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Cafe Van Kleef
Bar$$$$
Oaksterdam, Oakland
"Great decor, amazing greyhounds and an interesting mix of people."(53 Tips)
"Great greyhounds, decor, and live music."(4 Tips)
"Fresh grapefruit is the best for some greyhounds and salty dogs."(3 Tips)
"Great vibe, good cocktails and live music!"(7 Tips)
80 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- greyhound
- great greyhounds
- fruit juice
- live music
- casual
- (14 more)
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You have to order a greyhound. It's like nothing you've ever had before. Also they only have one bathroom and the line moves super slow so keep that in mind. Love this place 5/5 stars.
Kelli JohnstonMay 21, 2013Fresh Squeezed Greyhounds. Pace yourself if thats possible, these are strong drinks! Great funky decor. Reminds me of New Orleans. Beer selection is lacking. More of a cocktail bar. good jazz.
Kait GaissMay 13, 2016A pre-game staple of any show at the Fox is Cafe Van Kleef's Greyhound. I can drink these all night. Plus, the space rules and always has live music playing.
Sarah ThomasAugust 28, 2016Great greyhounds, music, bartenders & atmosphere: don't value your health or happiness- let people smoke in the entryway by the door. It traps the smoke in the bar area & feels illegal & disgusting
Daniel GraysonJanuary 6, 2018Delicious fresh squeezed greyhounds. And if that isn’t enough, there’s the head scratching decor.
Adrian PhillipsJanuary 25, 2016Killer Greyhounds with fresh grapefruit juice squeezed right in front of you. The inside of this bar is wild and the prices can't be beat.
BourbonautJune 19, 2018This place is fucking weird. I mean that in the best way possible. It’s like walking into a hoarders museum that happens to have alcoholic beverages.
OrianaSeptember 16, 2015Amazing decor. Delicious greyhounds with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Such a good spot. Thanks Rick!
Brian StraussOctober 10, 2017Locals spot. Those gray hounds, the eclectic decor, the live music... all serious town business.
Sarah SchlengerJanuary 14, 2020Order the greyhound and take time to look at the walls. There is a polar bear head mounted. Crazy.
Paula Wirth / Eat Drink OaklandJuly 5, 2012Selected as one of the 2012 Bay Area's Top 100 Bars by the SF Chronicle, in the Dives category. http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/Bay-Area-s-Top-100-Bars-Dives-3674566.php
Melon LAugust 13, 2015The greyhound is one of the best I've ever had. Fresh squeezed and refreshing, but strong as $&@!
Evan StoreyOctober 25, 2015The people, the grapefruit, the decor, the music, the people. Welcome to Oakland.
- Marah LaurieMarch 13, 2015Funky, weird & fun bar uptown! Obviously the signature drink must be tried.
Try the greyhound - #kvpinmybelly : Fresh fruit juice with a huge slice of grapefruit. A healthy cocktail!!- Gusto LopezJune 23, 2012Great decor, amazing greyhounds and an interesting mix of people. The COVER CHARGE is a joke. I only enter when that little cover charge is NOT in effect.
Greyhounds with fresh-squeezed grapefruit. Go with gin - the way nature intended.
Kevin RobertsOctober 29, 2011Famous for their Greyhounds with fresh squeezed grapefruit and warm hospitality of Peter Van Kleef. Funky beyond belief decoration.
Alan HJune 9, 2017Honestly? Yes the fresh grapefruit is killer, but it's too crowded, narrow, noisy, and sticky.
Try a Dirty Dog - whiskey, grapefruit juice and bitters over ice.
Greyhound, duh. Though Room 389 also does a good greyhound during their happy hour.
- SFGate ManagerJuly 16, 2012The don't-miss drink here is the Greyhound (fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, vodka).
I pitch for this bars softball team; our trophies are in the front patio. Some of my art is installed inside: seven skulls opposite the bar, along the wall
JFebruary 27, 2015The decor is nice, The greyhounds are made fresh. But, the bartenders could use an attitude adjustment.
Watch out for the greyhounds. Stronger than you'd think.
Non-smokers and the smoke-sensitive should stay away. Cigarette smoke is perpetually drifting in from the tiny smoking section out front.
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Closed until 6:00 PM Tuesday (Show more)
- Tue–Thu
- 6:00 PM–Midnight
- Fri–Sat
- 6:00 PM–12:20 AM
(510) 763-7711
Features
Credit Cards
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
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