Cafe Van Kleef-Oakland

A funky bar that you'd past if you weren't looking- Cafe Van Kleef is the quintessential Oakland bar.  The crowd is diverse in ethnic make up and age and only people in the know seem to be going there.  But with a steady stream of people coming into Van Kleef, you'll never be drinking alone.  I've been to Van Kleef several times- I used to work a few blocks away from there and it was always a great start to the weekend.  Tom had not been there before but he really liked it, so it's on the return list.  Filled with patio furniture and a host of crazy crap that's reminiscent of a TGI Friday, it's a comfortable place to drink.  Van Kleef's claim to fame is the Greyhound.  Made with fresh pink grapefruit juice that they squeeze in front of you, it can get the most ardent vodka hater on board.  

Combine that with a snacks that range from popcorn with old bay seasoning, Gardetto's snack mix and hot dogs, and there's no reason not to be drinking with the very friendly people at Van Kleef.