SOMA Eats, A Wine Bar, Cafe, & Bottle Shop, On the Way

The stretch of Second Street below Market and above the ballpark nexus has definitely been getting some culinary action lately, with Uno Dos Tacos going in between Market and Mission and Lauren Kiino's one-two punch of Red Dog and Fearless now open between Folsom and Harrison. Another new dining and drinking option is joining them to serve the increasingly tech-heavy, increasingly residential neighborhood: SOMA Eats, from the husband-and-wife team of Oussama Mannaa and Shirley Azzghayer, who own liquor store SOMA Wines & Spirits right down the block. It'll be an all-day bottle shop, wine bar, and cafe, designed to serve the neighborhood from early morning through late night.

Mannaa and Azzghayer, who also live in the neighborhood, designed SOMA Eats around what they felt was lacking in the area, giving it a modular appeal. In the morning, they'll serve Sightglass espresso drinks, egg sandwiches, and pastries, transitioning into high-end salads and sandwiches at lunch. While a chef hasn't yet been hired, the food will draw from Mannaa's Lebanese background, with dishes like a Moroccan lamb sandwich that use Middle Eastern spices.

One wall of the space will be a large bottle shop and "liquor library," emphasizing local wines from boutique producers, local craft beer, and a wide selection of liquor with an emphasis on brown spirits. Drinkers will be able to take their selection to go or enjoy it in the 49-seat bar and dining area for a corkage fee; snacks like crostini and cheese platters will also be available. Designers Abueg Morris (Comal, Nopalito, Bun Mee) are behind the look of the space, which Azzghayer says will be "rustic modern," with window banquettes facing Second Street, bright turquoise tile, and a copper bar. Hours will tentatively be 7 am-10 pm on weekdays and 8 am-10 pm on weekends, though they say they're willing to stay open until midnight if the demand is there. The couple are currently targeting an August 15th opening.

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