Happy hour goes til 6 and get the greyhound. It's $7 and they squeeze fresh grapefruits right at the bar. Perfect place if you're going to bar hop before a show at the fox. There's some parking garages nearby too, but why drive when the greyhounds are this good. read more

You know that scene in "The Hangover" when Stu is waking up and stumbling around, and sees that the hotel room has been absolutely destroyed? Gone are the tasteful decorations, instead vomited on by a hoarder's house? That's kind of like this place. After trying NEX, we clearly didn't remember the last time we were painfully hungover and decided to come here for more booze. By we, I mean the Greek Salad Eating Chode and the Thrilla Gorilla, as well as Ben P (no nickname yet) and his supremely awesome and clearly patient wife. Sure, I'll try the Greyhound. Never mind that I don't drink vodka anymore, and I've already passed my mixed liquor quota. Sure, I'll have a shot of tequila, because I clearly hate myself. For a Thursday, it was pretty relaxed, not too busy, but I really don't see the point of charging a cover for a band I've never heard of. Not that I minded, because they were pretty cute, but bands make it difficult to talk and listen to the first date next to us. What you can do without speaking is look around at all the stuff. And come back because you still haven't seen all the stuff. It's like the "I Spy" game on overload. Or as the magnet I got for my mom claims "The meaning of life isn't more useless crap?" Go for the atmosphere, stay for the drinks. As Angelo mentioned, they accept plastic, which is a bonus. read more

Still loving Cafe Van Kleef, but... I was just there the other night to partake in an amazing Kettle One grey hound with the big grapefruit wedge garnish. I was sitting at one of the small round tables against the wall and found my self fighting cigarette smoke the whole night!!! I left smelling like an ashtray even though I was 30 feet into the bar. I wasn't happy that I had to go home and wash everything I was wearing, including myself (second shower in 4 hours). Next time I go I need to figure out a place to sit where I am not attacked by smoke! read more

I first fell in love with Fresh Stoli Greyhounds at a local dive in my town that is no longer around. Just recently got reunited with one of my all time favorite potent potables. Except here they up it a notch by serving it in a bucket (fist pump), and garnish your fresh squeezed pink grapefruit/vodka beverage with a quarter wedge of fresh grapefruit (double fist pump). These drinks are so light they're lethal. They're so light, I wanted to work out after having two. I didn't...but I wanted to. I just try and get out by 11pm to avoid being elbow to elbow with hipsters. When I do, easily a 5 star experience! read more

I read about Peter's passing and I realized that I've never written a review for this magical spot. When you first walk in, you may be initially put off by what you may percieve as "clutter". Take a deep breath, grab a Greyhound drink, and do your best to find a table. As you sink into your seat, allow yourself to be awash in the sexy blues, jazz, brazilian or whatever band is on the stage tonight. Take deep sips of your sweet yet refreshing greyhound and magically, the room begins to glow. You look around and all of the knick-knack-bricker-brack is right where it should be. It's not clutter after all, it's enhancing your experience times infinity. All is right with the world. The atmosphere here is like no place else. I will go so far as to say this bar is straight-up aphrodisiacal. Yes, that's right, I said it. It seems like the best dates I've ever had in my life started here. I'm not "easy," ok? but this place is magic. Gentlemen, I recommend that you bring your free-spirited lady friends here. It may be a homerun kinda night. I've been visiting this spot going back to 2006, less lately since my husband and I had a baby this year. I still recall all of the baskets of popcorn and hot dogs and how proud Peter was to serve them, which only added to the quirky charm of the place. I guess I took for granted that the bar would always be here. With Peter's passing, I wonder what will happen to the bar. Peter was a wonderful, kind man and I hope somebody will keep his spirit alive by keeping the place open and running it as Peter had. It truly is a magical place. read more

Greyhounds here are the best you'll ever get. I've tried the competitors. Not even close. This includes the Lion Pub in SF. See, Oakand IS better than SF in some particulars! I can't comment on the other drinks, as neither myself nor any of my companions to Van Kleef's have ever had anything other than the Greyhounds. They are that good. Only two things make me not fanatical about this place. First, inexplicably, they don't offer Greyhounds in a pitcher, despite jugs of the stuff sitting on the counter. Second, the joint is really, really dark - fine if you are going there on a rainy winter night, but not so fun for a summer happy hour. Anyways, SF peeps, give Oakland a chance. Take BART to 19th Street and have a Greyhound. I swear it is worth the $6.20 BART fare. read more

