Buckhorn Bar + Grill | UV

The Buckhorn story begins with a family-owned legacy—founded in 1980 by John Pickerel and Melanie Bajakian, alongside their daughter Emarie VanGalio—where the original Buckhorn Steakhouse in Winters became known for exceptional, community-focused dining, Certified Angus Beef, and its hallmark Tri-Tip. From this foundation, the brand expanded to include catering, food trucks, and franchise locations, each grounded in the same commitment to quality, flavor, and connection. Building on the Vacaville location and refined at University Village, a new design standard emerged—anchored by prominent signage and a strong community presence. The design translates the Buckhorn legacy into a sensory, hands-on experience that balances efficiency, warmth, and personality, with an open grill and cookline placing fire and preparation on full display. Custom family-style tables and carefully planned “bar magic” layouts encourage social interaction, while a layered material palette—patinaed steel, reclaimed wood, brick, white subway tile, and rough-sawn timber—creates a ranch-inspired, country-modern aesthetic. Branded sauce and drink bars, low-height walls, and thoughtful circulation support both workflow and experience, resulting in a welcoming, energetic space where people gather around char-roasted Tri-Tip, signature sauces, and a true taste of California BBQ.

Hilbers, INC | SKW & Associates

photography: scribe creative agency