Best Place to Drink While Gazing at Cool Old Shit

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.