OK, might have gotten more stars, but... Cover charge $10 for a tiny bar in Oakland? Oh, did I mention that all the ads said $8 so to have to kick in more money was kind of crap. I thought an $8 cover was already a little on the pricey side for a place trying to attract people in on a Saturday night. Use the card to charge drinks and got charged $2 extra on an already generous tip. The jazz/burlesque show was overall pretty good and fun. They've obviously put a lot of time into the interior design so it looks good though it's a bit narrow. It could be a great spot on the Telegraph, but they're not there yet. Update: Someone from CVK emailed to correct the money error and explain, but I still hope they'll lower their cover. For their effort, I've bumped it up from 2 to 3 stars because I was disappointed with the high cover and having other issues that night. It could be a great location without a cover or a substantially lower one. read more

It's like Pee Wee's Playhouse and Dinosaurs had a baby... Jambi, is that you? Their specialty is the freshly squeezed grapefruit. read more

Giant ass grapefruits? Hell yeah. Getting your drink on and getting your serving or more of fruit? Double hell yeah! This place can sell greyhounds only and still make bank. read more

How have I never been here before? I'll be honest, I had heard the name but never really known where Cafe Van Kleef was located. Parking was relatively easy on a Monday evening and there were lots of seats available. My friend told me they get pretty packed on the weekends and that made sense. I was feeling kind of sick so I ordered a hot toddy and a few greyhounds. When you walk into this place you feel like you've entered a scene from Indiana Jones. There are "decorations" everywhere with what I can only describe as a worldly theme. African Rhinos, samurai helmets, Eiffel towers, you name it and it's on the wall or tucked into some corner. The greyhounds. That all anybody talks about when it comes to this place. Theyre good. Really good. They have pitchers of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice on the counters that they use to make their drinks. They also rest a quarter of a grapefruit on your glass. To squeeze or not to squeeze, that is the question. Pro tip, drink a little of your drink before you squeeze the grapefruit into your drink and plunk that thing in there. Overflow alert! Since I'm a noobie I spilled way too much of my drink on the table. I'm a big fan. Only drawback for me is that there is a smoking area right out front and the smoke filters into the bar and for an ex smoker like me, it is a little much. Also the fruit flies are annoying. But I'm definitely coming back! Cool spot, cool drinks, cool vibe. read more

I walked in here on my birthday after passing by many times. I loved the wacky decor and ambiance. I knew I was in for a great time at this bar. It was a Tuesday night, so really slow, and with only 4 other patrons in the bar I knew we would quickly be on our way to drinking "the best Greyhound ever" according to my best friend. When I ordered the Greyhound after a 10 minute wait at the empty bar the bartender lady told us there was no grapefruit juice left. I asked what other fun drinks they make that would be nice to have on my birthday!? and she curtly replied "I don't play that game." I told her that it wasn't a game, I just wondered if they had any other specialties like the greyhound, she said its a normal bar, order whatever else you would get at a bar. I came here expecting a fabulous drink and fun experience, but left with a bad taste in my mouth. After walking out of this bar, the smell of fresh urine on the Oakland streets had never smelled so good. Thanks Van Kleef bee-otch bartender of the year for helping me appreciate walking down Telegraph rejected at midnight in a way I never have before! I highly recommend this place to the cyclist who hit me while I was on my bike, seems like his kind of place. read more

Quirky fun bar in Oakland! Great live music, delicious greyhounds (freshly squeezed grapefruit- sweet, not bitter- and vodka), awesome people! read more

I went here on a VERY random adventure with two of the homeys. They are known for their grayhoud, which I'm told is very good. However, I don't drink grapefruit juice, so I amused myself with tequila on the rocks. The night we were there they were having a burlesque show. The bouncer was condescending in letting us know it was going on. I wanted to bitch slap the ignoramus with the combined at least 15 years of advance education amongst our crew and ask him if he even knew how to spell burlesque. Did he think that educated brown kids are anti quasi nudity? Anyway, the show was decent. These were women who would not be in playboy, they all had REAL boobs, not silicone. And they put on a good show. I've only been in briefly one other time when there wasn't a show going on and the crowd is very hipster. If you don't have a tattoo and wear black, you might feel out of place. This isn't the BEST bar for conversation, but they do GREAT job of highlighting local bands/performers - go to support Larry in accounting when he's playing with the band and good times will ensue. read more

