"Anyone even remotely serious about bamboo whisks and ceremonial grades should hop in line at Shoji, a Japanese cafe in SoMa focused on espresso and matcha. While a full bar and food menu are coming soon, the tea and coffee drinks alone are worth a visit, especially the matcha einspänner with a hefty dollop of whipped cream. Don’t be deceived by the takeout line snaking out the door—just behind a curtain is the dine-in area with curved communal booths and a shiny bar that feels more like an upscale lounge than a daytime-only cafe. Plus, there’s a first-come, first-served patio with plenty of seating. Tables turn over quickly, but if you want to avoid a wait, you can make a reservation. photo credit: Lani Conway photo credit: Lani Conway" - Julia Chen