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Cafe Van Kleef

Bar$$$$

Oaksterdam, Oakland

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Cafe Van Kleef

8.7^/10

381

ratings

Ranked #5 for live music in 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 reviews

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greyhound
great greyhounds
fruit juice
live music
casual
salty dog
authentic
good for dates
good for groups
boozy drinks
great value
good for singles
happy hour
grapefruit
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Joey CombsFebruary 2, 2014
Been here 10+ times
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, 2013
Fresh 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, 2016
A 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, 2016
Great 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
Adrian PhillipsJanuary 25, 2016
Killer 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.
WhiskyAvengerJune 19, 2018
This 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.
Daniel GraysonJanuary 6, 2018
Delicious fresh squeezed greyhounds. And if that isn’t enough, there’s the head scratching decor.
OrianaSeptember 16, 2015
Amazing decor. Delicious greyhounds with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Such a good spot. Thanks Rick!
Brian StraussOctober 10, 2017
Locals spot. Those gray hounds, the eclectic decor, the live music... all serious town business.
Sarah SchlengerJanuary 14, 2020
Order the greyhound and take time to look at the walls. There is a polar bear head mounted. Crazy.
Paula Wirth / Eat Drink OaklandJuly 5, 2012
Selected 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, 2015
The greyhound is one of the best I've ever had. Fresh squeezed and refreshing, but strong as $&@!
Evan StoreyOctober 25, 2015
The people, the grapefruit, the decor, the music, the people. Welcome to Oakland.
Ashley MApril 5, 2014
Please take the advice of all who have posted before, and get the greyhound!
Marah LaurieMarch 13, 2015
Funky, weird & fun bar uptown! Obviously the signature drink must be tried.
Gusto LopezJune 23, 2012
Great 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.
Kris Vera-PhillipsJuly 10, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Try the greyhound - #kvpinmybelly : Fresh fruit juice with a huge slice of grapefruit. A healthy cocktail!!
Ali Uro-MaySeptember 28, 2017
Fresh grapefruit is the best for some greyhounds and salty dogs.
SolarioJanuary 20, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Greyhounds with fresh-squeezed grapefruit. Go with gin - the way nature intended.
Karyn AlleyOctober 4, 2018
If you love grapefruit like me, this is the place.
ClaudineNovember 15, 2015
Great vibe, good cocktails and live music!
Alan HJune 9, 2017
Honestly? Yes the fresh grapefruit is killer, but it's too crowded, narrow, noisy, and sticky.
Tom BellinoApril 26, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Try a Dirty Dog - whiskey, grapefruit juice and bitters over ice.
Kevin RobertsOctober 29, 2011
Famous for their Greyhounds with fresh squeezed grapefruit and warm hospitality of Peter Van Kleef. Funky beyond belief decoration.
Jeanine ShimatsuJanuary 25, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Greyhound, duh. Though Room 389 also does a good greyhound during their happy hour.
IngaJuly 3, 2011
Try their Greyhound drink. It's healthy: vodka & grapefruit juice. Yumm
Edward KOctober 13, 2013
Get a greyhound, grab a table, and enjoy the live jazz band!
Devora LAugust 7, 2014
Must get their greyhound. That's all you need to know.
Joseph LeAugust 24, 2019
Greyhounds are the way to go!
Zak TasticApril 2, 2014
Their fresh squeezed grapefruit and Kettle Vodka is awesome!
nils jansonMay 5, 2017
Get the salty dog. It's amazing.
Viradel PorciunculaMay 9, 2013
Delicious drinks and unique in the inside.
David HoltzMarch 27, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Great greyhounds, decor, and live music.
SFGate ManagerJuly 16, 2012
The don't-miss drink here is the Greyhound (fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, vodka).
Jillian BNovember 15, 2015
greyhounds + great sounds! why can't every bar be cafe van kleef?
nancy t.September 6, 2014
Greyhounds. Order something else and you're doing it wrong.
Ivan RodriguezOctober 20, 2012
Try the Greyhound, it's a signature drink with Vodka and Grapefruit.
natalie kayMay 12, 2017
Greyhound for the win
Adam SampsonMarch 17, 2015
They make a mean Greyhound
Terbo TedDecember 4, 2009
Been here 50+ times
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
Emily RoseSeptember 3, 2014
Best greyhounds. Smells of greyhounds. Greyhounds.
JFebruary 27, 2015
The decor is nice, The greyhounds are made fresh. But, the bartenders could use an attitude adjustment.
Sierra VAugust 29, 2014
All the cocktails are top notch.
Maddie MaeAugust 10, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Non-smokers and the smoke-sensitive should stay away. Cigarette smoke is perpetually drifting in from the tiny smoking section out front.
Stijn HenricusAugust 6, 2014
Greyhound. Get a greyhound, or 6.
Steven MatthewsSeptember 26, 2019
The taxidermy is 🔥👌🏼
Chris HiltonJune 15, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Watch out for the greyhounds. Stronger than you'd think.
Jake RozinNovember 18, 2013
Live music and freshly squeezed grapefruit greyhound.
Sal MAugust 8, 2014
There's only one unisex restroom so expect a long wait on busy nights.
Jussi HäyhäJanuary 7, 2016
The drinks we're good. I guess.

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