(Old review reposted from 8/1/2015 to merge profiles) This weekend I came to visit from LA and my friends and I decided to catch up over a drink or two at van kleef. I had never been there before but yesterday was definitely the last time. The bouncer RAY was a nightmare. He was rude as we walked in. Then at around 130 he walks to the back yelling "everybody shut the fuck up and finish your drinks so you can leave!".. Now I can see if he had given 5 warnings ahead of time or something- but that was the first. But either way, that's no way to talk to a paying customer. The female bartender was rude as well but Ray definitely took the cake with his over zealous, power tripping behavior. Screen the people you hire!! read more

So, my friend and I grew up near Oakland. We have wandered the streets numerous times and we never knew about this cool joint. It's right by the Bull Dog Coffee Shop downtown. To get in the cover was $7 at the door, but don't worry the bar is totally worth every penny. 4 Stars for the great ambiance! You walk in and immediately your eyes wander all over the place. First you look at bar covered in crazy objects, then you look at the art work that covers the walls from head to toe. I think no matter how many times you visit this place you will always find something hidden in the walls that you have never seen before. Look above the band and see the man sculpture starring you down. Do not forget your dancing shoes because the band is awesome! They were so good that no matter how hard you tried to fight the urge to dance, there was no way of escaping the constant feeling of rhythm traveling through my veins. We danced the night away happily ever after sipping on our yummy Mai Tai's. Our drinks were great, no sissy drinks here. Packed with punch; strong, and did the job right. I'll be swing-dancing my ass right through the doors soon Cafe Van Kleef! So watch out! read more

Cafe Van Kleef is great, I usually bring visitors to the East Bay here if we're spending anytime in the neighborhood. Van Kleef is an uber-long bar that's decked out like a wacky thrift shop. Tons of odds and ends everywhere, if you're lacking for conversation there's plenty of fun stuff to look at. I think I've only ordered greyhounds here - they're served fresh-squeezed and come with a quarter-wedge of grapefruit. So, yeah that's a lot of grapefruit. The bar area can get pretty packed, but that's a minor complaint as there's a fair amount of seating in the back. read more

Not quite a dive, not quite an "establishment". More like a unique, hip experience. The place has an intense ambiance balanced by the easy-going demeanor of the bartender and gregarious bar-owner/sweet-talker. Though I usually stay away from anything grapefruit, the Greyhound was a pleasant fresh surprise. I'd go again with a group, a friend, a date, or even BY MYSELF. But park close, it's kinda creepy at night. read more

Like some people have said, the ambiance and drinks are great (although the Greyhound was overhyped), prices are fine, bartenders are fine, etc. The security however is so bad I wonder how any of them are still employed. We were given a ten minute warning before closing, and finished up our drinks. However, unlike every other bar I've ever been to what the bouncer meant by "ten minutes" was not "finish your drinks and clear out" but "if you are not gone in ten minutes I will yell at you over and over like a deranged lunatic until you leave". This is not an exaggeration. The time between him announcing they were closed and us having all our stuff packed to leave couldn't have been more than a minute. It was so strange I didn't even realize he was talking to us until I looked up to wonder why he was yelling. We spent $60 and the crazy bastard wouldn't even let my friend use the bathroom before leaving. There's nothing wrong with this place in general, but I highly recommend to management that they check who was working the door on the evening of 3/23/2016 and fire them, because I can't imagine there are a lack of qualified applicants to the position who can are able to resist screaming at customers for no reason. read more

I have been to Van Kleef's twice and I had two very different experiences. 1st time: My date raved so much about the greyhounds we went just to try them. Paid the cover, I can't remember what band was playing, order a greyhound (their signature drink) and they were OUT OF GRAPEFRUITS. I get how most places run out of stuff, but does the house of prime rib ever run out of prime rib? NO. We found that out and split, no greyhound wasn't worth big crowds. 2nd time: Paid the cover ($5 I think?) and finally got my greyhound! And yes, it was worth it, and I loved the wedge of grapefruit on the top! The band was fun, we got seats and generally had a good time. So for now, I'll leave it at three stars. I'll go back soon and do an update. read more

