The Punchdown in Oakland; Cafes for SoMa and Berkeley

The Punchdown brings natural wine (?) to the spot right next door to Plum in Oakland. Owners D.C. Looney and Lisa Costa say they're aiming for an unpretentious experience, but are serving wine bar standbys like cheese and charcuterie, so, uh, good luck with that! Either way, you'll find me at the bar upping the asshole factor on most weeknights. Say hi! [ISSF]

Showplace Caffe opened in the previously vacant office area of The Showplace Motor Works at 715 Brannan Street in SoMa. They're using Sightglass beans and according to Tablehopper, have an "awesome Vietnamese-style coffee". They've just opened but we can expect pastries and more seating soon. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In other coffee news, Berkeley gets its own dose of caffeine via Crema, right next door to the Scharffen Berger factory. Specialty coffee drinks, plain ol' drip, and pastries galore. Coming soon are breakfast and lunch options. Oh, and through the end of the month, anyone who comes in and orders a coffee can have a free mini cupcake. FREE! [Tablehopper]