I kinda agree with Max. This is a great little watering hole smack dab in the middle of downtown Oakland (on the shittier side, not the nicer lake side). I went last night and remembered why I like it. It's all about the greyhouds. Sers, I don't even like grapefruit but when it's squeezed fresh and mixed with vodka...come on, even I know it's amazing. The times I've been with a band playing are generally okay. Usually a bit to loud for me, no fault of the band, the space is just small. AND, they charge a cover. Please people, I just want to drink. Just give the band some of my drink money...trust me, with my friends in there, you'll have plenty to spare. The chairs are not the most comfy, but I don't think people come to sit and relax. Go to the easy lounge if you need an effing couch. More importantly tho, my co-worker (who is quickly becomming my friend but we are in the "still figuring each other out, don't have too much to talk about" phase) and I were able to sit and stare at the walls filled with beautifully random objects-instant convo starter!! Thing is, I'd never want to see it in full light. I mean, would you wanted to see Disney's Haunted Mansion in full light? No. Kinda takes away the mystery. read more

This place is a hidden gem! Reminds me of Latin America Club in the Mission with all its crazy kitsch. I had heard lore of their greyhounds, and you know what? Totally lived up to the hype. They squeeze the juice at the bar with an awesome pump juicer and put the juice in carafes...that they cap with a whole grapefruit. Gotta keep it fresh, amirite? Also, they give you an enormous wedge of grapefruit to add to your shot of juice. Yes, please. Anyway, those greyhounds...yeah. Vodka, usually not my thing, and yet, here we are. Definitely going back. The good: solid drinks. Nice bartender. Called me ma'am; can't win 'em all, I guess. The bad: the cup of greyhound overfloweth, so make sure your table is level, otherwise you might get some dirty looks for spilling. Protip: show your ticket to a show at the Fox and get a dollar off your drink. Can't get mad about that. read more

The Salty Dog is my new favorite drink. It's 7 bucks and amazing. Order it. Now. Van Kleef's is like someone took the decorations from a creepy old gothic spinster aunt's stuffy Victorian flat and hung them up all over. It's pretty visually amazing, eclectic, strange...if you're a straight shooter or an MTV type of kid, this ain't your scene. Good music on the jukebox, nice cozy spot for a date. Bartenders are quick, courteous. Not a pretentious scene, come as you are. Best chill place in Uptown. read more

For the amount of Greyhounds getting put down here, someone should alert PETA. Van Cleef is another solid Oakland Dive-type bar, with eclectic decorations lining every square inch of the place. I visited on a random Friday, and only stayed long enough for a couple of Greyhound Races, so I'll keep my review short. I lived in Texas for a while and I've come to appreciate a perfect grapefruit. The tenders worked the citrus expertly and the libations tasted fine. The season probably determines the success of the outcome... I'll have to head back in a month to see how the flavors develop. And maybe to see what other events Van Cleef has to offer. read more

Cafe Van Kleef is the kind of place that makes Oakland awesome. My only regret is not discovering this gem earlier. It's kind of like stumbling upon the rabbit hole, you want to drink the potion. I highly recommend getting there on the early side to take in the scenery while it's not too crowded (and without the cover). It's hard to describe just how this bar is decorated without seeing it for yourself. The service was so friendly and the drinks--strong and freshly squeezed. Free popcorn was offered by the bartender. The greyhound, garnished with a grapefruit wedge, was heavenly. What a treasure. read more

Best greyhound drinks in the Bay Area! Absolutely love the ambiance, the live music is so cool. Definitely recommend this place 100%

I have so many good memories at Van Kleef it's hard to recount them all. The staff is sincerely attentive, friendly and make amazing Greyhounds (fresh-squeezed!). I most often come here for the burlesque show on the first Saturday of the month. There's a cover, but the atmosphere and the live New Orleans jazz are well worth it. Just be sure to get there EARLY if you want a seat because it gets packed...and be prepared to dance and have fun! On any other night the crowd tends to be pretty mellow and not quite as "hipster-y" as some of the other watering holes, though Van Kleef gets those folks, too. All in all though, this place brings out the best in people. I've not spent an evening here where I didn't walk away smiling. read more

Ok so the Greyhounds here are fantastical and at $7 it's the best you're going to get. The ambiance is very interesting and dive barry and there are some truly attention piquing antique pieces. While I was initially put off by the strong beedi smell and tempted to break in to a dance to this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLJCtZK0x5M I decided to enjoy my drink with my colleagues in piece and peace. That is my update. read more

