Cafe Van Kleef
Bar · Oakland
About Cafe Van Kleef
En Café Van Kleef te damos la bienvenida a un rincón único en Oakland, donde el arte ecléctico y los objetos curiosos crean un ambiente inigualable. Nuestra especialidad son los greyhounds y una selección de cócteles irresistibles, perfectos para disfrutar en nuestro agradable patio. ¡Ven a descubri...
En Café Van Kleef te damos la bienvenida a un rincón único en Oakland, donde el arte ecléctico y los objetos curiosos crean un ambiente inigualable. Nuestra especialidad son los greyhounds y una selección de cócteles irresistibles, perfectos para disfrutar en nuestro agradable patio. ¡Ven a descubrir un lugar donde la buena compañía y las bebidas exquisitas se dan la mano!
What Customers Say About Cafe Van Kleef
Cafe Van Kleef is a unique Oakland bar known for its strong grapefruit drinks (especially Greyhounds) and quirky, eclectic decor. Customers praise the friendly staff and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot before or after events at the Fox Theater.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Try their signature Greyhound drink with fresh-squeezed grapefruit. Be aware that they can be stronger than they taste! Check for live music on weekends.
Features
What to see nearby
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Explore the area around Cafe Van Kleef
Cafe Van Kleef is located in Oakland, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Parks & Gardens
- Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (A 185m) — square in Oakland, Alameda County, United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Latham Square Building (A 17m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
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- Q136125356 (A 212m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
- Q135999745 (A 220m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about Cafe Van Kleef
Cafe Van Kleef Oakland Reviews
Cool dive bar feel. Live band on some nights. Fresh Grapefruit juice is amazing I did gin instead of vodka still tasted great. Plenty cool decor to look at while figuring out if you should get one more drink.
Go for the greyhounds and stay for the funky vibe. Great stop before/after the Fox Theater
Spent my 42nd birthday here by my self. The atmosphere is amazing. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling in knick knacks that will keep your eyes searching the walls for a long time. The Bartender (Shy) was AMAZING. Kind, sweet and patient. Thanks for a fun birthday!
Incredible vodka mules with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Inside of the bar has so much to look at, you could look for hours and still be seeing new things. Bar tender was friendly and attentive. Definitely recommend.
A unique place that offers a fun respite from the usual watering hole. The signature here is to serve drinks with a freshly squeezed grapefruit twist. There is also an engaging I-spy game utilizing the rich decor inside that guests can play for a chance to win a prize. The service was very friendly and we all had a great time!
One of the oldest bars in Oakland is what I was told, I believe it. Waking in the bar Oat Benatar was playing and one immediately notices all the character of this establishment. If you're headed to downtown Oakland for a show at the Paramount this is a most stop to enjoy a Grayhound, you will not find a better one anywhere. Just be warned but there is no food but the atmosphere makes it an amazing place to visit, makes me wish I was a local.
One of the first to root in uptown and one of the few still standing during this pandemic. Classic. Known for their greyhounds. Now with outdoor seating. Can phone in a food order from the (filipino?) restaurant across the street to be delivered to your table to go along with your greyhound.
Super kitch and rad bar in Oakland. Amazing barstaff full of sass and booze! They are known for their grapefruit anything and believe me they do a good job of it! Not what I would call expensive for the experience. Moderate prices by the city standards, but the pours are heavy handed making this a bargain. The environment alone is worth the visit. Play eyes spy for hours.
The pictures I took out from the view from the street this bar seems to be a local bar with a lot of trinkets and figurines and collectibles it seems like a very neat place to go I’m going to have to come back and check it out even more I was captivated by how small and quaint it looks!
What can I say about Van Kleef!!! Loves! The best greyhounds in town! They give you the biggest piece of grapefruit on the glass This place is so cool. The walls are covered in all kinds of funny art from top to bottom. We also love Dave the security guy at the door. This is always the spot to take friends visiting from out of town they love it.
Definitely my favorite Oakland bar. It has a divey look and feel which I prefer. There's a wide variety of people; it's hard to feel over dressed or under dressed. Went with my wife after a wedding dinner and although it was a bit too hot inside to wear my jacket, felt totally comfortable. Perhaps it was also the live jazz band and awesome greyhounds.
dive bar vibes. not a bad thing but atmosphere was definitely different from shiru next door which is more my speed so i felt a bit out of place. i wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. because it was a bit overstimulating. the grapefruit drink was good (and pulpy). $10 drink in n out wasn’t bad but i could have skipped it. i see the appeal but it just wasn’t for me.
I came here for the ambiance. This place sure is eclectic! Some of the other bars in the area feel... well... sterile. But then again, they aren't art bars. I came on a Friday night, and it was quite busy. I kinda wish I came here more, but duty calls (by that, I mean work .😮💨) I don't think they offer food here.
Site stated they had live music on Thursdays however once there they didn't. Interesting decore. Friendly bartender. Several different alcohol and mixers not in stock. The bartender stated they would be delivered the next day. He actually had to run to the store for orange and pineapple juice.
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About Cafe Van Kleef
How to get there
1621 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
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Location
1621 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
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Upcoming Events
DAYSHIFT - The 30+ Daytime Party!
23 May 2026, 17:00
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Crash Out (afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop & more)
23 May 2026, 22:00
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The Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre Tour
27 May 2026, 20:00
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Kranium - A Slight Delay Tour - Live in Oakland
28 May 2026, 19:00
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building in Oakland, California, USA
building in Oakland, California, USA
building in Oakland, California, USA
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building in Oakland, California, USA
building in Oakland, California, USA
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