Sightglass Coffee

As with all of our stores, Sycamore is the sum of multiple collaborations and custom details made just for this particular location. Working closely with Seth Boor (Boor Projects), the architect who helped breathe life into the visions for all of our San Francisco locations, we conjured a space that is both visually unique and spatially familiar. The result? A sprawling 12,300 square foot space, recalling the grandeur of all-day European cafés.

A welcoming destination for everyday occasions, our Sycamore flagship is home to a coffee bar, full-service kitchen, and coffee roastery. The interior accommodates up to 150 guests, while a sun-drenched patio introduces our first dedicated outdoor space.

Our inspiration for the design and color palette came from a number of sources. We looked at historic libraries with vast common areas, old Hollywood in the era of Gene Tierney, the sculptural furniture design of Mario Bellini, and the stunning interior of Adolf Loos’ Café Museum in Vienna.

Vibrant reds and aquatic greens, both saturated and subdued, set a chromatic mood. Crimson stained concrete floors enliven the main entrance, drawing guests in toward a custom, hand-patinated copper clad bar and casework filled with an abundance of pastry and sandwiches. Large, theatrical lighting pays homage to the Golden Gate Bridge’s iconic fixtures and our San Francisco hometown. Long, deep library tables with reading lights make up the bulk of the interior seating, with study carrel-style booths showcasing views into the roastery.

Throughout Spring, the patio will become ensconced in greenery and soft scents. You’ll find Plumeria peeking out with tropical pops of color, while lush flowering vines inch their way across exposed brick, or trail down from ledges. Papaya, fig and citrus trees will create shaded nooks where you can while away a sunny afternoon with a good book or a friend. The space will evolve into a dreamy paradise of foliage and florals come Fall, a subtle celebration of the temperate SoCal climate.