Where the sheriff badges screams for attention, some of the other adornments preach simplicity. The biggest letters on the exterior of the building simply say “BAR” and the illuminated sign that stretches over the street reads “Bar. Billiard.” Black faux-chalkboard signs frame a neon cactus in the bar’s front window, one making it clear that “Old School Atmosphere” can be found inside. A painted, permanent black Jagermeister sign adds a splash of orange to the façade.
All that being said about the outside of McKluud, the interior delivers on its promise. The angled entry to the building that results from the narrow corner building McKluud inhabits provides one last bit of drama before the narrow space unfolds visually. True for many Copenhagen dive bars, the first impression might be one of intense cigarette smoke, as smoking is not only allowed in dive bars like McKluud in Copenhagen but can at times come with 100 percent crowd participation.
Through the haze, the meandering floor plan features built-in booths on both sides, small tables filling in the gaps when they appear. Though there are certainly snugs and separated areas within, the building feels more like one long drinking corridor, seating on one side, bar on the other. Handwritten signs dot the area behind the bar with drink specials and per-item pricing.