Came here last Wednesday night after a big meal to keep the buzz going and ordered 2 large greyhounds (1 grapefruit juice + vodka and 1 grapefruit juice + tequila) and while pricey ($16 / drink) it was truly value for money. There were close to 4-5 shots worth of alcohol in each drink and the bar was buzzy even for a Wednesday night. Nothing super special, but definitely will be back for a pregame / post-dinner situation. read more

What a joy!!! Such character! So NOT a place you'd come across in SF (nothing against, SF - just sayin')! Fantastic blues music playing on the stereo 'til the phenomenal LIVE jazz quintet started up (my foot is still tapping to the beat in my head from the Vince Wallace Quintent - they rocked!! So much so, I came home with their CD, and will remember for the future that they perform the first Friday of every month. Also, the grapefruit vodka drinks were amazing (and no, they were NOT watered down - I saw them made). They had tons of fresh grapefruit juice - enuf vitamin C to last a week! We also enjoyed the bartender's recommended drink, called the "Catholic Protestant," which consisted of vodka, gin, sprite, and fresh lemon juice. Yummy. Friendly, laid back crowd, fun, unique sh*t all over the walls, great people watching, fun place in every way. 40 minutes there, less than15 mins back. Averages out to VERY convenient and SOOO worth a visit!!! Go!!! :) (wait, do you think she LIKED this place?) ;) read more

I've walked by Cafe Van Kleef many times but never thought to actually go inside. Thanks to an assignment for my music appreciation class, I had to go see a live music performance. I figured I might as well check out Cafe Van Kleef since I live in the 'hood. I loved this place! The funky decor, the laid back bohemian vibes and the live music several times a week. I felt comfortable inside, which is important especially when going to new places. The beers on tap were only $4. Check this place out if you love live music. I think there is a cover after 9pm, but we showed up around 8:45p and didn't have to pay. read more

The atmosphere, ambiance, vibe, artwork, sculptures, trinkets and oddities, and especially the people... best bar in Oakland HANDS DOWN

My new friend and I were on a date that got off to a really bad start: He wanted to get to BART so quickly, I swear he would've jumped out of my speeding car had he not been competing with my own urge to dump him off immediately. I turned into the first spot I saw off Broadway-a loading zone-and we sat, a full 4 feet from the curb, engine running-and revisited the cause of our friction: again. No resolve: He suggested that it would probably "be best if we didn't call one another again". I had no problem agreeing. Our polite hug before leaving turned into eye contact-the stubborn kind-and then the most gentle but strong kiss. Stubborness mixed with passion and admiration. Scorpio & Taurus: Trouble, I say! We parked & walked; holding on tightly. Downtown Oakland always feels like a graveyard after close of business...but alas, a sign of life: Cafe Van Kleef? We were greeted by smiling smokers on the outside and once in, we were transported to a completely unexpected bohemian hideout. Lots of locals; everyone friendly. There's crap all over this shotgun-style space: Lots to see and lots of history; someone's personality all over the walls up to the ceiling. Parts of it are oddly orderly-the little matching cafe tables w/ little lamps & delicate shades. Everything, even the bathroom is unusually clean. The creme de la creme was the AA cowboy-complete with Wranglers & hat singing karaoke. His voice wasn't half bad. He waltzed off stage; mingling and serenading . He's seemed so happy. So my date and I 'mosied' up to the bar where two women-a bartender and the cowboy's filly (we thought)-gasped and told us that we were such a sexy couple. We threw our heads back laughing. My date and I smiled at one another because it was true; there's something about the combination of us. Odd cocktails, feet tapping to 80s favorites, found art to look at - things to talk about - and finally things in common - an experience - that completely disarmed us to the point of genuine, unforced re-connection. Eventually we were accused by the cowboy of looking so hot and happy together that it must have taken years to evolve (we nod & smile). The cowboy and his filly sandwiched another regular and danced to a Cranberrys song. More cute than disgusting somehow: They were all so happy. My date and I were awed by our luck to step into such an oasis. If you feel most comfortable in a polished bar or club, this place is not for you. It's funky and it makes you feel funky and amused in a bazaar way. People from different walks of life seem very at ease with themselves. Everyone wants to talk and the drinks are flowing but everyone's just happy instead of wasted. I was impressed by the ginormous piece of fresh grapefruit that rests on top of the house "specialty" - a rather hair-raisingly strong Greyhound. I skipped the drink but relished the fruit. I hand-fed my date. We didn't need to drink to feel drunk and happy at Cafe Van Kleef. Not sure if it was just our moment or if this place regularly inspires this kind of magic but I'm giving it 5 stars for helping lead two stubborn lovers back to where they belong. read more

