Oakland, Berkeley, And East Bay News, Events, Restaurants, Music, & Arts
Best of the East Bay 2008
Best Place to Drink While Gazing at Cool Old Shit
Cafe Van Kleef
Location Details
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Cafe Van Kleef
- 1621 Telegraph Ave., Oakland Oakland-Downtown CA 94612
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510-763-7711
- CafeVanKleef.com
- (based on 1 user review)
If you've not yet been to Cafe Van Kleef (not really a cafe), you're missing out on a wealth of old-school knickknacks. Peter Van Kleef, with the un-erring help of wife, Cindy, nephew Lance, and in-law Eric, have constructed a bar that's an entire world unto itself. If you've ever stumbled inside, Peter has no doubt regailed you with tales of the water buffalo head across from the bar: shot by Gary Cooper. Or the ruby slippers in a case above the coffee machines: one of the original pairs from the movie, of course. Or perhaps you've spent the evening chattering about pugilists, like Leslie Nielsen and George Kennedy in Police Squad; the bar's exterior is awash in boxing memorabilia. Van Kleef's is a step back to a simpler era, where drinks at five were the norm, and everyone met at the bar to welcome the evening.
(Sorry, no information is currently available for other years in this same award category.)
