The front counter (and roaster area). Photo by Marcia Gagliardi/tablehopper.com.
Due to open on July 20th is Sightglass Coffee Bar & Roastery in SoMa from brothers Jerad and Justin Morrison. The enormous, light-filled, multi-level warehouse has a lot to offer: there's the Probat roaster (and a counter) in the front, and the back has a large poured-concrete oval bar, with two sides that will be able to caffeinate your sleepy self. Yup, there will be a brew bar on each side, and two espresso machines: a Slayer, and a La Marzocco Strada EP, one of only six in the U.S.
There's a cool retail shelving section -- be sure to take a look at the turn-of-the-century shelves that come from the Library of Congress -- where you'll be able to buy Chemex pots, beans, home equipment, and other caffeination-delivery items. Plans down the road include focus on single-origin beans (both drip and espresso), and the brothers are also working on some iced coffee offerings.
In about a month, the upstairs will open, which will have tables and chairs so you can hang out (and original and beautiful Douglas fir floors) -- for now, it's standing room on the ground level only. You'll also notice some brioche from Firebrand supplementing the treats offered by Tell Tale Preserve Co. and Hooker's Sweet Treats. The gents need to dismantle the kiosk, and then it's time to open the big café! Hours will be Mon-Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 8am-6pm (or thereabouts). 270 7th St. at Folsom, 415-861-1313.