Beautiful vintage-style jazz bar with a friendly owner, peppered popcorn and a drink called the greyhound which will sweep you off your feet with its lush sides of sweet grapefruit. For the decompressing, chilling outside with a smoke while looking at the photos on the wall is quite nice. read more

On our first visit we scored a prime parking spot directly in front of the bar. As we set foot on the sidewalk, Sir ID_Checker waved at us and said, "think no further, this is where you want to be." We went in, and the man didn't lie. The rest is history. read more

I've had mixed experiences here. The greyhounds are pretty good, and the fresh grapefruit wedge is a nice touch. It has a quirky decor with lots of old boxing memorabilia, which I can appreciate. Somehow though, the patrons kind of strike me as a bit on the aloof side. Its like a cross between a Mission hipster dive and a Marina yuppie lounge. On the other hand, maybe all those greyhounds and bourbon shots had robbed my delightful countenance of its usual impish charm, and I was just being a huge douchebag. Nah... read more

Great place, great live music and decoration. I had the dirty dog, moscow mule, and greyhound - all were amazing. My camera got stolen from here on my 21st birthday though, right out of my bag. So I guess the guests aren't always the best. read more

I've been to Cafe Van Kleef once, to have an extraordinarily awkward conversation. It wound up being a phenomenal choice for this activity. It's a bar, of course, which means that it is both dimly lit (good for avoiding real eye contact) and well-stocked with strong liquor. The taxidermy and general decor are an excellent non-topical conversation option, and also another excuse to avoid eye contact. This is not to say that I don't want to return for a less tense experience. On the contrary, I'd love to come back to try the (unbeknownst to me) signature greyhound and soak in the atmosphere a bit more. Stay tuned for the update... read more

Located stumbling distance from BART (I'm a big fan of stumbling distances) is this teeny bar/club that serves greyhounds--a fantastic vodka drink made with fresh pink grapefruit. The bartender presents you a glass with a huge chunk of grapefruit teetering on top. You'll have had a full serving of vitamin C after consuming this. Imagine how healthy you'll be after two more. There was a cover charge (5 or 10 bucks, I cant remember) for the band playing that night. We didnt really get to enjoy the band because the sound system was f'd up, and the aging hippie in charge of it couldnt get his shit together. Anyway, I liked the kitschy atmosphere (a mix of TGI Fridays and the serial killer's basement from Silence of the Lambs) and general make-up of the crowd. There were no young assholes, just people out to enjoy themselves with friends and drink. If you're an asshole, please, dont come here and screw up the vibe. read more

Oh Cafe Van Kleef, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1. The amazing greyhound. A vitamin and a delectable cocktail all in one. Oh, I only wish I could enjoy more of them without becoming a messy, messy drunkard. 2. Mr. Van Kleef & friendly bar staff. No one need drink alone at the Cafe Van Kleef. 3. The alterna Oaklandish folk you don't mind rubbing elbows with. 4. Decore of my dreams & nightmares. Always more to see, to love, to wonder about. Go to Cafe Van Kleef, but only if you will keep the spirit. read more

At first, I was a wee bit annoyed at the near-end-of-week cover. Eh. BUT --- since I heard about this place from my uber-awesome hairstylist LONA (o'er @ REMEDY SALON) --- I had to find out why this has become one of her favorite haunts. My first-five-second observation? Quirky decor and quick service. Total HIPster hangout. My first-five-minute assessment? Best GREYHOUND... ever. (And I don't even LIKE grapefruit.) DEFINITELY comin' back. read more

Van Kleef is quite often part of my Friday night "stamp collection." There is a cover most Fridays, but it's usually only $5 and the music always seems to manage to be entertaining without being distracting, which is a big plus for me. I like to be able to talk to the people I'm with. The kitschy s#^t all over the walls gives you something to stare at while sipping the best greyhound you have ever tasted. I prefer the gin variety myself, but that's just because I'm not a big vodka drinker. With the amount of grapefruit being trafficked, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the bar is sticky. Just don't lean on it, simple as that! read more

I rarely give 5stars but I just love this place so much lol. It's definitely one of the weirdest bar I've been to around the area. They don't have a menu and most people just go for their incredible grapefruit cocktail (they literally give you a fresh grapefruit to add to ur cocktail). The decorations are really hippy and the people there are fun to talk to. I went for my best friend's 22rd birthday, and the bartender (who looks like Drew from Chainsmokers) got us a few free drinks :,) and we became friends on instagram but that's another story. read more