Is this like, my favorite bar ever?? Cafe Van Kleef, if I could fawn & fall over you like a sloppy lovesick drunk, I would. But I'm sure you get that a lot... The reviews are spot on; it is totally taxidermy/knick knack central in here, and it is so wonderful. At 8pm, the bar starts filling up but the crowd stays mellow and unpretentious. There are people reading books over piazza-style cafe tables, groups on long wooden pillow-lined benches, talking and sharing drinks, professionals fresh out of work, relaxing under the glow of old lava lamps, stuffed animal heads, safari paraphernalia, old rotary phones, esoteric collectibles, ice skates, oversized boxing gloves, jeweled swords and severe busts. All the drinks-- from maraschino cherry-draped sweet drinks like the Stublin Islander, the Mai Tai, the delightfully fizzy Orgasm, and the Pina Colada (with whole coconut pieces) to CVK's signature greyhound (made with vodka and fresh, fresh grapefruit juice)-- are the yums. You can bring in your own food or nosh on their complimentary (but sporadically dispensed) chips & popcorn, stick around for the live shows and try to hold shouting conversations over the roar of the crowd. Or you can just hang out in the corner, sip on your 5th greyhound and stare at the slowly-warping taxidermy. Whatever floats you boat- Cafe Van Kleef will be there for you. read more

Omg... Can we say orgasmic fresh squeezed greyhounds!!!! And live music!!! This place looks like New Orleans and a Pirates of the Caribbean movie exploded inside of it. You could spend hours staring at the walls and still never see all the little ornaments. It is a smaller place with a long bar and small stage area. The drinks are amazing and the people are a ton of fun! When I come back to Berkley I will definitely be back! read more

One of my favorite places in Oakland. Very unique, great bar staff, amazing ambiance, and fun customers. They have live music pretty often, and are famous for their greyhounds. The entire bar is decked out in New Orleans decor which really sets the mood. If you're anywhere near here, be sure to stop by! read more

Cafe Van Kleef popped my greyhound cherry last night. And you know what? I really liked it! You see, I'm not a fan of grapefruit juice. At all. But I had heard such great things and saw a bunch of Oaksters* downing them that I just had to try. Much sweeter than I imagined, I'm already craving my next one. In addition, I really dug the eclectic, kitschy knick knacks that were crammed in every corner of the bar - think giant Catfish, over sized boxing gloves, ginormous chandelier, etc. Oh, and there was some guy handing out hot dogs last - free snausages!!! AND there was a tamale guy there selling tamales. Not as good as the tamale lady but solid. Man, so much happened in such a short time frame...CVK might be my new favorite Uptown pre-show destination. *What I call the Oakland hipster...patent pending read more

It's one of those quirky bars that has a unique look and vibe to it. It's dark, but look around and you'll find a whole bunch of random trinkets and decorations all around. They're famous for the greyhounds - grapefruit juice and vodka or gin. Even if you're not a fan of grapefruit do try these!!! They are super sweeet and mask the fact that 80% of the drink is pure liquor. These babies are dangerous! They just take like juice but after a couple of these you'll have a good night for sure ;) And at $7 a pop how can you go wrong?!?! read more

pics added. they're worth thousands... ... but. four things: 1. the greyhound really DOES live up to its reputation. 2. the owner is amazingly charming. 3. there was no cover the night i came. but then again, there was no music, either. 4. the decor alone is enough to keep you occupied for hours. read more

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I really like Cafe Van Kleef! It's one on my favorite places to kick the night off in Oakland. It's right by the BART and the crowd is eclectic and super chill. Like everyone else is saying, the quirky decorations make the ambience super interesting. I discover something new on the walls each time I'm there. Make sure you get their greyhound! (vodka + fresh grapefruit juice) They serve it with a huge piece of grapefruit, so as far as cocktails go, this one is pretty healthy. (Right? Right??) Two cons: - There's only one bathroom for the entire place. So on a weekend night, prepare to wait in line for at least 10 - 15 minutes to get your turn to pee. (Not cool man, there's only so much alcohol a bladder can handle.) - They allow people to smoke right outside the front door, so you have to walk through a cloud of cigarette smoke to enter and exit the bar. Sometime you can even smell it when you are at the bar. Not a fan of that! read more

Flew up from San Diego for the day on a business trip and stopped here on my way out. Pure awesomeness hole in the wall bar with a lot of character, history and fun people ! read more

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Cafe Van Kleef is an awesome bar with a unique and welcoming vibe. I am a lover of a fresh squeezed juice, so naturally the pulpy goodness of their Greyhounds won my heart. The bonus bar snacks are a great addition to the sipping experience and everything you could want is delivered with a smile. This establishment is such a graciously eclectic place. Love the variety of clientele. Love all the random and conversation stimulating decorative elements. Love everything I've seen and experienced. At Cafe Van Kleef, you'll find a potpourri of all that will make you smile. read more

