Cafe Van Kleef
Bar
Cafe Van Kleef
1621 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
Uptown
Eclectic watering hole offering legendary Greyhounds & live music in digs packed with funky art collected by late owner Peter Van Kleef.
COCKTAIL MENU
Classic Van Kleef Greyhound
Top Shelf Vodka, Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit, Grapefruit Slice Garnish, served on the Rocks
Peter was never without expression, thought, or brilliance. His inspiration for our Signature Cocktail came from a childhood memory of watching his Mother and Father play cards with friends late at night while drinking “Greyhounds” (juice being from the “can” of course. He followed that with the realization that California is one of the biggest fruit Suppliers in the Country, then he said, “We will be serving our Greyhounds with “Fresh Squeezed” Grapefruit Juice, garnish it with a generous slice of Ruby Red Grapefruit, and the rest is history!
The Empress
Top Shelf Gin (we recommend Sapphire), Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice, St. Germaine float. Served on the Rocks.
“The Empress” cocktail is a gift from the divine, channeled through longtime CVK bartender Ena Dallas. This nectar of love and delight combines Gin to stimulate the intellect, St. Germaine to arouse sensuality, and CVK’s signature Fresh squeezed grapefruit to bring health and great fortune. When sipped by Peter Van Kleef he proclaimed “OH! This is Good!”
Van Hattan
Top shelf bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura Bitters, orange bitters, tiny splash of grenadine, cherries for garnish, served on the rocks.
The Van Hattan was created by Peter Van Kleef’s never ending quest to improve on a good thing. Bourbon and sweet vermouth are combined with three types of bitters, then crowned with an impressive amount of cherries. Always a favorite drink to serve to his guests, Peter proudly served the Van Hattan with his signature wink and smile.