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

Ah, Cafe Van Kleef holds a special place in my heart. This was my go to place after work when I use to work in downtown Oakland between 2005-2009. Decor hasn't changed much inside. You can find eclectic memorabilia, random and interesting decor and artwork. Kind of reminds me of New Orleans. Outside of cafe Van Kleef, surroundings has definitely changed a lot due to gentrification and hipsters. There I said it. CVK was our first stop in downtown Oakland with my girls and of course ordered the ever popular greyhound and a side of a grey goose shot. The slice of grapefruit that comes with the greyhound is huge! Definitely came to good use after drinking that Grey goose shot. read more

Cafe Van Kleef - Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots and Greyhounds! - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Oakland, California

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Great bar! Sierra Nevada's "Torpedo" (8% alcohol) on tap? Check! Awesome Greyhounds? Check! Little Walter's "Mellow Down Easy" blasting out the speakers? CHECK! I really dig this place. They have live music but I haven't checked that out yet. I hear they have "MJ's Brass Boppers" here pretty often and they are a great band. My only complaints? All the crap they have on the walls looks pretty dusty, they could turn the lights up just a bit (a little too dark for me), and fix the door on the bathroom so people waiting in line don't have to hear me drop a deuce in the can. read more

Looks like a nice dive bar, but the smokers lounge at the entrance is totally disgusting and makes the whole place smell like smoke. It's 2018 and I can't believe it is still legal to have smoking inside the bar. read more

Great atmosphere at this downtown bar. The prices are about the same as other bars in the area.

I could spend all my time at CVK. Like, if I was a trust fund kid, I'd be their regular drunk. Just hanging off the bar clutching a greyhound. All day, every day. $7 will bring you to greyhound heaven. Even if you don't like greyhounds, you need to order them here. I'm telling you like a boss bitch. It's a dark bar that looks like an antique store inside. Pick out your favorite creepy antique or taxidermy. It's like drunk iSpy. They have shows, the smoking area out front is a fun place to chill, and if you're going to a show at the Fox, you're stopping here (boss bitch again). *They take cards and have a $10 CC min. read more

Van Cleef is one reason this stretch on Telegraph Ave will become a hoppin' scene in the next few years. Peter (the owner) is one of the coolest guys you will meet. the bartenders make strong drinks here, and the crowd is diverse. sit at the bar and you may end up talking to lawyers & architects, city officials & school principals, musicians, artists & chefs, business leaders & entrepreneurs, local politicians, and if you're lucky, even Jerry Brown...yeah, this is the crowd i meet during happy hour while sipping my gimlet at this cool spot in Oaktown. read more

This is a fun little quirky place to grab a drink downtown. I've only been once but I had a nice time. The decor and art is plentiful. This is a fun place to enjoy live music or just hang with friends. The staff was friendly and efficient. I would certainly go back. I'm sad I don't like grapefruit. Sounds like I'm really missing out. read more

I heart! I love! The perfect precurser to singing drunkenly along with The Decemberists! Everything about this place made me smile-- fresh squeezed greyhounds, the dude selling tamales (I guess he's the... Tamale Gentlemen?), the outlandish decor, the pillow-covered bench, the statues, the paintings.... this is a FUN place to blow off some steam, have a drink, and pre-game for a show at the Fox Theater. I definitely knocked back a few too many... but it didn't break the bank :) read more

This is place is so different from the other bars I've frequented in the city. Would have never expected a place with such character and unique decor to be right in ghetto Oakland. Live band was playing and the older gentleman that was singing that night had a soulful Louis Armstrong voice. Loved it! The drinks were $7 for the Greyhound (I think that's what it was called) which was DELISH! Recommend this place to anyone. People are friendly and it wasn't too packed with good atmosphere. Parking is hard to find around that area at night though. Now I understand why. read more

How much more awesome could this place be? Great band...Great Drinks...and the presence of an absinthe bar... This is a spot where you should settle in early and find a table. The band starts playing so I would definitely go just to take in the ambiance and good music with good friends. The only problem is that if you want to talk, the live music can make it a bit difficult. But the bartenders and the crowd were exactly what my tired ass needed to unwind. We tried to hit up another spot to find a better spot, but this place is where we should of stayed. I will definitely come back here. read more

