A report by Dana Eastland. After more than a year of work, the newest outpost of SIGHTGLASS COFFEE is now open in the Mission. They’re joining lots of other hip businesses on what is known as the “20th Street Corridor,” right next to Trick Dog, and on the same stretch as Central Market and Salumeria, Southern Exposure, Rhea’s Café, and the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen. The new spot is a bit different from their SoMa location, in that brothers Justin and Jerad Morrison are looking to create a “small, neighborhood roastery.” What that means is that all the coffee served at this location will be roasted in-house, and none of the beans roasted here will be available for purchase elsewhere (more on the coffee and food in a moment).
The space also departs from the previous location aesthetically. You won’t see any reclaimed wood or industrial finishes here; rather, the design is polished and clean, with a luxurious Art Deco element running through. The space was designed with Boor Bridges and built by SmithBuilt. It feels a bit like a fancy yet whimsical bank from the 1930s, complete with soaring ceilings, rubbed brass hardware, round light fixtures, and tobacco-colored tufted leather banquettes. The entryway is particularly well thought out, with hex tile on the threshold that spells “coffee,” and Deco fixtures. The hex tile motif continues in the interior as well, with geometric designs on the floor. The wood shelves are polished and smooth, and the pastry case has a Deco domed shape and a light green tint. Not missing a detail, the brothers had their La Marzocco Strada espresso machines custom painted and then installed teak panels on the sides themselves. They’re gorgeous.
As for the coffee, the small size and limited distribution of the beans roasted on-site means they’ll be able to offer some new coffees. First, the spot has its own espresso, called “Jerboa’s Jump” after the nocturnal jerboa, a small desert rodent whose statue graces a shelf in the space. The brothers are also excited to roast some microbatch beans that they’ve been offered and had to pass on in the past, due to their small size. Look for bags of beans from small-production farms that will only be around for a couple of weeks. Coffee will be available as pour-over, espresso, and “quick brew” for those seeking a quick cuppa to go.
As for food, the same purveyors are represented as their 7th Street location, with a few new options. Check out delicacies from Piccino, b. Patisserie, and Neighbor Bakehouse, with a particularly large selection of savory pastries. Hours are Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 8am-8pm. 3014 20th St. at Alabama, 415-641-1043.
The front counter at Sightglass’ Mission location. Photo: Dana Eastland. © tablehopper.com.