I don't know if I should be writing a review of a place I was in for less than 10 seconds but what transpired in those 10 seconds really impressed me. As a new resident of Oakland, I've been dying to try this place as it gets a lot of buzz and seemed really cool every time I've walked past it. One night, a friend and I meet for dinner/drinks at Ozumo and pass Van Kleef and agree to come back after dinner. A former co-worker of ours meets up with us after--unfortunately said co-worker is not cool, or adventurous, and is partial to "upscale" lounges that play hip-hop/dance hits. Nevertheless, I want Van Kleef. By the time we get there, though, they want a cover of $10 each. I am determined to try this place, so we pay and get in. Co-worker is severely uncomfortable with the Jazz and deco atmosphere so me and my friend decide that we'll humor him and come back later. Here is the amazing part--we ask the door guy for our money back since we basically just walked in. Not only did he give us our money back--he was extremely NICE about it, and even apologized to us! That would have never, ever happened in San Francisco--EVER. So impressed--give that guy a raise! Now I must go back and actually check out this place sans uptight former co-workers so I can enjoy this cool spot and give it a proper review! read more

Great venue for a fun time. I came for the fabulous Cleavage Night fundraiser for the Susan G. Koman Foundation and thoroughly enjoyed myself. And not just because Yelp's Yummiest Ladies came out on full display for the cause! (Big thumbs up to Karen N. for coordinating this event, which raised several hundred dollars!) The bartenders were quick and attentive, even with the crush of Yelpers. I was particularly impressed that the one serving me actually took the time to look up the recipe for my drink (since she hadn't made one in a long time) rather than guessing and just trying to BS me. Peter van Kleef, the owner, was present and very cool, not only for providing the venue for the event but for creating a special cocktail for the event (the "Van Kleevage"). The decor can only be described as cluttered in a fascinating, eclectic way. Lots of art on the walls competing for your attention with mounted heads of bison and a jackalope and the bar-top nude torso light bulb (see pictures). The bar often hosts a jazz band and did that night; however, like many bars, they were at least twice as loud as the space warranted; they seriously would have been perfect without any amplification. When your ears stated bleeding, you could always step outside into the large covered entryway, which I'm sure is great when it's raining. There are even counters outside for your drink! Extra credit for location, being only 1 block from the BART station. Definitely a friendly vibe overall and the kind of place you'd want to visit as your own personal Cheers. Maybe you, too, can get your picture on the wall with Peter! TRIVIA: With the exception of the large mural covering most of one wall, all the framed artwork hanging in the Cafe was painted by Peter himself! read more

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

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One word to describe Cafe Van Kleef? Eclectic. Very eclectic. It almost felt like someone decided to raid a junk thrift shop and then threw everything they found on the walls. From old signs to buffalo heads, it's just an interesting mess in there. But beyond the clutter, there is a little hidden gem. Greyhounds are THE drink here. Made with fresh grapefruit juice, a big chuck of grapefruit, and a ton of vodka, this drink will creep up on you like you won't even know it. One second, you're sipping this drinking thinking, hm.. I don't taste the alcohol, it's just juice.... and you keep sipping, and sipping, and you realize you're empty. Let's get another one! Before I was even half way through this second glass, I had the giggles. Woooooo I had the giggles. Let's just say it was quite a fun night :) Question: Is grapefruit a big thing in Oakland? Yes, I am a newb to the East Bay, but I really should check out these hole-in-the-wall places more often. You just never know what you're going to find! read more

Ok, after going here for Cafe Van Cleavage night, I have to admit, the place is kind to just about any melon. Who doesn't like to be greeted with "Ahh, now there's the cleavage!" when you enter the joint. I felt like I had won a prize. First of all, it was an out of the ordinary sweltering day earlier, therefore lending the inside of the bar to mass debauchery, cake smearing, dry humping and disrobing. I had to peel myself out of the vinyl booth for fear of face planting into the goodies that lay before me. When you get half a grapefruit in your glass of a greyhound and are surrounded by boobie cake and gorgeous women, you can't go wrong. Now, granted, my experience was probably not your typical Van Kleef evening, but I'd definitely go back. Picture the Lush Lounge in SF meets the Uptown in Oakland...meets some Parisan cafe or jazz club...and believe me, my can-cans were doin' the can can for Karen N's fundraising event. An all around cool bar, fun bartenders, great live music and awesome atmosphere. Damn, I kind of want to go back right now...I pity the fool who doesn't shake a tail feather and toast there with me. read more