This place is sooooo cool! I was introduced to this place the other night by a friend that works nearby. He was swearing by their greyhounds, and I swear by Lion Pub's greyhounds, so we figured we would have a greyhound showdown. I gotta say...Van Kleef's GH is pretty fantastic! And besides the cocktail, the place is SWEET. There's so much kitsch to check out all over the place...it's definitely bizarre. And the staff is really friendly and cool. Would love to go back on a night with live music. Actually, would love to go back on any night... read more

There is a lot of awesome here. Guess what you'll find adorning the walls of Van Cleef? Everything. Seriously. Everything. This place is sure to keep your eyes and brain in continuous motion - visually entertaining you with an obscene collection of wild masks, statues, portraits, skulls, mirrors, contemporary and vintage goods... EVERYTHING is a potential conversational piece. Jazz bands are up my alley, so when some broad got up to sing Mr. Postman in the key of blues - well, it just about made my night. PS - Their signature greyhound is a must. read more

Cue spaghetti western music with some slap bass. Is it wrong that I hear a mash-up of Ennio Morricone and Les Claypool in my head every time I venture into this bar? I think it's safe to say that everyone in Oakland knows about Cafe Van Kleef and it's legendary Greyhounds. The walls of this joint are covered with ephemera from unknown origins. The atmosphere is part episode of Hoarders, and part antique shop. Van Kleef is typically packed to the gills, stacked three or four deep from the bar, which is saying a lot since the "bar" is deeper on the employee side than the customer side. Service here is hit-and-miss. Meaning you'll probably be ignored for a minute or ten since it is so damn busy, but once the barkeep gets to you, they will be fairly attentive. Bar space, Hell standing space, is at a premium. We were able to rustle up prime bar seating near the entrance, however I quickly realized why that space was soooo readily available after inhaling an entire pack of second hand Marlboros and Virginia Slims. On to the Greyhounds, booze-wise, they are rather weak. I noticed the bartender was pouring vodka out of an anonymous bottle. Probably some terrible generic well-vodka ,Russian named swill à la Popov. All complaints aside though, it's a fantastic tasting drink. The fresh squeezed ruby grapefruit juice and quartered citrus on top elevate this otherwise weak sauce into something special. I guess if you want bang for your buck, order spirits, neat. If you want to enjoy a tasty libation with friends, Greyhound my man. Greyhound. read more

Great spot for a variety of reasons: - Awesome greyhounds with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice...must find out where they source their grapefruits because these are not your average ones. They are SO delicious! The wedge they give you with the drink is amazing! - Cheap drinks - So eclectic The not-so-greats: - There is only 1 bathroom in the bar...for both men and women. This means there is always a line that is like 10 people long for the bathroom!! - The layout of the bar is really funky. It definitely adds to the vibe, but it's hard to be here with a group unless you get one of the 4 tables. Overall, a must see when in Oakland. If you're looking for a cool spot to show out-of-towners, this is one of them! read more

So I went here on a Thursday and it was pretty live for being about 6pm. Lot of after work crowd, very mixed. I like the little out door section in front and that you can smoke with your drink in hand. The bar is like grandmas house, full of crazy old stuff you would never have imagined belonged together. All kinds of craziness going on to keep you entertained. They had multiple bartenders on duty, so a drink wait is non existent. And as the night went on they even had a band, not the best music but better then none. I say this place is bad ass. Go to it. read more

My new favorite bar!!! a stone's throw from the Fox Theatre, this cafe takes you back to a simpler time. The walls are dripping with nostalgic Cajun authenticism. Was truly a treat to walk in here (hammered!) after an Allman Brothers show last year. The fresh grapefruit used with their house specialty Greyhound was being lovingly squeezed before our squinting eyes... the bartenders are friendly with just the right amount of attitude. Live music is present, but the piped in sound is usually more satisfying. Patrons are eclectic and cool. Truly a visual experience, overall. A local patron sells perhaps the best street tamales I've ever had north of San Diego...perfect after a long show at the Fox. Please try to avoid drinking the residual juice from the grapefruit bowl sitting on the bar (like my buddy attempted). They frown upon that with a smile. = ) This is the oldest drinking establishment in downtown Oakland... Bathrooms are antiquated and the line stacks up at times. Other than that,,, a true gem. Check it out! read more

Everyone talks about the Greyhounds, and with good reason. A simple formula, but they do it right; Freshly squeezed grapefruit, gin, ice, and a huge fucking wedge of grapefruit. You can get it with vodka instead, but you can also cut off your own feet; doesn't mean it's a good idea. This place is kinda small and can get pretty crowded, especially on a Friday night, and later on they can start to charge a cover. read more